A heartbreaking story recently came to light regarding a 25-year-old university student in Cyberjaya, Selangor, who lost his father to heart complications and his mother to cancer within a short span of time last year.
The story touched the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Steven Sim, who subsequently offered support to ensure the student’s studies are not disrupted. The student, S. Selveston, is now pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours).
S. Selveston
Steven Sim provides financial aid to a struggling Malaysian hoping to complete his studies
Taking to his Facebook page, the KUSKOP Minister shared how Selveston had faced hardship from a young age, but the loss of both parents has now forced him to navigate life on his own.
“He started working as a security guard at just 15 to help his parents with daily expenses, and more importantly, to save for his education. Selveston knew his parents struggled financially, so he had to be independent and not be a burden to them.
“Imagine, while most 25-year-olds are thinking about starting their lives, he’s learning how to survive when everything falls apart at once,” he wrote.
S. Selveston and steven sim
Sim noted that, despite being a full-time student, Selveston works as a food delivery rider to make ends meet.
“Even now, he does food deliveries every day. He stayed resilient because he believed that after graduating, he could get a better job and take care of his parents. But everything changed when both of them passed away.
“Once classes end, he spends hours on his motorcycle working. Even on weekends, he is out earning a living. He told me there are days when the money just isn’t enough, and many times, he has to go hungry,” the KUSKOP Minister added.
The student lost his primary source of income after being involved in an accident that left him with a knee injury
Sim added that, in addition to covering his tuition fees and house rent in Kuala Lumpur, Selveston also supports his disabled female cousin’s living expenses, who stays at their family home.
“It wasn’t just emotional pain, but the financial burden became even heavier. Now, the family house in Penang and the living expenses of his disabled cousin all fall on Selveston’s shoulders, on top of existing costs like university fees, house rent in Kuala Lumpur, and other day-to-day expenses.”
The KUSKOP Minister also shared how Selveston was involved in a hit-and-run accident while working, which left him with a knee injury. With no other choice, he had to stop working and lost his primary source of income.
Out of concern, Sim decided to step in to help ensure Selveston can complete his studies, providing a total of RM20,000 in aid.
“An initial RM5,000 was channelled to help him cover his most urgent needs. The remaining balance covering university fees, house rent, and other expenses, totalling to nearly RM20,000, will be taken care of so he can focus on finishing his studies in peace.
“I don’t want Selveston to lose his future or have his studies disrupted because he’s overwhelmed by the daily struggle of not having enough money. Selveston, you can do this. Your parents would surely be proud,” Sim added.
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