Zach recently received the first-ever 100% GCC Impact Scholarship from DMU Dubai, a prestigious award created to support deserving students.
When Zach Pilapil visited the open day at De Montfort University (DMU) Dubai, he never imagined that the experience would mark a turning point in his life. Raised by a single mother, Zach faced uncertainty as the rising cost of living and the financial pressures of higher education made continuing his studies in the UAE increasingly challenging.
However, an unexpected announcement transformed his family’s difficulties into a powerful story of determination, hope, and the life-changing impact of education.
Zach was recently named the recipient of DMU Dubai’s first-ever 100% GCC Impact Scholarship, a prestigious award created to support students whose education and personal circumstances have been impacted by regional challenges. Covering three full years of tuition fees, the scholarship has significantly eased the financial pressure on his family and opened the door to new academic opportunities.
A Mother’s Struggle
For Daisy, Zach’s mother, the past year was a challenging journey marked by uncertainty and resilience. A UAE resident for 21 years, Daisy had built a career as a procurement specialist in the oil and gas sector. However, as a single mother, she faced mounting pressure when she lost her job during a period of widespread hiring freezes.
“Obviously, as a single mother, I was really, really worried,” Daisy recalled. “It was really challenging to find a job because most companies were on hiring freezes.”
As the sole provider for Zach and his younger sister, who is currently in Grade 11, Daisy carried the responsibility of securing their future. She initially chose not to reveal her unemployment to her children, hoping to protect them from additional stress during their important examination period.
“I didn’t disclose the matter with them right away so that they wouldn’t feel burdened,” she said. “Dubai is an expensive city, and I don’t have financial support from anyone.”
Despite the difficulties, Daisy remained committed to keeping her family in the UAE, which she considers home. She depended on her savings to manage daily expenses and eventually secured a short-term three-month contract in April. However, uncertainty about what lay ahead remained.
Determined to Succeed
When Daisy eventually shared their financial challenges with her children, Zach responded with determination rather than worry. He focused even more on his studies, driven by a desire to honour his mother’s sacrifices.
“She didn’t make us feel like we were struggling. She really tried her best so that she could provide,” Zach said. “All we had to do was focus on our studies and do our best to find opportunities.”
For Zach, academic success represented more than personal achievement — it was a way to show appreciation for his mother’s efforts.
“Doing my best is my way of showing her that her efforts will not go to waste, and the future she’s trying to build for us will really bear fruit,” he added.
His dedication paid off. A high honours graduate of Philippine School Dubai and a recipient of multiple Academic Excellence Awards, Zach developed a strong record in STEM innovation and leadership.
A Life-Changing Surprise
The family’s turning point came when they attended an event at DMU Dubai. Although they had applied for a scholarship, Daisy had kept the details of their financial struggles private, only sharing that she was a single mother.
“We just went to the event because we were invited by DMU Dubai. They told us that I would be receiving an award,” Zach said.
The moment became unforgettable when the Philippine Consul General announced Zach as the recipient of the first-ever 100% GCC Impact Scholarship.
“At first, I was shocked. It is definitely a big help to us, and to my mom as well, because the financial burden of expensive college tuition will already be covered,” Zach said.
For Daisy, the announcement brought overwhelming emotion and gratitude.
“I was very, very shocked and thankful and emotional,” she said. “It’s an answered prayer and a sign that we should continue pursuing our lives here in the UAE.”
An Inspiration for Others
With his tuition fully covered, Zach is preparing to study Mechanical Engineering at DMU Dubai. Beyond academics, he hopes to contribute to the university community through leadership and service.
“Since I was the one given this 100 per cent scholarship, I want to pursue leadership roles or anything I can provide to the DMU Dubai community to give back,” he said.
He also hopes his journey encourages other students facing challenges to continue pursuing their goals.
“For aspiring students who want to achieve this kind of scholarship, I hope my story inspires them to do their best, value education, and always look for opportunities to achieve greater things,” Zach added.
For Daisy, the scholarship has brought something priceless — peace of mind. Her son’s future is now more secure, and her years of sacrifice and determination have finally begun to bear fruit.
Zach was not the only student honoured during the ceremony. DMU Dubai also awarded 75% GCC Impact Scholarships to sisters Aseel Sliman and Hadeel Sliman, whose personal journeys highlight the life-changing impact of education.
After rebuilding her academic path following displacement and personal challenges, Aseel achieved 37 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and will pursue a Law degree at DMU Dubai. Her goal is to champion human rights and support communities affected by conflict.
Her sister Hadeel, who continued striving for academic excellence despite disruptions to her education, will study Psychology with a focus on trauma, resilience, and mental health support across the region.
Reflecting on the scholarships, Professor Simon Bradbury, Pro Vice-Chancellor of DMU Dubai, said the GCC Impact Scholarship recognises students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, resilience, leadership, and determination. He added that their stories show how education can transform lives, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful change, noting that supporting such students represents an investment in the future of the UAE and the wider GCC.
