Yayasan Telekom Malaysia (YTM) today announced that it is increasing its scholarships as well as offerings in its development programme in 2022, as part of its effort to nurture future leaders in the digital space.
YTM is making available 230 scholarships compared to 100 last year, comprising 200 local and 30 international YTM Future Leaders scholarships, in addition to 1,500 Form 4 to Form 5 Young Leaders scholarships from only 100 previously – a total of 724% increase in scholarship opportunities.
At a virtual media briefing held today, Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM said, “As a purpose-driven social impact foundation, our objective as part of and together with TM Group, is to fulfil our role in nation-building as the enabler of Digital Malaysia, as well as supporting the Social aspect in TM’s enhanced Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts.”
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), via YTM has long been a strong supporter in nation-building, and especially in Education. Since YTM’s establishment in 1994, more than RM584 million has been disbursed for education, development programmes and various donations, benefiting more than 16,000 students, deserving individuals and organisations. With the aim of delivering even greater impact to the society at large, YTM has embarked on a transformation journey in 2021, with three (3) strengthened pillars namely Education, Community & Nation Building, and Tourism, Culture & Heritage.
“YTM aims to leverage on the Group’s strength in delivering human-centred technology and digital solutions as well as in nurturing a digital workforce, to help better lives and livelihoods in target segments of society with impactful sustainable programmes via our three pillars,” said Izlyn. “We believe that Education, our first pillar, is the greatest enabler for change and social impact. Hence, a key strategy in YTM’s transformation journey is to reposition this pillar to reflect that commitment.”
“We are also formalising our Structured Development Programme leveraging on our flagship TM Future Skills module which covers both Digital and Employability Skills to help develop our scholars throughout their undergraduate years to become holistic, work-ready professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset, perseverance and ready to drive IR4.0. upon graduation. Alhamdulillah, over the last three years, 35% of our 495 scholars graduated with 1st Class Honours, and of our 253 active scholars, 68% are in the Dean’s list, a testament to their great potential. YTM remains passionate about developing these and more future digital leaders to empower Malaysia’s digital economy,” she added.
Annually, YTM offers scholarships to all Malaysians with an outstanding academic record, leadership skills, and a strong desire to succeed. Students who are qualified for these scholarships are chosen based on a number of additional criteria, such as socio-economic background, high intelligence quotient (IQ) test scores, and interview screening. Students can apply online at https://www.tm.com.my/yayasantm during the application period. Announcements will be made through YTM’s official social media assets on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Abd Hamid Hashim, Head of Education, YTM added, “Other than YTM’s custom-designed Structured Development Programme, one differentiator for YTM is that as part of TM Group, we have our own Multimedia University (MMU), a Premier Digital Tech University, and TM Research & Development (TM R&D) as well as close relationship with key industry players. This makes for a ready ecosystem to develop future digital leaders, to drive IR 4.0. and beyond.
“We understand the critical role that education plays in securing Malaysia's long-term development as a nation and in developing tomorrow's leaders. YTM will continue to support educational excellence as part of our transformation journey and aspirations to ensure a steady highly qualified digital talent funnel to help fuel Digital Malaysia. This is in line with the MyDIGITAL government blueprint, yet also fulfils YTM’s role as a foundation to support the underprivileged with great potential.” he concluded.
More details of YTM scholarships and financial assistance equipped with custom-designed structured development programmes are as follows:
YTM flagship scholarship programmes:
- Future Leaders Scholarship
Full scholarship programme to pursue undergraduate studies in higher education institutions, local and international.
- Young Leaders Scholarship
Financial assistance for deserving students who excel in academic and are active in co-curriculum.
- TM Edu-Assist Programme
Financial assistance for eligible TM Group employees to pursue higher education or professional courses at local institutions.
Other YTM education programmes:
- TM Future Skills
YTM’s flagship initiative is a unique STEM based programme that is acknowledged by Pusat STEM Negara and gaining traction in over 500 schools, reaching more than 12,000 student and teachers. It aims to empower them by equipping them with IR4. 0-centric kits and knowledge, such as the TM 3Ducation – 3D printing module and the TM Nano Maker, a real-time data logging tool for STEM; as well as soft skills to develop digital confidence.
- YTM TM Future Skills Champion Schools Adoption
Bridging the digital gap by adopting selected schools as a STEM hub to improve academic and non-academic achievement while engaging students, teachers and parents holistically.
- YTM TVET Programme
Reskill and upskill Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates through digital opportunities and solutions.
- YTM Future Environmental Leaders
Creating awareness among the younger generation on the need to demonstrate sustainable care for the environment through high-impact programs that focus on biodiversity and conservation.
- YTM Reaching Out Programme
Providing after-school activities, Career Talks and motivation for secondary school students and A-Level students.
- Promotion Of Digital Learning
“Sekolah Enuma” it is a cost-effective digital application that supports digital learning for children through games, books and videos.
In 2021, YTM was also active in its two (2) other pillars: Community & Nation-Building as well as Tourism, Culture & Heritage. For Community & Nation-Building the objective is to empower sustainable livelihoods for diverse community groups. On COVID-19 related initiatives, TM and YTM have thus far channelled close to RM20 million to assist close to 90,000 families, through various government, GLCs Disaster Response Network (GDRN) and own initiatives, with connectivity and device-related assistance via unifi, CERDIK and MYBaikHati, providing medical and food supplies as well as volunteerism. Notably, TM’s own food bank programme “Inisiatif Tolong Menolong”, via YTM lent support and aid to more than 150 affected Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses and the communities they serve during this challenging pandemic period.
This year to date, TM and YTM have contributed more than RM22mil in post-flood relief efforts, to assist close to 1,797 families, 395 students, 3,000 individuals and frontliners covering Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang and Johor in a form of basic needs, household appliances, back to school supplies, psychosocial support and connectivity restoration in affected areas.
YTM jump started its third pillar of Tourism, Culture & Heritage in late 2021 with the aim of preserving and celebrating the best of Malaysia; enhancing digital content and experience. This saw the reactivation of Muzium Telekom as a digital arts and technology public gallery event showcase, part of CENDANA’s Art in the City KLWKND programme, attracting more than 3,000 visitors. YTM also supported more than 200 performers from Musicians for Musicians via their Facebook page and promoted them on unifi TV, as well as launched the Young Filmmaker 2021 programme that opens up opportunities for young talents to express their creative ideas, talents and enhance their potential in professional filmmaking
As YTM continues on its transformation journey towards a purpose-driven, social impact foundation, it will also be adopting a more collaborative model, leveraging on the collective strengths across the TM Group to run its programmes; supporting the overall ecosystem with like-minded organisations for greater socio-economic impact outcomes.
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TM supports affected small businesses and communities through “Inisiatif Tolong Menolong”
Reaching out to more than 140 SME businesses and 14,000 families nationwide as part of the ongoing Malaysia Prihatin movement. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) stays committed to its efforts in lending support and aid to affected Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses and communities during this challenging period of COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the immense impact of this unprecedented period, Yayasan TM (YTM), TM's social impact-based foundation and also its Corporate Responsibility arm, embarked on a food bank programme called "Inisiatif Tolong Menolong", as part of the ongoing "Malaysia Prihatin" movement. The two (2) months programme is aimed at supporting local SME businesses such as grocery stores, sundry shops and restaurants as well as community groups in need including B40 families and the homeless, who are affected by the pandemic and enforcement of Movement Control Order (MCO). For this initiative, YTM works with TM's state offices nationwide to identify the local SMEs and provide the beneficiaries with basic necessities to alleviate their burden during this challenging time. Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM shared: "We understand that the MCO is necessary to keep Malaysians safe during this pandemic, but it brought its own challenges to our livelihood. This is where YTM and TM Group continue to lend our helping hand wherever possible, embracing the spirit of "Malaysia Prihatin" and #kitajagakita. Apart from other ongoing initiatives to help the nation bounce back, we have embarked on this nationwide "Inisiatif Tolong Menolong" that adopts a two-pronged approach – providing basic necessities to those in need by purchasing the items from the local SME businesses in the vicinity. This will help the beneficiaries while at the same time assisting in the survival of the affected local SMEs. We hope this humble assistance can make life and business easier for them, and they have a chance to rebuild their lives together." "We are also very grateful for the great support and cooperation from the TM state offices and our various stakeholders on the ground who have worked tirelessly to make this initiative a success," Izlyn concluded. The initiative, kicked off on 20 August 2021 nationwide, is set to benefit more than 140 SME businesses, which were selected as collection points for the identified 14,000 families to get their basic food supplies in their respective areas. This programme is also part of the collective humanitarian efforts of the GLC/GLIC Disaster Response Network (GDRN), for which YTM is co-chair together with Khazanah Nasional Berhad's Yayasan Hasanah, under Ministry of Finance (MOF)-GDRN PERMAI Relief Fund 2021; a matching grant announced under Initiative 6 of Pakej Bantuan Perlindungan Ekonomi & Rakyat Malaysia (PERMAI) to provide immediate relief to those adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disaster. Earlier this year, TM had disbursed RM1.5 million of the TM's MOF-GDRN PERMAI Relief Fund 2021 via 17 NGOs nationwide and benefited more than 10,000 families from various backgrounds. Also under this fund, working together with Persatuan OKU Sentral and GDRN partners, TM has recently contributed a month's supply of food for front-liners and volunteers working at a Drive-Through Vaccine Center (PPV) specifically for the special needs community, including their guardians and senior citizens in Johor Bahru. To date, the TM Group including YTM has extended close to RM20 million through various initiatives to ease the lives of affected communities, and in continuous support of Malaysia's nation-building and community welfare agenda in these challenging times. YTM joins all Malaysians in prayer for the safety and health of the nation, together may we return stronger.
YAYASAN TM’s ‘PROGRAM CAHAYA RAMADAN’ CONTINUES TO BRING JOY TO THE LESS FORTUNATE COMMUNITIES
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 March 2024 – TM, through its social foundation arm, Yayasan TM (YTM), announces the continuation of its ‘Program Cahaya Ramadan’. This year, the programme allocates RM320,000 to aid approximately 3,000 beneficiaries across Malaysia, including asnaf, orphans, B40 families, single mothers, Persons with Disabilities (PWD), tahfiz students, and the Orang Asli community. The initiative, mobilised through our state offices nationwide, focuses on distributing food baskets and raya essential items such as baju raya and duit raya (cash) to the identified beneficiaries during Ramadan. Ainol Shaharina Sahar, Director of Yayasan TM said, “It is our honour to once again initiate the ‘Program Cahaya Ramadan’, extending our hand in solidarity to those in need during this reflective and benevolent time of year. Our goal is to alleviate the hardships of our beneficiaries, ensuring they too can share in the joy and togetherness that Ramadan brings. We aim to foster a sense of community and hope, particularly among children, as they observe the sacred month and look forward to Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.” In addition to these efforts, YTM is launching the ‘Dana Kasih Yayasan TM’ fundraising campaign, aiming to raise RM30,000 to specifically assist Orang Asli families in Pos Kuala Mu, Sungai Siput, Perak. This campaign focuses on gathering funds to provide these families with essential food supplies for Ramadan, aiming to ensure they have the resources needed for a fulfilling festive period. The public is encouraged to support this noble cause by making donations through YTM’s bank account at 14180010000426 (Bank Islam). For further details, please visit YTM’s social media channels. In 2023, YTM’s ‘Program Cahaya Ramadan’ has benefitted more than 3,000 beneficiaries through over 20 programmes across the country. YTM collaborated with Pejabat Ahli Parlimen Lembah Pantai to organise the programme which was attended by its Member of Parliament, YB Fahmi Fadzil. As the programme continues to grow and reach more communities, YTM remains dedicated to nurturing hope, fostering solidarity, and creating lasting impacts in the lives of the underserved, reinforcing its goal of a more inclusive and supportive society.
Nurturing future digital leaders through YTM Future Skills Champion Schools
Enhances its adopted schools programme to be more holistic by embedding digital technology and leadership skills TM, through Yayasan TM (YTM), recognises the need to equip the next generation with the digital and technology skills required for Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0). In view of this, in 2014, YTM began its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) oriented programmes, such as robotics, 3D modelling, coding, and big data analytics, to promote those subjects amongst students and education communities at schools nationwide. In 2020, the modules were conslidated into TM Future Skills (TMFS) programme, with the aim of making it more comprehensive and beneficial to the intended participants. The programme was tailored to the syllabus outlined by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and covered the nine (9) pillars of the IR4.0. It has been receiving positive feedback from the teachers and students involved and more schools have requested to be part of the programme. Supporting MOE’s aspiration for digital education transformation, YTM continues to spread the positive impact of TMFS in a more structured approach. Towards this end, the foundation has embarked on TM Future Skills Champion School (TMFS School) initiative, as a continuation of the TM School Adoption Programme with enhanced contents. TMFS Schools foster future digital skills by embracing digital technology in its classroom activities where leadership, design thinking and cognitive abilities were emphasised to prepare the students for future employment. SMK Gunung Semanggol (SMKGS) in Perak, with more than 90% of its students from B40 families, was selected as the first TMFS School, aligned with YTM’s aspiration to assist B40 students in rural areas. To further facilitate the initiative, YTM is establishing TMFS Digital Hub at TMFS Schools where the schools will be equipped with a PocketLab, robotics set, 3D printer, smart TV, desktop, and digital learning content to gain more interest from its students as well as the neighbouring schools. "SMK Gunung Semanggol was identified based on its active involvement in various STEM initiatives, including previous TMFS programmes. The school also has passionate and dedicated teachers, where they adopt integrated and innovative approach for more in-depth understanding of the modules among the students. With such exposure and capabilities, we are confident that SMK Gunung Semanggol is able to play the role as a hub to spread the digital technology knowledge to more students and teachers including at the five (5) neighbouring schools, and approximately over 20 secondary schools in the Kerian district," said Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM, during the launching ceremony of TMFS School in November 2022. Throughout this three-year programme, YTM, together with its strategic partner, Creative Minds, will work with Multimedia University (MMU), Yayasan Universiti Multimedia (YUM), TM Perak, and other YTM's partners to design and deliver engaging programmes providing the tools and support for students in rural schools to flourish. "We are also happy to see that SMK Gunung Semanggol promotes the development of other skills, such as urban farming and entrepreneurship, to empower the local communities sustainably. So as we continue to identify more potential schools in more states of Malaysia, we hope this programme will unearth more talented students towards building a competitive and sustainable community in the future," she added. Salmah Iman, the Principal of SMK Gunung Semanggol, expressed her enthusiasm, "We feel honoured and privileged to be chosen as the first TMFS School in the Northern Zone and Malaysia. We are excited and look forward to share the positive impact of this programme with the nearby schools. As we are committed to ensuring that this programme achieves its goals, we are also confident that YTM's support and assistance will help these students be prepared for future employment and enhance their standard of living." At the event, Bakri Arsad, Chief Assistant Director of Mathematics and Science, Learning Sector, Perak State Education Department, said, "We welcome such initiatives through collaboration with the private sector, especially for rural schools that need exposure to digital technology. These programmes will inspire students to explore their potential beyond academics and increase the number of students choosing STEM-related fields." During the launch, guests had the opportunity to visit the Pusat Sumber Sekolah Pendeta Za'aba and experience content and materials created by the students based on specific themes including unique handicrafts and martial arts performances. Guests toured the school's urban farm, where they sampled delicious cuisine prepared by students from the special education class using produce from the farm. SMK Gunung Semanggol provided a wonderful ambience of positive vibes that attract students' engagement and boosted their creativity. To date, STEM-related programmes by YTM, including TMFS, have benefited over 15,000 students and teachers from over 500 schools across the country. With the support and assistance of various interested partners, we hope this initiative will spark students' interest in pursuing their tertiary studies in technology and digital fields and equip the young generation with future-proof skills relevant to the future workforce.