Dreams come true, Norfatihah Mazuki receives Postgraduate Research Award

GAMBANG, 26 October 2024 – Coming from a humble background fuelled the spirit and motivation for Norfatihah Mazuki, 29, to pursue her studies up to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).

She had been nurturing this dream since continuing her studies at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, hoping to receive an award during the convocation ceremony, but fortune had not yet favoured her.

Never setting an end point to her struggles, her perseverance finally paid off when she was selected to receive the Postgraduate Research Award at the 19th UMPSA Convocation Ceremony, presented by the Pro-Chancellor, His Royal Highness Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

She said, “This achievement is the most unforgettable closure and will remain the most meaningful memory throughout my time as a student.”

“In February 2018, I began my master’s studies in Advanced Materials at UMPSA and completed my programme in November 2020, earning a Master of Science degree.

“Subsequently, I pursued my PhD in Physical Sciences at UMPSA in December 2020 and completed my studies in 2024,” she explained.

The second child of Mazuki Mohamed, 64, and Haslina Mohd Nor, 58, Norfatihah also aspires to take her parents abroad.

“My parents were both born and raised in Terengganu and have never lived outside the state.

“Therefore, they are less exposed to the cultures and cuisines of other states, and this has motivated me to improve my family’s standard of living,” she said.

She also expressed her hope to see today’s youth show greater diligence in seeking knowledge and taking their education more seriously.

She added, “If given the opportunity to pursue higher education, do not waste it, as not everyone is fortunate enough to receive such an opportunity.

“Continuing your studies is not just about securing a good job but also about broadening your thinking so that every action taken reflects a well-educated and visionary individual,” she explained.

Born in Dungun, Terengganu, she was also actively involved in co-curricular activities, participating in several programmes under the Renaissance of Science Educators (ROSE) club, including Saintis Turun ke Desa, Young Scientists Camp, Mathematics Recreation, and Lighting Up the Community, as well as research programmes at the national and international levels.

Norfatihah Mazuki is currently undergoing a postdoctoral phase at Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia, for five months and is expected to complete it by the end of October 2024.

By: Siti Nurfarmy Ibrahim, Centre for Corporate Communications

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