SABAHAN Kenneth Chong (pic), 22, has been named a Top 10 finalist of the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2023, a US$100,000 (RM463,000) award to be given to one exceptional student that has made a real impact on learning, the lives of their peers and on society.
The chemical engineering student at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS was selected from 4,000 applications from 122 countries, a press release dated Aug 30 read.
Chong, who is pursuing his tertiary studies under the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP), developed a passion for innovation and making things in his teens and has been serving as a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) mentor to his peers and juniors at the Tenom Innovation Centre (TIC), a makerspace, ever since his secondary school days.
Chegg.org partnered with the Varkey Foundation to launch the annual Global Student Prize two years ago, a sister award to its US$1mil (RM4.63mil) Global Teacher Prize.
The prize is open to all students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in an academic institution or training and skills programme. Part-time students as well as students enrolled in online courses are also eligible.
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Congratulating Chong, Chegg.org head and Chegg Inc chief communications officer Heather Hatlo Porter described his commitment, creativity and resilience as truly inspiring.
“This honour is not only a reflection of your remarkable achievements, but also a testament to the brighter future you are actively shaping for all of us day by day.
“The Global Student Prize is a platform for incredible students all over the world to share their stories, connect with each other, and reach influencers in education and beyond.
“As so many of these students are already doing such exceptional things for their communities and the wider world, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Chegg Changemaker Fund, to help them make an even bigger difference.
“We are also excited to be able to connect them to additional support, encouragement and mentorship through the new Changemakers Mentor Programme.”
Varkey Foundation founder Sunny Varkey said Chong’s story illustrates the crucial role education plays in building a better tomorrow for everyone.
“It is the key to solving humanity’s greatest challenges, from war and conflict to climate change and growing inequality,” he said.
The other finalists are Victoria Rojas, 17 (St. Arnold Janssen Polytechnic Institute); Ally Zlatar, 26 (University of Southern Queensland); Tanzeel Rashid, 22 (Bangladesh University of Professionals); Nhial Deng, 24 (Huron University College); Elisa Torres Durney, 18 (Colegio Champagnat); Kezia Sanie, 23 (Ghana School of Law); Ravinder Bishnoi, 20 (Chandigarh Engineering College); Brianna-Alexandra Stan, 18 (Laude-Reut Educational Complex); and Sophia Andrews, 21 (American University).
The winner is expected to be announced later in the year.
