Determined to succeed

Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay Johor Police Chief Bachelor of Business Administration, 1990 Masters in Information Technology, 1999

I was extremely excited when I was offered the opportunity to pursue the Business Management degree programme in UKM. In the 1980s, not many STPM school leavers had the privilege to pursue their dreams at public institutes of higher learning, as there were so few universities then. The offer allowed me to chart my future, determine my career and contribute to my family, society and nation.

Initially, I had doubts about being able to complete my course as Mathematics was not my forte.

Nevertheless, through perseverance and support from my lecturers and peers, I embraced the challenge. Since young, I strongly believed in the principle that success can be attained with hard work, commitment and blessings. I was a “slow learner” and was only able to start reading at the age of 10. Since then, I have read vorafriends ciously. UKM exposed me to an exciting network of from diverse backgrounds, religions, races, cultures and traditions. The most unique interactions were with my university mates from the east coast and East Malaysia. We remain close friends and continue to be in touch. I also remember my former lecturers - Hamzah Ismail, the late Assoc Prof Dr Jaafar Muhammad, the late Assoc Prof Dr Ismail Ibrahim, Assoc Prof Dr Ezani Mat Hasan and Dr Saiful Bahru Sufar . Dr Hamzah delivers lectures at dawn and he can count faster than his students using calculators. UKM taught me to be self-reliant and confident, to continuously improve myself and the lives of people and to bring about positive changes.

Nothing is impossible if we strive. We must change everything that is negative if it is within our ability and power. We may not achieve 100% success but change is necessary.

This Golden Jubilee sets the stage for UKM and its’ alumni to celebrate their glorious achievements over the last 50 years. I’d also like to thank UKM lecturers, administrators and staff for their support and guidance.