“Tertiary education is the cornerstone of individual development, poverty alleviation, and economic progress,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat at the UTAR JinBodhi Bursary Deed of Donation Signing and Award Presentation Ceremony, held on 6 June 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The ceremony, organised by the Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid (DSFA), also acknowledged a significant contribution from the Bodhi Meditation Charity Foundation (BMCF) aimed at supporting UTAR students in 2024. Four deserving students, namely Ngoh Min Yee, Hoo Chin Wen, Quah Ye Gim and Chia Jia Chun, were awarded scholarships for the current semester at the event.

The event brought together guests from BMCF and UTAR. The notable guests included BMCF Chairman Teacher Ling Shan, BMCF Board of Trustees Teacher Fu Han, BMCF committee members Brother Xu Te and Brother Wen Jun, BMCF guest Sister Wen You, BMCF staff Sister You Qi, and other BMCF staff members.

Present from UTAR were Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, DSFA Head Ms Tan Wear Sim, UTAR staff, and the bursary recipients.

The deed of donation was signed by Prof Dato’ Ewe and Teacher Ling Shan. The signing was witnessed by Prof Choong and Teacher Fu Han.

Prof Dato’ Ewe, in his speech, emphasised the impact of BMCF’s generosity, “The generous contributions from the Bodhi Meditation Charity Foundation have left an indelible mark on the lives of our students. Through your benevolence, countless students have been given the opportunity to pursue their education at UTAR and have been empowered to uplift their families’ livelihoods through the power of education.”

Echoing Prof Dato’ Ewe’s sentiment, Teacher Ling Shan said, “Seven years ago, Grandmaster JinBodhi established the JinBodhi Bursary, believing that education is crucial for a nation’s prosperity and an individual’s success. Today, many bursary recipients have graduated and are making their mark in various fields. They are transforming their knowledge into contributions to society.”

The generous donation by BMCF and the awarding of these scholarships underscore the Foundation’s commitment to supporting education and alleviating financial burdens for students in need. This initiative not only provides financial relief but also inspires recipients to achieve their academic and personal goals without the added stress of financial constraints.

One bursary recipient, Chia Jia Chun, shared his heartfelt gratitude, “This bursary is a lifesaver. As the only son of divorced parents, I had to work to support my expenses while studying at UTAR. It was stressful, and my academic performance suffered. Now, with this bursary, I can focus on my studies, enjoy time with my coursemates, and spend more time with my family. It has brought hope to my life, and I can now look forward to finishing my studies, getting a job, and supporting my family. Thank you, JinBodhi.”

The UTAR JinBodhi Bursary Deed of Donation Signing and Award Presentation Ceremony 2024 stands as a testament to the power of philanthropy in transforming lives. The support from BMCF enables needy students to pursue their education with renewed hope and determination, paving the way for a brighter future.