Financial assistance has become more crucial than ever in today’s global economy. With job losses and salary cuts on the rise, financial aid has become one of the most important factors that students and parents look for before selecting an educational institution to continue their studies with.
Tan Jian Sheng (second from left) learns from his peers as he believes their knowledge and different backgrounds is an advantage to his growth.
“The financial aid provided by INTI International College Subang (INTI) has relieved a huge part of my family’s burden. It comforted me as I could contribute my part time earnings towards our household expenses instead of worrying about my tuition fees,” said Tan Jian Sheng, a 21-year old student who is currently pursuing his Bachelors in Information Technology (Network Design and Management, and E-Business) at INTI.
Receiving financial support can be a huge motivation for students to make it through their higher education, especially during this challenging period.
“I never imagined I could pursue my higher education at a private university as my family isn’t well to do, but I guess I was lucky. During my inquiries, one of the counsellors informed me of the scholarships offered at INTI. I was fortunate to have qualified for the INTI and Delloyd Foundation, which I have continued to receive till today,” expressed Jian Sheng.
The Delloyd Foundation supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds through various scholarship programmes on behalf of Dato Sri Tee Boon Kee and Datin Sri Chung Geok Siew. The foundation’s main intention is to help the beneficiaries pursue their dreams whilst overcoming economic challenges1.
Initially, Jian Sheng had no interest in Information Technology (IT) but after several rounds of research, he discovered that being a part of the digital revolution is the way to go moving forward.
“There is no way we can live without technologies hereafter and this is an undeniable fact. IT is one of the most promising pathways for my career growth,” explained Jian Sheng who also selected e-business as his major to gain sufficient strategic management and advanced technological solutions knowledge.
Jian Sheng, the second of three brothers, grew up in Kepong. Always putting his family first, Jian Sheng sacrifices his free time during semester breaks to work part time in various places to gain working experience, and ease his parents’ financial commitments.
Wong May May (seated, right) describes herself as an empathetic, adaptable and sincere person.
“Working part time has improved my communication skills. I am now able to converse better with people from different backgrounds as I often deal with customers at the companies that I have worked for,” said Jian Sheng who, despite his need to work part time, is grateful to his parents for the sacrifices they have made to bring him and his brothers up.
He added, “Like every other child, I too have an ordinary dream. I want my parents to be proud of me and my achievements. When the time comes, I will make sure they retire, sit back and relax while I look after them.”
Wong May May on the other hand discovered INTI through a trip organised by her secondary school, SMK BU3. Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Business in International Hotel and Resort Management at INTI International College Subang, May May enjoys her time on campus.
“When I visited INTI for the first time, I found the facilities and campus life to be very lively. At that time, I already knew I would enjoy my time at INTI because I always dreamt of studying in such an environment,” said May May.
Besides its robust environment, the campus’ close proximity to her home was a plus point. She could travel to INTI conveniently via public transport.
Having completed her diploma, May May thought it was the end of her journey at INTI.
“After I completed my diploma, I wanted to continue a degree programme but was worried about how my family would cope with the fees,” explained May May.
She further added, “Fortunately, at that time, INTI was offering a scholarship that allowed me to get a 20% discount for the first two years of my degree programme. INTI has definitely played a big role in nurturing my passion in the service industry and it makes me happy to further my studies in this field.”
In spite their time away from physical lessons and the need for physical distancing, her lecturers continue to make classes enjoyable for her and her friends. According to May May, the bond they share is so special that they have become a family today.
“The one thing that kept me on my toes throughout my programme as well as during my internship was learning to adapt to my surroundings and grasp anything I learn quickly along the way. I have to admit that my proficiency in English is weak but I am working hard to improve it,” concluded May May.