Fifteen undergraduates in Myanmar were chosen from more than 200 applicants to be a part of the Singaporean lender United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) university scholarship program.
UOB, which is one the nine foreign banks that received licences to operate in Myanmar last year, said this first group of scholars will receive financial assistance and be offered internship opportunities with the bank.
The nominees have been selected for the program based on their academic achievements, language proficiency and career aspirations, it added.
The “UOB University Scholarship” program is a partnership between UOB, the University of Yangon and Yangon University of Economics.
The first group includes five students from University of Yangon and 10 from Yangon University of Economics who are in their first or second year of studies. A total of 45 undergraduates from the two partner universities will be chosen for the programme over the next three years.
Each student will have their tertiary studies fully funded by UOB, which is putting in K189 million ($178,000) over the next three years into the program. The students will also complete an internship with UOB in the final year of their university degree.
May Yadanar Maung, one of 15 students to be awarded the scholarship and a second year student majoring in commerce at Yangon University of Economics, said she hopes to become an accountant when she graduates.
“I hope the program will open doors for me to pursue a career in banking. As the banking sector in Myanmar develops, there will be many opportunities for young people such as myself to contribute to the country’s growth,” she said.
Harry Loh, executive director, UOB Group, said the bank’s program would help support undergraduates who are determined to succeed.
“The students’ hard work and achievements both inside and outside of the classroom are key reasons why they were chosen for this scholarship. Many of them have done well in school and are contributing to society through volunteer activities. These scholars already serve as an example and inspiration for their fellow students to strive for success,” he said.
