1MDB visits its scholars in Cairo

Representatives from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (“1MDB”) recently visited the recipients of 1MDB Scholarship who are doing their medical studies in Cairo, Egypt.

The scholarship is part of 1MDB’s corporate social responsibility initiative to assist medical students with Islamic education background. 17 students from Sekolah Menengah Agama Negeri (SMAN) and Sekolah Menengah Agama Rakyat (SMAR) were awarded with the scholarship back in May.

During the visit, both 1MDB and its partner JAKIM took the opportunity to get to know all the students on a more personal level. A get-together session was held at the Malaysian Hall, Cairo to celebrate the students’ success, get the group acquainted with their sponsors and allow 1MDB to follow the students’ progress.

These students are the first group of recipients of the scholarship aimed specifically to provide financial aid to gifted students of Islamic-education background. Recipients were screened and selected by 1MDB and JAKIM.

During the next day, the students even took the initiative to host another home-cooked dinner and invited 1MDB and JAKIM representatives to their home.

The students expressed their gratitude and are determined to become medical doctors and serve the country after they graduate. Many like Muhammad Ihsan Khalib Jaafar from Klang, Selangor would like to serve in the government as his way of giving back to Malaysians and the community.

According to the students, one of the biggest challenges studying in Egypt is the issue of adapting to the local culture and facilities.  A different learning system and language barriers are among hurdles to overcome.

 “I’m coping with patience, excitement, although there were so many challenges. The food, home and other things are not like Malaysia, but as long as you have determination, you will cope with it, Insya-Allah”. Ipoh-based Siti Nur Amirah Ahmad Daud said.

All recipients of 1MDB scholarship are presently studying at Mansoura University, Ain Shams University, Cairo University, Al-Azhar University, University of Alexandria Zagazig University and also Kasr Al-Ainy Medical College in Egypt.

The scholarship aims to raise the number of Islamic-educated professionals in the fields of science and technology. Each student receives tuition fees and living expenses financial assistance during their six-year course and a one-time round-trip flight tickets to Egypt.

Clockwise from left: Malaysian student hall; 1MDB scholars at the get together; students posed with 1MDB and JAKIM representatives during the Cairo visit