From Console to Cause
August 1, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Meet Shamsul, a Jeffrey Cheah Foundation community scholar whose life was transformed through education.
- From humble beginnings to a future in tech, Shamsul is now on a mission to inspire others through innovation, leadership and mentorship.
A Childhood Rooted in Sacrifice
Shamsul’s story began in a household built on resilience and sacrifice. After his parents migrated from Indonesia to Malaysia in search of better opportunities, his father worked as a labourer while his mother stayed at home to care for the family. Although they had little, their unwavering love and dedication formed the foundation of Shamsul’s values.
The family initially lived with relatives before moving to a rented home. He remembers his parents working long hours to make ends meet. A constant reminder of their commitment to provide a better life for their children.
“Tuition classes and extra lessons were not an option for me during school. I did not want to burden my parents, so I borrowed books from friends and copied them by hand. Occasionally, we would receive used books and clothes from our relatives.”
A Dream Sparked by Games
While exploring options for further education, Shamsul discovered his true passion in games.
“I remember scoring five As in primary school. Even though my parents were against video games, they bought me a knockoff PlayStation as a reward — a gesture that meant the world to me.”
Knowing how hard his parents worked, he began saving his allowance – not just for education but to also fuel his passion. Eventually, he managed to buy himself an Xbox 360. However, pursuing higher education seemed financially out of reach. The idea of taking on student loans weighed heavily on him, casting doubt on whether higher education was even possible.
The Opportunity That Changed Everything
Things began to shift when Malaysian Care visited his school as part of the Closing the Gap programme. The initiative aimed to support promising students from underserved backgrounds with education and scholarship opportunities.
Shamsul was one of ten students selected to attend a series of workshops to strengthen his soft skills, explore university pathways and prepare for scholarship applications.
While he initially applied for the Teach for Malaysia scholarship, an interviewer suggested an alternative – the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship. A few weeks later, Shamsul received a call confirming he had been awarded the scholarship to pursue a Diploma in Information Technology at Sunway College.
“My parents were overjoyed. I was the first in the family to receive a scholarship and the freedom from debt allowed me to focus entirely on my studies.”
Gaining Support and Building Confidence
At Sunway College, Shamsul found the guidance and community he never had before. A dedicated student counsellor met with him weekly during his first semester, helping him transition into college life and deal with personal challenges.
“The support I received from my counsellor gave me confidence. She even helped me find a part-time job. I started to believe in myself and my ability to succeed,” Shamsul said.
Beyond academics, he found support in a close-knit group for JCF Community Scholars in IT, where senior students offered guidance and encouragement.
Driven by a passion for games, Shamsul also became an active member of the e-Sports Club, where he connected with like-minded peers and began exploring the gaming industry more deeply.
Discovering His Path in the Real World
After graduating with his diploma in 2021, Shamsul decided to spend a year working to gain hands-on experience in the IT industry.
His dream of developing video games grew. He envisioned creating games that could entertain and educate, particularly through compelling storytelling.
“One of my SPM exam questions was about the Renaissance, and I answered it correctly because of a game I played. That was when I realised how powerful games can be to shape knowledge and perspective.
Returning to Campus with Renewed Purpose
In 2023, Shamsul returned to Sunway University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
He resumed his role in the e-Sports Club as the Community Leader for Consoles, organising weekly Games Night events. He also joined the Google Developer Student Club, helping fellow students understand industry technologies while honing his own skills in design and video editing.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Shamsul is set to graduate in 2026. For him and his parents, this upcoming graduation is especially meaningful, a celebration long delayed due to the pandemic which cancelled his diploma convocation.
“I am deeply thankful to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. The scholarship did not just fund my education. It gave me purpose and the belief that I could do something meaningful with my life.”
Giving Back and Creating Impact
Having experienced firsthand the life-changing support that helped him thrive, Shamsul is committed to pay it forward. He plans to give back, not only financially, but also his time, skills and mentorship with others.
“I have seen the impact of giving first-hand. It brings happiness and opens doors that once felt impossible to reach. I want to be someone who makes that possible for others too.”
RELATED SDGs
