JOHOR BARU: A teenager who narrowly escaped falling victim to human trafficking at the age of nine months, 14 years ago, is now proving his potential through outstanding academic achievements.
The teenager, Sean Noah Zachariah, was one of four babies rescued by the police and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). Unfortunately, his biological parents were not found, unlike the other babies who were handed over to their respective next of kin.
Sean Noah was raised in three care centres before becoming the adopted child of business person Padma Zachariah and her partner from Cheras, Selangor, who had no children after 15 years of marriage.
Padma said Sean Noah was adopted in 2013, and her husband took a three-year leave from work to be Sean Noah's caregiver during the initial period, while she managed the household and ran a small business from home.
"Sean Noah knows that he is an adopted child, and I believe that the facts related to adoption cannot be hidden or kept secret.
"What we went through was a beautiful process of shaping our small family. His academic achievements have been excellent from the beginning, a result of the caring community's role.
"We are grateful that, with the help of noble-hearted individuals, including the Tuanku Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris, Sean Noah was enrolled at Epsom College Malaysia in Bandar Enstek, Negri Sembilan, two years ago, where his talent began to shine.
"Last year, Sean Noah achieved an outstanding academic performance, actively participating in school marching band and competitive swimming," she said.
Earlier, Raja Zarith Sofiah said that, on the teenager's recent 14th birthday, Sean Noah sent a video thanking her for her significant assistance in his education.
"I am delighted that he (Sean Noah) is doing well, honing his talents, and contributing to the community at such a young age.
"I wish him the best for his future. I always believe that the community plays a role in a person's upbringing.
"The community bears the responsibility of helping pave the way towards a brighter future for the younger generation," she said.
Meanwhile, Sean Noah said he was grateful for his life.
"I consider myself a privileged teenager, being awarded the Asean Leadership Scholarship to join Epsom College, and the Permaisuri of Johor is one of the individuals who has inspired me.
"I plan to settle in Johor, my and my father's birth state, and serve the state and the people with every knowledge I acquire," he said in a post on The Royal Johor's Facebook account.