Idris talking to Dhurga Devi Rajaratnam (right) after presenting MyBrain15 scholarship to masters and doctoral (PhD) students in Putrajaya. — Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA: A total of 9,010 masters and doctoral (PhD) students yesterday received MyBrain15 scholarship offers from the higher education ministry.
Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said 7,410 MyMaster programme and 1,600 MyPhD programme students received the offer after meeting the set criteria.
He said the funding was in line with the additional RM300 million allocation for MyBrain15 Scholarship announced in the recalibration of Budget 2016 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last month.
“The government is targeting to finance 15,000 students under MyMaster sponsorship and 5,000 MyPhD students with the additional RM300 million allocation this year.
“It is the highest target in the history of MyBrain15 programme. Even though the economic situation is challenging, the government raised the total number of recipients this year to its highest since 2011,” he said at a MyBrain15 scholarship presentation ceremony here.
At the ceremony, eight students personnaly received their offers.
In this regard, Idris stressed that MyBrain15 was a commitment of the government to support the people’s aspiration for further education to higher levels and be equipped with better qualifications.
“It is hoped the qualifications will give students the competitive edge and marketability, especially during this challenging economic condition,” he said.
As at December last year, 44,124 students received sponsorships under MyBrain15 programme in which 35,919 were under MyMaster programme and 8,205 under MyPhd and Industrial PhD programmes.
“This year will see the most number of students offered financing under MyBrain15 programe and the announcement on the opening of applications will be made from time to time,” said Idris.
Meanwhile, Isna Athirah Othman, 24, of Kelantan, received MyPhD scholarship award to pursue her doctorate in Phytho-Chemistry in University Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam for three years.
“I have a huge interest studying chemical compound of plants and my research will focus on finding alternative cure for some diseases, especially diabetes.
“I am really thankful and very happy to obtain this scholarship, which gives me the opportunity to gain more knowledge to serve the nation with my findings,” said the former part-time tuition teacher.
Another MyPhD scholarship recipient, R Dhurga Devi of Klang hoped to develop new technologies for a more sustainable environment with her PhD research in Environmental Biochemistry in Universiti Putra Malaysia.
The fast track student was awarded to do PhD programme after she obtained first class degree in Industrial Biochemistry at Universiti Malaysia Pahang.
Mohd Azham Mohd Alwi, 30, of Setapak thanked the government over his selection to receive the scholarship to pursue his Masters in Science Engineering in Universiti Malaya.
“In 2014, I was offered to pursue my masters (degree) in aerospace in the United Kingdom. Sadly, I had to reject it as I had to go through a heart operation. I wanted to study again and started my masters degree with my own savings.
“I applied MyBrain15, and I am thankful to receive assistance from the government,” said Mohd Azham who is currently doing research in nuclear reactors.
His mother, Rokiah Ridza, a retiree also expressed gratitude to the government and hoped MyBrain15 would continue to award scholarships to students who needed assistance.
Meanwhile, popular singer Ainan Tasneem Redzuan, 24, also expressed joy in her Twitter account for being selected to receive the MyBrain15 scholarship.
“Results of MyBrain offer is out and…I got the scholarship. No need to think about fees for masters. Tg Allah,” said the singer of ‘Aku Suka Dia’.
She is now furthering her studies to earn a masters degree at Universiti Teknologi Mara Applied Science Faculty in Biology.
Another recipient, Nur Asyikin Anhar, 26, was thankful for being selected for MyMaster scholarship amounting to RM10,000 under MyBrain15 programme.
“I have been waiting for MyBrain15 offer as I would not be able to proceed with my studies due to financial constraints,” she said when contacted in Kuala Lumpur.
The Universiti Sains Malaysia student said the scholarship would help lighten the burden of her parents who were no longer working. — Bernama