Making a difference

SCHOLARSHIPS are important not just as a means of recognising one’s success or performance, but also as a form of financial support for one’s aim to pursue higher education.
Scholarships are significant in making a difference in the lives of many especially from the disadvantaged or low-income families as the support offered not only allows the individual to pursue education but to realise one’s aspiration.
Last year, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation awarded RM56 million in scholarships bringing the total awarded to RM270 million to date and here to share her thoughts is Sunway Education Group director of Student LIFE, Lee Siok Ping.
When should students start thinking about applying for a scholarship?
It is always encouraged that the student starts early to give time for planning and preparation. For example, if you are currently in Form 5, you should start thinking about what course and where you would like to study and find out what scholarships or financial aids that are available for you to manage expectations and plan your finances accordingly.
What are the misconceptions when it comes to scholarships?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that scholarships are only for top scorers or high performers. While there are scholarships for that category, the foundation offers many scholarships for the underprivileged and disadvantaged as we believe education is the most significant way to break the cycle of poverty.
We encourage those who are determined to pursue an educational goal and a strong desire to make a difference in one’s life and future to come forward. However, you must be proactive in taking the first step and be willing to put in time and effort not just applying for a scholarship but investing in your own future.
What are the available scholarships?
At Sunway, we offer 35 different types of scholarships and awards catering to different needs and criteria. These include merit scholarships which are focused on achievements in academic, sports or music as well as leadership accomplishments.
We also offer many need-based scholarships providing education opportunities to the lower income or underprivileged communities such as the JCF Community Scholarship and JCF Scholarship.
What criteria do you look for?
Depending on the type of scholarship (merit or need based), we look for an all-rounder. We believe that one’s academic achievement is a given pre-requisite. Therefore, we look for someone who is able to project confidence – someone who can articulate and speak confidently about oneself.
At the same time, we look for someone who is positive – who sees adversities as challenges and a learning experience. This demonstrates one’s ability to handle problems or difficult situations. More importantly, we also look for someone who has the desire to give back to society and demonstrates commitment to making an impact to the community.
What are your top three tips to securing a scholarship?
Research the scholarship
Find out about more about the university, foundation or sponsoring body that is offering the scholarship. Prepare for the application process and interviews (if any), and anticipate the questions that will be posted to you. Prepare your answers and draft out how you will answer them; practice makes perfect.
Read application instructions carefully and be aware of deadlines
Spend some time understanding the scholarship criteria and terms of the scholarship. Plan ahead and note the application deadlines.
Stay organised
Make copies of everything you submit, and keep a record of all your documents to ease your application process.