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Mechanic’s son, Muhammad Shafiq, wins Pro-Chancellor’s Award and fast-track PhD pathway at UMPSA

GAMBANG, 26 October 2024 – Courage to face life’s challenges and not easily giving up has proven to be a double success for graduate Muhammad Shafiq Danial Eizmeer Johar, 24, who received the Pro-Chancellor’s Award at the 19th Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Convocation Ceremony.

What’s even more exciting is that the son of a mechanic has also managed to continue his studies through a fast-track pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Civil Engineering at UMPSA after achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.78 during his bachelor’s degree programme.

Muhammad Shafiq expressed his gratitude for this double success and said he did not expect to be named the recipient of the Pro-Chancellor’s Award at this convocation.

“I would like to thank my parents and lecturers, who have provided a lot of encouragement and support throughout my studies.

“During my diploma studies, I was not as active as I became when I pursued my bachelor’s degree.

“I believe that to succeed, one not only needs to excel academically but also to be active in co-curricular activities,” said this native of Terengganu.

Muhammad Shafiq

Additionally, he stated that one important principle to instil in oneself is to show respect to our parents and teachers.
He also shared his joy at being able to continue his studies through the fast-track PhD pathway.

“With this fast-track PhD pathway, we no longer need to go through the master’s level, saving one to two years.

“I will seize this opportunity wholeheartedly until I succeed,” said the fourth of five siblings.

He also expressed gratitude for receiving the Dean’s List Award every semester and being recognised as the Best Student in the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology (FTKA) in 2024.

He has been actively involved in various co-curricular activities, including serving as Vice President of the Civil Engineering Technology Students’ Association (SCETS) and as a student representative in the Students’ Representative Council (MPP).

In addition, he has participated in international programmes.

Muhammad Shafiq acknowledged that UMPSA provides comprehensive facilities for the learning process, including laboratories and libraries that facilitate his research.

He further stated that he greatly appreciates the support of experienced teaching staff and their commitment to helping students achieve academic success.

“The learning approach at UMPSA, which integrates theory and practical applications, gives graduates an advantage in facing industry challenges.

“One of my greatest achievements was winning a gold medal in the Creation, Innovation, Technology, and Research Exposition (CITREX),” he said.

He has also been active in innovative research that has made a significant impact in the field of engineering.

Muhammad Shafiq aspires to become a lecturer at a leading higher education institution and aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and skills. 

By: Nor Salwana Mohammad Idris, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology

Reports by:
Nor Salwana bt Hj Mohammad Idris