REAL Schools Shah Alam Alumnus Awarded RM1.3 Million PETRONAS Scholarship to Pursue Engineering in Canada

REAL Schools Shah Alam proudly celebrates one of its shining stars, Deevarshan A/L Kanakaraj, who has been awarded a prestigious full PETRONAS scholarship worth RM1.3 million to pursue petroleum engineering in Canada.

Chosen from over 2,000 applicants nationwide, Deevarshan’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the REAL difference; a foundation built on academic rigour, strong character, and the holistic opportunities that empower students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

During his years at REAL Schools Shah Alam, Deevarshan distinguished himself as a well-rounded scholar. He excelled academically, achieving straight A’s in the SPM 2024 examination across nine subjects, while also representing Malaysia in international Mental Maths competitions and earning distinctions in communication skills. Beyond the classroom, he served with distinction as Head Prefect, President of the Public Speaking Club, and President of the Dodgeball Team, inspiring his peers through his leadership, teamwork, and integrity. He also contributed as Editor of the school’s literary anthology Innocent Ink, showcasing his eloquence and creativity.

But beyond accolades, it was his mindset that stood out.

“I’ve always believed in balance. I didn’t want to just be good in one thing. I wanted to grow in every area possible. REAL gave me that space to explore, to lead, and to fail safely,” said Deevarshan. “The teachers didn’t just teach subjects; they shaped confidence, they shaped belief.”

His journey was not without challenges. Managing the demands of academics, leadership, and personal growth required immense discipline. Yet, Deevarshan found his rhythm through perseverance and structure, learning that consistency, not perfection, was the real driver of success.

“At REAL Schools Shah Alam, we take immense pride in having nurtured a student of Deevarshan’s calibre. He has consistently demonstrated academic brilliance, exemplary leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility. His achievement in securing this prestigious PETRONAS scholarship is not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the values and foundation instilled at our school. We are confident that Deevarshan will continue to excel and inspire wherever he goes,” said Mr. Fazli Osman, National Secondary Principal, REAL Schools Shah Alam.

Deevarshan’s journey also shows the value of REAL’s balanced approach to education, where excellence is not confined to exam results alone, but extends to character building, leadership, and service. Recently, he returned to campus to deliver a motivational talk to Senior 5 students, encouraging them to stay consistent and trust their own timeline. His humility, authenticity, and drive to give back deeply resonated with his juniors, a true example of the REAL spirit.

“Deevarshan’s journey embodies what REAL Schools stands for, which is raising students who are not only academically capable, but also confident, compassionate, and ready to make an impact in the world. We are deeply proud of him and remain committed to nurturing more young talents who, like him, will go on to achieve greatness and give back to society,” shared Ms. Lili Mariah, Campus Principal, REAL Schools Shah Alam.

As he prepares for his next chapter at UCSI College before progressing to Canada to pursue his degree in petroleum engineering under the PETRONAS scholarship, Deevarshan hopes to contribute meaningfully to the global energy sector by finding ways to make it more efficient, sustainable, and impactful for future generations.

His journey is a powerful reminder of how resilience, excellence, and the right support can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. And for REAL Schools Shah Alam, it’s yet another proud testament to the power of an education that truly prepares students for the real world.