More than 70 PERMATA PINTAR alumni recently reunited to reflect on how the programme shaped their lives. From scholarship recipients and corporate professionals to Malaysia’s famed “Young Sheldon”, their stories offer a glimpse into what can happen when gifted young minds are given the opportunity to thrive.
KUALA LUMPUR – From Pontian to Michigan, from gifted children to corporate professionals, and from classroom prodigies to future leaders, the journeys may have been different, but many of the more than 70 PERMATA PINTAR alumni who recently reunited shared a common belief: the programme opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed.
Their stories provided a powerful reminder of the lasting impact an initiative like PERMATA PINTAR can have when gifted young minds are given the opportunity to thrive.
From scholarship recipients and overseas graduates to corporate professionals and university prodigies, the stories shared during the gathering painted a picture of lives transformed through opportunity, mentorship and education.
The attendees represented only a fraction of the estimated 300 alumni who had expressed interest in attending, reflecting the enduring bonds forged through the various Permata programmes.
Immediate Recognition
During the gathering, alumni spoke about scholarships secured, universities attended and careers built since leaving the programme. Some are now working in leading corporations, while others have pursued studies at prestigious universities abroad. Several attendees noted that identifying themselves as Permata alumni often sparked immediate recognition among educators, employers and scholarship providers.
Among them was Tey Kai Yang, a Permata Pintar alumnus from the 2014-2018 cohort.
Originally from Pontian, Johor, Kai Yang went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Michigan before beginning his career with Maybank.
Reflecting on his journey, he said studying overseas once seemed like an impossible dream.
“I always wanted to study abroad, but before Permata Pintar, opportunities like that felt out of reach. The programme not only showed me those opportunities existed, but also helped prepare me to pursue them,” he said.
According to Kai Yang, Permata provided exposure that extended far beyond the conventional classroom experience.
PERMATA PINTAR Changed His Life
“I am who I am today because of Permata Pintar. It changed my life and gave me opportunities I never imagined I would have,” he added.
Another success story is Anis Insyirah Abdul Razak, who now works in Corporate Group Insurance and Risk Management at IOI Corporation Berhad.
A former Yayasan Tenaga Nasional scholar, Anis completed her degree in International Business at Universiti Tenaga Nasional before participating in an academic exchange programme in Texas, United States.
While acknowledging the programme’s academic strengths, she believes Permata’s greatest contribution lies elsewhere.
Holistic Approach
“Permata Pintar shaped me holistically. It wasn’t just about academics. It developed leadership, emotional intelligence, social skills and many other aspects of who I am today,” she said.
She believes she may still have succeeded academically without the programme, but would not have developed into the same person.
“Without Permata, perhaps I would not understand social cues as well, perhaps I would not be able to lead a team effectively. It helped shape me into a more complete individual,” she said.
Anis also expressed concern over what she perceives as a gradual reduction in opportunities available to gifted students over the years.
“This is the only dedicated centre for gifted students in Malaysia. Not many people fully understand its vision and potential. That is why it is important that programmes like this continue to receive support,” she said.
Several alumni also expressed appreciation to the individuals who championed the programme during its formative years, particularly former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Institutional Backing
They noted that during the programme’s peak, Permata benefited from strong institutional backing and was able to secure collaborations, sponsorships and support from both local and international partners, creating opportunities that many felt would otherwise have been beyond their reach.
Some alumni acknowledged that the programme had, at times, become entangled in political controversies, resulting in public attention being focused on allegations and debates rather than its educational outcomes.
Impact
For them, the achievements of Permata alumni today stand as a testament to the programme’s impact and serve as a reminder that its legacy extends far beyond politics.
Perhaps the most recognisable alumnus present was Muhammad Izz Imil, widely known as “Malaysia’s Young Sheldon”.
His achievements have attracted national attention. At six years old, he entered the PERMATA Pintar programme. By eight, he had completed his O-Levels. At eleven, he completed his A-Levels, and at just twelve years old, he was admitted into Universiti Malaya. Today, at fourteen, he is already in his second year of university studies.
Speaking briefly at the gathering, Izz said he hoped to contribute to the field of education in the future and help raise awareness about the needs of gifted children. His parents, meanwhile, noted that the family’s journey had not always been easy, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support for gifted learners, many of whom remain unidentified or receive assistance only much later in life.
For many of the alumni gathered that afternoon, Izz’s story represented not only exceptional talent, but also the importance of creating pathways for gifted children to realise their potential.
Their journeys may have taken them to different destinations, but many shared a common belief: talent alone is never enough.
It must first be recognised, nurtured and given room to grow.
For the alumni gathered that day, that is the true legacy of Permata.
Not simply producing high achievers, but opening doors that might otherwise have remained closed. – NMH
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