NSJA sets up education fund for journalists, their children
MIRI: The Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) has set up an education fund, meant to encourage members and their children to achieve academic excellence.
NSJA president Andy Jong said the fund was set up with an initial grant of RM5,000 from Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting.
“The first batch of recipients are expected to receive the incentives this Feb 28, during the NSJA Chinese New Year dinner, which will also double as the installation of our newly-elected exexcutive committee members,” he said after leading the NSJA delegation for a courtesy call on Assistant Minister for Land and Air Transportation and Safety Datuk Lee Kim Shin here yesterday.
The visit was meant to invite Lee, who is also one of the association’s patrons, as a guest-of-honour at the dinner, to which Lee accepted. The assistant minister later pledged RM10,000 for NSJA to carry out its activities and also for its education fund.
Jong, in thanking Lee, said such support was timely as NSJA – being a non-profit organisation – required financial support from various donors including elected representatives and corporations for it to run.
The first batch of recipients are expected to receive the incentives this Feb 28, during the NSJA Chinese New Year dinner, which will also double as the installation of our newly-elected exexcutive committee members. — Andy Jong, NSJA president
Jong said the Feb 28 event would serve as a platform for journalists to interact between themselves and also with the guests in a relaxing and entertaining atmosphere – fostering closer rapport and cooperation among them.
He added that the dinner would be among the activities to be held by NSJA this year.
He also highlighted that association would host this year’s Kenyalang Press Awards – a prestigious event that recognises the work and contribution of local journalists.
NSJA was formed in 1974 to unite all practising members of the press across the northern region of Sarawak covering Miri, Bintulu and Limbang divisions.
Currently, it has 110 members comprising journalists, editors, sub-editors and broadcasters.