KUCHING, April 8: Jawatankuasa Bantuan Biasiswa Pelajaran Samarahan (JBBPS) achieved a milestone of sorts recently when Mohd Zul Zainurieen Abdullah — the first individual to be sponsored by its education fund — graduated with a Bachelor of Information Management degree.
Mohd Zul Zainurieen, 25, received his scroll during Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)’s 90th convocation on March 27. He completed the course with a cumulative grade points average (CGPA) of 3.15/4.00.
JBBPS was established only in 2016 by Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah’s Class of SRP 1987 and SPM 1989 students.
Its advisor, Aidel Lariwoo, commented that Mohd Zul Zainurieen’s success would serve as an inspiration to other students as well as parents out there.
“He has proven that hard work, determination and perseverance are a sure formula for success. Opportunities must be seized. And where there’s a will, there will definitely be a way,” said Aidel, who is Sadong Jaya assemblyman.
The education fund is managed through a joint bank account officially registered under JBBPS. Apart from monthly contributions of RM30 from its 31 members, JPPBS also receives cash donations from non-members through the joint account.
JBBPS has since extended its scholarship programme to two more students. They are Benedict Jerry, who is a first-year Bachelor of Chemical Engineering student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Abang Haszali Abang Morshidi, who is pursuing a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Politeknik Kuching.
Apart from tuition fee, hostel fee and book allowance, sponsored students also receive a personal allowance that is paid monthly to ensure that their finances are managed well.
“I personally think that an education fund like this is very viable and unique and should be emulated by others, especially the many alumni groups out there. The individual contributions may be small but when pooled together, we can actually help change someone’s life and even their family, too,” said Aidel.
Those who wish to join JBBPS or make a donation may contact its secretary, Associate Prof Dr Kartinah Zen (kartinah@unimas.my) or treasurer Aini Yusof (maiffa99@gmail.com). — Dayakdaily
