AT the age of 21, Anban Ashlan Raj is already on a mission to ensure leadership education could be accessible to the younger generation.
Committed to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal Four – Quality Education, Anban believed that young people could change the world if they are given the right resources.
“I believe that it is important for youths to be given proper resources through quality education,” he told Buletin Mutiara recently.
Anban, now pursuing the Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science at Monash University Malaysia, was the sole Malaysian recipient of The Diana Award this year.
The Diana Award is the only charity that was established in memory of the Princess of Wales and her belief that young people have the power to change the world. The award is touted to be the most prestigious accolade a young person aged nine to 25 could receive for their social action or humanitarian work.
Anban said he founded the World Youth Leaders Organisation early last year to empower youths of today to be leaders of tomorrow.
“If there is no pre-existing avenue for leadership education to be equitably accessible, we, the young people can and will do something about it.
“That was the starting point of a robust plan to promote the United Nations SDG Goal Four through our organisation’s Youth Leaders Programme (YLP).
“The YLP is a leadership development course for young people, by young people; and YLP has benefitted youths from over 40 countries across five continents. This impact is growing steadily,” he said.
Anban said the inaugural YLP received support from world-renowned leaders such as the Canadian Olympic Committee vice-president Mark Tewksbury and The Diana Award chief executive officer Tessy Ojo. Both were speakers for the August 2021 YLP.
“More recently during the Winter 2021 YLP, we received support from a speaker from the United Nations (UN).
“Vladislav Kaim, who is the climate change youth advisor to the UN secretary-general, was the keynote speaker for the closing ceremony of our Winter 2021 YLP which was held in January this year,” Anban said.
Speaking about his feelings, Anban said he was ecstatic, honoured and thankful to God that The Diana Award saw him as a worthy recipient.
“It gives me great pride to represent our great nation as the only Malaysian selected for the award this year. This award entails a one-year leadership development opportunity with The Diana Award team, and I enthusiastically look forward to it.
“Being awarded The Diana Award is truly life-changing. For me, the award is a mandate to continue spreading positive change and the legacy of Princess Diana.
“She was known for her kindness, love for people and commitment to investing in young people.
“I aspire to continue putting the said values into action through my endeavours and I hope to build a diverse range of technology-leveraged platforms which will ensure education can be accessed regardless of one’s ability to afford the opportunity,” he said.
Anban attributed his success to his mother, Dr Annamalar Anthonysamy, whom he looked up to.
“My mother has always been my role model. She has taught me the value of being resilient and never giving up easily.
“My mother has also taught me to look past our needs and look to the need of others,” he said.
Anban was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents.
“This award would not have been possible without them, my other supportive family members and close friends who have always had my back,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan