AS she held her newly awarded certificate at her convocation ceremony recently, Rohana Abdullah was a picture of pure joy.
She had successfully graduated with a diploma in computer science as the first recipient of the Anak Emas (Golden Child) Scholarship from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM).
It was a testament not only to her perseverance, but also to the impact that helping hands can have on the underprivileged.
Back in 2022, Rohana’s story captured national attention when it was revealed that she had been raised by her foster mother Chee Hoi Lan since she was two months old, and that she had faced difficulties in obtaining citizenship after being abandoned as a baby.
The young woman, who once worked as a tutor at a tuition centre, was later granted citizenship and went on to receive an offer to study at UTeM, with her scholarship covering full tuition fees and providing her with a living allowance.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity given to her through the Anak Emas programme, Rohana said it enabled her to complete her diploma studies with a cumulative grade point average of 3.88.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation and thanks to UTeM, especially to the chancellor and vice-chancellor, for the opportunity and trust given to me through this programme.
“Thank you also to all the lecturers, officers, staff and university personnel who have been dedicated in supporting me throughout my studies from 2022 to this year,” she said in a Nov 4 press release.
She commended the Anak Emas programme for helping to ease the burden of students who excel academically but face severe financial challenges due to family circumstances.
“It has proven to be effective, not only through the financial aid provided but also through the motivation and moral support that drive students to continue striving for academic and holistic excellence,” said Rohana, who is now pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Development) with Honours at UTeM.
UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the varsity’s Anak Emas programme – implemented three years ago under the UTeM Tun Chancellor Foundation, which provides scholarships to outstanding students from underprivileged backgrounds – has begun to bear fruit.
“UTeM, as a centre of academic excellence and the top TVET public university in Malaysia, not only excels in academics, research and innovation, but also prioritises student welfare.
“Our commitment to caring for students remains at the forefront to ensure that every student enjoys the best possible support and a conducive learning environment throughout their studies,” she said.
Rohana was among 3,278 graduates who received their diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees during the varsity’s 21st convocation ceremony held from Nov 1 to 3.
The event was officiated by UTeM chancellor and Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam, and attended by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
