Yet another Penan Student sponsored by Interhill to pursue Higher Education
3rd July 2010
Interhill Group has today provided sponsorship to Benard Upieh, a Penan from Long Naring, Tutoh, to continue his higher education at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in his chosen degree in Bachelor of Management (Policy and Social Environment). An ex-student of SMK Marudi in Baram, Benard scored good results in his STPM last year, achieving yet another benchmark amongst his community.
Admitting his anxiety in starting a new phase in his life, Benard said that he was, however, also very excited and grateful to receive the sponsorship and to have the opportunity to further his studies. "It is a stepping stone for me to improve my family's lifestyle in the future", says Benard.
According to Benard, hard life has made him stronger and persistent in his struggle for a better lifestyle and he hopes that members of his community who are in school will also strive to continue their education in higher institutes of learning.
Enki Pati, Corporate Communications Manager of Interhill Group, expressed that the sponsorship is yet another reflection of Interhill's corporate philosophy, which can be easily represented by the acronym, "HILL" - Humility, Integrity, Loyalty and Local community support. "We are delighted that we are able to help a member of our local community in need, especially in the pursuit of education and ultimately, in the achievement of a dream."
"We are very excited for Benard. He has a wonderful spirit and the right mentality, and we see great things happening in the future for him," also says Enki.
Interhill believes that its corporate initiative of providing financial support to the Penan for education will help to empower the Penan community better and promote a more lasting sustainable development as well as improving livelihood opportunities for the community on a long term basis.
Just last year, under the Interhill-PETIPUN Scholarship/Grant, educational aid awards were given to ten (10) Penan students studying in Segi College and UNITAR in Kuching. A special full scholarship was also awarded to Damaris Panai, a Penan girl from Baram who achieved excellent results in her SPM, in order to enable her to pursue and complete a course of her choice ie. a Diploma in Accounting at Segi College.
For information contact:
Enki anak Pati
Interhill Group of Companies
www.interhill.com.my
Tel: 685- 412318
Fax: 685-437318
Email: enki.pati@interhill.com.my