IT WAS a proud moment for 250 Negri Sembilan-born graduates and their family members when they were given a RM5,000 reward for obtaining first-class degrees in their respective fields of study.
From this group, 15 had more reason to cheer when the Negri Sembilan Foundation (YNS) converted their study loans to scholarships for passing with flying colours.
The graduates received their rewards from Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who commended their parents for playing a major role in their success.
“I congratulate your parents and you for this success. We are proud of your achievements,” he told the recipients and their family members in a packed hotel ballroom in Seremban
In total, the state government paid out RM1.25mil to the students who had graduated from public, private and foreign universities.
This year also saw a record number of students passing with first-class degrees.
Mohamad said his administration began rewarding state-born students who excelled academically in 2006.
“Then, only one student obtained a first-class degree and we rewarded him with RM25,000,” Mohamad said, adding that another 25 students were rewarded the following year.
As the numbers increased, the reward was reduced to RM10,000 in 2008 and then to RM5,000 the following year.
“We had to reduce the amount as there were suddenly too many students passing with first class degrees,” he said, adding that the state government also began recognising high achievers from private as well as foreign universities.
As of 2014, 743 students had been rewarded and RM4.8mil paid out by the state government.
“We will continue to reward students who perform well in university as a form of recognition of their hard work,” he said.
Mohamad said since he assumed the post of mb in 2004, his administration had formulated a policy to turn Negri Sembilan into a centre of knowledge.
“I had to do that as Negri Sembilan had always been in the bottom half when it came to excellence in UPSR, PMR, SPM and STPM.
“But since then, we have always remained in the top three states in all exams,” he said.
On a separate matter, Mohamad said apart from offering study loans to those pursuing tertiary education, YNS also gave out a one-off aid to students offered places in public and private institutions of higher learning.
Last year, YNS gave out RM543,900 to 1,038 students.
“YNS has also helped set up Negri Sembilan Undergraduates Association, better known as MANIS, in public universities to assist Negri-born students pursuing their education in these institutions in any way possible.
“Through MANIS, these undergraduates will be able to share their views on current issues with the state government,” he added. - The Star
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