Access to higher education
A PHYSICAL injury affected her not only emotionally, but it resulted in the deferment of her first year of undergraduate class by two months.
Hana Marissa Ainul Azhar, 19, suffered a slip disc on her orientation day and was hospitalised for a week.
During this period, the Business, Banking and Finance student was anxiously waiting for a positive response to her application for the Taylor’s World Class Scholarship (TWCS).
Hoping to lift some financial burden off her family, the youngest of three received the best news she had heard in awhile.
“I was in the fitting room of a shopping mall at the time and when I saw the e-mail, I just screamed!
“It’s a great opportunity; I couldn’t believe it because this scholarship doesn’t only cover my full tuition fees but it gives me the opportunity to intern with a prestigious company.
“Getting this scholarship was important because I want to reduce my parents’ burden,” said Hana, whose dad is an engineer and mum works in the banking and finance profession.
Hana will have the opportunity to gain practical experience with Maybank after her studies.
Entering it’s 14th year, the TWCS 2019 was awarded to 16 high performing Taylor’s University students.
The TWCS is a full scholarship. Taylor’s University vice-chancellor and president Prof Michael Driscoll said recipients of the scholarship are also guaranteed an internship opportunity with world class organisations.
“Graduates today are expected to have work experience under their belt as employers today place emphasis on resumes which illustrate a relevant work history, be it from internships, volunteer work or actual job experience.
“The TWCS award programme is aimed at addressing these matters.
“Since being introduced in 2006, we have awarded close to 200 students with this unique opportunity and I can proudly say that they have gone on to accomplish great things, both in Malaysia and abroad.
“Our students’ holistic development is our ultimate priority,” he added.
Roshan Sundram, 19, waited anxiously to receive the e-mail from the university.
The youngest of four is currently pursuing his first year in mechanical engineering and will be interning with BASF Petronas.
“I am overjoyed and my parents are proud.
“I was nervous at the thought of not getting it but I put in a lot of effort for the entire process so I was confident.
“With my elder sister pursuing medicine in a private university, it’s a heavy financial burden for my parents,” he said.
Roshan said he can focus on the next four years without worrying about the financial aspects. His father is a pastor while his mother is a housewife.
His fascination with science experiments and figuring out how things work began from childhood.
“In secondary school, I developed a passion for Physics and Mathematics and this eventually pushed me to choose mechanical engineering as a career.
“My long-term plan is to gain as much experience as I can and then hopefully start something of my own,” he said.
Melissa Ong Zhie Ching was asleep when the e-mail on the scholarship offer came in.
“I was expressionless at first due to my sleepy daze but getting this full scholarship and knowing that I will have the opportunity to become an intern is a privilege,” said Ong, 19.
She is pursuing her first year in the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme.
The middle of three siblings was inspired to become a pharmacist after spending time with the elderly in her church.
“Older people have a higher tendency to be on multiple medications and this is often associated with decreased mobility and mortality.
“Bonding with them pushed me to study pharmacy,” said Ong, whose dad is a businessman while her mum is currently not working.
The 2019 industry partners are BASF Petronas, BDO, BMW, CIMB Group, DwP, Edelman, Four Seasons, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Mandarin Oriental, Maybank, Microsoft, Mondelez, Oracle and Veritas Design Group.