Starchild: Frontliners top the list of Malaysian children's heroes

Loges Puvandaran, 12

An idol is like a hero; someone that you greatly admire. Your idol could be a celebrity you admire – singer Lisa from South Korean girl band Black Pink, or Malaysian squash champion Datuk Nicol David. It could even be a fictional character like superhero Spider-Man, Disney princess Mulan or someone you know like a family member, a friend or a teacher And for many of our readers, their heroes are the frontliners keeping us safe during the pandemic.

An idol’s actions and life define who they are to you. You could learn from the good deeds your idols do and apply those lessons to your life. An idol is someone who inspires you to grow and improve, and who also learns from their own mistakes.

Here’s what Starchild readers have to say about their heroes.

Loges Puvandaran, 12, says her idols are Malaysian frontliners, comprising healthcare workers, policemen and soldiers. “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, our frontliners have helped us in many ways. They have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe. Without our frontliners, we may not have been able to tide through the pandemic.”

Five-year-old Claire Yap Jyn Wei has high regard for frontliners too. “Medical personnel, firemen, and postmen are my superheroes. They are heroes because they keep us safe from the Covid-19. When I see them, I would like to say thank you, and to ask them to keep safe.”

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 5

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight, writes: “Malaysian frontliners are my heroes. Doctors and nurses cannot stop working on weekends because they have to take care of patients. Policemen work hard to ensure everyone stays safe at home. Scientists work round the clock to formulate vaccines. They are a good examples for us. We too can become frontliners one day.”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

“My superhero wears a hat and is dressed in a red uniform – he is a fireman. I think firemen are superheroes for their bravery. They risk their lives to put out fires to save people, animals and properties, ” writes Asher Wang Qi Chuen, three.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 3

Older sister Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six, thinks anyone can be a superhero. “Superheroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Doctors, nurses and teachers who work tirelessly to serve others and make our country a better place are superheroes to me.”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11, says her parents are her superheroes because they would do anything to help her and protect her siblings. “Mummy and Daddy are always there for me whenever I need them. They are caring and take care of us very well. They are my pillars of strength. They guide and give me the courage to deal with problems or obstacles in life.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, eight, writes: “When I think of a superhero, I think of someone who is brave, strong, caring, dependable and selfless. My mother and father are my heroes because they never let me down and are always there for me. When I am sick they make me smile and that always makes me feel better. They are my inspiration and my best friend.”

Aaron Heng Zeng Yong, 6

Siblings Aleesha Kaur Saini, 10, and Shanaya Kaur Saini, six, say: “Our dad is our real superhero because he is the most special person in our life. He is a very loving father. He works very hard to provide for his family. He loves us a lot and always tries to cheer us up.”

Aleesha Kaur Saini, 10, and Shanaya Kaur Saini, six

“My favourite superheroes are the comic characters from Marvel’s Avengers including Hulk, Ironman, Black Panther and Captain America. I like Deadpool and Superman too. I like Hulk because he has great abs and muscles, ” says Chuah Seng Koon, five.

Chuah Seng Koon, 5

“Dad and Mom are my superheroes. My daddy protects me while Mommy takes good care of me, ” writes Mandy Tang, four. – Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Mandy Tang, 4

ITEM: Teacher’s Day is celebrated on May 16. Tell us about your favourite teacher(s) and how they have guided you in your studies. What subject does your favourite teacher teach? Or you could write about how Teacher’s Day is celebrated in your school. Send us a drawing or selfie taken with your favourite cikgu.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by May 10. Please put “STARCHILD: Teacher’s Day” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.

Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address.