23/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 23, 2026

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Model CEO a white knight to PwD

KUALA Answering phone calls, welcoming visitors and handling inquiries at a shipping company in Klang are part of the daily routine of R. Yogeswaran, who was born without a right arm and a deformed left limb. For the 34-year-old from Shah Alam, securing employment restored his confidence and gave him a renewed sense of purpose after years of struggling to find work due to his disability. Although born with a congenital upper limb deficiency, the third of four siblings has never allowed his condition to define his future. He has been working at Maritime Network Sdn Bhd since 2019, following an opportunity offered by the company CEO Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan. Yogeswaran told Bernama that although he did not complete his formal education due to his condition, his parents ensured he attended tuition classes, enabling gratitude for chance to live independently with dignified employment LUMPUR: o Staff with disabilities express

him to communicate and write effectively. For years, he endured disappointment as repeated job applications and interviews ended in rejection, with many employers unwilling to look beyond his disability despite his determination to work and build a better future. The repeated setbacks gradually took a toll on his confidence and left him close to giving up. A chance meeting with Jeyenderan at an event marked a turning point in his life. A brief conversation led to an invitation to the company’s office for further discussion, an opportunity he approached cautiously after years of disappointment. “I had been turned away so many times that I did not want to expect too much anymore. But deep inside, I still hoped someone would believe in me and give me a chance to prove myself,” he said. That hope became reality when he was offered a position with a starting salary of RM1,500, along with a RM500 transport allowance to cover his daily taxi fare from Shah Alam to Klang. Yogeswaran said the supportive and inclusive work environment helped him regain his confidence and sense of purpose. Today, he takes pride in being able to support himself and

contribute to his family. “Coming to work every day means a lot to me because I know I am contributing just like everyone else. I can now support myself, help my family and live independently. Something I once thought impossible has become a reality. I have even managed to buy a double storey house in Setia Alam,” he said. Another employee at Maritime Network, S. Kuhan, 26, who works in operations, has been with the company for seven years despite physical disabilities affecting the movement of his right hand and leg. He manages files and documents to ensure records are properly organised and said the support provided by the company has helped him grow both personally and professionally. Jeyenderan said many persons with disabilities (PwD) continue to face difficulties in securing employment due to misconceptions, stereotypes and limited workplace accessibility. “PwD are equally capable of contributing when given the opportunity and proper support,” he said, adding that inclusive workplaces help build a more compassionate and understanding society. “When society opens more doors for PwD, it not only changes lives but also helps build a more inclusive world for all,” he added.

Yogeswaran said being able to go to work every day and contribute just like everyone else means a lot to him. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysian food and culture festival held in Belgium KUALA LUMPUR: The rich flavours, vibrant colours and lively rhythms of Malaysia came alive in Leuven as the Malaysian Association of Belgium and Luxembourg (MABL) hosted its Jom Lepak Festival on May 16, attracting more than 300 visitors. murtabak , Penang mee goreng, vadai and traditional kuih . Visitors also had the opportunity to savour tropical fruits that included mangosteen, rambutan , dragon fruit and guava, she said. Vanherck added that the celebration also highlighted a group made up of Sabahan expatriates and their children. “ Batik fashion was also showcased by BE MY Batik and Anggun Batik, while a ‘Kedai Runcit Malaysia’ corner featured nostalgic favourites, everyday Malaysian snacks and cooking essentials,” she told Bernama recently. Vanherck said the festival reflected the strong identity of Malaysians living abroad and their continued efforts to share the country’s heritage, flavours and traditions with the community. campaign through tourism video screenings highlighting the natural beauty of Sabah and Sarawak.

connect with their roots while celebrating the country they now call home, adding that Leuven’s multicultural environment continues to embrace cultural exchange and strengthen community ties through such events. He said initiatives such as Jom Lepak help foster mutual understanding and appreciation among the city’s diverse communities.

MABL president Sarah Vanherck said the venue was transformed into a bustling Malaysian-style marketplace offering popular local delicacies such as nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai,

East Malaysian heritage through Sabah’s Pesta Kaamatan, featuring an energetic Sumazau dance performance by D’Borneon Hornbills,

Vansina described the gathering as a meaningful platform for Malaysians and expatriates to

She said the event, officiated by Leuven Deputy Mayor Dirk Vansina, also supported the Visit Malaysia 2026

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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