Hong Leong Foundation grants scholarships worth RM1.39 mln

KUCHING: Leong Foundation awarded scholarships worth RM1.39 million to 32 students from underprivileged backgrounds to further their education at institutions of higher learning in the country.

Quek Sue Yian, executive director of the Hong Leong Foundation said, “The workplace will undergo tremendous upheaval in the next decades with the coming of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Students need to understand that the future is constantly evolving and while we are still giving out a lot of scholarships for traditional degrees such as accountancy, law, economics and medicine, I want the students to remember that regardless of the type of degree chosen, being nimble and adaptable to change are the most valuable thing one can take away.”

The Hong Leong Foundation has been awarding the scholarships to deserving students since 1997.

To date, the Foundation had empowered more than 1,000 students in realising their aspirations, with up to RM34.59 million worth of scholarships.

The scholarship is awarded for any course or field of study as long as it is a first full- time undergraduate or a diploma course at any recognised public and private universities and colleges in Malaysia.

One of the scholarship recipient, Nurul Hidayah Abu Hassan, 20, is a visually-impaired student who

Students need to understand that the future is constantly evolving and while we are still giving out a lot of scholarships for traditional degrees such as accountancy, law, economics and medicine.

Hong

Quek Sue Yian, executive director of the Hong Leong Foundation

has forged through resolutely. She lives with her home-bound mother and two siblings on her late father’s SOCSO contribution.

This younglady wasthecountry’s runner up in the National Quran Recital Competition 2015.

“I have been given many opportunities in life because organisations such as the Hong Leong Foundation believes in supporting the potential that it sees in me.

“I am thankful for the chance to pursue a degree in social work as I want to give back to society too,” she said.

Nurul Hidayah will be studying at University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu to pursue a Bachelor in Social Science.

Another recipient, Suresh P. Velasami is from Seremban. He became an orphan at the age of eight years old.

Despite his hardship, he makes it a point to be as self-sufficient as possible by working part-time at a retail store to support his hostel fees.

He is currently in his second year studying Professional Communications at the International University of Malaya-Wales.

The scholarship from Hong Leong Foundation will help Suresh to complete his undergraduate degree.

“Resilience has helped me overcome life’s challenges. I believe in being positive and having a cando attitude in everything that I do. I am incredibly happy to receive this opportunity to pursue my further studies and hope that one day I can be in a position to contribute back to society,” he said.

A third recipient, Alicia Tan is another remarkable lady who has pushed herself to excel despite challenges in her life. Her father passed away five years ago – and her mother has her own challenges with mental disability. She is currently supported by her relatives.

Tan was previously a STAR Media Group Bhd scholarship holder and the Elena Cook Foundation funded her monthly expenses.

She also works part-time to supplement her daily income.

“I have always wanted to be an engineer but never thought that I would be in a position to fulfil this dream due to my financial circumstances.

“I am immensely grateful to Hong Leong Foundation for sponsoring my studies in this field,” she said.