Starchild: If they had a million ringgit, Malaysian kids say they'd donate to charity

Amelie Looi Poh Yin, 9

To spend or to save? That’s often a tough choice to make but not for Starchild readers who have written in to tell us what they’d do with a million ringgit. Many of you said you would use your money to help the less fortunate. That’s very thoughtful of you, children.

Here are the letters on the topic, A Million Ringgit.

Nine-year-old Lim Sheng Hao plans to buy a luxurious jet, Lamborghini sports car, and hire a bodyguard to protect his family. “I can fly to Japan to eat ramen. Then, I would shop for toys, comics and snacks to pamper myself more. Finally, I will donate some money to an orphanage so underprivileged children can have better clothes, food and books.”

Lim Sheng Hao, 9

“Wow! To have a million ringgit, what will I do? First, I will donate some money to orphanages and underprivileged communities. Of course, my family isn’t forgotten. A massive bungalow with many rooms would be comfortable for them. Lastly, I would buy a sports car. As I am only seven, I will get my father to drive me around in my dream car,” says Chuah Seng Koon, seven.

Chuah Seng Koon, 7

With a million ringgit, Nicole Tan Jia Mae, nine, will donate some money to charity and help her family pay off their mortgage. “I will also buy food for the poor people. Food is expensive these days, and many people can’t afford groceries. So I hope with my contribution, I can create a better place for everyone to live in.”

Nicole Tan Jia Mae, 9

“If I have a million ringgit, I would buy presents for my parents, and my grandparents. Then, I will bring all of them to a nice hotel for a relaxing holiday together while treating them to burgers and lemonade,” writes Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

Older sibling Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, seven, wants to share her money generously with others. “Good things are meant to be shared. I would buy new dresses, pretty bracelets, and bread for the poor. Then I will get some balloons and toys to bring cheer to little children!”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 7

Low Ying Xi, 10, has an idea how she’d spend a million ringgit. Firstly, she plans to donate a portion of her money to charity. “My friends and family are not forgotten, too. I would buy a mansion for my family and a Tesla car for my dad. I would use some money to purchase some of my favourite food. And I’d like to visit Universal Studios in Hollywood.”

Low Ying Xi, 10

“If I had a million ringgit, I would hire many workers and build a bungalow. I’ll buy a big car for my parents. Then, I would buy many books, mechanical pencils, and pencil leads for my friends, writes Wong Cheng Yang, eight.

Wong Cheng Yang, 8

Younger sister Wong Jie Ern, six, writes: “If I win a million ringgit, I would travel to Japan and other countries. I will also donate some money to the poor. I will keep some money to buy my favourite biscuit, bread and books.”

Wong Jie Ern, 6

“I would build a roller coaster to share the fun with everyone I know. Life is like a roller coaster, going up and down, sometimes fast then slow. I think life is fun like that,” writes Wynn Law Jia Bao, seven.

Wynn Law Jia Bao, 7

Find the hidden words!

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: Do you like fusion food? If you’re wondering what it is, it’s cuisine that combines elements of different culinary traditions. For example, combining Italian food with Japanese cuisine or Thai food with French flavours. Have you sampled dishes with such elements? If yes, which are your favourite dishes? If you get a chance to create a fusion food dish, what would you come up with? Tell us what makes your dish special.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Aug 19.

Please put “STARCHILD: Fusion Food” in the subject line of your email. 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 number and address.