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Astro & UNITAR Bring Lights To B40 Students Through RM 1M Scholarships

Bukit Jalil, 16 October 2025 – In the spirit of Deepavali, a festival that celebrates light triumphing over darkness, Astro Audio, the radio network including ERA and RAAGA, and UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur came together to illuminate the futures of 30 deserving students from B40 families through the UNITAR Scholarship Award Ceremony with ERA and RAAGA, held at the Deepavali Carnival 2025 in Bukit Jalil on 15 October.
The event was graced by key leaders from UNITAR, Astro Audio, and Agenda Suria Communications, including:
 
  • Prof. Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Omar, Vice Chancellor, UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur
  • Timothy Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer, UNITAR Education Group
  • Priya Dharshini Prabakaran, Director of Astro Audio
  • Jaggarao Simancha, CEO, Agenda Suria Communications Sdn Bhd
  • Jeyapuvan Somasundram, Vice President, Media Solutions, Astro Media Solutions Limited

These scholarships represent more than financial aid; they are a symbol of hope, empowerment, and transformation. The initiative reflects Astro Audio’s commitment to uplifting communities through education and UNITAR’s mission to nurture the next generation of visionary leaders.

This Deepavali, we are not just celebrating light, we are becoming the light. Through these scholarships, we are planting seeds of leadership, resilience, and transformation. These students may one day stand on this very stage, not as recipients, but as decision-makers, innovators, and changemakers. Education is the lifeblood of a thriving nation, and at UNITAR, we are committed to nurturing visionary leaders who will illuminate the future,

Prof. Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Omar, Vice Chancellor, UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur, said.
group

Group picture of the event.

Echoing these sentiments, Priya Dharshini Prabakaran, Director of Astro Audio, said,

Deepavali is a celebration of light and victory, and today, Astro Audio is proud to be part of lighting the path for these bright young minds. Through ERA and RAAGA, we connect with youth in ways that reflect their culture, language, and aspirations. This partnership with UNITAR is more than a CSR initiative; it is a commitment to nurturing future leaders, storytellers, and changemakers who will one day shape Malaysia’s narrative.

“As a media, we have a duty to educate, inform, and entertain, and this partnership has captured that essence holistically,” she added.

The scholarship recipients expressed deep gratitude and shared their aspirations for a brighter future,

Coming from Lawas, a small town in Sarawak, I never imagined I’d be standing here today. UNITAR saw my potential when others didn’t. This scholarship has given me the confidence to dream bigger, and I hope to one day return and uplift my community, the way UNITAR uplifted me,

Grace Bulan Morris, who is pursuing a diploma in human resource management shared.

grace

Grace Bulan Morris

Another student shares his inspiration to succeed:

I have always admired the Indian actor Dhanush, not just for his acting, but for how he rose from humble beginnings and pursued education before becoming a global icon. Studying at UNITAR makes me feel like I am on my own journey to greatness. This scholarship is my breakthrough moment, and I’m ready to prove that someone from a modest background can rise, lead, and inspire and serve in my community, just like Dhanush,

Danush Manimaran, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, said.
danush

Danush Manimaran

Meanwhile, another student shared about the impact of this scholarship,

As a young Malay girl from a B40 family, I never imagined I would be given a platform to pursue my dreams. UNITAR has opened doors I did not know existed. This scholarship is more than financial aid; it is a message that girls like me can lead, achieve, and inspire. I want to show other young women that ambition is not limited by background, and education is our greatest tool

Awa Adiba Mohd Rizani, who is pursuing a diploma in early childhood education, said.

awa

Awa Adiba

The event was made possible with generous support from Agenda Suria Communications, who sponsored the stage, sound system, and venue ensuring a vibrant and professional experience for all attendees.
 
UNITAR continues to champion inclusive, accessible education across Malaysia, with a strong focus on employability, leadership, and lifelong learning. Astro Audio, through its CSR initiatives and media platforms, remains a key enabler of social mobility and youth empowerment.
 
For more information, visit www.unitar.my
ABOUT UNITAR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
UNITAR International University (UNITAR) was established in 1997 as the first virtual university in Southeast Asia and among the earliest private universities in the country.  It is the first institution in Asia to be awarded a QS 5-Star Rating for the Online Learning category.  In alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, UNITAR’s holistic and innovative learning ecosystem provides a comprehensive programme offering for all socio-economic levels whilst developing highly employable and entrepreneurial global citizens.
It aims to go beyond just providing the learning journey for students in acquiring relevant skill sets, but through their C.A.R.E. — Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, and Entrepreneurial education methodology, UNITAR nurtures its students in developing self-awareness of their talents and abilities, as well inculcating in them the need for social responsibility whilst moulding them to be better citizens of the nation.
UNITAR’s programmes are offered in 13 locations, including its main campus in urban Kelana Jaya. It has a total enrolment of over 7,000 students spread within 40 homegrown programmes ranging from the Foundation, Diploma and Bachelor’s levels to the postgraduate Master’s and Doctorate’s.  To meet the current needs of the industries, UNITAR also provides over 50 professional certification programmes.  With APEL, working professionals can continue their education journey with the option to reduce their programme duration.
UNITAR takes pride in having committed academics housed in various faculties and schools.  The academic verticals comprise of the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education & Humanities, the School of Information Technology and School of Media, Arts & Design. Since its inception, UNITAR has embarked on an innovative learning methodology where technology is featured significantly but never aimed to replace human relationships.  Its pursuit to offer competitive quality education in both conventional and online teaching modes continues till today, meeting the needs of 21st Century education.

Media Contact
Josephine Dionisappu
Head of Corporate Communications
UNITAR Education Group
ym.ratinuobfsctd-4408e4@uppasinoid.enihpesoj
+60 12 376 0029
© 2025 UNITAR International University
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