17yo Sarawakian Student Receives RM50k Scholarship For His Inspiring Academic & Career Growth

Often, the harsh reality is that growing up in a less developed area can hinder one’s spirit and growth in terms of academics and career because there is usually a lack of resources and guidance.

So, when individuals rise above their circumstances to succeed, they should be celebrated to encourage other individuals to also strive for their own successes.

17-year-old Mohd Haziq Aqil bin Hass from SMK Hajjah Laila Taib, Sarawak.

Recently, a Sarawakian student, 17-year-old Mohd Haziq Aqil bin Hass from SMK Hajjah Laila Taib, Sarawak received The Ascendance Founders Award 2022 and a scholarship worth RM50,000 for his inspiring academic and career growth.

The award was given to him by the international youth organisation, Ascendance, which aims to recognise young individuals who have the potential to create global change.

Haziq at a Press Launch with Ascendance in June 2022. (Haziq’s first trip to Kuala Lumpur.)

Through the scholarship, Haziq will be going on an all-expense-paid three-month trip to Ascendance’s HQ in KL in 2023 after completing his SPM examinations.

There, the young changemaker will get the opportunity to further develop his career and receive guidance on launching his own social impact project.

“I was just a normal kid who lacked confidence and communication skills. I didn’t know what I loved to do, nor did I care about what was happening in the world until I joined an online conference [previously known as the New Age Learner Virtual Conference] by Ascendance that taught me about life,” Haziq said.

Mohd Haziq Aqil shares his journey with Ascendance to his peers.

From an ordinary village boy who barely spoke English, Haziq has now emceed international conferences and built his own online show, ‘Ascendance Weekly Round-Up’.

Today, he is a top scorer and the Head Prefect of his school. He also represents Sarawak in the ongoing ‘Pertandingan Pidato e-Mas 3.0’ organised by the Malaysian Ministry of Education.

Mohd Haziq Aqil receiving his trophies and certificates for his achievements at school in SMK Hajjah Laila Taib, Sarawak.

“Thank you to everyone, especially my mentor, for guiding me over the past year. I’m beyond grateful for this award. Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for their endless support,” added Haziq.

Harsha Ravindran, the 20-year-old CEO of Ascendance, also congratulated Haziq for his achievement. “Haziq has inspired many students in Malaysia. He deserves this award because of the hard work and effort he has put in, not just in Ascendance’s initiatives, but also in developing himself and those around him.”

WORLD OF BUZZ wishes Haziq congratulations on his well-deserved success!

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