Kota Kinabalu: An education memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and Reng College on Wednesday. Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan represented KDCA while Reng College Kuala Lumpur by Datin Annie Eng. Pairin is KDCA President.Pairin, who is also State Deputy Chief Minister, said the MOU was to provide a second chance for SPM students who had not done so well (with three credits and passes in maths and arts) to provide them an opportunity to further their studies provided they are willing and keen to study.
He said although education is the bedrock of social and economic development, modern education has the tendency to rake in those who excel in academics with high grade but leave little for the lower achievers, not because they are less intelligent but because they may be affected due to factors such as poor economic background and poorly equipped remote primary schools.
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He said as such, through the scholarships provided by Reng College, KDCA can shortlist and help award these scholarships to deserving students from poor families in the rural areas of Sabah.
"Since 2012, KDCA and Reng College have worked together on an ad hoc basis where 14 students from Kota Marudu, Tambunan and elsewhere had graduated and obtained employment.
"So it is time to bring the KDCA-Reng College cooperation to a new level and to more areas through the 29 KDCA District Coordinating Committees throughout Sabah and through the 10 Cultural Association Group members of KDCA.
He said that as the Reng College Courses are conducted in Kuala Lumpur, most parents are concerned with logistical costs and possible social issues which could affect Sabahan students there.
KDCA hoped that Reng College in the near future could also consider setting up a branch in Sabah.
