CYBERJAYA, 17 OCTOBER 2024 – In an inspiring step towards educational empowerment, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd. (“QSR Brands” or “the Company”) and KFC Malaysia have proudly awarded KFC Scholarship to 40 deserving students during a ceremony held at KFC Edusphere DT Cyberjaya recently. The scholarship programme specifically designed to support B40 students in their pursuit of higher education, aims to provide educational opportunities to students from the bottom 40% income group, alleviating financial and social challenges thereby enhancing their access to quality educational resources.
The ceremony was honoured with the presence of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who presented the award to the scholars. YB Nik Nazmi remarked, “This commendable initiative will break down the financial barriers that often limit access to top-tier educational opportunities, bridge the gap and ensure that no student is left behind, regardless of their socioeconomic background. We are pleased to see such an initiative led by QSR Brands through the KFC Scholarship programme.”
“QSR Brands’ commitment to being at the forefront of driving educational excellence and investing in our future leaders is integral in breaking the poverty cycle and creating future leaders who will make a positive change in their live and communities, should be emulated by similar quick service sector companies in Malaysia.” Nik Nazmi added.
The decision to target B40 students stems from a desire to uplift the most vulnerable communities. Nehchal Khanna CEO/MD of QSR Brands stated, “By focusing on this group, we hope to bridge the gap in educational opportunities and create a pathway for young hardworking individuals to pursue their dreams and shape their future.”
He continued, “Nation building depends on leaders who are visionary, inclusive, responsible, and globally minded. By embodying these qualities and with the right education, our KFC scholars can guide our nation towards a prosperous and sustainable future.”
When the scholarship programme was announced, the Company received an overwhelming response, with 4,764 applications submitted over a two-month period. The selection process was rigorous, involving multiple assessment stages, including eligibility testing and a Quantitative Critical Thinking Assessment. Ultimately, 40 exceptional candidates were selected based on their academic potential, leadership qualities, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills.
Ensuring fairness and inclusivity throughout the selection process was paramount. QSR Brands’ commitment to equality was reflected in the geographic diversity of the applicants, representing all 13 states across Malaysia. The scholarship recipients demonstrate not only academic excellence but also resilience against the challenges posed by their backgrounds.
Many of the chosen scholars come from challenging environments, facing financial hardship and limited access to quality education. “Despite these difficulties, they have shown exceptional determination to pursue higher education,” Mr. Nehchal added. “This scholarship provides them with a vital platform to overcome those challenges and focus solely on their studies.”
To guarantee ongoing success, QSR Brands has committed to providing continuous support to the selected scholars throughout their academic journeys. This includes regular mentoring, resource access, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The Company aims to foster a sense of community among scholars, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to excel.
With over RM32 million invested in community initiatives since 2007, KFC Malaysia continues its tradition on contributing to social betterment. The scholarship programme not only highlights the emphasis on education but also represents a step towards fostering a new generation of leaders.
