SHAH ALAM, 8 May 2024 – Carlsberg Malaysia, together with the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), have recently awarded a total of RM1 million in scholarships to 333 deserving recipients through the Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund. This community engagement programme transcends borders and barriers, as it is open to students of diverse backgrounds, irrespective of race or creed, and prioritises individuals from the B40 and M40 groups.

Through this scholarship programme, the selected students have received RM3,000 in cash to help them ease their financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education. The selection process places great emphasis on inclusivity, giving precedence to applicants falling within specific categories, such as orphans, individuals with a single parent, and those caring for disabled (OKU) family members.

Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director Pearl Lai expressed the company's pledge towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – Quality Education, stating: “Carlsberg Malaysia is pleased to disburse RM1 million in scholarships from the Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund, with the hope of providing equal opportunities for inclusive and equitable quality education for our future generation. Education is key to eradicate poverty and promote social development. Combined with the last disbursement made during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022, we are humbled to have channelled a total of RM2 million in scholarships for 666 students to pursue their tertiary educations, in line with our Together Towards ZERO and Beyond (TTZAB) sustainability programme.”

"Education is the cornerstone of a knowledge-based society. Carlsberg Malaysia's commitment to uplifting underprivileged students aligns seamlessly with our vision of a harmonious and prosperous nation. Together, we can empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in their future endeavours," commented Huazong  President, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Goh Tuan Chuan.

“This scholarship has given me hope to pursue a brighter future. With these funds, I won’t further add financial strain on my pensioner father, who has been providing for our family of five. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities for quality education that it has opened up for me,” said Loshini a/p Rajendran, 23, currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in New Media at Han Chiang University College in Penang.

“I am overwhelmed with emotions at the mere thought of being able to give back to my family. They have been my unwavering support system, always cheering me on and helped me through every obstacle. Thanks to the Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund, I am now able to alleviate some of their financial burdens and focus on my studies with peace of mind,” said Mok Kuan Hai, 莫宽海, 19, currently pursuing his studies in New Energy Science and Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia Campus in Sepang.

Kok Yon Nyon, mother of Wong Zi Ning 黄子宁, a student at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman shared, “As a single mother battling congenital cerebral palsy, every day is a relentless fight to provide for my daughter, with only second-hand clothing and environmentally friendly products to sell. This Carlsberg Huazong Education Fund scholarship is a lifeline for my daughter’s education.”

The Carlsberg Huazong Education Funds were disbursed to students nationwide with 75 recipients from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, 34 from Penang, 27 from Perak, 26 from Sarawak, 25 from Sabah, 24 from Johor, 22 from Malacca, 21 from Negeri Sembilan, 21 from Kedah, 20 from Pahang, 20 from Kelantan, 17 from Terengganu and 1 from Perlis.