A deeply moving story has emerged involving a 25-year-old university student in Cyberjaya, Selangor, who has faced immense personal and financial hardship after losing both his parents within a short period last year.
The student, S. Selveston, lost his father to heart complications and his mother to cancer, leaving him to shoulder life’s responsibilities alone while continuing his studies. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours).
His story caught the attention of Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Steven Sim Chee Keong, who stepped forward to ensure that Selveston’s education would not be disrupted by his circumstances.
In a post shared on Facebook, Steven Sim recounted how Selveston had learned independence at a very young age. At just 15, he began working as a security guard to help support his family and save for his education, fully aware of his parents’ financial struggles.
While many young adults his age are planning their future, Selveston has been navigating survival on his own. Despite being a full-time student, he worked daily as a food delivery rider to support himself, holding onto the belief that completing his studies would allow him to secure a better job and care for his parents. That hope was shattered with their passing.
Steven Sim shared that Selveston often worked long hours after classes and on weekends, sometimes going hungry when earnings were insufficient. His situation worsened when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident while making deliveries, resulting in a knee injury that forced him to stop working and caused him to lose his main source of income.
Beyond his own needs, Selveston is also responsible for supporting his disabled cousin, who resides at their family home in Penang. The burden of maintaining the house, covering his cousin’s living expenses, paying university fees, and managing rent in Kuala Lumpur has fallen entirely on his shoulders.
Knowing the weight of these challenges, Steven Sim decided to intervene. He announced that a total of RM20,000 in assistance would be provided to Selveston, beginning with an initial RM5,000 to address urgent needs. The remaining funds will cover tuition fees, accommodation, and essential living expenses, allowing Selveston to focus fully on completing his degree.
Steven Sim expressed hope that this support would prevent Selveston from losing his future due to circumstances beyond his control, adding that his parents would undoubtedly be proud of his resilience and determination.
The story has since resonated with many Malaysians, highlighting both the harsh realities faced by some students and the impact of timely compassion and support in preserving hope and opportunity.
Source / Image Credit : Steven Sim
