SHAH ALAM, 14 January – The Selangor State government today decided to give one-year scholarship grants for five to 10 Malay and Indian students from this state to further their business studies in China.

Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the grants amounting to RM100,000 per student would only be awarded to those with early education in Chinese schools and are able to speak the language fluently.

“These students will be given the opportunity to get a further degree for a year in the business field at recognised higher institutions of learning in Beijing and Shanghai,” he said at a press conference after chairing the weekly State Executive Council Meeting here, this afternoon.

He said, the decision to give the grants was seen as being able to encourage verbal skills besides promoting an interest in languages among students, other than their mother tongues.

 “The state government hopes the opportunity given will enable Selangor’s graduates to gain the proper expertise and skills relating to business field in China, a country that has recorded among the highest economic growths in the world,” he said.

Abdul Khalid added, the giving of grants for furthering studies in China was just a start which would be extended to other countries such as India and the middle east.

Meantime, in the same press conference, Abdul Khalid said that during the Chinese New Year, the speed limit for vehicles would be reduced from 80 km per hour to 60 to 70 km per hour.

The new speed limit will take effect from January 19 to February 2. – MURIZA ABDUL HAMID.