Businessman who grew up poor back to support his school
IT was nostalgia and a chance to give back that prompted Datuk Seri Liow Soon Hee to donate RM600,000 to his alma mater.
Liow, who graduated from SMK Bandar Baru Ampang, Selangor, in 2006, knows the importance of education and how it can make a difference in someone’s life.
Coming from a poor family, the eldest of four siblings is grateful for the education he received from his dedicated teachers.
Now not wanting others who grew up in underprivileged backgrounds to be left behind, the Winner Dynasty Group founder and chairman called the school last month, pledging to help fund a new hall and seven smart TVs so that online lessons could be carried out.
“Education gives us knowledge about the world around us and makes us become better people.
“It helps us develop an outlook toward life that will see us through whatever challenges we may face. A good education paves the way to a solid career, builds character and changes lives,” said the 32-year-old who used to do multiple odd jobs after school to earn an income.
The sole breadwinner for his family from a young age, Liow recalls struggling to focus in class because he was too busy worrying about putting food on the table.
“The real world is tough. I learnt that the hard way. I had to work 10 times harder than everyone else because I didn’t do that well in school,” he said, adding that everyone must do their part and give back to society if they have the means to do so.
SMK Bandar Baru Ampang principal Rabiya Mohamad Sultan – who was Liow’s discipline teacher then – was thankful for the contribution.
Besides having to do general repairs, the school was in need of new fans, air conditioners, flooring and wiring.
“We also needed LED Smart TVs for our teaching and learning activities.
“To our amazement, he offered seven Smart TVs costing over RM49,000 and another RM6,000 for electronic devices.
“He also agreed to donate a further RM550,000 to build a new hall for us,” said Rabiya.
A LIVE, online audience was entertained by the rhythms of spoken word poetry as students from different Malaysian schools participated in a “Youth Poetry Slam” recently.
Organised by Rafflesia International School, Kajang, the event was created to enable students to give voice to their feelings about environmental issues.
Titled, Words for Our World, young poets across three sections – junior, senior and group categories – delivered dynamic, high-energy performances that focused on issues such as climate change and socially responsible actions.
Streamed live on YouTube and Facebook, the event opened with a poem by the host of the show, Cat Brogan – a BBC Edinburgh International Festival Poetry Slam Champion and an English teacher at the school.
With her Rafflesia Year 11 co-host Twilight Siew, Brogan guided the performers and audience through the live show which included performances from the judges – Malaysian National Poetry Slam Champion and The Creative Curry Podcast host Dhinesha Karthigesu, MY Poetry School