A life gone too soon, a legacy that continues to open doors

In 2000, Malaysian lawyer Harinder Kaur Veriah passed away at the age of 33, likely due to medical negligence after suffering an epileptic seizure in Hong Kong. Her legacy lives on through the Harinder Veriah Trust (HVT), established in 2006 by Martin Jacques, a UK-based author and columnist, in memory of his wife. The trust has been supporting underprivileged girls pursue their education ever since.

Initially based in Petaling Jaya, HVT now supports 114 students - 41 in primary school and 73 in secondary school - at Assunta primary and secondary schools. The assistance covers school fees, uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery, daily meals, and extra tuition to help students keep up with their studies. Over the past 20 years, the trust has helped more than 600 girls.

The trust's mission was born from Jacques's desire to turn his wife's loss into something positive and celebrate her life. Harinder herself had experienced financial struggles growing up, which informed the trust's focus on supporting girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Jacques was inspired by her humanity, empathy, wisdom, and outlook on life.

Since 2024, HVT has also provided financial assistance to SPM leavers pursuing further education, helping students like those who progressed to an accounting degree and secured a scholarship. The trust's impact has been seen in various ways, such as a girl who overcame personal challenges to enroll in a diploma course in tourism and hospitality.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, HVT remains committed to helping girls stay in school and pursue further education. Fundraising is carried out entirely in the UK, with all contributions going directly towards the children, with no administrative costs. The trust hopes its approach can be replicated to give more girls from low-income families the opportunity to fulfil their potential.