MSEF “SIYUAN Scholarship” helps students pursue their studies

From left: Prof Choong, Prof Ewe, Dato’ Sri Lee and Tan Sri Datuk Nelson Tan during the signing ceremony

UTAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation (MSEF) at the MSEF “SIYUAN Scholarship” MoU Signing Ceremony and Press Conference. The event took place on 10 December 2021.

The “SIYUAN Scholarship” by MSEF is currently the only major programme in Malaysia that includes all three major areas of concern—education support, charity incubation and poverty alleviation. This scholarship programme helps students from six local non-government colleges and universities, including UTAR, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC), Southern University College (Southern UC), New Era University College (NEUC), Han Chiang University College of Communication, Oneworld Hanxin College by offering at least RM2.5 million per year to complete their studies. The beneficiary students are required to join the Malaysian Centre of Innovation in Voluntary Action (MIVA) to foster the virtue of gratitude by serving the community and being responsible to the community. 

Present at the event were MSEF President Dato’ Sri Lee Kar Whatt, Deputy President Dato’ Chan Wah Kiang, Vice President Tan Sri Datuk Nelson Tan Jyh Yaong, Executive Director Aki Chong Li Chin, Independent Director Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr Tan Chong Tin, UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, TAR UC President Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, Southern UC Chairman of Board of Directors Dato’ Vincent Tan Meng Seng, NEUC Vice-Chancellor Dr Mok Soon Chong, and representatives from the six colleges and universities. 

 

Dato’ Chan (left) and Aki Chong delivering their speeches

In his remarks, Dato’ Chan said that the“SIYUAN Scholarship” helps students complete their diploma and bachelor’s degree with the allocation of at least RM2.5million per year. He explained that “SIYUAN Scholarship” collaborated with charity organisations with the hope that the beneficiaries can learn the virtue of gratitude and give back to the community when they set foot into society in the future.

On the other hand, Aki Chong gave a comprehensive introduction on "Siyuan Scholarship" and explained that the name "Siyuan" was derived from the Chinese idiom "Yin Shui Si Yuan"（饮水思源）, which means “when drinking water, one should not forget its source”. 

Prof Ewe thanking MSEF for its contribution to the MSEF-UTAR Scholarship Fund

Speaking at the event, Prof Ewe expressed his appreciation to MSEF for donating a sum of RM500,000 to the MSEF-UTAR Scholarship Fund. This fund will certainly provide scholarships to needy and deserving UTAR registered students to pursue their studies in UTAR undergraduate programmes. He said, “Such a noble initiative will not only provide an opportunity for needy students to pursue a degree but also improve their chances for better jobs and better livelihood for their families. Knowing that people care will also motivate them to do better in their studies and work harder to achieve results. The recognition given as a result of their hard work in studies will inspire them to excel further.”

He added, “I am happy that MSEF and UTAR share the vision and goals in ensuring that the opportunity to have quality education should be given to all deserving students regardless of their background. This is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 which is to ensure quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

MSEF was officially established in 2021. The purpose and mission of the MSEF are to promote the simultaneous growth and development of Malaysia’s corporate culture and public welfare and charity culture, and promote the entrepreneur groups to fulfil its social responsibilities in the development of public welfare undertakings.