Two months after a crowdfunding campaign, eight out of nine Public Service Department (JPA) bursary students are now able to continue with their studies abroad via different means of financial support.

The crowdfunding itself managed to collect RM89,160 from 133 supporters.

One of the campaign member, Xiandi Ooi, told reporters that five of them have received financial support from the private sector and two members managed to obtain corporate scholarships.

Meanwhile, the crowdfunding amount which they collected will be directed to Ch’ng Chu Kai to cover his first year tuition fee for a degree course at University College London.

“For me, I will be deferring my admission until next year,” said Ooi, who did not manage to get any financial support.

The campaign started on June 30 after Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced that bursaries will only be provided for students to study locally.

Determined to see themselves studying at top universities, nine JPA students launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise RM750,000 for their tuition fees for the first year.

Although the crowdfunding did not reach its target to cover the fees for all nine students, Ooi (photo) said the outcome has been positive.

“Apart from the contribution (collected), we actually managed to send eight out of nine. To be exact, six out of nine have benefited.

“In the end, it was still a meaningful action which we have taken. The exposure that we received, reaching out to people, eventually led the five students receiving the financial aid for them to study abroad”, she said.

Among others, Chua Yan Rou received a corporate scholarship from CIMB Bank, while See Yee Ling managed to get scholarship from the Securities Commission.

When asked to comment on government's decision to cut the JPA budget, Ooi said she is not in a position to comment on government policies but added that the change has brought benefits to more students who are pursuing their studies locally.

However, she pointed out that the government could do better by giving students more time to respond, instead of declaring the budget cut after the students have submitted their university applications.

“It is not about the policy changes, but more on timeline on the implementation of the policy,” Ooi said.

Meanwhile, See urged other students of not being afraid to pursue their own dreams, even if they have to face various obstacles.

Ooi said she is still looking for the financial support to fulfill her dreams of studying abroad, while Ch’ng is seeking sponsors for his final year after getting a sponsor for his second-year tuition fee.

Although the donation section is closed, Ooi said sponsors who are interested can contact her directly at 019-4480660 or visit their blog.