FOR many, convocations are a mark of achievement. But for one family, the occasion was four times more meaningful when a father, his two children and daughter-in-law graduated together at the same event.
Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara director Ramzi Abdillah, 55, earned a Master of Science (Geomatic Engineering) while his son Mohd Khairez Anhar Ramzi, 27, and daughter Nursafiya Adha Ramzi, 24, graduated with degrees in Geomatics Engineering and Architecture, respectively.
Adding to the celebration, Mohd Khairez’s wife Eyna Syafarina Sarkawi, 27, also completed her studies in the same field as her husband.
All four earned their degrees from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai, Johor.
Ramzi said it was a special day for the family from Kuching, Sarawak, as all of them were graduating together.
“It is rare for four family members to reach this academic milestone at the same time. The shared support made all the difference.
“It is not easy to study while working and taking care of your family, but seeing my children graduate with me is the greatest gift,” he told StarMetro.
Ramzi added that 14 of his staff members also continued their master’s programme through UTM Skudai’s Offshore Postgraduate Programme (Pesisir).
“What made the moment even sweeter was that all the department staff formed the first cohort to complete their studies and they graduated alongside me,” he said, crediting the support of his family, especially his wife, for reaching his goal.
Meanwhile, his son Mohd Khairez said he and his siblings always looked up to their father.
“I was excited to be given the opportunity to continue my studies alongside my wife, father and sister,” he said.
“It was a wonderful experience, as we supported each other throughout our studies.
“My father is my idol. When-ever I did not understand something, I would turn to him for guidance,” he said.
The family was among over 7,000 graduates who received their scrolls during UTM’s 69th graduation ceremony.
Twin brothers Jack Ng Sheng Jie, 24, who graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, and Alan Ng Sheng Lun, who completed a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, also received their scrolls at the same event.
“We may be twins but we have different interests. We took courses we like so we can chase our dreams,” said Jack.
“However, it is nice to have each other to lean on while working towards our goals.
“We were also lucky to be in the same university and stayed in the same hostel, allowing us to support and encourage each other through thick and thin.”
A couple who graduated were Ugandan Omalla Morgan Kadowa Thomas and Chanda Galabuai, both 26, who earned their Master of Science in Systems Engineering.
“We were friends even before coming here, in 2023, to study as we both completed our bachelor’s degrees from the same university in Uganda,” said Omalla Morgan.
“Our friendship continued as we embarked on another educational journey here.
“Over time as we got to know each other better, we fell in love. I later proposed and she said yes.
“We were married in Uganda in August which allowed us to enjoy this graduation together as husband and wife.”
Meanwhile, cost controller Dr Azura Ahmad, 50, who received her doctorate in Engineering Business Management, celebrated the moment alongside her son Afif Izhar Abdullah Harris, 23, who earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering.
The mother of three said she decided to pursue her doctorate after her second son enrolled in a degree programme, hoping to motivate him by example.
“Balancing work, doctoral research and supporting my son’s studies was not without its challenges,” she said.
“However, both of us enjoyed our academic journey since we could exchange perspectives in the engineering field.
“I must admit it was a bit of a struggle when I had to read articles for my literature review, but my children are all grown up so I had time to focus on my studies and career.”
Afif Izhar, who just started his career as a mechanical engineer, described his mother as both a role model and motivator.
“Seeing her manage work and research pushed me to focus on my own studies.
“She is not only my (moral) supporter but also my financial supporter,” he said.
