MEDIA STATEMENT BY PENANG CHIEF MINISTER YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW ON 19 JUNE 2026 IN KOMTAR, GEORGE TOWN

Penang Future Foundation (“PFF”) started in 2015 as the Penang State Government’s initiative to aid outstanding and deserving Malaysian youths to pursue tertiary studies in public/private universities in Malaysia. With valuable contributions from the private sector and donors, and recognizing the importance of education and the need to retain local talents, PFF has awarded approximately 863 scholarships since its inception. The awarded scholarships to date carry a projected value of RM47.7 million. For the year 2025, 58 students from a diverse range of backgrounds were awarded scholarships in fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Accountancy and Finance.

As Chairman of the PFF, I am immensely proud that this talent scholarship initiative by the Penang State Government is now in its 11^th year and continuously strives to make a difference. In spearheading the State’s growth for the next 50 years and to remain as a focal location for investments, attracting and retaining talents have become even more critical in ensuring a steady pipeline of talents to meet the growing demands by industry players.

I would like to welcome prospective applicants from all over Malaysia to apply for either ‘PFF Penang Scholar’ or ‘PFF Mutiara Scholar’ scholarship awards. Interested candidates are advised to check the eligibility requirements for each category. Both categories have different eligibility criteria based on, among others, candidates’ financial background and scholastic record. ‘PFF Penang Scholar’ caters for those with CGPA of 3.67 and above whereas ‘PFF Mutiara Scholar’ is available for applicants whose CGPA is between 3.00 to 3.66. Successful applicants will receive benefits that correspond with the scholarship awarded to them. Detailed information on benefits and terms of the scholarship is available at PFF’s website (www.penangfuturefoundation.my).

Application window for PFF Scholarship 2026 will open from 15 July 2026 to 5 August 2026. Interested students are encouraged to keep a lookout for periodic announcements through PFF’s website at www.penangfuturefoundation.my; Buletin Mutiara’s distributed free copies; and social media websites including Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you.

PENANG’s flagship scholarship programme, the Penang Future Foundation (PFF), has awarded approximately 805 scholarships worth an estimated RM44.1 million to eligible individuals since it was launched in 2015, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced today.

Speaking at the Penang Future Foundation 10th Anniversary Dinner at The Tamarra by Irama Dining in George Town this evening, Chow said the total does not yet include new recipients from the recently concluded PFF 2025 selection interviews.

Chow said the total does not yet include new recipients from the recently concluded PFF 2025 selection interviews.

“Over the past decade, the PFF structure has been reviewed and refined repeatedly to address rising household income inequality, the changing realities of industry needs, and to manage scholar expectations,” Chow said.

Chow (centre) taking a group photo with PFF Selection Committee members and stakeholders.

He noted that one of the most significant reforms was the introduction of the Mutiara and Penang scholarship categories.

Chow having a light moment with PFF Selection Committee members and stakeholders during the anniversary dinner today.

“These two tiers were introduced to ensure that those from financially challenged backgrounds are not left behind, while at the same time ensuring that high-performing students continue to be encouraged to excel academically,” he added.

Chow said he is both proud of the 10-year milestone and deeply humbled knowing that thousands of lives, scholars and families have been positively impacted by PFF.

However, he stressed that PFF’s continued impact relies heavily on sustained funding.

“We are reaching the end of our reserves. Without additional support, the PFF may no longer be able to serve as a lifeline for students even though the need is very real, and still urgent,” he said.

Chow said to date, 352 PFF scholars have completed their service bond, while another 194 are currently fulfilling their service obligations.

Chow reiterated that the service bond requirement is not limited to Penang civil service posts.

“Many PFF scholars, in fact, pursue careers in industry. Their employers range from multinational companies to local tech champions.

“This aligns with PFF’s vision to attract, nurture and retain talent across diverse sectors,” said Chow.

He then made a strong call for more industry participation.

“We appreciate the contributions made to date, but we welcome and encourage more industry players to step forward.

“Contributions to PFF are tax-exempt, subject to the issuance of receipts from the State Finance Office and the relevant tax guidelines.

“If you or your company are interested in supporting this initiative, please get in touch with the PFF Secretariat,” he said.

Chow also expressed appreciation to the PFF Secretariat for their steadfast stewardship and commitment over the years.

“We have come a long way together. With a committed Selection Committee and continued support from industry, I am confident we can bring this initiative to greater heights and extend its impact well beyond the first decade,” he concluded.

Also present were PFF Selection Committee members Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, Datuk Daisy Ooi, Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lim Koon Ong, Dr Lim Kim-Hwa and Datuk Danny Goon.

Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Source from: Buletin Mutara (https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-future-foundation-marks-10-years-rm44-1mil-in-scholarships-awarded/)

Chow(third from left) and Nazir (fourth from left) in a group photo with the PFF scholarship recipients (from left) Chin Qi, Muhammad Danial, Kavinesh and Zhi Wei

Chow (third from left) and Nazir (fourth from left) in a group photo with the PFF scholarship recipients (from left) Chin Qi, Muhamamad Danial, Kavinesh and Zhi Wei.

THE Penang government has urged industry players and the private sector to contribute to the Penang Future Foundation (PFF), as its scholarship fund is running low, with less than RM5 million remaining to support deserving undergraduate students.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who also chairs the PFF, made this appeal while announcing that 54 students have been selected for the 2024 scholarship awards – 49 under the Penang Scholar category and five under the Mutiara Scholar category.

“Our funds are drying up, and we have less than RM5 million left, which may only last for about two more years.

“The arguments remain that the state government must do more and more to provide a bottomless talent pool. That is a tall order, but it is also a reality that such a commitment places a high financial strain on the state government’s already limited resources.

Chow says the state government will do its best to keep the Penang Future Foundation going to ensure a steady pipeline of talent to meet the growing demands of the industry.

“While we intend to continue with this initiative for as long as possible, I must implore the generosity of key industry players in Penang to step forward and contribute. Their generosity will help ensure that the PFF remains a lifeline for gifted and deserving students,” Chow said during a symbolic award presentation to four scholar representatives from the 2024 cohort at Komtar today.

The total scholarship amount awarded for the 2024 cohort stands at RM2.7 million. Since its inception in 2015, PFF has provided scholarships to 805 students, amounting to approximately RM44.5 million.

Between 2015 and 2023, 751 students received PFF scholarships to pursue undergraduate degrees in diverse fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Accountancy, and Finance. In 2024, an additional 54 students have been awarded scholarships.

“These two distinct scholarship awards are designed to encourage the academic high-flyers to maintain a strong academic performance in the Penang Scholar category, and to help those from disadvantaged financial backgrounds under the Mutiara Scholar category,” Chow said.

(From left) Muhamamad Danial, Chin Qi, Zhi Wei and Kavinesh proudly showing off their PFF scholarship awards.

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the state government remains committed to sustaining the PFF initiative. Chow emphasised that as Penang charts its industrialisation journey for the next 50 years, it is even more crucial to maintain a steady pipeline of talent to meet growing industry demands.

“This initiative benefits both students and the industry, as scholarship recipients are required to work in Penang for two to five years after graduation, depending on the scholarship amount they received,” he explained.

With the presence of over 350 multinational companies (MNCs) and 6,500 small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state, Chow is hopeful for more financial support from the industry to sustain the programme.

Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, a member of the PFF Selection Committee, highlighted that more than half of the over 700 graduates who received the scholarship awards are now employed in the Free Trade Zone.

“I have been involved in the selection process for 10 years, interviewing students. Seeing them graduate brings us an immeasurable sense of satisfaction. Echoing Chief Minister Chow’s call, I also appeal for contributions to support deserving students, who in turn will contribute to the state’s growth,” Nazir said.

All the four scholarship recipients  – Kavinesh Reddy Gopalakrishnan, Muhamamad Danial Adzha Syamsul Adzha, Ng Chin Qi and Samantha Law Zhi Wei – expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the state government and donors.

Kavinesh

Kavinesh, a first-year Data Engineering student at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor Baru, described the scholarship as more than just financial assistance.

“It is a symbol of trust, a belief in our potential, and a push for us to strive for greater heights,” he said.

Coming from a family of nine, with only his father as the sole breadwinner, financial struggles have always been a challenge.

“Despite the hardships, my parents have always emphasised the importance of education, encouraging me to work hard and pursue my dreams.

“Receiving this scholarship is not just a relief for me but a blessing for my entire family. It lifts a huge financial burden off our shoulders and allows me to focus entirely on my studies, grow, and give back.

“To the Penang Future Foundation, to our sponsors, and to everyone who made this scholarship possible – thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten,” Kavinesh said.

Muhammad Danial

Muhamamad Danial, a second-year Accountancy student at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), shared how he took on part-time jobs during semester breaks to help ease his parents’ financial burden in raising four children.

He noted that the rising cost of living, coupled with studying in Selangor, had added to the strain due to expenses such as rent, food, and general living costs.

“With Penang’s rapid development and the influx of multinational and manufacturing companies, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in the accounting sector. I recognise that accounting is the heart and soul of every business, and I hope to contribute to the state’s growth by applying my skills and working diligently.

“I strongly encourage fellow students to apply for the PFF scholarship, as it holds immense value for recipients. The scholarship not only helps deserving students complete their studies but also encourages them to give back to Penang by working here. This helps prevent brain drain while nurturing local talent to build a brighter future, mutually benefiting both the state and its scholars,” Muhamamad Danial said.

Chin Qi

Chin Qi, a second-year Accounting student at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), shared that receiving the scholarship has allowed her parents to focus on supporting her younger sister, who is currently in secondary school, and her elder brother, who is pursuing his studies at UTAR.

“I really appreciate getting this scholarship. Many students out there are also working hard and hoping for this support, so I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make the most of this opportunity. It motivates me to work even harder to maintain the required academic results, ensuring that I do not take this privilege for granted.

“I applied for the PFF scholarship because Penang is where I want to build my future career. As someone born and raised here, I deeply appreciate the state’s rapid development and the strong presence of multinational companies (MNCs) across various industries. These opportunities make Penang an ideal environment for graduates like me to grow and thrive professionally. I hope to contribute my skills and knowledge to support Penang’s future development, particularly in the financial and corporate sectors,” Chin Qi said.

Zhi Wei

Zhi Wei, a third-year Computer Science student at INTI Penang, spoke about the financial struggles she faced, coming from a single-parent household with her mother working tirelessly to support the family.

“When I learned that I had been awarded the PFF scholarship, I felt an immense sense of relief, knowing that it would ease my mother’s financial burden.

“This scholarship has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, driving me to strive for academic excellence.

“As I look towards my future, I am excited about the opportunities available in Penang. The state’s thriving tech sector, with its diverse industries spanning AI, data analytics, and more, provides great prospects for Computer Science graduates like myself. I aspire to use my expertise to develop solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute to Penang’s growth and prosperity.

“On a personal note, this scholarship has taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. I’ve always been inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ This scholarship has made my dream a reality, and I am committed to contributing to the community by making a meaningful impact,” Zhi Wei said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

(https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-calls-for-industry-support-as-pff-fund-dwindles-54-students-awarded-2024-scholarships/)