KUCHING: The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) has since its inception three decades ago implemented many activities to develop and promote not only Dayak cultures but also assist the Dayak community through its contribution in the field of education.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the foundation believes such contributions are in line with the economic, social and cultural progress of Sarawak as well as fits in very well with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He said in response to the aspirations of the Dayak community for more senior Dayak civil servants to be qualified to head various government departments, DCF had sponsored and is sponsoring a few Dayak officers for intensive courses in internationally reputable institutions such as Harvard in the United States and Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
He made these remarks during the official opening of Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) and Dayak Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) headquarters at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee on Saturday (Aug 19).
“To date, DCF had sent a total of six Dayak officers for intensive courses overseas; four to John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) School of Government, Harvard and two to Harvard Business School. After completing the said courses and training, they returned qualified and competent to serve in senior positions in their respective fields.
“Just recently, DCF also decided to sponsor three Dayak women officers, and three Dayak male officers, to study at Harvard Business School and Judge Business School, Cambridge respectively. The total cost for sending all these officers is RM2,204,809,” he said.
From 1993 to date, Uggah who is also DCF chairman said the foundation had provided financial assistance totalling RM3,228,392 to needy Dayak students accepted by institutions of higher learning, but yet to receive scholarships.
“While on this issue, it is our fervent hope that the relevant bodies and scholarship givers be more sympathetic to the plight of all such and deserving Dayak students to give them that golden opportunity to shine and go far in their lives.
“DCF had granted full scholarships totaling RM585,985 to eight selected Dayak students who achieved a GPA of 4.0 in their STPM examinations and its equivalent. They have now all graduated, currently employed and at least three of them are doctors,” he said.
