Thaniges Kumar has made his mark on the national stage after being selected as the only Indian student among the Top 10 finalists in the Anugerah Tokoh Siswa Negara 2026 for the Anugerah Kepimpinan Siswa category, following his nomination by Multimedia University (MMU).
A Bachelor of Electronics student majoring in Telecommunications at MMU and a Yayasan Telekom Malaysia (YTM) Scholar, Thaniges was also the sole MMU representative among the Top 10 finalists. He attended the national-level interview at the Ministry of Higher Education in Putrajaya on September 11, 2026.
For Thaniges, the recognition is more than a personal achievement. Coming from a B40 household in Klang, he described the journey as one shaped by education, perseverance, and the support of his family, university, mentors, fellow student leaders, and the students he represented.
From Student Leader To National Finalist
Thaniges began his leadership journey early, being elected President of MMU’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC) for the 2023/2024 session at just 19 years old, where he represented approximately 14,000 students.
During his tenure, his leadership was guided by the motto “Your Voice, Our Vision”, with three principles; Engage, Execute and Excel (3E).
Beyond his role at MMU, Thaniges has also served as Executive of Student Welfare and Minority Development in the Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar Kebangsaan (MPPK), Chairman of the Board Students of Government Linked University Students 2023/2024 and Director of MMU Sports Mania.
He was also selected as ADUN Muda Selangor 2026, representing DUN Sentosa, and received the MMU Student Prodigy Award 2025 for his contributions and achievements throughout his university journey.
His involvement extends beyond formal leadership positions, with Thaniges having participated in and contributed to more than 200 university, national and international programmes covering student welfare, education, volunteerism, sports, culture, inclusivity and leadership development.
His leadership experiences have also taken him internationally to Tokyo, Istanbul and Bangkok, where he engaged with young leaders and gained exposure to different cultures, perspectives and approaches to youth leadership.
Leadership Built On Listening And Service
Reflecting on his time as SRC President, Thaniges said the position was never about holding a title or authority, but about being accessible to students and listening to concerns, including those who may not always have the confidence or platform to speak up.
Leading such a large student community also taught him the importance of humility and teamwork, as he worked alongside fellow student representatives and the university administration to address student concerns.
For Thaniges, leadership ultimately comes down to service. He believes that the platform he received as a student leader only gained meaning because students trusted him to represent their voices.
A Message Of Hope For The B40 Community
Being the only Indian student among the Top 10 finalists holds a deeper meaning for Thaniges because of where his journey began.
Coming from a B40 household in Klang, he said his path was not shaped by political connections, influential networks or special advantages. Instead, he focused on education, took opportunities to serve and continued pushing forward despite moments of uncertainty.
As an IPTS student from a minority background, Thaniges hopes his journey can encourage other young Malaysians who may feel that their circumstances limit what they can achieve. He believes that a person’s starting point does not have to determine their destination, and that education, perseverance, support and the courage to take the first step can open new possibilities.
“I am here not just to represent myself. I am here to give hope,” he said.
Turning Opportunities Into Opportunities For Others
Looking ahead, Thaniges hopes to combine his technical background in telecommunications with his experience in youth leadership and community development.
As a YTM Scholar, he hopes to build a career where technology and innovation can be used to create meaningful solutions for society, while continuing to support young people and create opportunities for students from less privileged and underrepresented backgrounds.
For Thaniges, positions and awards may be temporary, but what matters is how those opportunities are used to create opportunities for others.
His journey serves as a reminder that leadership is not simply about titles or recognition, but about using the platform one receives to listen, serve and inspire others, especially those who may still be wondering whether they, too, have a place at the table.
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