Building character, shaping futures
For Gamuda scholars, the real journey is discovering purpose and giving back
The air in the sun-lit cafe of Menara Gamuda felt charged with anticipation. Thirty young students – fresh-faced and eyes brimming with curiosity, lean in as Gamuda’s group managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling, starts to speak.
These students, hailed as the cream of the crop of this year’s Gamuda Scholarship cohort, are preparing to embark on their university journeys – both locally and abroad.
Twenty-one of them are headed for some of the world’s most prestigious institutions including Imperial College London, Tsinghua and Peking University, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, University of Sydney and University of Melbourne – all fully borne by Gamuda.
Over the span of 29 years, Yayasan Gamuda – the foundation arm of Gamuda Bhd, one of Malaysia’s leading infrastructure companies has empowered more than 946 students to take charge of their futures.
This year the figure stands at RM31mil, awarded to 183 deserving students – 80% of whom come from B40 and M40 households, with 25% of the total allocations going to East Malaysia and indigenous communities.
In 2026, the group will raise the figure to RM35mil, which is expected to benefit more than 200 deserving talents.
For many of the scholars, the Gamuda Scholarship is a dream realised. Yet the real gift, as they quickly discover, lies in more than just financial support – it’s the mentorship, exposure and guidance that stretch far beyond any lecture hall.
Shaping great leaders
“Learning is a lifelong, continuous journey regardless of age, and one must keep exploring,” Lin reminds them with a smile. “Have self-discipline – there’s so much to discover and learn around you.”
Then he leans in with advice that the scholars will likely carry for years. “University is an important time. This is when you build friendships, embrace the culture around you and travel with friends to widen your perspective.”
He also emphasises the power of being present: “Create your environment to shape your personality. Put down your phone – the world around you has lessons you’ll miss if you’re always scrolling.”
On the surface, it’s simple advice. But the bigger message is clear: building character, integrity and purpose matters just as much as technical know-how.
Gamuda has long believed in nurturing not just bright minds, but well-rounded leaders who have the potential to elevate Malaysia on the global stage.
Today, with the company’s footprint spanning Asia, Oceania, and the United Kingdom, that belief feels more relevant than ever.
Young visionaries
The path for the scholars extends far beyond financial aid; it marks the beginning of a career filled with purpose and impact.
Internships and job placements across Gamuda’s diverse businesses – from engineering and property to technology – locally and internationally, open doors to invaluable real-world experiences.
This practical training is enriched by dedicated leadership workshops, skill-building and mentoring by industry experts who have decades-worth of experience in their respective fields.
Perhaps, the most cherished are the sessions with Gamuda leaders and alumni – moments of shared wisdom, lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
This formula has borne fruit. Today, 35% of Gamuda’s top 30 leaders are former scholars – many still in their thirties, already shaping the company’s direction.
Among the more recognisable is Ts Lim Hui Yan – a 2008 Gamuda scholar who is now Gamuda Engineering deputy managing director, and Yayasan Gamuda head.
“To truly excel at your profession, you must be a people person. Even as an on-site engineer, you need to effectively communicate with people on the ground and with stakeholders,” Lim shares with the scholars.
“Look up and be present – every day teaches you new things, gives you new exposure, and offers a chance to stay humble. And that’s where the skills you’ve built truly shine from being on the ground on various landscapes – learning to connect with individuals from all walks of life,” she adds.
Lim has been behind some of the company’s biggest milestones, from contributing to the world’s first Variable Density Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) on the MRT Kajang Line to driving the Gamuda Next-Generation Digital IBS.
The 35-year-old is now steering the group into exciting arenas such as data centres.
Another proud scholarship alumnus, John Lim Ji Xiong, took the stage at the sharing session. His journey was anything but ordinary.
Starting out as a mechanical engineer on the MRT Putrajaya Line, he went on to help develop the world’s first award-winning autonomous TBM software. Driven by a passion for coding and data, John seized the opportunity to dive into automation when his bosses began exploring tech-driven solutions.
Today, at just 30, he leads the group’s technology pillar as Gamuda’s group chief digital officer. For many students, seeing young leaders rise so quickly has been nothing short of inspiring.
And the draw is clear – this year, the foundation received 4,493 applications, a 35% increase from 2024. However, Lin is quick to add the importance of staying humble and not resting on your laurels.
“At 26, I was appointed group managing director, and before turning 30, I had already coordinated three key projects. Those defining years gave me lessons I carry with me today, which I now share with you,” he reflects.
For Lin, true leadership begins with self-reflection and staying grounded. With the right foundation and environment, he believes that what carries anyone far is not just talent, but humility and character.
“Remain humble, and be someone people genuinely enjoy working with. That’s how you grow. Lead with values, and let the way you treat others define you – that’s what makes a good leader,” he advises.
Even the most accomplished leaders, Lin warns, can stagnate if they fall into the trap of thinking they already know everything.
“Read. Read as much as you can. I stay connected to the world by reading,” he stresses.
Scholarship to stewardship
The lessons shared by Lin, Lim and John clearly struck a chord with the scholars – many of whom see themselves as future torchbearers of Gamuda’s values.
For Matthew Lo Wai Ern, who will soon pursue Computer Science at the University of Bristol, the message of lifelong learning hit home.
“Seeing Datuk Lin still engaging with us with the energy and curiosity of someone half his age, was deeply inspiring.
“Even at his age, he continues to read extensively and even actively engages in football matches!” Lo exclaims.
“For me, this reflects the culture that Gamuda has built over the years – one shaped by leadership, openness to new technologies and opportunities, and a commitment to personal growth. It’s a lesson I will carry with me,” he adds.
For Florence Mercy Anak Jekon, a Civil Engineering student from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, it was Lin’s reminder on self-discipline that truly stayed with her. As part of a generation of digital natives, she admits it’s all too easy to get lost in the pull of devices – which makes his words feel especially personal and timely.
“As scholars, we are, in many ways, the future of our nation. And cultivating self-discipline is something that will guide us not just in our studies, but in life as well,” she reflects.
Hailing from Bau, Sarawak, Mercy – one of 27 Orang Asal recipients of the scholarship this year, also sees the scholarship as a chance to give back to her community.
Engineering, she explains, is about always improving – through innovation, sustainability, and problem-solving.
“I want to use these skills to help my community in Sarawak, where some areas still don’t have clean water. Gamuda can make a big impact in Sarawak – and I want to be part of that change.”
For these young students, the path ahead is lined not just with books and lectures, but with friendships, mentorships and real-world experiences that will shape who they become.
For Gamuda, the mission is simple yet profound: to nurture leaders who remain curious, grounded, and purposeful in all that they do.