Since the last day of 2017 is today, its up to you on how you want to wrap up the year; you either go big or go home. At the end of the day, it’s the highs and lows that brought us together as one to form a story for many to know. Let’s recap on some of the best moments our country has seen and experienced this year that brings warmth to our hearts.
1. Our Jalur Gemilang flag will be flying high at the Winter Olympics.
“Ice King” and 2017 SEA GAMES gold medalist, Julian Yee Zhi Jie, will be Malaysia’s first national figure skater as a represent for next year’s Winter Olympics in the figure skating segment! Now that is for sure an impressive achievement for him as an athlete. To qualify this far at the biggest winter sports event means a lot to us considering our not so winter sports friendly climate.
2. Check out these influential women who made it into this year’s Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia list.
Our country isn’t lacking when it comes to successful and inspirational change makers who are making it a better place with their great achievements. This year, 4 women have found their spot amongst the 300 people in the list. Starting from left is Neelofa (actress and founder of NH Prima International), Vivi Yusof (Founder of Fashion Valet), Sasha Tan (founder and CEO of Favful), and Jazz Tan Yee Mei (Co-founder of YToday).
3. An uncle unknowingly became a hero for his bravery and selflessness.
Months ago, 66-year-old Oon Thoo Seen was at the right place and at the right time when he acted in a nick of time to rescue an unconscious woman in a wrecked car before the flame from the other damaged car spread to her vehicle. This wasn’t his first heroic act as he has helped out in another accident a few years back.
4. This lass was offered to study by top varsities.
To get an offer or even accepted into one of the prestigious Ivy League schools is no easy feat given the low administration rates especially for Malaysian applicants. Fortunately for 18-year-old, Lim Jia Yi, her dreams became a reality when she got accepted into Harvard, Stamford and Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. As someone who cares deeply about the community, she founded Project Smile, a non profit organization that encourages disabled children to express themselves through art and have interactions with peers their age. Her effort doesn’t stop there when she initiated “The Street Store” in KL whereby it has helped clothe and feed 300 homeless people. Her first day as a student at Harvard University started officially some 5 months ago.
5. Our dodgeball team’s double victory at the World Dodgeball Championships 2017.
Both men’s and women’s team were crowned World Champions at the World Dodgeball Championships in Ontario, Canada. Malaysia made its mark in the history books of dodgeball as the second country to have won both titles in the same year. Previously, the United States was the only country to achieve this record. Our national dodgeball team defeated Hong Kong, Mexico, Italy, Canada and Australia. Within the same month before the world championships, they also made a clean sweep with 3 gold medals from the men, women and mixed category in the Asian Pacific Championships.
Way to go, team Malaysia!
Header sources are from here, here and here