THE Penang government has urged industry players and the private sector to contribute to the Penang Future Foundation (PFF), as its scholarship fund is running low, with less than RM5 million remaining to support deserving undergraduate students.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who also chairs the PFF, made this appeal while announcing that 54 students have been selected for the 2024 scholarship awards – 49 under the Penang Scholar category and five under the Mutiara Scholar category.
“Our funds are drying up, and we have less than RM5 million left, which may only last for about two more years.
“The arguments remain that the state government must do more and more to provide a bottomless talent pool. That is a tall order, but it is also a reality that such a commitment places a high financial strain on the state government’s already limited resources.
“While we intend to continue with this initiative for as long as possible, I must implore the generosity of key industry players in Penang to step forward and contribute. Their generosity will help ensure that the PFF remains a lifeline for gifted and deserving students,” Chow said during a symbolic award presentation to four scholar representatives from the 2024 cohort at Komtar today.
The total scholarship amount awarded for the 2024 cohort stands at RM2.7 million. Since its inception in 2015, PFF has provided scholarships to 805 students, amounting to approximately RM44.5 million.
Between 2015 and 2023, 751 students received PFF scholarships to pursue undergraduate degrees in diverse fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Accountancy, and Finance. In 2024, an additional 54 students have been awarded scholarships.
“These two distinct scholarship awards are designed to encourage the academic high-flyers to maintain a strong academic performance in the Penang Scholar category, and to help those from disadvantaged financial backgrounds under the Mutiara Scholar category,” Chow said.
Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the state government remains committed to sustaining the PFF initiative. Chow emphasised that as Penang charts its industrialisation journey for the next 50 years, it is even more crucial to maintain a steady pipeline of talent to meet growing industry demands.
“This initiative benefits both students and the industry, as scholarship recipients are required to work in Penang for two to five years after graduation, depending on the scholarship amount they received,” he explained.
With the presence of over 350 multinational companies (MNCs) and 6,500 small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state, Chow is hopeful for more financial support from the industry to sustain the programme.
Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, a member of the PFF Selection Committee, highlighted that more than half of the over 700 graduates who received the scholarship awards are now employed in the Free Trade Zone.
“I have been involved in the selection process for 10 years, interviewing students. Seeing them graduate brings us an immeasurable sense of satisfaction. Echoing Chief Minister Chow’s call, I also appeal for contributions to support deserving students, who in turn will contribute to the state’s growth,” Nazir said.
All the four scholarship recipients – Kavinesh Reddy Gopalakrishnan, Muhamamad Danial Adzha Syamsul Adzha, Ng Chin Qi and Samantha Law Zhi Wei – expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the state government and donors.
Kavinesh, a first-year Data Engineering student at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor Baru, described the scholarship as more than just financial assistance.
“It is a symbol of trust, a belief in our potential, and a push for us to strive for greater heights,” he said.
Coming from a family of nine, with only his father as the sole breadwinner, financial struggles have always been a challenge.
“Despite the hardships, my parents have always emphasised the importance of education, encouraging me to work hard and pursue my dreams.
“Receiving this scholarship is not just a relief for me but a blessing for my entire family. It lifts a huge financial burden off our shoulders and allows me to focus entirely on my studies, grow, and give back.
“To the Penang Future Foundation, to our sponsors, and to everyone who made this scholarship possible – thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten,” Kavinesh said.
Muhamamad Danial, a second-year Accountancy student at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), shared how he took on part-time jobs during semester breaks to help ease his parents’ financial burden in raising four children.
He noted that the rising cost of living, coupled with studying in Selangor, had added to the strain due to expenses such as rent, food, and general living costs.
“With Penang’s rapid development and the influx of multinational and manufacturing companies, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in the accounting sector. I recognise that accounting is the heart and soul of every business, and I hope to contribute to the state’s growth by applying my skills and working diligently.
“I strongly encourage fellow students to apply for the PFF scholarship, as it holds immense value for recipients. The scholarship not only helps deserving students complete their studies but also encourages them to give back to Penang by working here. This helps prevent brain drain while nurturing local talent to build a brighter future, mutually benefiting both the state and its scholars,” Muhamamad Danial said.
Chin Qi, a second-year Accounting student at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), shared that receiving the scholarship has allowed her parents to focus on supporting her younger sister, who is currently in secondary school, and her elder brother, who is pursuing his studies at UTAR.
“I really appreciate getting this scholarship. Many students out there are also working hard and hoping for this support, so I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make the most of this opportunity. It motivates me to work even harder to maintain the required academic results, ensuring that I do not take this privilege for granted.
“I applied for the PFF scholarship because Penang is where I want to build my future career. As someone born and raised here, I deeply appreciate the state’s rapid development and the strong presence of multinational companies (MNCs) across various industries. These opportunities make Penang an ideal environment for graduates like me to grow and thrive professionally. I hope to contribute my skills and knowledge to support Penang’s future development, particularly in the financial and corporate sectors,” Chin Qi said.
Zhi Wei, a third-year Computer Science student at INTI Penang, spoke about the financial struggles she faced, coming from a single-parent household with her mother working tirelessly to support the family.
“When I learned that I had been awarded the PFF scholarship, I felt an immense sense of relief, knowing that it would ease my mother’s financial burden.
“This scholarship has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, driving me to strive for academic excellence.
“As I look towards my future, I am excited about the opportunities available in Penang. The state’s thriving tech sector, with its diverse industries spanning AI, data analytics, and more, provides great prospects for Computer Science graduates like myself. I aspire to use my expertise to develop solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute to Penang’s growth and prosperity.
“On a personal note, this scholarship has taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. I’ve always been inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ This scholarship has made my dream a reality, and I am committed to contributing to the community by making a meaningful impact,” Zhi Wei said.
For more information about the Penang Future Foundation, please visit: www.penangfoundation.my
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siew Chia En