Kuala Lumpur: The Penang Bumiputera Development Council (MPBPP) has allocated RM5 million this year for the implementation of the Didik Cemerlang Akademik Programme (PDCA) 2025, aimed at enhancing human capital development among Bumiputera students, particularly those from the B40 group. MPBPP chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli announced that this allocation marks the largest since the programme's inception in 2010.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PDCA initiative has significantly impacted students' academic performance since its implementation. Khalid highlighted the success of the programme as a result of collaboration with the Penang State Education Department (JPN) and the dedication of teachers. He also emphasized the continuous efforts to enhance the programme in alignment with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's aspirations for greater knowledge acquisition among students.

Khalid further elaborated that this year's focus will include efforts to increase Bumiputera student participation in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. A new robotics module will be introduced under the PDCA Tuition Programme this month, with plans for additional initiatives to foster student interest in innovative product development.

The PDCA Tuition Programme, developed in collaboration with the JPN, began in 2011 and offers specific modules to boost academic performance in subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Science, and character development. This year, 6,576 students from 83 schools, including 45 secondary and 38 primary schools across the state, were selected by the JPN to participate in the programme.

Khalid underscored the programme's objective to ensure fair access to education for students from low-income groups, aiming to prevent school dropouts.