KUALA LUMPUR : Amidst the triumphs of academic achievement at Perdana University's Convocation 2023, a remarkable story of resilience and determination takes the spotlight. Fakhrul Ariffin Bakir, 41, a graduand with Retinitis Pigmentosa, who pursued a Degree Conversion Programme in Occupational Therapy, stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Employed as an Occupational Therapist at Hospital Enche' Besar Hajjah Khalsom, Kluang since 2015, Fakhrul faced unique challenges during his academic journey.
He studied while he was working, in which he enrolled into the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy programme at the Perdana University School of Occupational Therapy in 2021.
His dedication to overcome these obstacles led him to discussions with Dean, Professor Nathan Vytialingam, seeking a viable solution for examination accommodations. The examination unit of the university played a crucial role in supporting his needs.
Navigating through the complexities of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fakhrul encountered additional hurdles. Despite his computer having a screen reader for Moodle, it proved incompatible, leaving him unable to access essential resources. Fakhrul went to Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Baru and Hospital Selayang to seek confirmation of diagnose as he started to lose the eyesight when he was 28. It was a surprised for him as he had a good vision and was not wearing any spectacles. According to Fakhrul, the eyesight deteriorated rapidly within less than two months.
His academic aspirations were put on hold from 2012 to 2021 due to limited opportunities for visually impaired individuals. Undeterred by the challenges, Fakhrul embarked on a journey to pursue his studies, facing the daunting task of learning everything from scratch after losing his sight.
In the face of adversity, Fakhrul seized an opportunity—recognizing the absence of a module for blind individuals in occupational therapy. His goal is to elevate this initiative to a Master's or PhD thesis, contributing to the advancement of accessibility in the field.
This Convocation holds a poignant moment as Fakhrul, accompanied by his mother, Salbiah binti Patkor, 70, attended the convocation to receive his scroll. Their journey, fraught with challenges and sacrifices, embodies the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge. Fakhrul's story serves as an inspiration, shedding light on the extraordinary achievements that can emerge from resilience and determination.
As Fakhrul graduates, Perdana University celebrates not only his academic success but also his commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others in the field of occupational therapy. This Convocation marks a profound moment, acknowledging the strength and resilience of a graduand who turned challenges into triumphs.
Fakhrul is a recipient of a Special Award: ‘Barrier Breaker Award’ at the convocation.
At the convocation, Perdana University also celebrated the success of a Teoh Jun-Zhe, 24, who is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award.
Teoh also received his degree in Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy today and is looking forward to start a new journey in his career as an Occupational Therapist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Media Statement
Sat Dec 02 2023
In the face of adversity, Fakhrul seized an opportunity—recognizing the absence of a module for blind individuals in occupational therapy.
Floods in Sabah, Sarawak: PM orders NADMA to strengthen federal, state response machinery
PM says the primary focus at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and ensuring the safety of people in the affected areas.
Millions of Hindus take "holy dip" a day after fatal stampede
Devotees take daily 'holy dips,' but on certain dates, "royal" dips are deemed more sacred, drawing larger crowds.
Trump orders agencies to scrub 'gender ideology' from contracts, websites
Federal agencies are required to "recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male."
US figure skaters were on board plane that crashed into Potomac River
US Figure Skating said athletes, coaches, and families returning from the National Development Camp were aboard the flight.
Disaster relief assets deployed to flood-affected areas in Sarawak - Ahmad Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, so far, more than 50 relief centres have been activated to house flood victims in the state.
Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash
The crash caught on a webcam, shows the aircraft exploding in flames and plummeting to earth after it was struck by the helicopter.
Scores feared dead in Washington after jet collides with helicopter, crashes into river
Officials gave no death toll, but Senator Roger Marshall said most, if not all, aboard the Kansas-origin flight likely died in the crash.
Tiong: Additional personnel mobilised to assist in Bintulu disaster relief efforts
Without specifying the exact number, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the personnel are expected to arrive tomorrow.
Palestinian forces begin handover of three Israeli hostages in latest stage of ceasefire deal
Palestinian forces handed over three Israeli hostages in Gaza for 110 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal on Thursday.
Landslide cuts off Kanowit-Song access - Nanta Linggi
Jalan Song/Sipan-Temalat has been closed to all vehicles today following a landslide that cut off access between Kanowit and Song,
What caused the stampede at India's Maha Kumbh festival that killed dozens?
Here are some details about the incident and the situation on the ground.
Rashford must change if he wants Man United return, says Amorim
Marcus Rashford has not played for United since last month, after he admitted he was ready for a new challenge in his career.
How transgender troops prepared to fight Trump's new policy
Advocates argue the executive order stigmatises transgender service members by labeling them medically and morally unfit.
India orders probe into Kumbh festival stampede that killed dozens
The government has decided that a judicial inquiry of the incident will be done, says Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail calls for mindset change to solve persistent issues in M-League
Tunku Mahkota Ismail also addressed other concerns about late salary payments and some team management's neglect of their clubs' welfare.
What were the aircraft involved in midair crash in Washington DC?
Air traffic control recordings appear to capture the final attempted communications with the helicopter, before it collides with the plane.
Tesla commits to cheaper cars in first half, sees autonomous vehicles 'in the wild' in June
Tesla says the company would start testing a paid autonomous car service in June.
Vehicles plough into people outside KL nightspot, two injured
The police receive a report about the incident from a 24-year-old man who witnesses it.
Girl, 7, dies of suspected abuse by parents
Police says the post-mortem found old and fresh abuse signs on the victim, with death caused by abdominal injuries from a blunt object.
American Airlines jet, Army helicopter collide, crash into Washington's Potomac River
The Washington Post reports that multiple bodies have been recovered from the water.