Head start for aspiring fashion designer
A FASHION designer is in the making, thanks to a special education fund set up to help parents build a strong foundation for their children’s future.
Nur Afia Qistina Zamzuri, an avid artist with a generous heart, has recently received RM25,000 to pursue her tertiary studies once she finishes schooling.
She won the prize after having been named the special award winner of the nationwide #Danarm1jutaharapan campaign by Dutch Lady.
The education fund was given in the form of a Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN-I) savings deposit.
The 10-year-old from Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan, was selected as the winner for her many outstanding achievements.
Having picked up sewing skills, she dedicated her days and nights to sewing personal protective equipment for medical frontliners in local clinics and hospitals, for which she was awarded the Tuanku Bainun Young Changemakers Award 2020 and the Pingat Hang Tuah 2020 at the state level.
The young artist has also earned the Anugerah Ikon Murid for her paintbrushing talent, having moved from painting garden landscapes to art murals on school walls.
“If given a chance, I would like to study art and design (fashion) at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM),” she told Staredu.
She also shared her hopes of exploring the world of sustainable fashion, as she finds the concept “timeless and unchanging”.
“Sustainable fashion is important because it saves water during fabric manufacturing and reduces fabric waste by recycling existing fabrics,” she said, adding that it is also more economical.
Nur Afia Qistina draws inspiration from many fashion designers including Coco Chanel, Phoebe Philo and Melinda Looi, but she said she admires Malaysian designer Datuk Rizalman Ibrahim the most.
“His designs are unique, meticulous and neat, and blend modern and traditional elements together.
“He is also a humble man and always shares his knowledge of the various fields that he is in,” she added.
She also expressed her gratitude for being awarded the prize which, she said, has helped boost her confidence and given her a chance to showcase her skills.
Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad managing director Tarang Gupta said the #Danarm1jutaharapan campaign aims to support the education of children, by giving them a strong start nutritionally, as well as a firm foundation for them to grow and achieve their dreams.
Valued at RM1,000,000 in total, the SSPN-I education fund has been awarded to 40 children.
The campaign, which ran from April 5 to May 30, also gave out 160 consolation prizes comprising smart devices.