Its president Pau Chiong Ung said the Federation expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Tiong who represented Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) to pledge RM500,000 as an education fund to the Federation.

"Tiong is aware that many Chinese children who are bright in their studies but were unable to continue their studies in higher learning institutions due to financial difficulties or poverty," said Pau.

Pau added that the Federation would set up a special committee to study and come up with standardised procedures for students to apply for assistance under the education fund.

Financial assistance is expected to be given free to primary and secondary school students while study loans for those pursuing their tertiary education.

Pau also extended thanks to Bintulu Vui Neng Association for donating RM10,000 to the education fund.

He hoped that all affiliated members of the Federation would follow suit so that more children of the poor Chinese families would benefit from the said education fund.

"Likewise, the Federation also appeals to the private sector especially the business sector to contribute generously to achieve our target of raising RM 1million," he said.