Before Dato' Pandelela Rinong was appointed the national unity icon by the Ministry of National Unity, the plan remained a closely guarded secret. Initially invited to become a board member of the Student Volunteers Foundation (Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa), the Road to Gold athlete was taken by surprise when the Minister of National Unity, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, unexpectedly revealed her new role in parliament. Reflecting on the announcement, Pandelela remarked, "The minister suddenly announced [my appointment] in parliament, and even the YSS organisation personnel were shocked.
Although it was a surprise, I am still honoured and proud to be the national unity icon." Pandelela, an ethnic Sarawakian Bidayuh with quadrilingual fluency, personifies the diverse culture of Malaysia. "To me, unity means that everyone can mix despite differences in race, with tolerance and understanding of each other's cultures and beliefs," she says.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Tatler Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Tatler Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tech Talk
Rami Madani of ISKL discusses how AI is impacting education
Boarding Abroad
Elizabeth Marini and Mira Rosa Marini share parentchild perspectives of life at TASIS, the American boarding school in Switzerland that shaped a confident young woman
Gateway to Greatness
Three students share how Garden International School helped them reach their desired Oxbridge institutions
Choose Your Own Ed-venture
There are many noble academic reasons for undertaking a doctorate, but does having a PhD provide any career advantages a master's degree doesn't?
The Human Advantage
Can fresh graduates thrive in an Al-driven world? The future workforce is expected to move away from mundane tasks towards positions that demand critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Here’s what you need to excel in this dynamic era of human-AI collaboration
Join the Green Revolution
Redefine your digital footprint with the Acer Chromebook Vero 514, a revolutionary device that sets the standard for sustainability and performance
Not Your Average Joe
The Chromebook unlocks a seamless computing journey that merges style with functionality
Learning Unlocked
Gamification in education represents a paradigm shift in teaching and learning. By leveraging game-like elements to enhance motivation and engagement, the learning experience is transformed into an interactive and immersive journey
The Power of
What does this mean for our children's education and how can they benefit from it?
AS ABOVE
Dont forget to look up when you stay at these five-star hotels