Company signs scholarship deal

By DULCIE OREKE
THE British American Tobacco (PNG) Ltd and the Office of Higher Education have signed an agreement for a tertiary scholarship programme.
The signing on Wednesday marks the continuation of the company’s support for students in higher learning.
General manager Rashed Ahmed said it was an initiative by the company to support and contribute to the development of people in the community to produce a skilled labour force and meet increasing demand.
He said the administration of the BAT scholarship would be managed by the OHE.
BAT has been sponsoring students for the past 10 years and 25 students have already benefited from the programme.
Ahmed hoped that the help would continue in the education sector.
OHE Minister David Arore said the government acknowledged the immense contribution by BAT to the economic development of the country.
“This bold strategic move we are about to witness will be a milestone in partnership between the state and private sector,” he said.
He said although the government appreciated the 2% training levy contribution from the business, BAT’s assistance through the scholarship scheme would strengthen and boost added value to the higher education sector.
“The government’s scholarship support scheme, managed by OHE supports 10,200 students out of 26,000 accredited institutions of higher education in the country,” Arore said.