(From left) Kularetnam and Ahmad Shahriman with University of Nottingham Malaysia (sponsorship unit) manager Nor Ainiza Ngadimin. The university hosts the Closing The Gap programme.
Foundations help 76 high-potential, deserving students in their tertiary education journey
CIMB Foundation partnered with Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR) to support high-potential and deserving secondary students in their journey to tertiary education through the 2025 Closing The Gap programme.
The two-year programme aims to empower 76 students from Form Four to Six in the Klang Valley, including those from People’s Housing Project (PPR) communities adopted by CIMB.
It encompasses one-on-one mentoring, hands-on workshops, university residential camps and tailored career coaching.
By the end of the journey, the students will be better equipped to make informed decisions on their tertiary education pathways, selecting suitable higher education programmes and applying for scholarships that align with their academic aspirations, the foundation said in a press statement.
“In today’s evolving landscape, it is essential for students to not only excel academically but also understand industry demands while gaining clarity on their personal interests and strengths before making informed decisions on their academic and career pathways,” said CIMB Foundation chief executive officer Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff.
The chosen ones demonstrate grit, resilience in overcoming challenges and a strong commitment to pursuing higher education, said YTAR chief executive officer Kularetnam Vijayakumar.
They are assessed holistically, Kularetnam added, taking into consideration their socio-economic background, with preference given to those from high-need households.
“To ensure each person receives meaningful and personalised support, the programme engages a network of dedicated volunteer mentors, comprising professionals from diverse industries including CIMB employees who bring valuable experience and perspective to the mentoring journey,” he said.
“We believe that supporting students to access higher education is transformative not just for the students themselves, but also for their families and communities as it improves their employment prospects, earning potential, well-being and civic engagement.
“We have witnessed this impact first-hand through our alumni who have pursued diverse pathways both locally and internationally, securing over RM21mil in financial aid and scholarships.”
