PETALING JAYA: KFC Malaysia has launched The KFC Scholarship, an initiative aimed at empowering over 30 students from underprivileged communities in Malaysia in their higher education journey.
The RM2.1 million initiative is meant for qualified B40 students aiming to pursue their undergraduate degree at any one of the 20 public universities in Malaysia.
In addition to tuition fees, the scholarship will cover a monthly living allowance and KFC meal vouchers.
The KFC Scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens and empower students to focus on their studies.
Rising living costs and education fees have made it increasingly challenging for many families, particularly those in underserved communities, to afford quality education for their children.
"Education is always close to my heart. It's the best investment of our children's future," said QSR Brands chairman Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim.
"As operators of the largest fast food chains in Malaysia, we at QSR Brands recognise its power to transform lives, uplift communities, and create a more equitable society. The KFC Scholarship reflects our commitment to investing in the community and empowering the next generation of leaders. By removing financial barriers, we aim to open doors to quality education and build economic opportunities for the future."
QSR Brands chief executive officer and managing director Nehchal Khanna said: "Education is the foundation for a better future and essential in shaping future leaders of Malaysia. We believe the power of education engages minds, hearts, and hands, fostering holistic development.
"It's not just about knowledge; it's about self-worth, confidence, and resilience. As we invest in education, we create a rich foundation for leadership and we hope through this scholarship programme, we will ultimately forge a brighter path for our youths, the next generation leaders of our country," Nehchal added.
"At KFC Malaysia, we believe in creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve," said KFC Malaysia head Chandrasagran Munusamy.
"Through the launch of the first KFC Scholarship, we are investing in the future of Malaysia by empowering young minds with the foundation they need to overcome social and economic barriers, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the nation's development. We hope to impact more young Malaysians in the years to come."
Shortlisted students will undergo a screening and selection process by a panel of QSR Brands' leadership team. The scholarship will be awarded to 30 students who will receive financial support to pursue their undergraduate degree for up to four years.
The KFC Scholarship builds upon QSR Brands' long-standing commitment to community development and enhancement programmes.
Through its Add Hope and KFC Feeding Programme, KFC Malaysia has contributed more than RM32 million since 2007. QSR Brands also recently pledged RM2 million to combat child hunger in support of underprivileged students across 28 schools in Malaysia.
Interested Malaysian students are encouraged to visit https://kfc.com.my/scholarship for detailed information on the KFC Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and deadlines.
Applications for the scholarship opened on May 28 via the KFC website and have drawn over 500 applications. The closing date is July 31.
Students who have received an unconditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university can continue to apply directly for the scholarship programme at https://kfc.com.my/scholarship up to July 31.