Johor badminton player Ng Tze Yong in action during Sukma games in Bukit Jalil in 2022. Under the Jace programme, state athletes will be able to further their studies to tertiary level. — Filepic
Exco member: RM1.2mil allocated for new programme that offers tertiary opportunities
JOHOR government has allocated RM1.2mil to ensure local athletes have an opportunity to further their education up to tertiary level.
State youth, sports, entrepreneur development, cooperatives and human resources committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the allocation was for a new programme named Johor Athlete Career and Education (Jace).
“We wanted to nurture more thinking athletes for the state as well as provide opportunities for them to continue their education full-time at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara,” he added.
Mohd Hairi said this in his winding up speech during the state assembly sitting held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.
He also said state government had plans to hold more international sporting events in Johor next year.
“In regard to hosting international level sporting events, XTIF Johor agenda will also see more international level sport competitions being held in the state in 2024.
“Although the government intends to make Johor Baru a sports hub known as ‘JB Sports City’, other districts with potential locations will not be forgotten.
“Such places can be used as new locations for organising sporting events as long as they are deemed appropriate,” he said, adding that state government had also allocated RM1.1mil to hold Sukan Bangsa Johor next year.
On a related matter, Mohd Hairi said a total of RM750,000 was allocated to make the Orang Muda Johor volunteer initiative a success.
“New programmes that will be held next year include the establishment of Southern Volunteers Youth Squad at public and private higher education institutions.
“This is expected to achieve the vision of increasing Southern Volunteers membership.
“In fact, the development of the Southern Volunteers website and application is expected to attract more local youth to join the group,” he added.
