Foundation raises funding for tertiary education scholarships

03 Sep 2022 | The Star

Yayasan Gamuda gives out RM13mil to help mainly B40 students

Gamuda group managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling (centre, in blue shirt) with some of the recipients of the 2022 scholarship, and Gamuda personnel.

Yayasan Gamuda has tripled the amount of money it gives out to deserving students to pursue tertiary education.

The foundation’s contribution this year went up to RM13mil – from RM3.9mil the previous year – as it pledges to fulfill the dreams of 58 students of which a good number are from B40 backgrounds.

“A core annual initiative by the foundation, the Gamuda Scholarship aims to contribute to the financial stability of the students’ academic pursuits at local and overseas institutions,” said Datuk Lin Yun Ling, group managing director of Gamuda Berhad, of which Yayasan Gamuda is the foundation arm.

“As testament to our commitment to nurture and upskill local talent, our total awarded sum for this year has surpassed RM10mil.

“We aim to better this as we target to raise 2023’s scholarship value to RM20mil, with an extension of scholarship for vocational training so that more students can benefit,” said Lin.

Among the highly qualified scholars this year, more than half of the recipients are from low-income families.

This year’s scholarship package includes additional allowances for a full scholarship that are essential to enable more B40 and M40 students to study overseas, with the scholarship covering tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, book and laptop allowances, airfare, and arrival fees for foreign students.

The Gamuda Scholarship 2022 initiative bolsters commitment to learning, excellence and equal education opportunity. At the presentation ceremony were Gamuda chairman Datuk Mohammed Hussein (front row, centre, in white shirt) and board member YTM Raja Datuk Seri Eleena Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-lah (seated on his left).

Gamuda scholars have placements in top international universities such as the University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, National University of Singapore, University of Sheffield, University of Sydney and University of California San Diego.

The 2022 edition of Gamuda Scholarship enables 43 students to study locally, and 15 to go overseas for studies in fields ranging from STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), business management, real estate management to architecture and psychology.

These scholars were shortlisted from almost 1,600 applications received, which is double the number of applications received last year.

Yayasan Gamuda head Lim Hui Yan said the scholarship has helped to realise the aspirations of more than 560 students since its inception in 1996.

“Undoubtedly, the shortlisting process was rigorous, and we took care to evaluate each and every candidate to ensure that the most deserving ones get to the final round to be chosen,” she said.

During an exchange with a smaller group of scholars after the presentation ceremony, Lin urged the students, especially those going overseas, to open up their minds to new experiences and cultures.

“Please immerse yourself in the community where you are, and have an active interests in things other than studies.

“Studies and results are not everything,” said Lin as he implored the students to read more, develop critical thinking and care for ESG related matters.

Lin wants the students to take the “top to toe development” approach to become an all-rounder to effectively contribute to society and the nation.

“You are at a stage of your life where you are essentially carefree. Use it well to explore and grow. In order to lead, being an all-rounder is very important,” he said.

Nor Rohman and Qi Shean are among the scholars funded by Yayasan Gamuda this year.

For scholars such as Nor Rohman Moktar, 21, who will be starting his building surveying degree in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) soon, the scholarship is a great relief for him and his family.

Hailing from Rawang, Selangor, he was raised by his aunt, now 70, while his uncle is a lorry driver.

“The application process for this scholarship was tough and challenging for me, and it took place as I was in the midst of my industrial attachment. I am so glad it worked out well in the end, thanks to the patience of the Gamuda administrator in guiding me through the process. I really need this scholarship,” said Nor Rohman, who had previously completed his diploma at UiTM.

For Lim Qi Shean, 19, the entire process of applying for the Gamuda scholarship has turned out to be an enriching experience in itself, even before she begins her mechanical engineering degree in Cambridge later in September.

“From the physical workshops of the process, I learned about the diversity of views, that you are not always right, and the value of teamwork.

“The entire process is really meaningful, such as how to communicate my position, what I like to do, and how I could help the world become a better place. I am really grateful for this,” she said.