March 2^nd, 2010: Enabling children to grow in an environment that subscribes to quality early childhood education is a matter of top priority for Smart Reader^® Worldwide. In fulfilling this noble intention, Dr Wang was instrumental in the founding and launching of the National One Child – One Hope Education Scholarship Programme for needy and underprivileged children recently.

The education scholarship programme, which was recently launched by Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, is one way to ensure that no deserving child is denied quality pre-school education. “The One Child, One Hope Education Scholarship Programme is a very distinguished way to allow underprivileged children to get the quality education they need. On their own, they would probably not be able to afford it. Through the scholarship programme, they are given a golden opportunity, a chance of a lifetime,” said Datin Paduka Chew.

“Money spent on education is not consumption, but a worthy investment. Quality early childhood education is meant for all and is indeed a global inheritance,” Datin Paduka Chew stated.

The One Child, One Hope Education Scholarship Programme was established by Smart Reader^® Worldwide in line with the company’s policy on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Dr Wang added that quality early childhood education should not be the private domain of the elite or the upper classes and children’s programmes should see integration rather than segregation. “The National One Child, One Hope Education Scholarship Programme was established to enable all children in this country to experience quality early childhood education at Smart Reader Kids^® centres regardless of gender, background or socio-economic status,” she added. The funds for this scholarship programme will be sourced from generous individuals, corporate organisations and all who believe that investing in children now, will ensure the stability of the nation for future generations.

Dr Wang herself started the ball rolling when she donated her cash prize of RM11,000.00, which she won after being declared National Woman Entrepreneur 2009 by SME Corporation.

“The funds will multiply through sponsorship and donations from individuals or organisations. If you have it in your heart to lend a helping hand, be generous and support the One Child One Hope Education Scholarship Programme. Your contribution may be small in range, but you will definitely inspire significant change,” Dr Wang affirmed further.

Children identified under this scholarship programme will be referred to the Smart Reader Kids^® centre nearest to their homes. The One Child One Hope Education Scholarship Programme will pay RM360.00 per year for each child to the centre. All other incidentals such as school bags, shoes, socks, uniforms, worksheets and learning materials will be borne by Smart Reader^® Worldwide. Currently, the One Child One Hope committee are working closely with the Yayasan diRaja Sultan Mizan, Terengganu and the Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra, Perlis to identify underprivileged children in both these states.

The launch of the National One Child One Hope Education Scholarship Programme was held together with Chinese New Year celebrations, to which 80 children from various welfare homes and orphanages were invited. The children received mandarin oranges and ang pow (money packets) from Dr Wang and Dr Richard Ong, Chief Executive Officer of Smart Reader^® Worldwide. The celebrations also included an exhilarating lion dance performance by SMK Confucian and amazing stunts by performers of the Beijing Acrobatics. The guests were also entertained with Chinese New Year songs and dances.

For more information, download brochure 1 and 2.