ALOR GAJAH, Aug 19 (Bernama) — University College of Agroscience Malaysia (UCAM) students will enjoy more facilities after Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) allocated funds totalling RM800,000 for the RISDA Foundation Education Assistance Scheme.

Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the funds through Yayasan RISDA allocated for the 2022/2023 period, would empower the education of RISDA children from the lower-income (B40) group.

“Yayasan RISDA Education Assistance Scheme comprises five categories, namely student living allowances (RM450 per month), scholarships (RM6,800 to RM13,800) depending on the course, intensive scheme (RM500 one-off payment), laptops assistance and bursary assistance worth RM2,000 for outstanding students,” he said in his speech during a working visit to UCAM today.

Mahdzir said RISDA has been focusing on the field of education for the past 65 years and implemented various transformations and evolutions in line with the development of the education system and the needs of the workforce in the agricultural sector, especially rubber plantations.

“So far, UCAM has produced over 10,000 graduates who are successful in agricultural and plantation agencies, and some of them have even ventured into business and become millionaire entrepreneurs,” he added.

During his working visit, Mahdzir also witnessed the Memorandum of Understanding between UCAM and three industry partners, namely GrasiCili Plt, Uwais Cendawan Agrotech Enterprise and Bitara Emas (M) Sdn Bhd to provide jobs for UCAM students who meet the requirement of the market.

Four UCAM alumni also received UCAM Iconic awards in appreciation and support of their success in their respective careers.

They are Basyaruddin Ali (landscape), Abdul Muhaimin Hussin (fruit crops and animal farming), Muhammad Asyraf Normoley (organic chicken farming), and Azri Khairi Juaher (kampung chicken farming).

Source: BERNAMA News Agency