Benedick (middle) mingling with recipients and guests during the event.
FOR their academic achievements, 200 graduates from institutions of higher education were awarded at the Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) Academic Excellence Award ceremony.
The bank gave out a total of RM200,000 in awards to 150 Bachelor’s degree graduates and 50 Master’s graduates who obtained a cumulative grade point average of 3.5, and above.
Each recipient received RM1,000 along with a certificate acknowledging their success in completing their studies from January 2022 to August 2024.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick launched the ceremony.
(From left) Syaiful Rizal, Benedick and Philip presenting a graduate with an award.
He said he hoped the awards would motivate students to continue their efforts towards excellence.
“This initiative encourages young people to achieve higher levels of education in building a brighter future,” he told Bernama at the ceremony that was also graced by YBR chief executive officer Syaiful Rizal Abdul Ghani.
Meanwhile, YBR chairman Datuk Philip Benedict Lasimbang said the reward was the bank’s way of appreciating the graduates’ hard work.
“Hopefully, the awards will inspire students who are still continuing their studies.
“The awards also reflect YBR’s support towards the education agenda to produce skilled human capital for the country,” he said.
During the ceremony, the bank also handed out laptops to 25 of the best YBR-sponsored matriculation students who will continue their studies at Bachelor’s degree level.
The collaboration between YBR and the Education Ministry’s Matriculation Division started in 2022.
So far, 75 top matriculation students have received YBR scholarships.
