KPMG ASEAN Scholarship programme expands to provide wider cross-border exposure

PETALING JAYA, 2 May 2019 – KPMG is inviting eligible Malaysian undergraduates to apply for the KPMG ASEAN Scholarship, which provides funding and employment opportunities in five ASEAN nations, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

First established in 2015, KPMG is the first and only Big Four to offer this programme in the region. This year also marks the first time that KPMG member firms in Cambodia and Vietnam are joining in the endeavour.

Scholars looking to get a head-start in their careers will enjoy a structured cross-border experience with the professional services firm. The programme is open to outstanding Malaysian undergraduates who are currently in their first or second year of their degree programme in any discipline.

From left: Henri Widiyanto, KPMG ASEAN Scholar from Indonesia; Adrian Lee, Head of People at KPMG in Malaysia; Adrian Loo, KPMG ASEAN scholar from the 2015 cohort of Malaysian undergraduates

Successful applicants will receive an annual scholarship grant of RM12,000 per scholar, and two internship opportunities – one with the Malaysia firm and another with one of the other four participating member firms in ASEAN. Upon graduation, the candidate can also secure an employment opportunity with KPMG in Malaysia.

Adrian Lee, Head of People at KPMG in Malaysia, explained how the scholarship programme is one of the many ways the firm invests in the future.

“At KPMG, we believe in giving young talents the opportunity to develop to their full potential and become leaders of the future. Since 2015, we received more than 5,000 applications and, through a rigorous selection process, have supported 29 promising undergraduates from various universities across Malaysia. What we offer is a cross-cultural learning experience for our scholars to grow alongside the firm as we collectively strive to make KPMG the Clear Choice in the markets and industries in which we operate,” said Adrian Lee.

This exposure was attested by Henri Widiyanto, a KPMG ASEAN scholar from Indonesia who is currently completing his internship with KPMG’s Governance & Sustainability Practice in Malaysia.

Henri Widiyanto (left) and Adrian Loo have benefited from the diverse learning and development opportunities, and cross-cultural learning experience that the programme offers

Henri shared, “Looking back, applying for the scholarship was one of the best decisions of my life. I appreciate that my managers don’t just see me as an intern, but they treat me like how they would an associate and don’t hesitate when giving me tasks. The work I receive is very challenging yet stimulating, and the environment is very supportive.”

“My experience so far has been priceless. I’ve met a lot of bright, young people during my time here at KPMG in Malaysia, and I would really love to come back to work at this firm if I have the chance,” he added.

Adrian Loo, a KPMG ASEAN scholar from the 2015 cohort of Malaysian undergraduates, recently joined the Malaysian firm as an Officer in the People, Performance & Culture (PPC) department. He shared how his experience exposed him to deepen his understanding of the business landscape.

“My internship experiences locally and abroad augmented my appreciation of how KPMG delivers value to a melting pot of stakeholders across national boundaries. Working alongside cross-cultural, cross-functional teams accelerated my development as I am challenged to improve my adaptability and agility within a fast-paced, competitive working environment,” shared Adrian Loo.

KPMG’s ASEAN Scholars can look forward to diverse learning and development opportunities, and cross-border exposures through a structured program consisting of three pillars: Professional Development, Strategic Engagement and Social Connection.

Each KPMG ASEAN scholar receives support through an annual scholarship grant and mentorship from experienced managers and partners who can serve as their coaches throughout their university years, and eventually their careers when they commence work with KPMG upon graduation. Beyond that, they will also have access to benefits such as Flexible Working Arrangements, rapid career advancement, and the opportunity to participate in corporate social responsibility activities such as KPMG’s signature Eco Dive marine conservation initiative.

Application for the KPMG ASEAN Scholarship 2019 closes on 31 May 2019. To view the eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Scholarships section by clicking here.