JUST doing well in one’s academics is no longer enough to qualify one as a deserving scholar.
To stand out from the other applicants, one has to show achievements in extracurricular activities, contribution to society, as well as qualities such as leadership and determination.
HELP University deputy vice chancellor Prof Dr Andy Liew said just having high grades fulfils only one criterion.
“It is important that students demonstrate they are well grounded in learning capabilities, and have the necessary numeracy and literacy skills, namely, critical reading, writing, listening and communication.
Leap of joy: (from left) Kum, Hashveen Kaur, Jimmy Lee Kai Xuan, Chee, Nur Syasya Umairah Nor Zazlan, Wong and Lemueel all smiles after being presented with their awards.
“They should also demonstrate that they have certain values that are critical for success in life. So, demonstrating they have the persistence and determination to complete a degree is important,” he told StarEdu.
He added that students must be clear about what career or profession they want to choose and why.
Prof Webster: When reviewing scholarship applications, sponsors look at how applicants can contribute towards nation-building and giving back to society.“It will be good if they also explain their contributions to society and to the institutions that have helped them,” he said.
Agreeing, Monash University Malaysia vice-president (Education) Prof Beverley Webster said when reviewing scholarship applications, sponsors look at how applicants can contribute towards nation-building and giving back to society.
“Start preparing early by developing your capabilities and skills, which should include active and impactful participation in extracurricular activities and leadership programmes,” she advised.
While prioritising students who need financial aid, Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee said the tertiary education provider looks for quality candidates with potential and talent to carve out a better and brighter future.
“We look for the very best well-rounded candidates – those who do well academically, as well as excel out of the classroom, in sports and extracurricular activities,” she shared.
Fresh start: Star Education Fund manager Susanna Kuan (front row, far left), Yeow (front row, centre) and SMG chief content officer Esther Ng (front row, 11th from left) and corporate communication and social impact manager Selina Ng (front row, far right) with Fund partners in education and scholars at the presentation ceremony.
She added that the institution also looks for candidates who will give of themselves to the community and who will pay it forward.
“The willingness to give back will help keep the wheels turning,” she said. To ensure scholars are well-prepared to face the world with confidence after their graduation and succeed in their careers, Prof Lee said they are expected to be active participants by immersing themselves in the institution’s ecosystem, community and activities for their overall wholesome development.
“More importantly, we look for scholars who will take full advantage of their time with us to improve themselves academically and broaden their horizons,” she added.
As tertiary education providers offer the key to opening many exciting doors of opportunity through scholarships, Prof Lee said it is up to the students to make the best of the opportunity.
“Everyone deserves a chance to better themselves, especially those from B40 families,” she said.
Uplifting the deserving
HELP University, Monash University Malaysia and Sunway Education Group were among the top six contributors to the Star Education Fund for the year 2022.
Prof Lee: We look for the very best well-rounded candidates – those who do well academically, as well as excel out of the classroom, in sports and extracurricular activities.The other three institutions were UCSI University Trust, University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM).
Since its inception in 1994, the Star Education Fund has benefited 4,361 scholarship recipients with a value of over RM158.5mil.
For the 2022 scholarship cycle, a total of 76 scholarships valued at RM5.9mil were awarded.
Prof Webster said Monash University Malaysia is dedicated to empowering knowledge and making a difference in society.
“We believe everyone deserves equal access to higher education and should have access to the support and resources required to excel, which is aligned with the country’s aspirations highlighted in the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2015-2025 for access, quality, equity, unity and efficiency,” she said.
She added that the programmes offered by the university through the Star Education Fund can help gifted students obtain the education they may otherwise not have access to.
“We are all about encouraging diversity and inclusivity. Scholarships encourage diversity by enabling youths in this country from various backgrounds to achieve their academic goals. With education, these youths can in return give back to society,” she said.
Choi: Offering scholarships and financial assistance will assist and encourage students from B40 families to excel in their studies without financial encumbrance.UCSI University Trust head Shannen Choi said since the inception of the Star Education Fund, the institution has been a key partner in providing opportunities for deserving students, regardless of race or religion, to pursue their tertiary education at UCSI University and UCSI College.
“Offering scholarships and financial assistance will assist and encourage students from B40 families to excel in their studies without financial encumbrance,” she added.
Citing Sunway University founder and chancellor Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah’s belief that higher education is vital to the progress of the individual, the community and the country, Prof Lee said the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has been providing scholarships to deserving students through the Sunway Education Group throughout the years.
“Tertiary education providers in Malaysia play a crucial role in the advancement of our country. A good education is the best hope for a better future, and this is the kind of hope epitomised by scholarship and financial assistance recipients,” she said.
UNM Faculty of Arts and Social Science dean Dr Jason Pandya-Wood said scholarships such as this are important contributions to breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and enabling talent to flourish.
“Across Malaysia, and indeed around the world, there are children and young people with enormous talent and potential who are hindered by significant challenges related to their income or where they are from.
“An education at UNM, made possible through the Star Education Fund, will enable students to gain a world-class education at a truly global university,” he said.
HWUM provost and chief executive officer Prof Mushtak Al-Atabi said widening participation is in the DNA of the varsity.
“We started more than 200 years ago during the First Industrial Revolution to help women and men improve their employability prospects and have a better life. Today, at the time of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we believe the challenges faced by the world require the contribution of all sectors of society.
“That is why we do not see providing scholarships as an act of charity, but an act of responsibility to future-proof our world,” he said.
He added that the Star Education Fund represents one of the most effective and inclusive pathways to reach out to deserving students who have the potential of developing into purpose-driven leaders.
Pointing out that it is the duty of all education institutions to assist in the manpower and talent development of our nation, Prof Liew said there is no question that HELP University would contribute to the funding of disadvantaged and marginal groups.
SEJ scholars: Asareel (left) and Leong posing for the camera with Yeow (centre).
“They are also as capable as other more fortunate students. Many have multiple intelligences who would succeed in life and in business. Helping them is also sensitising them to understand that they should help others when they become successful,” he said.
The Star Education Fund award presentation ceremony for the year 2022 was held at Menara Star on Jan 17.
This was the first time the annual presentation of awards ceremony was held after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the ceremony, Star Media Group (SMG) chief executive officer Alex Yeow unveiled the new logo of the Star Education Fund, which will be running for the 30th consecutive year this year.
He also officiated a soft launch of the Star Education Fund Scholarship Awards 2023. Applications for this year’s edition are targeted to open this April.
THE VIEWS
Hopes and wishes
I hope to become an amazing chef in future. I have a lot of passion for cooking.
I believe passion is the only motivation, so even though I obtained straight As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM),
I decided to follow my interest. I am proud of myself for winning the scholarship. It helps to relieve my parents’ financial burden.
Kum Wing Yan, 19, Diploma in Culinary Arts, UOW Malaysia KDU University College
This scholarship helps me in achieving my dream without needing to ask my parents for their financial support, as they need to save money to pay for the medical cost of my brother, who has a heart condition.
I wish to become a financial controller in future.
My friend’s father is a financial controller. From him, I could see this occupation demands strong responsibility.
I like being responsible, and making analysis and planning.
Chee Qiao Yi, 20, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, Taylor’s University
I hope that I am able to maintain good academic results and to keep tabs of the ever-changing developments in the medical field in order to gain knowledge that is not found in the books.
As I am a sports-oriented person, I also hope to allocate some time to excel in sports-related events such as track and field and cheerleading.
In addition, I hope that during my university life, I can bring value to people around me and help others whenever I’m able to.
I hope in future I will be able to improve the quality of life of patients and give support to their family members, as I had experienced how desperate and frustrated a family, especially those who are underprivileged, can be in finding a cure and treatment for their loved ones.
Wong Yu-Wey, 20, Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, Monash University Malaysia
I want to complete my studies with dedication and hard work. I know a huge burden is still on my shoulders but I will do my best.
I have always loved mathematics and numbers, and I wish to climb the corporate ladder and be a chief financial officer one day.
My dream is to ensure I provide a wonderful lifestyle for my parents who have worked hard in raising me. I am very grateful to have been given this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow.
I promise I will make the best of it and be versatile in whatever I undertake. I will give my best to society in return for this opportunity.
Lemueel Mill Stephen Mill, 19, Foundation in Arts leading to Bachelor of Business (Hons) Finance, HELP University
