THE Penang Future Foundation (PFF) continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing Malaysia’s brightest minds, despite facing funding challenges that threaten its sustainability.
Speaking at the Penang Future Foundation 2023 Award Presentation, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the chairman of the PFF Selection Committee, emphasised the programme’s decade-long commitment to supporting outstanding Malaysian students.
“We remain committed to attracting and retaining talents to spearhead the state’s growth over the next 50 years.
“A total of 700 students have received the PFF scholarships between 2015 and 2022, enabling them to pursue undergraduate degrees in various fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Accountancy, and Finance.
“The recent 2023 selection process saw an additional 43 students awarded the prestigious Penang Scholar award, and eight students selected for the Mutiara Scholar award,” he told a media conference at his office today.
Chow also cautioned the programme’s financial sustainability.
“Funding is not an eternal fruit-bearing tree. I must acknowledge that the available funds for PFF have been steadily depleting with every round of awarded scholarships.
“We call upon key industry players to step forward and contribute towards securing the future of PFF, ensuring that PFF remains a lifeline for gifted and deserving students,” Chow highlighted the importance of collective action in maintaining the programme’s vitality.
While acknowledging past contributions from companies such as National Instruments (NI) and local developer Hunza Group, he urged Penang’s extensive business community, comprising over 350 multinational corporations (MNCs) and 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to increase their financial support.
“Ultimately, it will be the industry reaping the rewards of the talent development programme through this scholarship.
“Without substantial support from all stakeholders, the forthcoming online application window for the PFF 2024 Scholarship Award, tentatively scheduled to open on July 15 this year, sadly marks one of our final opportunities,” Chow added.
Also present at the award presentation ceremony were four recipients from the 2023 cohort – Beh Jia Liang, Daswina Shanmuganathan, Peh Jia Xuan, and Mohamad Izzuddin Mohd Hadir.
Beh, an electrical engineering undergraduate at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said has alleviated his family’s financial burden significantly.
“My mother and I both suffer from a chronic illness, requiring monthly medical check-ups and costly treatments. The scholarships have been a lifeline for us, covering my tuition fees and providing a much-needed living allowance.
“Being awarded this scholarship instils in me a profound sense of responsibility and a renewed motivation to pursue excellence,” he said.
Daswina, a mechanical engineering undergraduate at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Nibong Tebal, said the scholarship has changed her life.
“My father is the sole provider for our family, and there came a time when his income could not cover my educational expenses.
“I am immensely thankful for the PFF scholarship, which has enabled me to afford my tuition fees and meet my living expenses,” Daswina expressed, with a commitment to giving back to Penang once she completes her studies.
Mohamad Izzuddin, who is currently pursuing his studies in Biological Sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Selangor, expressed his gratitude to the state for awarding him with the scholarship.
“While many prioritise development and progress, my passion lies in the conservation of our natural environment and resources. The scholarship helps to motivate me to excel in my studies.
“I want to contribute back to my state, community and nature after I complete my studies,” he said.
Meanwhile, Peh expressed her gratitude to the Penang government and the PFF Selection Committee for entrusting her with the scholarship.
“The scholarship acts as a gateway for me to realise my goals and achieve my dreams. With the support of this scholarship, I can focus more on my studies without financial worries and distractions.
“I aspire to be a software engineer and I am committed to working in Penang, utilising my knowledge to develop innovative solutions to serve the needs of the community in the state,” the computer science undergraduate from INTI International College Penang said.
PFF Selection Committee members – Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lim Koon Ong – were also present at the award presentation ceremony.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis