MELAKA, Sept 18 (Bernama) — Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has offered its Anak Emas Scholarship to S. Dharshini to pursue the Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) programme next month.
UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin, said the scholarship, provided through the Yayasan Tun Canselor UTeM, is one of six packages to assist Dharshini, 21, a top student from a B40 family.
“The Anak Emas Scholarship will cover Dharshini’s education costs, including tuition fees from the start to the end of her studies, along with a monthly living allowance of RM500 until she graduates.
“The other five aid packages are RM1,500 in cash, a laptop, a food bank aid, free hostel accommodation until she completes her studies, and counselling and career guidance to support her in her education,” she said in a statement today.
She added that the aid packages demonstrate UTeM’s commitment to supporting outstanding students academically who have been selected to further their studies at the university but lack financial means.
UTeM deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Sabri Mohamad Sharif visited Dharshini at her home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang yesterday.
UTeM also presented contributions on behalf of Yayasan Perkasa Siswa and the Ministry of Higher Education to the student.
Meanwhile, Dharshini said she was surprised by UTeM’s visit to her home to deliver the aid packages, which will significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing her university education.
She also expressed her determination to study diligently and succeed, with the hope of improving her family’s circumstances in the future.
On Monday, the media highlighted Dharshini’s struggles, which had forced her to turn down the chance to continue her studies at UTeM. This caught the attention of Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, who is also Bukit Mertajam MP.
He explained that Dharshini’s mother is visually impaired and suffered a broken leg in an accident a few years ago, and her father passed away due to a heart condition.
— BERNAMA