The Penang Future Foundation (PFF) has officially concluded the Selection Interview for PFF Scholarship which was held on 22^nd and 23^rd September 2025. A highly motivated cohort of applicants from all over Malaysia participated this year, each showing dedication to driving community progress and advancing the state’s sustainable development.

Penang Future Foundation was founded with the mission to empower Penang’s outstanding scholars through education by supporting deserving students pursuing higher education in critical fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as well as Accounting and Finance, as part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing future-ready talent. In 2025, the Penang Future Foundation focus on identifying and nurturing students who demonstrate a genuine passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Selection Interview would be impossible without the guidance of the Selection Committee member with the support by co-interviewers which are industry experts. A heartfelt Thank You to Selection Committee members and co-interviewers for their generous contributions of time, expertise, and insight. The following esteemed individuals, hailing from diverse sectors, played a valuable role in this significant process:

1. Ms. Lai Yet Foon (Intel Technology Sdn. Bhd.)
2. Mr. Yeoh Shih Hoong (ViTrox Corporation Berhad)
3. Mr. Chandra Segar (Flex Ltd.)
4. Dr. Jeen Khor (Escatec Electronics Sdn. Bhd.)
5. Mr. Alex Goon (Micron Memory Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.)
6. Mr. Mohamed Anwar (Motorola Solutions Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.)
7. Ms. Janniece Loh (Sophics Automation Sdn. Bhd.)
8. Mr. Yew Chia Wei & Mr. Anbalagan Subramaniam (NI Emerson)
9. Mr. Noor Izwan Mohamad (Dexcom)

The Penang Future Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to identify and empower Malaysia’s brightest talents, fostering the next generation of leaders who will drive Penang’s sustainable development and innovation. Through continued collaboration with industry partners and the academic community, PFF is committed to building a resilient talent pipeline that will uphold Penang’s position as a dynamic hub for excellence and progress well into the future.

THE Penang Future Foundation (PFF) continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing Malaysia’s brightest minds, despite facing funding challenges that threaten its sustainability.

Speaking at the Penang Future Foundation 2023 Award Presentation, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the chairman of the PFF Selection Committee, emphasised the programme’s decade-long commitment to supporting outstanding Malaysian students.

“We remain committed to attracting and retaining talents to spearhead the state’s growth over the next 50 years.

“A total of 700 students have received the PFF scholarships between 2015 and 2022, enabling them to pursue undergraduate degrees in various fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Accountancy, and Finance.

“The recent 2023 selection process saw an additional 43 students awarded the prestigious Penang Scholar award, and eight students selected for the Mutiara Scholar award,” he told a media conference at his office today.

Chow also cautioned the programme’s financial sustainability.

“Funding is not an eternal fruit-bearing tree. I must acknowledge that the available funds for PFF have been steadily depleting with every round of awarded scholarships.

“We call upon key industry players to step forward and contribute towards securing the future of PFF, ensuring that PFF remains a lifeline for gifted and deserving students,” Chow highlighted the importance of collective action in maintaining the programme’s vitality.

While acknowledging past contributions from companies such as National Instruments (NI) and local developer Hunza Group, he urged Penang’s extensive business community, comprising over 350 multinational corporations (MNCs) and 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to increase their financial support.

“Ultimately, it will be the industry reaping the rewards of the talent development programme through this scholarship.

“Without substantial support from all stakeholders, the forthcoming online application window for the PFF 2024 Scholarship Award, tentatively scheduled to open on July 15 this year, sadly marks one of our final opportunities,” Chow added.

Also present at the award presentation ceremony were four recipients from the 2023 cohort – Beh Jia Liang, Daswina Shanmuganathan, Peh Jia Xuan, and Mohamad Izzuddin Mohd Hadir.

Beh, an electrical engineering undergraduate at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said has alleviated his family’s financial burden significantly.

“My mother and I both suffer from a chronic illness, requiring monthly medical check-ups and costly treatments. The scholarships have been a lifeline for us, covering my tuition fees and providing a much-needed living allowance.

“Being awarded this scholarship instils in me a profound sense of responsibility and a renewed motivation to pursue excellence,” he said.

Daswina, a mechanical engineering undergraduate at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Nibong Tebal, said the scholarship has changed her life.

“My father is the sole provider for our family, and there came a time when his income could not cover my educational expenses.

“I am immensely thankful for the PFF scholarship, which has enabled me to afford my tuition fees and meet my living expenses,” Daswina expressed, with a commitment to giving back to Penang once she completes her studies.

Mohamad Izzuddin, who is currently pursuing his studies in Biological Sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Selangor, expressed his gratitude to the state for awarding him with the scholarship.

“While many prioritise development and progress, my passion lies in the conservation of our natural environment and resources. The scholarship helps to motivate me to excel in my studies.

“I want to contribute back to my state, community and nature after I complete my studies,” he said.

Meanwhile, Peh expressed her gratitude to the Penang government and the PFF Selection Committee for entrusting her with the scholarship.

“The scholarship acts as a gateway for me to realise my goals and achieve my dreams. With the support of this scholarship, I can focus more on my studies without financial worries and distractions.

“I aspire to be a software engineer and I am committed to working in Penang, utilising my knowledge to develop innovative solutions to serve the needs of the community in the state,” the computer science undergraduate from INTI International College Penang said.

PFF Selection Committee members – Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lim Koon Ong – were also present at the award presentation ceremony.

Source: Buletin Mutiara (https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-future-foundation-continues-to-nourish-talent-despite-funding-challenges/)

We are thrilled to announce the successful culmination of the PFF 2023 Selection Interview, a crucial step in identifying and nurturing the brightest minds of tomorrow. This year, the PFF Secretariat meticulously reviewed all applications, seeking individuals with exceptional potential, a strong commitment to Penang, and a drive to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

The Selection Interview, held on September 25th and 26th, 2023, was a platform for candidates to showcase not only their academic prowess but also their dedication to their community and their vision for Penang’s future. The interview sessions were led by the Selection Committee members and partnered with invited industry experts as co-interviewers. Together, they delved into various aspects, including the candidate’s potential, family background, and any financial assistance they may have received.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed industry partners who graciously dedicated their time and expertise to be a part of the PFF 2023 Selection Interview:

1. Ms. Lai Yet Foon (Intel)
2. Dr. Jeen Khor (Escatec)
3. Mr. Yeoh Shih Hoong (ViTrox)
4. Mr. Chandra Segar (AMD)
5. Tuan Haji Abdul Latiff (PDC)
6. Ms. Cindy Chow (Dell)
7. Mr. Johnny Liew (In-Tech)
8. Ms. Chan Wah-Bin (Keysight)
9. Mr. Ng Wei Tee (StarFive)

Their invaluable contribution has greatly enriched this process, and we are immensely grateful for their participation.

The objective was clear: to unearth the most promising talents who embody the spirit of PFF’s mission – to empower individuals who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Penang.

As we look ahead, we are excited to witness the remarkable impact these scholars will undoubtedly have on our beloved community. Together, we forge a path towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Penang.