15 ASEAN-Maybank Scholarships awarded to date, reinforcing education as a catalyst for unity, sustainability and regional advancement

In a meaningful display of unity, purpose, and progress, 10 outstanding young leaders from across ASEAN were awarded the prestigious ASEAN-Maybank Scholarship (AMS) recently in Jakarta.

Held in conjunction with the 58^th ASEAN Day celebration at the ASEAN Secretariat, the AMS event marked more than just the continuation of the scholarship’s programme in its fourth year, it signified a shared regional belief in the continuous potential of ASEAN’s youth.

Co-hosted by Maybank and the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to ASEAN, the ceremony brought together high-ranking dignitaries including His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Her Excellency Ambassador Datin Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank and Maybank Foundation, alongside permanent representatives, deputy secretaries-general, and senior officials from across the region.

Addressing the attendees, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani emphasised the transformational role of education in nation-building.

“The ASEAN-Maybank Scholarship is more than a celebration of academic excellence, it is a collective act of advancing forward. As ASEAN prepares to realise its long-term aspirations through ASEAN Community Vision 2045, we are reminded of what binds us together; the dream of a region that is peaceful, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.”

“We are proud to stand with ASEAN in pursuit of that vision. The AMS, alongside our suite of regional programmes, reflects our unwavering belief that investing in education and youth leadership is one of the most powerful ways to shape a better future, not only for individuals, but for entire nations,” added Tan Sri Dato’ Ir. Sri Zamzamzairani.

As Malaysia chairs ASEAN in 2025 under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, the AMS stands as a timely and purposeful initiative that is values-driven and people-centric. By nurturing promising young minds across the region, the programme reflects the essence of Malaysia’s vision – one that champions equitable access to opportunity, cross-cultural understanding and sustainable development. The AMS was develop to empower future leaders who will not only thrive academically, but also serve as catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term regional transformation.

In his keynote address, His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, said “Education is not merely an investment in individuals—it is the cornerstone upon which ASEAN's future prosperity lies and rests. The ASEAN-Maybank Scholarship serves as more than a financial bridge; it is a transformative force that unlocks human potential across our region. Each scholarship recipient represents not just personal achievement, but a multiplier effect that will benefit families, communities, nations, and the ASEAN Community for generations to come.”

“The Maybank Foundation, under the Maybank Group's leadership, has demonstrated exceptional vision in recognising that sustainable regional development begins with empowering minds. Beyond their commendable work in financial inclusion for women and youth empowerment, their commitment to education reflects a deep understanding that knowledge is the most powerful catalyst for progress and prosperity,” added His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.

In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Ambassador Datin Sarah said “Malaysia is honoured to be serving as the ASEAN Chair under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” This theme reflects our commitment to shared progress, ensuring that no one is left behind while seeking to narrow development gaps, raise the quality of life and ensure the long-term sustainability and well-being in all aspects of life.”

“The Maybank Foundation’s initiatives, particularly the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN and this scholarship programme is in line with Malaysia’s Chairmanship theme, exemplifying how corporate partners can complement ASEAN’s community-building efforts. By equipping young people from diverse backgrounds with skills, opportunities, and platforms to empower them to become future agents of change; we not only promote social inclusion but also drive long-term, people centred development across our region,” added Her Excellency Ambassador Sarah.

ASEAN-Maybank Scholarship, established in 2021, continues to grow in scale and impact. Since its inception, the programme has drawn a total of over 6,000 applicants, highlighting ASEAN’s drive for growth and abundance of emerging talent. To date, the scholarship programme has awarded a total of 15 scholarships to deserving students from seven ASEAN member states.

With over 1,400 applications from 9 ASEAN member states this year alone, the programme continues to reflect the hunger for opportunity and the wealth of talent across the region. The fourth cohort includes scholars from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos, each selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to social impact.

The 2025 ASEAN-Maybank Scholarship recipients are:

ASEAN-Maybank Scholarship Award Ceremony 2025 – Pictured are the ten outstanding recipients of the ASEAN-Maybank Scholarship 2025 together with ASEAN dignitaries and Maybank’s top management. From left: Hong Chandara (Cambodia), Hafidz Muhammad Rizky (Indonesia), Dr. Piti Srisangnam – Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation, H.E. San Lwin – Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, Farysha Rania Zulhilmi (Brunei), Shahril Azuar Jimin – Group Chief Sustainability Officer of Maybank, Ap Marielyn (Cambodia), H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn – Secretary-General of ASEAN, Tishanprakash A/L Sivarajah (Malaysia), Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa – Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation, H.E. Ambassador Sarah Al-Bakri Devadason – Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, Sarah Mai (Myanmar), H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto – Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Phontima Khannala (Lao PDR), Budhi Dyah Sitawati – Board of Trustees, Maybank Foundation, Dyanitta Nirmala Ramadhani (Indonesia), Izlyn Ramli – Head, Group Corporate Affairs Maybank and CEO, Maybank Foundation, Jessenia Caryn Silaban (Indonesia), and Calvin Ong (Indonesia).

“These scholars join a network of young change-makers who are not just excelling in the classroom, they are building bridges of understanding, championing sustainability, and contributing to their communities. They are living proof that education is not just a pathway to opportunity, it is a force for regional transformation.” said Tan Sri Dato’ Ir. Sri Zamzamzairani.

The AMS is delivered in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Foundation, Maybank Foundation and the ASEAN University Network, enabling students to pursue higher education at leading universities outside their home countries. This initiative, is designed to nurture future leaders and promote regional integration in line with the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025.