08 Mar 2022
Yayasan TM steps up efforts to nurture future leaders for a digital malaysia; announces increased scholarships and development programme offerings
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.
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Facilitates the development of localised Emergency Response Plans Over the years, Yayasan TM (YTM) has been actively involved in disaster emergency response efforts and lent its helping hand to affected communities in various ways. With many tragic losses of life and property due to natural disasters, it is imperative to help the public better understand the importance of preparedness, the risks involved and build capacities for pre-emptive and early action, including identifying vulnerabilities and potential impact on people and assets. Through its latest initiative, the YTM-Istana Negara Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Programme (CBDRRM), organised in collaboration with Istana Negara, the programme is aimed at empowering communities especially women and children as well as building community resilience during disasters with the necessary knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness - in alignment to the Government's aspiration to nurture a disaster preparedness culture among Malaysians. For the inaugural edition of the programme, YTM identified three (3) high risk areas in Kuantan, Maran and Bentong districts in Pahang. This is also a continuation from the support to the local communities post-flood early this year where YTM, together with Istana Negara provided basic necessities, workforce and monetary assistance to citizens in Karak, Ulu Tembeling and Kuantan districts. “This CBDRRM programme is both important and timely, in view of frequent heavy rain and storms of late. We hope that the local communities will fully utilise the skills and knowledge obtained from the initiative, to be better prepared for in the event of any flood incidents in their respective areas, minimising the impact and ultimately, saving lives,” said Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM. “We were delighted to find that these modules were very helpful for them based on their feedback. Meanwhile, we remain on the ready to deploy response and humanitarian aid should the need arise,” she added. The first one was held in August 2022 for the community in Perumahan Awam Kos Rendah (PAKR) Sungai Pandan, Kuantan, which saw a total of 120 participants attending, while the second was held in Maran in September. With the support of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) as well as the TM Reaching Out Volunteers (TMROVers), the programme was conducted by 12 humanitarian experts with vast disaster response experience, including risk and reduction management from Red A Humanitarian Global. The modules highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness, hands-on session to develop localised Emergency Response Plans, water safety and practical swimming, as well as simulation exercises. The participants were also briefed on mental health management and creating children-friendly spaces (CFS) as an added element. For any emergency response plan to work, active participation from the community becomes crucial. During the programme, the communities were also connected to their local government agencies such as the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), Jabatan Pengairan & Saliran (JPS) Negeri Pahang for better disaster response in the future. The third and final session was organised recently in Bentong in collaboration with Istana Negara and attended by 125 participants. Via the three (3) series of CBDRRM in Pahang, YTM have reached a total of 458 community members and local government agencies; inclusively, empowering 123 female participants and 167 children and teenagers. This initiative is aligned with our aspiration to build capacity in disaster preparedness among community members, especially women and children, who are considered first responders’ priority when a disaster occurs. YTM will continuously support the community for better disaster preparedness and response through community leadership and self-empowerment.
K-KOMM Deputy Minister officiates Yayasan TM’s effort for most number of Gutta Percha planted within 24 hours
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Nurturing future digital leaders through YTM Future Skills Champion Schools
Enhances its adopted schools programme to be more holistic by embedding digital technology and leadership skills TM, through Yayasan TM (YTM), recognises the need to equip the next generation with the digital and technology skills required for Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0). In view of this, in 2014, YTM began its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) oriented programmes, such as robotics, 3D modelling, coding, and big data analytics, to promote those subjects amongst students and education communities at schools nationwide. In 2020, the modules were conslidated into TM Future Skills (TMFS) programme, with the aim of making it more comprehensive and beneficial to the intended participants. The programme was tailored to the syllabus outlined by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and covered the nine (9) pillars of the IR4.0. It has been receiving positive feedback from the teachers and students involved and more schools have requested to be part of the programme. Supporting MOE’s aspiration for digital education transformation, YTM continues to spread the positive impact of TMFS in a more structured approach. Towards this end, the foundation has embarked on TM Future Skills Champion School (TMFS School) initiative, as a continuation of the TM School Adoption Programme with enhanced contents. TMFS Schools foster future digital skills by embracing digital technology in its classroom activities where leadership, design thinking and cognitive abilities were emphasised to prepare the students for future employment. SMK Gunung Semanggol (SMKGS) in Perak, with more than 90% of its students from B40 families, was selected as the first TMFS School, aligned with YTM’s aspiration to assist B40 students in rural areas. To further facilitate the initiative, YTM is establishing TMFS Digital Hub at TMFS Schools where the schools will be equipped with a PocketLab, robotics set, 3D printer, smart TV, desktop, and digital learning content to gain more interest from its students as well as the neighbouring schools. "SMK Gunung Semanggol was identified based on its active involvement in various STEM initiatives, including previous TMFS programmes. The school also has passionate and dedicated teachers, where they adopt integrated and innovative approach for more in-depth understanding of the modules among the students. With such exposure and capabilities, we are confident that SMK Gunung Semanggol is able to play the role as a hub to spread the digital technology knowledge to more students and teachers including at the five (5) neighbouring schools, and approximately over 20 secondary schools in the Kerian district," said Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM, during the launching ceremony of TMFS School in November 2022. Throughout this three-year programme, YTM, together with its strategic partner, Creative Minds, will work with Multimedia University (MMU), Yayasan Universiti Multimedia (YUM), TM Perak, and other YTM's partners to design and deliver engaging programmes providing the tools and support for students in rural schools to flourish. "We are also happy to see that SMK Gunung Semanggol promotes the development of other skills, such as urban farming and entrepreneurship, to empower the local communities sustainably. So as we continue to identify more potential schools in more states of Malaysia, we hope this programme will unearth more talented students towards building a competitive and sustainable community in the future," she added. Salmah Iman, the Principal of SMK Gunung Semanggol, expressed her enthusiasm, "We feel honoured and privileged to be chosen as the first TMFS School in the Northern Zone and Malaysia. We are excited and look forward to share the positive impact of this programme with the nearby schools. As we are committed to ensuring that this programme achieves its goals, we are also confident that YTM's support and assistance will help these students be prepared for future employment and enhance their standard of living." At the event, Bakri Arsad, Chief Assistant Director of Mathematics and Science, Learning Sector, Perak State Education Department, said, "We welcome such initiatives through collaboration with the private sector, especially for rural schools that need exposure to digital technology. These programmes will inspire students to explore their potential beyond academics and increase the number of students choosing STEM-related fields." During the launch, guests had the opportunity to visit the Pusat Sumber Sekolah Pendeta Za'aba and experience content and materials created by the students based on specific themes including unique handicrafts and martial arts performances. Guests toured the school's urban farm, where they sampled delicious cuisine prepared by students from the special education class using produce from the farm. SMK Gunung Semanggol provided a wonderful ambience of positive vibes that attract students' engagement and boosted their creativity. To date, STEM-related programmes by YTM, including TMFS, have benefited over 15,000 students and teachers from over 500 schools across the country. With the support and assistance of various interested partners, we hope this initiative will spark students' interest in pursuing their tertiary studies in technology and digital fields and equip the young generation with future-proof skills relevant to the future workforce.
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