Year 8 student Sofieya Zara advocates inclusive education at National STEM Symposium

Attended by 900 teachers, educators, and professionals, including the Minister of Education. This opportunity not only highlighted Sofieya's advocacy work but also allowed her to share her experiences and the support she received from BSKL, which helped elevate her advocacy to a national level. It also showcased her exceptional effort and passion in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum on a national stage. This experience was a significant achievement for both her and BSKL, as she is the first and only student to be invited as a speaker for this national event, now in its fourth year.

During her speech and sharing sessions, Sofieya captivated the audience as she discussed her personal journey in advocating for the rights and well-being of the neurodiverse. Her story resonated deeply with educators and professionals from various sectors as she shared her commitment to creating autism-friendly environments and improving accessibility to essential services, particularly medical services. Sofieya’s vision to make educational spaces more inclusive and accessible for individuals with autism was a key topic that struck a chord with the attendees.

Sofieya then participated as a "human library," engaging in a two-hour Q&A session where she held thought-provoking discussions with professionals from Petronas, the Ministry of Education, Teach For Malaysia, and a diverse group of teachers. It was a proud moment to see her speak, reflecting the solid education and nurturing background she has gained during her years at BSKL. A key highlight of her presentation was her recognition of the school’s role in supporting and amplifying her advocacy efforts. Sofieya spoke proudly about the guidance and encouragement she has received from her teachers at BSKL, emphasizing how their support has helped her elevate her advocacy to a national platform.

Through her participation in the National STEM Symposium and her ongoing advocacy efforts, Sofieya has not only made BSKL proud but has also exemplified the power of student-led initiatives. She is set to engage in more public events this year and next as part of her national road tour to schools across the country.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the teachers, especially Dr Brown and Ms Humphrey, who have supported Sofieya throughout her eight-year journey.