Ray of hope for the bright who were left in the dark

PETALING JAYA: Though limited, the 250 places for the Graduate Bursary Programme opened to bright students have given them a glimmer of hope after being left in the dark for an entire month.

Those who scored 9A+ in the SPM last year and were uncertain if the programme would still be offered this year now stand a chance to vie for a placement.

Sarah Tan Xian Li, 19, who obtained 11A+, was relieved after a month-long wait having received her results in early March.

“I am really grateful to the Government.

“I have been anticipating this for a very long.

“Now I can get the chance to apply,” said the former student of SMK Convent, Klang.

The announcement also meant that hopefuls from SPM 2014 would be enrolled in local universities even if they managed to secure an offer at any of the top 20 universities in the world.

Lau Wen John, 19, said he was “a little bit disappointed”.

“However, it does not change a thing as the final goal is to get a degree,” he said.

The 9A+ and 1A scorer said he had discussed with his family about his future plans in the event that he did not get to go overseas.

“My choice is to go to Universiti Malaya to study chemical engineering, if I am offered a seat by the university,” said the former Royal Military College student.