Malaysia Scholarship 2008-2009

PCCC fund is open to all Loans, scholarships given out regardless of race

Although the PCCC's main agenda was business, education was also a priority, PCCC fund committee chairman Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian said.

“Since the fund was established in 1978, we have given out loans of up to RM2mil to 300 students. We have also awarded scholarships totalling RM90,000 to deserving applicants regardless of race or religion,” he said.

He added that this year, the committee received 90 applications for loans and scholarships but had to limit the recipients to 40 because of limited funds.

”Next year, the PCCC hopes to raise RM550,000 for our charitable activities. Although we provide assistance to non-profit organisations and disaster funds, more than half of our collection is used for educational purposes,” he said.

He added that among the upcoming fundraising events are a golf tournament and grand PCCC 30th anniversary dinner. 

Dr Cheah was speaking during the PCCC loan and scholarship presentation ceremony at the Penang Chinese Town Hall on Saturday.

He also said that the state government’s plan to set up a foreign language centre in Penang was a good idea.

“From what I understand, the plan is to collaborate with a Chinese university from Beijing to set up the centre.

“As Mandarin is becoming increasingly important, such a facility is definitely beneficial. 

“However, instead of bringing in foreigners to establish the centre, perhaps we can set it up in existing facilities. 

“After all, we do have very good Chinese-speaking teachers who can also converse well in English and Bahasa Malaysia. There is no need to waste resources to build a new institution and import foreign teachers,” he said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia postgraduate student and journalist Lee Yow Siang who received a RM12,000 loan said the PCCC had been very active in promoting education among all races.

A total of RM102,000 was given out during the event.