PETALING JAYA: Keningau Vocational College student Nazieha Jasnie has been named a top 50 finalist for the Global Student Prize 2023.

       The bakery and pastry student is now one step closer to the US$100,000 (RM445,000) award.

       Nazieha has been using her vocational skills to help the community, especially housewives and female farmers to learn how to bake several types of cakes and desserts using the most affordable ingredients.

       The goal was to help them generate income by starting their own businesses with the newly gained skills.

       She has joined many fundraising events to raise funds to finance her peers’ participation in baking competitions around Malaysia, and led her teams to take part in several competitions and conferences

       She also successfully started her own cookie business called “Tiaa Cookie” and used the profits to travel to Bali in 2022 to take part in an innovation contest.

       Nazieha, alongside Kenneth Chong, are the two Malaysians in the top 50 finalists for the prestigious student award given annually to exceptional students who have made a huge impact on their peers and the society.

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       In a press release, she said the award is recognition that vocational education is “very relevant” in today’s world.

       She was selected from over 7,000 nominations and applications from 150 countries around the world.

       In a statement, Heather Hatlo Porter, Chegg.org head congratulated both Chong and Nurul Nazieha.

       "Chegg not only celebrates your achievements but also the endless possibilities that exist when young minds are driven by a passion for change.

       "The Top 50 Global Student Prize finalists deserve the opportunity to have their stories told and have their voices heard. Their dreams, wisdom, and inventive spirit will illuminate a more hopeful future for everyone," she said.

       Last year, Sabahan Alesyah Asa from the same college had made it into the top 10 for the award, given by the Varkey Foundation and Chegg.org.

       Meanwhile, Keningau Vocational College director Christine Stanislaus Kinsik said she was proud of Nazieha’s achievement.

       She believes this shortlisting will help bolster the employability of vocational college graduates.

       The winner of the Global Student Prize is expected to be announced soon.