Ong Ze Wei, Jason Tan Yuan Sheng and Yvonne Khoo, three first year students from University of Malaya, are the latest addition to the list of outstanding scholars in the global ABB JDF program. Named after Jürgen Dormann who served as Chairman from 2001 to 2007, and CEO from September 2002 to December 2004, the ABB Jürgen Dormann Foundation for Engineering Education (JDF) offers financial assistance to talented engineering students in different parts of the world such as Bulgaria, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey and Vietnam.
In Malaysia, the program was established in 2011 with University of Malaya as a partner university. Three new recipients are selected each year based on academic performance, potential and personal means. Apart from the annual stipend, which is subject to the eligibility criteria, successful students are also assigned a local ABB mentor who will support and monitor their progress.
“The ABB JDF program is centered on empowering deserving young talents by giving them the financial support they need to pursue their higher education journey instead of being forced off the path. This is important especially as Malaysia seeks to transition to a high-income, high-tech and a digitally transformed nation,” said R Narayanan, Country Managing Director, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Lead Business Area Manager, Motion Asia. “Malaysia has a promising talent pool in STEM-related courses. Through the ABB JDF program, we hope to contribute and nurture its growth to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness in a world which is on a cusp of super connectivity.”
To-date, 28 deserving students have benefited from the program. From this total, 19 have since graduated to pursue their engineering ambition while nine are still in various academic sessions.
"I am beyond thankful for this scholarship which will truly make a difference in my continued education at the University. The financial strain on my family has been weighing on me ever since I started my course. Thank you ABB, for supporting my dreams and my future,” said Ong Ze Wei who is a first-year electrical engineering student.
The selected scholars will also experience internship opportunities where they will be able to put their learning into practice apart from being exposed to ABB’s leading technology, people and work environment.
“Students need to see and understand the real-world application of STEM-related courses to drive the passion for technology and innovation. Malaysia is brimming with opportunities. In order to forge ahead, we need to create a sustainable innovation ecosystem, and this starts by offering our brightest minds with the right level of support to thrive,” R Narayanan concluded.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.
