Determined Orphan Eyes Brighter Future Through TVET

TASEK GELUGOR, June 22 (Bernama) -- Unlike most teenagers, 18-year-old Auni Batrisya A. Rahman Siyutti has learned to be independent after losing both parents, and the hardships she faces strengthen her resolve to pursue a career in electrical engineering.

The challenges faced by the youngest of six siblings from Kampung Bukit Serdang, Air Panas Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, caught the attention of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, opening up a new opportunity for her to further her studies in her chosen field. 

For Auni Batrisya, the opportunity to pursue a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Domestic and Industrial) at TVET MARA Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) will not only realise her dream of becoming an engineer, but it is also an important step to change her life and that of her family. 

Auni Batrisya said she went to the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Pengkalan Hulu last week to apply for assistance to obtain a laptop after being offered a place at Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah (POLIMAS) in Jitra, Kedah, and did not expect Asyraf Wajdi to take notice of her plight. 

“On Tuesday, he contacted me and offered me a place at TVET MARA SPU,” she said when met after registering at the institution here today, accompanied by her two older brothers. 

She shared that her father, A. Rahman Siyutti, passed away from a heart attack in 2015, while her mother, Salbiah Ahmad, died in December 2021 due to a lung infection. 

“I want to repay my siblings’ kindness and Datuk’s (Asyraf Wajdi) trust, for giving me the opportunity and support to further my studies.

“I was told that starting salaries in the TVET field can reach between RM4,000 and RM6,000. Once I succeed, I will help my brothers and repay their sacrifices,” she said. 

Meanwhile, her second brother, Mohd Zuhri, 36, said Auni Batrisya is remarkably resilient and determined to continue her education. 

Earlier, Asyraf Wajdi helped Auni Batrisya secure a place at TVET MARA SPU and also offered to take the orphan under his wing as a foster child to better monitor her academic progress and support her needs.

-- BERNAMA