A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy

I recently had my first corporate speaking engagement, where I was invited as a guest speaker alongside Dr. Hartini Zainudin on Dutch Lady’s talk show ‘Nourishing Minds’, to talk on many of the key points in my life, almost becoming a victim to a human trafficking syndicate, living in two shelters, representing Malaysian children to present their first report of the UNCRC to the United Nations in Geneva and studying in Epsom.

I made sure to include that what made the biggest difference in my early years wasn’t just stability at home, but the way my parents, social workers, and teachers worked together throughout my early childhood. Their collaboration gave me access to emotional support, education, and a sense of belonging. 

From there, the conversation expanded to include all children who face early challenges. I spoke about how communities, such as schools, NGOs, or local support networks, play a vital role in providing emotional and physical safety. Mentors, in particular, can help children rediscover their potential. Even one adult who believes in a young person can have a profoundly positive impact.

I also talked about my trip to the United Nations in Geneva and how I presented the different issues and challenges that urban and rural children face in Malaysia and elaborated on how corporations like Dutch Lady could help with certain issues like poverty and nutrition by including it in their corporate social responsibility. 

There were many questions asked related to my experience, my opinions on companies’ approaches towards child-inclusive events, etc. But the most interesting was when I was asked to give one piece of advice towards all children who are or have gone through a similar situation to mine. I never planned the answer and just spoke from my heart based on my life experiences, and said that:

 “It’s very normal to feel like giving up and that nothing you do will be good enough, but there are people out there who genuinely care for you and respect you, whether it be your parents or a mentor or a teacher, people like this will always be there and it’s up to you to reach out to them, at first it may seem like a sign of weakness but trusting other people and relying on them is a strength. And if not for my reliance on my parents, my friends, and the people around me, I would not be where I am today.”

Sean Z.
Year 10 Student