PETALING JAYA, 7 April 2017 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail earlier today signed a 'Trust Deed' document together with the Group Managing Director and CEO of The Star Media Group, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and widow of the late Soo Ewe Jin (former Executive Editor, The Star), Madam Lim Fong Lan to symbolise the launch of the Soo Ewe Jin (SEJ) Scholarship for USM deserving students.

The SEJ Scholarship was established with an initial funding of RM50,000 and in addition, the USM Vice-Chancellor said that the university would also contribute RM50,000 to the fund which is allocated specifically for USM undergraduates pursuing a degree in Communications, majoring in Journalism.

The SEJ Scholarship was established to honour the contribution, dedication and impact made by the late Soo Ewe Jin, especially from his writings in the Sunday Starters column, which have touched the hearts of Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or status.

The USM Vice-Chancellor was also touched by the fact that USM has been selected as the entrusted body for the scholarship, and has assured that the university would be fully committed in selecting only the best candidates with the potential to become writers and agents of change towards empowering the community through writings, as befitting the legacy left behind by the late Soo Ewe Jin.

Also present at the ceremony held at the Menara Star was USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Development Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Adnan Hussein.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin