Top SPM student’s effort recognised

PETALING JAYA: A first-year undergraduate who scored 10 As in last year’s SPM, Alexina Charisma Benedict ( pix), 18, was awarded RM500 by the Malaysian Malayalee Catholic Association (MMCA) during its annual dinner on Saturday.

Alexina, formerly of SMK Seremban 2, is currently studying at Inti International University in Nilai.

She is doing the American Degree Transfer Programme as she plans to do engineering.

“I’m looking at nuclear engineering,” she told theSun.

The subject caught her attention, after reading that Malaysia holds the potential for nuclear power plants.

Alexina said: “I feel it is a good thing, given the clean nature of nuclear energy. If I go abroad, I will come back after completing my studies.”

Her desire to return was motivated by a sense of patriotism.

“It is true I might have a better future abroad. But it is a very complex issue with so many factors to consider. Especially since Malaysia is my country, and I find it very hard to leave the only country I have ever known,” said Alexina.

At the 57th anniversary of MMCA, its president Datuk A.R. Peter expressed hope for more Catholic Malayalee students to excel and make the country proud of their achievements.

He said although the community is a minority group, it has contributed extensively towards nation-building from the early part of the 20th century.

“Our forefathers played a vital role in the plantation industry and the young are contributing to the growth of the nation,” he added. – by Choong Boon Siew