Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Foundation in Science student Ong Jun from Sungai Long Campus was awarded the Harvard Prize Book 2023 on 15 December 2023 in an online prize giving ceremony organised via Microsoft Teams.

Ong walked away with a copy of the Harvard Prize Book sponsored by the Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM), a certificate endorsed by HCM, RM250 monetary prize from UTAR, and another RM250 monetary prize from HCM. Ong was awarded based on his excellent academic performance, active involvement in extracurricular activities and soft skills programmes; having possessed good communication, writing and leadership skills; and his outstanding performance at the final interview with the HCM panel.

The Harvard Prize Book is a distinguished award introduced by the Harvard Alumni Association 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. In Malaysia, the Harvard Prize Book programme is run by HCM for the participating schools. Each school is entitled to one winner. As in the case of UTAR, one Foundation student who has achieved superior academic performance and demonstrated active involvement in extracurricular activities will be selected for the award. It recognises top-performing Malaysian students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and character, combined with achievements in other fields. Harvard Prize Books are presented annually in nearly 2,000 schools on an international level.

As the winner of the Harvard Prize Book 2023, Ong enthused, “It is a pleasure to win the Harvard Prize Book of 2023. This recognition reaffirms the dedication and passion that I poured into my academic pursuit. The interaction with the HCM interviewers was a good learning opportunity, as I learned to understand different perspectives, absorb new knowledge to keep myself competent and make a positive impact on the community. Regarding my journey, I am thankful to my family because their support and sacrifices have been the basis for my motivation to study and achieve higher success. Moreover, I would also like to extend my gratitude to the exceptional educators and mentors who have shaped my academic journey. Their guidance has not only helped me to catch up with the academic syllabus, but also inspired me to be always curious and inquisitive to reach new heights in my studies. Hence, I will continue my learning and contribute to society in meaningful ways.”

The two other finalists from UTAR CFS were Foundation in Science students Nicole Tiong Jia Xin and Tan Jin Xuan from Kampar Campus. They each received a certificate endorsed by HCM for their great display of passion and soft skills in their academic journeys.

In his remarks, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min said, “UTAR has been participating in this programme even before the pandemic. Harvard Prize Book is a very good programme to recognise our students for their outstanding performance. From my viewpoint, all finalists are winners. We just have to see which finalist would excel in the interview session with the HCM panel to be the final winner. Thank you HCM for your support and trust in our students and the UTAR education system.”

Wishing the best for the finalists in their upcoming academic journeys, HCM representative, Mr Khoo Eu Wen said, “I would like to thank UTAR for their commitment towards the Harvard Prize Book programme. We have been maintaining a strong partnership for four years now. Over the years, the candidates have gotten stronger. I have also heard good words about UTAR in terms of their contribution to the Foundation programme. We certainly hope that some Foundation students can make it to Harvard University’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Therefore, we hope our little contribution could provide inspiration to the students, for them to strive for a broad-based education and reach their goals. Not to mention, we would love to have an interview with the students next year as well because the three candidates did an amazing job this year.”

Also present at the virtual ceremony were CFS Sungai Long Campus Director Ms Melissa Stefanie Netto, CFS Kampar Campus Director Ts Tan Lee Siew, and UTAR staff.