HIS passion for journalism is what helped Muhammad Nazreen Mohd Izahar, 23, become the second recipient of the Soo Ewe Jin Scholarship.
Before he enrolled for the mass communication course at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), he was a sports reporter for an online football portal.
“I enjoy writing about sports, and I would also like to cover other areas like politics and music,” said Muhammad Nazreen.
The Soo Ewe Jin Scholarship was established in April 2016 and launched in honour of the late Soo Ewe Jin.
It is under the Star Education Fund as well as Yayasan Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Aimed at nurturing fresh talent in journalism, it supports one undergraduate every year pursuing a Bachelor in Communication (Journalism) at USM.
Ewe Jin was The Star’s executive editor and best known for his weekly column Sunday Starters, which touched the lives of many with its strong message of compassion, kindness and charity.
The scholarship sponsors one undergraduate every year pursuing a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which is renowned for producing top-notch journalists.
USM School Of Communications dean Dr Shuhaida Md Noor said: “Muhammad Nazreen stood out as someone who really understands journalism.”
“He has the curiosity, acumen and nose for journalism,” she added.
She said his lecturers have commented that he is very proactive and is always on the lookout for news on-campus.
Soo’s widow Angeline Lim agrees, saying that Muhammad Nazreen’s love for journalism is what gave him an edge over the other six shortlisted candidates.
Muhammad Nazreen will receive RM5,000 per semester until he finishes his four-year course.
He said that the scholarship has helped ease his family’s financial burden.
“Both my parents are retired and currently my sister, who is married, is the only one supporting the family,” he added.
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