KFC Launches Scholarship Programme for Malaysian Students

Major Investment in Educational Access

MALAYSIA: KFC Malaysia and QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd have launched their inaugural scholarship programme, committing RM2.1 million to support 40 students from B40 income backgrounds. According to reporting from The Sun Malaysia, the comprehensive package includes full tuition coverage at public universities, monthly allowances, and KFC vouchers.

National Coverage and Social Impact

The initiative, designed to bridge the urban-rural education divide, has carefully selected recipients from all 13 Malaysian states. Speaking at the award ceremony, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad praised the initiative, stating: “I would like to commend KFC Malaysia and QSR Brands for their leadership in creating opportunities for young talents. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment in supporting education and nurturing the next generation leaders.”

Corporate Vision for National Development

QSR Brands managing director Nehchal Khanna emphasised the programme’s strategic importance, noting that: “The recipients of the inaugural KFC Malaysia Scholarship programme represent a diverse group of impressive young individuals, spanning all 13 states. This geographical inclusivity ensures that we are bridging the urban-rural education gap and contributing towards a more equitable and united Malaysia.”

Impact on Recipients’ Lives

The scholarship has already made a significant difference to its recipients. Wong Wei Lik, a 19-year-old dental student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), whose family survives on his mother’s RM900 monthly income as a rubber tapper, expressed his relief: “I have applied for various scholarships, but only KFC Malaysia responded. The cost of pursuing dentistry is quite high and not many companies offer scholarships for this course.”

Future Career Development

Beyond immediate financial support, the programme also focuses on long-term career development. Narmadha Devi Balamurugan, 19, a Mathematics student at UKM, highlighted this aspect, explaining that “besides financial aid, the KFC Scholarship also provides a platform for recipients to be trained as leaders to advance their careers in the future.”

Supporting Specialized Education

The scholarship is supporting students across various disciplines. Haajaratul Nabila Rosman, 21, an Information Technology major at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), noted that the scholarship would enable her participation in external programmes related to data analytics, which would have been financially prohibitive otherwise.