KUALA LUMPUR: The country's Permata Pintar programme, tasked with identifying and helping talented children develop their potential, should be expanded to other universities to allow fairer access to the Centre of Excellence facilities.
Mahasiswa Nasional representative Muhammad Nur Sadiqin Mohd Khusni said there was a need for the programme, currently operating at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), to be further developed into several chains to accommodate the growing number of highly-talented children.
“I urge that the Permata programme, especially Permata Pintar, be expanded nationwide instead of just operating in UKM. This is to provide equal and fair opportunities to the ever-growing number of smart children here.
“Just imagine the number of intelligent children with the potential of contributing to the country who do not have access to this platform," he said in his debate at the Umno general assembly today.
The 21-year-old, who himself received his education at Permata, said he could not have discovered his own potential if it was not for the programme.
His speech received a standing ovation from the delegates in the hall, including from Permata patron Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.