News
Neelam Devi Nath gets closer to achieving her dream
/ 0
From The Star Online
SEGAMAT: Student Neelam Devi Nath hopes to fulfil her dream of becoming a cardiac surgeon and serve in her hometown through the government scholarship offered to her. She said that it had always been her ambition to be a surgeon and return to serve in Segamat, which lacked doctors.
“I thank the Government for this opportunity as I hope to go to the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland to finish my studies and come back to serve,” said the 17-year-old student from SMK Buloh Kasap, Segamat who obtained 9A+ in her SPM.
When told about cases of students on Government scholarships who decided to stay overseas and work due to the better remuneration or opportunities, she said, “I will come back and work here as this is my country.”
Earlier this month, Neelam thought it was an April Fool’s joke when her friend called to inform her of the scholarship. “I tried to verify it online but the Internet connection was down,” she said, adding that she only confirmed the news the next day when she saw her name in the newspapers.
Neelam, who has two younger sisters, said she had applied for at least three scholarships through the Public Services Department (JPA), Bank Negara and Sime Darby. Her mother, Kiran Devi J. Lall Sur, 48, who is a teacher at Neelam’s school, said that the family was proud of her achievement. “Besides doing well in her studies, my daughter was active in school activities including taking part in debates, writing competitions, chess club, English society and karate society. She was also a prefect,” she said.
Another student from Johor selected for the scholarship was Gan Li Fang from SMK Tun Mamat in Tangkak, who likened her selection to winning the jackpot. “I hope to be able to study pharmacy overseas,” she said, adding that she was the youngest among five siblings. Both her parents are school teachers. Li Fang, who scored 11A+ including in Basic Economy and Principle of Accounts, said that besides spending time on her studies, she also liked outdoor activities especially camping.
