BANGI: Noraishah Alisa Che Omar, Malaysia's under-18 golfer was among 4,107 students lining up to enrol for University Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) degree programmes today.
Met after the orientation briefing at Kolej Burhanudddin, the 18-year-old said she was excited and also nervous over pursuing her tertiary education at the top Malaysian university.
UKM has clinched the 12th spot in the recently released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Top 50 Under 50 Rankings for 2019, up from 16 last year.
"However, knowing that this university has golfing facilities and that I can still pursue my passion for the sport while studying here, I put all that aside," she said, adding that she will be studying Sport Science.
Her mother, Noraini Nor agreed, saying that it was one of the reasons the family had chosen UKM.
”All my children are into golf. My husband and I encourage that. I still remember, when she was 5, she had asked me if she could make money by playing golf and we said yes.
"And at 13, her liking turned into passion. Alhamdulilah, she has been doing quiet well and so is her elder sister who’s now at the National Golf Academy in University Utara Malaysia,” she said.
Noraini said three out of her four children, aged 16, 18 and 20, are passionate about the sport and hold the Professional of Golf Malaysia (PGM) card. She added that only her youngest, who is 7 years-old has yet to show interest in the sport.
“While I support my children's passion, I too believe that education is equally important for them,” Noraini said, adding that she hoped the university will be accommodative with her international tournaments and practice sessions throughout her studies.
Noraishah is expected to take part in the upcoming 2018 Sukma in Terengganu later this month.