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.