Kuala Lumpur, November 25, 2025 – The Faculty of Educational Studies (FPP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in educational studies by being selected to receive The Sundram Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship offered by ELS Malaysia. The scholarship presentation ceremony took place in an atmosphere of appreciation and respect for the legacy of the English language education figure, the late Anantha Sundram.
This scholarship worth RM40,000 will sponsor a Malaysian student in the Bachelor of Education (Teaching English as a Second Language) with Honors program starting next year. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and an annual living allowance of RM6,000, to support the academic and personal development of the recipients.
The scholarship presentation was completed by Mr. Michael Chee, Chairman of ELS Malaysia, and was also witnessed by the children and grandchildren of the late Anantha Sundram, namely Ms. Mala Sundram and Mr. Vikram Hariharan. Their presence adds sentimental and symbolic value to the significant legacy left by the deceased in the field of English language education.
On behalf of UPM, the scholarship was received by Prof. Madya Dr. Wan Marzuki Wan Jaafar, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies, who expressed deep appreciation for the trust and strong relationship between UPM and ELS, said, "The Faculty of Educational Studies is very honored to receive The Sundram Scholarship. This recognition reflects ELS Malaysia's confidence in the quality of UPM's TESL program and the expertise of its faculty as leaders in educational studies. "We appreciate the long-standing strategic cooperation between UPM and ELS," he said.
"This scholarship holds great significance because it not only honors the legacy of the late Mr. Anantha Sundram but also provides our students with the opportunity to grow as outstanding, ethical, and visionary English language educators."
The Sundram Scholarship was established to commemorate the contributions of the late Mr. Anantha Sundram (1937–2023), the first Academic Director of ELS Malaysia, who played a key role in the development of the ELS Teacher Certification Program and the academic audit framework that later became an international reference in the ELS system.
Close collaboration between UPM and ELS began in the 1990s and continues to be strengthened thru the establishment of the first ELS Center on the UPM campus in 2012. ELS has also sponsored the Best Student in TESL Award for five consecutive years to recognize the excellence of FPP students.
The awarding of The Sundram Scholarship demonstrates the joint commitment of UPM and ELS Malaysia to produce outstanding generations of English language educators, in line with the nation's aspiration to strengthen the language education ecosystem in Malaysia.