Local model-actress Ms Puiyi gave up her dreams of becoming a surgeon after lacking access to funds. Photo: Ms Puiyi/Instagram
Malaysian model-actress Ms Puiyi recently launched a US$1mil (RM4.4mil) scholarship programme in collaboration with Educapital Foundation to help underprivileged students achieve their academic dreams.
In an Instagram Reel uploaded on Feb 14, Puiyi – whose real name is Siew Pui Yi – said that this is one of her ways to give back to society as she understands that not everyone has been given equal opportunities when it comes to education.
The 24-year-old star revealed that her childhood dream was to study medicine in hopes of becoming a surgeon. However, she was unable to do so as she came from an underprivileged family.
"I couldn't pursue my dream to become a surgeon as I didn't have enough funding for my studies, my family wasn't privileged enough to do it (fund her studies) and I couldn't find any scholarships on time," the Pulau actress elaborated.
Puiyi also shared that she worked as a part-time model to earn extra income. However, she said that juggling work and studies was not easy as it caused her to skip meals and suffer from lack of sleep.
Unable to carry on without burning herself out, the former OnlyFans model revealed that she ended up pursuing a degree in the business field instead as the fees were cheaper.
After making a name for herself, Puiyi explained that she is now ready to make a difference and give needy students a chance to achieve their childhood dreams, something she didn't have the opportunity to do.
"Each student will be granted US$1,000 (RM4,433) to pursue whichever education field they desire.
"They are provided with access to financial hardship funds while they are in school, as well as business start-up grants upon graduation," she shared.
