THE SCHOLARSHIP DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY BY PENANG 88 CAPTAINS  

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY BY PENANG 88 CAPTAINS

 

18 November 2023
Francis Suite, Ground Floor Heritage Wing,
Hotel E&O

 

YB Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid
Deputy Chief Minister I

YBhg Dato' Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock,
Chairman of 88 Captains

 

YBhg Dato' Ong Eng Bin,
Advisor & Chairman of Education Sub Committee

YBhg Dato' Seri Sr. Rozali Mohamud,
Advisor of 88 Captains

YBhg Dato' Mohd Jamil Mohamed,
Advisor of 88 Captains

YBhg Dato’Seri Dr Haminuddin Hj Abdul Rashid,
Deputy Chairman of 88 Captains

Davies Chong Chun Siong,
Deputy Chairman of 88 Captains

YBhg Dato’ Jimmy Ong,
Secretary General of 88 Captains,

 

Representatives from our Institutions of Higher Learning, Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Scholars, Parents, Members of the Press

 

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Good morning, and welcome to the First 88 Captains Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

It was my great pleasure to have officiated the launch ceremony of 88 Captains in May last year, alongside our Honourable TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak. Today, we recognize the pivotal role of 88 Captains in establishing this scholarship programme. Your commitment towards nurturing talents in Penang and the Northern Region, through the provision of financial aid to deserving students, exemplifies the kind of partnership that enriches our community.

The efforts of 88 Captains are indispensable in fostering an environment where our youth can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Education, as we all know, is more than acquiring knowledge. It is about building character, fostering innovation, and cultivating leaders who will steer our society towards a brighter future. This scholarship is not merely about financial support; it is an investment in potential and an expression of faith in the capabilities of our youth. Each recipient here today represents hope—for new ideas, solutions, and progress. You are the catalysts for change, the pioneers of tomorrow.

As scholars, you are bestowed with the responsibility to use your knowledge and skills for the greater good. Carry out this responsibility with humility, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come along your way, and always be guided by a sense of purpose and a commitment to contribute positively to society.

Let this ceremony be more than just a recognition of your academic achievements. Let it be a call to action—to lead, to innovate, and to make a meaningful impact in whatever path you choose. The future is in your hands, and I am confident that it will be a bright one.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

What we are witnessing today also complements the state’s Penang2030 Vision. As we aim to be “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State That Inspires the Nation”, an important criterion to be met is that we have to be smart. This means we must have talents or workforce who are attuned to the needs of the future. In other words, our scholars of today who will be joining the workforce after 4 or 5 years of study, must have the necessary knowledge or skills to compete as well as to contribute towards our digital or creative economy. This is exactly what our scholars must be prepared for and you must all have the foresightedness to seize the opportunities as they come along.

Moreover, in order to pave the way for more opportunities to our future talents through the means of the education path, the Penang state government had pledged a total RM60 million for our aided primary and secondary schools by the year 2030. We are also providing free tuition classes to 1,500 students annually with a focus on those who are from the B40 group and also free laptops for those from the same group once they receive offers to study at any of our IPTA. And today, we are providing scholarships to our students who have worked hard and earned their places in our IPTA and IPTS. These were all mentioned in our election manifesto under Human Capital Development and I am happy to say we are fulfilling them today!  

Before we conclude, let's acknowledge the mentors and educators shaping our scholars' journeys. We thank their families and friends for the invaluable support which have been truly crucial for their success. This ceremony reminds us of our collective responsibility to nurture future leaders.

The collaboration of the community, private sector, and educational institutions by 88 Captains sets a commendable precedent.

Scholars, leverage this network, build relationships, and create a supportive community. As we embark on a new chapter with the 88 Captains Scholarship Program, let's commit to sustaining and expanding it. Investing in education is an investment in our society's future prosperity and well-being.

Congratulations again to the scholars and thank you all for contributing to this success. May the impact of these scholarships resonate for generations.

Thank you, and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.