Heriot-Watt University Malaysia students receive Shell Scholarships

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia students (from right) Pavitren Ravindran and Muhammad Irfan Bin Mohd Iwan Jefry about to receive their scholarship award

4 September, Kuala Lumpur - Two students from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia attained the prestigious Shell Scholarship. Pavitren Ravindran and Muhammad Irfan Bin Mohd Iwan Jefry, who were both Foundation students at the University last year, and are currently in their first year, Mechanical Engineering degree, today, attended a special award ceremony hosted at Shell Malaysia headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. They are among only 35 scholarship recipients this year, after an intensive selection process from over 3,000 applicants.

The scholarship awards were given away by Shell Malaysia’s CEO and Managing Director, Mr. Iain Lo, witnessed by Tan Sri Dr. Ali Hamsa, the Chief Secretary to the government of Malaysia, Prof. Robert Craik, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's Vice Principal and CEO as well as Leslie Hayward, Shell’s HR Vice President.

Irfan said that receiving the Shell Scholarship has been a pleasant surprise for him, as he did not expect to receive it. “When I started my Foundation studies at Heriot-Watt University, it was like a second chance for me, because honestly, I didn’t do too well for my A-Levels. But as soon as I enrolled into the Foundation programme here, I worked really hard, and the lecturers and university environment here certainly contributed towards my success as well.”

The students together with Prof Robert Craik together with their proud families

For Pavitren, the scholarship process allowed him to assess and improve upon his strengths and shortcomings. “I would advise students who are interested to apply for the scholarship to not underestimate themselves and assume that it’s not possible to obtain the scholarship.” He adds that one should be prepared beforehand, and stay well-informed.  

Every year, Shell Malaysia offers a number of scholarships to support students who are pursuing full-time undergraduate studies at recognised universities around the world. The Shell-HWUM scholarship sets aside 5 places every year for its Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering undergraduate students. According to Mr. Lo, Shell scholarship recipients are not bonded with Shell, but are certainly welcome to work at the company if they wish to. “The scholarships we give out every year are Shell’s very own social investment to ensure that deserving students are able to pursue their studies in critical technical fields.”