Inspiring journey of Fakhrul Ariffin, a visionary occupational therapy graduand

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.