RM15k for blind man’s studies in the US

Best of luck: (From left) Chong, MSEF deputy president Datuk Chan Wah Kiang and Sim seeing Noorilham off at KLIA.

PETALING JAYA: Being blind has never stopped Noorilham Ismail from excelling in his studies.

While studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) school of humanities, the man from Felda Lok Heng Selatan in Kota Tinggi, Johor, received its Historical Society’s Gold Medal at age 28.Noorilham, now 33, aspires to be an economist despite the many obstacles ahead, and is currently pursuing his PhD.

The Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation (MSEF) has stepped in to support his studies in the United States.

MSEF deputy president Datuk Chan Wah Kiang and executive director Dr Aki Chong Li Chin recently handed over a cheque for RM15,000 to Noorilham.

Chong said they were moved by Noorilham’s pursuit for education after seeing a Facebook post by Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim.

“The MSEF contacted Ilham and agreed to sponsor his three-week research trip expenses in the United States,” he said in a statement yesterday.

According to the MSEF, Sim also bade farewell to Noorilham at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and wished him a safe journey for his graduate studies in the United States.