A university student who lost both his parents is receiving RM20,000 in financial assistance to complete his degree after Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Steven Sim stepped in to help.
Sim later shared Selveston’s story on his Facebook page to highlight the struggles faced by the young student and to encourage others not to give up in the face of hardship.
Lost both parents within months
According to Sim, Selveston lost his father first due to heart complications. Not long after, his mother passed away following a battle with cancer.
The three of them had lived in difficult conditions since Selveston was young. While life was tough, he still had a home with love and care. Now at 25, he is left alone, figuring out how to survive while many others his age are planning their futures.
Sim shared that Selveston is a quiet person. However, when he speaks, it is clear that he has been carrying many burdens on his own.
Started working at 15
Selveston began working as a security guard at the age of 15 to help cover daily household expenses. He also saved up for his education, determined to stand on his own feet and not burden his parents.
His hard work eventually earned him a place at University of Cyberjaya. Even as a student, he continued working daily, including doing Grab deliveries, to support himself and his family.
He believed that after graduation, he would secure a better job and take care of his parents. However, their passing changed everything.
Juggling grief and financial responsibilities
Following the deaths of his parents, Selveston had to shoulder financial responsibilities including the family home in Penang and the living expenses of an OKU status cousin. He also has to manage university fees and house rent in Kuala Lumpur.
After classes, he spends hours on his motorcycle to earn income. He also works on weekends. Sim shared that there were days when Selveston does not have enough money and has to skip meals.
Recently, Selveston was involved in a hit and run accident while working which resulted in a knee injury. The injury left him unable to work, cutting off his only source of income.
“I just want to finish my degree”
When Sim asked if he was coping, Selveston smiled slightly, looked down, and said that he just wanted to finish his degree.
He is expected to graduate this November and is now in the final stretch of his studies.
Sim told him that he was already very close to completing his journey and that he did not need to carry everything alone.
RM20K assistance given
Sim provided an initial RM5,000 to help Selveston handle urgent needs and stabilise his situation.
He also committed to covering the remaining costs including university fees, house rent, and living expenses. The total assistance amounts to nearly RM20,000.
The goal, Sim said, is to allow Selveston to focus fully on finishing his degree without the constant pressure of financial worries.
He ended his post by encouraging Selveston to keep going and said his parents would be proud of him.
Read the post here:
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