Rinwood Pelita Plantation awards RM250,000 in scholarships to 33 Curtin Malaysia students

Miri, Sarawak – 26 December 2025 – Rinwood Pelita Plantation (Mukah) Sdn Bhd has reaffirmed its commitment to education and social mobility by awarding scholarships worth RM250,000 to 33 outstanding students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) under its Rinwood Awards programme.

The scholarships were presented during the Rinwood Awards Presentation Ceremony held recently at Curtin Malaysia by Hii Wei Wen, Chairman of the Education Committee of Rinwood Pelita Plantation. Also in attendance was Charles Tan, Regional Director of Inquota Education Services (IES) Sdn Bhd.

Designed to ease financial barriers and empower high-achieving students, particularly those from underprivileged and B40 backgrounds, the Rinwood Awards recognise both academic excellence and financial need. This year, 14 students received RM10,000 each, nine students were awarded RM7,000 each, and 10 students received RM5,000 each to support their tertiary education.

In his address, Hii said the programme reflects Rinwood Pelita Plantation’s long-term investment in Sarawak’s future. “We are honoured to partner with Curtin Malaysia in nurturing the next generation of Sarawakian leaders. The Rinwood Scholarship was created to open doors for deserving students, especially those from B40 families, and to give them the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said.

He added that the success of the programme’s first intake last year, where more than 16 students were supported, had further strengthened the company’s confidence in the initiative. Hii also announced that applications for the next scholarship cycle will open in January next year, encouraging strong SPM, STPM, and diploma graduates to apply.

Curtin Malaysia’s Manager of Student Recruitment and Conversion, Samson Philip, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged Rinwood’s contribution to higher education. “Each of you has shown exceptional determination and resilience. This award is a recognition of your hard work, and we are immensely proud of your achievements,” he said.

On behalf of the university, Samson expressed appreciation to Rinwood Pelita Plantation for its continued support, noting that such corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives complement Sarawak government efforts, such as the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) scheduled for 2026, by strengthening the talent pipeline and promoting social mobility.

One of the award recipients, Finance and Management student Eugenia Sim Yu Yang, shared how the scholarship has made a meaningful difference. “This scholarship allows me to pursue my studies without placing a financial burden on my family,” she said.

Eugenia also noted that her two siblings, Hubert Sim and Emily Sim, both students at Curtin Malaysia, were fellow recipients of the Rinwood Awards. “Having all three of us supported through this programme means so much to our family,” she added.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Hii (in black shirt) flanked by Samson (right) and Charles Tan, posing with recipients of the Rinwood Awards.

Siblings (from left) Eugenia Sim, Hubert Sim, and Emily Sim expressing their gratitude upon receiving the Rinwood Awards.