T4

YOUTH

STARTWO, WEDNESDAY 25 JULY 2007

Now everyone can R.AGE. All you

need to do is log on to
www.rage.com.my where you can
check out the variety of stories and
other goodies that we have in store
for you. Check this panel out each
week for a taste of what R.AGE Online
has to offer. R.AGE is The Stars youth
pullout dedicated to tertiary students
and Sixth formers.

Potter Craze!
The greatest tale of the world's
favourite boy wizard is finally complete!
Every episode of the Harry Potter
adventure is full of excitement, inspiration and of course, magic.
We'd like to find out which book is
your favourite Potter adventure? Is it the
one with the giant three-headed-dog?
The one with the Hogswart Dragons? Or
the one with the grand battles?
As you trip into Harry's the magical
world for the grand finale, remember to
drop by and vote at the R.AGE poll for
the best Harry Potter book ever written!

Learning Around the World

Although only 20, Mior Luqman Hakim
Mohd Zain has travelled extensively to
China, Maldives, Mauritius, Indonesia,
the Philippines and Thailand, and it was
all not just for fun.
He is determined to make a career out
of the tourism business as a tour guide
with a genuine interest and passion in
the profession.
Mior believes in understanding the
places he visits in great lengths and
great depths.
The young and passionate tourism
student shares with R.AGE about his
travels, his aspirations and his dreams to
become a true citizen of the world.

Role-playing
The upcoming play by Joanna Bessey
sees three fun, intelligent and talented
actors who are also playwright directors
themselves!
Zalfian Fuzi, Abdul Qahar Aqilah Abu
Bakar and David Lim find out what it's
like to be at the other end of the roleplaying spectrum and learns the great
fun of being directed.
R.AGE finds out what goes on behind
the scene as the three shares their experiences.

Familial Ties
We believe that our family is everything but what happens when it comes
to accepting radical differences in the
family?
This week, R.AGE resident blogger
KYELS explores the difficult question of
family acceptance and challenges the
unconditional love we are willing to
give to our loved ones, not matter how
different they may be.
Check out her thoughtful blog at
www.rage.com.my and share your opinions on this heady subject.
Contact: alltherage@thestar.com.my

Global Malaysian

We want to hear from young

Malaysians (15-25 years old). Tell us
what Merdeka means to you, and
how growing up in this country has
moulded you. Interpret the topic as
you see fit, and write us your story
in not more than 500 words and email it to youth2@thestar.com.my
or mail it to StarYouth, Menara Star,
15 Jalan 16/11, 46350 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.

Deborah Priya Henry

feels that its time
Malaysians embrace
globalisation.
By NIKI CHEONG
niki@thestar.com.my
URRENT Miss Malaysia/World
Deborah Priya Henry was almost
30 minutes early for our interview
on what it means to be a young
Malaysian.
Deborah certainly does not keep to
Malaysian time, a good example by the
countrys high profile ambassador.
But talk to her more and youll realise
that her conduct is not just a reflection of
her good public persona, but is in line
with what she imagined Malaysia to be as
we head towards 2020.
For me, it has always been about
becoming a globalised, civic society. I saw
this as an industrialised and economically
developed country, with good infrastructure, the 21-year-old model shared.
The image that Deborah has of Malaysia
in the 21st century appears to be a very
urban dream, but she feels that Kuala
Lumpur as the capital city will lead the
way.
Growing up in Bangsar at the turn of
the century, Deborahs world was always
modern Malaysia. The young lass was
born in Dublin, Ireland, but was raised in
Malaysia by her Indian father and Irish
mother.
When I was growing up, it was always,
What are you? she said. But I went to
an international school, I had a global
education and a foreign parent, so I dont
see the racially tied lines.
I am a Malaysian.
Deborah however feels that having
been raised in such an environment has
its benefits as she is allowed to have a
happy balance and the ability to pick
and choose what values works best for
her to make her the person she wants to
be.
I know the Malaysian values, I understand Malaysia and what its about, but I
appreciate Western values as well, she
explained.

Deborah Priya Henry: I know the Malaysian values, I understand Malaysia and what its
about, but I appreciate Western values as well.
She cites for example values that she
holds close to her, not just Indian values
but the values that Malaysians in general
share.
I embrace the concept of family and
respect, such as referring to those older
than you as aunty, uncle, she said. But I
also like the liberal, open-mindedness the
Western world has to offer.
This global environment has given her a
different perspective of the current political state of the country. Deborah refuses
to see things based on racial lines.
Were lucky to be born into a society
that has been multi-ethnic for so many
years, so its not a big deal now, she said.
Weve always had the acceptance and
understanding of differences.
We should just enjoy each others difference instead of drawing lines and
building barriers.
Perhaps it was her upbringing, but
Deborah feels that its time that
Malaysians embrace globalisation.
She gives as example how many youths
who have not been to countries such as
the United States, but speak with an
American accent. Yet inside, they still
hang on to being Malaysians.
At this point, the conversation digressed
to music and local hip hop artist Point
Blanc, who speaks in American lingo yet

his biggest hit is about how proud he is

that he hails from the beautiful city of
Ipoh, Perak.
It doesnt matter, Deborah said.
Inside of you, theres still something
Malaysian.
As for her childhood image of an industrialised Malaysian, Deborah thinks that
were on the right track and its time to
focus on humanity.
Weve done very well in terms of social
development which is good, important
and necessary but now is the time to put
a lot of focus on people development ...
this is the time, she said.
Were not a big country. No one should
have to live below the poverty line and
there should be a support system for single mothers, she explained when asked
to give examples.
As for how we can get there, Deborah,
like many before her, suggested that education is the tool.
Education is the key step to liberation
and freedom, she said adding that it
shouldnt be difficult to get people to care
considering that Malaysians have long
been known for their generous spirit.
The Malaysian hospitality is well
known, we just have that thing to make
foreigners feel welcome, Deborah
offered.