UTAR CFS student wins Harvard Prize Book 2021

Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Foundation in Science student Ler Mei Xuan from Kampar Campus won the Harvard Prize Book Award organised by the Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM). Ler walked away with a copy of the Harvard Prize Book sponsored by the Harvard Club of Malaysia, a certificate endorsed by HCM and a monetary prize of RM250 by UTAR and another RM250 by HCM. Ler was awarded based on her excellent academic performance, involvement in soft-skill programmes and the final interview with the HCM interview panel.

Ler extending her appreciation to HCM and UTAR

In the award ceremony on 11 December 2021, Ler described her Prize Book experience and said, “Thank you to the HCM panel, UTAR panel and staff. It is such an honour to have this prestigious award bestowed on me and I am truly grateful. There are moments in life that you will remember forever; winning this award makes it to the top of my list. The HCM panel told me that I have qualities that top universities like Harvard were looking for and it really motivated and encouraged me to explore new opportunities. I am so excited for my future and what it holds and I promise to uphold the integrity of this award and keep striving for excellence.”

Two other finalists from UTAR CFS, namely Foundation in Arts student Amanda Lee Xin Yee from Kampar Campus and Foundation in Science student Chan Xhuen Harn from Sungai Long Campus received a certificate each endorsed by HCM.

Prof Ewe delivering his speech

Prof Ewe said, “We thank HCM for giving us the opportunity to honour the student for their efforts academically and in many things that help them become a better person and contribute to society in the future. This is good recognition for the students. It will give them the motivation and drive so that they will continue to improve themselves,”  as he congratulated the winner and the finalists.

Prof Leong (left) and Robert Boxwell (right) congratulating the winner and the finalists

HCM Deputy President Prof Leong Choon Heng enthused, “Congratulations to the finalists and winner of the Harvard Prize Book. It’s been a wonderful experience and the pandemic didn’t stop us from doing this. Hopefully next year, we would be able to meet physically. The world we are going through now is unusual and it requires a lot of involvement from many people who have great minds and a good heart who wants to work for society and humankind. We found all these attributes in the three finalists. The Harvard Prize Book is a process of getting the student to be great thinkers, doers and most importantly to have a good heart.”

HCM Robert Boxwell said, “It is important to consider the opportunity to further your studies in the United States and meet people from all around the world to gain more knowledge. Congratulations to all three finalists and I wish you well in your next step in life.”

The Harvard Prize Book is a distinguished award run in Malaysia by HCM for participating schools. Each school is entitled to one winner and, in the case of UTAR, was for one foundation student who has achieved superior academic performance and demonstrated active involvement in extracurricular activities.

Amanda Lee (top row, second from left) and Chan (top row, second from right) with the HCM and UTAR representatives

Also present at the ceremony was UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, CFS Sungai Long Campus Director Melissa Stefanie Netto, CFS Kampar Campus Director Ts Tan Lee Siew, UTAR staff, HCM Dr Joseph Lim, Mr David Ahimaz and other HCM representatives.

The Harvard Alumni established The Harvard Prize Book (HPB) in 1910 to recognise outstanding youth and bring the various educational opportunities at Harvard to the attention of students in schools and pre-university programmes. The HPB targets graduating secondary school and pre-university students who have achieved academic excellence, possess exceptional leadership qualities, contributed significantly to the community and displayed compassion and strength of character. The Harvard Prize Books are awarded without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or political beliefs. Globally, more than 2,000 schools have participated in the HPB programme.

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