In celebration of over half a century of enriching Malaysian lives with good food and craveable moments, KFC Malaysia is proud to announce The KFC Scholarship, an initiative aimed at empowering over 30 students from underprivileged communities in Malaysia in their higher education journey.
The RM2.1 million initiative is targeted for qualified B40 students aiming to pursue their undergraduate degree at any one of the 20 public universities in Malaysia. In addition to tuition fees, the scholarship will cover a monthly living allowance and KFC meal vouchers.
Applications for the scholarship opened on 28th of May via the KFC website and has drawn over 500 applications since. Students who have received an unconditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university can continue to apply directly for the scholarship program at https://kfc.com.my/scholarship up until 31st July 2024.
According to a 2023 study by the USCI Poll Research Centre, only half of the 1,000 SPM candidates surveyed planned to pursue tertiary education. Among those not continuing their studies, financial concerns were a significant barrier: 32% cited student loans as a deterrent, and another 32% mentioned high education fees.
The KFC Scholarship aims to alleviate these financial burdens and empower students to focus on their studies. Rising living costs and education fees have made it increasingly challenging for many families, particularly those in underserved communities, to afford quality education for their children.
“Education is the great equaliser,” said Chairman of QSR Brands Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim. “As operators of the largest fast food chains in Malaysia, we at QSR Brands recognise its power to transform lives, uplift communities, and create a more equitable society. The KFC Scholarship reflects our commitment to investing in the community and empowering the next generation of leaders. By removing financial barriers, we aim to open doors to quality education and build economic opportunities for the future.”
QSR Brands CEO and Managing Director Nehchal Khanna said “Education is the foundation for a better future and essential in shaping future leaders of Malaysia. We believe the power of education engages minds, hearts, and hands, fostering holistic development.”
“It’s not just about knowledge; it’s about self-worth, confidence, and resilience. As we invest in education, we create a rich foundation for leadership and we hope through this scholarship program, we will ultimately forge a brighter path our youths, the next generation leaders of our country,” Nehchal added.
The KFC Scholarship is an extension of the Add Hope Foundation, a charitable arm of KFC Malaysia that focuses on community development and welfare. By channelling resources into education, KFC Malaysia aims to uplift the academic aspirations of students, fostering a brighter future for them and the nation.
“At KFC Malaysia, we believe in creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve,” said Head of KFC Malaysia Chandrasagran Munusamy. “Through the launch of the first KFC Scholarship, we are investing in the future of Malaysia by empowering young minds with the foundation they need to overcome social and economic barriers, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the nation’s development. We hope to impact more young Malaysians in the years to come.”
The KFC Scholarship applications will remain open until the 31st of July. Shortlisted students will participate in a screening and selection process by a panel of QSR Brands’ leadership team. The scholarship will be awarded to 30 students who will receive financial support to pursue their undergraduate degree for up to four years.
The KFC Scholarship builds upon QSR Brands’ long-standing commitment to community development and enhancement programs. Through its Add Hope and KFC Feeding Programme, KFC Malaysia has contributed more than RM32 million since 2007. QSR Brands also recently pledged RM2 million to combat child hunger in support of underprivileged students across 28 schools in Malaysia.
Interested Malaysian students are encouraged to visit https://kfc.com.my/scholarship for detailed information on the KFC Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and deadlines.