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Study awards for needy PSLE top scorers

06 July 2018

Some of the beneficiaries with Samsung Electronics Singapore president Lee Jui Siang (back row, centre left), ST School Pocket Money Fund chairman Warren Fernandez and STSPMF general manager Tan Bee Heong. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

 

He was in the midst of preparing for his Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) when his father suffered a serious head injury.

To make matters worse, Arash Nur Iman's father was also diagnosed with cancer.

The Fuchun Primary School pupil said his grades slipped for his mid-year and preliminary examinations.

"During that period, I kept wondering if he was okay. I was distracted in class," the 13-year-old added.

But he soldiered on and earned a PSLE score of 244, which secured him a place at the School of Science and Technology.

Arash was one of 60 beneficiaries of an education award given out yesterday by the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) and Samsung Electronics Singapore, which contributed $20,000.

The students, who did well in the PSLE, received cash awards ranging from $250 to $600.

Arash's father is unable to work due to his condition and his mother works in the shipping industry. They are receiving financial assistance.

Arash, who received $400, said the money will allow him to buy textbooks and stationery.

Mia Katriel Tay also received an award at the event held at the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) News Centre.

The former primary school pupil of CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School said she struggled to balance her studies with gymnastics practice when she was younger.

Mia, who is from a single-parent family, was part of the national team and had to train six days a week, for about four hours each time.

She would hit her books only at 7.30pm. But with her mother's help, she secured a PSLE score of 251.

The 13-year-old said the $450 award will allow her to pursue her passion for gymnastics.

"I had to drop out of training a few times because I was unable to pay for it... This fund will help me pursue my passion in gymnastics," said Mia, who is now a secondary student at the same school.

This is the fourth consecutive year that students have been given awards for their achievement in the PSLE by the fund.

At the award ceremony yesterday, Mr Lee Jui Siang, president of Samsung Electronics Singapore, and Mr Warren Fernandez, chairman of STSPMF, presented the awards to the beneficiaries.

The STSPMF provides pocket money to children from low-income families to help with school-related expenses, such as buying meals or paying for transport. Since 2000, the fund has helped more than 160,000 children and youth and disbursed over $61 million.

The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission

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