The Asian University of Women (AUW) in Chittagong, Bangladesh today announced the establishment of 10 fellowships in Rosmah Mansor's name.

The university's founder, president and chief executive officer Kamal Ahmad also announced that the wife of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was made AUW patron.

At a press conference later, Rosmah thanked the university for inviting her to be one of its patrons.

NONE She said one of the reasons she accepted the patronship was because she felt there were opportunities for young Malaysian women to enrol in such a university and interact with students from other countries.

"There is an opportunity for our girls, especially those from poor background and unable to go to a very good university, to be in this university where they can enrich, not only their knowledge but also understand other students' cultures and religions.

"That is really enriching a person's future potential as a leader in their own country or society. To me, I believe, a way forward is through education," she told reporters after meeting Kamal in Seri Perdana, Kuala Lumpur.

In July, AUW had invited Rosmah to become one of the university's patrons through a letter sent to her by AUW chancellor Cherie Blair, wife of former British prime minister Tony Blair.

Fellowships cost USD12,000

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina serves as AUW chief patron. She is joined by, among others, former United States secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and Italian politician Emma Bonino.

Rosmah also thanked the university for entrusting her to be one of the university's patrons and hoped to be able to contribute for the betterment of women's future.

Meanwhile, at the same press conference, Kamal said the fellowships would be open to deserving students under 21 years old, from across Asia, including Malaysia.

"These fellowships would provide full scholarship for women from any part of this region, who may be the first in their families ever to get to university but whose talents are undeniable.

"These fellowships will cost about USD12,000 a year for women who demonstrated, not only extraordinary intellectual abilities, but also courage and leadership potential," he said.

Kamal said the admission for a five-year programme would start next month and selected students would begin their classed in September next year.

He said AUW would advertise throughout its target countries and hoped to find an extraordinary group of 10 women for the fellowships.

Kamal said, at the moment, the university had 500 students from 12 countries and looked forward to receiving students from Malaysia.

He said applications could be made through their website, www.asian-university.org.

- Bernama