This story is about Sarvysswharrann Yogeswaran, a 12-year-old boy who’s already —quite literally— reaching for the stars.
While most 12-year-olds are focused on homework and video games, Sarvysswharrann is balancing school with his leadership role as the youngest co-leader for the NASA Space Apps Kuala Lumpur 2024, part of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge—the world’s largest global hackathon.
The program unites coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, and problem solvers from over 163 countries to tackle real-world challenges on Earth and in space using open-source NASA data. For Malaysia, Sarvysswharrann’s involvement is a big deal:
- He’s the only student in Malaysia holding a co-leader position.
- Under his leadership, Malaysia earned an Honorable Mention for its projects on the global stage.
A Passion That Started Early
Image source: Yogeswaran Tamil Selvam
Sarvysswharrann’s journey began with a fascination for space and innovation. While kids his age were watching cartoons, Sarvysswharrann was already imagining satellites, missions, and innovations that could change the world.
His big break came when he was offered the role of co-leader for NASA Space Apps Kuala Lumpur—an opportunity that allowed him to step into a leadership position that’s both challenging and inspiring.
But make no mistake: this isn’t just about titles and achievements. Sarvysswharrann has real goals, big goals—and they’re for Malaysia.
Raising the Malaysian Flag Globally
This young innovator isn’t working alone. Alongside his team, Sarvysswharrann has a clear mission:
- By 2025, they aim to send 2,000 innovative projects from Malaysia to the global stage.
- They’re already working to inspire 10,000 students across schools, universities, and industries to participate in NASA Space Apps Kuala Lumpur 2025.
For Sarvysswharrann, this isn’t just about competition; it’s about igniting innovation in Malaysia and proving that young minds have the power to tackle global challenges.
Inspiring Change, One Student at a Time
Sarvysswharrann’s impact is felt not just globally but locally, too. His leadership has led to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives approved by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia). These programs focus on spreading space and innovation education across the country—reaching schools, educators, and young students who dream of achieving something similar.
Learning Leadership on a Global Scale
Imagine a 12-year-old attending monthly global calls with international teams, brainstorming ideas, and contributing to a massive event like the NASA Space Apps Challenge. Sarvysswharrann is doing just that.
This young boy can confidently identify various cloud formations, name them all, and even deliver an impressive presentation about them to a room full of adults.
@capt.dr.sarvysswharrann PART 1 : 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑 #juniortrainer ♬ original sound – @Capt.dr.sarvysswharrann
Through his role, he’s learning critical skills in collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving—skills that many adults take years to develop. But for him, it’s all part of the journey to inspire others. He says, “When we work together, we can make anything possible.”
This year alone, the program saw over 93,520 participants, 15,444 teams, and 9,996 projects submitted globally. Malaysia’s Honorable Mention was a proud moment—a milestone that showed what can happen when passion meets opportunity.
A Future Star in Space and Aviation
Sarvysswharrann’s love for space doesn’t stop at the NASA Space Apps Challenge. He’s also achieved remarkable milestones in space and aviation education, earning recognition that sets him apart from his peers.
At such a young age, he’s proving that ambition has no boundaries—whether it’s developing innovative projects, helping Malaysia shine globally, or inspiring young Malaysians to dream big.
Even Tony Fernandez, CEO of AirAsia, was amused to meet the young aviator-in-training, offering him some age-appropriate advice: “One day, you’ll have to step out into the world on your own. Enjoy life first, and then decide what you want to do.”
@capt.dr.sarvysswharrann #tonyfernandes #youngpilot #airasiayoungambassador #youngambassador #simflightkl #brandambassador #simflighklbrandambassador #sarvysstonyfernandes @tonyfernandesairasia ♬ original sound – capt.dr.sarvysswharrann – @Capt.dr.sarvysswharrann
What’s Next for Sarvysswharrann?
2025 is already shaping up to be another milestone year. Sarvysswharrann and his team are hard at work on their next big target: bringing 10,000 students into the fold of NASA Space Apps Kuala Lumpur. By creating a platform for innovation, they hope to elevate Malaysia’s reputation in global tech and science spaces even further.
He has had the honor of meeting the 16th King of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at a public event.
@capt.dr.sarvysswharrann THE MOMENT with Kebawah Duli Yang Maha di-Petuan Agong XVI Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah #captdrsarvysswharrann #airasiayoungambassador #aatayoungambassador #simflighklbrandambassador #teleport #unstoppable #geniuskids #proudparents #unstoppable #tiktoker #tiktok #tiktokviral #fyp #tiktoktrending #latest #latesttiktok #malaysiatiktok #aviationgeek #aviationworld #aviationcareer #malaysia #pilot #pilotlife #talent #malaysiatalent #kidsgottalent #talentkids #istananegara @Istana Negara TV @t@lifeatteleport ♬ original sound – @Capt.dr.sarvysswharrann
But for Sarvysswharrann, the mission is bigger than himself. It’s about showing other kids—his peers, his friends—that they, too, can dream beyond the classroom, beyond the stars.
Sarvysswharrann’s favorite inspiring person is Apj Abdul Kalam, and his favorite quote by the eminent scientist and president of India is “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
The Power of Young Minds
Sarvysswharrann Yogeswaran’s story is proof that young Malaysians have the potential to make a mark on the world stage. His role as the youngest co-leader in this prestigious event is not just a personal achievement—it’s a shining example of what happens when talent, opportunity, and hard work come together.
Let’s celebrate Sarvysswharrann and his incredible achievements as he inspires Malaysia—and the next generation—to reach for the stars.
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I Earn RM15,000 Monthly as a Designer After Teachers Said I’d Have No Future
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