19/12/06 (The Star)  -  GUTHRIE Foundation will offer scholarships to researchers to conduct post-doctoral studies soon.

Guthrie group chairman Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin said the post-doctoral scholarships were expected to be made available to qualified researchers from next year. 

Dr Wan Mohd Zahid (far right) chatting with some of the scholarship recipients after the presentation ceremony.
He, however, declined to disclose the quantum of the award, saying only that it would be substantial. 

“We are still finalising the details, but it will be for oil palm research as it is an area that is often overlooked.

“We hope this move (scholarship) will promote research culture in the country,” he said.

Dr Wan Mohd Zahid, who is also the foundation's chairman, said it was hoped the move would boost the local oil palm industry. 

“We need to do to improve the yield,” he said, adding that the average yield was about five tonnes for every two hectares although, theoretically, it could produce up to 15 tonnes. 

Dr Wan Mohd Zahid was speaking after the presentation of Guthrie scholarships totalling RM600,000to 37 students at the Guthrie Pavilion in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam on Wednesday. 

The students are currently pursuing courses in various fields at local institutions of higher learning. 

Dr Wan Mohd Zahid added that the scholarships were part of Guthrie's support for community development through the enhancement of educational opportunities.

“We believe in giving human capital development a good head start by ensuring that the young are motivated towards basic education and continuous learning,” he said.

Dr Wan Mohd Zahid said an education fund for vocational training had also been set up to help poor students in government-approved vocational schools or institutions.

He said the company was collaborating with Institut Pertanian, which conducted a two-year Certificate in Agriculture course.