Sampoerna, France provide scholarships

Sampoerna, France provide scholarships

Full scholarships to pursue doctorate programs in France are on
offer for Indonesian nationals from the Sampoerna Foundation and
the French government, starting next year.

The foundation's director of operations Elan Merdy said on
Tuesday that for the initial year, two successful candidates
would be awarded the scholarships.

Each scholarship is worth around US$90,000, with each
recipient expected to complete his or her study in two years.

The French government is offering at least six of its most
prominent universities as destinations, including Sorbonne
University and INSEAD Business School.

"I believe the education sector determines the quality of a
country and this is our commitment to make education accessible
for talented young people," Elan said after signing a Memorandum
of Understanding on the scholarship provision.

Representing the French government was Gilles Garachon, the
French Embassy's Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs.

Garachon said the cooperation was proof of his country's
strong commitment to improve Indonesia's human resources.

The Sampoerna Foundation has cooperated with the British, the
United States and Australian governments in providing
scholarships for Indonesian students.

Founded by cigarette giant PT Sampoerna, the foundation also
provides programs for impoverished students in the country. As of
August this year, no less than 12,100 students are enjoying study
at 2,497 high schools and 149 students are entering universities
nationwide with the foundation's assistance.

By the end of 2003, the Sampoerna Foundation had disbursed Rp
8.5 billion ($890,000) to the country's most needy, yet bright
students, an increase from Rp 2.6 billion in the previous year.
-- JP.