The Universiti Malaya (UM) was honored to welcome delegates from the Nippon Foundation on May 9th, 2024 led by chairman Tan Sri Yohei Sasakawa, Mr. Yuji Mori (Executive Director), Dr. Akiko Horiba (Program Director, Sasakawa Peace Foundation), and Mr. Shota Nakayasu (Secretary to the Chairman). This visit marked a significant occasion aimed at strengthening and expanding collaborative efforts between the two institutions. The meeting took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s Meeting Room, located on Level 9 of the Chancellery Building.
The delegation was received by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Prof. Dr. Yatimah Alias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Prof. Dr. Yvonne Lim Ai Lian, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International) along with other distinguished faculty and administration members.
Since 1997, UM and the Nippon Foundation have maintained a robust partnership, underscored by an active Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This partnership has facilitated numerous scholarships and fellowship programs, including the SYLFF Fellowship Award, which is aimed at enhancing higher education opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
Over the years, 24 scholarships have been distributed, with notable increases in recipients during 2007, 2018, and 2022, reflecting the dynamic and growing impact of this alliance.
The scholarships awarded by the Nippon Foundation have reached a wide array of UM faculties. Notably, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Education have received the highest percentages of scholarships, at 27% and 23%, respectively. The Faculty of Business & Economic and the Academy of Islamic Study have also significantly contributed, emphasizing the extensive impact of the Foundation’s contributions across various academic disciplines.
The SYLFF UM’s Steering Committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, is instrumental in directing the scholarship program and aligning it with UM’s strategic academic objectives. The committee's diverse composition highlights the university's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and governance, ensuring the optimal utilization of the scholarships.
The visit by Nippon Foundation Chairman Tan Sri Yohei Sasakawa presented an invaluable opportunity for UM and the Foundation to review their shared achievements and explore new strategies for future collaboration. This engagement will continue to bolster substantial educational and developmental opportunities for UM students.