Donation of 20 computers & Introduction to MoneyTree Financial Education Programme
Maybank today presented cash awards for academic and co-curriculum excellence to 15 students in its two PINTAR schools. In addition, the bank also presented 10 computers each to the two schools to supplement existing computer facilities and support computer literacy among students.
The presentation ceremony was held today at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Duri in Seberang Prai, Penang. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, officiated at the event themed ‘PINTAR Bersama Maybank”. Also present were the President & CEO of Maybank, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, District Education Officer for Seberang Perai Selatan, Mohd Ghazali Abu Bakar, as well as the principals of the two schools and other senior government officials.
The PINTAR (Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talent and Advocating Responsibility) Programme is one of the initiatives of the GLC Transformation Programme. The programme promotes CSR initiatives by GLCs to selected schools. The core component of the programme constitutes Motivation and Teambuilding programmes; Educational Support and Skills Building; Capacity and Capability Building; and Reducing Vulnerabilities by addressing social issues in schools. Maybank in partnership with Khazanah Nasional is involved in the adoption of two schools in Penang, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Duri, Seberang Perai Selatan and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said that since Maybank’s PINTAR programme began in 2007, the Bank has organised activities for the two schools to assist them in improving their capabilities and achieving excellence. “Our focus is to help the students full their potential and ensure that their economic background does not become an impediment to what they can achieve. This is in line with the Bank’s belief that each student must be given the equal opportunity to realise their potential and succeed in the future.”
Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said that among the PINTAR programmes implemented at the two schools included sponsoring breakfast, educational material, tuition classes and spectacles for needy students, supporting co-curricular activities such as seminars, motivation forums, leadership courses and study tours as well as providing English courses for teachers to enhance their teaching capabilities. “We are pleased that with our support, these two schools have shown tremendous progress, as demonstrated by the achievement of the students.”
The 15 recipients each received cash awards ranging from RM200 to RM300. “We are happy to offer the excellence awards to encourage students to excel as well as inculcate the habit of savings as the cash incentives are in the form of Maybank savings accounts,” added Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid.
On the computer contribution, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid said that the aim was to expand computer literacy as well as decrease the IT divide between urban and rural students in line with the government’s efforts to promote greater computer use in rural areas. “We hope that students will be motivated to improve their knowledge and studies by being able to connect to the world.”
At the event, Maybank had also arranged an introductory class by MoneyTree, which Maybank is partnering with to promote financial literacy among schoolchildren. Forty selected students were given the opportunity to participate in this session where they learnt how to manage their finances as well as make investment decisions. “The programmes are designed to create a savvy group of young people in managing their personal financing. The classes will teach them about banking services and how they can save and manage their money to avoid getting into the pitfalls of spending more than they earn,” he said.
Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid also said that Maybank’s CSR programmes will continue to support communities in need. “This year, Maybank celebrates its 50th anniversary with the theme “Close to You” and we remain committed to invest significant sums to provide community support in many areas such as education, sports, welfare, health, environment and nation building. We will continue to do this as we believe that by helping those around us, we can, together, ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”