SAFI awards RM1 million scholarships empowering women

SAFI, Malaysia’s No.1 halal beauty brand, has announced the recipients of its second annual Biasiswa Siswi SAFI Scholarship Programme, awarding up to RM1,000,000* in total funding to 25 outstanding Malaysian female students pursuing higher education at public universities (IPTA). Each scholar will receive financial support of up to RM40,000*, easing the cost of tertiary education and enabling them to focus fully on their academic and personal development.

The scholarship programme was created in recognition of the persistent challenges faced by many young Malaysian women, including financial hardship, family obligations and societal expectations that can derail academic ambitions. By removing financial barriers, SAFI aims to ensure that talent and potential, rather than circumstance, determine a student’s educational journey.

The overwhelming response this year reflects the urgency of that mission. More than 20,700 applications were received—around 21 times higher than the previous year—highlighting the scale of unmet need for educational assistance among women across the country. Since its inception, the Biasiswa Siswi SAFI Scholarship Programme has positioned itself as more than a funding initiative, instead serving as a platform for long-term empowerment and social mobility.

“SAFI believes that true beauty extends beyond what meets the eye – it emerges from confidence, knowledge, and the opportunities that shape a woman’s future. We are dedicated to women’s development because we’ve seen time and time again that when a woman is empowered with opportunity, she doesn’t merely transform her own life. She uplifts her entire family and community,” said Kazlina Mohd Kassim, SAFI Brands and Insights Specialist.

Rigorous selection process reflects holistic empowerment

The 2025 programme was officially launched in March through SAFI’s emotionally resonant Raya film, which sparked nationwide interest among eligible Malaysian women aged 18 to 25 with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. Applications underwent a multi-stage assessment process designed to identify not only academic excellence, but also resilience, leadership potential and clarity of purpose.

Following an initial screening, shortlisted candidates were required to submit self-introduction videos detailing their motivations, aspirations and reasons for deserving the scholarship. The top 40 finalists were then selected for an intensive online bootcamp that assessed communication skills, leadership qualities, personality, resourcefulness and critical thinking. From this group, 25 scholars were ultimately chosen.

Kazlina said the programme was about building pathways where opportunities had previously been limited. “Seeing these young women achieve their dreams makes every effort worthwhile. The Biasiswa Siswi SAFI Scholarship is about more than providing financial assistance, it’s about investing in potential and creating pathways where none existed before. Each of these 25 recipients has shown extraordinary resilience and ambition. They’ve proven they have what it takes to succeed, and we are proud to stand beside them as they write the next chapter of their stories.”

The selected recipients represent universities across the country, reflecting the programme’s nationwide reach. They include students from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, International Islamic University Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

Beyond financial aid, building future-ready graduates

What sets the Biasiswa Siswi SAFI Scholarship Programme apart is its student-centric and holistic approach. Unlike conventional student loans, the scholarship does not require repayment, ensuring recipients graduate without long-term financial burden. Scholars are also not contractually bound to SAFI upon graduation, preserving their independence as they enter the workforce.

Instead, SAFI provides value-added career development opportunities, including internships and priority consideration for the brand’s Management Trainee Programme. This approach allows scholars to gain industry exposure while retaining the freedom to chart their own career paths.

For recipient Nur Qaidatul Anira Binti Abdullah Suwandy from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, the scholarship represents both relief and recognition. “This scholarship means everything to my family and me. The financial relief will allow me to pursue my goal of pursuing higher education and has also stood as validation that our dreams matter, that the potential of young Malaysian women is recognised,” she said. “Thanks to the Biasiswa Siswi SAFI Scholarship Programme, I can now fully concentrate on my studies without the burden of financial stress. I am determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity.”

To maximise accessibility, SAFI conducted extensive outreach efforts throughout April and May 2025, including two-day roadshows at five major universities and single-day activations at 15 additional campuses nationwide, from the Klang Valley to Perlis and Sabah. These efforts culminated in the SAFI Raya Roadshow, significantly boosting awareness of the programme.

“The response has been extraordinary and deeply moving,” Kazlina added. “Every application represents young women with aspirations, challenges, and admirable ambition. Whilst we could only award 25 recipients this year, we are committed to expanding our impact and reaching even more deserving students in the years ahead.”

With over 35 years as a trusted halal beauty brand in Malaysia, SAFI’s continued investment in education underscores its broader commitment to community development and to shaping a more inclusive, empowered future for Malaysian women.