TALISMAN MALAYSIA

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY

SPEECH BY Y.BHG DATUK HAJI OMAR BIN ABD. RAHMAN
DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Mr Jim Tarlton,
Acting Country Manager of Talisman Malaysia,
University representatives,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,

1. It gives me great pleasure to be your guest at the Talisman Malaysia Scholarship Award
Presentation Ceremony. It is wonderful to see Talisman Malaysia’s continued support of the
growth of talents in Malaysia. Allow me a moment to congratulate each of the recipients and
their parents.

2. Talisman’s initiative in offering these scholarships is indeed commendable and novel, based on
its positioning and the form of the awards. It is a bold move and augurs well for Talisman’s
vision in contributing towards the development of Malaysia’s human capital that have a passion
for learning and are eager to excel and contribute towards the nation’s success.

3. Talisman’s initiative is also a manifestation of the One Malaysia concept introduced by The
Honourable Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Razak. I am saying this because ‘Culture of
Excellence’ has been outlined as one of the eight values in this noble concept. The importance
of establishing and cultivating ‘Culture of Excellence’ is something that the country must not
ignore, in order to transform and take Malaysia to greater heights of success. This scholarship
award does not only recognise excellence demonstrated by the recipients, but also helps
cultivate the creation of a ‘Culture of Excellence’ among the students and the younger
generation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

4 The students’ achievements are being honoured this afternoon. But I believe makes the most
proud is not only the scholarship itself but what they had to do to get it. I am told that there is
rigorous screening prior to being awarded the Talisman Malaysia Scholarship and applicants
would have to satisfy stringent criteria regarding their academic performance, leadership,
service to the community and character.

5 The requirements for the scholarship award were not chosen at random, they form the core
values that will carry you through life. The most important thing to remember is that each of
these characteristics is the sum of many individual decisions. They embody a positive attitude
backed by purpose. The only way to achieve your purpose is to take small actions everyday. In
the end, they all add up to a very big impact.
6 Scholarship is much more than just getting straight A's. It is a life-long love of learning. In the
end it is a sum of small choices. For every time you WANT to learn something, the experience
will be so rewarding that the next time becomes easier. Soon learning becomes a habit. At that
point, your desire to learn, makes getting A's is easier while taking the focus off from the actual
grades. The knowledge can still be hard to gain, but knowing you've mastered a difficult subject
is a great reward. Suddenly the world around you becomes richer, full of learning opportunities.

Ladies and gentlemen,

7 There is a world of opportunity awaiting today’s scholarship recipients. With your specialist
talent, leadership ability and strength of character, there is no doubt that these young men and
women will be in demand upon the completion of their studies. This is where your commitment
to service the community will be important as we want you to continue contributing your talents
to Malaysia’s development. Efforts by companies like Talisman Malaysia in creating very
credible talent development and career opportunities for our young people are also very
important to the equation.

8 In the past, money motivated people but today – purpose, passion and autonomy are strong
motivating factors. Talisman Malaysia’s firm belief in creating a solid foundation for our local
talent through its scholarship and internship efforts are praiseworthy. Talisman has created
opportunities to broaden skill sets, experiences and creates diverse points of view – all
essentials for the retention of talented individuals, to draw out and enhance that promising
ability that these young men and women show.

9 So do not let this opportunity pass and remember that life is a promise, now is your chance to
fulfill it. Therefore in closing, congratulations once again to all scholarship award recipients. I
wish all of you the very best of luck and have a wonderful afternoon.

Thank you.