Igniting Dreams: A Milestone Night for Fugee HiEd
On January 17th, we gathered in our new Fugee space for an evening that felt both like a homecoming and a grand opening. The 2026 Fugee HiEd Scholarship Ceremony was a particularly special one; it marked our fifth anniversary, a five-year journey of turning the "dream" of higher education into a tangible reality for refugee youth.
The theme of the night, "Igniting Dreams," was felt from the very start. We opened with a retrospective video which traced our growth from a small pilot programme to the thriving community it is today. It was a moment to pause and appreciate the resilience of our scholars and the steady hands of our partners who have helped us build this bridge.
A Community of Support
The evening was grounded by insights from leaders who have been vital to our progress. Stanley Tan, Founder of =Dreams Asia, and Louise Aubin, UNHCR Representative for Malaysia, shared reflections on the transformative power of education. Along with messages from our founder Deborah Priya Henry and HiEd Program Manager Sarah el Massaoudi, the sentiment was clear: while we provide the scholarship, it is the students’ courage and our collective support that truly ignite these futures.
New Beginnings and Proud Departures
The heart of the ceremony was the awarding of scholarships to 30 new students (Cohort 5). Welcoming our largest cohort yet was a powerful testament to the growing demand and necessity for these opportunities.
In a deeply moving contrast, we also celebrated the graduation of six scholars who have now completed their higher education journeys. Seeing them stand on stage—no longer just as students, but as graduates ready to make their mark—offered a glimpse of the long-term impact that dedicated support can achieve.
Voices of the Movement
The programme was brought to life through the arts and the voices of the community. Burmese poet and Fugee supporter KoKo delivered a stirring performance on freedom and identity, followed by an insightful youth-led panel where Fugee HiEd and Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman scholars discussed their visions for a more inclusive world.
The night ended on a high note with a soulful performance of "A Million Dreams" by Sarrafraz, leading into a dinner where new scholars, alumni, and partners had the chance to connect and share their own stories.
Five Years of Purpose
As we look back on five years of Fugee HiEd, we are reminded that this is more than just a scholarship programme—it is a movement. Fugee is a home for these ambitions, and with 30 new dreams officially ignited, we are more motivated than ever to see what the next five years will bring.
To our donors, partners, and the students who inspire us daily: thank you for being part of this journey.