KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian has made history as the first to join the prestigious Obama Foundation Scholars programme.

Danutcha Catriona Singh, 40, began the 10-month course at Columbia University earlier this month, which partners with the University of Chicago for the programme, FMT reported.

Initially hesitant to apply, Danutcha saw it as a milestone in her career.

"I wondered, 'Who am I? I'm just from Malaysia.' How would I be accepted?" she said.

Launched in 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars programme selected just 30 out of 3,000 applicants for the 2024/2025 cohort, with Danutcha among the 12 attending Columbia University.

As part of the Sols 24/7 group, her nonprofit focuses on uplifting the B40 population by providing free education, personal development, employment support, and energy access to rural Orang Asli and Orang Asal communities.

Danutcha, who transitioned from journalism to become a volunteer teacher in Timor-Leste in 2009, fell in love with grassroots social work.

"I saw how eager students were to learn; they understood education was key to improving their lives," she said.

Her husband, Raj Ridvan Singh, founded Sols in Cambodia in 2000, later expanding to Timor-Leste. Inspired by her experience, Danutcha is dedicated to empowering underserved communities.

Encouraging others to apply, she said, "Malaysia's rich diversity offers potential for intercultural discussions, turning challenges into opportunities and reminding us how blessed we are to be Malaysians."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1109662/first-malaysian-joins-obama-foundation-scholars-programme