Hafeez Mifzal Makes Malaysia Proud in South Korea
Hafeez Mifzal Makes Malaysia Proud in South Korea
In an increasingly competitive educational landscape, young talent is often the backbone of a nation's progress. Recently, a 12-year-old student from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Meru Raya, Ipoh, Perak, has proven that age is no barrier to achieving excellence on the international stage. Hafeez Mifzal Mohamad successfully won two bronze medals in two prestigious competitions in South Korea: the Global English Language Olympiad of Southeast Asia (GELOSEA) and the Southeast Asia Computer Science Olympiad (SEACSO).
Hafeez's success not only makes Malaysia proud but also reflects the commitment of the state government and Yayasan Perak in nurturing a competitive young generation, particularly in the fields of education and technology.
Hafeez Mifzal's Moment of Success in South Korea
The GELOSEA and SEACSO competitions took place in Seoul, South Korea, from April 2 to 5, 2025, and attracted the best students from across Southeast Asia. Hafeez, representing Malaysia, successfully navigated intense challenges in both categories:
- Global English Language Olympiad of Southeast Asia (GELOSEA) – Tests participants' English language skills in writing, speaking, and comprehension.
- Southeast Asia Computer Science Olympiad (SEACSO) – Evaluates participants' problem-solving abilities using computer programming and logic.
Hafeez's success proves that Malaysian students are capable of competing on the global stage, even at such a young age.
Yayasan Perak's Support in Developing Young Talent
Recognizing Hafeez's great potential, Yayasan Perak provided financial support to fund his participation in South Korea. This contribution was symbolically presented by Yayasan Perak Education Manager, Mr. Megat Zarul Ekram, to the Principal of SK Meru Raya, Puan Farasmini Omar.
Why is this support important?
- Encouraging Academic Excellence – Financial assistance helps talented students like Hafeez to continue growing without being burdened by participation costs.
- Boosting Self-Confidence – Moral and material support motivates students to be brave in trying and competing internationally.
- Aligning with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Aspirations – The Perak State Government aims to produce more talent in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and languages, in line with the needs of today's digital economy.
According to Puan Mirawati Jahaya, Hafeez's mentor teacher, the student has shown a deep interest in computer science and English since his early schooling years.
The Role of Education in Shaping Future Generations
Hafeez's success is no coincidence. It is the result of:
1. An Education System that Supports Talent
Malaysia is increasingly focusing on STEM and language education, with programs like Kod Negara (KODEX) and the Dual Language Program (DLP) helping students master critical skills for the 21st century.
2. Support from Parents and Teachers
The role of parents and teachers is crucial in identifying and nurturing student talent from a young age. In Hafeez's case, encouragement from his teachers and family enabled him to continue growing.
3. International Opportunities for Students
Competitions like GELOSEA and SEACSO provide a platform for students to test their abilities on a global scale, while opening doors for networking and future career opportunities.
Inspiration to Other Students
Hafeez's success should serve as an encouragement for other students to:
- Be Brave to Try – Do not be afraid to face new challenges.
- Diversify Skills – Master not only academics but also technology and languages.
- Utilize Available Support – Make use of scholarship opportunities and talent development programs provided by the government and NGOs.
Perak and Malaysia on the Global Stage
Hafeez Mifzal's success is proof that with the right support and strong determination, Malaysian students can compete internationally. Yayasan Perak and the Perak State Government have shown a clear commitment to producing more Hafeezes through initiatives like Perak Sejahtera 2030.
May this success be the beginning of many more glorious achievements by Malaysian students on the world stage!
