Sabahan student makes top 10 list for Chegg.org Global Student Prize

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian student Alesyah Asa has been named a top 10 finalist for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2022.

The 20-year-old construction technology student from Keningau Vocational College, Sabah, is now one step closer to the US$100,000 (RM448,400) award.

The young Murut woman was recognised for her mission to inspire women to excel in traditionally male-dominated, vocational fields.

If she wins, Alesyah plans to use the prize money to invest in “Eureka Hub” – her science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) project which trains peers and teachers on robotics, drones, 3D printing and entrepreneurship.

She also wants to improve school infrastructure and further develop her project on tackling Covid-19 misinformation.

Alesyah is the sole Malaysian finalist of the prestigious student award given annually to exceptional students who made a huge impact on their peers and the society.

She was selected from over 7,000 nominations and applications from 150 countries around the world.

Chegg chief executive officer and president Dan Rosensweig said it was important to highlight Alesyah’s efforts.

“Students like Alesyah deserve to have their stories told and have their voices heard. After all, we need to harness their dreams, their insights, and their creativity to tackle the daunting and urgent challenges facing our world,” he said in a statement.

The winner of the Global Student Prize is expected to be announced later in the year.