From tailor to banker, but still aiding education

From tailor to banker, but still aiding education

I Gusti Made Oka only graduated from junior high school but his enthusiasm for education forced him to earn money to pay for his studies, so he became a tailor in Denpasar.

Now, after becoming chief of Bank Dagang Bali, the 69-year-old has handed over 1,823 scholarships to needy students.

This year alone, Oka -- whose eight children graduated from the United States and England -- handed over 158 scholarships. They are worth Rp 10.7 million (US$1,038). Each month, the recipients receive a monthly allowance ranging from Rp 15,000 to Rp 40,000.

Since starting his business in 1970, he has always saved some money to help others, especially students, without any strings attached.

His success in banking has made him a rich man, as his assets now reach Rp 1.3 trillion (US$126 million), although he started his business 30 years ago with only Rp 10 million.

Married to Ni Ketut Sri Adnyani, Oka now controls 29 branch offices, five of them in Jakarta and Surabaya, and throughout Bali. His business employs 650 workers. -- Antara