AN INITIATIVE to empower 30 students from underprivileged communities in Malaysia in their higher education journey has been launched by KFC Malaysia.

The RM2.1mil KFC Scholarship is targeted at qualified B40 students aiming to pursue their undergraduate degree at any one of the 20 public universities in Malaysia.

In addition to tuition fees, the scholarship will cover a monthly living allowance and KFC meal vouchers.

Applications for the scholarship opened on May 28 via the KFC website and have drawn more than 500 applications since.

Students who have received an unconditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university can continue to apply directly for the scholarship program at https://kfc.com.my/scholarship up until July 31.

According to a 2023 study by the USCI Poll Research Centre, only half of the 1,000 SPM candidates surveyed planned to pursue tertiary education.

Among those not continuing their studies, financial concerns were a significant barrier:

The KFC Scholarship aims to alleviate these financial burdens and empower students to focus on their studies.

QSR Brands chairman Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim said education is the great equaliser,

“As operators of the largest fast food chains in Malaysia, we at QSR Brands recognise its power to transform lives, uplift communities, and create a more equitable society.

“The KFC Scholarship reflects our commitment to investing in the community and empowering the next generation of leaders.

“By removing financial barriers, we aim to open doors to quality education and build economic opportunities for the future,” he said.

QSR Brands CEO and managing director Nehchal Khanna also said education is the foundation for a better future and essential in shaping future leaders of Malaysia.

“We believe the power of education engages minds, hearts, and hands, fostering holistic development.”

“It’s not just about knowledge; it’s about self-worth, confidence, and resilience.

“As we invest in education, we create a rich foundation for leadership and we hope through this scholarship programme, we will ultimately forge a brighter path our youths, the next generation leaders,” he added.

The KFC Scholarship is an extension of the Add Hope Foundation, a charitable arm of KFC Malaysia that focuses on community development and welfare. By channelling resources into education, KFC Malaysia aims to uplift the academic aspirations of students, fostering a brighter future for them and the nation.

The KFC Scholarship applications will remain open until July 31. Shortlisted students will participate in a screening and selection process by a panel of QSR Brands’ leadership team. The scholarship will be awarded to 30 students who will receive financial support to pursue their degree for up to four years.