From Candlelight to Lifelong Impact
July 22, 2025
Key Takeaways
- The story of Regina Shantini, a Jeffrey Cheah Foundation community scholar, is a powerful example that education has no age limit.
- From overcoming poverty to now empowering refugees and underserved communities, Regina is paying it forward with purpose and heart.
Humble Beginnings, Lit by Hope
There was a time when Regina Shantini studied under the dim light of a candle at a public staircase. Her family’s flat was small, their struggles relentless. Electricity and water were often out of reach.
Growing up in Malaysia’s B40 community, Regina’s childhood was marked by hardship. Her mother, a nurse at a care home, did all she could despite her fragile health. At 20, Regina lost her father, who battled alcoholism, while waiting for her STPM results.
“I never thought I would go to college. My only goal then was survival,” Regina shared. “I was the eldest. I had to help my mum and sisters.”
Carrying Responsibility, Giving Back
After completing school, Regina worked at a legal firm during the day and gave tuition in the evenings. She also offered free classes to children from low-income families, knowing how tough life could be without support.
Still, furthering her education was not something she imagined possible. Six years later, that changed when Tina, a friend from church who worked at Malaysian Care, asked if she had ever considered continuing her studies.
“I told her I was too old,” Regina said. But Tina encouraged her to apply for the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship, and her sister, knowing how hard Regina had worked to provide for the family—and how she had set aside her own dreams, insisted she give it a try.
The Scholarship That Transformed Her Life
Regina went through two interviews, first with Malaysian Care and then with Sunway College’s School of Hospitality. She shared her story, her dreams and why she believed she deserved a second chance.
When she received the offer to pursue a Diploma in International Hospitality, she was overjoyed.
“I can’t describe how grateful I felt. That scholarship gave me more than just an education. It gave me a new purpose.”
Adjusting to student life was a challenge, especially being older than her peers, but Regina received encouragement from her lecturers and classmates who supported her along the way.
“I will never forget receiving my diploma from Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah. I was emotional, filled with gratitude. I wished I could fully express how much his belief in education changed my life and my family’s future.”
Another Door Opens, a Dream Continues
After her diploma, Regina received yet another opportunity. She was awarded a second JCF Community Scholarship, this time to pursue a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management at Sunway University.
Although she was grateful, the journey was not without challenges. Living on a tight budget, Regina had to be extremely careful with her spending. “I couldn’t afford to hang out with friends at malls or cafés. I stayed in the library most of the time. I reminded myself that it was only temporary and that the sacrifice would be worth it.”
Serving the Community, Gaining Life Skills
At Sunway, Regina was encouraged to join the Sunway Service Volunteers (SSV) programme. Through this, she contributed to projects supporting Myanmar refugees, orphanages, nursing homes and environmental causes.
“We gained important skills like critical thinking, teamwork and planning. It was not just about academics. It was about becoming a better person and helping others.”
Her proudest moment was when she graduated with her degree. Her mother, filled with pride, witnessed the moment that symbolised years of sacrifice and resilience.
“I cried so much that day. I had achieved what once felt impossible. It gave my whole family hope and motivation for a brighter future.”
A Career with Purpose
Today, Regina is the Training and Community Lead at Earth Heir, a social enterprise that supports refugees by helping them develop and sell handcrafted products. She works closely with Afghan, Myanmar, Palestinian and Syrian refugees, designing products and building their skills.
She also developed entrepreneurship modules for organisations such as MARA, DDEC and Yayasan Hasanah. Her work takes her beyond Malaysia, reaching clients in countries like the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Netherlands.
In 2023, she represented Malaysia at the UNHCR MADE51 Conference in Egypt, where social enterprises gathered to create more opportunities for refugees.
“I have faced tough times myself, so I understand how important it is to feel supported. That’s why I’m passionate about helping refugees rebuild their lives.”
Giving Back to Where It All Started
Regina’s journey has come full circle. She hopes to become a mentor to future JCF community scholars and raise awareness about the life-changing impact of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation.
“I want others to know that giving is not a burden. It is a privilege. The Foundation gave me a chance to dream again. Now, I want to help others realise their dreams too.”
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