We can now add another bright Malaysian to the list.
Helping the underprivileged
A Malaysian youth has made the country proud after being named as one of the recipients of the prestigious Diana Award 2020 in the United Kingdom.The News Straits Times reported that Priyanka Vairavasundaram was given the award due to her hard work in coaching students and helping them realise their potential.
The award was established in 1999 by the British government to continue the legacy of the late Princess Diana by recognising young people for their social action and humanitarian work.
According to the daily, the Penangite was inspired to coach students after learning the trade from her father, R. Vairavasundaram, who is a motivational speaker.
The 23-year-old then begin giving talks and later set up SPARK, a student enrichment programme that boosts the potential of learners.
She conducts the programme for free for underprivileged students.
On top of that, she led a team of volunteers last year to help coach Mathematics to Year 6 pupils from SJKT Jalan Sungai for the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah.
Thanks to her hard work, the students’ pass rate increased from 15 per cent to 89.5 per cent.
Prinyanka's outstanding work didn't go unnoticed, as civil activist Datuk Dr Anwar Fazal nominated her for the Diana Award this year.
"She was doing great things for the students, with amazing results. She is truly a socially responsible and service-oriented person,” he was quoted by News Straits Times as saying.
Priyanka, a final-year Chemical Engineering undergraduate from Monash University, said she is overjoyed with her win, but a little sad that the award ceremony was held via YouTube due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award ceremony was supposed to take place in the United Kingdom.
"It was a bit sad. It would have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Nevertheless, I am glad to be part of history and see the Malaysian flag displayed beside my name during the online ceremony."
Keep up the good work, Priyanka! We are extremely proud of you!