KUALA LUMPUR, 3 September 2025 — For many YK scholars, receiving the Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship was more than a milestone. It was a promise—one of amanah, opportunity, and the drive to give back.
These eight scholars, though from different walks of life, exemplify the kind of grounded leadership and nation-focused purpose that Yayasan Khazanah aims to nurture.
Jia Shing Wee – Grounded by amanah.
A recent graduate of UCLA, Jia Shing Wee completed his degree in Financial Actuarial Mathematics with distinction, earning Phi Beta Kappa recognition. As a Khazanah Global Scholar, he describes the award as “the biggest turning point” of his life.
“Being a YK scholar gives you confidence,” he reflects. “It’s a trust — amanah — that you must honour by giving back.” That amanah kept him grounded throughout his years abroad, even as he juggled leadership roles as President of the Bruin Actuarial Society and the National Assembly of Malaysian Students in America (NAMSA).
With internships at Khazanah Nasional and Allianz Life, and now at Gaia Investment Partners, Jia Shing sharpened his skills in investment analysis and financial modelling. His path now leads back home — to join Khazanah’s Investment Team. For him, the journey comes full circle: “I want to return, contribute to Khazanah, and build Malaysia’s future.”
Shamila Shuhaimi – Turning challenges into purpose
Raised in a modest household, Shamila Shuhaimi learned resilience early in life. With her father retired and her mother a homemaker, she carried herself with quiet determination — achieving 6A+, 2A and 1A− in her SPM.
As President of Kelab Doktor Muda, leader of Kelab Pencinta Alam, and Treasurer of the Prefect Board, she balanced academics with leadership. Her passion also led her to public speaking, science competitions, and sports, winning recognition in STEM and Biology.
Now at University Malaya under the Khazanah Watan Scholarship, she is pursuing Biotechnology. “Khazanah saw the potential in me before I saw it in myself,” she says. Her dream: to become a researcher whose work contributes to a safer, healthier Malaysia
Ng Jing Xuan — Leadership through adversity
Raised by a single mother earning RM2,500 a month as a tutor, Ng Jing Xuan embodies quiet resilience. From SM St. Dominic, she excelled academically with 6A+ and 4A in SPM, while stepping into leadership roles as Vice Chairman of the Chinese Language Association and Vice President of Peer Counsellors.
Beyond leadership, she represented her state in creative writing competitions, earning awards and recognition. She also found balance through co-curricular activities, joining the Chess Club and the Girl Guides.
Now a Khazanah Global Scholar, Jing Xuan plans to pursue Pharmacy or Biological Science. “I want to use my education to help others,” she says, proving that circumstances never define capability — only determination does.
Sharren A/L Mahendren — Engineering dreams
Sharren’s story is one of grit and perseverance. His mother, a kindergarten headmistress, raised him after his parents’ divorce. Despite hardship, he scored 8A+ and 1A in SPM and shone in multiple arenas.
As Chairman of Bola Baling and Larian Menara, he represented his school nationally in sports. He was also a prefect, Scout, and active member of the ICT Club. Beyond leadership, he tested his skills in competitions such as the Beaver Computational Thinking Contest, Kangaroo Math, and IMOCSEA.
Now a Khazanah Global A-Level Scholar, Sharren aspires to Mechanical Engineering. His story is proof that with opportunity and support, talent can thrive even from modest beginnings.
Adam Airell Azizul — The Scholar-Musician-Debater
For Adam Airell, excellence has always been multi-faceted. Once a Khazanah Bestari Scholar at KYS, where he graduated with straight 10A+, he is now a Khazanah Global Scholar at KYUEM.
His academic record is matched by leadership. As Deputy Headboy, he worked closely with school management. But perhaps his most inspiring journey was in music. Without any prior background, Adam rose to become President and Concertmaster of the KYS Orchestra, leading performances at the National Palace and other national venues.
A passionate debater too, he served as Secretary of the Debate Union and won numerous awards in inter-varsity tournaments. With ambitions to pursue Mechanical Engineering in the US, Adam is a reminder that YK nurtures both intellect and creativity, producing leaders who think critically and act compassionately.
Ahmad Faiz Yazid — Economics with impact
Graduating with First Class Honours in Economics from Universiti Malaya, Faiz is a Khazanah Watan Scholar who has already stepped into high-impact roles. Currently at Permodalan Nasional Berhad, he previously contributed to research at CIMB, Khazanah, and MITI, shaping insights that supported national and regional policy.
As President of PEKUMA, he revitalised the student society, earning the Anugerah Perdana Siswa. Internationally, he represented Malaysia in Vietnam’s Green Summer Volunteer Campaign, overseeing 34 community projects. His work later extended to the Sustainable Investment Network Malaysia, promoting inclusive financial literacy.
A rising voice in economic discourse, Faiz has appeared on BERNAMA, RTM, and IKIM FM. For him, economics is not just theory, but a tool for real-world change.
Syrunnaja Bin Adnan — Leading in public health
Syrunnaja’s path has been defined by service. Currently Deputy Director III (Medical) at Hospital Shah Alam, he is pursuing his PhD in Public Health under the Khazanah Watan Scholarship.
Armed with dual master’s degrees from UNSW Sydney, he has dedicated himself to healthcare and humanitarian work. From 2015 to 2021, he served with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and led the IMAM Response & Relief Team. His international footprint includes forums in Japan, China, and Taiwan, where he was honoured with the Best Participant Report Award.
In 2019, the Ministry of Health awarded him the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang. For Syrunnaja, the scholarship is not just a personal milestone — it is a continuation of a career anchored in nation-building and public good.
Nelson Ng Jia Jun — From aerospace to social impact
Nelson’s journey spans aerospace engineering to social entrepreneurship. A YK Watan Scholar, he earned his MEng in Aerospace & Aeronautics at the University of Southampton and completed an exchange in France.
He began as a Khazanah Investment Analyst but soon co-founded ProjectEd Malaysia, a student-led NGO providing scholarships for underserved youth. Later, at Langit Collective, he worked with indigenous farmers in Borneo to commercialise heirloom rice, uplifting communities.
Today, Nelson is Southeast Asia Lead at 100x Impact, overseeing catalytic grants for social ventures. His career reflects YK’s vision: producing leaders who innovate, uplift, and serve.
More than a scholarship
From scholars who rose from humble beginnings like Shamila, Jing Xuan, and Sharren, to global graduates like Jia Shing and Nelson, and seasoned professionals like Faiz and Syrunnaja — every story is a reminder that Yayasan Khazanah is not just investing in education. It is investing in Malaysia’s future.
These scholars show us that true leadership is not about where you start, but how you use your journey to give back. Together, they embody the foundation’s enduring mission: nation building by nurturing the nation’s talents.
