Home

/

Media

/

Our Stories

Celebrating the Transformative Power of Education

Petaling Jaya

19 February 2025

our-story-celebrating-the-transformative-power-of-education-featured-image

We are proud to highlight our scholars, who share with us how education has transformed their lives and enabled them to pursue dreams, overcome challenges and contribute positively to society.

Here are some inspiring stories from our scholars:

Tan Yaann – BSc Economics, University of Warwick

For Yaann, education has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, an exploration of her strengths and weaknesses that has ultimately built her resilience. Supported by the YSD Chairman Global Excellence Scholarship Programme, she reflects on the significance of achieving the top score in Malaysia for Economics and Geography A-Levels. This achievement, she shares, validated her hard work and inspired her to aim higher. “Achieving First Class Honours in my 1st and 2nd year at university further motivated me to keep progressing towards my degree,” she adds. Education, for Tan Yaann, is more than just academic success—it has equipped her with the tools to analyse complex problems and develop data-driven solutions, fuelling her passion to make a meaningful impact on the world.

 

Theivanehsan a/l Subramaniam – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Monash University

Thanks to the YSD Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship, Theivanehsan shares that he gained the confidence to approach challenges with a methodical mindset, applying engineering principles to real-world problems. For instance, the scholarship provided him with access to mentorship and a strong support network, which he describes as transformative. He reflects, “YSD has given me a community of intellectual individuals and a strong support system that empowers my journey.” This combination of technical knowledge and personal development helps him contribute meaningfully to his field, reinforcing his aspiration to drive impactful change through engineering solutions.

 

Gurveer Singh Sidhu – Bachelor of Business Administration, Universiti Malaya

For Gurveer Singh, education is more than academic pursuit—it’s a pathway to making a positive impact and aligning with his personal values of responsibility and stewardship. His YSD-UMW Scholarship Programme has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to chase his dream of becoming a consultant in the sustainability industry. Gurveer’s vision is deeply rooted in creating solutions that balance profitability with environmental care, which he believes is essential for future generations. During challenging times, particularly the uncertainties of the pandemic, education became his beacon of hope. Gurveer reflects, “Focusing on my education journey helped me see the light on the other side of the tunnel. It taught me to focus on what I can control and strive for success.” Now, he is committed to combining his business acumen with sustainable practices to drive impactful change.

 

Alya Najla Binti Asya’Ari – Bachelor of Medical Imaging and Radiology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Alya Najla describes education as a journey of discovery and growth, where each challenge has become an opportunity to persevere and develop. With the support of the YSD-UMW Scholarship Programme, she successfully navigated the demanding nature of clinical placements, turning theoretical knowledge into practical skills. Alya reflects on these experiences, saying, “Completing clinical placements every semester was challenging yet rewarding. It gave me the confidence to build a strong foundation for my future career.” These placements not only honed her technical expertise but also reinforced her determination and adaptability, qualities that are critical for success in her field. YSD’s financial support and mentorship have further empowered her to focus on her aspirations, nurturing both her professional ambitions and a deep sense of purpose.

 

Adam Khuzairi – Bachelor of Arts (English), Universiti Malaya

Adam Khuzairi views education as an opportunity to shape his future and make a difference. The Employee’s Children Education Programme has given him the tools to think critically and creatively, inspiring him to challenge traditional ideas and write his own narrative. Adam reflects on his journey, saying, “Education influenced me to continue gaining knowledge on things I thought I knew. It taught me to not just understand the handbook but also to write my own manual.” With YSD’s initiatives and professional exposure, Adam feels empowered to achieve his dreams while contributing to the growth of his community.

YSD scholarships are tailored to nurture holistic development, fostering not just academic excellence but also leadership qualities, critical thinking and social responsibility. From vocational studies to undergraduate degrees, YSD scholars exemplify how education can be a transformative force, breaking barriers and enabling success.

Find out more at www.yayasansimedarby.com