Thanks to teacher’s guidance, Nooraizah’s dream of studying at UMPSA fulfilled

PEKAN, 2 October 2023 - The dream of Nooraizah Mohd Safie, an 18-year-old school-leaver from Sekolah Menengah (SMK) Tok Dor, Jerteh to continue her study at the university came true when she registered at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) today.

It was more meaningful when her presence was not only with her mother and siblings but also accompanied by two teachers from SMK Tok Dor who always encouraged her to continue studying.

Their arrival was welcomed by the UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed.

Nooraizah, who was offered to pursue Diploma of Manufacturing Engineering Technology programme, never thought she would be able to continue her study at the university due to financial constraints.

She said that a difficult life and limited family finances almost stopped her from pursuing her dream of going to university.

She further explained that her family only depends on the income of her mother, Wan Kamariah Wan Ngah, 48, who made her living by tapping rubber after her father, Muhamad Safie Jusoh died of COVID-19 two years ago.
She, who is the third of six children, is the family’s hope and often helps her mother at home and manages the family.

Her eldest brother is a disabled person with a hearing impairment as well as his youngest brother who is also a disabled person suffering from Japanese encephalitis when he was ten years old.

Her brother only works as a labourer in an oil palm plantation near the village, while his two younger siblings are still in school.

Meanwhile, SMK Tok Dor Senior Assistant for Student Affairs, Mohd Syamri Abd Razak who also accompanied his student to UMPSA said, Nooraizah’s journey is a meaningful experience for SMK Tok Dor teachers who are also involved in guiding and helping Nooraizah to come out of the cocoon of poverty.

“Nooraizah has overcome many obstacles and trials in her life.

“We are confident that Nooraizah will be an example and inspiration to other students, especially for students at SMK Tok Dor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin also assured that the fate of underprivileged students would continue to be the university’s priority.

“UMPSA has always made a full commitment to ensure that every student, especially those who are financially disadvantaged, receives equal and quality educational opportunities here.

“We will continue to provide financial assistance, academic support and various initiatives to ensure they can pursue their dreams without any obstacles,” he said.

Nooraizah will receive the Dermasiswa B40 TVET Scholarship Assistance from the Ministry of Higher Education to cover the entire cost of tuition fees along with a stipend allowance for her expenses during her study at UMPSA.

She also received Early Education Incentive Assistance of RM1,000.00 and Laptop Assistance as facilities throughout her study.

By: Nur Ainaa Adhreena Muhamad Shukri, Centre for Corporate Communications
Edited by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of  Chemical and Process Engineering Technology