International Essay Triumph
Jasmine Lee (Year 12) was recently recognised with a High Commendation at the 2025 Global Essay Prize for Psychology organised by the prestigious John Locke Institute. She is among winners selected from a pool of 18.65% shortlisted submissions. The global essay prize saw a tremendous 63,328 registrations for the year 2025.
Although unaware of the prestigious competition initially, having been introduced to the Institute by her sibling, Jasmine took the effort to submit her essay on self-worth. Her essay was an engaging academic work to say the least. Not an easy feat for someone her age. Flawless style with smooth, easily comprehensible flow.
Her powerful essay explores Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quote, making a critical case that we cannot just “choose” to feel worthy; real empowerment demands that we fight for a world where everyone can.
Jasmine summarises that “Eleanor Roosevelt’s phrase remains a powerful reminder: don’t give away your self-worth too easily. Her quote encourages self-belief and the idea that we can choose how much power others have over our emotions. While this message is inspiring, it isn’t always realistic for everyone. In situations shaped by racism, abuse, or strong social pressure, people often don’t have the freedom to reject feelings of inferiority. In these cases, choice becomes limited. Real empowerment comes not just from inner strength, but also from changing the outside world that holds people back. To truly help people stand up to demeaning treatment, we need to support both personal confidence and broader social change.”
She received a $1,000.00 scholarship to attend the John Locke Summer School as part of the prize.
For the moment, Jasmine is focusing on her studies at Concord Malaysia and the upcoming Summer School. Asked about her future plans, like most teenagers, Jasmine is still undecided and roller coasting between law, economics, psychology or early years.
Concord Malaysia wishes Jasmine all the best and is certain of an upward trajectory in her path to success.
