KUALA LUMPUR: In a significant move to uplift underprivileged communities through education, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has partnered with the University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOW Malaysia) to launch a full scholarship programme targeting asnaf and low-income students.
The initiative, announced during a meeting hosted by MAIWP and attended by Minister Datuk Setia Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, aims to empower youth and improve lives through education.
Funded by zakat and jointly run by MAIWP and UOW Malaysia, the scholarship programme focuses on nursing and early childhood education, two high-demand and socially impactful fields that help address workforce shortages and support national development.
“Once given the opportunity, these children can excel and lift themselves out of poverty. Supporting them is a humanistic and holistic approach to nation-building. I welcome UOW Malaysia’s commitment and thank them for this latest update and meaningful initiative,” said Na’im.
Beyond financial aid, the programme includes mentorship, career preparation, and soft skills development, ensuring that beneficiaries are not only academically supported but also career-ready.
“Graduates from this programme will gain qualifications that open doors to stable, in-demand careers,” said Datuk Medan Abdullah, chairman of the Board of Governors at UOW Malaysia.
“In nursing alone, the World Health Organisation predicts a global shortfall of 4.5 million professionals by 2030. Our aim is to bridge this gap while giving deserving students a brighter future.”
He further emphasised the importance of early childhood education, noting that early educators shape the minds and values of future generations, and that the programme not only uplifts students but also strengthens families and communities by empowering mothers and caregivers.
Also present at the event were chairman of MAIWP Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer, chief executive officer of Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YaPEIM) Zabidi Nasan, deputy vice-chancellor (Administration) UOW Malaysia Shanker Sathivellu and principal of UOWM KDU College Gabriel Lau.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expand the programme, ensuring broader access to higher education for marginalised youth across Malaysia.
