UMS graduate among five Malaysians selected for US govt-funded exchange programme

KOTA KINABALU: A Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) graduate is among five Malaysians selected to participate in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship programme in the United States.

Lua Pei Ling, 24, a UMS alumnus from the faculty of psychology and education, was picked for the Spring 2022 cohort under the theme of civic engagement.

When contacted, she said the programme was conducted in a hybrid format, with an initial virtual component held from April to May 2022.

This was subsequently followed by an in-person session at the University of Nebraska Omaha and Arizona State University from March 3 to 22 this year.

“There are three of us now at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while another two are going to Arizona State University.

“This YSEALI Academic Fellowship is a US government programme that provides skills training to young leaders in South-East Asia.

“This exchange programme is fully sponsored by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which includes lodging, transportation, and stipend," Pei Ling said.

According to her, the Academic Fellowship focuses on one of three themes namely, civic engagement, environmental issues, and social entrepreneurship and economic development.

She said her primary interest was in mental health advocacy, adding that participating in the fellowship has enabled her to establish a wide network as well as gain insights into civic engagement topics such as active citizenship, community building and volunteerism.

“Throughout the virtual component of fellowship I joined last year, I have developed several mental health advocacy plans that promote inclusivity to tertiary education students in line with my civic interest,” she added.

Pei Ling, who received a Gold Alumni Award during UMS’ 24th convocation, also expressed her appreciation to be selected as one of the representatives from Malaysia in the prestigious programme.

“I am thrilled and honoured for the opportunity which has allowed me to expand my horizons, develop my skills and connect with young leaders from across the Asean region.

“This is my first time visiting the US and I'm absolutely in love with the culture here as well as my host institution, the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“I hope to use this experience to inspire and empower other young people in my country to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in our communities,” she said.

Also representing Malaysia at the YSEALI Academic fellowship programme were Raenuga Indran, Jit Lee Woon Kiat, Nur Irdina Jailani, and Ahmad Alif Halimi.