Binary University, a renowned institution of higher learning based in Malaysia, has launched the MyBinary International Grant (MyBIG) in Uganda.
This initiative follows the successful launch of a similar program in Kenya and India, recently.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Honorary Consulate of Malaysia in Uganda, located in Kololo, Kampala.
The announcement event was presided over by H.E. Ismail Mpanga-Bbumba, the Deputy Honorary Counsul of Malaysia in Uganda, and was attended by Dato Gilbert Alvin, a Senior Director of International Collaborations at Binary University, and Professor Dr. Asif Mahbub Karim, the Dean of the Binary Graduate School.
During the press briefing to announce the launch of the program in Uganda, it was revealed that the Senate of Binary University approved a total of 150 partial scholarships, valued at RM 5.1 million (approximately UGX 5.5 billion), for Ugandan students to pursue bachelors and masters degree programs at the university.
100 scholarships will be designated for undergraduate students, while the 50 will be allocated for people seeking to pursue masters degree programs.
This grant is open to students who wish to start enrolling for the February and March (2025) intakes.
Successful applicants will pay only 50% of the tuition fees per year, for the entire duration of their studies.
Speaking at the scholarship announcement, Dato emphasized that the initiative is part of their efforts to give back to societies worldwide, as part of their ruby jubilee celebrations and beyond.
“Post-COVID, we realized that many parents are struggling to send their children abroad for international education. By providing this grant, we hope to ease the burden on both parents and students, enabling them to pursue international programs. And Malaysia is now one of the top 10 destinations for international studies,” Dato said.
He highlighted that Malaysia currently hosts students from over 100 countries, and Binary University hosts students from more than 60 countries.
Established in 1984, Binary University is a well-known university in Malaysia and across the globe for important courses in management, IT and entrepreneurship attracting international students to Malayia from several countries. Those who apply now will enjoy a 50 per cent tuition fee subsidy, under the ‘MyBIG’ international grant.
According to Dr. Asif, Binary University places a strong emphasis on research, currently boasting seven dedicated research centers. He stated that education without research is no longer as effective, and every educational program should include some component of research.
“We have seven dedicated research centers at the university, including the Center for the Advancement of Management, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, the Center for ICT, the Asian Center for Entrepreneurship, and others. Each of these centers focuses on different types of projects, offering students the opportunity to not only engage in lecture room studies, but also to gain real-world experience through the centers of excellence,” Dr. Asif explained.
Dr. Asif also highlighted that Binary University offers international conferences in a hybrid format, allowing students to participate online. The online component has become increasingly important, and the university is well-accustomed to this mode of learning.
H.E. Mpanga, who had his university education in Malaysia, welcomed the development, noting that it marks a growing collaboration between nations, particularly in education and technology.
“We will inform the public on the selection process for those who qualify for these scholarships, of course in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports,” he said, adding that this initiative could open doors for further academic partnerships, business collaborations, and knowledge sharing.
Currently, there are five Ugandan students studying at Binary University, but the scholarship program is expected to boost the number in the near future.
