Awards Celebrate Excellence: 56th MOE-MSSM-MILO Honors Malaysia’s Top Student Athletes
The 56th MOE-MSSM-MILO® Sports Awards 2024 stands as a shining testament to the exceptional talents and resilience of Malaysia’s young athletes. This prestigious event honors not only the sporting prowess of these remarkable students but also their steadfast commitment to academic excellence. Each year, the awards celebrate those who expertly balance rigorous sports training with demanding school schedules, embodying the qualities of discipline, perseverance, and integrity. These student-athletes represent the future of Malaysia, illustrating how the synergy between sports and education cultivates well-rounded individuals ready to take on life’s challenges.
Balancing Sports and Studies: The Journey of Rising Stars
Behind every award-winning athlete is a compelling story filled with dedication, sacrifice, and unyielding support from family, coaches, and educators. These young champions rise early to train, juggle demanding academic work, and maintain their physical and mental health. Their stories remind us that sporting excellence is not simply about physical ability, but about character, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.
Take for example Dania Sofea Binti Zaidi, a 17-year-old badminton prodigy from Johor. As this year’s recipient of the Anugerah Puteri MSSM, Dania epitomizes the balance between sport and study. She views both arenas as competitive “matches” that require intense focus and strategic thinking. “My father is my greatest source of encouragement. He always reminds me not to give up and to give my best every time I step onto the court,” Dania shares warmly. Inspired since childhood by MILO® and its celebrated athletes, she has cultivated mental toughness through badminton — a skill she applies beyond the court, guiding her through academic and personal challenges as she chases her dreams.
In a different but equally inspiring arena, Aleeya Fariesya Binti Faizul Rizal, a 20-year-old para-swimmer from Putrajaya and the recipient of the Anugerah Puteri Para, showcases resilience and courage. Aleeya’s journey as a para-athlete is marked by unique challenges, yet she remains motivated by the small victories and the strong support of her community. “I always feel nervous before competitions, afraid of failing. But every race teaches me something new. My family’s unwavering support and the pride I feel representing Malaysia keep me going,” she reflects. Through impeccable time management and self-discipline, Aleeya continues to excel both in the pool and in her studies, advocating for greater awareness and inclusivity for para-athletes nationwide.
Guiding the Next Generation: The Role of Dedicated Coaches
The story of Malaysia’s sporting future is incomplete without acknowledging the tireless efforts of coaches and mentors who devote their lives to developing young talent. One such figure is Shurizan Bin Mansor, honored with the Anugerah Guru Berjasa (Lelaki) award this year. With over four decades of experience nurturing hockey players in Perlis through the Tunas Cemerlang and MSSM programmes, Shurizan has played a pivotal role in elevating the sport in the region. Under his guidance, Perlis reached the final of the SUKMA 2010 and clinched two Division 2 league titles. His students have gone on to represent Malaysia at the national level, earning medals such as Silver (Men) and Bronze (Women) at the Asian Indoor Hockey Cup.
“As a son of Perlis, I feel a deep responsibility to give back to my community through hockey,” Shurizan states. “The raw talent in Perlis drives me to mentor these young athletes so they can achieve their dreams and bring pride to our state.” His lifelong dedication highlights the critical role coaches play in shaping not just athletes, but confident and disciplined young adults.
MILO® and the Ministry of Education: A Partnership Built to Last
For more than 60 years, MILO® has partnered with Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) to promote youth development through sports. This enduring collaboration has laid the foundation for countless grassroots sports initiatives, ensuring that young Malaysians from all walks of life can experience the benefits of physical activity and competition.
MILO®’s philosophy is simple but powerful: sports teach invaluable life lessons. From teamwork and perseverance to leadership and integrity, these values transcend the playing field and positively shape the lives of students. By providing access to quality sports programmes and nurturing young talent, MILO® helps create confident individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society.
The 56th MOE-MSSM-MILO® Sports Awards 2024 is a celebration of this mission in action. It offers a platform where young athletes can be recognized for their hard work, inspiring others and reinforcing the vital role of sports in education and community development.
Voices from MILO®: Commitment to Nurturing Future Champions
Lim Kerwin, Head of Sports Marketing at MILO®, Nestlé Malaysia, articulates the spirit behind the awards: “At MILO®, we truly believe that Sport is a Great Teacher. The stories of these student-athletes are living proof of how sports can positively influence young lives, developing not only physical skills but also mental agility and character.” He emphasizes the ongoing commitment MILO® holds in supporting young talent: “We celebrate their achievements and remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of champions who will carry these values both in sports and in life.”
Lim also highlights the significance of the partnership with MOE and MSSM: “Through initiatives like the 56th MOE-MSSM-MILO® Sports Awards, we continue to champion young Malaysians’ journeys, providing them with opportunities to excel and showcasing the transformative power of sports. For over 75 years—‘Dulu, Kini, dan Selamanya Demi Malaysia’—MILO® has proudly nurtured generations who carry these invaluable values beyond sports, impacting every aspect of their lives.”
