[L-R: Ms Chong Weng Lian, Head, CEO’s Office, UOW Malaysia; Mr Shanker Sathivellu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), UOW Malaysia; YBRS Tuan Haji Syed Kamarulzaman Bin Syed Kabeer, Chairman of The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP); YB Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister of Religious Affairs; Dato’ Mohammad Medan bin Abdullah, Chairman of the Board of Governors at UOW Malaysia; YBRS Tuan Haji Zabidi Bin Nasan, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YaPEIM); Mr Gabriel Lau Chi Wen, Principal, UOWM KDU College; and YBRS Professor Madya Dr Haji Mohammad Firdaus Low Bin Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Kolej Profesional MAIWP].

By UOW Malaysia 

On 23 May 2025, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) hosted a strategic meeting and courtesy call with representatives from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM), marking the official announcement of a new scholarship program dedicated to asnaf and underprivileged students.

Held in the presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs, YB Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im bin Haji Mokhtar, the meeting underscored the shared commitment of MAIWP and UOWM to empowering youth through education. The newly launched initiative provides full scholarships for students from low-income families, with a focus on nursing and early childhood education (ECE)—two fields identified as both socially impactful and in high demand.

In his remarks, Minister Dato’ Na’im praised the collaboration, stating, “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 UOWM’s commitment and thank them for this latest update and meaningful initiative.”

Funded through zakat contributions and administered in partnership with MAIWP, the program also offers mentorship, career preparation, and soft skills training to ensure students are equipped for the job market.

Dato’ Mohammad Medan bin Abdullah, Chairman of the Board of Governors at UOWM, emphasised the university’s readiness to support national goals. “Graduates from this program will gain qualifications that open doors to stable, in-demand careers,” he said. “In nursing alone, the World Health Organization 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 also highlighted the significance of ECE training. “Early childhood educators shape the minds and values of future generations. This program doesn’t only uplift students—it also strengthens families and communities by empowering mothers and caregivers.”

Also present at the event were YBRS Tuan Haji Syed Kamarulzaman Bin Syed Kabeer, Chairman of MAIWP; YBRS Tuan Haji Zabidi Bin Nasan, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YaPEIM); YBRS Professor Madya Dr Haji Mohammad Firdaus Low Bin Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Kolej Profesional MAIWP; Mr Shanker Sathivellu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), UOW Malaysia; Mr Gabriel Lau Chi Wen, Principal, UOWM KDU College; and Ms Chong Weng Lian, Head, CEO’s Office, UOW Malaysia.

The meeting concluded with the intent to expand the program’s reach ensuring broader access to higher education for underprivileged youth across Malaysia.