Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday, 28 April 2010 - Malaysia’s top track cyclist and newly crowned Olahragawan Kebangsaan 2009, Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, added another feather to his cap today when he received Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD)’s scholarship under the “Star” Scholarship Programme.

The scholarship award, which offers academic sponsorships to ‘potential stars’ in the field of arts, music, sports, environment and sciences, will enable Azizulhasni to pursue his studies in Commerce (majoring in Sports Management) at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.

Azizulhasni received the scholarship award from YSD Council Member, Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan at a special ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) today. Also present at the ceremony was Deputy President of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), Datuk Naim Mohamad, who is also the Chairman of Track Development and Director of the Road to London 2012 programme.

Datuk Jegathesan, in his speech, said the award demonstrates YSD’s commitment in two of its five Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars, namely Youth, Sports & Recreation and Education Development.

Youth, Sports and Recreation pillar supports, amongst others, youth and athlete development programmes which aim to promote an all-round development of youths to enable them to become trustworthy, conscientious and productive members of the society. In addition, the pillar also aims to develop sports, cultivate sportsmanship and raise the overall standard of sports in Malaysia.

The Education Development pillar, on the other hand, offers various scholarship programmes to deserving youths. The “Star” Scholarship Programme was designed to enhance talent and capabilities of ‘potential’ stars’ in their areas of expertise as well as offer financial help in nurturing them in the academic world.

“YSD tries to achieve its sports pillar objectives by funding various types of sports programmes, be it for individual athletes or teams, tournaments and grassroots programmes which encourage and increase participation from youths across the nation,” said Datuk Jegathesan.

He added that upon evaluation of Azizulhasni’s outstanding sports achievements at the international level and significant contribution to the nation in the field of sports, YSD decided to extend its “Star” Scholarship Programme to him which would ensure proper support for his educational pursuit.

The jubilant Azizulhasni, who received the Olahragawan Negara 2009 award from HRH the Yang DiPertuan Agung a day earlier, said he was extremely grateful to YSD for helping him ease his financial burden in pursuing his academic studies while continuing to excel in track cycling and preparing for the ongoing Track World Championships as well as the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

He added that the incentives offered by YSD provide the much needed opportunity for athletes to pursue the academic route as well, which will prove useful in the event that they retire or wish to pursue a corporate or management role in future.