Since its inception in 1996, the Gamuda Scholarship programme has benefitted more than 560 students. Many of them now helm senior management positions within the company.
Gamuda Scholarship changes lives, builds communities and unlocks a brighter future for young Malaysians
AS we look to the future, it is clear that Malaysia will need a talented and innovative workforce to continue its economic growth and development.
And it all starts with identifying the next generation of leaders who will drive the nation’s success and giving them access to a good education.
As Indian philanthropist Nita Ambani said, education is the “foundation for our future. It is empowerment to make choices and emboldens the youth to chase their dreams”.
Since its inception in 1996, the Gamuda Scholarship programme has been instrumental in guiding the leaders of tomorrow and empowering them to shape a better future for themselves and the communities – so much so it has become one of the most sought-after scholarships in the country.
“We are proud to have supported more than 560 scholars over the years who have gone on to achieve great things in their respective fields,” says Lim Hui Yan who leads Yayasan Gamuda – the engineering, property and infrastructure group’s foundation arm that oversees the scholarship.
“At Gamuda, we believe that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives and communities.
‘The Gamuda Scholarship is an opportunity for young people to get involved in ground-breaking projects,’ says Gamuda Engineering managing director Justin Chin Jing Ho who was a Gamuda scholar himself.
“As a regional player, our commitment to creating positive social impact is ingrained in our corporate DNA. We believe that by investing in their education, we are helping them achieve their dreams and creating a ripple effect that will benefit society as a whole.”
Lim, who is also Gamuda Engineering’s executive director and a 2008 Gamuda scholar, has worked on ground-breaking projects like the Kajang MRT Line, Putrajaya MRT Line and Malaysia’s first next-generation digital Industrialised Building System (IBS).
“The scholarship is not just about funding students’ education. We want to provide them with a holistic learning experience that will equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers and positively impact society.
“That’s why we offer a range of developmental opportunities, including internships and training, to help students gain real-world experience and build their professional networks,” says Lim.
Many Gamuda scholars were granted to study courses of their choice and access to top universities in Malaysia and abroad.
This effectively levels the playing field for many deserving candidates, particularly those from B40 families whose opportunities would otherwise be limited by the high tuition and living costs.
“This year, we are widening the scholarship reach and bolstering its impact by raising its value to RM20mil. This doubles the provision from the previous year,” Lim shares.
Unlocking opportunities
The scholarship offers much more than just financial assistance. Scholars get access to professional development programmes and networking opportunities to help them develop into well-rounded and successful leaders.
Gamuda Engineering managing director Justin Chin Jing Ho’s journey with Gamuda began in 2008 as a Gamuda scholar pursuing civil and environmental engineering at Imperial College, where he had the opportunity to develop leadership skills and connect with a diverse group of people.
“The Gamuda Scholarship isn’t just any ordinary scholarship. It’s an opportunity for young people to get involved in ground-breaking projects,” says Chin.
“With the industry networks to support all scholars, I had vast exposure to leadership. I graduated and began my journey as a tunnel engineer at Gamuda.
‘Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives,’ says Lim Hui Yan, a 2008 Gamuda scholar who is now Gamuda Engineering’s executive director.
“It was an exhilarating experience, especially since I was involved in the first KVMRT project – the Kajang MRT Line – in 2012. It was nerve-wracking, to say the least, but it has been a stepping stone that enabled me to become the tunnel general manager for MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd in 2018.
“Throughout my journey in Gamuda and now as Gamuda Engineering managing director, the group has actively supported me.
“By giving me the space to learn and grow, and actively contribute to a sustainable world, I was able to be involved in the birthing of the world’s first Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (A-TBM) in 2019 – putting Malaysia on the global mark of tunnelling fraternity,” he says.
With the group’s focus on sustainable business, Chin received the Science and Sustainability Award at the British Alumni Awards 2021/2022, and Lim was awarded the 50 Rising Stars of ESG and SEA Women of the Future Award.
Training next-gen leaders
The Gamuda Scholarship provides students with a range of leadership development opportunities, including workshops, seminars and leadership retreats. Today, many Gamuda scholars are helming senior management positions within the group.
“Our leadership development programmes will instil in our scholars the values of integrity, accountability and social responsibility, and prepare them to become leaders who can make a real difference in the world,” Chin says.
“As a managing director, I have learned that leadership is key to success. It has enabled me to empower and inspire my team to achieve great results. I also gained valuable insights into what it takes to be a true leader. I am confident that the skills I have acquired will continue to benefit my team and me, especially as we strengthen our regional footprint.”
For Malaysian students who are considering applying for the Gamuda Scholarship, Lim advises: “The Gamuda Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to realise their full potential and make a difference in the world.
“We are looking for students who are committed to making a positive impact on society and who are eager to learn and grow.
“We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Gamuda scholars into our family,” she says.
Trust and teamwork
“Gamuda Scholarship has been instrumental in grooming me as a leader in the construction field.
“The programme has provided me with technical and soft skill training and leadership development that extends beyond my role as a project manager.
“Through my career, I have gained the on-the-job experience, confidence and skills necessary to communicate effectively, build relationships, and inspire a team to work together towards a common goal.
“Trust and collaboration are critical in delivering a project successfully, and the scholarship has emphasised the importance of building and leading a cohesive team.
“I am grateful for the company’s investment in my education and career growth.
“I am excited to continue to grow as a leader in the construction field, empowering my team to deliver successful projects with excellence and innovation.”
Ngan Yew Teng
Project manager
Gamuda Engineering
Business acumen
“My career journey has greatly benefited from the scholarship.
“Soon after graduating from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2015, I had the chance to work on one of Malaysia’s most iconic mega projects, the Putrajaya MRT Line.
“Throughout the project, job rotation was offered, and training programmes were provided – exposing me to different parts of the professional field while growing my technical knowledge, soft skills and network.
“After completing the project in 2020, I was given the opportunity to work in
Taiwan as part of the Gamuda Taiwan team.
“Gamuda has sharpened me into a versatile person with technical and business acumen, keeping me engaged and motivated.
“It’s amazing to think it all started with the Gamuda Scholarship!”
Queenie Lim Xin Yin
Assistant manager (tunnelling)
Gamuda Engineering
Click here to apply for the Gamuda Scholarship by May 31, 2023.
