Author: Ruster Trida Sumbang

Should education be encumbered by financial woes? It seems like there is a never-ending cycle of impoverishment and a lack of opportunities for those who don’t have access to good higher education. As the world becomes increasingly competitive, it’s more important than ever to gain a degree that will give you an edge in the job market. But with the high cost of tuition and other associated expenses, how do you juggle studying full-time and earning money?

Fortunately, the government has been introducing a great deal of special programmes to aid our young children of poor families, prioritizing access to education. The main objective is to provide scholarship opportunities for those from low-income households. These programs make it possible for students to attend college who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the list of education aids available in Sarawak:

1. Yayasan Sarawak

The main scholarships offered under Yayasan Sarawak are Biasiswa Yayasan Sarawak Tun Taib (BYSTT) & Yayasan Biasiswa Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman (YBSTAR). The Biasiswa Yayasan Sarawak Tun Taib (BYSTT) is applicable for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) stream meanwhile Yayasan Biasiswa Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman is only applicable to non- STEM majors students only. However, both scholarships can only be awarded if you are Anak Jati Sarawak, either one or both of your parents must be born in Sarawak.

The main terms and conditions for First Degree, Advanced Degree such as Master’s, PhD & Specialization that are currently studying at selected IPTA & IPTS in Malaysia with a CGPA 3.0 or above are likely to be accepted. Aside from the basic benefits, the successful recipients will be receiving benefits such as Tuition Fee, Subsistence Allowance, Book Allowance, and even a Round-trip flight ticket to the overseas for the abroad students. Head over to Yayasan Sarawak’s official website if you require more information on this scholarship.

2. Jabatan Perhubungan Awam (JPA) Scholarship

The scholarship will cover a student’s preparatory studies (pre-university, foundation) and will be extended to the whole duration of the student’s undergraduate first degree. This scholarship is open to school leavers of SPM 2021 to pursue their tertiary studies locally. Students who show excellent performance of achieving at least a minimum of 9A+ in the SPM 2021 (regardless of the number of subjects taken) will be eligible to apply for the scholarship.

  • What are the terms & conditions for the application?
  1. Malaysian and Mother and/or father is not blacklisted by JPA or is in legal action by JPA
  2. Does not receive financial assistance or any sort of sponsorship from any agency for the same level of study
  3. Sit the SPM 2021 exam for the first time.
  4. Age has not reached 19 years (20 years for transition students) on December 31 of the year the SPM exam is held.

3. SOP Young Achievers Award

The Young Achievers Award (YAA) is an incentive program part of Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad’s (SOP) Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to provide financial support to underprivileged children from primary and secondary schools within the vicinity of the group’s operations. For records, SOP has awarded 1078 successful candidates for the same CSR programme since 2016.

  • Who is eligible to apply for this program?
  1. Annually, SOP will send special invitations to selected schools within the vicinity of the group’s operations to select the best candidates.
  2. Outstanding in both academic studies and extracurricular activities, and being selected by the student’s school for this award.

4. SOP Student Adoption Programme

Last but not least, let’s take a look at the financial aid program which is called Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad’s (SOP) Student Adoption Programme (SAP). SAP is a part of Sarawak Oil Palms’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to provide financial support on educational needs to underprivileged children from primary and secondary schools within the vicinity of the SOP’s operations. The eligible students in need from low-income families received one-off financial assistance as well as new school bags and stationeries. For records, SOP has granted a total of 572 students for the same CSR programme since 2016.

  • Who is eligible to apply for this program?
  1. Annually, SOP will send special invitations to selected schools within the vicinity of the group’s operations to select the best candidates.

Read more Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad Awarded Young Achievers Award (YAA) TO 135 Students from Sarawak.

Sign up for latest updates and news at www.sop.com.my and Follow the official SOP Facebook page, Instagram and LinkedIn and YouTube @SarawakOilPalms.

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