Entrepreneur Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong, together with the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Professor Pratikno, and UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia, officially inaugurated the Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong-Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC) Scholarship Student Association on Tuesday evening (Oct. 21) at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM).
The event served as a gathering for scholarship donors, recipients, and the UGM academic community to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and broaden the social impact of the scholarship program.
The Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong–PYC Scholarship has provided financial support to outstanding students from diverse backgrounds, including those from underprivileged families, student organization leaders, non-academic achievers, and final-year students completing their theses.
During the 2024-2025 period, a total of 311 UGM students received the scholarship, comprising 180 under the academic achievement track for financially disadvantaged students, 20 for the thesis completion track, 75 for the student activist track, and 36 for the Talent Scouting (Penelusuran Bibit Unggul/PBU) track. Since its inception in 2021, the program has benefited more than 1,950 UGM students.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the continued commitment of Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong and the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC) in supporting the development of exceptional talents at UGM through scholarship programs.
“We view this scholarship not merely as financial assistance but as a form of social investment that nurtures leadership, empathy, and integrity. This program reaches not only academically outstanding students but also embraces those with economic limitations as well as achievements in sports and the arts,” said Professor Emilia.
She further emphasized that this scholarship embodies the values and spirit of UGM as a people’s university committed to providing broad access to education for all.
“Tonight marks an important milestone in forming a student association that goes beyond receiving benefits, which signifies a collective movement and social collaboration. We believe the scholarship recipients will become agents of change who make a tangible impact on society and the environment,” she added.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Professor Pratikno, highlighted UGM’s significant role in expanding educational opportunities across social strata.
“I still remember that back in 1997, electricity in rural areas was unstable. Many young people dreamed of attending university but were limited by financial constraints. UGM came forward with a spirit of inclusivity, not only producing smart graduates but also helping underprivileged rural youth secure a brighter future,” said Professor Pratikno.
He added that scholarship programs like the Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong–PYC Scholarship serve as a powerful example of how higher education can bridge access and equality while advancing the nation.
“Programs like this not only help individual students but also contribute to Indonesia’s progress. From campuses like UGM, future leaders will emerge, those who build villages, strengthen the nation, and inspire generations to come,” he affirmed.
The inauguration of the Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong–PYC Scholarship Student Association is expected to provide a platform that fosters collaboration, personal growth, and a spirit of social contribution among scholarship recipients, empowering them to continue driving positive change in society.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian