Farm Fresh launches scholarships for Orang Asli children

ROMPIN, July 28 (Bernama) – Dairy company, Farm Fresh Bhd, launched a scholarship programme for Orang Asli children today to support their development through education.

Its chief operating officer, Azmi Zainal, said the programme, starting with 20 schoolchildren, has the cooperation of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), Pahang Education Department and Pahang Department of Orang Asli Development.

He said the Standards 5 and 6 children who were selected from five schools in the Rompin district will be given a monthly allowance of RM150 under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

“The programme involves an allocation of RM900,000 because the scholarships will last them till they go to university," he said, while adding that they must keep their grades up and have a good attendance record to keep the scholarship.

Azmi added at a press conference after the scholarship  presentation ceremony at Kompleks Tenusu Muadzam Shah here, that he hopes the scholarship will motivate them to do well and become role models for their friends and siblings.

He said 45 pupils were shortlisted for an interview before 20 were picked for the pilot programme.

He said they had a good academic record, were articulate, highly motivated and confident.

“We hope they will succeed until university and join Farm Fresh. I also hope that more companies will help the Orang Asli community, especially in education.

Aikil Mohd Shawal,12, from Sekolah Kebangsaan Buluh Nipis said: "Thank you for the scholarship. I’m thrilled that I can buy books and school supplies. If there's extra I will save it.”

ECERDC human capital development general manager, Datuk Wan Mohd Hasnan Abdullah, said they will keep supporting the Orang Asli and encouraging education.

-- BERNAMA