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PETRONAS increases allowances for sponsored

students

Enhanced payments under two categories take into account rising cost of living, says Ismail
Sabri 

KUALA LUMPUR: PETRONAS  is increasing allowances under two categories for students

under its sponsorship involving 2,267 individuals with immediate effect, said Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. 

He said the first category involves an increase in the allowance for books and study
materials from RM1,000 to RM1,500 for students in Malaysia and an additional RM500 for

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those abroad.
He said the second category involves students under the PETRONAS
Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP), where the onboarding allowance would be
increased from RM4,500 to RM5,000. 

“The increase in these two allowances takes into account the rising cost of living and it is
hoped that this assistance will ease the burden of students and their parents, as well as
facilitate the students’ learning process. 

“It is hoped that this sponsorship will encourage students to excel in the pursuit of their
dreams and return home with success, to serve their beloved country.” 

He was speaking at the 2022 PESP award presentation ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre yesterday. 

Ismail Sabri said the PESP programme had produced professional and skilled workforce,
especially to achieve the target of a high-income developed nation, as stipulated in the 12th
Malaysia Plan.

He reminded PESP recipients not to waste the opportunity given by PETRONAS, and to
excel in their studies and return to serve the country. 

This year, a total of 600 students, the highest so far, were offered sponsorship under the
PESP programme, amounting to over RM340 million.

Ismail Sabri said education would continue to be the government’s main agenda with
emphasis on co-curricular development, innovation and academic achievement.
He said the
government viewed seriously the number of students in the field of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which is currently at 47% and Pure Science, at 19%,
Bernama reported.
Ismail Sabri said people should ensure that the country does not lag
behind in STEM so that it remains competitive globally. 

He said PETRONAS is one of the strong supporters of government efforts to strengthen

science, technology and innovation as an enabler for strengthening the country’s
socioeconomics. 

“In fact, the country’s petroleum giant has also implemented various initiatives and
programmes to instil students’ interest in STEM since primary school. 

“I was also informed that PETRONAS supports the Technical and Vocational Education and
Training Programme, which is the country’s priority in preparing future talents. 

“Through the Vocational Institution Sponsorship and Training Assistance, a total of 11,450

youths nationwide are given various assistance, including equipment, learning and training

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assistance as well as advisory services.”Ismail Sabri speaking with some of the sponsored
students at the event yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX

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