MOTIVATION: Degree despite disabilities

Seeing double

Although born visually impaired, both sisters, Felicia Pui Jia Yin, 21, and Andrea Pui Jia Hui, 20, are determined to see a brighter future for themselves.

Both are committed to prove that their status as persons with disabilities (PWDs) will not prevent them from achieving success by studying in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The special siblings enrolled to pursue a degree in the Bachelor of Arts (English for Professionals) for the 2016/2017 academic session.

They respectively graduated with a CGPA of 4.00 and 3.92 in Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM).

Unnerved against challenges

Muhammad Farid Anuar, 21, from quarters Kuartes Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) South Johor Bahru, Johor has been experiencing neurological problems since birth but does not use it as an excuse for failure.

The eldest of five siblings who is currently pursuing a Bachelor programme in Event Management at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) wants to prove that his disabilities will not stop him from achieving success like other normal students.

Not a poor choice

Mhd. Tianan Mansah Nur, 19, registered as a new student at the College of Chemical Engineering Department Tun Hussein Onn, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai as a means to get out of poverty.

"I consider my enrollment in UTM as a motivating factor for my younger siblings to excel in their studies although our father is only working as a taxi driver and our mother is a housewife," he said.

Mhd. Nur Mansah who originally came from Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is second out of eight siblings.

A worried mother

Maznan Rozita, 43, from Kampung Permatang Tinggi, Pengkalan Baru, Pantai Remis, is worried for her son, Muhammad Alief Aiman Muhammad, 19.

According to Rozita various attempts have been made including asking the help of their village head.

"I am unemployed, while my husband is also a stepfather to Muhammad Alief earns only enough to accommodate our family.

Muhammad Alief received an offer to study at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), majoring in Finance Degree with Honours.

Graduated from Perlis Matriculation College, April, he had obtained excellent results with a CGPA of 3.92.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has graciously offered a place for Muhamad Alief Aiman Muhammad, 19, despite financial constraints.

You can send a donation to Rozita's Maybank account, 1581 8114 1677 or Muhammad Alief's Bank Islam account, 08-059-02-376813-5.

Success 10-dencies

A total of 10 disabled (OKU) students were among 4,114 enrolled in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) for the first session of 2016/2017.

Those selected had obtained outstanding achievements in Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) with CGPA above 3.00.

Students who can not afford to continue their studies at the university after receiving an offer are advised to check with UUM in advance and they will help the students to get financial assistance from the Department of Zakat.

UUM will also consider a reduction in tuition fees, dormitory and transportation fees.