MP pays enrolment fee for teen to pursue dream to become forensic scientist

Shannen (second from right) receiving the cash aid from Khoo.

MELAKA: The door has opened for SPM high-achiever Shannen Lovenia Kamal Abdullah to pursue her ambition to become a forensic scientist.

The 17-year-old from the Melaka Portuguese Settlement here was accepted for a foundation programme at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) but her fisherman father could not afford to pay the RM655 enrolment fee.

But her hopes were realised when Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong came to her aid.

He had been in Shannen’s shoes 30 years ago when he got an offer to pursue tertiary studies but his parents could not afford the registration fee.

“I come from a poor family and it was a Good Samaritan who gave me the chance to get a university education,” he said.

And now he is paying it forward.

Khoo also promised to look into Shannen’s education needs until she completes her studies at UKM.

He hosted a buka puasa dinner for Shannen and her six family members at Shah Beach Resort in Tanjung Kling here, where he presented her with the financial aid.

Shah Beach Resort general manager Dennis Samford made special arrangements for the dinner.

Samford said he rescheduled a corporate booking for the buffet because it was for a good cause and Shannen was scheduled to leave soon for the university in Bangi, Selangor.

Shannen scored 10 As in SPM. She had sought help from Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education who highlighted her plight to Khoo.

“It is my childhood dream to be a forensic scientist.

“Thank you to all who came forward to help me,” she said.