1 Imagine applying for a scholarship. Write a personal pitch explaining why you deserve it. You can use real experiences or fictional examples. Present it to a friend and get supportive feedback.
2 A turning point is when a situation begins to change. Find a news article and rewrite the ending by introducing a turning point that changes the outcome. Have fun!
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
FOR close to three decades, technology expert Tan Chez Hong (pic) has been on an upward trajectory.
Starting out at Star Media Group (SMG) in 1999, he moved up the ranks and today heads the Technology Department’s network and infrastructure team, which maintains the company’s information technology (IT) systems.
But all this, the 50-year-old acknowledged, would not have been possible without the Star Education Fund (SEF) scholarship he received as a struggling diploma student.
Back in the late 1990s, finances were tight after Tan’s family’s grocery business went under.
His father worked as a mini-bus ticket conductor while his mother became a restaurant helper. It was an uphill struggle paying for Tan’s tertiary education. His younger sister was still in secondary school.
Determined to continue his Diploma in Information System Engineering studies at TAR College, Tan took on part-time work as a handyman and a supermarket assistant. Juggling work and studies was exhausting.
“Because of the physical fatigue and work commitments, it was sometimes difficult to focus on my studies and I occasionally had to skip classes,” he recalled.
When he read about the SEF scholarship, he decided to apply for it. Being selected came as both a surprise and a tremendous relief.
“It was a mix of overwhelming joy and profound gratitude,” he told StarEdu.
The scholarship immediately eased the financial pressure on his family. Freed from the need to work part-time, Tan was able to concentrate fully on his studies.
“It gave me the mental space to excel and a significant confidence boost.”
His time at college proved formative, particularly the hands-on practicals and industry-collaborative projects that exposed him to the growing possibilities of technology in Malaysia.
A six-month industrial training placement at IBM further reinforced his passion for IT and strengthened his ambition to build a career in the field.
After graduating, Tan forged ahead by applying for a position at SMG, paving the way for a decades-long role in technology.
Looking back, he regards the scholarship as the cornerstone of his career.
“It enabled me to focus on my studies, which provided the skills and industry connections needed to secure a role immediately after graduation,” he said.
Beyond financial support, the recognition strengthened his belief in his potential and encouraged him to take on leadership roles in university projects.
“Perhaps I’d not have pursued my bachelor’s degree as I already had a stable job at The Star. But when my friends found out I was a scholarship recipient, they encouraged me to further my studies, which opened more opportunities for me,” he added.
Tan believes in encouraging others to apply for scholarships to further their studies as he sees it as more than a form of financial aid.
“A scholarship does not only support the recipient financially; mentally, it pushed me to complete my education since someone trusted my potential. This positive energy has brought my family and me our current stability.”
For students hoping to secure scholarships today, Tan believes preparation and authenticity are key.
“Start planning early and don’t rely solely on grades,” he advised. “Be authentic in your application and clearly explain your financial need. Treat the application process as your first project.”
This feature is part of a series highlighting beneficiaries of the Star Education Fund (SEF), in celebration of Star Media Group’s 55th anniversary. Since its inception in 1994, the SEF has benefited 4,601 scholarship recipients, with a total value of RM176 mil. Applications for the 2026 edition are now open at https://www.thestar.com.my/edufund. For enquiries, email edufund@thestar.com.my or call 03‑7967 1388 ext 1466.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 Imagine applying for a scholarship. Write a personal pitch explaining why you deserve it. You can use real experiences or fictional examples. Present it to a friend and get supportive feedback.
2 A turning point is when a situation begins to change. Find a news article and rewrite the ending by introducing a turning point that changes the outcome.have fun!
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@ thestar.com.my. ucate@thestar.com.my
