If you wish to live a frugal live, Penang Buddhist Free School will surely surprise you. More than 10 professional courses are available for your choice and you may take any of them at RM1.

Knowledge is the greatest wealth but we always have to pay expensive tuition fees in order to access to the wealth of knowledge.

The Penang Buddhist Free School is open to all who are eager to learn. Anyone, who is interested to learn professional knowledge has the opportunity to do so by paying a nominal fee of RM1.

The free school's principal, Zhong Yan Kun said that the school has long been established and it is a fully equipped school. The school does not charge its students school and miscellaneous fees.

"The school is undertaking a mission entrusted by time and thus we have to meet the needs of the changing social environment. We will try our very best to provide a variety of practical courses," said Zhong.

He added that language (Chinese, English, Malay, Thai, Japanese), Dharma, photography, flower arranging, ink painting, computer, beauty and other courses are available at the school.

He pointed out that despite being a Buddhist school, students of all ages, gender, races and religions are welcomed.

He said that students will have to take three steps in order to study in the free school. All students must first fill out the application form, pay RM5 for registration fee and submit a 2.5-inch photo. Applicants are required to show their identity card as well. The lowest entry level is primary school, year one. Students will be charged for a nominal fee of RM1 monthly.

Zhong also said that middle and upper level students will receive a diploma certification if they pass the examination.

Intake for 2009 will open on 28, 29 and 30 Dec 2008 from 8pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday (Except public holidays), at Malaysian Buddhist Association, 182, Burmah Road, 10050 Penang. (Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Guang Ming Daily)