Royal Education Award (Pingat Jaya Cemerlang) from UMPSA, a sweet gift for Foo Xiao Bing

GAMBANG, 21 October 2023 - All her hard work and effort at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) finally paid off whenFoo Xiao Bing, 24, was awarded the Royal Education Award (Pingat Jaya Cemerlang) at the UMPSA 18th Convocation Ceremony (MKK-18).

The Bachelor (Honours) in Chemical Engineering graduand from the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP) received the award presented by the UMPSA Chancellor, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’Ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah at the first session of MKK-18 which took place on 21 October.

She obtained a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.98 and also received consecutive Dean’s List Awards throughout her undergraduate study at UMPSA.

In fact, during her Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Process Plant) at UMPSA, Foo also obtained a CGPA of 3.92.

According to the Johor Bahru-born who strictly adheres to the principle of ‘being open-minded to any criticism and opinions’, her success today is thanks to the encouragement of her parents.

Moved by the recognition, the daughter of Foo Tein Soon, 63 and Tee Siew Eng, 59 described the award as a symbol of the sacrifices she had made over the years.

Her father, who works as a mechanic, and her mother, who is a clerk, always supported and encouraged her without stinting on the money and gave their best.

“My family always supports and comforts me when I face any difficulties.

“Thanks to their support and love, I had the courage to face any obstacles during my study.

“I am really happy today to receive this award and to make my parents proud.

“I have already achieved my goals and without them, none of this would have happened,” she said in a choked tone.

She also won a gold medal and a special award at the Creation, Innovation, Technology and Research Exposition (CITREX) 2023 organised by UMPSA.

For her, UMPSA provides adequate learning facilities for students such as laboratory facilities.

“Meanwhile, for students majoring in Chemical Engineering, the FTKKP laboratories contain various types of operational units to facilitate students.

“In addition, UMPSA instructors provide adequate teaching materials and answer students’ questions in a friendly manner,” said Foo, whose favourite pastimes are jogging and listening to music.

She further explained that the learning approach and co-curricular content at UMPSA emphasise the importance of soft skills such as presentation skills, communication, leadership, and so on.

“As these soft skills are instilled in students, it is easier for us to adapt to the work environment after graduation,” she said.

Refusing to be content with success and wanting to keep challenging herself, Foo intends to contribute to the family in the future while making UMPSA proud.

By: Safriza Baharuddin And Nur Hartini Mohd Hatta, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of  Chemical and Process Engineering Technology