Bukit Gasing State Assemblyman, Rajiv Rishyakaran announced a micro-scholarship program for 100 students sitting for their SPM examinations next month. This initiative is in collaboration with on-demand video tutoring app AskBee, as part of their #SaveSPM2020 campaign to help SPM 2020 candidates. The app provides revision sessions via live, one-on-one guidance from volunteer teachers and tertiary students.

“Due to the pandemic, SPM 2020 had been postponed twice and all forms of teaching were conducted online for most of last year. With MCO in effect again barely one month before SPM 2020 takes place, we understand that most students will need as much coaching and assistance during this crucial period. With most tuition centres unable to operate, AskBee is the ideal platform to provide the necessary guidance for these students,” said Rajiv.

“I have been urging MOE and MOH to announce health and safety measures against Covid during SPM, as well as a possible back up plan to secure the future of these students should there be a need to postpone or cancel the national examination, given the current situation. I have received many messages and comments from students who have expressed their concern and anxiety over preparations for SPM and what will happen if it is postponed again. Some have shared how depressed and demotivated they have become with the uncertainties surrounding the examination with no clear picture of the future,” he shared.

AskBee is the first on-demand video tutoring app that enables students to get one-on-one guidance in real time. Students can select a subject they need help with and the app automatically matches them with a tutor who then appears live on screen. An interactive in-app video call experience enables face-to-face explanations, text chat, and screen-sharing functions.

Through the micro-scholarship program, 100 students will be given 20 revision sessions each – with each revision session priced at RM1. The scholarship is available to any SPM 2020 candidate presently attending any secondary schools in the Bukit Gasing constituency, namely SMK (P) Assunta, SMK (P) Taman Petaling, SMK (L) Bukit Bintang, SMJK Katholik PJ, SMK La Salle, SMK Sultan Abdul Samad, and SMK Sri Utama. Applications for the scholarship can be made at www.askbee.my/savespm2020 and are available until the allocation is used up. 

“The app is almost like a delivery service for students – only instead of food or items, you request for a revision session that is then delivered to your screen if a tutor is available. Each revision session will last for about 15-20 minutes and students can get help for core SPM subjects at any time. This gives students the flexibility to study at their own time and pace, and reduces their anxiety as SPM draws nearer,” said Jason Khong, founder of AskBee.

“We are collaborating with various education partners like Teach For Malaysia, Generasi Gemilang, REAL Education Group, and Taylor’s Education Group to bring in volunteer tutors — and we have also opened a call for tutors to join our campaign to #SaveSPM2020. We invite university students to sign up as tutors to help their juniors and provide academic peer support, almost like a “peer mentoring” program. We also welcome companies or even the general public who would like to sponsor a student from as low as RM20 per student for 20 revision sessions, similar to our collaboration with YB Rajiv. We sincerely thank YB Rajiv for supporting our effort and coming on board as the first government representative to kick off our micro-scholarships initiative,” he shared.

Proceeds from #SaveSPM2020 tutoring sessions on AskBee will go towards education NGOs such as Teach For Malaysia and Generasi Gemilang. 

Please visit www.askbee.my/savespm2020  for more information.