PEKAN: Raised in a modest family, with his father working as a van driver, Ang Cheng Long never imagined receiving one of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah’s (UMPSA) highest academic honours.
The 24-year-old, who graduated with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours, was surprised when he was named recipient of the prestigious Royal Education Award at the university’s 21st Convocation Ceremony today.
Ang said he had never considered himself the most deserving candidate, believing other students had performed better academically.
“The recognition means a lot to me and my family, whose unwavering support has been instrumental throughout my university journey.
“Honestly, I was surprised when my name was announced as the recipient of this prestigious award. I am grateful to UMPSA for placing its trust in me,” he said when met.
Meanwhile, Shakirah Izzati Muhammad Firdaus, who graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) with Honours from the Faculty of Computing, said her main focus had always been doing well in her semester examinations, making the award an unexpected bonus.
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“I never set out to win this award, so being named a recipient and having the opportunity to receive it on stage is a tremendous honour.
“For me, this achievement is not just about receiving an award, but also about giving back to my family and contributing to society in the future,” said the youngest of four siblings.
The two were among 150 graduates who received academic excellence awards and prizes in recognition of their achievements in academics, leadership, innovation and professional development.
UMPSA vice-chancellor Professor Dr Yatimah Alias said 3,345 graduates would receive their scrolls during the university’s four-day convocation ceremony, which began today.
She said the graduates comprised PhD recipients, master’s degree holders, bachelor’s degree graduates, dual-degree recipients, diploma holders and graduates from UMPSA Advanced’s lifelong learning programmes.