Kuala lumpur: AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd has announced the launch of the AIA Penyala Harapan Scholarship Programme, a significant initiative aimed at supporting purpose-driven Malaysian students. This programme, developed in collaboration with International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), will provide RM1.6 million in scholarships to assist students in their educational pursuits.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the scholarships are funded by the surplus donations from AIA PUBLIC Takaful certificate participants. These contributions are directed into the AIA Penyala Harapan Charity Fund, which focuses on various charitable endeavors to enhance community wellbeing across Malaysia.
The scholarship targets first-year degree students enrolled in Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance, and Law programs, with financial support covering tuition fees and living expenses for up to four years. The inaugural cohort will include 20 scholars, who may also have the opportunity for internships with AIA PUBLIC Takaful, contingent on their academic performance and program compliance.
AIA PUBLIC Takaful's CEO, Mohd Asri Omar, expressed enthusiasm about the scholarship programme, noting it as the first initiative supported by the AIA Penyala Harapan Charity Fund. He highlighted AIA's commitment to facilitating healthier, longer, and better lives, underscoring education as a key element in achieving these aims.
AIA emphasized that this initiative aligns with its Total Shariah Solutions proposition, driven by Maqasid Shariah principles to illustrate that Takaful is more than just a protection plan, but one with a deeper societal purpose. The program aims to foster a sense of community by enabling customers to contribute to the greater good through surplus donations.
The scholarship programme aspires to establish a sustainable ecosystem that empowers youth and promotes education as a path to success. IIUM was chosen as a strategic partner due to its academic excellence and status as a leading Islamic university.
Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Fauzan bin Noordin, Deputy Rector of Student Development and Community Engagement at IIUM, expressed pride in collaborating with AIA PUBLIC Takaful. He reiterated IIUM's commitment to producing graduates who excel academically and uphold strong ethical values, and he anticipated that the partnership would inspire further collaborative efforts in education and social advancement.
The selection of scholars will be based on a combination of academic achievement, financial need, and future aspirations. This partnership aims to provide both financial aid and the necessary guidance to foster academic and personal excellence among students.
Eligible students interested in applying for the scholarship can do so via IIUM's IEF Division or visit the AIA PUBLIC Takaful website for more information.