Perfect GPA grad wins many admirers

Flying high: Nur Athirah scored top grade point average for seven consecutive semesters.

PETALING JAYA: “Perfect 4.0 flat” graduate Nur Athirah Rushami Zien won the admiration of many for scoring top grade point average (GPA) for seven consecutive semesters.

The outstanding student from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) in Sintok graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, law and business with an overall GPA score of 3.99.

The 23-year-old, whose story went viral on social media, also received Pingat Jaya Cemerlang (Medal of Excellence Award) from Kedah ruler Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, who is also UUM chancellor.

Her academic achievement had even attracted the attention of actress, host and entrepreneur Neelofa.

Neelofa, whose full name is Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor, took to Twitter to congratulate the graduate and offer her a gift.

“Such a well-composed and humble young lady. Congratulations to you! Please tag her in the replies if anybody knows her. I’d like to celebrate her success with a gift, ” she tweeted.

Nur Athirah told Star Media Group’s Malay-language portal mStar that she was surprised her success received so much attention.

She expressed hope her story would be a starting point for her contributions to society and the country.

“Alhamdulilah (Praise God), I am very thankful although I believe many other graduates have also excelled in their respective fields. From another perspective, I believe this success comes with the responsibility to give back to others.

“I believe we need to go back to basics as a student. Although it sounds very cliched, I believe concentrating in class is important, being thorough when doing small tasks and knowing how to prioritise.

“A good environment is also vital. I am thankful to be blessed with family and friends who are very supportive, ” said Nur Athirah, who was a Conference of Rulers scholar.

The graduate who hails from Arau, Perlis, said even though she enjoyed studying philosophy, she was faced many obstacles, to a point she almost changed her course.

“The programme is the first (of its kind) in Malaysia, many had a negative perception of it and were not confident in the employability of such a degree.

“I cried many times but it was worth going through all the trouble, ” she said.

Nur Athirah was also pleasantly surprised by Neelofa’s compliments.

“I am thankful that an amazing woman such as Neelofa appreciated the small success, which does not match up to her achievement.

“She is among the great individuals who are respected by many parties. She is inspiring, her words are meaningful.

“So sweet of you, kak Neelofa. I am moved, you are inspirational!” said Nur Athirah, who plans on continuing her studies and later venturing into the corporate or academic world.