SHAH ALAM: A 36-year-old woman is determined to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam this year to fulfil her dream of entering the medical field.
Entrepreneur Rusni Shafiya Ruslan said she is taking three subjects from the Pure Science stream for the exam, including Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
She said support from family and friends motivates her to pursue becoming a doctor, despite nearing her 40s.
“My mother chuckled when I said I wanted to retake the SPM, but my sister, surgeon Dr Nur Hanisa Ruslan, has been a great inspiration."
"My friends in the medical field also share their career stories, sparking my interest in hospital life and the medical world in general,” she said to Sinar Ahad.
Rusni Shafiya, from Kluang, Johor, said she has been interested in this field since childhood.
However, as a mother of three, she had to abandon her ambitions due to financial constraints and family commitments at that time.
“This year, I've decided to try again. Now, I focus on retaking essential SPM subjects like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry."
"My plan is to continue to university foundation programmes afterwards. I prefer this over Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) as it is more intensive and closer to university learning environments."
"If all goes well, I estimate it will take six years to complete my medical studies,” she said.
Commenting on her desired career path, Rusni Shafiya said she has no specific plans yet.
“I have a slight inclination towards Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) or Paediatrics. However, I am open to exploring other fields during my studies."
“I believe with effort and support, my dream can become a reality, God willing,” she added.
