YOU may think that for Oxford University graduate Noor Syakirah Mohad Azam, victory is in the bag. But if you ask her, winning is farthest from her mind.
Kiera, as she is fondly known, is among 14 contestants who will pit their intellect to win the title of “Clever Girl Malaysia” and the RM100,000 cash prize that comes with it.
Despite having attended the renowned university, she feels no pressure to win in the reality game show which seeks to unearth Malaysia’s brightest and smartest girl.
“The contestants are from different educational backgrounds so we each have our own advantages and an equal chance to succeed,” said the 27-year-old Penang lass, who scored 10 A1s in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.
Kiera, an engineering science graduate, expressed her concerns if she were to be tested on the subject of entertainment.
“I know nothing about it. If I’m to identify a Hollywood actress based on a picture, I’ll be stumped,” said the entrepreneur.
“I don’t watch movies unless someone invites me to. I may have a television set at home, but I never use it,” she told the New Straits Times at the Clever Girl press conference at Sri Pentas in Kuala Lumpur recently.
“I never had any favourite drama genres or actors, nor do I keep track of who is starring in what upcoming movie or show.”
When asked if she had heard of actor Fattah Amin, Kiera said: “Oh, that one I know, because everyone’s talking about him.”
So, what does she do during her leisure time?
“I enjoy reading and spending time with my loved ones over coffee or going for zumba, freeletics or dance classes and ice-skating.”
Kiera’s motivation in joining Clever Girl is to inspire others to embrace knowledge and intellectual pursuits.
With her excellent educational background, she has been invited to give motivational talks to students, where she shared her experiences and journey to Oxford.
“Making your way into such a prestigious university is possible for anyone if he or she works towards achieving that goal.
“I want to encourage others to never lose hope and to always give their best in everything they do. Nothing is impossible.”
Kiera is hopeful that more Malaysians will pick up reading.
“Reading is the door to experiencing things that one has no access to otherwise. It teaches us about the world around us.”
During the inaugural Clever Girl show last year, viewers criticised some of the contestants for failing to answer even the simplest of questions.
Kiera said she is prepared to face criticism by viewers, and is open to any feedback, be it positive or negative.
Clever Girl Season 2 premieres on Friday at 9pm.