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HWUM aims to raise close to RM5 million in tuition fees and cost of living allowances to support students from B40 families.
As part of Heriot-Watt University's 200th anniversary and history of widening access to education, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia launched its 1821 Appeal – Leaders with Impact Scholarship to support students from B40 communities.
The scholarship programme, which also has a strong focus on pastoral care, aims to help more young Malaysians from underserved segments of our community the life changing opportunity to attain a quality UK education, increasing opportunities for these students to discover their purpose in life, and to mobilise that purpose into positive impact on the world.
The opportunity is extended to talented young students from B40 families who have completed their SPM, STPM, UEC and equivalent qualifications. HWUM aims to offer scholarships to at least 10 students a year over the next 10 years. Eligible students will receive a full scholarship which covers tuition fees and cost of living allowances for the entire duration of their studies.
HWUM Provost and Chief Executive Officer Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi said: “Our aim is to widen the access to a positive education to all regardless of one's background. This scholarship programme will enable deserving students from B40 communities to gain access to a UK education. As we recover from the pandemic, this initiative will play an important role in uplifting undeserved communities during challenging circumstances. Through this initiative, we hope to impact the lives of many students and future generations to come.”
“We are very honoured to have our distinguished partners work with us today. We are hopeful that through our joint efforts, we will be able to contribute to Malaysia's aspirations of achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, for the betterment of all,” he added.
The official launch was officiated by Yang Berbahagia Professor Dato' Dr. Husaini Omar, Director General, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (“MoHE”).
Yang Berbahagia Professor Dato' Dr. Husaini Omar, Director General of Ministry of Higher Education said: “We are pleased that a global university such as Heriot-Watt University is just within our vicinity here in Putrajaya. The University's initiative for students from the B40 community will not only empower them to enrich their lives but also promote the country's spirit of togetherness as ‘Keluarga Malaysia', which encapsulates our values as a nation.”
“Initiatives such as the 1821 Appeal – Leaders with Impact Scholarship programme will enable people from all walks of life to access higher education. The Ministry is pleased to support such initiatives, in line with our commitment to nurture our youth and future generations through higher education that will help us transition towards an inclusive and diverse high-income nation,” he added.
As part of this initiative, HWUM also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”) with its collaborative partners, FWD Takaful Berhad (“FWD Takaful”) and Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (“Yayasan TAR”). The partnership enhances the collaboration between the parties in their collective goal of uplifting the lives of students from the B40 community.
The MoA signatories were Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Lisa Lew (FWD Takaful's Chief Human Resource Officer) and Dzameer Dzulkifli (Yayasan TAR's Chief Executive Officer).
FWD Takaful and HWUM will be co-sponsoring up to five students every year starting this year until 2024, who wish to pursue a Degree in Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University. The contribution will also cover the cost of living for the full duration of their studies.
FWD Takaful Berhad Chief Human Resource Officer Lisa Lew said: “Through this collaboration, FWD Takaful is looking to assist and encourage young talent in Actuarial Science, helping them reach their full potential and empowering them to contribute to society.”
Meanwhile, Yayasan TAR and HWUM will be co-sponsoring six students over the next three years through this scholarship. Through the Closing the Gap programme, the Foundation will be collaborating with HWUM to support selected secondary school students from underrepresented communities to pursue their higher education aspirations at HWUM.
Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman Chief Executive Officer Dzameer Dzulkifli said: “The Foundation aims to empower close to 50 deserving Tunku Scholars each year. The 1821 Appeal – Leaders with Impact Scholarship, which aims to enable deserving students to access a Heriot-Watt education to achieve their dreams no matter their circumstances, is in line with the Foundation's vision. We look forward to forging a new generation of leaders who will shape a better future for themselves, their community, and the country through this initiative.”
Talentbank will also be supporting the initiative by providing 20 final-year students with complimentary seats to its graduate finishing school programme, a series of readiness workshops, on its career platform.
Students can select any undergraduate programme that is offered at the Malaysia campus for this scholarship. Some of the supporting organisations may also stipulate preference for selected programmes based on their business disciplines. Upon successful completion of their undergraduate studies, students may have the opportunity to work with these companies.
The University is now accepting applications for this scholarship. For the July 2022 intake, applications will close on 24 June 2022 while the closing date for the September 2022 intake is 1 August 2022.
For more information on how to apply, please visit our 1821 Appeal – Leaders with Impact Scholarship page.