Kuala lumpur: A total of 20 children from Melaka's B40 group will be selected to receive full sponsorship for cadet pilot training by the International Aero Training Academy (IATA), valued at nearly RM10 million. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced the initiative, which aims to provide opportunities for the underprivileged children of Melaka to pursue careers in aviation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme will initially select four children from Melaka this year, with 16 more applications to be opened for the selection process next year. The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative is not just a sponsorship programme but a strategic investment in uncovering talent and opening career paths in the aviation industry for the children of Melaka.

"I believe that talent and ambition should not be hindered just because of financial limitations. When given the right opportunity, they are also capable of going far and achieving commendable success," said Ab Rauf. He expressed gratitude towards IATA for their commitment, which he views as a catalyst for more companies and educational institutions to collaborate with the state government in developing the potential of the younger generation.

The announcement was made at the orientation ceremony of the Melaka B40 Cadet Pilot Sponsorship Programme, attended by IATA chief executive officer Captain Kenneth Yap Kean Foo. Additionally, Ab Rauf revealed that a private higher education institution has proposed a collaboration to sponsor nursing studies for 30 children from Melaka.

"This is the aspiration we want to achieve ... we want to unite the strengths of the government, educational institutions, and the industry so that more doors and opportunities can be opened, more children from Melaka can change their families' lives, and more can bring the state's name to the world stage," he added.