Sunway College Johor Bahru (SYCJB) recently held its 5th Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah Entrance scholarship Award Ceremony for deserving Malaysian students of SYCJB in recognition of their excellent academic achievements in their SPM, STPM, UEC or similar equivalent qualifications. A total of 154 students were present to receive their scholarships.

The money for the Entrance Scholarship is disbursed from the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation which receives and administer funds for educational, scientific, medical and charitable purposes, including offering scholarships based on merit and to students in need of financial assistance.

The foundation is unique in the sense that it is a first-of-its-kind in Malaysia for private education institutions. It is modelled after what John Harvard did for Harvard University over 360 years ago.

" We have come a long way since our first Entrance Scholarship which was awardedin 2006 and to date, more than RM1.6 million in scholarships have been awarded to students in various fields of study, " said SYCJB principal Hor Poh Choo proudly.

Hor added that the scholarship as a commitment towards giving back the society and making a difference in the lives of students.

Former straight A's SPM student, Cheng Jian Woon, said that he could not be happier when he received the news that he was the one of the scholarship recipients. "I am relieved because I come from a single parent family and I know it will definitely help to ease my mother's financial burden, " said the humble 18-year-old. Cheng intends to further his studies in accounting after he completes his Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme in SYCJB.

National University of Singapore, Australian National University and Imperial College London are some of the universities where previous scholarship recipients are currently pursuing their tertiary education.

Cambridge GCE A-Level full scholarship recipient Raymond Lim Zhun Ming said he is grateful to the college for its generosity. "Now my parents are able to plan more effectively for my academic future, "said the 18-year-old who hoped more effectively for my academic future, " said the 18-year-old who hopes to fulfill his dreams of becoming a doctor.

Proud moments :Cheng Jian Woon (far left) with his college mates at the Sunway College Johor Bahru 5th Entrance Scholarship Award Ceremony

Beaming : Raymond Lim Zhun Ming 9back row second from right) with the rest of the full scholarship recipients