A few days ago, Taylor’s University has been cast under the spotlight for allegedly offering scholarships to social influencers under the ‘talent’ category. Understandably, this has stirred up quite the commotion after a student highlighted this issue in Taylor’s University Confessions page on Facebook.
Source: Taylor’s University
Some reckoned that only students with outstanding academic results deserve it while others suggested that social influencers also work hard like sportsmen, and therefore they should be eligible for such scholarships as well.
Responding to this issue, Taylor’s University has released an official statement earlier today on their Facebook. Their statement reads,
“Taylor’s Talent Scholarship was launched in December 2017 to recognise exceptional candidates who possess an excellent record with talent in areas such as music, drama, sports and social influencing.”
“A social influencer, as defined by our stringent standards and guidelines, is a champion of social issues. Such leaders have a proven track record of organising communities to engage or solve pressing issues of our time.”
“Our sole sole recipient for this category thus far is Daniel Devan, an entrepreneur whose initiative WHEE (Where Holistic Experiences Empower) mitigates the effects of rural depopulation by facilitating entrepreneurial development in targeted communities. Daniel is now a medical student in the MBBS programme.”
“Taylor’s Talent Scholarship welcomes candidates who demonstrate excellence in their studies and contribute real and meaningful change to society. To avoid possible confusion, we are changing the term ‘social influencer’ to ‘social advocate’. We look forward to awarding such students in their education journey.”
Source: Study Malaysia Info
As for the usage of “YouTuber” as an example for social influencers on the scholarship’s application form, the university management clarified that it was just an incorrect example, according to FMT.
Well, hopefully the official statement by Taylor’s University can clear the air and this issue can be put to rest!
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