SJIIM recently celebrated its fourth batch of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) scholars through a Scholarship Awards Ceremony on 27 September 2019. The event was graced by the SJIIM Board of Governors Chairman and Brother President of SJI Singapore, Dato’ Br. Paul Ho as the Guest of Honor and notable guests such as Dato’ Richard Ong who is a council member of the Tan Sri Tan Foundation.
A time honoured Lasallian tradition, the IBDP Scholarship Programme is a cornerstone feature of St. Joseph’s Institution International Schools in Singapore and Malaysia. The scholarship programme is now in its fourth cycle and has been supported by many organizations and well wishers since its inception in 2016 and in particular, the Tan Chin Tuan and Tan Sri Tan Foundation who have been signifcant benefactors of the initiative.
Each of these scholars stood proud as they were called on stage to receive their Scholarship Award Certificates while being celebrated by SJIIM’s Board of Governors, Principals, invited guests, teachers, parents and students. The presence of Dato’ Br. Paul Ho as the Guest of Honour also exemplifies SJIIM’s unbriddled connection with SJI Singapore, the mother school of the SJI International Schools.
Our Guest of Honour, Dato’ Br. Paul Ho delivering his speech
In his speech as the Guest of Honour, Dato’ Br. Paul Ho congratulated the recipients and reminded that the scholarship they have received is a result of their talent and intelligence and therefore, should also be used to make a difference to humanity. He mentioned that IBDP students need to be self-directed learners and yearn to learn for life. He akined this to the trait of the founder, St. John Baptist De La Salle and how he constantly looked to new ways to innovate schools which is one the hallmark reasons behind the longevity of LaSalle schools for over 300 years. In his closing remarks, Dato’ Br. Paul further urged the scholars to develop the habit of listening to others and to learn to give empathy to the perspective of other individuals and groups as this is what the world sorely needs today.
An all-round enriching scholarship experience, the IBDP Scholars of this programme also had the opportunity to participate in a Lasallian Leadership Training Camp in the Philippines this year which focused on Lasallian Formation, Leadership Training and Service Work. This helped to prepare the school’s scholars as Senior Lasallian Student Leaders to serve the school’s community and the needy on their return from the camp.
One of the receipients Danielfarid Fearn Holden together with his proud family
Dr. Nicola Brown who is the High School Principal of SJIIM was also beaming with pride at the school’s latest scholarship awardees. She said, “The support that the scholarship programme provides to students is invaluable and we are proud to be able to offer this assistance to these deserving recipients. Our fourth batch of scholars have been selected for not only for their academic potential but also for their commitment to our values and ethos. They are role models for our younger students and, as such, must represent the characteristics of true Lasallians who ‘Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve’. We are proud to have them with us.”
Dato’ Richard Ong and Dato’ Br. Paul Ho together with the TCT – SJIIM Foundation Scholars
The SJIIM IBDP Scholarship Programme is a unique outreach initiative of St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia. It offers a 2-year scholarship to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in SJIIM. Applications are evaluated based on merit and means and all applicants are expected to be able to provide evidence of good academic performance and demonstrate active participation and leadership in service & co-curricular activities.
Scholarship applications will open again in November 2019 for SJIIM’s 2020/21 IBDP intake in August 2020. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more about the programme by contacting the Scholarship Coordinator at: scholarships@sji-international.edu.my
