University of Cyberjaya (UoC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a healthcare provider on sponsorships for its nursing diploma students.

Under SunMed Scholarship Programme by Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), selected nursing diploma students at the Cyberjaya university as well as its affiliated institution Cyberjaya College Kota Kinabalu (CCKK) will receive sponsorships worth over RM100,000 each.

The amount covers accommodation, transportation, books, medical check-ups and treatment coverage.

SHG president Datuk Lau Beng Long said the students upon graduation would be offered a job at one of the group’s healthcare facilities.

“Beyond financial support, nurses working at our facilities will benefit from clear career progression pathways.

“They will also have access to mental health support and opportunities to train with some of the best specialists in South-East Asia,” he said during the MOU signing event at the university in Cyberjaya, Selangor.

UoC vice-president Prof Dr David Whitford said the scholarship signalled the university’s commitment towards fulfilling the nation’s need for more healthcare professionals.

“It will also help in tackling staff shortages and widening access to tertiary education for deserving students,” he said.

CCKK chief executive Dr Awang Faisal Assyifa Ag Rahim said the scholarship would help underprivileged students gain access to tertiary education.

SHG currently operates 10 healthcare facilities which include five hospitals and five centres operating ambulatory and complementary care.

Apart from Sunway Specialist Centre Damansara and Sunway TCM Centre, it also operates Sunway Sanctuary.

As part of its expansion plans, SHG is building new tertiary hospitals in Iskandar Puteri (Johor), Kota Baru (Kelantan), Seremban (Negri Sembilan) and Putrajaya.

It is also building a rehabilitation hospital in Paya Terubong, Penang.

By 2030, its facilities will offer a combined capacity of 3,500 beds, supported by over 1,000 specialists and 8,000 staff.

Founded in 2005, UoC offers more than 50 programmes across various fields including medicine, health and pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, psychology, business and biomedical engineering.

Its affiliated institution, CCKK was established in 2008, offering a wide range of accredited diploma and degree programmes as well as professional certificates.

Present at the signing ceremony were UoC pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr R. Palan, UoC deputy vice-chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Azrin Esmady Ariffin, UoC group regional recruitment senior director Kalimuthu Thumbasamy and SHG chief nursing officer Chan Hai Long.