She is just all of 12-years-old but Wong Ziling already holds the title Emeritus Head Prefect, has a published story and has started a community project.

The Innova Primary pupil's impressive list of accomplishments has not gone unnoticed. She was one of the 29 youngsters who received the Outstanding All Rounder Student (OARS) Award at the Community Development Council (CDC) level on Monday night. The award is to recognize students who excel in five main areas: academic, leadership, co-curriculum, community services and other attributes.

In addition, 19 schools received the Outstanding School Partner Award, a new category introduced to recognise the most supportive school partners of the North West CDC.

Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Education and Manpower) who was the guest of honour at the event said: "This award comes at a critical juncture to let the students know that they should look beyond academic achievements and also incorporate an emphasis towards co-curricular activities and community service as a path towards success."

"This also serves as a strong signal to parents to reinforce the concept that success is possible beyond scholastic fields," he added. Ziling's father, Mr Andrew Wong, 44, an inventory manager, is one such parent who recognises that it is not just about hitting the books. He noted that it was important for the lines of communication between parents and schools to remain open so that parents can give feedback if their children are finding their schedules too hectic.

Ziling, for example, is the school's Emeritus Head Prefect which means she has served as Head Prefect and now contributes in an advisory role. She also writes in her free time and her story, The Magic Prophecy, was published in a collection of fantasy tales. To top it off, she is also kept busy with the Share a Textbook project which helps the less fortunate through a textbook donation and distribution drive.