SERDANG: A teacher from Beaufort, Sabah was determined to complete his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in order to be an inspiration to his students, even after being diagnosed with stage four lymphoma.
Dr Syahrin Awang Besar, 50, who currently teaches at SMK Beaufort in Sabah, said he almost gave up when he received the life-shattering news in January.
He said getting the diagnosis was like a death sentence that stopped him dead in his tracks -- he was then in his final year of studies in the field of Malay language.
"At that time, I had already finished my viva voce presentation and my thesis needed some correction, but when I received the news that I was confirmed as a cancer patient, everything seemed to stop and at that moment, I did not even touch my thesis at all.
"But when I thought of my students, I realised I had to be a role model to them, that whatever our situation in health or economy, education should come first," he related to Bernama after the 46th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Convocation (second session) here today.
Syahrin, who has taught at the Beaufort school for 28 years, reflected that some of his students had to skip school several days a week to earn extra income for their families by weaving oil palm leaves, with some even turning fishermen, while some even stopped schooling midway.
Earlier, the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is UPM Pro-Chancellor, consented to award PhDs, masters, degrees and diplomas to 834 graduates at the convocation.
Meanwhile, private sector worker Mohd Nazim Abdul Karim, 43, said he was inspired to pursue his Master of Business Administration after his wife Masuri Mokhtar, 40, was offered the same course after successfully securing a federal study grant.
The father of four children between the ages of two and 17 said he and his wife helped each other complete academic assignments and manage the family.
"Classes start from 6 pm to 9 pm, and every time there is a class held online, my mother-in-law will take care of our youngest child," said Nazim, who also runs a business importing coffee beans from Indonesia and Brazil.
Nazim said that even though they were in the same class, the couple still competed in a healthy way to excel as students.
Masuri, who is also an administrative and diplomatic officer at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), said to ensure that the family was not neglected during the couple's two-year studies, she had planned their daily activities in advance.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Nov 30 2022
A teacher from Beaufort, Dr Syahrin Awang Besar, was determined to complete his PhD degree in order to be an inspiration to his students, even after being diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. - BERNAMA
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.