Memory of unholdable short pencils inspires engineering student to excel

By Olivia Miwil - February 16, 2019 @ 4:53pm

KOTA KINABALU: Vivid memories of having to use pencils that were too short to hold has inspired a student to be grateful and to study hard for a better future.

Tang Zhi Sheng, 22, said his parents, who are deaf and mute, could not afford to buy extra pencils and stationery when he was a Primary 1 pupil.

Tang and his sister also had to used hand-me-down uniforms given to them by relatives.

“But, in Primary 2, I no longer had to face such problems when I started to receive financial assistance from Eco World Foundation,” he said.

“The assistance and motivation from my parents encouraged me to study hard so that I would not disappoint them,” said the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College mechatronic engineering student who is expected to graduate next year.

Tang, who is from Kuala Lumpur, was speaking to an audience of parents, teachers and 12 top students at the 2018 Eco World Foundation Excellence Awards Ceremony here.

The 10 Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) pupils and two Penilaian Tingkatan 3 (PT3) students were praised by the foundation’s chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Each of the UPSR pupils received a dictionary, motivational book and cash prize of RM200, RM150 or RM100 depending on their categories.

The PT3 students received RM250.

They have been receiving assistance under the foundation’s Students Aid Programme.

Two teachers received Teachers’ Awards in recognition of their commitment in guiding their students towards academic excellence while SJK (C) Yick Nam received the Best School Award and RM10,000.

“The programme takes a holistic approach in providing for each student’s educational needs — from equipping them for the new school year and arranging meals in schools to paying their school and tuition fees,” said Lee.

“Students from primary and secondary school levels receive financial assistance of between RM1,000 to RM1,500 per year whereas tertiary level students receive between RM5,000 to RM20,000, depending on their courses.”

The foundation has also helped 59 students to pursue tertiary education. Twenty of them have graduated with degrees from institutions of higher learning and have joined the workforce.