Penang Buddhist Association gave financial assistance to those pursuing tertiary education

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Buddhist Association has disbursed a total of RM110,000 this year to assist those pursuing their tertiary education.

Association president Datuk Seri Khoo Keat Siew said the monies were meant to help the needy continue their academic pursuit.

"Last year we gave out RM99,000," he said at a press conference after the presentation ceremony today.

Out of the 72 recipients, 34 were studying for their diploma, 34 were pursuing their degree, three were taking their masters and one was a doctorate student.

The RM500,000 fund was established in 1994 initially as a student loan program but was restructured in 2004 to become an educational aid program.

Aid recipient, Liew Wei Chong, 21, said he was thankful for the monetary assistance in studying medicine.

He said the monies will help in easing the financial burden on his parents and that the money will be used to buy
textbooks.

"These books are expensive and the money will help," he added.