If the Scholar Bootcamp could be described in three words, it would be: Friends, Fun, and Fooood. More than a series of workshops, the Bootcamp offers us, current YTL scholars a chance to step away from the rigours of university life, build connections with peers from different scholar cohorts, and participate in self-development workshops.

2025 marked the biggest Bootcamp yet, with nearly 50 scholars gathered at AC Hotel Ipoh, for a three-day retreat. We spent the weekend filling the rooms with laughter, tears, and major ‘aha!’ moments that strengthened our bonds with one another.

A key goal of Bootcamp is to help us scholars develop a better sense of self-awareness through workshops like the MBTI session. In this session, we explored personality types and how our personalities influence our communication and behaviour.

Yaadhavan, Veterinary scholar from UPM shared how his last Bootcamp gave him a better insight into himself:

“I was excited because the previous Bootcamp was an eye-opening experience. I realised how long I’ve neglected my personal growth. As an introvert, communication is one of my biggest challenges as I struggle to articulate my thoughts and read social cues. The MBTI workshop helped me understand why I struggle with this challenge and taught me how to respond better to others.”

Harsha Ranee, Mathematical Modelling scholar from APU added:

“One of the highlights of this year’s Bootcamp was the MBTI session. Listening to Ms Helen explain how extroverts and introverts complement each other was an eye-opening lesson. It also made me more reassured of who I am.”

As we had a larger cohort of scholars, we were grouped into two series: Series 1 and Series 2. The Series 1 scholars were coached by PEMIMPIN GSL who helped us explore the differences between fixed and growth mindset.

Putri Maisarah, an English language scholar from UKM shared:

“My favourite workshop was with PEMIMPIN. I learned about fixed and growth mindsets, and how I can shift from one to the other and flourish with a growth mindset amid challenges.”

The Series 2 scholars explored deeper conversations with one another through peer coaching using the GROW model, facilitated by the Foundation team.

Damia, a Civil Engineering scholar at UTHOM reflected:

“I’ve learned that growth doesn’t necessarily come from achievements. It comes from moments of pausing, listening, and sharing with others. Being surrounded by such open, honest, and diverse peers reminded me that there is great strength in being vulnerable, and that everyone carries a lesson worth learning from.”

As we learned throughout the Bootcamp, personal growth is about being comfortable in the uncomfortable moments. For some of us, these uncomfortable moments were the most meaningful takeaways.

Azib, Mechanical Engineering scholar from UiTM reflected on his uncomfortable moments:

“I’ve always been an overthinker and often hold back from sharing but through each Bootcamp workshop, I learned to trust myself more and be present. The Foundation team and my Series 2 peers created a safe space for me to be myself which enabled me to willingly share my challenges during the deep self-reflective exercises. This has changed me for the better; I’m now more open with my family and more proactive in group discussions with my university mates now.”

We also had the chance to bond over non-workshop activities like Pickleball, explore Ipoh, and dinner outings. As we come from different universities across Malaysia, the Bootcamp gives us an opportunity to meet new scholars and build deeper friendships.

Sharvin, Law scholar from USZA shared:
“It’s my second time at the Bootcamp and the entire experience was filled with excitement! My most memorable moments were the stories and conversations shared with fellow scholars as it deepened my understanding of them.”

Ashley, Law scholar from Taylor’s University added:
“One of my favourite activities was choosing a photo from the floor and reflecting on why we picked it. Although I knew my fellow scholars and I shared similarities, this activity and Bootcamp opened my eyes to it!”

For many of us, we come to the Bootcamp as students and strangers but leave as friends, aspiring leaders, and individuals with stronger mindsets to face the future. Whether we’re starting a new term or stepping into the world of work, we believe that the YTL Scholar Bootcamp has equipped us to take on life’s challenges better together.

Written by Asiah Nefertiti Ashlee, a YTL scholar studying Psychology at Taylor's University.

On 30 April, we received over 4,000 submissions from high-achieving students across the country for the YTL Scholarship Programme.

Following a rigorous evaluation, 90 individuals were invited to our Scholar Assessment Centre to evaluate the individuals’ commitment to purpose-driven leadership and academic excellence. 29 candidates were shortlisted to form our 2025 Cohort who were invited for an Induction ceremony at Menara YTL, in August.

More on the Induction ceremony in our next Touchpoints!

In May, the Teachers for Educational Equity (TfEE) initiative continued to advance its mission of reimagining teacher education in Malaysia through a series of meaningful engagements. 

A two-day research workshop on leadership, led by Professor Myers and Dr Dawkins, brought together school leaders from Yayasan Chow Kit, Fugee, Al Noor Enrichment Centre, and emerging MA Education leaders. Held at Menara YTL, the workshop explored leadership within alternative education settings and resulted in actionable practices. The workshop also laid the foundation for a short course on leadership set to launch in October 2025.

Later that month, TfEE hosted its first symposium at 54C, YTL Learning Space. Titled “Rethinking Coaching & Mentoring in the Global South Educational Landscape”, the event featured four MA Education students who presented local adaptations of Global North coaching and mentoring frameworks. Drawing from lived experiences in both Malaysian and displaced education contexts, their presentations offered fresh, Global South-informed perspectives that sparked meaningful dialogue among the 20 invited educators and guests. TfEE also conducted its face-to-face sessions in May for its MA Education and PGCEi (Malaysia) programmes at Menara YTL and Dignity for Children, respectively.

In June, preparations for the third PGCEi (Malaysia) cohort began with an Admission Assessment hosted at Ideas International School. A total of 61 candidates – comprising Teach For Malaysia Fellows and educators from 19 alternative learning centres across several states – participated, reflecting TfEE’s expanding reach and continued commitment to supporting educators working in marginalised communities nationwide.

Stay tuned for more in our next quarterly update!

YTL Foundation continued its journey of creating joyful, meaningful learning spaces for children and young adults.

Back in May, 30 refugee students from Kachin Refugee Learning Centre came together at 54C, YTL Learning Space for a special session on biodiversity. Led by the passionate team from YTL Sustainability, supported by two YTL Scholars and an international volunteer, the session opened conversations about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the ways in which human lives are deeply connected to the natural world. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and even a spirited Kahoot quiz, the students discovered new knowledge and most importantly, their own power to protect and care for the environment around them.

In the same month, the Foundation welcomed 59 children from the Sentul community for its first CLiC Holiday Programme of the year. In partnership with 11 UTAR lecturers, the children explored the world of science, from blood types and chemical reactions to puzzles and circuit building. The day was not only filled with discovery, but also creativity, as the children painted wooden boards and easels in bright colours and imaginative designs. For many who returned for the third time, it felt like coming back to a space where learning and laughter always go hand in hand.

These moments of curiousity and growing confidence show YTL Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation through education that is thoughtful, joyful, and grounded in community.

Over the past few months, YTL Foundation has continued to deepen its impact in community-based education through two key initiatives— Toy Libraries Malaysia and KelasKita —both rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to meaningful learning experiences.

The Foundation marked a meaningful milestone in early childhood development with the upcoming launch of the Sentul Toy Library, established through a partnership with DBKL, Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd, and Toy Libraries Malaysia. This partnership has paved the way for a vibrant new space at UTC Sentul, where children ages 0–12 will soon be able to access educational toys, books, and interactive play sessions. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to nurturing learning through play in inclusive, family-friendly environments. Endorsed by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and supported by leaders across sectors, the project highlights the power of collaboration in building resilient and caring communities.

KelasKita continues to grow steadily with the support of committed partners, including Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), YTL Construction, Good Shepherd Services, and Ajar Society, who have been instrumental in sustaining programme delivery this year. These long-term collaborations reflect strong alignment with KelasKita’s vision of accessible, community-led education. To ensure consistency and quality, the Foundation is focused on strengthening communication and engagement with partners—supporting smooth operations and ensuring deeper impact at the community level.

Together, Toy Libraries Malaysia and KelasKita reflect YTL Foundation’s continued dedication to holistic education—enabling children to grow, thrive, and imagine brighter futures in the communities they call home.

Acumen Academy Southeast Asia continued to celebrate meaningful milestones from its Foundry community – leaders reimagining solutions for some of the region’s most underserved communities.

Two Foundry leaders gained international recognition for their impactful work, in the first half of 2025. Huong Nguyen Thi Mai, COO of Hachi Vietnam’s smart farming solutions, which currently supports over 2,000 farmers. Meanwhile, Salinee Hurley, CEO of Sunsawang Thailand, represented the region at TED2025 in Vancouver, sharing her efforts to expand energy access alongside global changemakers at the TED lunch.

In April, we hosted our first Virtual Peer Consulting session for Foundry members. This is a platform for Foundry members to connect share their leadership challenges, and gain insights from peers across different cohorts.

To strengthen regional collaboration, the Acumen Academy team also launched the Regional Foundry Advisory Council (RFAC)—a council of six Foundry leaders from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In May, the first global RFAC gathering brought these leaders together in conversation with Jacqueline Novogratz and Adam Grant, reinforcing the power of community.

Together, these moments reflect the heart of Acumen’s mission: to support leaders of character, competence, and compassion in building a more just and inclusive future.

The Malaysia Teacher Prize (MTP) 2025 closed its application window with 2,310 submissions from educators across the country – each reflecting innovation, impact, and a deep commitment to students. Organised by PEMIMPIN GSL and supported by YTL Foundation, Yayasan Hasanah, and Yayasan ECM Libra, the Prize continues to elevate the teaching profession in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, LADAP Plus, the teacher development platform supported by YTL Foundation, reached a significant milestone with over 51,000 educators onboard. The platform’s newest course, based on Scarborough’s Reading Rope, has attracted more than 4,000 enrolees, highlighting educators’ commitment to strengthening literacy instruction in the classroom.

PEMIMPIN GSL welcomed the fifth cohort of the LEAD Fellowship, comprising 53 middle leaders from 45 schools across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. These dedicated educators join a growing network of over 380 Fellows nationwide, each committed to transforming teaching and learning through practical leadership, coaching, and evidence-based strategies.

Together, these moments reflect the heart of our work – empowering educators to lead change, growing in their practice, and building a better future for every child.