BPMB records largest-ever scholarship cohort with BAGUS initiative

Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) has awarded scholarships to 18 students under its Anugerah Biasiswa Prasiswazah Kumpulan BPMB (BAGUS) initiative for 2026. This marks the largest group of recipients since the program's inception in 2013, underscoring the bank's commitment to nurturing local talent.

To date, the BAGUS program has channeled over RM17 million in investments, supporting approximately 70 students in their undergraduate studies. Shuhaibahtulaslamiah Hurmuzan, Acting Head of Group Human Resources at BPMB, highlighted the program's long-term vision for developing Malaysian talent and broadening access to higher education for promising young individuals.

As a Development Financial Institution (DFI), BPMB's role extends beyond financing to encompass robust talent development. The bank anticipates eight BAGUS recipients will join BPMB by the end of 2026, demonstrating a strategic, long-term approach to talent cultivation from education through to employment.

The BAGUS program, initially focused on overseas university studies, expanded in 2023 to include local public universities and further broadened in early 2026 to encompass local private universities and twinning programs. This expansion aims to provide more high-achieving Malaysian students with access to quality higher education and flexible study options. BPMB has also enhanced its selection process with stricter academic requirements and merit-based assessments that consider socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring opportunities reach students from diverse communities across Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak.

Beyond financial aid, scholarship recipients receive ongoing academic support, including tuition fee financing and living allowances. This allows them to focus on their studies and academic achievements, while also opening career pathways within BPMB post-graduation. The program serves as a crucial talent pipeline to meet the future workforce needs of the banking and finance sector.

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With an investment exceeding RM17 million channeled to nearly 70 recipients to date, the BAGUS program reflects our long-term commitment to developing local talent and expanding opportunities for high-potential Malaysian youth to pursue higher education.