BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang state government has provided an incentive of RM240,000 to 348 top scorers in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in the state, in recognition of their achievements.
A total of 73 STPM top scorers received RM1,000 each while the remaining SPM high achievers received RM500 each; with all of them also receiving a certificate of appreciation, in a ceremony held at the Dewan Besar Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang, today (November 9).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the state government provided financial incentives to all outstanding STPM and SPM students in Penang, to motivate them to be more sustainable and competitive.
"This initiative is a small recognition by the state government for the outstanding achievements of these students, who have studied hard and diligently to achieve success.
"The incentive is paid through the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) method, and the state government also provides an award incentive of RM7,500 to the Special Outstanding Student Award recipient," he said, adding that he hoped the incentive would motivate these students further.
He said that Penang also focuses on human capital, as the state's economy needs a skilled workforce to generate the economy. The state government also runs various programmes to unearth talent to advance the economy and develop the state further.
"The provision includes financial assistance and scholarships to students of public and private institutions of higher learning, as well as providing free tuition for 1,500 students every year, with a focus on the B40 group.
"The state government also contributes laptops to students from the B40 group who receive offers to study at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA)," he said. – BERNAMA