Applications close for KPMG Malaysia's ASEAN scholarship programme

Entries have closed for KPMG Malaysia’s annual ASEAN Scholarship for undergraduates – with KPMG in Cambodia and Vietnam added to this year’s list of participating member firms.

Established by KPMG Malaysia in 2015, the regional KPMG ASEAN Scholarship programme provides funding and employment opportunities for Malaysian undergraduates with KPMG member firms in five ASEAN states – Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and, adding to this year’s list, Cambodia and Vietnam. Entries for this year’s intake have now closed, with awardees to be announced in August.

The ASEAN Scholarship programme is open to outstanding first or second-year Malaysian undergrads (of any discipline, but desiring a career in audit, tax and advisory) with a strong academic track record at a local tertiary institution – those who demonstrate a high degree of initiative, maturity and enthusiasm and could be considered self-motivated achievers with excellent leadership and communication skills.

Intended to fast-track career development in the professional services sector, the deserving recipients this year will receive an annual scholarship grant of RM12,000 (~US$ 2875, with a two-year bond), along with mentorship and two internship opportunities – the first with KPMG in Malaysia and another to gain international exposure with one of the firm’s outlets in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam.An allowance will provided for overseas placements, while successful participants will also secure an employment opportunity with KPMG Malaysia upon graduation. “Since 2015, we have received more than 5,000 applications and, through a rigorous selection process, have supported 29 promising undergraduates from various universities across Malaysia,” said KPMG in Malaysia Head of People Adrian Lee.

According to KPMG, the scholarship programme is structured around three main pillars; Professional Development, to help build core competencies and skills; Strategic Engagement, to help build breadth and depth of knowledge across sectors and borders through interactions with KPMG leaders; and Social Connection, to be part of a dynamic ASEAN network where participants will get to know fellow ASEAN scholars and future KPMG leaders.

“At the heart of KPMG are our people. We are constantly on the look-out for bright and talented people like you, because we know you have the potential and the ability to change the future for the better. Your dreams and your ambitions will have a place to flourish at KPMG because we are interested in stretching your potential and accelerating your professional success,” the firm states on its website.

“KPMG internship experiences in both local & overseas augmented my appreciation towards how KPMG could add value to a melting pot of stakeholders across national boundaries,” said former scholarship holder Adrian Loo, now a talent acquisition specialist for KPMG. “Working alongside cross-cultural, cross-functional teams accelerated my career growth particularly in the facets of adaptability and agility within a fast-paced, competitive working environment.”