03/09/2024

TUESDAY | SEP 3, 2024

EDU NEWS 12

Championing women through STEM scholarships

Ű BY DHARSHINI GANESON

KUALA LUMPUR: Three Malaysian women will be pursuing master’s degrees in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at universities in the UK, thanks to two scholarship programmes aimed at addressing gender disparities in accessing STEM education. Vilashini Saravanan, Nurul Sahira Sakinah Muhammad Ali and Charlene Ng were selected from a pool of high calibre applicants, based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to make significant contributions to the field. Vilashini and Nurul Sahira were awarded the British Council Women in STEM scholarship to study at the University of Bristol. Vilashini pursues the MSc in Digital Health, while Nurul undertakes the MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation. Ng will study for the MSc in Computer Science at the University of Warwick, thanks to the ASEAN-UK SAGE (Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education) scholarship. Jazreel Goh, director of British Council Malaysia, said: “I firmly believe that each of the scholars will go on to have successful careers in STEM, becoming not only leaders in their field but also inspirational role models for other women.” In its fourth year, the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships programme offers over 100 scholarships worldwide, with twelve scholars from ASEAN countries receiving scholarships this year. They begin their studies in the UK from this month. A total of 36 musicians, chosen from over 100 audition entries, participated in the show. “To me, the whole concert was a huge success as it provided a golden opportunity for the special needs musicians to show off their talent, nurtured for many years through classes and workshops,” said organising chairperson Edwin Nathaniel. “The whole idea of the concert was not only to show their talent but also to give them the confidence to face an audience, and have confidence in themselves so that one day they can work independently, either as teachers of music or in jobs where they can earn an independent living.” Nathaniel, who is vice-president of Musicians for Musicians (MFM), has spent many years teaching music to special needs adults. Among the performers was Sarah Ow, who was diagnosed with mild autism and borderline attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) as a child. When she was introduced to the piano at the age of eight, her teachers noticed she had perfect pitch, a rare ability to identify and

o Forging ahead to UK universities for master’s programmes The ASEAN-UK SAGE programme is the UK’s flagship education programme in ASEAN. It is available for the first time to eligible women in member states and Timor Leste. A total of twelve outstanding students are offered the scholarships this year. Vilashini, 26, holds a Bachelor in Pharmacy (Hons) from International Medical University. Her interest lies in digitalisation within the healthcare industry, especially in AI. She hopes to increase patient care optimisation through the postgraduate degree programme. Her STEM scholarship will enable her to complete her MSc in Digital Health. “I hope to find my niche in the UK and bring that expertise back to Malaysia and apply it in transforming the healthcare industry, which is already experiencing tremendous change and I hope to be part of it,” she said. Nurul Sahira, 24, from Tawau in Sabah, is an aspiring conservationist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science

Biology, specialising in animal biology, from Universiti Sains Malaysia. She has volunteered with wildlife organisations such as the Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Malaysia. The scope of her Master’s degree programme on the issue of global wildlife and conservation is in line with her passion in wildlife rehabilitation. “Women have a vital role in facing global challenges and it’s important to network with like-minded women and come up with conservation strategies for the betterment of wildlife globally,“ she said. Ng, 28, has specialised in film and animation during her undergraduate studies at Multimedia University. She also completed a second degree in software engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. As her heart was always set on computer science, the STEM scholarship gives her the golden opportunity to complete the master’s degree in computer science from the University of Warwick. “I always had a keen interest in computer science and am looking forward to my studies in the UK and it presents an opportunity to combine everything I’ve learnt and benefit from my master’s,” she said.

Nurul, Vilashini and Ng, recipients of the STEM scholarships, look forward to their studies in the UK

Music education unleashes talent of special needs THE air was awash with very special melodies and rhythms when a concert aptly called ‘Unveiling Uniqueness’, featuring the musical artistry of persons with disabilities, was held at Brickfields Asia College recently. Ű BY DHARSHINI GANESON

Musically talented special needs adults shone during the inaugural concert at BAC – ADIB RAWI/THESUN

Banking & Finance “The concert provided a rare opportunity for all the talented musicians, including Sarah, to come together and unite under one banner, thus ensuring all the years spent training in music have now create a perfect note that only a few people possess. Her mother Tan Li-Ling felt that the concert opened many doors for Ow, who can play the guitar and keyboard. She currently sings and plays with Zimi’J, a band run by autistic artistes.

culminated in this wonderful concert,” Tan said. Nathaniel felt there is a lack of understanding among society on the musical talents of special needs children and adults. This issue was addressed by the concert. It served to open the eyes of the community on how musical education is an important component for special needs persons to thrive and possibly gain an avenue for earning an income. “Having run a music school, Music Mart, for many years, hundreds of

such needs individuals have walked through the doors and displayed their talent in music,” he said, admitting to having been taken aback by their abilities. “This really shocked me and eventually a band Zimi’J was formed in 2018, with guitarist Joshua Danial Johnson as the leader,” he added. “Today, the band is a success with Salvador Augustine as lead vocalist, and Maxx Lim on keyboard. That both are a successful part of this concert proves their talent and resilience,” said talented special

Nathaniel, who hopes they will produce their own album one day. One performer who stood out during the concert was pianist Clarence Kang, who has autistic spectrum disorder and ADHD. However, this has not been a barrier for him to develop into a global artiste. All proceeds from the concert and also donations are directed to MFM for the benefit and promotion of persons with disabilities who are aspiring and accomplished musicians.

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