George town: The Penang government has channelled over RM328,000 since 2022 to support young talents through the BEST! Anak Penang Young Talent Excellence Incentive Scheme (SIKBMPP). The initiative aims to recognise and encourage youths who have excelled in national and international arenas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman, stated that RM328,614.34 has been distributed to 1,107 youths from 2022 to 2025. Now in its fifth year, the scheme serves as a significant platform for the Penang government, with the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) acting as its secretariat, to acknowledge the achievements of local young talents.

Gooi emphasized that the scheme is not just a financial incentive but also a recognition of the dedication of young individuals who have brought pride to Penang through their accomplishments in various academic and co-curricular competitions. He made these remarks during the launch of the 2026 SIKBMPP - BEST! Anak Penang programme at Komtar.

Applications for the 2026 scheme are currently open to Penang youths aged between 15 and 30, with the deadline set for September 30. Individual recipients can receive incentives ranging from RM300 to RM800, while group recipients may receive between RM500 and RM3,000, based on the criteria and level of achievement.