Maybank

Maybank Foundation has expanded its local scholarship programme to include, for the first time, sponsorship from pre-university levels. The Foundation has awarded full scholarships to 19 deserving students this year to pursue their dreams at top public and private local universities. These young achievers were shortlisted from over 1,000 applications received and put through a rigorous process of selections.

Prior to this, the Bank only sponsored students at the undergraduate level in local universities in Malaysia as well as top overseas universities. To date, the Maybank Scholarship Scheme has sponsored over 1,000 deserving students since its inception in 1972.

Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, President & CEO of Maybank (center) with Puan Nora Abdul Manaf, Senior Executive Vice President & Head of Group Human Capital, Maybank talking to some of the scholars.

Maybank has allocated some RM6.6 million for the new and existing scholarship holders studying locally and overseas, this year. The Maybank Scholarship encompasses financial support including tuition fees, living allowances, a laptop and paid practical training for the scholars. The bank also nurtures the scholars with development programmes to develop them professionally and personally for a rewarding career with the Maybank Group.

The scholarship award scheme is part of the Group’s commitment in supporting the country’s human capital development as well as enabling deserving students pursue their dreams, with an emphasis on academically excellent students from lower income families.

The scholarships were presented by Maybank President & CEO, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, at a special ceremony in Menara Maybank recently. Also present were Puan Nora Abdul Manaf, Senior Executive Vice President & Head of Group Human Capital, Maybank, the proud parents and guardians of the scholars.

Speaking at the awards presentation ceremony, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said, “Our scholarship award is an investment that we make early in the foundation years of our talents for them to gain an edge before joining the workforce. It extends beyond financial assistance as it provides opportunities to achievers to obtain not only a good education but also a career with Maybank.”

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we play an integral role in improving the well-being of our community. No child should be deprived of a good education, especially high achievers, because of financial worries. The enhanced scholarship scheme this year that starts at pre-U provides an early opportunity to young achievers who require financial support to develop their abilities and realise their potential,” added Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar also added that Maybank’s education assistance goes beyond the Scholarship Awards. “We have adopted two schools under the PINTAR school adoption programmes and provided ‘back-to-school’ financial assistance to eligible staff to defray education costs for their school-going children or those entering first-year Diploma or Degree courses locally.”

Meanwhile Nurul Izzah Binti Mohd Nor from Negeri Sembilan who will be reading Economics in a public university said she was honoured to be selected to receive a scholarship from such a regional company with a worldwide network. “I feel very eager, enthusiastic and a little bit nervous but I really look forward to joining Maybank once my studies are completed. Just seeing the Maybank logo and now a part of Maybank makes me feel proud."

“I am very grateful for the golden opportunity as the monetary aid will ease my parents’ burden greatly. My parents have done everything to provide for all of us in the family and I’m always motivated to study harder just by seeing their determination. I will be pursuing my studies in actuarial science at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and I can’t wait to work for a leading financial institution like Maybank and make them proud one day,” said Ashwini A/P Letchumanan, a youngest daughter in her family and a scholarship recipient from Penang.

Her fellow scholarship recipient and friend, Eddy Goh from Kuala Lumpur added, “I’ve always enjoyed number crunching, so this accountancy course is like a dream come true! Once I’ve completed my studies, I would want to give back to society what I’ve learned, perhaps by motivating other students to strive harder.” Goh will be studying in Multimedia University.

"I'm honoured to be selected to receive a scholarship from such a regional company with a worldwide network. I feel very eager, enthusiastic and a little bit nervous but I really look forward to joining Maybank once my studies are completed. Just seeing the Maybank logo and now a part of Maybank makes me feel proud," said Nurul Izzah Binti Mohd Nor from Negeri Sembilan who will be reading Economics in a public university.

Maybank was recently acknowledged as the No.1 preferred employer in the country through a survey of 10,000 graduates, administered by Graduan Aspire 2011 Career Fair. In addition, in Malaysia’s 100 Leading Graduate Employer 2011 ranking conducted by GTI Media and Trendence, Maybank was also announced as the winner in the Banking and Financial Services category.

Application for the Maybank Overseas Scholarship is now open until 22 April 2012. SPM school leavers are also encouraged to apply. The requirements, amongst others, include an age limit of not more than 18 years old, obtaining a minimum of 6As in SPM examination or equivalent, household income of not more than RM120,000 per annum and leadership experience in extra-curricular activities. Information of the Maybank Scholarship programme is available at http://www.maybank.com.my/corporate-profile/scholarship.

Maybank Foundation is the regional arm of Maybank Group to execute its corporate responsibility (CR) role and a platform to engage communities which include the disbursement of scholarships. With the latest new scholars, this year Maybank is currently sponsoring more than 70 scholars at various stages of study at both local and overseas universities.