Two USM Graduates Overcome Adversity To Achieve Academic Excellence

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Tested by the loss of his father at the age of eight and witnessing the struggles of his mother raising two children on her own spurred Wong Yong Jie to be determined to change his family’s fate.

Today, Wong, 23, became the recipient of the Royal Education Award by the Conference of Rulers of Malaysia in the non-bumiputera category, presented during Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) 62nd convocation ceremony.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Honours) graduate said that he was not an outstanding student in school, but it was the words of his mother, Ooi Siew Lee, 58, who often reminded him that it was only through education that they could change their lot, that inspired him to work harder at his studies.

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“After my father died in a road accident in 2009, my mother took on the responsibility of heading the family, running a small hardware business to support my brother and I.

“When I was in Form One, I was teased by my classmates for not having a father, and that became the turning point for me to never look back. I made a promise to myself to work hard for a better future for our family,” he said during a special press conference and the introduction of outstanding graduates in conjunction with the convocation ceremony held here today.

Wong said he was grateful that his efforts had borne fruit, proving to those who had looked down on him in the past that he had not only earned his degree but had also been selected as one of the outstanding students.

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“This success is also a gift to my mother; a reward for her tireless efforts in ensuring I received the best education, as well as for being the most important pillar in my life,” he added.

Regarding his future, the native of Kepala Batas intends to pursue a fast-track Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the same field and hoped to one day be a lecturer at USM.

Meanwhile, Nurul Asyiqin Shafie, 23, the recipient of the USM Gold Medal Award for students with disabilities, did not see her personal limitations as an obstacle to achieving her dreams.

Although the university provides facilities for students like her, the Setiu (Terengganu)-born student said she preferred to challenge herself and did not want to be treated differently from other students.

“I was involved in a motorcycle accident while riding a pillion with my cousin, which resulted in the tendons in all four toes of my right foot being severed and having to be amputated. Since then, I have been unable to engage in strenuous activities,” said the second of four siblings. 

“Then, in my final semester, I had another minor accident, which caused a fracture to my left leg, and I had to rely on my right leg. I was given 58 days of medical leave, but I took the risk and only took four days off because I didn’t want to delay my studies; if I had, I might have missed this convocation session.” 

Despite facing various challenges, the honours graduate with a Bachelor of Education (TESOL) said she ultimately proved that with determination and perseverance, success was still possible.

Nurul Asyiqin, who now gives part-time online tuition, dedicated her success to her father, Shafie Awang, 61, a mechanic, and her mother, Maziah Hamid, 45, who suffers from kidney disease.

In addition to Wong and Nurul Asyiqin, three other outstanding graduates received awards during the convocation ceremony, which will be held over eight days, from tomorrow until Nov 26.

Earlier, during the press conference, USM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed Rahman announced that a total of 8,971 graduates would receive degrees, including two recipients of honorary degrees and two recipients of the title of Professor Emeritus.

Additionally, 3,396 graduates will receive their scrolls for their PhD and Master’s degrees, 5,508 graduates for bachelor’s degree, and 56 graduates for the nursing diploma.

-- BERNAMA