KUALA LUMPUR, A total of 38 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia leavers, who are part of Felda's new generation, have been awarded scholarships worth RM130,000 each to pursue first degrees through the Global Digital Leadership (GDL) programme. Felda chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the initiative aims to empower outstanding students to master skills in global digital leadership. He said the programme also seeks to produce a new generation of Felda students with strong expertise in digital fields, which are becoming increasingly important today. 'In line with technological advancements, students play a significant role in developing and adopting new technologies. You all can be agents of change in introducing technologies that can enhance productivity and efficiency across various sectors. 'One day, you may become the nation's experts, contributing your insights and creating cutting-edge technologies that can benefit everyone,' he said. Ahmad Shabery made these remarks during the presentation of scholar ships for the GDL Programme in collaboration with the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) here today. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, he said the strategic public-private partnership between Felda and APU began in 2022 and has benefited 88 students to date. The RM130,000 scholarship provided to each student covers their entire course of study, he added. Meanwhile, one of the recipients, Puteri Nur Adibah Sakinah, 18, said the scholarship would help realise her dreams of becoming a software engineer and contributing back to Felda. 'I have always been interested in this field as I have been involved in robotics programmes since high school,' said the granddaughter of a Felda Air Tawar 5 settler. Another recipient, Zeti Qurshiah Juhari, 20, said the scholarship holds more value because students are given allowances and accommodation. 'We only need to focus on our studies,' said the student who is pursuing her studies in cyber security programme. Source: BERNAMA News Agenc y