Three Tunku Scholars Selected as 2027 Morehead-Cain Global Fellows

Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR) is proud to announce that three of its scholars have been selected as 2027 Morehead-Cain Global Fellows, joining a cohort of 12 exceptional student leaders from Brazil, India, Nigeria and Turkey for a fully funded year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC–Chapel Hill). 

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship is a comprehensive undergraduate scholarship that supports high-potential, deserving youth who have a strong ambition to contribute to the development of Malaysia. Recipients, known as Tunku Scholars, undergo a two-year leadership development programme to drive change in communities and Malaysia. 

As the Malaysian nominating partner for the Morehead-Cain Global Fellows Program, YTAR nominated a list of young Malaysians for consideration. Among candidates nominated by partners around the world, 50 candidates were shortlisted globally and invited to take part in a rigorous global selection programme. 

Three Tunku Scholars, Ying Shan Chan (Chloe), Sidney Chong and Jun Feng Ng (Jeff), selected for the 2027 Morehead-Cain Global Fellows cohort. Chosen for their academic achievements and leadership impact within their universities and communities, they will begin their one-year fellowship at UNC–Chapel Hill in August 2026.

From left to right: Ben Ousley Naseman, Morehead-Cain Foundation's Director of Global Programs, with the three selected Fellows, Jeff, Chloe and Sidney, accompanied by Datuk Dr. Munirah Looi, YTAR's Board of Trustees member and Kularetnam Vijayakumar, CEO.

The Morehead-Cain Global Fellows Program brings student leaders from around the world to UNC–Chapel Hill for a year of academic study, leadership development and cross-cultural exchange. Fellows will participate in research, leadership development programmes, receive personal coaching and funded travel within the United States to broaden their perspectives and strengthen their leadership capabilities to create greater impact when they return to their communities. 

Sidney, Chloe and Jeff with other 2027 Morehead-Cain Global Fellows

Since its establishment in 1966, YTAR has empowered more than 12,000 Malaysian youths through RM96.6 million in scholarships, financial assistance and leadership development programmes. As YTAR marks its 60th anniversary under the theme “60 Years of Building Leaders for Malaysia”, the selection of the 3 Tunku Scholars represents the Foundation's commitment to investing in young Malaysians and building partnerships that unlock opportunities for young Malaysians to realise their full potential.

The Morehead-Cain Foundation has a proud legacy of nurturing exceptional talent and fostering transformative leadership. Since its founding in 1945, Morehead-Cain has provided students with unparalleled opportunities to excel academically, grow as leaders, and contribute meaningfully to the world. The Global Fellows Program extends this legacy globally, welcoming students from across the globe to experience a year of growth, discovery, and impact at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

For more information about the Morehead-Cain Foundation and its Global Fellows Program, visit global.moreheadcain.org.