![]() Academic and International Nazratul Husna – Recipient of Dimension Bid Sdn. Bhd. Industrial AwardBy: SHALFARINA SHAHRIMAN, UMP PUBLISHER The experience gained when she was a participant in a student exchange programme to Turkey two years ago provided the impetus for Nazratul Husna Yatim Selamat, to complete her studies with flying colours. Nazratul Husna, 23, the recipient for Dimension Bid Sdn. Bhd. Industrial Award, is a graduate of Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons.) Material Technology. She received her scroll during Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held at the Gambang Campus Sports Complex on November 10 and 11, 2018. She was also on the Dean’s List for six semesters, consecutively. On the trip to Turkey, Nazratul Husna said it was the most memorable experience. She went there under the Mevlana Scholarship of Sakarya University and the experience gained was an eye-opener and motivated her to be a successful chemist. “I was very fortunate to be picked for the programme because the exposure gained throughout the stay in Turkey had been helpful in my studies. “I met many experts and we shared ideas on new findings in the chemistry field and others as well,” said Nazratul Husna who won an award at CITREX early this year. On her academic achievement, Nazratul Husna said she had no tips nor secret except that one must strive to work hard, have inner strength and believe on one’s capability to attain success. As a university student, Nazratul Husna said there were a lot of memories and it was an episode in her life that would remain with her long after she left campus. She also reminded university students to make the most of their time in campus and learn as much as possible. Academic and International Positive and focus are the keys to success - Yong Shi Yun, Recipient of Srikandi Matahari AwardBeing positive and focused were the keys to success, said Yong Shi Yun, 24, who received the Srikandi Matahari Award at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held at its Gambang Campus Sports Complex on November 10 and 11, 2018. Shi Yun obtained her B.Eng. (Hons.) Electrical Engineering (Electronics) and is now an engineer at Intel Corporation. Daughter to Yong Siew Kee, 57, and Chan Yoke Fong, 54, Shi Yun said she had set a goal to do well in her studies and was happy to be able to achieve it by scoring a CGPA of 3.85. Shi Yun who is from Ipoh, Perak described the challenges faced throughout her study years as something she would remember for the rest of her life. “I have always stayed positive in any situation including when studying and this has helped me to overcome problems more easily. “For me, being positive is important and should become a practice for all so things that are planned can be worked out accordingly,” she said. Shi Yun shared an unforgettable experience when completing her final project, ‘IOT Weighing Scale Application’, which was used to evaluate weight and monitor a person’s level of health. “It was one of the biggest challenge that I have to face because it involved skills in using several software programmes. “However, I managed to pull it through due to patience and support from friends. I really learned a lot from this episode of my life,” she added. Shi Yun also said she was involved in many activities and held various posts such as the secretary for Mandarin Language Society (MLS) and UMP UNESCO Club. She added that there had been challenges when organising events in the university especially when it came to getting people to participate in the activities. “However, these only served as lessons that taught her to be patient and creative in her initiatives to ensure that the activities run smoothly,” she said. Academic and International Smart time management – Douglas TimothyBy: SHALFARINA SHAHRIMAN, UMP PUBLISHER Smart time management and being optimistic are the keys to success for Douglas Timothy Tan Choon Chen, the recipient for Puspanita Caring Community Award. He received the award during Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held at its Gambang Campus Sports Complex on November 10 and 11, 2018. Douglas Timothy is a graduate of B.Eng. (Hons) Electrical Engineering (Electronics) and is on the Dean’s List for seven semesters, consecutively. On his good academic achievements, Douglas Timothy said he would fully utilise his free time doing revisions or having discussions with his classmates. “We need to be humble and not to be egoistic. This can make us digest knowledge better and refrain from feeling already too clever and better than others. “That is why I prefer to have discussion with friends because I want to hear their opinions. This way too will help me remember facts easily,” said Douglas Timothy who now works as an electrical engineer with a company in Kuala Lumpur. Douglas Timothy, whose parents are teachers, said he also played basketball because it was a healthy activity that was good for his body and mind, and helped boost his confidence. Academic and International Hong Wai Siang – Recipient of Sapura Industrial Berhad PrizeBy: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION He received his scroll and the award during Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held at UMP Gambang Campus on November 10 and 11, 2018. Hong, who is from Lumut, is a graduate of B.Eng. (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Automotive). He is as one of the 2,773 graduated from UMP. He said having experienced the hardship of a labourer’s son moved him to work hard to excel in his studies. His father, Hong Bong Leong, 54, worked as a labourer to support his four siblings while his mother, Ting Mee Ing, 48, is a housewife. “Despite the hardship, my parents never showed their sufferings and never gave up on their efforts to educate us to be good, not only in our studies but also in our manners. He also said as a graduate, one needed to be smart in tackling the globalisation trend that was becoming more challenging. He added that one must be more communicative, critical-minded and should be effective in problem-solving as well as be independent and equally important, a plan for the future. Academic and International Norlinda attributed award to parentsBy: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION There was nothing more joyful for Norlinda Adsun than to have her parents witnessed her graduation but it was not to be because her father suffered from a stroke about a year ago and her mother had to take care of him in Kudat, Sabah. Norlinda said fate had it that her farmer father, Adsun Santi, 69, and mother, Sinulihing Bahood, 55, could not come to see her receive her scroll and the Soho Niaga Excellence Award during the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held at the Gambang Campus Sports Complex on November 10 and 11, 2018. “I hope what I have achieved today will make my parents happy. I always pray that my father will fully recover and able to celebrate my graduation but fate has it and I have to accept it,” said Norlinda, the youngest child of four siblings. Norlinda is a graduate of Bachelor of Project Management with Hons. with a CGPA of 3.72. She is also the winner of UMP Calligraphy Competition (Non-Chinese Category) 2016-2017. On her academic achievement, Norlinda said she would try to strike a balance between her studies and co-curriculum activities and that she would put her studies first if there were too many activities. Norlinda, a recipient of Public Service Department Scholarship, also said she held on to this principle of ‘strive not to be a success but rather to be a value’. She also said positive, constructive and happy environment were the best influences for success. “To be successful, an undergraduate must be smart in maximising the opportunity available. Do not give up and always think on getting as much experience as possible,” she added. Academic and International Fisherman’s Son Kee Keing Lee hard work paid off with Industrial Prize from BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.By: NORHIDAYAH MOHAMAD, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION Kee Keing Lee, 24, a graduate of B.Eng (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering, was named as the recipient for BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. Excellence Prize at the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held at its Sports Complex, Gambang Campus on November 10 and 11, 2018. This young man from Teluk Intan, Perak believed that success was not an easy feat to accomplish without hard work and diligence, and to take risks in order to advance oneself while finding one own weakness and work to overcome it. He also believed that self-management and time management were important so as not to compromise things that had been given top priority. However, there was nothing more inspiring that seeing his fisherman father, Kee Cheng Peng, 51, toiling away at sea at Teluk Intan, Perak while his mother, a housewife, was the light of his motivation. As the eldest in the family of four siblings, Kee said he would strive to make a better life for his family and that it was time to pay back to his parents who had been his main driving force to excel. “I want to make a career and a living that they will be proud of,” he added. On his experience in UMP, Kee said there were many sweet memories. “I was involved in a lot of programmes such as the Pahang Engineers’ Run, UMP Career Carnival Day with SL1M, humanitarian mission in Cambodia and was a president of a club, a member of the Student Representative Council and an exco member. Kee was on the Dean’s List for every semester. Academic and International Gold Award for Tai Jia YeeBy: NOR HIDAYAH MOHAMAD, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION Tai Jia Yee strived to do his best so he would be able to give his single mother a better life. He would always remember the advices given by his mother, Lee Whai Leng, and that spurred him to do well. Mummy did know well because the good advice given and heeded by her son also earned him the University Gold Award that was presented at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held recently. Tai, a graduate of Diploma in Computer Science from Faculty of Computer Systems & Software Engineering (FSKKP), achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.84. Tai said he had always given focus on his studies and was now pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in computer science in UMP. The only child in the family, Tai is from Kota Bharu, Kelantan. He wants to be a successful businessman. He is not only excellent in academics but is also actively involved in various associations and programmes organised by the university. Lee, 50, a beautician, said she did not mind working hard for her son so he could have the best education possible. “I am very grateful and happy with the award received by my son. I hope that he will continue to strive for excellence until he completes his studies,” she said. Academic and International Nurhuda Dini – Recipient of Setegap Ventures Petroleum Sdn. Bhd. Industrial PrizeBy: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION Nurhuda Dini Faridon was named the recipient of Setegap Ventures Petroleum Sdn. Bhd. Excellence Award, something which she had not expected. Nurhuda Dini, 21, from Rawang, Selangor, received the award during the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony that was held at the Gambang Campus Sports Complex on November 10 and 11, 2018. She graduated with a Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Process Plant) with a CGPA of 3.57 and is now pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in the same course in UMP. Nurhuda Dini said she firmly believed in the principle of not to give up easily and that there was a silver lining in every cloud. She looked up to his father, Faridon Talib, 55, and mother, Hasbah Abdullah@Joned, 53, for inspiration and that they were her life’s main driving force. “My parents are my biggest source of inspiration to be successful. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my grandparents who raised me since I was small,” she added. On her academic achievements, Nurhuda Dini said it was important to have a good planning and to have a fine balance between academic and co-curriculum. One of the things that she would do was to make notes on the soft board so she could have better focus on her studies. Nurhuda Dini, who preferred to be called Dini, also said she would ensure that assignments were not prepared at the last minute and that she would seek explanations from her lecturers on things she was unclear of. She added that as a student, one must have self-confidence, be attentive, responsible and respectful to others and to manage time wisely. “Take the example of when doing a group assignment where every member should be reasonable and attentive to the works and format assigned in order to complete the assignment,” she said. Academic and International 2 siblings shared success at ConvocationTwo siblings shared a joyous and memorable moment when both graduated with Masters’ in Engineering (Entrepreneurship) and received their scrolls during the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held at its Sports Complex, Gambang Campus on November 10 and 11, 2018. They are Ahmad Fakhruddin Ahmad Faudzi, 29, and his sister Norul Solihah Ahmad Faudzi, 27. They are from Terengganu. Fakhruddin now works as technical lecturer at MARA High Skill College in Kemaman while Norul Solihah is a teacher at Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz, Terengganu. When met after the convocation, both expressed their happiness with their achievement. Fakhruddin began his studies in UMP in Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Process Plant) in 2007 before pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 2010. “After both of us started work, we also pondered on the idea to continue our studies at the masters’ level and together we decided to do so. “Although we live quite far apart, one in Setiu and the other in Kemaman, it did not stop us from attending classes in UMP. I would wait for Solihah who took the bus to go to Kemaman and we then proceeded to UMP,” he said. They worked hard to get good grades in their studies and now they were enjoying their fruit of labour, fulfilling their dreams. Norul Solihah described her achievement as the most wonderful reward and despite being heavily pregnant, she did not want to miss the opportunity of getting her scroll on the stage. She said she and her brother would study, have discussion and do revision together. She also said it was not easy to juggle her time as a teacher and student but most importantly, they must know how to divide their time accordingly. The two years of travelling to and from Terengganu paid off and she expressed her gratitude to her brother, family as well as the lecturers for their help and motivation. Academic and International Being a disabled is not a handicap for success for Muhammad ZabriBy: SIRI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION Muhammad Zabri Abu Bakar, 32, wears a prosthetic leg to replace the right one which he lost in an accident when he was a student in Malacca and it was never an issue for him in his pursuit for higher education. He now has a Master of Engineering (Electrical). He received his scroll at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony that was held on November 10 and 11, 2018. Muhammad Zabri, who has been using the prosthetic leg since 2004, said his leg could not be saved because the injuries were too serious. “However, being a handicapped is not a hindrance for me to attain success and fulfil my ambition to be a lecturer. In fact, it is the very impetus that spur me to strive for excellence,” he said. He added that he held firmly to the principle of not wanting to burden other people and that life was a struggle. Muhammad Zabri said he was happy with his achievement, after facing a lot of obstacles for the last three years. “I am very happy because finally, I have this Masters’ degree despite having to go through a lot of obstacles. All the hardship has paid off,” he said. Muhammad Zabri, who is the second of nine siblings, said his source of strength came from his family especially his wife and children for without them and their encouragement, he would not have managed to complete his studies. He also called on those with disabilities to not to allow the status to get over them and that they should not give up easily. “Learn to stand on your own two feet without relying on others,” said Muhammad Zabri, who is from Pekan, Pahang. Muhammad Zabri now works as a temporary teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pahang Tua in Pekan. Academic and International 3 siblings shared sweet memory at Graduation Day in UMPIt was a day to be remembered for three siblings who all received their scrolls upon graduating from Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) at the university’s 13th Convocation Ceremony held at its Gambang Campus Sports Complex on November 10 and 11, 2018. The siblings are Satish Rao Pothorajoo, 27, Loshyini Devi Pothorajoo, 25 and Tarshwini Devi Pothorajoo, 21. Satish Rao has a Masters’ Degree in Science, Loshyini Devi has a Master of Business Administration and Tarshwini Devi has a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Industrial Electronics). Their parents Pothorajoo Sanasee, 58, and Appalarasie Subramaniam, 52, supported their decisions when all three decided to pick UMP as their choice of university. “Words of encouragement from our father became the main driving force for our success and we obtained our Masters’ degrees and diploma at the same convocation. “This is indeed a sweet memory for me and the rest of the family. “Father always reminds us not to waste the opportunity given because he and my mother did not get the opportunity to study in university,” said Satish Rao who is the eldest brother. Loshyini Devi said she had already completed her Diploma and Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering (FKEE) before deciding to join her brother to pursue a Master of Business Administration and managed to complete in time with him. Pothorajoo also said he never failed to give them support and encouragement to his children to continue their studies and the success achieved was the result of their hard work. |