Imparting knowledge and advice: Gamuda Group managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling (fifth from right) getting to know the 2024 Gamuda’s top scholars and providing sound advice before they begin their respective academic journeys. — Photos by LOW LAY PHON/The Star
The Gamuda Scholarship brings tertiary education dreams to life for students of all backgrounds
DAPPLED light danced between the gaps of feather-shaped palm tree fronds, leaving streaks of sunbeams on Syaflin Kimieadley Rosli as he wandered through the palm oil plantation yet again in search of a spot with a stable internet connection for his university scholarship application interview.
Unfortunately, lady luck was not on the young lad’s side that day and he had to miss the potential life-changing interview due to the lack of internet connectivity.
That incident, along with the countless trips Syaflin Kimieadley had already taken to and from the plantation for online classes throughout the movement control order (MCO), was truly the straw that broke the camel’s back.
“My village always had very poor internet connectivity, causing obstacles for Orang Asli students like me who want to study.
Because of this, I could not take an online interview with certain universities for an application to study law, and had to make a trip to Kuala Terengganu for an interview opportunity with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
“Poor internet connection was the ultimate wake-up call that made me realise changes in my community are essential to bring us forward,” shared the 19 year-old from the Temoq tribe in Pahang, as he recalled the past.
Perseverance pays
Syaflin Kimieadley not only impressed UKM in the interview, he also managed to secure a full scholarship from Yayasan Gamuda to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. Elated to be a scholarship recipient, he shared that all the tough times he experienced were well-worth it.
“Never give up on your dreams. Though there are difficult times, one must always remember that whatever gains are obtained in the future depends on what you are doing right now.
“I applied for multiple scholarships after SPM but received none. However, I told myself that I would never quit trying. I continued with my matriculation programme and grabbed the opportunity to clinch the Gamuda Scholarship right after.
Syaflin Kimieadley (left) and Lee are two of the 123 outstanding students who were selected to be the 2024 Gamuda scholars.
“Now, I am on the path towards my goal,” said the thankful student who is one of the 21 indigenous students who received full scholarships from Gamuda.
Crediting his parents, who work as rubber tappers, Syaflin Kimieadley said it was their tremendous support which motivated him to pursue studies for a better life.
“My parents realised the importance of education and always supported my dreams of becoming a lawyer. I plan on becoming a great lawyer so that I have the knowledge to protect my people from discrimination and all other injustices they face,” said Syaflin Kimieadley.
Creating impactful growth
Fellow scholar Lee Wei Qin shared Syaflin Kimieadley’s ambition of becoming a great contributing member of society.
The lass, who will be pursuing Electronics Engineering at King’s College London in the United Kingdom, said: “Whether it’s professionally or personally, I will always aim or make sure that the work that I do has an impact on the community or the people around me.”
“I believe the most efficient way to achieve personal growth is by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. That’s one of the reasons why I applied for the Gamuda Scholarship because I wanted to challenge myself.
“Professionally, I would like to aim for a Masters at an Ivy League to push myself and further my understanding and technical expertise on subject areas that I’m interested in, like machine learning, electronic circuitry and electromagnetism.”
She added that by doing so, she would be able to actively contribute to Gamuda when she joins the company’s engineering department after graduation.
“I’m really excited about the potential of incorporating machine learning in Gamuda’s various projects to drive greater automation.
“My goal in my degree is to gain the hardware and software skills required to understand a system and to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness.”
Lee, who is passionate about community engagement projects, also plans to be part of Yayasan Gamuda to help expand the foundation’s efforts to boost education among the Orang Asli community.
Noting that receiving a scholarship is a privilege, she advises future scholars to conduct research and prepare well for it.
Empowering future leaders
Yayasan Gamuda, the foundation of Gamuda Berhad, has pledged its commitment towards equal opportunities and inclusivity in education by offering full scholarships to deserving students - over 70% of this year’s recipients come from the B40 income group.
“Education remains a powerful tool for empowerment and social mobility. Gamuda Scholarship continues to level the playing field for deserving students as we have significantly increased our commitment to the programme this year to RM30mil (up from RM20mil in 2023) for 123 students (up from 79 students in 2023).
“The programme helps students excel in their skill sets so that they can thrive in any operating environment, unlocking their full potential and ready to make a positive impact,” said Gamuda Group managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling.
Emphasising the importance of soft skills, Lin noted that students need to develop empathy, people skills, critical and strategic thinking, as well as independence.
“Develop your independence as you mature. Beyond financial independence, emotional independence is equally important.
“Once you start work and embark on your respective careers, you must face the realities of life - responsibilities and obligations. There is a time for everything - university is a time in your life that you should treasure.
“It is the time to make friends, immerse yourself in the local culture, read widely, and travel to broaden your views,” shared Lin during a closed-door session with the top scholars at Menara Gamuda, Petaling Jaya, recently.
Gamuda’s scholarship programme this year saw an unprecedented 3,552 applications, with scholarships awarded to the top 3% of applicants.
Among the recipients, 17 exceptional scholars have been granted the opportunity to pursue their education at renowned global universities such as Imperial College London, University of Melbourne, Peking University, Nanyang Technological University, and University of New South Wales.
The scholars are pursuing diverse courses across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields, including construction, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), IT-related science, and environmental science.
Additionally, scholarships are awarded for studies in quantity surveying, finance and accounting, marketing and communications, architecture and urban planning, and psychology.
Gamuda recognises that its high-potential talent comes from a blend of scholars across various disciplines. Upon graduation, these scholars have promising career prospects within Gamuda’s diversified businesses, spanning different regions.
This year’s programme also marks a substantial step forward in supporting Malaysia’s indigenous communities. A total of 21 scholarships have been awarded to these groups, including Orang Asli from West Malaysia and Orang Asal from Sabah and Sarawak.
Since its inception in 1996, the Gamuda Scholarship has supported more than 763 students, with a total scholarship sum exceeding RM114mil. This investment has created a robust pipeline of high-potential talent for the company and the nation.
As Gamuda grows, this expanded scholarship programme underscores its commitment to nurturing capable Malaysians and contributing to the country’s development.
