Indian-origin woman to represent Malaysia at Unesco forum

A 21-year-old Indian origin woman has been selected to represent Malaysia at the ninth UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Youth Forum to be held in France from October 26 to 28.

Tharishini Chandra Segaran, a third year student at the Melaka-Manipal Medical College, said she would like to bring up the concern and issues pertaining to health care services, besides education and gender equality at the forum, New Straits Times Online reported on Thursday.

"During the forum slated from October 26-28 in Paris, apart from getting the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas, any group that comes up with a good project would get a recognition from the body and will be allowed to go back to their country and execute the project," she added.

Segaran said she learned about the forum from Unesco's Facebook page a month ago and after discussing the matter with her parents, she decided to apply as an individual applicant.

The medical student was thrilled after getting a letter from Unesco last week informing her about selection.

"It is exciting to visit a different country and meet all the young, exciting and eager participants. I am also nervous as I will be representing my country and I feel that it is my responsibility to uphold the image of Malaysia," she was quoted as saying

"It is my responsibility to make the most of the opportunity to ensure the issues in Malaysia are heard," Segaran said.