FOR many families in Malaysia, education has become a huge investment burden, especially for those in the low and middle-income groups. High school leavers who achieve good SPM results are often left disappointed by their public university placements and have to fork out a huge sum of money to study at private universities instead.

Thankfully, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia has a dedicated scholarship programme – the Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay Global Programme Scholarship – for all undergraduate programmes offered at their campus in Putrajaya. Offering 50% and full scholarships, students under the programme also have the opportunity to apply for a transfer to the UK campus at half the UK’s fees.

Securing a scholarship can change lives, with a number of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia students already given the opportunity to equip themselves with quality education that can kickstart their dreams for the future.

Muhammad Zaki is one of the many Heriot-Watt and YTL scholarship recipients.

Actuarial Science scholar Muhammad Zaki, the recipient of a Heriot-Watt scholarship by YTL, described himself as being “beyond happy” when he got wind of the news confirming the success of his application.

“I didn’t expect myself to be one of the lucky scholarship recipients, because those who came for the interview were all amazing and possessed good results. This scholarship means a lot to me and my family and I will do my very best to seize the opportunity, ” he said.

He explained, “As a Heriot-Watt student, I wish to become a successful actuary in the future to give back to my country and contribute towards better and more constructive expansion of the industry in Malaysia, mainly for the financial sector.”

“Studying at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia under this scholarship allows me to study in the UK, something that I have always dreamt of, through the Go Global twinning programme. Studying abroad would bring good exposure and help me in my future development. I believe the university will prepare me well for graduation and the working world.”

On advice to future university students, Muhammad Zaki believes it is important for students to first find their passion to light their future career path.

“For those who are still wondering which course or university to choose, you first need to be clear what you’re passionate about, as it would be your career in the future too, ” he said.

Those who choose to study at the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, he said, will enjoy studying in one of the world’s best universities.

(Third from left) Amaysha Devi, with her family, is a chemical engineering student at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.

Fellow scholarship recipient and chemical engineering student Amaysha Devi also shared her thoughts about studying at the university and being offered the scholarship.

She shared, “When I first received the news, I was ecstatic and thankful. As my family has been experiencing some financial difficulties, getting this scholarship allows me to pursue my studies in the course I love and want to do, thanks to Heriot-Watt and Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay. One of my biggest dreams is to make my parents proud, and I would also like to make a change in the world by improving the situation in the environment.”

“My favourite thing about studying at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is the surroundings of the campus. Besides that, with a great quality of education and the presence of international students and lecturers, I’m sure I’ll get a tonne of new experiences.”

Ch’ng hopes to contribute to the country’s financial growth one day.

Isaac Ch’ng, another Heriot-Watt University Malaysia student and YTL scholarship recipient, was extremely excited to be a member of the school community.

“I am so happy and grateful for this scholarship; it will help to reduce my parents’ financial burden as the course fees and living expenses at the university are quite high. This scholarship has provided a platform for me to strive harder for better academic achievements."

“After graduating, I hope to get a good job in the financial sector and contribute to the country’s growth. What I like most about studing at Heriot-Watt is the learning environment and the best facilities among the top universities for a well-balanced student life, ” he pointed out.

On advice to his juniors, Ch’ng said, “Find a university that can help you get good grades, make plenty of new friends and get a good job with your degree certificate.”

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is having its Open Days on Aug 17 and 18 for its upcoming September intake. Students who would like to apply for the scholarships and study at a premier UK university, right here in Malaysia, should bring along relevant certificates for faster application.

For more information on the university’s Open Days, visit http://bit.ly/heriotaugust19 or www.hw.edu.my to know more about the undergraduate programmes it offers.