KUCHING: Telecommunications company Maxis has launched a significant expansion of its flagship ‘Maxis eKelas’ initiative in Sarawak through the ‘Menuju Gemilang 2025’ programme, aimed at uplifting academically promising students from B40 families and preparing them for success in the SPM examination and higher education.
The inaugural 18-month programme, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, was officially launched in Kuching recently.
The programme, officiated by Siti Zulaiha Ibrahim, the Deputy Director of Learning Sector (SPB) from the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS), marked a significant milestone in Maxis’ efforts to reduce educational inequalities and support student development across the country.
A total of 120 high-performing Form 4 and 5 students from 10 schools across Sarawak were specially selected by the ministry for the programme.
Participants were chosen based on academic performance, active participation in extracurricular activities, and demonstrated leadership potential.
Students from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are also part of the cohort, following the national launch held at Menara Maxis in Kuala Lumpur last week.
“The ‘Menuju Gemilang 2025’ programme is a strategic effort that will help to close opportunity gaps for our B40 students, in line with Sarawak’s ambition to become a developed region by 2030.
“Through Maxis’ digital expertise and comprehensive support, these students are provided with a life-changing pathway to access tertiary education.
“We strongly encourage our Sarawakian students and teachers to seize this opportunity and realise their aspirations,” Siti Zulaiha said.
Maxis chief corporate affairs officer Azizul Abdul Rahman expressed pride in expanding its programme to Sarawak, aiming to empower underprivileged yet outstanding students to pursue higher education and achieve their aspirations.
“By supporting exceptional students from underprivileged backgrounds, Maxis aims to connect them to their aspirations through higher education.
“This programme reflects our belief that Tomorrow Begins Today, reinforcing our commitment to making a meaningful impact in students’ lives,” he said.
Structured around four core pillars, academic support, leadership development, community building, and scholarship guidance, the ‘Menuju Gemilang 2025’ is designed to holistically nurture each student’s growth.
To support digital learning, Maxis is equipping every participant with a refurbished laptop for the duration of the programme, which they will keep upon successful completion, building on Maxis’ long-standing commitment to bridging the digital divide in rural and underserved communities through its eKelas programme.
Maxis eKelas is a digital learning platform that offers after-school support through live tutorials, group-based learning, competitions, and curated digital content accessible via its web portal and mobile app. This year, the platform’s curriculum has been enhanced with modules on Generative AI to prepare students for future challenges.
