Latest news with #P.Prabakaran
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
B40 students to receive free spectacles under Focus Point-Lions Club initiative
KUALA LUMPUR: Focus Point Vision Care Group Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur North, has launched the Focus4Sight school vision programme to support underprivileged B40 students in government primary schools. Under a memorandum of understanding, up to 1,000 pairs of spectacles will be distributed to B40 students diagnosed with uncorrected refractive errors, aiming to improve their vision health and access to education across the Klang Valley. Focus Point president and chief executive officer Datuk Liaw Choon Liang said the collaboration is part of the company's commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable community for future generations. "It is not just about selling glasses. We are educating children and the public on the importance of vision care. Every year, we donate a few thousand pairs of glasses. We take this responsibility seriously, especially as a public-listed company," he said during an event today. He added that the group is actively working with non-governmental organisations and regularly conducts free eye screenings for schoolchildren, especially those from low-income families. In this latest initiative, the programme will deliver on-site vision screenings in at least eight schools using Focus Point's state-of-the-art mobile optical screening truck, scheduled to run from July to October this year. The launch was formalised in the presence of Batu member of Parliament P. Prabakaran, with schools in his constituency set to pilot the programme. Lions Club will manage the funding for the eyewear, with payments to Focus Point remitted based on confirmed distribution numbers. To date, Focus Point operates 204 outlets nationwide, with plans to open 10 new locations in 2025, including new entries into East Malaysia, beginning with Bintulu and Miri in Sarawak. "This programme gives underprivileged children the chance to fully participate in the classroom, rediscover confidence, and chase their dreams. "With a shared vision and a united heart, we are not just solving problems today – we are building a healthier, more inclusive future," said Liaw.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
MABIC boosts STEM literacy in Tamil schools nationwide
BANGI: The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Literacy Empowerment initiative for Tamil National-Type Schools (SJKT), known as Ariviyal Ainthiram, implemented by the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), has benefited nearly 79,000 students from 525 SJKTs nationwide. With an allocation of RM698,227 from Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), Ariviyal Ainthiram focuses on raising awareness and interest among SJKT students in STEM. MITRA Special Task Force Committee chairman, P. Prabakaran, said MABIC had received the MITRA grant to implement various STEM-related programmes, including science quiz competitions and the publication of the Petri Dish science newspaper, which was also distributed to all 525 SJKTs. 'The programme, known as 'Ariviyal Ainthiram,' is implemented in two components, running from October 2023 to July 2025. The first component involves the distribution of Petri Dish newspapers, which include a special Tamil-language insert focused on STEM literacy. 'The highlight of this programme is the 'Who Wants to Be a Scientist' competition, held today, featuring 90 top students selected from over 2,000 participants nationwide for the science quiz. The final round was conducted in an interactive format and judged by academic experts from several local universities,' he said. He said this to reporters after attending the final round of the 'Who Wants to Be a Scientist' competition at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here today. According to Prabakaran, the Ariviyal Ainthiram's success also reflects the capability of grant recipients who adhere to the application guidelines and implement the programme in line with the specified requirements. 'Many have failed to secure the MITRA grant because they did not follow the basic guidelines. However, MABIC has proven that when the application process is done correctly and the programme is implemented effectively, the results can be very impressive,' he said. Meanwhile, MABIC executive director Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan expressed her appreciation to MITRA for the allocation, which has enabled MABIC to implement the STEM literacy programme for the target group. 'MABIC not only aims to deliver the newspaper to Tamil schools, but we also want it to be read and fully utilised. From there, we hope it will spark greater interest in STEM and encourage students to seek out other STEM-related resources. That is MABIC's main goal. 'We also want SJKT students to understand that STEM fields are increasingly becoming viable and attractive career choices, and we want to prepare them for that,' she said. - Bernama
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Ensure effective delivery of MITRA funds and initiatives
Letter to Editor IN August 2024, Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit MITRA (MITRA) chairman P. Prabakaran requested an increase in the allocation for the India community to RM300 mil in Budget 2025, up from the current RM100 mil. Prabakaran, who is also the Batu MP, said the RM 100mil allocated annually wasn't enough to effectively fund initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of Malaysian Indians. He highlighted concerns that the amount would be inadequate to meet the diverse needs of the community and drive meaningful upliftment programmes. Now given that MITRA has endorsed 45 applications totaling RM40 mil which are awaiting processing at the Prime Minister's Office, why is there a delay in their disbursement? Prabakaran had emphasised that the government needs to boost the budget to adequately support projects that are genuinely transformational for the Indian community. Why aren't funding initiatives for the Indian community given higher importance? As June approaches, it is concerning that the Indian community remains unaware of the actual disbursement status of the RM100 mil allocated to MITRA this year. It is crucial that these funds are approved and effectively implemented without delay to provide tangible benefits for the Indian community. MITRA opened applications for the Socioeconomic Development Grant Programme for the Malaysian Indian Community (PPSMI) 2025 from Oct 15 to Nov 14, 2024. That was about seven months ago. MITRA should undergo a full restructuring. To fulfill her May 23 PKR election promise to champion the Indian community, Nurul Izzah Anwar faces the critical task of fast-tracking MITRA's initiatives and programmes. She must guarantee the swift approval and implementation of the RM40 mil allocated for Phase 1 of Budget 2025, as any further delays will hinder tangible progress and risk the return of unutilised funds to the Finance Ministry by the third quarter of 2025. It's been almost four months since funds amounting to RM40 mil for NGOs and training organisations were approved and agreements were signed. Yet, the money remains undistributed and there's no clear execution plan in sight. This delay hinders vital community works and training initiatives The recommendation is for community development professionals and experts to lead the organization. This change is crucial to ensure both transparency and effective management within MITRA. ‒ June 3, 2025 Muniandy Krishna Kuala Lumpur The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MITRA endorses 45 applications for PPSMI grant worth RM40 mln
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) committee has endorsed 45 applications under the first phase of the 2025 Socioeconomic Development Grant for the Malaysian Indian Community (PPSMI). The applications are currently being processed for approval at the Prime Minister's Office. MITRA Special Task Force Committee chairman P. Prabakaran said all 45 applications, totalling RM40 million, aim to implement activities that directly contribute to enhancing the socioeconomic status of the Indian community. 'MITRA received over 1,332 applications for PPSMI between Dec 2, 2024, and Jan 5. Out of this number, 1,073 applications were rejected for failing to meet the mandatory criteria, while the remaining applications are still under evaluation for subsequent approval phases,' he said in today's press conference on the status of PPSMI 2025 held here. Prabakaran said that reasons for rejection included incomplete application forms, applicants submitting multiple applications under different organisations, individuals declared bankrupt, and organisations lacking the capacity or experience to carry out the proposed programmes. 'MITRA appreciates the patience and cooperation of all applicants, as this process involves three stages of evaluation conducted transparently and with full integrity,' he said, adding that the outcome of the PPSMI applications will be announced by June 30 at the latest.
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MITRA To Empower Indian Community Through Investment Programme
BUTTERWORTH, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), in collaboration with Bursa Malaysia, is organising the Malaysian Indian Investment Program (MIIP) 2024/2025, or Investment Training Programme, as an initiative to empower the Indian community, especially youth, in investment and the stock market. MITRA Special Task Force Committee chairman P. Prabakaran said that in today's digital era, the organisation of such a programme was vital as it served as the sole platform to raise investment literacy among the Indian community, ultimately helping to improve the socio-economic level of the Indian community in equity holdings through stock investments. He noted that statistics indicated only about three per cent of the Indian community was actively involved in investment, which was a small number, and efforts needed to be made to increase the percentage. 'One of the main reasons for the low participation is the negative perception of the investment world, which is often associated with scams, as well as past unpleasant experiences with investment companies that failed to deliver results after training sessions. 'Therefore, MIIP presents itself as a legitimate and quality solution through direct collaboration with Bursa Malaysia, offering comprehensive guidance and training,' he told reporters after attending the northern zone leg of the programme here today, which was also attended by MITRA director-general G. Prabagaran. Prabakaran said that through the training programme, youths would be able to equip themselves with investment skills, gain exposure to the mechanisms of the stock market, and identify suitable investment strategies based on their financial goals. With guidance from investment experts, he said participants would also gain knowledge and build confidence when engaging in stock investment or pursuing careers in finance and investment. He said MIIP was divided into three levels, with 500 participants at Level One (Beginner), 300 at Level Two (Intermediate), and 150 at Level Three (Advanced). He added that the programme was held by zone, namely the Central Zone in Kuala Lumpur, the Northern Zone in Penang, and the Southern Zone in Johor Bahru, while participants at Level Three would also be offered job placements in the financial investment sector.
