KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 24 -- For Orang Asli student, Jome Cheng Chen Giyok Peng, being among those chosen to further their studies in Japan is a chance to ensure a better future.

Not only for himself but for his family, community and country.

The 20-year-old of the Jakun tribe comes from the Orang Asli village in Sungai Joi, Kuantan and is a Universiti Malaya (UM) student selected for the Special Preparatory Programme To Enter Japanese Universities.

It is a two-year intensive programme by the Public Service Department (JPA) Look East Policy Division.

The programme is also in cooperation with UM with Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as well as the Japan Foundation.

He is studying engineering.

The you...