KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 – The Elena Cooke Education Fund, established by former students of the Bukit Bintang Girls’ School (BBGS), is making a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged young Malaysians by providing them with the opportunity to pursue tertiary education. Named in memory of BBGS’s beloved headmistress, Miss Elena Maude Cooke, the fund aims to empower disadvantaged students through education.
Since its inception in 2009, the Elena Cooke Education Fund has been accepting scholarship applications from financially needy SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) and STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) students who have received their examination results. The fund prioritizes students who face financial constraints and demonstrate strong academic performance, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and good character.
Moey Yoke Lai, Chairman of BBGS Alumni and manager of the Elena Cooke Education Fund, highlighted the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty for these students. She said, “We offer them an opportunity to tap into a scholarship fund that empowers them to nurture their educational potential without the worry of finances.” Over the past 14 years, the Elena Cooke Education Fund has supported 56 students in realizing their dreams. The fund continues to seek collaborations and avenues to raise funds, with the aim of assisting more students in need.
Sing Joy, a 24-year-old scholarship recipient, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity provided. Coming from a family with financial hardships, Sing Joy pursued a Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) in Software Systems Development at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC). She credits the scholarship for enabling her to focus on her studies and alleviating the financial burden on her family. Sing Joy excelled in her academic journey, achieving Distinction and earning a position at a company specializing in enterprise resource planning services.
The Elena Cooke Education Fund collaborates with institutions of higher learning such as Sunway College, Sunway University, and HELP University. These institutions waive tuition and general fees, while the fund covers accommodation, books, and other living expenses. Students applying to selected public universities are also eligible for partial scholarships. Moey Yoke Lai emphasized the crucial role played by corporate and individual donors in making the Elena Cooke Education Fund possible.
The fund welcomes applications from SPM and STPM students, with the closing date falling two weeks after the announcement of the 2022 SPM or STPM results. The Elena Cooke Education Fund remains committed to supporting young Malaysians like Sing Joy, empowering them to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future.
