The global social enterprise, Ascendance, celebrates their 10th year anniversary this year, commemorating this milestone with the release of their brand new book, “Ascendance: The Origin Story”. Many of the teachers and students impacted by Ascendance’s programme travelled from Sarawak, Perak, Penang and Johor to attend the book launch at Menara Hap Seng, KL to celebrate the team’s decade-long journey that has impacted 55,000 students in 26 countries.
Like every Ascendance event, the book launch too was run by Ascendance’s Gen Z-team of 10 to 23 years old, many of whom are returning alumni eager to impact the next generation of students.
“As a teacher, I can see the progress of language and life skills being developed in my students,” said Cikgu Siti Hasrat from SMK Pesantren Abdul Taib Mahmud, Sarawak, who travelled to Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Ascendance’s decade of impact.
“[Their] experiential learning sessions enhance students’ entrepreneurship, leadership, communication and even decision-making skills, making learning more meaningful. With gratitude, a thousand thanks to the Ascendance team,” said the proud teacher whose students have been participating in Ascendance’s programs since 2021.
During the event, attendees got to travel back in time, to before Ascendance became an international youth organization. In a heartfelt flashback video featuring the four founders (Mathura Kannan, Heerraa Ravindran, Sanadtkumar Ganesan, and Harsha Ravindran), the event (as well as the book) tells the story of how the team first started with the dream of engaging disengaged Gen Zs to start achieving their goals while still in school.
“Writing this book has allowed me to reflect on the journey we’ve been on as a team. From how we first met as ordinary teens, to conducting our first peer-to-peer program, to being the first Malaysians to receive The Diana Award back in 2019; it’s an honour to see how far Ascendance’s impact has reached,” shared Heerraa Ravindran, the author of the ‘Ascendance: The Origin Story’ book and co-founder of Ascendance.
“It reminded me how any one has the ability to achieve the craziest of dreams, especially when you have the right environment and support system to help you achieve that goal.”
“It feels surreal to me as someone who started as a participant, who is now the Acting CEO of Ascendance Malaysia,” said Mahalaxcme Ganesan, ready to take the helm of the Gen Z-led organization at just 21-years-old.
“Working with thousands of students across Southeast Asia is first-hand proof that young people truly have the ability to create a lasting impact, as seen through Ascendance’s incredible work over the years. I’m excited for my team and I to continue paving the way for more students to discover their potential and create impact in their own communities.”
From equipping teens with entrepreneurship skills to engaging the disengaged generation through peer-to-peer programs, Ascendance aims to continue inspiring students to become leaders and top-scorers.
As part of their next chapter, Ascendance will be expanding its work in the United States through a recent collaboration with The Motley Fool, a trusted name in financial education. Known for empowering millions of investors with expert insights, market analysis, and long-term investment strategies, The Motley Fool has invested in Ascendance US to kick start its work in the United States, further amplifying its mission to shape the next generation of changemakers.
For students, parents and teachers who would like to read and get inspired by Ascendance’s journey can purchase the “Ascendance: The Origin Story” book at www.ascendancefounders.com/book. Individuals or companies interested in making a direct impact amongst at-risk students through Ascendance’s initiatives can get in touch with Ascendance’s non-profit arm, Persatuan Minda Dinamik dan Kreatif (PMDK), at contact@pmdk.org.
