DETERMINATION PAYS OFF: Fauzi (left) and Suraya posing for a photo session after the graduation ceremony at Unimas DeTAR Putra Hall.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Although faced with various challenges during their student days, both husband and wife finally become graduates after successfully completing their studies in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
Fauzi Zainal Abidin and his wife, Suraya Suyong, who both graduated with a degree in computer science, said their achievements did not come easy as they had to face all kinds of challenges during their course of study.
“Despite all the challenges that we faced, we continued to be strong and tough to ensure that we would be able to complete our studies,” said Fauzi when interviewed by reporters after their graduation ceremony at Unimas DeTAR Putra Hall here yesterday.
Fauzi and Suraya were among 1,890 graduates from Unimas receiving their scrolls during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony.
In the third session of Unimas 16th convocation ceremony yesterday, the graduates received their certificates from Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is also Unimas pro-chancellor.
In comparing themselves with other students, Fauzi said the challenges that they faced as students were different from those experienced by other students.
“However, these challenges gave us stronger spirit and made us more determined in our efforts to complete our studies in Unimas. Through our strong determination and untiring efforts, we finally did it,” he said.
Fauzi stated that both he and his wife decided to get married when they were still first year students in Unimas after knowing each other for eight years.
“We got married when we were still first year students here and we chose the same course. That makes it easier for us to study together,” he added.
On their plans after graduation, Fauzi said both of them would work because they had a family to take care of.
“God willing, if there are opportunities, we will further our studies to higher levels,” said Fauzi, who is currently working with a private company.
Fauzi also said that both he and his wife were proud to be graduates from Unimas, which was among the top 200 universities according to Asian University Ranking 2012 Standard.
On his advice to current Unimas students, Fauzi said: “I urge them to accept the offers to study in Unimas and never think twice. Just grab the opportunity.”