Grad credits UPNM for her sports, academic success
PUTRAJAYA: Ever since primary school, Sarah Nur Ain Omar, 22, has always been passionate about triathlons, and she spent most of her time at her university, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), training for competitions.
Yesterday, she unlocked another achievement when she received the highest award, Anugerah Pelajaran DiRaja, at the university’s ninth convocation at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.
Sarah, who is a Bachelor of Defence in Human Resource Management graduate, said she chose UPNM to develop her talent and passion for the sport.
“Even though I was busy every semester with training and competitions, I still managed to focus on my studies and passed with flying colours,” said Sarah from Bukit Piatu, Melaka.
“This award shows that being active in co-curricular activities, including sports, won’t affect your studies as long as you know how to manage your time well and strive for success,” she said.
Another recipient of the award, Muhammad Sheikh Al Sy’aidi Mohammad Ali, 22, said the recognition will be the best gift he could give to honour his parents.
The Bachelor of Maritime Technology graduate said his father had wanted him to become a religious teacher, but his interest in the military made him choose UPNM to further his studies.
“My parents gave their blessings. During my studies, I developed close relationships with my classmates and lecturers, and I think that contributed to my success.
“Other than reading Al-Quran and studying every day, I make an effort to meet my lecturers if I didn’t understand something,” he said.
The sole recipient of Anugerah Pingat Emas Canselor, Anisah Mat Rani, 22, said she learnt to be more confident and disciplined at UPNM.
Anisah, who is a Language and Cross Cultural Communication graduate, said to achieve success, one must study smart and know how to manage time.
Earlier, UPNM pro-chancellor Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim presented graduation scrolls to 740 degree and diploma students.
Present were UPNM pro-chancellor General (Rtd) Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali Mohamed Seth and Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong.
UPNM awarded academic prizes to 26 degree students and six diploma students.