YTAR perkukuh sokongan pelajar berpendapatan rendah, komuniti kurang peluang

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Unity Aaron Ago Dagang has pledged to strengthen support for low-income students and disadvantaged communities, according to a report. The Malaysian Unity Trust Foundation (YTAR) will expand its efforts to identify talents nationwide and enhance leadership, counseling, and alumni networks. "Our challenge today is not merely to bring more young people to universities, but to ensure that where they come from and their economic standing do not limit their potential," Aaron stated at the 60th Anniversary Commemorative Meeting of YTAR in Kuala Lumpur.

He further mentioned that there are still low-income students, rural communities, and certain ethnic groups facing financial constraints and limited access to information, networks, and personal development opportunities. YTAR now aims not only to provide scholarships but to identify potential, open access, and develop young individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The minister also urged the corporate sector to increase its support for education and talent development through strategic partnerships with YTAR. Over the past six decades, YTAR has supported more than 12,000 young people through investments of RM96.6 million in scholarships, financial assistance, and leadership development programs, transcending various social groups and faiths with the backing of over 300 strategic partners and benefactors.

In the commemorative meeting, YTAR also awarded scholarships to two outstanding recipients, Zakaria Ali and Ch'ng Kim See, for their contributions in arts, culture, and library sciences. The event featured a panel discussion with Tunku Scholars sharing their efforts in building Malaysia. The nominations for the 2026 Anugerah Pingat Tunku will open on August 31 and close on September 30, 2026, with self-nominations now being accepted for the first time for graduates of both public and private universities nationwide.