Speaking about Malaysians who have achieved great heights and brought our nation’s name onto the world stage, it is never just a proud moment for the individual alone, it is a proud moment for the entire Malaysia. Each achievement, whether big or small, becomes a shared celebration, for it reminds us of what determination and vision can bring.
Among these inspiring stories is that of Darsyika Kumar, who has been awarded the JPA Scholarship for both her Degree studies in Malaysia and now Master’s at the University of Bristol, England. Her journey is not just one of academic success, but also of courage and a burning passion to pursue what many initially doubted.
From a young age, she was fascinated by the inner workings of nations, the dynamics between countries, and the ways leaders shape societies. “I didn’t just want to learn about the world, I wanted to understand how it works from the inside out,” she shares.
Though she began in the science stream, excelling with straight A’s in SPM and First-Class results at Penang Matriculation College, Darsyika chose to follow her heart. She made the bold decision to pursue a Bachelor’s in International Affairs Management with Honours at Universiti Utara Malaysia : a course not widely understood at that time, and one many around her questioned. In a society where medicine, law, and engineering are seen as the safest paths, she chose differently, trusting her calling towards diplomacy, policy, and international cooperation.
Her proved unshakable. She graduated with First-Class Honours, receiving the Dean’s Award every semester, and secured a JPA scholarship that fully supported her undergraduate studies. Proverbs say, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” and her journey is a beautiful reminder that with passion and love, anything is possible!
Languages have always been a passion for her - Tamil, English, Malay, Japanese, German, and now Spanish. To her, every language is a gateway to culture, a window to diverse worldviews, and a tool to build bridges in international relations.
Her path led her to an internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Putrajaya. Even as an intern, she gave her fullest dedication to every task, no matter how small. Her commitment was soon recognised, and she was offered a position within the Ministry itself, serving under the Department of Policy Planning and Coordination, specifically in the Parliament Coordination Unit. This role exposed her to the workings of government at the highest levels, bridging the Ministry and Parliament, while working closely with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior officials, and Ambassadors.
It was here that her foundation in diplomacy became stronger. She witnessed leadership in action, gained a front-row seat to how decisions are made, and experienced how theory translates into practice. These insights fuelled her decision to specialise in International Security for her Master’s, a field critical in today’s world of conflicts, geopolitical tensions, cyber threats, and climate risks.
The University of Bristol’s programme on conflict resolution, transitional justice, and climate security offered her the perfect platform to grow further, aligning with her vision to contribute meaningfully to building peace and stability.
Her journey is deeply rooted in values instilled by family, teachers, and mentors. She credits her greatest source of strength to her father Kumar, mother Ramanie, brother Dharwin, and her extended family : Gunalan, Rekha, and Thiivagaren whose unwavering support has been her backbone. Equally important are her spiritual guides at Ramar Yoga Centre at Teluk Intan, Swamy A.S. Subayah, and Swamy Guna, whose teachings in meditation and yoga have grounded her, giving her balance and clarity.
Yoga and meditation are now inseparable parts of her daily life, providing her with the discipline to walk confidently on her chosen path. As a Tamil proverb reminds us: “An illiterate man is blind, but an educated man without wisdom is even blinder.” For Darsyika, true knowledge goes beyond intellect, it is about humility, respect, and recognising the divine. She often reflects on a verse that inspires her deeply:
கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன் நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்
Meaning: “If one gains worldly knowledge but does not acknowledge or worship the divine, what is the benefit of that learning?”
This wisdom reminds her that achievements must always be coupled with humility and reverence for something greater than oneself.
To young Malaysians chasing their dreams, she shares: success does not come instantly. It is the fruit of persistence, resilience, and patience. “Trust the journey, even when the path seems uncertain. Success is not just about reaching the destination, it is about who you become along the way.”
Her vision is to build a career that allows her to address global challenges through conflict resolution, peacebuilding, climate-related security, and post-war development. Whether in policymaking, international cooperation, or on-the-ground engagement, she hopes to contribute to creating more resilient and inclusive systems, especially in regions affected by conflict.
As the Malay saying goes, “Sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit” - little by little, over time, great achievements are built. Darsyika’s story is not just about her; it is about the light she carries for all of us. Every step she takes on the world stage is a reflection of Malaysia’s strength, diversity, and potential. And for that, we are proud.
Among these inspiring stories is that of Darsyika Kumar, who has been awarded the JPA Scholarship for both her Degree studies in Malaysia and now Master’s at the University of Bristol, England. Her journey is not just one of academic success, but also of courage and a burning passion to pursue what many initially doubted.
From a young age, she was fascinated by the inner workings of nations, the dynamics between countries, and the ways leaders shape societies. “I didn’t just want to learn about the world, I wanted to understand how it works from the inside out,” she shares.
Though she began in the science stream, excelling with straight A’s in SPM and First-Class results at Penang Matriculation College, Darsyika chose to follow her heart. She made the bold decision to pursue a Bachelor’s in International Affairs Management with Honours at Universiti Utara Malaysia : a course not widely understood at that time, and one many around her questioned. In a society where medicine, law, and engineering are seen as the safest paths, she chose differently, trusting her calling towards diplomacy, policy, and international cooperation.
Her proved unshakable. She graduated with First-Class Honours, receiving the Dean’s Award every semester, and secured a JPA scholarship that fully supported her undergraduate studies. Proverbs say, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” and her journey is a beautiful reminder that with passion and love, anything is possible!
Languages have always been a passion for her - Tamil, English, Malay, Japanese, German, and now Spanish. To her, every language is a gateway to culture, a window to diverse worldviews, and a tool to build bridges in international relations.
Her path led her to an internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Putrajaya. Even as an intern, she gave her fullest dedication to every task, no matter how small. Her commitment was soon recognised, and she was offered a position within the Ministry itself, serving under the Department of Policy Planning and Coordination, specifically in the Parliament Coordination Unit. This role exposed her to the workings of government at the highest levels, bridging the Ministry and Parliament, while working closely with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior officials, and Ambassadors.
It was here that her foundation in diplomacy became stronger. She witnessed leadership in action, gained a front-row seat to how decisions are made, and experienced how theory translates into practice. These insights fuelled her decision to specialise in International Security for her Master’s, a field critical in today’s world of conflicts, geopolitical tensions, cyber threats, and climate risks.
The University of Bristol’s programme on conflict resolution, transitional justice, and climate security offered her the perfect platform to grow further, aligning with her vision to contribute meaningfully to building peace and stability.
Her journey is deeply rooted in values instilled by family, teachers, and mentors. She credits her greatest source of strength to her father Kumar, mother Ramanie, brother Dharwin, and her extended family : Gunalan, Rekha, and Thiivagaren whose unwavering support has been her backbone. Equally important are her spiritual guides at Ramar Yoga Centre at Teluk Intan, Swamy A.S. Subayah, and Swamy Guna, whose teachings in meditation and yoga have grounded her, giving her balance and clarity.
Yoga and meditation are now inseparable parts of her daily life, providing her with the discipline to walk confidently on her chosen path. As a Tamil proverb reminds us: “An illiterate man is blind, but an educated man without wisdom is even blinder.” For Darsyika, true knowledge goes beyond intellect, it is about humility, respect, and recognising the divine. She often reflects on a verse that inspires her deeply:
கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன் நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்
Meaning: “If one gains worldly knowledge but does not acknowledge or worship the divine, what is the benefit of that learning?”
This wisdom reminds her that achievements must always be coupled with humility and reverence for something greater than oneself.
To young Malaysians chasing their dreams, she shares: success does not come instantly. It is the fruit of persistence, resilience, and patience. “Trust the journey, even when the path seems uncertain. Success is not just about reaching the destination, it is about who you become along the way.”
Her vision is to build a career that allows her to address global challenges through conflict resolution, peacebuilding, climate-related security, and post-war development. Whether in policymaking, international cooperation, or on-the-ground engagement, she hopes to contribute to creating more resilient and inclusive systems, especially in regions affected by conflict.
As the Malay saying goes, “Sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit” - little by little, over time, great achievements are built. Darsyika’s story is not just about her; it is about the light she carries for all of us. Every step she takes on the world stage is a reflection of Malaysia’s strength, diversity, and potential. And for that, we are proud.
