Anusha graduated with an admirable 3.76 GPA (First Class) from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
MEET Anusha Genesan, a young woman whose journey from a B40 home in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, to remarkable success through education is not just about achievements but also about defying stereotypes.
While mostly an average student in primary school, the now 24-year-old Anusha was not seen as someone destined for outstanding feats, especially considering her family background.
Coming from a disadvantaged family and residing in a one-bedroom flat at the Sri Pulau Pinang public housing, she consistently defied limitations often associated with her background.
Most recently graduating with an admirable 3.76 GPA (First Class) from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), courtesy of a full scholarship from Skim Biasiswa Pengajian Tinggi Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan, Anusha’s academic prowess mirrored her unwavering perseverance.
“The turning point for me came in primary school when I started understanding my family’s financial background.
“While we did not necessarily struggle to put food on the table, I knew there were instances where we could not afford to pay for certain expenses.
“I saw how hard my parents worked but it still was not enough,” she said.
Anusha with her mother Thanalechumy and brother Ruthreshan. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Her father, Genesan M. Perumal, 57, works as a sweeper with Alam Flora, while her mother, Thanalechumy Ponnusamy, 54, has health complications that make it difficult to work outside the home.
“I realised then that education was the way to improve my family’s circumstances.
“This motivated me to work hard so that I could one day make a difference.”
Anusha’s hard work eventually paid off.
Having secured 5As during her UPSR examinations (the only one in her class), she was then admitted into SMK Seri Bintang Selatan in Kuala Lumpur’s Taman Shamelin Perkasa which is a Cluster School of Excellence.
An undiagnosed anaemia at that time put a strain on her health but she still achieved a respectable 5As during the SPM examinations.
Deciding to continue her studies in Form 6, Anusha enrolled at Victoria Institution, where she earned a 3.46 GPA.
This then allowed her to apply for the scholarship to study and later graduating with Bachelor of Science Economics with Honours at UUM in Kedah.
“I knew my strong points was Mathematics, and I wanted to eventually work in the banking sector.
“After graduating, I was able to intern at Maybank for four months, which was a great learning experience.
“I then joined the eight-month Maybank Protege Programme, in which I just started.”
Reflecting on her journey, Anusha said, “There were instances where I felt like giving up because it felt too difficult, but I would think about my parents and that helped me to push through.”
She also credited her teachers Halijah and Piliciaa who helped and motivated her throughout the years.
Anusha’s dedication and perseverance is not lost on her younger siblings either.
Her sister Lavanya, 21, is also doing well and currently pursuing her degree in economics at UMT, while brother Ruthreshan 16, is in Form 4.
“My main aim now that I have graduated and started working is to try and get a house where we can live comfortably,” she said.
