AdminIn a bid to foster inclusive education and uplift underprivileged students, Carlsberg Malaysia, in collaboration with the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), has recently disbursed RM1 million in scholarships through the Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund. The initiative, aimed at transcending societal barriers, has benefitted 333 recipients hailing from diverse backgrounds across Malaysia.
The scholarship program, designed to prioritize students from the B40 and M40 groups irrespective of race or creed, aims to ease the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education. Each selected student has received RM3,000 in cash, a significant contribution toward their educational expenses.
Inclusive Education Initiative
A notable aspect of the selection process is its emphasis on inclusivity, with preference given to applicants falling within specific categories such as orphans, individuals with a single parent, and those caring for disabled (OKU) family members.
Pearl Lai, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, underscored the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – Quality Education. She expressed, “Carlsberg Malaysia is pleased to disburse RM1 million in scholarships from the Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund, with the hope of providing equal opportunities for inclusive and equitable quality education for our future generation. Education is key to eradicate poverty and promote social development.
Pearl Lai highlighted that, when combined with the previous disbursement during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022, Carlsberg Malaysia has now channeled a total of RM2 million in scholarships, benefiting 666 students in their pursuit of tertiary education. This significant investment aligns with Carlsberg’s sustainability program, Together Towards ZERO and Beyond (TTZAB)
The sentiment was echoed by Huazong President Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Goh Tuan Chuan, who emphasized the pivotal role of education in fostering a harmonious and prosperous society. He remarked, “Education is the cornerstone of a knowledge-based society. Carlsberg Malaysia’s commitment to uplifting underprivileged students aligns seamlessly with our vision of a harmonious and prosperous nation.
Recipients Share Gratitude and Hope
The impact of the scholarships on individual students and their families cannot be overstated. Loshini a/p Rajendran, a 23-year-old student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in New Media at Han Chiang University College in Penang, expressed gratitude for the opportunities the scholarship has afforded her. “This scholarship has given me hope to pursue a brighter future,” she said. “With these funds, I won’t further add financial strain on my pensioner father, who has been providing for our family of five.”
Similarly, Mok Kuan Hai, 19, currently pursuing his studies in New Energy Science and Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia Campus in Sepang, shared his relief at being able to alleviate some of his family’s financial burdens. “Thanks to the Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund, I am now able to focus on my studies with peace of mind,” he said.
The scholarships have also been a lifeline for families facing significant challenges. Kok Yon Nyon, mother of Wong Zi Ning, a student at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, described the scholarship as a lifeline for her daughter’s education. “As a single mother battling congenital cerebral palsy, every day is a relentless fight to provide for my daughter,” she said. “This Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund scholarship is a lifeline for my daughter’s education.”
The Carlsberg Huazong Education Funds were disbursed to students nationwide, with recipients hailing from various states across Malaysia. A breakdown of the recipients shows 75 beneficiaries from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, 34 from Penang, 27 from Perak, 26 from Sarawak, 25 from Sabah, 24 from Johor, 22 from Malacca, 21 from Negeri Sembilan, 21 from Kedah, 20 from Pahang, 20 from Kelantan, 17 from Terengganu and 1 from Perlis.
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