CFS Kampar student crowned winner of Harvard Prize Book 2025

The winner of Harvard Prize Book 2025 was announced at a virtual prize-giving ceremony held on 11 December 2025 via Microsoft Teams. Foundation in Arts Kampar student Teoh Kai Jay was named the winner.

“This Harvard Prize Book means a lot to me. To be awarded this is a testament to my hard work, striving for academic excellence, curiosity, character, and leadership. I’m grateful that my efforts have been recognised by my lecturers and the Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM), which is deeply encouraging. I’m also reminded that the small choices we make truly matter, and that these choices should be made with integrity, with the hope that they can also support others and make lasting impact,” enthused Teoh. He received a copy of the Harvard Prize Book sponsored by HCM, a certificate endorsed by HCM, and a cash prize of RM250 from UTAR, as well as RM250 from HCM.

The Harvard Prize Book is a distinguished award introduced by the Harvard Alumni Association in 1910 to recognise outstanding youth and to 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 participating schools and universities. Each school/university 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 is 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 and universities worldwide.

Celebrating with Teoh at the virtual ceremony was UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, who said, “UTAR has been a long-time supporter of this programme because we appreciate the Harvard Prize Book programme for recognising our students’ academic excellence. My heartiest congratulations to the winner and also the finalists. You three are truly an inspiration, and your achievements are the pride of UTAR. I also thank HCM for its unwavering support over the years.”

Ms Mildred Voon, the HCM representative, commented, “We are proud to recognise the youth of today, whose dedication, curiosity, and commitment to making a difference reflect and exemplify the values we hold in the highest regard. This award is more than recognising academic excellence; we hope this award will strengthen the values we carry, and inspire the next generation.”

The two other finalists from UTAR CFS were Foundation in Science student Khoo Lyn Sze from Kampar Campus, and Foundation in Arts student Tan Ee Qing from Sungai Long Campus. They each received a certificate endorsed by HCM in recognition of their strong passion and soft skills in their academic journeys.