TANJONG MALIM: The atmosphere at the Tuanku Canselor Hall of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) turned sombre on Tuesday (Nov 11) when the names of Nurly Shahirah Azman and Fatin Nasrien Fadli were called to receive their degrees at the university’s 27th convocation ceremony.
However, stepping onto the stage were their parents, who accepted the scrolls on behalf of their daughters, both of whom perished in the Gerik bus crash on June 9.
The late Nurly Shahirah and Fatin Nasrien were among 15 UPSI students who died in the tragedy on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, while returning to campus after a festive break.
The posthumous degrees were presented by UPSI Chancellor, Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, to Nurly Shahirah’s father, Azman Mohamad, 63, and Fatin Nasrien’s father, Fadli Abd Rahman, 50.
Tuanku Zara was visibly moved and was seen wiping away tears after handing over the degrees and watching a special montage dedicated to the victims of the tragedy, which also left many of those present in tears.
Azman, when met, said he could not hold back tears upon receiving the Bachelor of Education (Special Education) scroll on behalf of his daughter.
"When her name was announced to go on stage, I couldn’t hold back my emotions. There was pride, sorrow, and happiness all at once.
"As a father, it’s heartbreaking because I had always hoped to see my daughter walk up that stage herself, but Allah had other plans, and we accept His will,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fatin Nasrien’s father, Fadli Abd Rahman, said the Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) degree is the highest recognition for his daughter’s dedication and hard work, as she was the family’s beacon of hope.
"When we received news that UPSI would confer a posthumous degree for her, our family was overjoyed yet overwhelmed with emotion, recalling all the good memories of her.
"As the eldest child, Fatin Nasrien was the exemplary model, especially for her four younger siblings,” he said.
Fadli added that although his daughter is no longer around, he is grateful for the recognition bestowed by the university.
This year’s convocation, held from Nov 11 to 18, witnessed 7,173 students graduating over eight sessions.
They comprise 5,160 undergraduates (4,467 Bachelor’s Degree and 693 Diploma recipients) and 2,013 postgraduates (247 PhD, 793 Master’s and 973 Postgraduate Diploma in Education recipients), as well as 198 international graduates.- Bernama
