SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 11 BRIGHT SABAHAN STUDENTS

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Masidi Manjun (centre) together with Shell Malaysia Director of Government Relations Rowina Ghazali (left) and Director of the State Education Department Jame Alip (second right) presenting the scholarship to student Robin Lai (right).

By Elaine Mah
Pictures by Victor Lo

It was good news for 11 students today as they received full scholarships from Shell Malaysia to pursue degree courses in overseas and local universities. The 11 Sabahans were among 50 students selected by Shell from across the country, who will have their education fully funded by the global energy company this year.

Rowina Ghazali

A total of 1, 700 students applied for the scholarship this year. Of this, 50 students fulfilled the criteria.

In addition, 110 bursaries were also awarded to Sabahan students who did well in the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examinations.

According to the company's Director of Government Relations, Rowina Ghazali, the company has awarded approximately RM10 million worth of scholarships and bursaries to deserving students in Malaysia.

"We recognize that as Malaysia advances towards becoming a high income economy, it will need a larger pool of highly qualified professionals who are able to make the country more competitive," she said.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Masidi Manjun

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun who was at the presentation ceremony told the students that hard work is the ingredient of success.

"Ultimately, it is up to you. There is nothing that other people can do that you cannot do," he said

Since the scholarship programme started over 40 years ago, Shell Malaysia has set aside approximately RM140 million to help more than 2,000 Malaysian students  realise their full academic potential.

Currently, the company has over 280 Shell scholars in universities in Malaysia and abroad.

For 20-year-old Robin Lai Chiong Soon, the scholarship didn't come easy despite his 3.86 CGPA achievement in his Diploma of Civil Engineering.

According to Robin, applicants were screened through a rigorous process of interviews with the company.

"Confidence is also important. I think I did well because I was confident," Robin added.

Robin plans to work with Shell when he graduates with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia. - Insight Sabah

Robin Lai