Breaking family tradition of staying home, Farah Ariqah proves success by receiving Sabah Excellence Award

GAMBANG, 29 October 2024 – Farah Ariqah Puddin, 24, the eldest child of Puddin Man, 56, and Siti Rajiah Muslimin, 56, chose to break her family tradition by furthering her studies outside Sabah.

Who would have thought that this choice would lead this Sabahan to be selected as the recipient of the Sabah Excellence Award at the 19th Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Convocation Ceremony held at the Sports Complex Hall, UMPSA Gambang Campus.

Being actively involved in the Yayasan UMPSA Squad throughout her four years of study taught her to step out of her comfort zone and discover a new version of herself.

According to her, she was an introvert and afraid to stand in front of others.

“However, now I have become an extrovert and can communicate with confidence.

“Yayasan UMPSA taught me interpersonal skills that I would not have gained elsewhere,” she said.

Despite being busy with volunteer activities, the graduate from the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP) proved her success by earning the Dean’s List Award every semester and completing her studies with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.85.

Additionally, she also received the Best Academic Performance Award within the Yayasan UMPSA Squad.

Reflecting on her decision to further her studies, she was determined to try something new, as she believes that we never know how long we have to live.

“Therefore, I will never let go of any opportunity that comes my way.

“If not now, then when? After all, we only live once.

“Most importantly, regardless of our religion or circumstances, we must always remember Allah SWT in every step of our lives because His blessings are the key to success in this world and the hereafter,” she added.

Farah Ariqah also shared her memorable experiences of participating in UMPSA’s mobility programme to Kashmir and the Kembara Prihatin@Negeri di Bawah Bayu series in Semporna and Tuaran.

She is now awaiting her job offer letter from Sunward Pharmaceutical Sdn. Bhd. for the position of Junior Executive (R&D).

Also receiving the Sabah Excellence Award was Sean Kendrick Soh, who is now furthering his studies abroad.

By: Siti Nurfarmy Ibrahim, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology