Cover image via Choo Choy May/Malay Mail OnlineAt 20, while most struggle with life's little questions, Calvin Woo Yoong Shen is helping boost social development in Malaysia with his work by improving access to education and fighting poverty…
Image via National Unity Youth Fellowship
Calvin drafts modules for personal, career, academic and technical programmes at a social enterprise company called SASTRA (Strategic Transformation via Education Development). He is the SASTRA Head of Programme for Malaysia.
**Now his efforts have won him the Queen's Young Leaders Award**. As the only Malaysian among 60 winners from across the Commonwealth, Calvin will be receiving the prestigious award from the Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace next year.
Speaking to TMI, Calvin, who feels honoured to be part of the programme and to be recognised among other brilliant people, said:
"I believe in the power of education to change lives. Through my work, I help marginalised young people in Malaysia by providing them with career planning and academic workshops. It's amazing to be recognised among so many other brilliant young people who are making a difference."
At SASTRA, Calvin's programme modules are used by his team of six to teach underprivileged students aged between 15 and 17…
Calvin, who regards his family as the inspiration for his wanting to help the community and nation through education, says, a country can only develop economically when the people start to pull themselves together to make a change…
Image via Choo Choy May/Malay Mail Online
Speaking to The Malay Mail Online about his long-term plan, Calvin said that before he turns 30, he would like to start a family, get a doctorate and start his very own socio-enterprise
"Before I'm 30 years old, I would like to do all these but whether they are going to happen or not, it is in His (God's) hands. My short term goal would be to study for my degree in education studies," he said.
Image via Choo Choy May/Malay Mail Online
