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

For 20 years, the Harinder Veriah Trust (HVT) has been helping underprivileged girls build a better future through education.

Established in 2006 in memory of Malaysian lawyer Harinder Kaur Veriah, the trust supports financially disadvantaged pupils at Assunta primary and secondary schools in Petaling Jaya, where she had studied.

From a modest initiative, it has grown into a programme currently supporting 114 students: 41 in primary school and 73 in secondary school. Over the past two decades, it has helped more than 600 girls.

Its assistance covers school fees, uniforms, shoes, bags and stationery, as well as daily recess meals and extra tuition to help students keep up with their studies.

The trust was founded by Martin Jacques, a UK-based author and columnist, as a way of turning the loss of his wife into something meaningful.

“My intention was to find a way to celebrate Hari’s life and what she was like as a human being, and somehow turn a terrible event into something positive, because she was always a very positive person,” he said.

Harinder died in 2000 at the age of 33 following alleged medical negligence when she suffered an epileptic seizure in Hong Kong.

The daughter of Karam Singh Veriah, a lawyer and former politician who prioritised political causes over financial gain, Harinder grew up with limited means herself. That experience later influenced the trust’s focus on supporting girls whose families might otherwise struggle to meet the costs of education.

The idea for the trust emerged after a partner at the international law firm where Harinder had worked offered a position at its London office to a Malaysian lawyer from a disadvantaged background.

As only a small number of candidates benefited, Jacques began thinking about how Harinder’s memory could help many more people.

“I thought her life should touch more than just a few who were already fortunate enough to be lawyers,” he said.

Remembering how fondly Harinder had spoken about her schooldays, Jacques began exploring ways to involve her alma mater.

“She always identified herself with those less fortunate. It was her humanity, her empathy for others, her wisdom, and her outlook on life that made her so special,” he added.

HVT’s support extends beyond the students’ school years: since 2024, it has also provided financial assistance to SPM leavers pursuing further education.

One early recipient progressed from matriculation to an accounting degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Last year, another continued to Form Six and secured a Kuok Foundation scholarship.

Another beneficiary came from a difficult family background and experienced disrupted schooling because of her parents’ separation and her mother’s ill health.

After falling behind, she developed an interest in tourism and hospitality, enrolled in a diploma course, and received partial financial assistance from HVT.

For Jacques, seeing the girls move forward is a reminder of why the initiative matters.

“If Hari were here today, she would be absolutely delighted by the idea of helping young girls through education, particularly at the school where she herself studied,” he said.

Keeping the trust running for two decades has required sustained commitment. Fundraising is carried out entirely in the UK, where trustees and supporters contribute through regular donations and events, including an annual Christmas party and auction.

All funds raised go directly towards the children, with no administrative costs in Malaysia or the UK. A Malaysian team works closely with the schools to organise and deliver the assistance.

Looking ahead, Jacques hopes the trust’s approach can be replicated elsewhere, giving more girls from low-income families the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

“Someone asked me recently what I intended to do next and whether I could imagine ever stopping. I said, ‘How could I stop doing it? It’s for Hari. As long as I can do it, I will.’”

Find out more about the Harinder Veriah Trust via its website.

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