There Is A Need To Tap And Harness Malaysians Talent, Says M'sian PM's Wife

From Hafizah Kamaruddin NEW YORK, March 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister's wife Rosmah Mansor said there is a need to tap and harness the tremendous talents of Malaysian students, locally and abroad, since they are the future human capital of the country. "Malaysia needs all its human capital in order to be a developed country," she said at a reception at the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations, here Saturday. The function was attended by the Malaysian community and students here as well as diplomatic corps, and friends of Malaysia especially those from the trade, investment and tourism sectors. Rosmah , who arrived here on Wednesday, is on a four-day working visit in conjunction with United Nations's 56th Session of the Commission on the status of Women (CSW) which is currently in session. She delivered a luncheon talk on "Economic Empowerment of Rural Women" on the occasion of the CSW on Friday. Rosmah hoped Malaysian students abroad would work hard, enrich their experiences and abilities, and come back to serve the country. She also advised them to use the opportunity, not only to gain new knowledge and skills but "more importantly, to get to know the people of this great nation." "Living and studying in another country enrich your lives and widen your circle of friends and experience," she added. She said the assistance and help from the American friends to Malaysian students and the Malaysia community here was deeply appreciated. "Besides this cooperation in the field of education, the relationship between the United States and Malaysia is also strengthened by the trade, investment, tourism, and social cultural links," she said. Touching on Permata Seni, she said the programme which was designed to identify children who are talented and have potential in arts to be given exposure and training so that their ability and talent can be uplifted to higher level, had been productive. Malaysian music prodigy Tengku Ahmad Irfan Tengku Ahmad Shahrizal, 13, from Permata Seni Music, has been accepted to pursue his studies in piano and composition at the world famous Juilliard School, and he is the first Malaysian admitted to this prestigious school. Meanwhile, Amir Adrian Amir Hamzah, 10, from Permata Seni Choir created history when he became the first Malaysian to secure a spot at the Augarten Palace in Vienna, Austria, which trains children for the famous Vienna Boys Choir. -- BERNAMA