KUALA LUMPUR: As a multi- cultural nation, English and Bahasa Melayu are crucial as tools to gain diverse knowledge and increase career prospects, said Mah Sing Foundation chairman Datuk Indera Syed Norulzaman Syed Kamarulzaman.

       In believing that education is a lifelong journey, the Mah Sing Foundation has sponsored RM30,000 to Kuntum so that students can have more creative ways of learning.

       “Becoming multilingual will lead the younger generation to better prospects, careers and be highly respected in society, not only in Malaysia but overseas as well,” he added.

       Throughout the years, Syed Norulzaman said Mah Sing had continuously shown its support and empowered the community by providing education assistance programmes to children.

       “More than just the acquisition of knowledge, education is fundamental in building a person’s character and imparting strong values.

       “Therefore, we believe that no one should be deprived of an education due to their financial situation. Through this sponsorship, we hope to empower our students to transform their circumstances and build better lives,” he said after handing over a mock cheque for RM30,000 for the sponsorship of Kuntum magazines for primary schools yesterday.

       Star Media Group (SMG) chief finance officer Sam Au received the mock cheque during the ceremony at Wisma Mah Sing.

       “The magazine has helped students in improving their English and Bahasa Melayu literacy skills throughout the years.

       “This is why we have supported this programme since 2011, surrounding the students with rich learning experiences and a lifelong thirst for knowledge to benefit not only themselves but also the people around them,” he said.

       Kuntum, established in 1980, is a monthly Bahasa Malaysia educational magazine published by SMG.

       It helps children aged six to 12 expand their knowledge on topics ranging from mathematics and science to robotics and language.

       Additionally, it also has content for children to learn other languages such as English and Chinese.

       It is also the only educational magazine endorsed by the Education Ministry and has an online and offline presence with video tutorials on social media.

       It also organises workshops to prepare pupils for the UPSR examination.