Timely boost for top students and their parents

Parents play a crucial role in their children’s academic and co-curricular pursuits, but there are occasions when the parents’ employer rewards the children for their hard work and remarkable results.

This is the case for 82 secondary and tertiary students recently selected for the F&N Chairman’s Award, which recognises academic and co-curricular excellence, and supports the holistic development of young Malaysians.

Among them are Chong Wai Kit, John Bathalamious Rizard, and S. Keerthana, whose parents – Fanny Yong Sow Fun, R. Saravanavelu, and Rizard David – are long-term employees of Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd.

Chong has been accepted into Asia Pacific University, where he will study cybersecurity.

“It was challenging and exciting applying to enter university, and I’m glad my results meant I could get direct entry and skip the pre-university stage,” said Chong, who will study for a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science (Cybersecurity).

“I believe this programme will help me make a meaningful impact. Being accepted is a proud milestone, and I’m eager to start university life. My dream is to protect people and organisations from cyber threats. In a tech-driven world, ensuring data safety is more important than ever.”

His mother, Yong, said the award was a blessing as it helped ease her financial burden, providing Chong with a valuable opportunity to pursue his dreams.

“My advice to parents is to always encourage and support your children’s aspirations,” she said. “Believe in them, be patient during tough times, help them dream big, and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small.”

Keerthana spoke of her goal to pursue accounting after being accepted to study for a Bachelor of Accounts and Finance at the University of Hertfordshire.

“I’d also like to continue working with different organisations on CSR projects at my workplace to help people all around the world,” said Keerthana.

She also paid tribute to her father for always providing for her and her sister’s education.

“I’m happy and proud of him. I have seen him grow as a person throughout the years working at F&N. I will forever be grateful to him for that,” she said.

Saravanavelu, who has worked at F&N for nearly 20 years, said he and his wife always kept up to date on their daughters’ studies.

“I’m pleased and happy with Keerthana’s academic achievements,” he said. “My wife and I continuously follow up and discuss our children’s studies to understand the challenges they face and support them by giving guidance, moral support, and coaching.”

John, meanwhile, will study Foundation in Physical Science at the University of Malaysia Sarawak.

“I hope to make a positive impact in this field to create a better society,” said John.

“Seeing my father’s commitment has taught me important values like perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of contributing to a team.”

Rizard said the Chairman’s Award affirms the importance of nurturing talent.

“Every child’s journey is unique, and it’s important to be a steady source of encouragement and guidance. Celebrate their efforts, not just the outcomes, and remind them that setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow,” said Rizard.

“Also, maintaining open communication and showing genuine interest in their passions can help build their confidence and strengthen your bond as a family.”

Established in 2003, the F&N Chairman’s Award reaffirms F&NHB’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering academic and co-curricular excellence, and supporting the holistic development of young Malaysians.

Secondary students are rewarded for achieving a minimum of 4As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations, receiving RM100 for each ‘A’.

Meanwhile, tertiary students admitted to a local or overseas university for a full-time undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree programme receive RM5,000 cash each. Additionally, Special Awards are presented to students who excel in sports or co-curricular competitions, with RM500 awarded for winning at the state level, and RM1,000 awarded for winning at the national or international level. All award recipients also receive a certificate.

To date, F&N Holdings Bhd has disbursed cash rewards of RM4.8 million to 2,780 students across Malaysia.