PUTRAJAYA: Diagnosed with mild autism at a young age, 12-year-old Izz Imil Shahrom has defied expectations and risen to extraordinary heights, pursuing a science and mathematics course at Universiti Malaya.
Despite early challenges in communication and motor skills, Izz Imil has demonstrated a passion for learning, an insatiable curiosity, and an unwavering determination to make a meaningful impact on the world.
His journey began with a fascination for numbers and letters, nurtured by his parents.
“I learned addition and subtraction from my mum and dad,” he said, reflecting on his early education.
“I even taught myself to read during a bout of bronchitis when I was just one and a half years old,” he said when sharing his story at the Festival of Ideas held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here today (Nov 28).
With the help of speech, occupational, play and music therapies, Izz Imil said he gradually overcame communication barriers and sensory sensitivities, including an aversion to loud noises.
Inspired by his father’s teachings, Izz Imil said he discovered the wonders of cardinal directions by learning to read a clock.
A periodic table at a museum further ignited his love for chemistry, blending his interests in science and mathematics.
His home-schooling journey was complemented by tutors, online classes from New Zealand and religious camps, all of which enriched his knowledge and social experiences.
Despite being home-schooled for much of his education, Izz said his parents recognised the importance of social and emotional development.
They encouraged him to engage with peers through activities such as music classes, sports and board games.
According to him, he even spent a year in a national school, learning the value of teamwork and camaraderie through football, singing and other school activities.
Reflecting on his academic milestones, Izz Imil shared how he tackled IGCSE O Levels, AS Levels and A Levels as a private student, relying heavily on his home-schooling foundation.
With support from his parents, he explored the importance of university education, ultimately enrolling at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Science under the Institute of Mathematical Science.
“Joining Universiti Malaya has been a dream come true. I enjoy lectures, discussions with my coursemates and participating in activities like Physics Day and department talks.”
His academic pursuits include classes in calculus, statistics and computing, where his brilliance continued to shine.
Beyond academics, Izz Imil said he is deeply motivated by a desire to inspire and contribute.
“I want to become a maths lecturer and show students how beautiful mathematics can be,” he said.
His aspirations go beyond the classroom, as he hopes to address global challenges such as the Sustainable Development Goals through mathematical problem-solving.
“I owe so much to my parents and those who supported me. My journey has been challenging, but every step has been worth it,” he said.
