‘Corporate support crucial for B40 students'

The Star

27-05-2025

Big impact: (Seated from left) Southern District Education (PPDS) chief officer Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, Farm Fresh chief operating officer Azmi Zainal, Fadhlina, BPSHKPM deputy senior assistant Abidin Marjan and Education Sponsorship division head of department Mohd Bustaman Abdul Aziz posing for a picture during the STPM Scholarship Opening Ceremony at SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in Jawi, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
NIBONG TEBAL: Aid in the form of cash relief for B40 students can go a long way in helping them get better quality education, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said it makes a difference when corporations come forward to support the education ecosystem.
'Through programmes where private corporations provide aid, it helps improve students' lives and the quality of their educa­tional experience.
'It gives these children the space and motivation to continue to progress in life,' she told reporters after officiating a ceremony for scholarships for STPM students by Farm Fresh Berhad in Jawi yesterday.
Fadhlina said 500 Form 6 students from 10 states who fall under the B40 category will benefit from the contribution.
'They will receive RM100 every month from May to December.
'The company will contribute a total of RM2.8mil between 2025 and 2029 towards this cause.
'This will help these students cover their needs. It will have a direct impact on their education,' she added.
When asked how they identified students in need of the aid, Fadhlina said 70% to 80% of Form Six students fall under the B40 category.
'We have the data, and these students are picked at random,' she explained.
She also voiced hope that other companies would offer aid for B40 students.
'We are providing a dedicated platform for companies to contribute through structured corporate social responsibility programmes that have a direct impact on students,' she said.