KOTA KINABALU: Two Universiti Malaysia Sabah graduates - Shamsulmezah Shamsul and Jessica Ching Ai Lyn - have demonstrated that determination and support can turn challenges into triumphs.
Both graduates received First-Class Honours during the 26th Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Convocation Ceremony on Monday (Dec 9), showcasing their remarkable achievements despite facing significant obstacles.
Shamsulmezah graduated with a Bachelor's degree in International Tropical Forestry, achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.77.
Diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer during her fourth semester in August 2023, Shamsulmezah faced the dual challenge of battling illness while completing her studies.
She said, "Receiving this award is a dream come true. When I was diagnosed, I almost gave up, but my parents, especially my mother, never allowed me to quit. They were my pillar of strength."
The 24-year-old from Tamparuli admitted that her journey to success was not without struggles.
Despite the physical toll of chemotherapy, Shamsulmezah balanced medical treatments with academic responsibilities.
She completed her thesis on the distribution of two butterfly species in Sabah, Malaysia.
Her mother’s constant support and the guidance of her lecturers were pivotal in her success.
She said, "I often studied from home, as attending physical classes was too difficult, but I never stopped taking notes and revising, even if it meant studying little by little.”
“My mother was my primary caregiver during my hospital stays, and she even accompanied me as I worked on my thesis, finding suitable workspaces late into the night,” she added.
Meanwhile, her university mate, Ching, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Conservation Biology, achieving a CGPA of 3.84.
Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (now part of the autism spectrum disorder), Ching faced the challenges of overcoming communication and social interaction difficulties.
Public speaking and presenting ideas in front of her peers were particularly daunting.
Her mother, Chua May Ling, said, "The main challenge for my daughter was making presentations and expressing her ideas verbally in front of others. She struggled with communication and social interactions, especially when speaking in front of a crowd."
Ching's father, Ching Kok Hin, admitted it was difficult to let their daughter study independently at UMS, but they knew it was essential for her growth.
He said, "It was not easy for us, but as parents, we had to let her try and see how far she could go on her own.
The support from UMS, particularly from Dr Zaiton at the UMS Disability Management Centre, and the university’s excellent facilities for disabled students were crucial in helping my daughter overcome her challenges."
Both graduates now plan to continue their academic journeys - Shamsulmezah in entomology and Ching in further research – and were honoured to receive their degree scrolls from UMS Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim during the convocation ceremony.
Their achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of support, and the strength of the human spirit.
