Abbernaa: From Classical Dance to Policy Research

Cambridge University graduate, Khazanah scholar, strategy associate at Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund — Abbernaa Dhevi Kukananthan’s resumé reads like a dream.

But before the policy briefs and proposal decks, there were mudras (expressive hand gestures) and monologues, ragas shaped by centuries of melodic tradition, and rehearsal halls that echoed with purpose.

Born to parents immersed in the classical vocal heritage of carnatic music, she began bharatanatyam – a form of Indian classical dance – at the age of six and later explored drama and theatre.

“Performing arts has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always been interested in people, systems and structures,” says the Human, Social and Political Sciences graduate who sees a strong connection between her art and field of study.

Classical dance and theatre were early lessons in how structure gives rise to expression. Be it the repeated practice of the araimandi stance until it held both grace and strength, or the careful delivery of lines to achieve the right effect — they all boil down to precision and discipline.

Today, those same principles guide her work in Khazanah Nasional Berhad, where every small detail matters, and context is everything.

Of Pursuing Dreams and Nation Building

Over the years, Abbernaa has worn many hats — and made each one beautifully her own. This is one of the makings of a good candidate for a Khazanah scholarship.

“It is not solely about academics. We want well-rounded scholars: someone with strong results, active in co-curricular activities, possesses leadership potential and most importantly, a genuine passion to give back to society and the nation,” Khazanah Global Scholarship Senior Manager, Azlina Jaffar explains.

The idea to establish a scholarship programme originated from the then Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi and was entrusted to select, support and nurture exceptional individuals.

Khazanah Global is the first scholarship programme offered by the foundation which has supported the dreams of over 1,600 awardees across all its scholarship programmes since.

There is a five-level assessment process, for candidates of the overseas programmes, that culminates with an interview with YK trustees to determine the crème de la crème of students who will eventually take on high-level positions at the top organisations in the country.

We hope to have a ripple effect. We want our scholars to be change-makers who impact people’s lives as how we have changed theirs through education.”

Azlina

The Scholar Experience

That impact is embodied in graduates like Abbernaa. “I hope I’m always of service,” she says, her tone resolute.

Whether it is performing on a stage, climbing the corporate ladder or volunteering with NGO, Hunger Hurts Malaysia after working hours, she is a strong proponent of always being mindful of the overarching picture.

Abbernaa applied for the Khazanah Global Scholarship Programme back in 2017. “The entire process was so seamless and fun; I felt so heard and seen,” she shares, adding that she never felt pigeonholed into a predefined mould of what a scholar should be.

What drew her to apply was the freedom to choose her preferred course. “This was a wonderful degree because it covered the entirety of the human experience, allowed me to unpack global systems and understand how everything is interlinked,” she explains, referring to her studies of politics, international relations, sociology and anthropology.

She describes her tertiary education experience abroad as “enlightening, joyful and introspective.” Studying alongside students from both developed and developing nations, she found the exchange of perspectives deeply enriching. It reinforced her goal of ensuring people are happy and liberated.

When asked her advice for those applying for a Khazanah scholarship, Abbernaa has this to say: “As cliche as it sounds — be yourself! After SPM, people told me to stick to the safe options and the typical mark scheme of how a scholar should be. I think we need to get rid of that.”

The Next Chapter

Graduation marked a new adventure for her as a strategy associate at Khazanah Nasional Berhad.

“I’m really proud of her and happy to be part of Abby’s journey,” shares Azlina whose involvement began at the interview stage.

For the past 12 years, beyond her official role, Azlina has also been a motivator, cheerleader, and confidante. One memory she carries fondly is of a candidate dialing in from a chicken coop.

“We could literally hear clucking in the background!” she exclaims. “He was so impressive, handled the interview like a pro and got the scholarship. He aced his A Levels and attended one of the top universities in the UK,” she recalls, beaming the pride of a mentor who was present every step of the way.

It would be remiss to assume that every part of the journey is smooth. Azlina recalls one candidate who went through a difficult stretch in his academic journey, during which time she stayed closely in touch to offer support and encouragement. When he finally passed with flying colours, it was her he called first.

We meet for this interview at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, where Abbernaa once stepped onto stage as a teenager embodying various lives of the characters she played. Now, years later, the space feels quieter — but no less alive.

As it has for many others, a scholarship helped open new doors, offering not just opportunity, but the freedom to grow beyond any single path.

It is said that a jack of all trades is a master of none — but oftentimes better than master of one.

Abbernaa is proof of that.