SINTOK: Overcoming the setback of failing three subjects in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2015, Muhammad Azri Mizra, 25, was determined to excel in higher education.
Today, the graduate from Universiti Utara Malaysia received the Royal Academic Award from Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah for his outstanding academic achievements during his bachelor's degree journey.
Azri, who graduated with a Bachelors of Logistics and Transportation, attributed his success to the determination to support his family, despite facing numerous challenges.
"I went through a dark period after SPM having failed three subjects and my parents getting separated at the time.
"However, I couldn't give up as I knew my mother and three other siblings needed me, so when I started my higher education journey at Kolej Professional Mara in Johor, I was going to give it my all.
"Alhamdulilalh, now I am a procurement officer at a multinational company and I am able to help my mother financially," he said when met after the 36th UUM Convocation Ceremony in Sintok here today.
Also receiving the same award was J. Kaavilash Nair, 25, who graduated with a Bachelors of Communication while the Vice-Chancellor Gold Medal was awarded to Nurfarazida Salleh, 23, who graduated with an Islamic Finance and Banking Bachelors degree.
Azri, who is the second eldest of four siblings, said that consistency and persistence were key attributes that helped him achieve academic excellence.
"I was also inspired to help my mother, she needed financial help as the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is very high, I couldn't let her be burdened," he added.
Kaavilash, who graduated in Bachelors in Communication, said receiving the royal award from Sultan Sallehuddin was the highest point in his life.
"I failed my Additional Mathematics paper during SPM, I got a G grade for that subject. I was at my lowest point as I disappointed my parents at the time.
"I also struggled to get into university programmes and used up all of my frustration to motivate me to study really hard, at last I managed to succeed, and I made my parents proud," he added.
Kaavilash said that he is currently employed and considering to enroll in postgraduate studies.
"I thank God for blessing me and my family, I hope that I can continue making everyone around me proud," said Kaavilash, the son of a Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) supervisor.
Meanwhile, UUM vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan said that 5,738 graduates would receive their degrees in nine sessions during five day ceremony.
"Out of the 5,738 graduates, 4,333 or 75.52 per cent will obtain bachelor's degrees, 1,387 (24.17 per cent) will earn postgraduate degrees, and 18 graduates (0.31 per cent) will receive Executive Diplomas," he added.