HOLDING firm to the belief that education is the foundation of progress, Ancom Crop Care Sdn Bhd continued its Penang Scholarship Programme for the third consecutive year, awarding 25 scholarships worth RM10,000 each.
At a simple ceremony held at St Giles Wembley Hotel today, Ancom Crop Care chairman Datuk Dr Abd Hapiz Abdullah said that while the company is involved in the manufacture and distribution of agricultural chemicals, it believes its responsibility extends beyond business.
“As a corporate citizen, we must also contribute to society in ways that create long-term positive impact. One of the most meaningful ways is through education.
“Education equips young people not only with academic knowledge, but also with confidence, resilience and the ability to shape their own future. For students from low-income families, access to higher education can truly change lives – it opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach and offers hope for a brighter future,” he said in his speech.
Like the 13 students and 27 students who received the scholarships in 2024 and 2025, respectively, the third cohort of 25 students this year is enrolled in various universities, pursuing degree programmes across a wide range of disciplines. These include Law, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Banking and Finance, Engineering, Nursing and Multimedia Communications.
“At Ancom Crop Care, we do not see this scholarship as charity. We see it as an investment – an investment in young people, families, and in the future of Penang and Malaysia.
“We hope our scholars will one day give back to society and become role models who inspire others to pursue education and lifelong learning,” Dr Abd Hapiz added.
He also thanked Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for officiating the event and for his continued commitment to education and youth development.
In a recorded video message, Ancom Crop Care managing director Lee Cheun Wei, who was on a business trip to Brazil, also thanked Chow for his support and congratulated the scholarship recipients.
In his speech, Chow said he was encouraged by Ancom’s initiative to prioritise students born in Penang and from families genuinely in need of financial assistance, while also uplifting homegrown talent.
“Education has always been at the heart of Penang’s progress. We are a state that values knowledge, innovation and opportunity.
“We believe strongly that no capable young person should be held back simply because of financial constraints. That is why programmes like the Ancom Crop Care scholarship matter so much – they help connect opportunity with potential,” he said.
After congratulating the scholarship recipients, Chow offered words of advice.
“You have earned this through your hard work and perseverance. This scholarship is more than financial assistance – it is a vote of confidence in your ability and character.
“Use this opportunity well. Study hard, stay grounded, and always remember the values that brought you here,” he said.
Chow also encouraged the students to consider building their future in Malaysia and contributing their skills and knowledge back to the communities, industries and the state that supported them. He further commended the parents for their sacrifices and unwavering support.
Touching on the future of education in Malaysia, a subject close to his heart, Chow said he hoped to see an education system that is more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of students.
“I also hope the Ministry of Education will continue to engage more closely with education associations and stakeholders. Through collective dialogue and collaboration, we can move towards an education system that is fairer, more inclusive and better prepared for the future,” he added.
In closing, Chow expressed hope that more industries and corporations would emulate Ancom’s example by investing in human capital for the long-term sustainability of both the state and the nation.
Also present at the scholarship presentation were the Chief Minister’s political secretary, Lau Keng Ee, and some of the recipients’ parents.
One of the scholarship recipients, Arishya Alya, a second-year Bachelor of Management (Honours) student at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said she was deeply grateful for the support.
“I’m very happy and thankful to Ancom for the scholarship,” said Arishya Alya, who was accompanied by her parents, Faisal Ahmad and Nuril Huda Radin Mukhtar.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud