Disabled student makes M’sia proud at International Abilympics in France

KUANTAN: Muhammad Safiuddin Rosli, a hearingimpaired student from Selayang Community College, made Malaysia proud when he came out fifth in the International Abilympics Competition, held early this year in France.

Muhammad Safiuddin, 21, from Bukit Beruntung, Selangor, won in the cooking category competing with 24 participants from 12 countries in March.

International Abilympics is a special vocational skills competition for people with disabilities regardless of age from around the world.

Speaking to reporters at the presentation of the Polytechnic and Community Colleges Outstanding Achievement Awards Ceremony 2016 on Tuesday, Muhammad Safiuddin said his lecturer, Asfarul Haris, and his parents had given him the support and motivation to suceed.

Muhammad Safiuddin, who was interviewed by the media with Asfarul’s help, expressed his gratitude and said he was happy to have made the country proud at the international level despite facing many challenges.

“I am the eldest of five siblings and my father works as a security guard while my mother is a housewife.

“My disability was not a barrier to participating in the international competition, on the contrary it gave me the strength to try my best,” said Muhammad Safiuddin.

The graduate with a basic certificate in culinary skills is now working in a fast food restaurant in Kuala Lumpur and chef.

Meanwhile, Asfarul said Muhammad Safiuddin’s achievement has brought pride to the Community College because this was the first time Malaysia had sent a representative for the Abilympics’ cooking category.

Asfarul said both of them had been preparing for six months for the Abilympics and the biggest challenge was the need to prepare a meal based on ingredients of European countries.

“In France, Muhammad aspires to become a Safiuddin had to adapt to using ingredients he was not familiar with and thank God, he managed to obtain fifth place which is noteworthy.

“Naturally, I am proud of his success now that he can lead a normal life like other people and I also still monitor his progress, keeping in touch with him and his family members”, Asfarul said.

The awards ceremony was also attended by Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Mary Yap Kain Ching. — Bernama