PFF scholarship has given me immense benefits in all the ways it could present itself. To me, being a PFF scholar is extremely crucial as it mainly helped me to reduce my mother’s burden in providing financial assistance for my education. As a single parent and a mother of three, helping her by attaining this scholarship has reduced our financial worries in so many ways. Growing up, I have always dedicated my time and passion towards education. When I was in high school, I came across the famous saying by Nelson Mandela that states “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. That impactful saying inspired me to pursue education in the means of making a change for the betterment of the world. With that in mind, I focused in giving my best to ensure that I gain the knowledge taught with the utmost respect and understanding towards it.

As I progressed, my beloved teacher introduced this scholarship to me while I was pursuing my undergraduate studies. With my situation and potential in mind, she encouraged me to apply for this scholarship. As applying for scholarships also means that you have to be prepared for the rejections, I gave it a go by reminding myself that trying is always better than being hesitant about it despite the results. To my disbelief, I received a callback for the interview and that day was definitely a turning point in my life. Up till now, my education journey has always included the experience of leading and mentoring which taught me that inspiration given in the form of education to the people around you that needs it, is an extreme blessing. This scholarship has reinforced my purpose in ensuring that my potential and talent are used for the betterment of my state, Penang. Keeping that goal in mind, that I am here to serve a purpose, has made my journey so far thrilling and fun.

Being selected as one of the PFF scholars made me feel extremely blessed and grateful. I always remind myself that this award that is honored to me has to be put to good use by ensuring that my expertise is used to assist my state in strengthening the economy down the road. My experience as a PFF Scholar has been amazing so far as I was able to attend the events organized by Penang Future Foundation such as the Press Conference for the presentation of the PFF Scholarship Award and the webinar titled “Onwards & Upwards: Explore New Careers #1”. Interesting subjects were discussed such as the discovery of new job opportunities and advancements of careers in Penang. Such insights definitely gave a bigger picture on how the industries in Penang work.

Besides this award, I’m proud of being the recipient of “Tokoh Murid” award in primary school, representing Malaysia in the Youth Environment Forum held in Singapore, being a two time gold award winner in the Malaysian Young Inventors Olympiad, receiving the Pride of School award for the achievements gained in the field of music, business and innovation that was organized at international, national and state levels, emerging as champion in a videography competition organized by the Federal Government of Austria, and also recently championing the Avant Garde Competition organized by my university. I’m also currently chosen as Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador that aims to network and connect with a global community including students and Microsoft employees around the world to gain experience working with the team to equip us with leadership skills and share knowledge and expertise with the community around us.

My intention right after completing my studies is to return to Penang to work in one of the prominent industries that aims to maximize the potential of data that will identify new opportunities to increase profit which will create a more efficient environment in return. I aspire to use my knowledge in Data Analytics to help the society solve some of the most crucial issues that could help to fulfill the goals for sustainable development. My advice to all the aspiring students who could possibly be future scholars of PFF is to never hesitate to apply and stay positive throughout the journey! As Jonas Salk once said, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.” Grab this chance to work towards a better future!

Receiving the Penang Future Foundation (PFF) scholarship was an unexpected oasis in my family’s desert of financial difficulties. Given that my mother is no longer able to work due to health issues, my father became our family’s sole breadwinner. With three daughters studying in universities, the fees alone would take a huge chunk of his income. As a daughter, I am exceptionally thankful that being awarded the PFF scholarship would mean alleviating my father’s financial burden. As a university student, the PFF scholarship inspires me to give my very best in achieving scholastic excellence. The day I received the e-mail notifying that I was successfully chosen as one of the PFF scholars will always be remembered with gratitude.

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Game Design. The course requires students to be equipped with top-of the-range laptops as we will heavily utilize software for editing and designing projects. This unfortunately translates into additional expenditures, which I could not afford on my father’s income alone.  I had tried to use my old laptop but it was simply impossible to support the software that my lecturer requires us to install. My laptop worked its hardest but it was honestly not a match for the heavy projects that I had to execute.  I found myself having to redo the projects again and again as the laptop would just automatically shut down before I could press the ‘Save’ button. Thankfully, the monthly allowance I receive as a PFF scholar came in handy for purchase of a new laptop as well as settling my university dormitory rent! No longer beset by earlier frustrations, I  can now freely illustrate my design ideas with a peace of mind.

Apart from academic pursuit, I am also active in sports. My favourite sport is Taekwondo, which I joined since  primary school days and participated in many tournaments. I was even selected to participate in the 2014 SUKMA which was held in Perlis. Continuing my involvement in Taekwondo, I joined the Sultan Idris Educational University’s Taekwondo team and represented my university in tournaments. I take immense pride in being both a PFF scholar and a Taekwondo athlete at the same time, proving that you can study and play hard!

As a PFF scholar, it is a requirement that we fulfil a service bond upon the completion of our studies by working in Penang. I don’t find this daunting as Penang has always been at the forefront in being a melting-pot of talents. By being a Penangite myself, I am constantly exposed to Penang’s campaigns, including “My Penang, My Workplace”. Apart from me contributing towards my beloved state, Penang punches well above her weight with the presence of many multi-national companies on both island and mainland. I am confident that I do not need to leave Penang’s shores for a better future, as a world of opportunities is right here at my feet.

My future career plan is to be a mobile game developer. With a passion for designing and developing mobile games, I hope to explore innovative and groundbreaking ideas in the world of game development. Although I have a few more years before I complete my studies, I keep myself abreast with updates of prospective Penang-based employer companies. One of these companies  focuses on constructing, developing, and marketing their dream mobile gaming app. Their mission reads “We work towards bringing mobile game enthusiasts closer to the  gaming world as we are well engraved in the heart of the community”, resonating well with the love I have for designing and developing mobile games.

For those who would like to apply for this scholarship, my advice is to go for it!  Financial assistance aside, being a PFF scholar pushes you to go beyond what you think is your limits. Students are required to maintain semester results above the given threshold, which is no mean feat. This challenge necessarily means that scholars will have to work hard, but the fruits of success is ours to enjoy. All the best!

Life & career opportunities in Penang!