Kuala Lampur, Dec. 18 -- This week, many schools across the country are holding their annual prize-giving ceremonies. Certificates are printed. Trophies are arranged. Names are rehearsed.

Parents adjust their schedules. Children practise walking up the stage, stopping and walking on cues; some nervously, some confidently.

Social media fills up with photos of smiling faces, proud families, and carefully framed moments of achievement.

When I was in primary school, I used to be one of those children called up every year since Darjah Satu. Almost every possible spelling permutation of my name has been used: "Nahrizal Adib", "Nahzirul Abid", even "Mahrizal Adip" once, I think.

Either best in class, best in subjects, or top student. Certifi...