RM1 Million Scholarship Donation: A Testament to the Malaysian Giving Spirit

At Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR), we believe that the act of giving is inherently Malaysian. From pre-Merdeka days to today’s Malaysia, the generosity of ordinary Malaysians have driven various acts of nation-building over the past 62 years. One such instance is Tunku Abdul Rahman’s journey to negotiate Malaya’s independence to London, which was funded by the donations of the people who gave what they had at the time. Malaysians have also given generously to support fellow countrymen in need, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021-2022 floods. 

YTAR’s origins also reflect this Malaysian giving spirit. YTAR was initially founded as Tabung Pendidikan Tunku Abdul Rahman, by utilising funds contributed by the Malaysian public. Its original crowdfunding campaign was launched by Utusan Melayu in February 1966 to commemorate Tunku’s 63rd birthday and recognise his landmark contributions.

It is in this giving Malaysian spirit that we announce the establishment of the Tunku Community Legacy Fund, whose inaugural funds were contributed by a Malaysian who simply wanted to pay it forward. In 2025, YTAR was contacted by the family of a Malaysian man who had recently passed away. Born in the 1940s, this man lost his father at a young age and was raised by a single mother in Pahang. But unlike his two older siblings, he had the opportunity to pursue higher education with his mother’s support, as well as the help of many good samaritans. 

As his mother worked multiple odd jobs to support his education, he also relied on shared accommodations and even slept on shop floors. Eventually, our donor successfully finished his undergraduate studies at Universiti Malaya (UM), and worked as a civil servant. Yet he had never forgotten the many people who made his studies possible, and had always maintained the desire to give back to the larger Malaysian community. 

Prior to his passing, he made a request to bequeath a RM1 million donation to YTAR. His decision is rooted in his wish to support other students from similarly underprivileged backgrounds, who are committed to their education but face financial challenges. His generous donation will kickstart the “Tunku Community Legacy Fund”, which will serve as a memorial scholarship and legacy donation fund.

This will be our first scholarship fund dedicated to carrying forward the legacies of donors, which goes beyond inspiring others, as it also contributes to building a more equitable Malaysia by supporting the education of high-need, high-potential youth.

In 2025, our anonymous donor’s contribution has enabled us to award 7 comprehensive scholarships. Our 7 Scholars may come from diverse backgrounds and upbringings, but they all share the same aspiration: to succeed in their respective higher education pathways, and shape better futures for their community and Malaysia.

One of them is Muhammad Ariff Shuqran Bin Ismail, who hails from a family of 8 in Perlis. After dropping out of his diploma studies, Ariff took a 6-year gap and worked multiple jobs, including a stint as a Grab driver. He currently pursues a Malay Literature degree at UM, which is coincidentally our donor’s alma mater. Another is our Orang Asli Scholar, Chew Cai San who is the first in her family to pursue higher education. Cai San’s strong interest in psychology and mental health led her to pursue Perguruan dengan Bimbingan dan Kaunseling at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Tengku Ampuan Afzan. 

Datin Sri Sharifah Menyalara Hussein, YTAR Chairperson and granddaughter of the late Tunku, added, “This donation evokes the giving spirit of my grandfather, who was notoriously generous throughout his life. He had always chosen to give back to Malaysia and its people, regardless of circumstances. Our donor’s legacy of giving will live on beyond these 7 young, deserving recipients, with its impact extending to their respective communities.”

While this anonymous contribution marks a new milestone for YTAR, we also hope that others will follow in our donor’s footsteps to give the gift of a great future. The Tunku Community Legacy Fund is now open for contributions all-year round. We welcome a discussion on how to leave a gift in your will to YTAR and how we can recognise your generosity. Speak further to us about legacy giving by getting in touch at contactus@yayasantar.org.my.