In a heartwarming social media post, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Sim shared the story of Dayvesh, who lost his father when he was just two years old and was raised single-handedly by his mother for the past 16 years.
Despite facing financial difficulties, Dayvesh’s mother worked tirelessly as a cleaner at a clinic while also caring for her 84-year-old father. Even after returning home from work, she spent her evenings collecting cardboard boxes and other recyclables to earn a little extra money.
However, she carefully saved every cent she earned from recycling in a collection box, untouched for years. Her only dream was to allow her son to pursue higher education and secure a brighter future.
That dream almost slipped away when Dayvesh’s phone broke, causing him to miss an important university registration deadline. After repairing the phone, the family discovered an email containing a university offer, but the registration period had already closed.
Devastated by the situation, his mother approached Steven Sim’s office, not simply to ask for financial assistance but to seek help in saving the dream she had worked so hard to build.
Touched by the family’s circumstances, Sim immediately wrote an appeal letter to the university. Fortunately, the university agreed to reconsider Dayvesh’s application, giving him another opportunity to pursue his studies and finally fulfil his mother’s long-held wish.
Young Malaysians Turn Their Kindness into Something Meaningful
The heartwarming story did not end with Dayvesh securing his university place.
Ahead of Deepavali, Steven Sim’s adopted children, who regularly participated in his community programmes, came together to take Dayvesh, his mother and grandfather shopping for festive clothes.
What made the gesture even more meaningful was that the money came from charitable sales organised by the young volunteers through stalls at Sim’s programmes.
Despite not coming from wealthy backgrounds themselves, these young Malaysians chose to share what they had with a family in need. The outing was particularly emotional for Dayvesh’s grandfather, who had not experienced wearing new clothes for the festive season in many years.
The young volunteers later organised a surprise celebration at Dayvesh’s home to mark his university achievement, bringing together family members and friends for the special occasion.
A Six-Year-Old Act of Kindness Comes Full Circle
During the gathering, Dayvesh’s mother reminded Sim of another significant moment from their past.
She recalled how, during the COVID-19 movement control period six years ago, Steven Sim had visited their home to provide Dayvesh with a laptop when schools were closed.
That laptop became an important learning tool that helped Dayvesh continue his education during a difficult period. Today, the same boy who once depended on that laptop for his studies has earned a place at university.
In another touching moment, one of Sim’s adopted children, Zulaikha, asked if the group could officially welcome Dayvesh as their younger adopted brother.
Steven Sim agreed, saying that the decision would first require the blessing of Dayvesh’s mother and grandfather. With their approval, Dayvesh would become another member of their growing family.
Reflecting on the evening, Sim expressed how deeply moved and proud he was of the young people, highlighting that one does not need to be wealthy to make a difference in someone else’s life.
He also shared a powerful reminder that the true value of what we receive in life is not measured by what we keep, but by what we are willing to share.
As Deepavali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, Dayvesh’s story serves as a beautiful reminder that kindness, compassion and the willingness to uplift others can become the light that guides someone towards a brighter future.
Source: YB Steven Sim Facebook
