Three Senior Language Teachers from UMPSA achieve master’s degrees

GAMBANG, 26 October 2024 – Busy working hours while simultaneously pursuing their master’s studies were no obstacle for three Senior Language Teachers from the Centre for Modern Languages (PBM), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), who successfully completed their master’s degrees part-time.

Aishah Hanum Abu Bakar, Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali, and Nabila Abdul Malek are the pioneer graduates of the Master of Science in Technology-Integrated Language Studies programme.

The 19th UMPSA Convocation Ceremony celebrated the success of 5,115 graduates across various levels, from diploma to doctorate (PhD).

The ceremony was officiated by the Pro-Chancellor of UMPSA, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. 

Also in attendance were the Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin.

The Head of the English Department, PBM, Dr Umi Kalsom Masrom, praised the determination and perseverance of the three teachers. 

She remarked that their achievement in balancing work and studies to earn their master’s degrees should serve as an inspiration to others.

“I congratulate them and hope more staff will be encouraged to pursue their studies to a higher level,” she said.

Senior Language Teacher Aishah Hanum Abu Bakar reflected on her journey, saying that pursuing a master’s degree was something she had never imagined.

“However, one day, I made the unexpected decision to try, and I am very grateful to have succeeded.

“I realised that my years of teaching experience played an important role in my coursework, and it certainly helped me to complete assignments and assessments successfully,” she said.

Nabila Abdul Malek, another Senior Language Teacher, expressed her gratitude for the achievement. 
She credited her husband and parents for their unwavering support, love, and sacrifices during her studies.

“Thanks also to my supervisors and lecturers for their guidance and encouragement throughout this journey.

“To my family and friends, thank you for every word of encouragement.

“I could not have succeeded without you all, and this achievement belongs to us together,” she said.

Meanwhile, Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali shared her deep appreciation for her family, particularly her husband and children, who were her constant source of strength.

“I am also truly grateful to my supervisor, Dr Asiah Kasim, for her dedication, guidance, and invaluable advice.

“Not forgetting my colleagues who were always by my side, sharing both joy and challenges in pursuing this dream.

“This success would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from all of you,” she said.

Despite their busy schedules as teachers, wives, and mothers, the success of these three UMPSA Senior Language Teachers highlights their determination and commitment to becoming agents of positive change in an educated and balanced society.

Their achievement proves that with hard work, patience, and perseverance, nothing is impossible.

Congratulations to them, and may they continue to achieve greater success in the future.

By: Jamilah Bebe Mohamad, Rosnani Ismail, Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan and Nurkarimah Yusof, Centre for Modern Languages (CML)

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)