PhD with flying colours

Alhamdulillah. Finally graduated! My childhood dream came true. I learnt through hard way. This is my story.

Grew up in a rural village with limited access to primary education, a boy who dreamed big always became a joke among friends and villagers. I believed and am still believing only education can change one's fate. At that time, I only had parents and one or two teachers who supported the dream. With help from my school teacher who noticed my potential sent my application to enter a science boarding school with hope that I can enjoy high quality secondary education. With full government scholarship, I studied hard to pursue the dream. It was far from my home, seldom went back. I required to cross three states by taking three different buses to reach home. The journey was meaningful. With good grades and credentials, I managed to secure few tertiary education scholarships for my A-levels and Bachelor degree. Keep believing in yourself. There were ups and downs along the way. Don't give up!

At the age of 27, proudly saying I have completed the highest education, after my master degree was upgraded to PhD. It took dedication, perseverance and self discipline. My childhood dream came true. More meaningful I'm first in my family tree and among first in my village who received the highest education. I would like to prove to myself and show that anyone can dream big and still achieve it. Coming from challenging background does not stop you to keep dreaming. Don't use as an excuse to drop out from education. It will be obstacles along the ways. What I learnt every challenge you face there is always a solution. You need to figure it out that is how you gain knowledge and shape the way you think. Hope this can inspire others to dare having a dream. A dream, bigger than your imagination.

To my nephews, nieces and next generations, your uncle has set a new benchmark in the family, education is the key to open many more doors of success. This is my story. Hope it will be an inspiration to many others.