Against all odds


Proud moment: Muhamad Aidil (second from right) receiving his certificate from Wong during the convocation ceremony.

Disability is not an inability to strive for what one wants to achieve in life, says Muhamad Aidil Akmal Abdul Rahman.

The 18-year-old with a learning disability said he has big dreams of entering the entrepreneurship industry, and nothing can deter him from showcasing his potential.

“We must always be patient when encountering challenges and keep working hard to reach our goals for success,” he said at the Malaysian Skills Certificate convocation ceremony for students with special education needs (MBPK) in Putrajaya on June 4.

Muhamad Aidil, who received the best graduate award for his skills certificate in bread production from the Kuantan Vocational Special Education Secondary School, said he chose the course due to his family and personal interest.

He said making bread is fun, and he is fascinated by the many different aspects of production.

“My favourite bread to bake is Mexican coffee bun.

“I like baking this because I’m a coffee lover, and the topping that this bun uses is coffee powder,” he said, adding that he plans to continue his studies and open a bread production business soon.

Like Muhamad Aidil, 18-year-old Janelle Wong Ulit, who received her skills certificate in hairstyling, said she cultivated an interest in the skill because she loved the idea of working with different hairstyles from watching various online tutorial videos.

“At first, my career options were limited, so I thought, why not learn hairstyling?

“I realised that I was good at it and it allowed me to showcase my ability to transform someone’s look.

“I’m really grateful for learning so much during my course and gaining insight into continuing my educational path,” she said, before advising students to find what inspires them and to work hard towards achieving it.

Her mother, Wong Mei Ling, said she is very proud of Janelle for completing the course during the Covid-19 pandemic amid challenges such as water cutoffs and feelings of isolation because of the movement control order.

“I am glad and blessed that she was able to finish her studies despite the difficult journey,” she said.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Intan Seri Diyana Mohd Hafizuddin and 20-year-old Muhammad Adam Kassim shared that they are looking forward to furthering their education and entering the textile industry and food and beverage (F&B) services, respectively.

Intan Seri Diyana, who obtained her skills certificate in batik operation and production, said she has always loved to draw, and her course enabled her to explore her strengths and learn new things.

“Though the textile industry can be niche, I believe that someday I can open my own batik business,” she said adding that she dreams of establishing her own brand and adding her own twist to batik designing.

She also expressed her desire to modernise batik art to attract the younger generation.

Muhammad Adam said he plans to explore opportunities in F&B services as he believes it could lead to a lucrative career in the future.

“I’m very happy that I was able to obtain my certificate. My parents are proud of me and they believe in me,” said Adam, who received a certificate in food preparation and manufacturing.

Muhamad Aidil, Janelle, Intan Seri Diyana and Muhammad Adam were among 403 special needs students who obtained their Malaysian Skills Certificates across five special education vocational schools.

The certificates were presented by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, who said technical and vocational education and training provides opportunities for MBPK students to ensure that their achievements, capabilities and potential are recognised.

“These opportunities offer MBPK students the first glimpse into potential career fields, which could later become their chosen paths after finishing school,” he said during his speech.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Education

Twins stick together to start year one schooling in Arau
All Sabah schools affected by floods reopen
Smooth start as nearly five million students kick off new school term in 11 Group B states
Recycled exercise book aid programme targets 100,000 B40 students, says Education DG
Govt allocates RM9mil to send teachers abroad for leadership, AI courses, says sec-gen
Bill on compulsory secondary education still under engagement, says minister
Slight increase in number of Year One pupils this year, says deputy minister
‘M’sia needs holistic edu roadmap’
My science vs arts dilemma
Growing Malaysia’sAI talent pool

Others Also Read