KUALA LUMPUR, 13 January 2014 – Funds may help to reduce the burden of those in need, but what good are funds without follow up support or inspiration from those lending a hand? Recognising the far reaching effects and value of these two, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has always placed special emphasis on continuously engaging with beneficiaries, especially with students.   

  Staying true to this tradition of inspiring and lending support, YSD Chairman Tun Musa Hitam spent time with 250 students sponsored under the ‘Tabung Mengubah Destini Anak Bangsa’ (MDAB) Programme. The session included 176 students currently pursuing pre-diploma courses and another 74 students who have successfully completed the MDAB programme and are now pursuing various diploma courses, at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Jengka, Pahang.  

YSD's contribution of RM3 million over a three-year period began in 2011 for students who failed to make the first cut to pursue diploma courses. This programme has to date, made it possible for 1,764 students with a household income lower than RM3,000 per month to score the necessary grades for entry into diploma level at UiTM. The funding covers the students’ living expenses, which include allowances for food, pocket money and transportation. UiTM initiated the programme in July 2010 which covers the Pre-Diploma Commerce and Pre-Diploma Science studies at UiTM branches nationwide.

  The special sharing session, held at the Dewan Al-Biruni 1, in UiTM Jengka, Pahang, was to bridge the gap between the foundation and its beneficiaries.

  “Being able to meet and engage with our students has always made my day,” shared Tun Musa. “Seeing the passion for education in their eyes and their eagerness to succeed cements my conviction and belief that what we do at YSD truly makes a difference.” 

  The second chance for a tertiary education has obviously proven to be an inspiration for most of the students and has clearly made an impact as the programme has an average 80 percent passing rate. 

  “As one of the main sponsors of the programme, YSD is exceptionally proud of these students. They have taken the opportunity to better themselves and made the best out of it to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty,” said Tun Musa.  

  One great example of this, is a fourth semester UiTM student of Diploma in Banking, Nurfarahain Nazlin, 21. Nurfarahain scored 4.00 for her Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) during her Pre-Diploma under the MDAB programme. From Klang, Selangor, she is the youngest of four siblings. Her father is a retired postman suffering from arthritis while her mother is a housewife. Nurfarahain has been on the Dean's list every semester since, and has a current CGPA of 3.79.  

  Another exemplary student is Adlah Batrisyia Osman, who is currently pursuing her Diploma in Business. Coming from a needy background with her father who is unemployed and her mother being a housewife, Adlah successfully completed her MDAB pre-diploma course with a CGPA of 4.0.  

  YSD supports various other educational opportunities, scholarships and development programmes under its education pillar such as the YSD ‘Star’ Scholarship Programme, YSD Bursary Programme, YSD Skill Enrichment Programme, YSD Excellence Scholarship Programme and Scholars’ Development Programme among others.