CIMB Foundation has announced a meaningful collaboration with Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR) to support underserved but high-potential secondary school students through the 2025 Closing The Gap programme.
This impactful two-year initiative is designed to guide 76 students, from Form 4 to Form 6, across the Klang Valley, including those living in Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) communities on their path to tertiary education.
The programme delivers a structured combination of mentorship, academic support, and life skills development to help students realise their full potential and navigate the challenges that often prevent access to higher education.
The Closing The Gap programme is anchored in a holistic approach to education that goes beyond academic performance. It aims to help students explore their individual strengths, define their goals, and develop a clear vision for their academic and career future. Over the two years, participants will benefit from personalised one-on-one mentorship, hands-on workshops, university residential camps, and career coaching sessions tailored to their aspirations and needs.
This long-term support is designed to overcome key barriers faced by many underserved students, including limited access to information, role models, soft skills development, and financial resources.
The students selected as Scholars for the 2025 cohort were identified through a rigorous outreach and selection process that focused on identifying resilience, leadership qualities, academic promise, and socioeconomic need. Priority was given to students from high-need households and those who have shown a strong commitment to pursuing higher education despite significant personal and systemic obstacles.
Through this comprehensive approach, the programme ensures that each Scholar receives the support needed to succeed, both academically and personally.
CIMB Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, highlighted the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for young Malaysians through education.
“Closing The Gap is a meaningful programme to nurture our youth who are potential future leaders by equipping them with the right tools, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed in their post-school phase.
“At CIMB Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and are proud to support a programme that is structured to uplift communities through long-term, sustainable impact, " he said.
In echoing this sentiment, Chief Executive Officer of YTAR, Kularetnam Vijayakumar, emphasised the broader impact of access to higher education. “
“We have seen firsthand how this support improves not just employment and earnings, but also overall well-being and civic engagement.
Our alumni have secured over RM21 million in scholarships and financial aid, and we believe expanding this programme will have a lasting impact on students, their families, and society as a whole,” he added.
The journey for each Scholar begins with a year focused on self-discovery, helping students understand their interests, strengths, and career goals. In the second year, the focus shifts to execution: putting plans into action, applying for scholarships, and choosing the right educational path.
This journey is structured around 12 curated mentoring sessions, a five-day immersive university experience, and continued access to a support network of volunteer mentors from various professional backgrounds, including CIMB employees who bring real-world experience and perspective to the programme.
This initiative is a cornerstone of CIMB Foundation’s “Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti” platform, a broader commitment to socioeconomic advancement and educational empowerment. By offering structured and targeted support to students who need it most, the 2025 Closing The Gap cohort represents a significant step toward building a more inclusive, equitable future. It reflects the shared vision of CIMB Foundation and YTAR: that equal access to education is not only a right but also a powerful catalyst for meaningful, long-term change in Malaysia.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
