Maybank

Maybank Allocates RM1.8 million Scholarship Awards for 2011

Maybank has awarded 27 new scholarships under its annual Maybank Scholarship Awards 2011 Scheme. The new scholars bring to total 202 undergraduates currently sponsored by Maybank with more than RM1.8 million allocated yearly for the Awards programme. The scholars are pursuing undergraduate studies in public universities as well as selected private institutions of higher learning.

Cheerful start to 1Maybank scholars with Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat, Nora Abdul Manaf and Geoff Stecyk (centre)

The Maybank Scholarship Awards started in 1972 and is open to deserving undergraduates from local universities. Since its inception, the Bank has sponsored more than 1,000 scholars. Scholars are given an annual grant as well as mentoring programmes to prepare them for eventual employment in the Maybank Group. Each new scholar receives RM9,000 per annum as well as a laptop for his or her academic studies.

The scholars received their awards recently from Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor at a ceremony in Menara Maybank. Also present were Nora Abd Manaf, Senior Executive Vice President and Head, Group Human Capital and Geoff Stecyk, Head Enterprise Transformation Services as well as parents and guardians of the scholars.

Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin congratulated the new scholars and welcomed them into the Maybank family. “The Maybank Scholarship Award is a component of one of the pillars of the Bank’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives, namely in the area of education. It is also part of the Group’s human capital development strategy to ensure a pool of leaders who can help Maybank achieve its vision as a regional financial services leader,” said Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin in his address.

Tan Sri Megat said in the last few years, the Bank had expanded the range of disciplines that will support the diverse business of the Group and enrich its talent pool. “Today, it is common to see students in engineering, the arts and sciences among our scholars in addition to those reading economics, finance and accounting,” added Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin.

He urged the scholars to take advantage of the opportunities given as a Maybank scholar to open more doors in life. “The scholarship is Maybank’s way of opening one of the many doors in your lives, providing you financial security and industrial training as you undertake their studies. You even stand the chance to be exposed internationally through select programmes such as youth summits held abroad. All these skills and exposure will give provide you the competitive edge during your studies as well as when you begin your careers in Maybank”

Maybank provides a nurturing environment for scholars through its mentorship programme where scholars are teamed up with a senior leader in Maybank who will guide, mentor and coach them throughout their studies to further boost their development. “Scholars should use the internship attachments and support to excel in other competencies such as leadership, communication skills and teamwork,” said Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin..

He also called on them to dedicate and volunteer a portion of their time to meaningful community projects that will benefit society as well as touch the lives of the less fortunate, and those in need. “It is when you incorporate all these aspects that you become an all rounder, a person whom others will want to emulate,” said Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin.

Meanwhile, Maybank Scholar Justin Chen from Seremban, currently pursuing a Network and Mobile Computing course at INTI International University said, "I am grateful to Maybank for the scholarship which will enable me to focus on my studies. Maybank has always been my bank and I have heard so much of their plans to be a regional leader and want to be a part of their growth and contribute to help in creating a robust IT network." Justin also speaks fluent French and has a keen interest in computer programming.

Another scholar, Fatin Hanani Khairunnizam, who is pursing a Bachelor of Accountancy in UiTM Shah Alam said, "Thank you Maybank, I am so happy to be a part of the Maybank family. The Chairman's challenge for us to be exemplary Maybank scholars will inspire me to do my best and contribute to areas of auditing which I love to excel in," said Fatin, who received her Diploma in Accountancy at age 18 also said she was determined to bring innovation to the bank when she graduates.

This year over 200 applications were received and the selection process included a numerical assessment and stringent interview process. The academic requirement was raised from CGPA 3.0 last year to CGPA 3.5 this year and took into consideration the candidates’ extra curricular activities.