ACADEMIC excellence, co-curricular accomplishments and university admissions often give students the impetus to go the extra mile and fulfil their potential.
For Muhammad Fahim Zharfan, who has been accepted into the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) programme at a German university, the motivation to do better has been further boosted by a cash award from Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&NHB) under its F&N Chairman’s Award.
“I felt excited and relieved when I was accepted into Hochschule Kaiserslautern. I have been learning German for the past two years to prepare for the new environment.
“I have always been fascinated by how the world works, and this mechanical engineering programme will allow me to explore that curiosity.
“I am grateful to my father for his support and to F&N for providing a strong foundation. I hope to make a positive impact through my skills one day,” he said in a Jan 9 press release.
Muhammad Fauzi Ahmad, the father of Muhammad Fahim Zharfan, expressed pride in his son for realising his dream of studying engineering in Germany.
“Supporting my children through their studies has always been important. I hope his success will inspire his younger siblings to aim high,” he said.
Muhammad Fahim Zharfan is among 83 recipients of the F&N Chairman’s Award 2025. Launched in 2003, the annual initiative recognises the children of F&NHB employees for their academic and co-curricular performance, and university admissions.
The cash awards, totalling RM230,500, benefited secondary students with top scores in national or international examinations, as well as tertiary students accepted into local or overseas undergraduate programmes.
Special awards were also presented to students who excelled in sports or co-curricular competitions at the state, national or international level.
Dhanika Nagarajan said being accepted into Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology has motivated her to work even harder.
“I chose to study English because I am passionate about language and communication, and I hope to use these skills to inspire and empower others,” she said.
Her father Nagarajan Muthusamy advised parents to remain supportive and patient throughout their children’s academic journeys.
“Encouragement and belief in your child can make a big difference as they work towards their goals,” he said.
Siti Nursuhaila Junaidi, who was accepted into the Bachelor of Social Sciences (International Relations) programme at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, shared that the opportunity has strengthened her motivation to build a meaningful future in her field.
“Being accepted into the university inspires me to work towards a future where I can contribute positively through international relations. Seeing my mother’s commitment to her job motivates me to pursue my goals with the same determination,” she said.
Expressing her gratitude, her mother Masayu Busrah said initiatives like the Chairman’s Award reflect the company’s care for employees and their families.
Lau Cheng Wei, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Plantation Management) at Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology, said the enrolment has strengthened his passion for contributing to the agriculture sector.
“I’m motivated to contribute positively to society. I’m also proud of my father’s dedication to his company. He has inspired me to work hard and stay focused on my goals,” he said.
His father Lau Lay Cher, who has served the company for over 15 years, expressed hope that his son’s field of study would contribute to sustainability.
“Cheng Wei’s degree is closely aligned with F&N AgriValley. I believe it will allow him to contribute meaningfully to sustainable plantation practices and the future of our agri-operations,” he said.
F&NHB chairman Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail said the company takes pride in seeing young talent flourish into capable future leaders.
“This award is our way of recognising their dedication and hard work, as well as the support and guidance of their families who nurture and inspire them every step of the way.
“By celebrating their achievements, we hope to motivate them to dream bigger, pursue their passions and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.
F&NHB chief executive officer Lim Yew Hoe added that the company has consistently invested in developing future generations.
“Through initiatives like the Chairman’s Award, we encourage youth to excel, build capability and explore pathways that may include the opportunity to one day become part of F&N AgriValley’s future talent pipeline,” he said.
