A 25-year-old university student who has been working since the age of 15 to help support his family is now facing the toughest period of his life. After losing both parents last year, the young man’s situation worsened when he was injured in a hit-and-run accident while working as a motorcycle food delivery rider, leaving him without income and struggling to finish his education.
25yo M’sian struggles to pay for his education
With no one else to turn to, the Indian youth, Selveston, recently sought help from Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Datuk Seri Steven Sim. He shared his determination to complete his university studies, as he is scheduled to graduate this coming November, a plea that prompted the minister to step in and offer assistance.
Image credits: Steven Sim (Facebook)
In a Facebook post, Steven Sim revealed that Selveston, an only child, lost both parents within just a few months last year. His father passed away due to liver complications, followed soon after by his mother, who died from cancer.
“Since young, their family of three lived in poverty. At the very least, Selveston once had a home filled with warmth, but today, he is left completely on his own,” Sim wrote.
While many young adults his age are busy planning their careers and future, Selveston’s world collapsed almost overnight. Forced to grow up early, he began working part-time at just 15 years old, starting out as a security guard to help ease his parents’ burden and cover daily expenses and school fees.
Understanding the struggles his parents faced, Selveston was determined to stand on his own feet and never become a burden to them. Through perseverance and discipline, he eventually secured a place in the Business Management programme at Cyberjaya University.
Image credits: Steven Sim (Facebook)
During his university years, he took on motorcycle food delivery jobs to support himself, believing that once he graduated and found a stable job, he would finally be able to care for his parents and repay their sacrifices. Sadly, those hopes were cut short by their passing.
Alongside coping with grief, Selveston now carries growing financial responsibilities. Honouring a promise made to his late mother, he continues to care for his disabled cousin who lives in Jawi, Penang, while also having to manage his own rent, tuition fees, and daily living costs in Kuala Lumpur.
“All these responsibilities rest entirely on his shoulders,” Sim said. “After classes, he would spend hours riding his motorcycle to complete delivery orders and worked through weekends, yet his income was still barely enough.”
Misfortune struck again when Selveston was injured in a hit-and-run accident while delivering food, leaving him with a knee injury. Unable to work, he has now lost his only source of income.
Determined to Complete His Studies
After receiving Selveston’s appeal, Steven Sim immediately donated RM5,000 to help cover his most urgent expenses, allowing him to regain some stability and focus on completing his studies.
Image credits: Steven Sim (Facebook)
For the remaining costs including tuition fees, rent, and daily living expenses amounting to nearly RM20,000. Sim said he would fully assist in settling them, ensuring that Selveston can complete his degree without further worry.
Sim stressed that he does not want financial hardship to destroy the young man’s future or disrupt his education, reminding him that giving up now is not an option, especially when graduation is already within reach.
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