500 students in Skudai benefit from RM1mil aid
(From fifth left) Tan, Wong and Ling at the mock cheque presentation ceremony by Sultanah Fatimah Foundation at Southern University College in Skudai. — Courtesy photos
THE rising cost of living is particularly affecting university students who struggle to pay for their higher education.
One student from Southern University College (SUC) in Skudai, Johor, has to take on part-time jobs to supplement her education expenses.
Second-year mass communication student Hong Jia Qi, 21, said she often had to look for freelance photography work to earn some pocket money.
'As the eldest child in the family, I understand the burden my parents face to support me through university and also care for my two younger brothers,' she said.
Hong has taken up freelance work to earn pocket money while pursuing her studies.
Hong took on gigs to fund activities related to her course.
This in turn required additional expenses for petrol and photography equipment.
'My upcoming semester will also involve more photoshoots as part of our coursework.
'I am grateful for the assistance given by Sultanah Fatimah Foundation (YSF), as it will help ease my family's financial burden for at least half of the year,' she said.
Hong was among 500 SUC recipients who received a RM2,000 educational aid package provided by the foundation.
M. Sharmini, a 22-year-old graphic design student, is also grateful to receive the aid for a second time.
'As a child of a single parent, I need to manage my university expenses like petrol, meals and stationery.
'It's a lot to think about,' said Sharmini.
'The RM2,000 not only lightens my burden for the semester, but it means I can finally get better quality drawing pads and sketching materials for my assignments,' she added.
Sharmini is happy to get aid to pay for her graphic design education.
YSF board member Ling Tian Soon, who is also Johor health and environment committee chairman, said the foundation allocated RM1mil to support 500 students at SUC as part of its commitment to educational empowerment.
'This is the second year that we have extended the aid to SUC students, to reflect the foundation's goal of ensuring no student is left behind in their studies,' said Ling.
'Whether it is for tuition, daily expenses or miscellaneous fees, we hope this assistance, channelled by the state government through YSF, makes a meaningful impact,' he said at the mock cheque presentation event held at SUC's Skudai campus.
With Johor expected to see more rapid development in the coming years, the state government has collaborated with several higher education institutions to ensure that graduates met market needs, Ling added.
The mock cheque was handed over by YSF chairman Datuk David Wong Khong Soon to SUC board of directors chairman Datuk Vincent Tan Meng Seng.
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