Yayasan Telekom Malaysia (YTM) today announced that it is increasing its scholarships as well as offerings in its development programme in 2022, as part of its effort to nurture future leaders in the digital space.

YTM is making available 230 scholarships compared to 100 last year, comprising 200 local and 30 international YTM Future Leaders scholarships, in addition to 1,500 Form 4 to Form 5 Young Leaders scholarships from only 100 previously – a total of 724% increase in scholarship opportunities.

At a virtual media briefing held today, Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM said, “As a purpose-driven social impact foundation, our objective as part of and together with TM Group, is to fulfil our role in nation-building as the enabler of Digital Malaysia, as well as supporting the Social aspect in TM’s enhanced Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts.”

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), via YTM has long been a strong supporter in nation-building, and especially in Education. Since YTM’s establishment in 1994, more than RM584 million has been disbursed for education, development programmes and various donations, benefiting more than 16,000 students, deserving individuals and organisations. With the aim of delivering even greater impact to the society at large, YTM has embarked on a transformation journey in 2021, with three (3) strengthened pillars namely Education, Community & Nation Building, and Tourism, Culture & Heritage.

“YTM aims to leverage on the Group’s strength in delivering human-centred technology and digital solutions as well as in nurturing a digital workforce, to help better lives and livelihoods in target segments of society with impactful sustainable programmes via our three pillars,” said Izlyn. “We believe that Education, our first pillar, is the greatest enabler for change and social impact. Hence, a key strategy in YTM’s transformation journey is to reposition this pillar to reflect that commitment.”

“We are also formalising our Structured Development Programme leveraging on our flagship TM Future Skills module which covers both Digital and Employability Skills to help develop our scholars throughout their undergraduate years to become holistic, work-ready professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset, perseverance and ready to drive IR4.0. upon graduation. Alhamdulillah, over the last three years, 35% of our 495 scholars graduated with 1st Class Honours, and of our 253 active scholars, 68% are in the Dean’s list, a testament to their great potential. YTM remains passionate about developing these and more future digital leaders to empower Malaysia’s digital economy,” she added.

Annually, YTM offers scholarships to all Malaysians with an outstanding academic record, leadership skills, and a strong desire to succeed. Students who are qualified for these scholarships are chosen based on a number of additional criteria, such as socio-economic background, high intelligence quotient (IQ) test scores, and interview screening. Students can apply online at https://www.tm.com.my/yayasantm during the application period. Announcements will be made through YTM’s official social media assets on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Abd Hamid Hashim, Head of Education, YTM added, “Other than YTM’s custom-designed Structured Development Programme, one differentiator for YTM is that as part of TM Group, we have our own Multimedia University (MMU), a Premier Digital Tech University, and TM Research & Development (TM R&D) as well as close relationship with key industry players. This makes for a ready ecosystem to develop future digital leaders, to drive IR 4.0. and beyond.

“We understand the critical role that education plays in securing Malaysia's long-term development as a nation and in developing tomorrow's leaders. YTM will continue to support educational excellence as part of our transformation journey and aspirations to ensure a steady highly qualified digital talent funnel to help fuel Digital Malaysia. This is in line with the MyDIGITAL government blueprint, yet also fulfils YTM’s role as a foundation to support the underprivileged with great potential.” he concluded.

More details of YTM scholarships and financial assistance equipped with custom-designed structured development programmes are as follows:

YTM flagship scholarship programmes:

• Future Leaders Scholarship

Full scholarship programme to pursue undergraduate studies in higher education institutions, local and international.

• Young Leaders Scholarship

Financial assistance for deserving students who excel in academic and are active in co-curriculum.

• TM Edu-Assist Programme

Financial assistance for eligible TM Group employees to pursue higher education or professional courses at local institutions.

Other YTM education programmes:

• TM Future Skills

YTM’s flagship initiative is a unique STEM based programme that is acknowledged by Pusat STEM Negara and gaining traction in over 500 schools, reaching more than 12,000 student and teachers. It aims to empower them by equipping them with IR4. 0-centric kits and knowledge, such as the TM 3Ducation – 3D printing module and the TM Nano Maker, a real-time data logging tool for STEM; as well as soft skills to develop digital confidence.

• YTM TM Future Skills Champion Schools Adoption

Bridging the digital gap by adopting selected schools as a STEM hub to improve academic and non-academic achievement while engaging students, teachers and parents holistically.

• YTM TVET Programme

Reskill and upskill Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates through digital opportunities and solutions.

• YTM Future Environmental Leaders

Creating awareness among the younger generation on the need to demonstrate sustainable care for the environment through high-impact programs that focus on biodiversity and conservation.

• YTM Reaching Out Programme

Providing after-school activities, Career Talks and motivation for secondary school students and A-Level students.

• Promotion Of Digital Learning

“Sekolah Enuma” it is a cost-effective digital application that supports digital learning for children through games, books and videos.

In 2021, YTM was also active in its two (2) other pillars: Community & Nation-Building as well as Tourism, Culture & Heritage. For Community & Nation-Building the objective is to empower sustainable livelihoods for diverse community groups. On COVID-19 related initiatives, TM and YTM have thus far channelled close to RM20 million to assist close to 90,000 families, through various government, GLCs Disaster Response Network (GDRN) and own initiatives, with connectivity and device-related assistance via unifi, CERDIK and MYBaikHati, providing medical and food supplies as well as volunteerism. Notably, TM’s own food bank programme “Inisiatif Tolong Menolong”, via YTM lent support and aid to more than 150 affected Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses and the communities they serve during this challenging pandemic period.

This year to date, TM and YTM have contributed more than RM22mil in post-flood relief efforts, to assist close to 1,797 families, 395 students, 3,000 individuals and frontliners covering Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang and Johor in a form of basic needs, household appliances, back to school supplies, psychosocial support and connectivity restoration in affected areas.

YTM jump started its third pillar of Tourism, Culture & Heritage in late 2021 with the aim of preserving and celebrating the best of Malaysia; enhancing digital content and experience.  This saw the reactivation of Muzium Telekom as a digital arts and technology public gallery event showcase, part of CENDANA’s Art in the City KLWKND programme, attracting more than 3,000 visitors. YTM also supported more than 200 performers from Musicians for Musicians via their Facebook page and promoted them on unifi TV, as well as launched the Young Filmmaker 2021 programme that opens up opportunities for young talents to express their creative ideas, talents and enhance their potential in professional filmmaking

As YTM continues on its transformation journey towards a purpose-driven, social impact foundation, it will also be adopting a more collaborative model, leveraging on the collective strengths across the TM Group to run its programmes; supporting the overall ecosystem with like-minded organisations for greater socio-economic impact outcomes.