PSD clears the air over sponsorship
PETALING JAYA: The Public Service Department (PSD) has cleared the air over its new sponsorship programme – all applicants with at least 9A+ are eligible to apply with immediate effect.
This much awaited piece of news will leave many SPM 2016 top scorers jumping for joy after days of uncertainty.
In a statement, PSD director-general Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman said: “All students who scored at least 9A+ can submit their applications to be considered for the scholarship.
“Those who qualify will receive sponsorship from the foundation level up to their first degree in approved courses at public universities or private higher learning institutions in the country,” he said.
The clarification came following confusion over the new 9A+ sponsorship programme.
According to PSD’s eSila portal, only students with full A+ for all subjects they sat for are automatically entitled to the sponsorship.
Various interpretations arose as students were made to understand that they would not have qualified for scoring 9A+ and 1A in the 10 subjects they sat for.
In the same statement, Zainal pointed out the 2016 Graduate Bursary Programme was a one-off arrangement – as decided by the Government – and had ceased.
In line with the new PSD sponsorship model 2017, Zainal said two other sponsorship programmes had been maintained.
One of them is the National Sponsorship Programme which funds the top 20 SPM scorers to study in the 10 most renowned universities in the world.
The other is the special Japan, South Korea, France and Germany programme which sponsors 200 outstanding students to pursue studies in engineering.
Zainal said sponsorship for science and technology, along with social sciences at these countries, could still be considered and subject to the Government’s approval.
“The new sponsorship model has been introduced by the Government in 2016 as a step to ensure optimal benefits from the funds allocated.
“Under this new model, we place greater emphasis on merit and inclusiveness, Middle 40 and Bottom 40 households along with technical education and vocational training, developing Malaysia as an educational hub and return of investment for the Government,” he said.
Zainal said 2016 SPM holders could visit its website at www.jpa.gov.my or https://esilav2.jpa.gov.my to apply for these sponsorship programmes.
For more details, contact PSD hotline at 03-8885 3049 on weekdays (8.30am to 5.30pm) until May 5.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/20/psd-clears-the-air-over-sponsorship-top-scorers-with-at-least-9a-can-apply-with-immediate-effect-say/#YUMvU1Hr7RjpkJQG.99
Wee hails PSD’s quick decision
YONG PENG: Top SPM scorers and parents can heave a sigh of relief now that the Public Service Department (PSD) has reviewed its decision to allow those with at least 9A+ to apply for its sponsorship programme.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the news would be music to the ears of those who were disheartened and worried over PSD’s sudden decision last week to change the requirements.
This new development meant that students who scored a minimum of 9A+ for SPM are eligible for the programme.
He said he brought the matter up to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and PSD director-general Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman after hearing complaints following the department’s earlier decision to only allow scholars who scored all A+ to be eligible for the bursary programme.
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This meant that if a student took 11 subjects for SPM and scored 9A+ and 2A- or 2B, he is not eligible for the programme. He is only eligible if he scored 11A+.
“I feel that we have to be fair as scoring at least 9A+ is already not easy for the students so we have to reward them,” he said after attending a student excellence programme at SMK Yong Peng yesterday.
He added that top scorers who managed to get at least 9A+, especially those from rural schools, should not be deprived of the opportunities to get the PSD scholarship.
He also expressed his gratitude towards Dr Ali and Zainal Rahim for their immediate response.
“I am happy that they were able to review the decision and take action in the course of two days,” he said, adding that changing the criteria was not previously discussed by the Cabinet.
“I’m glad PSD has clarified this. It is a non-issue now,” Dr Wee said.
Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon said reverting the scholarship to its original 9A+ condition was the right decision, as it fits the needs of Malaysia’s multi-stream education.
“We welcome PSD’s latest announcement,” he said
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