MANJUNG, July 10 – Vale, a prominent global mining company, has unveiled the Teluk Rubiah Scholarship Programme (TRSP), a prestigious initiative designed to offer exceptional students in Manjung the opportunity to pursue a world-class tertiary education. The programme, which totals RM4 million, is modeled after Malaysia’s renowned scholarship programmes and aims to prepare students for successful careers on a global scale. Leonardo Paiva, CEO of Vale in Malaysia, stated that the TRSP is a strategic programme centered around youth development, aligning with Vale’s commitment to inclusive growth in Manjung.
“The dynamism of Manjung’s youth is its greatest asset. We are investing significantly to provide students with an environment that fosters creativity, cross-cultural exchange, and holistic growth,” said Paiva. Recognizing the importance of well-rounded education, Vale aims to ensure that deserving talents in Manjung receive a world-class education, preparing them for future careers in the mining industry. The scholarship application process opens today at 7:30 PM and runs until June 26th at 5 PM. Interested candidates can apply through Vale’s official website.
Successful applicants will receive full sponsorship from Vale to pursue engineering or commerce degrees at internationally-recognized and accredited universities*. The scholarship covers various expenses, including living allowances, quality accommodation, learning resources, potential semester placements abroad, and comprehensive wellness support throughout their studies. Vale plans to enroll up to 10 students in the pilot phase of the scholarship programme, with multiple intakes expected until 2025.
The selection process will prioritize diversity, reflecting Manjung’s multicultural composition and aligning with Vale’s global commitment to equal opportunities for women. Upon completing their tertiary education, scholarship recipients will be evaluated and considered for employment within Vale. This opens doors for a global career as the company operates in nearly 30 countries worldwide. The TRSP is a pivotal component of Vale’s MYR5.7-million Youth Empowerment Plan (YEP@Vale) project for Manjung.
Launched in November of the previous year, YEP@Vale aims to provide inclusive educational opportunities and support for the youth residing in the Manjung district. Designed for long-term sustainability, YEP@Vale encompasses various stages of youth development. Initiatives include free tuition classes and ‘Tunas Seni’ art classes for children from low-income families, sponsorships for local educational institutions supporting neurodiverse learning, annual SPM workshops, and ‘Piala Vale,’ a program nurturing public speaking skills among local youth.
Spanning three years, YEP@Vale underscores Vale’s commitment to Manjung’s social development. The company has invested approximately MYR60 million in social initiatives within the district since establishing the Teluk Rubiah Maritime Terminal (TRMT) a decade ago. The TRMT, the largest single foreign direct investment (FDI) in Perak, has been operational since 2014 and is capable of safely handling up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore.
The terminal’s workforce comprises 97 percent Malaysians, with over 60 percent hailing from Manjung. “Local expertise from Manjung plays a vital role in Vale’s global talent ecosystem. As we continue to expand our presence in Malaysia, we are excited to provide even more opportunities for local experts to build successful careers in the mining industry with us. The scholarship programme is just one way we are accomplishing this,” concluded Leonardo.
