The latest student who made the country proud is Nurul Ezzaty Hasbullah, a Malaysian student currently studying at the University of Pennsylvania.

One of only five

According to a report by The New Straits Times, Nurul was awarded the reputable Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford.

In case you're wondering why it's such a big deal, the scholarship, established in 1903, is the oldest international scholarship programme in the world.

In fact, to date, only five Malaysian students have received the scholarship.

Wow!

The 23-year-old will reportedly be pursuing a Master’s Degreen in social data science, followed by a Master’s Degree in public policy next year.

With a strong passion for public policy, gender and healthcare, she told the daily that growing up as a woman in Malaysia, she felt that they are always treated as second to men.

“This manifested in the smallest experiences, from my sister’s inability to be the class monitor because her teacher said that it’s only for boys, to the largest - my own experience as a sexual assault survivor who faced severe hurdles to get justice until today.

“For the longest time, I thought that is just how the world works. It wasn’t until I came to the United States and saw the powerful calls for gender equality that I felt truly empowered to challenge the faulty gender status quo in Malaysia.

“I dream of a future where no Malaysian woman would have to go through the same trauma that I did and that all of us can live in a society where we are treated as equals,” Nurul Ezzaty was quoted as saying.

Nurul Ezzaty even added that she would give back to the society through the opportunities that the scholarship provides.

“It will bring me a step closer towards my dream of ensuring that all Malaysians have equal access to opportunities and a good quality of life.

“I will not only receive world-class education at Oxford that would equip me with hard skills, but I will also be part of the Rhodes community where I can learn from other like minded and passionate individuals.”