PROUD OF YOU: Ngu with her parents Ngu Ee King and Soo Yoik Chiet. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa
KOTA SAMARAHAN: When Ngu Nyok Ping went on stage to collect her scroll for Bachelor Degree in Economics (International Economy) from Unimas pro-chancellor Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday, pride and happiness were written all over her face.
The cheers and applause, including those from her parents Ngu Ee King and Soo Yoik Chiet, inside Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra were deafening.
The strong show of support for Ngu is understandable because she is Unimas’ first physically-challenged graduate who had defied the odds to complete her studies successfully.
She thus shone as a beacon of hope for other physically-challenged people to muster enough self-confidence and courage to go after their dreams.
Ngu attributed her ability to complete her degree to God.
“I don’t think I can finish my study without the support of God. I really thank God and, of course, the strong support from my family members,” said the 23-year-old from Sibu.
This ambitious woman is now pursuing a masters degree, also at Unimas. She has not decided which field she would like to specialise in yet but it would be related to economics. What next after the masters?
“I am toying with the idea of studying theology after that,” enthused the devote Christian.
On facilities at Unimas, Ngu said she hoped something could be done to make it more user-friendly for people with special needs.
“Honestly, the facilities in Unimas are not really friendly to students like me. I was lucky to be surrounded by helpful course mates and friends who always lend me a helping hand,” she said.
On her hopes for people with physical disabilities, Ngu said: “I hope they will summon enough courage to further their studies or chase after their dreams. We should never be defeated by our (physical) difficulties.”
Meanwhile, Khaddraa Rajuli and Chua Kim Eng were also on cloud nine yesterday for they were the recipients of the Royal Education Award (Anugerah Pendidikan DiRaja).
Khaddraa, 22, said her secret to success was spending appropriate amount of time on study and leisure. The Bachelor of Science (Human Resource Development) graduate from Bintulu aspires to be a big name in the field of human resource.
“I enjoy interacting with people. That’s why I want to become an influential figure in the field of human resource management in future,” said Khaddraa, who also wished to have her own consultation firm.
For Chua, ‘nothing is impossible and never give up easily’ is the motto which constantly fuels her motivation to nail the Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Civil Engineering).
The Kuching girl, who is now working with a consultant firm, said she might pursue post-graduate studies in future. During her four-year study in Unimas, this former SMK Batu Lintang student was in the Dean’s List eight times. Other award recipients were Chancellor Award (Khairunnabihah Zainal Abidin), Pro-Chancellor Award (Donald Stephen), Senate Special Award (Lau Ee Li, Kiu Pey Jing and Alex Wong Yik Khai).
Unimas’ two-day 15th Convocation, which started yesterday, saw a total of 1,651 graduates receiving their scrolls.
There are eight PhD graduates, 126 (masters) and 1,517 (bachelors) graduates.