Wednesday 26/08/2026

 
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad ("BPMB or the Bank") recently awarded 18 students under its BPMB Award of Group’s Undergraduate Scholarship (“BAGUS”) 2026 initiative, marking the largest annual scholarship cohort since the programme was introduced in 2013. With a cumulative investment exceeding RM17 million, BAGUS has now supported close to 70 undergraduate scholars, reinforcing BPMB’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia's future talent pipeline  across key industries, particularly the banking and finance sector. Since its introduction, BAGUS has become one of BPMB’s flagship scholarship initiatives, supporting the Bank’s developmental mandate through strategic investment in education and talent.
 
Investing in Future Talent
Shuhaibahtulaslamiah Hurmuzan, Acting Group Chief Human Resource Officer of BPMB Group, said, "This year’s 18 BAGUS recipients represent our largest annual cohort since the programme was introduced in 2013. With more than RM17 million invested in close to 70  scholars to date, BAGUS reflects our long-term commitment to developing Malaysian talent and expanding opportunities for high-potential young Malaysians to pursue higher education.”
 
“As a Development Financial Institution, our role in national development extends beyond financing. Building a strong pipeline of capable talent is equally critical to the sustainability of the institutions and industries we support. We are particularly encouraged that eight BAGUS scholars are expected to join the Bank by the end of 2026. This demonstrates the value of taking a long-term approach to talent development, creating opportunities for young Malaysians while strengthening our own talent pipeline for the future.”
 
Evolving with Malaysia's Higher Education Landscape
Introduced in 2013, BAGUS has continued to evolve alongside Malaysia's higher education landscape and changing workforce needs. Initially focused on students pursuing undergraduate studies at overseas universities, the scholarship was expanded to include local public universities in 2023. Beginning in 2026, it was further broadened to cover local private universities and twinning programmes, widening access to quality higher education and providing greater flexibility for outstanding Malaysian students.
 
The programme has also strengthened its selection framework through higher academic requirements and a merit-based assessment that considers applicants' socioeconomic backgrounds. This ensures opportunities are extended to high-performing students from diverse communities across the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.
 
Supporting Success Beyond Graduation
Beyond financial assistance, BAGUS is designed to support recipients throughout their academic journey while preparing them for meaningful careers. Recipients receive comprehensive support, including tuition fees and living allowances, enabling them to focus on their studies and achieve their academic aspirations. Upon graduation, they are also offered opportunities to pursue careers with BPMB, creating a clear pathway from education to employment.
 
The programme is already delivering tangible outcomes, with eight BAGUS scholars expected to join the BPMB by the end of 2026. This reflects BPMB’s aspiration to nurture talent from the classroom to the workplace while strengthening its future leadership pipeline.
 
Advancing Nation Building Through Education
As one of Malaysia's oldest DFI, BPMB continues to invest in people alongside its financing mandate, recognising that strong human capital is fundamental to sustainable national development. Through BAGUS, BPMB continues to empower talented young Malaysians to realise their potential while building a pipeline of capable, values-driven leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Malaysia's continued growth and prosperity.

Story link: https://bit.ly/4y87dSd

Source: BPMB Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Arnee Ismail
Head, Strategic Communication
BPMB Group
Tel: +603 2603 7700
Email: arnee.ismail@smebank.com.my

--BERNAMA