Widening Access to Quality STEM Education in Malaysia

In the wake of the fourth industrial revolution, demand for professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) areas in particular has been on the rise. Recognising this, Heriot-Watt University is dedicated to supporting growing industry needs by nurturing a competent pool of industry-relevant, future-ready graduates in these fields.

Established in 1821, Heriot-Watt is renowned for pioneering education. In addition to being was the first Mechanics Institute in the world, the university was the first in Scotland to enrol women into STEM programmes and is also highly sought after in the fields of engineering, science, mathematics and data science.

The state-of-the-art campus is located in Precinct 5, Putrajaya, right by the scenic Putrajaya Lake.

In a bid to widen Malaysians’ access to quality UK education, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers a range of scholarships. Among them, two of these are dedicated to STEM areas, namely the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) scholarship and Data Futures Scholarship.

The WISE scholarship award of 100% or 50% (contingent upon an interview with university staff), reflects the university’s consistent efforts in pioneering education across the globe.

“This scholarship is designed especially for the fairer gender aspiring to pursue a career in the field of science and engineering. The provision of the scholarship here at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia will make it possible for Malaysian women to gain access to quality teaching and learning and consequently reduce the gender gap in this area,” said Noor Shieela Kalib, Lecturer from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and WISE Scholarship Coordinator.

Applications for the WISE scholarship are open to Malaysian women enrolling to either foundation or undergraduate level. For the former, those looking at either the Foundation in Science or Foundation in Business, with the intention to pursue Science and Engineering-related undergraduate programmes, are welcome to apply. Application deadlines are 1st April 2020 for the university’s April intake.

Current scholars of the Heriot-Watt’s Women in Science and Engineering

The Data Futures Scholarship was conceived in support of the country’s aspiration to have 20,000 data professionals by the next decade. Offering 100% and 50% scholarship awards, the three-year scholarship programme targets high achieving and deserving students who wish to pursue a BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science programme with Heriot-Watt.

The Data Futures Scholarship is open to those who have obtained at least 2As (with an A in mathematics) and 1B in their A-Levels or equivalent, who are enrolling for Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s September intake. Applications will be assessed based on applicants’ academic achievements, involvement in extra-curricular activities and leadership roles. They will also be required to include a personal statement and attend an interview session with the Selection Committee.

Additionally,the university has a High Achiever’s Scholarship, which offers fee waivers ranging from RM6,000 to RM10,000 to Foundation students who attained between 6As and 10As in their SPM, O-Levels, IGCSE or equivalent. Those who enrol to the university’s undergraduate programmes, on the other hand, stand to receive discounts of 20% to 35% off the total tuition fee or fee waivers of up to RM12,000, depending on their academic achievements. 

To find out more on how to apply for these scholarships as well as the programmes and other scholarships on offer at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, visit its campus in Putrajaya on its upcoming Open Day on 14^th & 15^th March 2020. Those who apply and pay for their first semester tuition fees immediately will be entitled to an Early Bird waiver worth RM4,500. You may also visit the campus during consultation hours, which are from 9am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Alternatively, log on to www.hw.edu.my or call +603 8894 3888/e-mail [email protected].