PETALING JAYA, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- KPMG in Malaysia has established its Education Trust Fund (“the Trust”) to champion lifelong learning and quality education for young talents nationwide through four funding programs.
 
The Trust, which is collectively funded by the partners of KPMG in Malaysia, will commit RM500,000 every year. For a start, eligibility for the funds will be specific for the B40 community as well as for children of KPMG personnel.
 
Datuk Johan Idris, Managing Partner of KPMG in Malaysia and Executive Chairman of the Trust explained how this initiative demonstrates the Malaysian firm’s commitment towards the global KPMG Impact Plan and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education.
 
“We recognize that access to quality education can affect the development of our nation’s economy and capacity building. This, in turn, will benefit the society at large. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic together with the December 2021 floods have also been devastating. We want to help alleviate some burden by driving positive change within our community.
 
“Through this Trust, KPMG aims to offer financial and development support to B40 communities so they can achieve their full potential through quality education and lifelong learning and become Malaysia’s future leaders. We believe in playing our part to help drive progress that will facilitate sustainable growth,” he added.
 
The Firm pledges to support the community via these sponsorship and scholarship programs:
 
• KPMG Young Spark
This program supports the academic development and enhancements of school children studying in public schools. In addition to the sponsorship of one-off essentials (uniforms, workbooks and stationery), successful applicants will be eligible to attend a summer camp hosted by KPMG.
 
• KPMG Young Star
This program supports students entering local public colleges and universities for tertiary education. Successful applicants will each receive RM4,000 in one-off financial support to aid in college/university preparations, as well as attend a bootcamp and participate in activities held by the Firm.
 
• KPMG Young Excellence
This program exclusively supports KPMG personnel in Malaysia via a sponsorship of their children’s academic and professional development during tertiary education at local colleges and universities, for degree or professional qualifications.
 
• KPMG ASEAN Scholarship
First established in 2015, this regional program provides future leaders with rigorous professional development, strategic engagement as well as social connection opportunities and platforms. This program is open to first- or second-year Malaysian undergraduates pursuing their tertiary education in any private or public universities in Malaysia.
 
Successful applicants will receive an annual scholarship grant of RM12,000, and two internship opportunities – one with the Malaysia firm and another with one of the participating member firms in ASEAN. They will also be mentored by KPMG leaders and secure a guaranteed employment opportunity with KPMG in Malaysia upon graduation.
 
Datuk Johan concluded, “At KPMG, we’re driven by our Purpose — to inspire confidence and empower change. Through this Trust, we want to inspire young talents to become the next generation of changemakers who can help shape and lead on critical issues facing the world.”

To learn more, visit www.kpmg.com.my/EducationTrustFund