AIA PUBLIC Takaful expands scholarship programme with RM3.2 million commitment

AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd. has expanded its AIA Penyala Harapan Scholarship Programme with an additional RM3.2 million commitment, bringing its total scholarship allocation to RM4.8 million.

The expansion will support 40 additional students, with RM1.6 million allocated to a second cohort of 20 scholars at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), while another RM1.6 million will fund Universiti Malaya’s (UM) inaugural cohort of 20 scholars.

The announcement was made during the programme’s inaugural scholarship presentation ceremony, where the first 20 IIUM recipients were recognised.

Launched in October 2025, the programme is funded through surplus donations contributed by AIA PUBLIC Takaful certificate holders to the AIA Penyala Harapan Charity Fund.

AIA PUBLIC Takaful chief executive officer Mohd Asri Omar said the programme’s expansion reflected the organisation’s aim of creating more opportunities for deserving students to pursue higher education.

“In less than a year, the AIA Penyala Harapan Scholarship Programme has grown from supporting a single cohort to partnering with two of Malaysia’s leading universities,” he said.

UM partnership broadens disciplines covered

UM’s participation as the programme’s second university partner expands its scope beyond the fields currently supported at IIUM.

At IIUM, scholarships are available to first-year degree students studying Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance and Law. At UM, eligible disciplines include Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Medicine, Surgery, Nursing Science and Business Administration.

UM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dr Hasniza Zaman Huri said the university welcomed the partnership as part of efforts to provide students with access to quality education regardless of their financial circumstances.

The scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses for up to four years, subject to academic and programme requirements. Scholars may also be offered internship opportunities with AIA PUBLIC Takaful.

Selection considers academic performance, financial need and students’ future aspirations, with the participating universities responsible for candidate shortlisting and monitoring academic progress.

Asri said the programme would also focus on mentorship, industry exposure and career readiness, alongside financial assistance, to help scholars prepare for employment after graduation.