Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Following the success of Rising Star Juniors (RSJ) Batch 1 programme, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has extended funding into the programme for a further two years.
The programme was launched in 2015. The extension guarantees it will continue to run through to March 2019.
Initiated by TPC Kuala Lumpur – a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation – in partnership with MST Golf Sdn Bhd, the RSJ programme aims to provide opportunity for youths from disadvantaged backgrounds to excel in golf.
With the extension of the RSJ programme, youths aged between seven and 14, from various local charity homes, were invited to RSJ’s Batch 2 Assessment Camp at TPC Kuala Lumpur’s Performance Centre.
More than 40 youths attended the Camp and underwent a screening process via a series of physical fitness tests monitored by certified instructors. A total of 15 trainees were selected for the Batch 2 programme. The successful candidates will receive complimentary professional golf coaching starting this month, training equipment and transportation to and from TPC Kuala Lumpur throughout the programme.
To date, eight trainees from Batch 1 have successfully completed the two-year programme and are voluntarily lending a hand to assist the RSJ Batch 2 trainees to familiarise with the game of golf as well as further refine their golfing skills.
“Considering the challenging backgrounds of the RSJ participants in this first unique programme, their progress has been extraordinary. We are effectively using the game of golf to shift the elitism perception and positively instilling Malaysian youths with the core values of golf, such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment,” said Steven Thielke, Chief Executive Officer of TPC Kuala Lumpur.
A memorable graduation ceremony for the Batch 1 participants was held at TPC Kuala Lumpur on the same day. Thielke presented certificates to the eight deserving participants to mark their graduation from the first two years of the RSJ programme.

They are Adrian Pang (19), Ezza Najihah Mohiddin (18), Syafiqah Alia Suhaili (18), Nur Batrisyah Azmi (18), Mohd Watiq Fiqhrie Manap (17), Mazlina Nazri (17), Hamikah Hamdi (15) and Muhd Nur Aqil (15).
The ‘Most Improved Student’ was awarded to Mohd Watiq Fiqhrie and the ‘Most Committed Student’ was awarded to Mazlina Nazri. Family and friends attended the ceremony at which participants received their graduation certificates.
During the two years of training, the trainees were exposed to various events, tours and activities. These included being part of the volunteer programme at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, a Guided Walk during the CIMB Classic, School Holiday Accelerator Camp, Golf Clinics with famous players such as Christina Kim, Marijo Uribe, Michelle Koh, Michelle Low, Natasha Oon and Bryan Teoh and participation in various events, including Junior Monthly Medals and MyFutures Junior Tour.
Apart from learning and excelling in golf, four Batch 1 participants who finished secondary school are currently employed with the clubhouse in the areas of retail at MST Pro Shop, Sports & Recreation as well as Golf Operations. This illustrates the extended support that TPC Kuala Lumpur and MST Golf provide in ensuring opportunities are given to RSJ participants within the golf industry.
“The team has given its full commitment in developing RSJ trainees to where they are today. Our role in guiding and giving opportunity to them is another small contribution to the community. Our special thanks to Yayasan Sime Darby, sponsors and partners who have been so supportive of this wonderful programme,” Thielke said.