“We stay with our students through structured coaching, mental health support and mentorship. Many of them are the first in their families to attend university, so the journey can be overwhelming.”
IDA THIEN
Chief Executive Officer
Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman
For nearly 60 years, Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR) has quietly supported students from underprivileged backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education. In recent years, however, this low-profile commitment has gained new energy and visibility, thanks to the leadership of Ida Thien.
When she joined YTAR six years ago and subsequently took over the reins three years later, Ida brought with her a powerful vision: to broaden the definition of merit and reimagine how educational potential is recognised and nurtured.
“When we talk about merit, it has to be more than just grades,” says Ida. “It’s also about grit, resilience, empathy and the unrelenting desire to learn despite difficult circumstances.”
Under her guidance, YTAR’s scholarship and grant criteria evolved beyond academics to consider personal character, determination and community-mindedness. The foundation also expanded its scope to include more private universities, dramatically increasing opportunities for students.
This strategic shift led to a partnership with the 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), an institution equally committed to widening access to higher education. UNM supports YTAR’s “Closing the Gap” programme by hosting five-day university residential camps, allowing secondary school students to experience campus life, engage with faculty, and envision a future in higher education. UNM is also a co-sponsor of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship, YTAR’s flagship comprehensive scholarship programme, which enables high-potential, high-need youth to pursue their undergraduate studies and undergo a two-year leadership development programme. To date, this partnership has supported six scholars.
“It’s one thing to tell students they belong in university. It’s quite another to show them,” Ida explains. “We want them to walk the grounds, meet the people and believe they have a place here.”
At the heart of these efforts is Closing the Gap, an initiative Ida helped shape during her time at Teach For Malaysia. Now a flagship YTAR programme, it focuses on helping underserved students to gain access to university and thrive there.
“Access alone isn’t enough,” says Ida. “We stay with our students through structured coaching, mental health support and mentorship. Many of them are the first in their families to attend university, so the journey can be overwhelming.”
Alumni of the programme frequently return as mentors, creating a powerful cycle of support. Together with partners such as UNM, YTAR is building a long-term ecosystem that empowers students far beyond enrolment.
“Every student is more than a number,” says Ida. “Our job is to see them, believe in them and walk with them on their journey.”
Through her leadership, Ida has helped transform YTAR into a bold force for educational equity, opening doors for the next generation of Malaysian changemakers.