Give Now
The true value of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation is not how it has changed your life, but how it has enabled you to change the lives of others.
Give the gift of education
We believe that quality education offers the best route out of poverty and misery. Through the Gift of Education, we are not only impacting the lives of students, but also the lives of their families and future generations. Make a difference today!
The Impact of your gift
RM600
per Month for Living Allowance
RM100
per Month for Books
RM500
per Month for Accommodation
RM3,000
per Month for Tuition Fees
Your contribution makes a real difference in someone’s life. It provides bright, promising, deserving students with an opportunity to achieve their dreams and make their mark in the world. Here is how your contributions are aiding one student by lightening his/her financial burden on average monthly.
OUR BENEFICIARIES
At the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, we nurture with the mindset that kindness builds exponentially in a community, and that every act of kindness plants the seed for others. We believe that “paying it forward” can make the world a better place.
Regina Shantini
Regina Shantini
JCF Community Scholarship 2018 – Diploma in Hotel Management,
Sunway College
JCF Community Scholarship 2020 – BA in International Hospitality Management,
Sunway University
From Candlelight to Hope
I grew up in a low-income family where life was a daily struggle. There were times when we didn’t even have reliable electricity or water at home. I still remember studying by candlelight on the steps of a public staircase. Losing my father at a young age was another heavy blow, but it also made me determined to keep going for my family’s sake.
To support us, I worked during the day and gave tuition classes in the evenings, sometimes teaching children for free because I saw myself in them. For many years, I thought further education was out of reach. But with encouragement from my sister and a close friend, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply for the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) Community Scholarship.
A Second Chance to Dream
Receiving the JCF Community Scholarship to study a Diploma in International Hospitality at Sunway College was a turning point in my life. Going back to school in my mid-twenties wasn’t easy, but the care and support from my lecturers and classmates made the journey less daunting.
The day I received my diploma from Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about getting a piece of paper; it was proof that my struggles had meaning and that my future could be different.
Later, I was blessed with a second JCF Community Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management at Sunway University. I continued to live modestly and study hard, knowing that every sacrifice was an investment in a better future for me and my family.
Growing Through Service
At Sunway, I joined the Sunway Service Volunteers (SSV) programme and took part in projects that supported refugee communities, orphanages, nursing homes and environmental causes. These experiences shaped me in so many ways. They taught me critical thinking, communication, leadership – and above all, compassion.
My proudest moment was graduating with my degree and seeing the happiness on my mother’s face. That day, I felt like I had given hope back to my family.
Building a Career That Gives Back
Today, I am the Training and Community Lead at Earth Heir, a social enterprise that empowers refugee communities by helping them create and market handcrafted products. I work with Afghan, Palestinian, Myanmar, and Syrian artisans, helping them build skills and confidence to earn a sustainable living.
Through Earth Heir, I’ve led training programmes in partnership with organisations like MARA, Yayasan Hasanah, and DDEC, working to uplift underserved communities. Our impact has reached beyond Malaysia, with products and collaborations extending to the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
My work has also taken me to international platforms. In 2023, I had the privilege of representing Earth Heir at the UNHCR MADE51 Conference in Egypt. Every day, I remind myself of where I came from and why I want to make sure others are seen, heard, and supported.
Giving Back Where It All Began
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation gave me a second chance, and now it’s my turn to pay it forward. As a proud alumna, I hope to mentor future scholars and advocate for the Foundation’s mission so that more young people can have the same opportunity I had.
I truly believe that giving is not a burden, it’s a privilege.
Why Support Matters
My story is just one example of how the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation changes lives. Scholarships don’t just pay for education; they create hope, empower families, and help transform entire communities.
Even a small monthly contribution can make a huge difference. With your support, more students like me can break the cycle of poverty and dream again.
Support the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. Together, we can light the way for others, just as someone once did for me.
Shamsul
Shamsul
JCF Community Scholarship 2019 – Diploma in Information, Sunway College
JCF Community Scholarship 2025 – pursuing BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, Sunway University
From Console to Cause
I grew up in a modest household where resilience and sacrifice shaped my childhood. There was a time when financial barriers nearly ended my dream of furthering my studies. Thanks to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) Community Scholarship, I found new opportunities, discovered my passion for technology, and began a journey to help others.
A Scholarship That Opened New Worlds
When Malaysian Care introduced the Closing the Gap programme at my school, I was chosen to join workshops that guided students towards scholarship opportunities. Initially, I had a different plan for my future, but I was encouraged to apply for the JCF Community Scholarship. That scholarship changed everything. It gave me the chance to pursue a Diploma in Information Technology at Sunway College. It was more than financial help; it was the key to a future I thought was out of reach. With the guidance of a student counsellor and the support of a close-knit community, I began to believe in myself.
Finding Confidence, Passion and Community
At Sunway College, I found mentors and friends who helped me adjust to college life. Weekly sessions with a student counsellor gave me the confidence I needed. I joined a strong network of JCF Community Scholars who offered guidance and support. Through the e-Sports Club, I made friendships and explored the gaming industry more deeply, realising that my passion could lead to a meaningful career.
From Games to Goals
After completing my diploma in 2021, I spent a year working to gain practical experience in the IT industry. My dream of creating video games grew stronger. I wanted to develop games that could entertain and educate, using compelling storytelling. I remember a simple moment during an exam when a history question was answered with knowledge I had learned from a game. That was when I realised the power of games in education.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
In 2023, I returned to Sunway University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I now lead the Consoles division of the e-Sports Club, organise weekly Games Nights, and actively contribute to the Google Developer Student Club, where I help fellow students explore industry technologies. I will complete my studies in August 2025, and my graduation ceremony will be held in 2026, a milestone I look forward to, especially because my diploma convocation was cancelled due to the pandemic. I am deeply grateful to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation for believing in me and making this journey possible.
Giving Back Through Mentorship and Knowledge
Having experienced the life-changing impact of the JCF Community Scholarship, I am determined to pay it forward. I want to mentor students from underserved backgrounds and share my skills, time, and resources in the future. I have seen the impact of giving first-hand. It brings happiness and opens doors that once felt impossible to reach. I want to be someone who makes that possible for others too.
Why Support Matters
My journey, from a childhood shaped by sacrifice to a future built on knowledge and purpose, shows what the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation stands for. Through education, mentorship, and resilience, I have been able to change my life, and I am determined to help others do the same.
Support the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and help open doors for more students like me. Together, we can create more stories of hope, one opportunity at a time.
Graeme Tan Jie
Graeme Tan Jie
BA (Hons) Digital Film Production,
Sunway University Kuala Lumpur,
Graduate year: 2021
This is something that I live by when it comes to remembering and also honouring those who went before me, those that nurtured me, and those who were part of my journey. Giving back is not just a priority, but a necessity. I always believe in sowing into the next generation and seeing them succeed. I love teaching and imparting knowledge to people, as I find joy through that. During my time at Sunway, I organised workshops to teach people photography skills in my club. I believe that with the right amount of guidance and support, we can all achieve anything.
During my precious time in Sunway, I was part of the Sunway Student Ambassadors (SSA), and through that, I was able to give back to the community through different outreach. One that really stuck with me and is edged into my memory is the time when we visited Rumah Juara Puchong, which was an orphanage that SSA supports. Through that, I was able to go on ground to document everything that happened that day and also be part of the activity. On top of that, I was also part of the different initiatives organised by the club in partnership with Closing the Gap & MY Readers programme where we guide and lead the new batch of scholars.
One of my personal key highlights of achievement during my time in Sunway is definitely being awarded the valedictorian for my graduating batch. This award really encouraged me a lot and is an affirmation as well as recognition for the things that I do.
A key Giving experience that I’ve encountered is definitely the time given and talent contribution during my time with SSA. Being part of the club has taught me what it is like to be selfless. Having my seniors reach out to me with their support and encouragement, it made me realise the importance of giving. And it’s true when they say it is better to give, than to receive.
#TheGivingSunwayian
#AlumniGiveBack
Time.Talent.Treasure
Shamalan Rajesvaran
Shamalan Rajesvaran
Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) (Data Analytics),
Sunway University Kuala Lumpur,
Graduate year: 2022
I was involved in a project of setting up a centre that provides education for refugee children called Manna House Learning Centre. Refugee children are denied access to the formal education system in Malaysia. Hence, my team and I worked tirelessly to set up a learning space for refugee children. I genuinely believe that giving back to the community has not just transformed my perspective, but I have also learnt so much about various communities, which has allowed me to play an active role in giving back. This sense of community awareness has been pivotal for me to learn how I can play a more active role in bringing about a positive impact to the community.
This has undoubtedly been an eye-opening experience. It has given me a first-hand view of the daily struggles and challenges of the refugees. It can be easy for us to take our privileges for granted—for example, the ability and access to education and work. Any contribution is vital to the continuation of charity. So, I became more invested in their struggles and strived to help and learn as much as possible. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a small way. This experience has made me far more passionate about this topic.
In addition, when I was the President of the Sunway College Student Council (SCC), I worked closely with my community service director to run a community service programme during Valentine’s Day. The event centred around selling roses, upon which the profits would be donated to SHELTER: Home for Children which is an NGO that shelters abused, neglected and abandoned children. Thanks to the fantastic effort from my team, we were able to garner a substantial profit to be donated to the welfare centre.
Throughout my experience as the president of SCC, I have learnt the importance of active leadership, to be directly involved with my team. This includes constantly encouraging them, engaging with them, and, most importantly, cheering them on. This experience has undoubtedly made me a far more competent and emphatic leader. It is essential that I was energetic and compassionate to form meaningful connections with the team. It would, then, be a much more fulfilling experience for everyone.
To sum up, I believe altruism brings about a sense of satisfaction, happiness and fosters better relationships as well as social connections. It truly warms my heart to realise that I, too can bring about a positive impact to someone. I know to some extent that I am privileged to be where I am and enjoy what I have. Therefore, I find it essential to lend a helping hand where possible or whenever I am able because it’s the least I can do to give back to the community.
#TheGivingSunwayian
#AlumniGiveBack
Time.Talent.Treasure
Raenuga A/P Indran
Raenuga A/P Indran
BSc (Hons) Psychology,
Sunway University Kuala Lumpur,
Graduate year: 2020
#TheGivingSunwayian
#AlumniGiveBack
Time.Talent.Treasure
Shireen Ali Fahed Qassem Abu Nejra
Shireen Ali Fahed Qassem Abu Nejra
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biomedicine,
Sunway University Kuala Lumpur,
Graduate year: Current student
“What is done in love is done well.” I have always kept these words by Vincent van Gogh close to me as I navigate life in university and eventually the adult world. Debate is a huge part of my life, and it has given me so much: lifelong relationships, confidence in myself, a love for learning, and so on. Van Gogh’s words serve as a reminder not only for me to seek fulfilment in what I do; they remind me if there is someone else out there who might share the same love for something as I do, and so I have a duty to make sure they have an opportunity to pursue the same.
I have always been aware of privilege. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunities and platforms I have received, and I try my best to use my luck and privilege to help those who have not been as lucky. Having some previous experience, I felt I had a responsibility to impart it onto the next generation of debaters who may not have had strong debating backgrounds, or strong public speaking confidence, or even a strong sense of community. I started out my debating career offering free online coaching to high school students during the pandemic. So, once I was in university, I took on the presidential role in Sunway Debate Club to fulfil a promise I had made: not to waste the passion and experience I have, and instead use it for others to discover the same. I think all of us are not bounded by differences in talent or skill; the only thing separating us is opportunity. I have worked in Sunway Debate Club to make sure as many people in my community are not deprived of it.
I have taught debate to a diverse group of secondary school students even prior to starting my journey in Sunway University. I will never forget watching my students mature in the sport and as individuals. They always seem to find the time to thank me for the guidance I have offered as a mentor, and even though I am fully aware that a lot of the progress they made was attributed to my students’ own hard work, they serve as a reminder for me to continue giving to the community in which I hold on to dearly, as it is the members of our community who will carry it on after us.
One of my personal highlights was when I came home as amongst the Top 10 speakers in Asia after the annual 2022 Asian Championships. It was a culmination of all the countless days and nights I have put into the sport and my club. The award only gave me the motivation to strive higher and continue to contribute to our club members, as they were instrumental in giving me the platform in the first place.
As sitting president of Sunway Debate Club, I dedicate my time to ensuring a fair and open space for our members to develop not just skills for debate on a competitive level, but to also develop the self-confidence needed to translate into real-world interactions. Above all, I have done my best to foster a strong sense of community in the club, where our members feel safe to talk about anything and everything, and to trust one another as equals. To do so, my wonderful team and I have successfully done multiple workshops, training series, and mini events for our members. Furthermore, as tournaments sometimes incur a high registration fee, I place focus on increasing our members’ accessibility to competitive opportunities as much as I can, whether it is through subsidising the teams using the club’s funding, seeking sponsorships, or raising funds on our own. I cannot take all the credit and owe a great deal to my fellow club committee as well. Through our teamwork, I am proud to say we have built a strong community where our friendships triumph over any other competitive achievement we have brought home.
#TheGivingSunwayian
#AlumniGiveBack
Time.Talent.Treasure
JCF Scholars: Turning Opportunity into Impact
In this heartwarming video, three JCF Community Scholars share their inspiring journeys of how the JCF Community Scholarship has transformed their lives. They reflect on the opportunities it has provided and how they are now paying it forward by uplifting others in their communities.