SIBU: Twenty-seven excellent students from SMK Methodist here who achieved commendable results in the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) examinations were awarded with education incentive from Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, today.
According to Chieng, a total incentive amount of RM9,200 was given to celebrate their hard work and perseverance.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the SMK Methodist hall, he said this year marks the fourth consecutive year that he had personally initiated and presented incentives to excellent STPM students from the two schools in his constituency: SMK Methodist and SMK Sacred Heart.
He firmly believed that recognising academic excellence not only encourages individual growth but also uplifts the community as a whole.
“After discussions with teachers from both schools, we have decided to improve the incentive system to better reward higher achievements.
Starting this year, the revised incentive structure is CGPA 3.00-3.32 (RM200), CGPA 3.33-3.66 (RM300), CGPA 3.67-3.99 (RM400) and CGPA 4.00 (RM500).
“I hope this incentive, although modest, will serve as encouragement for all of you to continue striving for excellence, not only in your academic journey but also in your future careers and personal development.
“At the same time, I am pleased to share another piece of good news from the Sarawak government, to further support our students, the government is providing a yearly financial assistance of RM1,200 as “pocket money” to all Sarawakian students who are pursuing higher education in public (IPTA) and private (IPTS) institutions in Malaysia,” he pointed out.
He noted that this assistance is aimed at helping students cover part of their living and study expenses, thereby easing financial burdens and allowing them to focus more fully on their education.
Stating that the funds will be disbursed thorugh S Pay Global, and applications are usually open for a limited period, Chieng encourages all eligible students to check the official Yayasan Sarawak website for detailed information.
It is important, he asserted, to note that this initiative is separate from the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) which will commence in 2026, and it reflects the Sarawak government’s strong commitment to education.
“I hope all of you will continue to work hard, aim high and one day return to contribute your knowledge and talents to your hometown Sibu and to Sarawak,” Chieng added.
Also present were SMK Methodist Board of Management chairman, John Ting Sik Kang; SMK Methodist Parent-Teacher Association president, Ting Wei Ping as well as SMK Methoidst senior assistant, William Yong.
