HUMAN Resources Minister Steven Sim has extended his personal support to a fourth Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) student, formally welcoming second-year undergraduate Shun Yong as his latest ‘adopted child’ following a heartfelt plea for help.
Shun, who was orphaned at 14 and raised by his 87-year-old grandmother, has been struggling financially while maintaining academic excellence. He receives just RM500 a month from the Welfare Department (JKM) and has no financial support from a parent or guardian.
Despite these challenges, Shun excelled in the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) examinations with straight As and secured admission to USM.
“Student loans from PTPTN were not enough to cover all his expenses. During semester breaks, Shun took on part-time jobs to support his daily needs and living costs,” Sim shared in a Facebook post today.
Earlier this year, Shun was at risk of missing his semester registration due to unpaid fees. His story came to Sim’s attention through a concerned Good Samaritan known as Uncle Ooi, who had been quietly assisting the young man.
Upon learning of the situation, Sim, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, intervened to settle Shun’s outstanding tuition fees.
Shortly thereafter, Shun reached out again—this time to say his laptop had malfunctioned, leaving him unable to access vital academic materials.
“I went to USM to take him to buy a new laptop, though he only wanted to fix the old one,” Sim said.
“But Uncle Ooi, who is not related to Shun but has quietly supported him all along, had already bought him a new laptop to ensure he wasn’t held back by faulty equipment.”
Sim said he invited Shun to become his ‘adopted child’ not only to assist financially but to offer emotional and moral support.
“Today, I invited Shun to be my adopted child, not just to provide financial help, but to show him he’s not alone. I want him to know that we stand behind him.”
Shun is now the fourth student from USM to be supported in this way by the minister, who has made it a personal mission to uplift disadvantaged youth in higher education. - July 7, 2025
