Picture courtesy of MalaysiakiniKUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 – Graduates who pass with a first class honours or equivalent will have their National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans converted into scholarships, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
The finance minister told Parliament when tabling Budget 2010 today it was part of the government’s efforts to reward top students.
Najib also announced the setting up of merit-based scholarships for best 30 students.
“These scholarship recipients will further their education in world renowned universities,” he said.
Beginning next year, a total of 100,000 local university students will be provided with portable computers with broadband service for only RM50 per month for two years.
“This package is cheaper than the current market price,” said Najib. “Priority will be given to first year students and those from low-income families.”
Najib also said that a total of RM30 billion will be allocated for primary and secondary education which will benefit some 5.5 million students.
The sum includes RM1.6 billion for the construction of 80 new schools as well as 1,100 additional blocks and 347 school replacement projects.
“This allocation is for the construction of national primary and secondary schools, government-aided religious schools, national-type Chinese and Tamil schools and mission schools,” said Najib.
He added that an additional RM1.1 billion will also be provided to upgrade and refurbish schools, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
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