Growing up in a humble household, he understood early on that ambition alone was not enough without the resources to realise his aspirations.
His father, a school gardener, became physically disabled after a road accident that resulted in the loss of a limb. Though he continued working, mobility challenges limited his ability to earn beyond a modest income.
With his mother a homemaker, the family’s financial constraints were ever-present.
So when Kumaraveloo completed his Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examinations in 1995 with hopes of pursuing a university education, the reality was stark.
“It was difficult for my family to cover university fees and daily expenses. That was my biggest challenge,” he recalled.
The turning point came in 1996 when he was awarded a Star Education Fund scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) programme at Universiti Malaya.
“I felt very happy and relieved. It eased the financial burden on my family,” he said.
More than just covering tuition fees, the scholarship provided a daily allowance, enabling him to focus fully on his studies without the constant anxiety of making ends meet.
It was, in many ways, the stability he needed to build his future.
Beyond financial support, the impact ran deeper.
“Being selected gave me confidence and motivation. It made me believe in my abilities and encouraged me to work harder and aim higher,” he said.
At university, Kumaraveloo developed a strong foundation in IT and sharpened his problem-solving skills, paving the way for a career in engineering and technical operations. Over time, he progressed from IT-related roles into broader operational and technical management positions.
Today, at 51, he serves as a senior engineer in production at Star Media Group. His role is multifaceted: overseeing IT operations, managing the wastewater treatment plant to ensure environmental compliance, and serving as a safety coordinator to promote workplace safety.
He shared that his greatest pride lies in achieving stability and being able to support his family – a full-circle moment from the financial struggles of his youth.
Kumaraveloo is clear about the scholarship’s significance.
“It played a very important role in shaping my life. It gave me the opportunity to pursue higher education and build my career,” he said.
Throughout his journey, certain qualities have anchored him: hard work, discipline, perseverance and a willingness to learn.
These, he believes, are just as important as academic results – qualities that scholarship panels often look for alongside genuine need and the potential to give back.
Outside of work, Kumaraveloo has maintained a lifelong passion for athletics. From representing his school, district and Kedah at competitions during his younger days, he has continued to stay active through half marathons and endurance events – a testament to his enduring discipline and drive.
To students hoping to achieve their goals, he had this to say: “Be honest about your background, stay focused and never give up.”
This feature is part of a series highlighting beneficiaries of the Star Education Fund (SEF), in celebration of Star Media Group’s 55th anniversary. Since its inception in 1994, the SEF has benefited 4,601 scholarship recipients, with a total value of RM176mil. For enquiries, email edufund@thestar.com.my or call 03-7967 1388 ext 1466.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 Circle five verbs from the article. Use all five verbs to create a short story.
Swap your work with a friend and see if they can identify the five verbs you used.
2 Create a “three things about me” card. Share three activities you do to relax, learn new skills or stay healthy.
Do any of your classmates share your interests?
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
