Kota Kinabalu: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has launched the Angkasa Foundation Education Fund to assist students who are children of cooperative members in the State.
He said since 2000, the Angkasa Foundation has provided educational financing aid to 1,898 students nationwide, amounting to RM34.9 million in total.
“Out of that number, 14 students from Sabah have benefited, receiving a total of RM183,000.
“The launch of this education fund reflects the cooperative movement’s commitment and dedication to supporting the children of cooperative members, particularly in Sabah.
“I hope more cooperatives and corporate sector players will come forward to contribute through the Angkasa Foundation,” he said.
He said this to the media after officiating the Hi-Tea and Launch Ceremony of the Angkasa Foundation Education Fund held in, here, Thursday.
Ewon added that at the ministerial level, he has agreed to increase the Malaysian Cooperative Commission’s (SKM) contribution to the Angkasa Foundation from RM500,000 to RM1 million this year.
“Last year, we channelled RM500,000 from the Cooperative Trust Fund. This year, we have agreed to double the amount to RM1 million so that the Angkasa Foundation can assist more children of cooperative members in need, particularly those from B40 families or those struggling to afford tuition fees for their children in universities,” he said.
He emphasised that apart from the assistance provided by the Angkasa Foundation, the Sabah State Government has also agreed to allocate 35 state government scholarships for Sabah students who wish to pursue their studies at Universiti Koperasi Malaysia (UKKM).
“Sabah is the first state government to offer scholarships for its students to study at UKKM. I deeply appreciate the commitment and cooperation shown by the State Government,” he said.
He added that discussions have also been held with the Sarawak Government and several other State governments in Peninsula Malaysia to consider offering scholarships through their respective state foundations for students who wish to study at UKKM.
