• Educational inequality remains a pressing challenge for Malaysia’s B40 community.

• The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) is addressing these challenges head-on, aligning its mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to drive transformative change. Through its initiatives, JCF is creating opportunities, fostering equity, and building a brighter future.

• Discover how you can contribute to this impactful journey.

In the heart of Kelantan, a bright and ambitious young girl named Nur Nauha dreamed of securing a chance to pursue quality education and lift her family from the challenges of severe financial hardship.

However, dreams are often confronted with the harsh realities of life. Financial constraints and limited access to transportation deprived Nauha of the opportunity to sit for the Mara Science Junior High School Admission Test (UKK MRSM) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

THE CYCLE OF POVERTY – A NATIONAL CHALLENGE

Nur Nauha’s story echos a broader societal issue faced by Malaysia’s B40 income group.

Nauha’s plight echos the struggles of countless others who are ensnared in educational inequality and the deep-rooted cycle of poverty in Malaysia. Without meaningful interventions, B40 families often remain trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, where limited access to quality education, healthcare, and essential resources restricts opportunities for economic advancement and aggravates hardship for generations to come.

A 2022 study by the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia highlighted the long-term consequences of poverty, including the loss of human capital, widening income inequality, and declining health standards. These issues ripple beyond individuals, impacting society as a whole and undermining Malaysia’s progress and unity as a nation.

Interventions are essential to breaking this cycle.

A VISION FOR QUALITY EDUCATION

The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) is doing its part in addressing the pressing challenges of educational inequality in Malaysia.

The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) is doing its part in addressing the pressing challenges of educational inequality in Malaysia.

Established in 2010, JCF succeeded the Sunway Education Trust Fund, which was founded in 1997. Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO transferred his equity in Sunway Education Group’s (SEG) institutions—now valued at several billion Ringgit—into the Foundation in perpetuity. The institutions include Sunway University, Sunway Colleges and Sunway International Schools, among others. Governed by a distinguished Board of Trustees, JCF operates with a clear mission: to provide and sustain quality education for present and future generations.

The Foundation is built on three guiding principles: providing quality education and research, giving back to society, and ensuring a vision in perpetuity. With over 20 institutions under its purview and collaborations with over 10 world-class universities, JCF creates pathways for students to access world-class education.

Today, JCF stands as Malaysia’s largest education-focused social enterprise, exemplifying how private wealth can be channelled to create public good.

MAKING AN IMPACT BEYOND FINANCIAL MEANS

“There are students who cannot get good grades, they never reach their potential purely because they did not have the opportunity to do so due to circumstances that caused them not to study much. Their families could be so poor that they must help with bringing up the family, helping with the business or whatever it is. We wanted to consider scholarships for the hardcore poor such as these students and transform their lives.” – Prof. Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, CEO of Sunway Education Group.

With more than RM745 million in scholarships awarded to deserving students as of 2024, JCF is providing crucial opportunities for those from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden of education but also pave the way for students to break free from the cycle of poverty.

JCF’s support extends beyond financial assistance. At Sunway University and Sunway colleges nationwide, staff, particularly counsellors, play an essential role in guiding JCF scholars towards academic success and career development.

These counsellors offer personalised advice, mentorship, and career planning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future. This holistic approach has helped numerous students achieve their professional goals and make meaningful contributions to society.

“JCF is not about how it changes the student’s lives alone but also how it encourages and enables the students to change the lives of others.” – Lee Siok Ping, director of Sunway Student LIFE at Sunway University.

Ms. Lee Siok Ping, director of Sunway Student LIFE at Sunway University recalls her first JCF scholar who had graduated and moved on to a successful career.

“Susila came to me and asked how she could repay me. I only asked her to go back to her care home and give hope to the other youths there. Show them that if they are willing to work hard, they will have an opportunity to change their lives.”

By providing both financial aid and personal support, JCF ensures that its scholars are empowered to succeed. The Foundation’s efforts aim to help break the cycle of poverty, empowering a new generation of leaders to support Malaysia’s growth and prosperity.

SHAPING MALAYSIA’S FUTURE ONE DONATION AT A TIME

With millions in scholarships awarded to date, JCF remains committed to nurturing the talent and ambitions of deserving students across the nation.

However, the journey to breaking the cycle of poverty requires more than just effort—it needs your continuous support.

Your contribution is vital to empowering Malaysia’s brightest young minds and creating lasting impact. Every donation you make helps pave the way for a better future, providing deserving students with the opportunities they deserve. By investing in education, we move closer to achieving the UN-SDGs and building a more equitable society for all.

Join us today to make a tangible difference. Together,  let’s shape the future of our nation.