RM1.5 million awarded to 22 scholars, in collaboration with 23 multinational corporations
Rising global competition and the changing socio-economic landscapes require the development of quality and well-balanced human capital in Malaysia who possess high intellect and character, are innovative and have critical cognitive and soft skills in order to meet these challenges and contribute to the development of our nation.
Towards this end, Taylor’s University College has been taking the lead in offering innovative and creative platforms that have facilitated and increased the global outlook of students. One such example is the Taylor’s World Class Scholarship (TWCS) which not only offers financial aid to students with exceptional academic results and leadership qualities, but also invaluable opportunities to intern or train with global brand names. Since its launch in 2006, the TWCS has disbursed over RM6 million to 68 recipients.
This year, in collaboration with 23 world-class multinationals, another 22 outstanding students were awarded with the Taylor’s World Class Scholarship valued at over RM1.5 million.
Corporate partners and scholars together with the distinguished guests
Taylor’s World Class Scholarships 2010. Corporate partners and scholars together with the distinguished guests: (Seated L-R) –
(1) Mr Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Taylor’s University College;
(2) Prof. Dato’ Dr. Hassan Said, Vice Chancellor & President, TUC;
(3) Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim, Taylor’s Chairman;
(4) Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Higher Education;
(5) Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan, Group CEO, Taylor’s Education Group; and
(6) Mr. Lim Tou Boon, President, Taylor’s College.
At the presentation ceremony attended by representatives from the sponsor companies, the students received their scholarships from Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Higher Education. Also in attendance were Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim, Taylor’s Chairman; Professor Dato’ Dr Hassan Said, President and Vice Chancellor of Taylor’s University College; and Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan, Group CEO of Taylor’s Education Group.
Speaking at the event, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said, “I must commend Taylor’s initiative in establishing the Taylor’s World Class Scholarships to contribute towards the development of first-class human capital in Malaysia. Taylor’s far-sighted vision of naming the award ‘World Class’ is very appropriate as it not only nurtures development of the recipients’ academic and soft skills, but also provides invaluable opportunities for hands-on experience with world-renowned multinationals.
“The scholarship also ties in with the Government’s objective to encourage closer rapport and cooperation between the private sector and institutions of higher learning. Having been successfully implemented since 2006, I believe the Taylor’s World Class Scholarship has become an inspiration to many other education providers. Therefore, I applaud Taylor’s for the initiative in opening doors for the country’s future leaders and encouraging them to strive for even higher achievements,” said Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
This year’s 22 scholarship recipients were shortlisted based on academic results and a 300-500 word essay depicting their expectations of a TWCS recipient. These recipients were also judged on their record of extra curriculum activities, positive attitude and leadership qualities. Recipients are also interviewed and selected by a panel of interviewers from both Taylor’s and the respective partner company.
Commenting on the quality of the TWCS interns, Ms. Teresa Chong, Partner, Audit, at KPMG said, “I have found the interns to be well-rounded, not just academically inclined, but also possess the right attitude towards the internship experience, leadership qualities, enthusiasm, and communication skills that make them stand out from the rest of the pack.”
Ms. Sugunah Verumandy, Human Resource Director of GE Malaysia, echoed these sentiments, adding that, “The TWCS is certainly a win-win partnership for all parties involved. At GE we look forward to sharing our years of experience with the Gen Y candidates and in turn encourage them to share their innovative ideas with us, hence our tagline ‘Innovation at work’.”
Both companies, who are returning as partners for the third time this year, agree that the stringent selection process for TWCS is vital in ensuring that the quality of candidates who intern at their organisations is upheld.
Past TWCS scholar, Brian Chong Kai Shen, shared his internship experience with HSBC Bank Malaysia. “I knew I would either sink or swim, so I took the initiative to seek guidance from colleagues instead of waiting to be helped. I learned how to be resourceful and independent. I also managed to improve my people skills and interpersonal skills because I had to interact with countless customers of various characters,” said the 19-year old who was pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Finance with University of South Australia (UniSA).
Earlier that afternoon, Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan said, “As one of the pioneers in the local education landscape, Taylor’s has always placed utmost importance in providing quality education to the nation’s youth in order to contribute towards the government’s objective of moulding a well-rounded, competitive and resilient workforce. The ever-evolving workplace with its rapidly changing technology, environment and trends dictate that we need to be equipped to stay ahead of the curve, or be left behind. The World Class Scholarship is one way in which Taylor’s seeks to equip our graduates with tools and skills to face their journey ahead.”
Sponsor - Fuji Xerox
Sponsor – Baapu Shrreraj A/L Selva Rajoo from SM Sains Raja Tun Azlan Shah, Perak (2nd from right) receives the scholarship from Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Looking on are Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan, (extreme left); Mr Paul Lim of Fuji Xerox (2nd from left); and Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim, (extreme right)
This year, Taylor’s World Class Scholarships were offered to students to pursue tertiary studies at Taylor’s School of Communication, Taylor’s School of Computing & IT, Taylor’s Business School, Taylor’s School of Engineering & Taylor’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Under the TWCS programme, the students will be given opportunities to undergo industrial training during the course of their studies at Taylor’s and a 12 to 24-month management trainee programme upon graduation, at the discretion of the partner companies.
Continuing with the success of the scheme, this year’s scholarships are offered jointly with corporate bodies like Air France-KLM, BDO, BMW Group, Deloitte, Foetus International Group, Frost & Sullivan, Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific, General Electric (GE) Malaysia, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, HSBC Bank Malaysia, IBM Malaysia, KPMG, Leo Burnett, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, L’Oreal Malaysia, Mandarin Oriental, Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Siemens, Sodexo, Universal McCann and Weber Shandwick.
Since it was established in 2006, the TWCS has attracted the participation of an increasing number of multinationals who have provided students with invaluable training and exposure to real life expectations in the global workforce. Both students and the industry as a whole have drawn immense benefits from the TWCS in meeting the national agenda to enhance human capital quality and produce capable individuals needed to meet the nation’s development challenges and drive a knowledge-based economy.
