KUCHING, Sept 10: Aspiring young Sarawakians talents can now learn the secrets of success from two young successful Sarawakians on not just how to be successful but also lessons from what they had to go through prior to achieving success on the global stage.
Two of Sarawak’s internationally acclaimed stars, Pandelela Rinong and Dewi Liana Seriestha, released their biography books during the Yayasan John Jinep Gala Dinner at a hotel here Sunday.
Speaking to reporters before the official launch, Pandelela, the 25-year-old world champion diver from Bau, said her biography contains mostly stories about her personal struggles and life prior to her success.
It includes some of her rants and posts on social media especially Facebook, she added.
When asked about her next step, she said she would be focusing on her recovery after suffering injuries during Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia in August.
“It was what to be expected, I was injured and I could not compete,” she said when asked on how she felt about her performance at the Asian Games.
Pandelela said she will begin training as soon as she recovers end of this year, for upcoming competitions in 2019 in China, Russia and England, including the Olympics qualifiers.
Meanwhile, singer-model Dewi, hoped that her book would help inspire the young talents of Sarawak to never give up in their struggles for success in whatever career path they tread.
“My biography is about my journey in life and career. It showcases photos from when I was first involved in the field of arts till now, together with inspirational quotes.
“It also tells of my experiences in my career, and I am thankful for it because it is not just my personal achievement but also an opportunity for me to rise up higher,” she said.
Dewi revealed that she would be releasing a new English album in October or November, which would be made available worldwide.
She said she aimed to go international with the album so that she could continue to be an inspiration to young aspiring Sarawakians.
“I hope my achievements can be an inspiration to the youngsters to succeed in life and to do their best in whatever career they are pursuing,” said Dewi.
The books were launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Yayasan John Jinep Gala Dinner on Sunday.
Abang Johari said he was proud with Sarawak as it was blessed with outstanding talents among the local communities.
“Talent is something which is very natural. It must be groomed through education and exposure. If it is not developed and groomed perhaps that talent is not utilised to the fullest. That is where I think of the success of Pandelela, where she has that particular talent in sports, she focused (on developing) her talent until she won the awards internationally. We are very proud with Pandelela.
“The same goes for Dewi. She went to London to sing. Of course for the audiences, she represented Malaysia. But when people asked which part of Malaysia (she is from), it is Sarawak and of course from our local community. Meaning she has brought our (Sarawak) pride to London,” he said.
Abang Johari thanked Yayasan John Jinep for helping to publish Pandelela’s and Dewi’s biography books to help inspire young talents to be successful.
He also thanked the foundation for giving opportunities to young local talents to be groomed and developed, and to become the next Pandelela or Dewi.
Apart from grooming talents, Yayasan John Jinep has also helped some 154 less fortunate students to be able to pursue higher education. — DayakDaily
