Dubai schoolboy Rohan Sampath hasn't just gone straight to the top of his own class, he's topped the Class XII Indian School Certificate examinations with a mind-boggling 99.5 per cent result. The Dubai Modern High School student outclassed almost 60,000 other students from India and around the world. Rohan, who has lived in Dubai most of his life, is a shining example of how hard work and application to your studies can pay off, and his achievement is evidence that it is possible to attain a truly world-class secondary school education in the UAE.
As The National reported earlier this month, Rohan has already been accepted at three of America's leading universities - Stanford, Yale and the University of California, Berkeley - and is on the waiting list for Harvard, Princeton and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"The higher education sector in Dubai is still growing," he explained. "Perhaps in four or five years staying here will be viable but it doesn't have the dynamism of the US."
The day when high-calibre students remain here for their university studies will certainly come, but for now it is to be hoped that Rohan returns after graduation and continues to contribute to the UAE for many years. Meanwhile, his singular academic achievement will surely serve as an inspiration to other students.
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Director: Stephen Merchant
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Florence Pugh, Thomas Whilley, Tori Ellen Ross, Jack Lowden, Olivia Bernstone, Elroy Powell
Four stars
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
