KOTA SAMARAHAN: Four graduates expressed their happiness and gratitude after years of studies resulted in them receiving special awards during the 25th Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Convocation ceremony, on Monday (Feb 14).
They received the Royal Education Awards (also known as Pingat Jaya Cemerlang), the Chancellor’s Award and the Pro-Chancellor’s Award.
These awards were in recognition of their academic achievements as well as their contributions to their communities while being university students.
The recipient of the Royal Education Award (bumiputera category), Mohd Zarul Fikri Sani, 24, from Kedah, did not expect to win, but was still happy to have it.
“First of all, I did not expect it as I was informed that I was the last nominee for another category.
“I am very excited and thankful to have earned this, which I have dreamt of, as I graduate today getting my degree,” he said to reporters.
He was committed to learning and understanding his studies, not merely getting grades for exams.
Mohd Zarul, from the Faculty of Science Cognitive and Human Development in the Counselling Programme, was thrilled that he will graduate with his course mates on the third-day of the convocation ceremony tomorrow (Feb 16).
Another recipient of the Royal Education Award (non-bumiputera category), Teh Sue Jing, 24, of Penang, also said she did not expect to win it.
Her secret to success was reading and understanding topics before class, adding that she would not revise the lessons.
“I start by reading and understanding the topics before class started. After class, I do not have to revise and then I can enjoy my life.
“Study is important for sure but at the same time, we have to enjoy life in university,” she said.
Apart from that, she also shared some hardships she experienced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic during her second semester.
The Linguistic graduate from the Faculty of Linguistic and Communication was challenged mentally as she was doing her final year project (FYP).
“My course mates and I all felt tired mentally, with stress and being depressed, but we all got through with some support and manage to finally complete our studies and graduate this year.”
Coming from Kelantan, Ng Boon Kiet, 24, from the Faculty of Engineering in the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering programme was honoured to have received the Chancellor’s Award.
“I was honoured to get the reward and I am happy as well. I am sure my family will be happy to see what I have achieved today.
“My family will come to Sarawak tomorrow, so we will spend time together touring Kuching while waiting for my graduation day on Feb 17,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor Award recipient, Tang Hui Wen, 24, also from Pulau Pinang was happy to receive the award despite the last-minute information from the university.
“All I did in my studies was did my best, but I did not expect to win the award. Everything that I have done, even now working was all about getting experience and learning too.
“So this is exciting and I am happy with the award,” said the graduate from the Faculty of Science and Technology Resources in Biotechnology Resources programme.
She is also expecting her family to come to the state to see her graduating and getting her degree.
Tang added that, in the future, she will continue to pursue a master’s degree if the opportunity comes.
