The MyBrain scholarship programme, known as MyBrain 2.0, will undergo stringent screening to select 500 exceptional students each year, according to Mazlina Mokhtar, the scholarship division secretary of the Higher Education Ministry.
MyBrain 2.0 is exclusively dedicated to master’s and PhD studies in selected public universities and private higher education institutes (IPTS) throughout the country, with a primary focus on the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Mazlina also mentioned that potential candidates for the programme will be chosen from the general public who are unemployed, lack a stable income, and IPTS lecturers who wish to pursue postgraduate studies.
“We will be implementing stricter screening measures, including conducting interviews with the candidates.”
“This time, the ministry is prioritizing students who can graduate within the stipulated time period, which is why we will only select the best candidates. We will closely monitor their progress from the beginning of their studies in collaboration with the universities,” she shared with Bernama recently.
During the launch of the MyBrain 2.0 programme on October 26, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has allocated RM20 million for each intake, with a target of 500 recipients annually, especially in competitive fields.
Mohamad Afiq Amiruddin Parnon, a master’s graduate, expressed his approval of the reintroduction of the MyBrain programme, as it will provide support to students, particularly those facing disadvantages, in pursuing postgraduate studies.
“The reintroduction of this programme is also aligned with the objective of promoting lifelong learning among Malaysians, and more importantly, the knowledge gained can benefit the country,” said Mohamad Afiq, who is commencing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Nor Nadia Zakaria, 37, believes that the MyBrain 2.0 programme will inspire more Malaysians to aim for higher education.
“The reintroduction of the MyBrain programme is wonderful because many students aspire to continue their studies but face financial constraints. Some individuals are even willing to take out bank loans to pursue postgraduate studies.”
“Considering that scholarships offered within the country are typically limited, this programme will benefit numerous students,” added Nor Nadia. – Bernama
