KUALA LUMPUR: Science of Life Systems 24/7 (SOLS 24/7) Malaysia and its country director, Raj Ridvan Singh were in the spotlight during the month of June after being nominated for and winning the KLue Blue Chili 2008 award.The third annual Blue Chili award began with a search to uncover the latest wave of young talented individuals making waves in the country through strong contributions in their respective industries, and brought together ten individuals including a filmmaker, designer, activists and musicians.
The award ceremony was held at the IndiCini, KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) during KLue Urbanscapes 2008, an all-day arts festival, on June 28.Also present was SOLS 24/7 teacher Kiranjit Kaur, and nine students who were handpicked for being the top in their classes, not only academically but more importantly character wise.
Given a booth at the Urbanscapes Marketplace, the SOLS 24/7 team spread out throughout the festival grounds, spreading awareness about the two-year program and opportunities for volunteers, sponsorship and enrollment.
June was also a month of media attention as two different and renowned media agents approached SOLS 24/7 for an insight into the training program and progress made within the country.
Malaysiakini.tv, a supplement of Malaysia’s most widely read alternative online news provider, visited SOLS 24/7 on June 24th the outcome of which was a 8minute documentary which was premiered at Urbanscapes.
Readers Digest Asia, an internationally prestigious magazine also interviewed Raj Ridvan for the segment, ‘Everyday Heroes’ in their August 2008 issue, where he expanded on the history of the organisation, the vital role played by SOLS 24/7 founder, his father, and co-founder, his brother, and the development as well as impact of life-skills education in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, a grant of RM 27,000 was presented to SOLS 24/7 Malaysia by a private doner, the amount of which would cover a year’s rental of a new premise and will help kick-start the organisations expansion plans.
The new location, situated in the heart of the historical city of Malacca, will enable the organisation to reach out to 100 boarding and 100 part-time students. The building was previously built as a shopping mall and consists of two floors (7,000 sq feet each) and a rooftop.
To help facilitate the expansion of the training program, SOLS 24/7 is urgently seeking funds which would go towards the renovations, wiring, furniture and fittings to accommodate the increase in students at the new centre.
For furthur reading on the KLue Blue Chili Awards 2008:
Article on Winner http://sites.klue.com.my/bluechilli/winner.html
The Reception:
http://www.klue.com.my/articles/421-Blue-Chilli-reception-at-Urbanscapes
To watch the SOLS 24/7 video on Malaysiakini.tv:
http://www.malaysiakini.tv/video/16016.html
