Sampurna Learning Academy in KL
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
The educational climate In Malaysia, the rising economic tensions continues to widen the gap for the underprivileged communities especially for parents who cannot afford to send their children for tuition in order to improve their grades in school and perform better academically. It is only a dream for children for low income families to enjoy this.
But in Setapak, Sampurna Learning Academy is changing the narrative for students from low income families around the vicinity offering affordable learning support from just RM50 for four core subjects. We spoke to the man running the show, Arwind Kumar, to find more about the academy and how it is creating a ripple change not only for the students but for the community as a whole.
From being bullied to becoming academy founder
Image credit: Arwind Kumar via Facebook
Ask a random local Malaysian if they know who Arwind Kumar, a.k.a Mak Cik Roastmah, is and chances are they will say “yes”. As an influencer and social activist, and now a founder of a learning academy, not many people would guess that he is an introvert.
But before the fame and the limelight, Arwind Kumar was just another Indian boy in Malaysia. Growing up, especially during high school, he developed a unique coping mechanism of humour to connect with people and make them feel comfortable. He shared with TheSmartLocal Malaysia:
I love to make people laugh and I am willing to look like a fool just so people can laugh. That was how I grew up in school.
However, secondary school was far from easy. Studying in an all boys school, Kumar stood out for his compassionate and gentle personality as during primary school he had a lot of girlfriends, which naturally made him more compassionate with a gentle personality, something that made him a target for bullying.
“I was dragged out of class, slapped, kicked around. I never knew what standing up for myself meant,” he recalled.
It was during this difficult period that his best friend, Mahatir, played a crucial role in reminding him to stand up for himself. Those formative years shaped his resilience and worldview, lessons that would later influence his approach to education and mentorship.
Despite not enjoying studying, Kumar found comfort in English classes. He excelled in the language and often corrected teachers, a rare confidence that stood in contrast to his struggles elsewhere. “I was not someone who enjoyed studying, but English was my comfort. That was where I felt confident and safe,” he said.
Image credit: Arwind Kumar via Facebook
The love of the language gave him a safe space to express his inner turmoil from the bullying which led him to depression during high school onwards. Not liking to loosely use the word depression himself, Kumar decided to make good use of it by channeling it through a character that is different from his personality, one that is able to speak out the injustices and feelings of things that many people are going through too.
One day I decided to put on a wig and just started talking in front of the camera, no planning or anything, and that was how Mak Cik Rosmah was born, he shared. Starting off on YouTube, Kumar slowly gained fans and with fans also came criticism.
Image credit: Arwind Kumar via Facebook
“Ninety percent of the comments were harsh. People told me I was not funny and I should go and kill myself. But that ten percent gave me the drive to continue,” he added. That persistence eventually built a loyal following and introduced audiences to one of his most memorable alter egos, a character born during a difficult period in his life.
When The Smart Local Malaysia asked what was different about this character from his original self, Kumar said that she did things that he could not do. Mak Cik Roastmah was motherly, and talked about community issues without holding herself back.
Fast forward to today, Kumar has 219k subscribers on YouTube and over 390k followers on Instagram making him one of the well known social media personalities in Malaysia. It was no easy feat and I worked my way up the ladder, he shared.
And to put to good use the experiences and struggles which lead him to find his calling, Kumar now runs a learning academy for students to excel in their academics as well as having the right mental approach in life, something that is crucial.
Affordable education with purpose
The idea behind Sampurna Learning Academy was deeply influenced by Arwind’s mother, who has been running a community based NGO called Kriyalakshmi Gurukul (KMSSG) for over 15 years. “Alot of what I do in life is because of my mum,” he shared.
Following the pandemic in 2020, Kumar noticed a worrying trend where education seemed to lose its priority especially among struggling families. At the same time, he saw students who genuinely wanted to learn but lacked financial support.
Image credit: Sampurna Learning Academy
“There are people who want to study but they cannot afford it, and I wanted to do something about it, ” he shared. With the support of his mother, both the mum and son duo started making this vision come to life by finding a proper space to create a learning centre in KL.
In 2025, within six months, they found a space in Setapak and transformed it into a fully functioning learning academy with the help of donors and community support. With sharing of videos through social media on the opening, the academy started gaining popularity so much that seats are all taken with eager students coming to learn.
With affordable fees as low as RM50 covering four subjects, making it accessible to families who would otherwise struggle to afford tuition, Kumar shared that he takes pride in hiring professional and credible teachers instead of volunteers so students can get the best.
He added that the academy is not just about affordability but also about discipline, responsibility, and growth. “I tell students I have no desire to keep those who are not interested to perform and excel both in education and behaviour development. There are many students who deserve a seat,” Kumar explained.
Similar to schools, the academy also emphasises parental involvement, creating a support cycle between students, parents, and educators. “Parents need to be accountable too. You cannot throw them to a centre and expect us to nurture them from A to Z. There needs to be a proper cycle,” he added.
By creating this structured yet compassionate environment, Sampurna aims to build both academic improvement and personal development among students. For Kumar, education goes beyond textbooks and exams. It is about shaping mindset, building resilience, and encouraging students to take ownership of their future.
“You can stand in a fish market without touching anything, but you will still smell like it. Who you surround yourself with matters,” he said. He also emphasises the importance of mental health and spirituality among younger generations, especially in a digital age where social media can both uplift and overwhelm.
“What we consume, we become. Social media is powerful. If consumed rightly it helps, but if not it can mess with your head.” Kumar believes that growth comes from embracing life’s ups and downs rather than chasing constant positivity.
Drawing from his own experiences of bullying and hardship, he encourages students to seek help, surround themselves with supportive individuals, and believe in change. “If I had not gone through the bullying and dark sides, I would not be who I am today,” he added.
These values form the foundation of Sampurna Learning Academy, where students are encouraged not just to improve academically, but also to grow emotionally and mentally.
Sampurna Learning Academy in Setapak
In a world where education often comes with a hefty price tag, Sampurna Learning Academy stands as a reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with grand gestures. Beyond affordable tuition fees, it is a mirror to Kumar’s journey from a bullied student searching for belonging to a community builder creating opportunities for others.
Cover image adapted from: Sampurna Learning Academy & Arwind Kumar via Facebook