CYBERJAYA: A total of 40 students from underprivileged communities in Malaysia were recently awarded the KFC Scholarship from QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd and KFC Malaysia.
Haajaratul Nabila Rosman expressed gratitude for her scholarship, which eased the financial strain on her family.
"With this scholarship, I can focus on my studies and dedicate more time to my academic goals," said Haajaratul, the sixth of eight siblings, whose father passed away in 2019.
Aspiring to become a data analyst, she believes the scholarship will help her gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed and positively impact her community.
Similarly, Wong Wei Lik, a first-year dental student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, shared how the scholarship eases his family's financial burden.
"This scholarship is important because I don't want to burden my mother, who works as a rubber tapper earning RM900 monthly to raise four children. It allows me to continue my studies without asking her for money," he said.
Raised by his mother after his parents separated, Wong applied for many scholarships but received a response only from KFC.
"Tuition fees in dentistry are high, and not all scholarships cover them. I was happy to receive the KFC scholarship because I didn't expect it. In the future, I hope to become a dental surgeon and positively impact the community, especially in oral health," he added.
The award ceremony featured Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who praised QSR Brands and KFC Malaysia for their commitment to creating opportunities for young talent.
"Education is a powerful force—it opens doors and helps individuals improve their lives and communities. However, financial challenges can hinder access to quality education, making initiatives like the KFC Scholarships vital," he stated.
Another recipient, Narmadha Devi Balamurugan, a first-year mathematics student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, expressed how the scholarship allows her to focus on her studies.
"With this scholarship, I no longer have to worry about money. It enables me to concentrate fully on my academic goals," said the 19-year-old.
Inspired by her parents—her mother is a housewife and her father a goldsmith—Narmadha hopes to give back by providing free maths education to those in need.
QSR Brands managing director Nehchal Khanna stated that the KFC Scholarship demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting Malaysian youth facing financial challenges in higher education.
"This scholarship aims to assist academically strong students who demonstrate skills in ethical leadership, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
"The evaluation process was designed to assess these qualities, ensuring that recipients are well-rounded and ready to achieve their goals. We believe these young individuals have the potential to become leaders who will create positive change for themselves and our nation," he said.
This year, the scholarship recipients come from all 13 states, promoting inclusivity and addressing the urban-rural education gap.
The RM2.1 million scholarship provides comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and KFC meal vouchers.