This year, the collaboration between TAR UMT and the Bodhi Meditation Charity Foundation (BMCF) marks the sixth time they have come together to provide hope to underprivileged students. On 9 May 2023, the bursary recipients for 2022 were presented with their awards, continuing the tradition of supporting the educational dreams of those in need. For this latest batch, 17 students have been awarded and the total amount comes to RM318,453. The representatives from BMCF, namely Teacher Ling Shan, Brother Xu Te, Teacher Fu Han, Brother Wen Jun and committee members were present at the award ceremony, together with Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, as well as senior officials of TAR UMT.
The TAR UMT Jinbodhi Bursary, established in 2017 by BMCF, is one of the various financial aid available for students at TAR UMT, and until 2022, a total of close to RM 3.25 million has been awarded to 179 students.
In his speech, Teacher Ling Shan expressed his wish that the award will not only lighten the financial burden of the students but also help them achieve their educational aspirations. “It is my hope that with the Jinbodhi Bursary, students who are financially challenged can pursue their dreams without worrying about tuition fees. As a TAR UMT graduate, you will not only receive excellent education but also gain the skills and knowledge that can transform your lives,” said Teacher Ling Shan.
Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei expressed why the TAR UMT Jinbodhi Bursary has been an important milestone. “Over the years, we have seen remarkable outcomes – graduates who have benefited from the bursary are now giving back to their communities and helping others. This initiative has instilled a spirit of generosity and compassion in each and every student. We must continue to extend our support to those in need so that no one is left behind. I express my heartfelt gratitude to BMCF for being our valued partner and entrusting us with the responsibility to provide equal opportunities in education to our students,” he said.
Goh Qi Lun (centre), receiving his award letter from Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei (second from left), witnessed by Teacher Ling Shan (third from left), Teacher Fu Han (fifth from left), Brother Wen Jun (sixth from left), Brother Xu Te (rightmost) and Assoc Prof Dr Chook Ka Joo (leftmost).
During the event, the bursary recipients of 2022 shared how their lives have become better after receiving the bursary. Goh Qi Lun, a Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Hons) student, comes from a B40 household group. “My father is a driver and my mother is a cleaner. When they first introduced the online taxi booking service, my father was depressed and unmotivated to work. Then, came the Covid-19 pandemic which made matters worse as my father’s salary was significantly affected and his vehicle was also damaged in a flash flood. My mother continued to work as a cleaner even though she had joint illness. This predicament led me to apply for the Jinbodhi Bursary as my mission was to become a successful quantity surveyor. Having obtained the bursary, I can now concentrate more on my studies without worrying about my tuition fees. As such, I am sincerely grateful for the support that I have received as it means a lot to me.”
Thurkarthini A/P Suraskumar (centre), receiving her award letter from Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei (second from left), witnessed by Teacher Ling Shan (third from left), Teacher Fu Han (fifth from left), Brother Wen Jun (sixth from left), Brother Xu Te (rightmost) and Assoc Prof Dr Chook Ka Joo (leftmost).
Thurkarthini A/P Suraskumar, another bursary award recipient who is studying the Bachelor of Creative Multimedia (Hons) programme also shared her story. “I am from a single parent family as I lost my dad 6 years ago. I am also the eldest in my family and I have 3 sisters. My mum sells home-made cakes and she is not doing well in her business. Her income is not enough to cover our educational expenses, thus I looked for financial help and applied for the bursary. Thankfully, I was selected and my mother’s burden can be lightened so that she can focus on my sisters. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and I am thankful and really blessed that I can now focus on my studies and obtain a good CGPA,” said Thurkarthini.
About Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
TAR UMT, formerly known as TAR University College (TAR UC), is a premier institution of higher learning in Malaysia with a sterling track record of excellence. Its brand is synonymous with Beyond Education which focuses on developing competencies and values within the students in addition to imparting academic knowledge and skills to lead them to a fulfilling life and career. TAR UMT is recognised locally and internationally among the academic fraternity and professional bodies and has educated close to 300,000 graduates, many of whom are eminent leaders in various industries.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
东姑阿都拉曼管理及工艺大学（拉曼理工大学）
https://edufair.fsi.com.my/taruc
