STA presents cash awards to outstanding students

SIBU: Sarawak Timber Association ( STA) yesterday handed out cash awards to 392 students here from the total of 1,465 recipients this year.

STA permanent council member Dato Sri Patrick Wong Haw Yeong said awards given for obtaining at least 8As in SPM were RM550 each and RM650 for 2As in STPM last year.

“The association is also pleased to note that the number of recipients has increased from 962 last year to 1,465 this year.

“A total of 3,044 students have received the awards amounting to about RM1.8 million so far,” he enthused.

He said the objective is to encourage students to strive for academic excellence.

“STA through its subsidiary company, the STA Mutual Sdn Bhd ( STAM), has been rolling out activities beneficial to the community as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

“In its work to support and encourage education in Sarawak, STA provides scholarships and financial aid to schools, universities and other educational institutions, with focus on training students in skills relevant to the forestry and timber industries.

“STA continues to be committed in working together with its member companies and other forestry agencies to improve the education environment in Sarawak,” he said.

According to Wong the cooperation between Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation ( STIDC) and STA Mutual Sdn Bhd ( STAM) since 2012 has enabled some RM1.2 million to be channeled to primary and secondary schools in rural Sarawak to improve school facilities.

STAM also gives financial assistance to non-profit and charitable organisations in Sarawak.