Remember this Sabahan girl who was the only Malaysian to be in the running for the Global Student Prize worth RM445,000?
Alesyah Asa was the ONLY Malaysian on the Top 50 finalist list for the 2022 Chegg.org Global Student Prize and recently, she has been shortlisted as one of the Top 10 finalists for the award!
So, we caught up with Alesyah to ask her about her latest achievement.
“It is nerve-wracking and exciting. We thought making it to the top 50 was already so difficult, so everyone was surprised when I advanced to the top 10“, said the construction technology student from Keningau Vocational College, Sabah.
Of course, Alesyah, her family and teachers all hope that she will be able to ultimately win the Global Student Prize.
This will depend on the final assessment, a Zoom interview with the representatives from Chegg.org as well as some experts from certain fields that will take place in the next few days.
Nonetheless, just making it into the Top 10 of this prestigious award is already bringing the model student to new heights.
Alesyah has received invitations from the state to deliver talks to students in vocational institutions in Sabah.
The 20-year-old has also had local leaders invite her to take part in food distribution projects in rural villages in her hometown of Nabawan, Sabah.
Not a one woman show
Alesyah believes her mother is her backbone. Her father passed away 5 years ago and her mother has been raising the family as a single parent.
She also credits her teachers for providing her with the opportunities to lead several school programs like STEAM and a cultural exchange project to Korea, both of which helped her earn a spot as a finalist.
“She’s a very proactive, dedicated and passionate student and leader. She’s a quick learner and is never afraid to try new things“, said Sirhajwan Idek, Head of Research and Innovation at Keningau Vocational College, who can be seen beaming proudly in a promotional video by Chegg.org.
“It will inspire thousands of young women in this country to do their best in school“, said Alesyah on what influence winning the prize will have.
“Girls shall not be afraid to be smart.”
“I love this statement because it’s true“, said Alesyah with a smile.
Watch the full video below:
All the best in the interview, Alesyah! We are rooting for you!
Also read: This Sabahan Is The Only M’sian Vying for The Global Student Prize Worth RM445,000!
