Motivational book ‘The Secret’ is Joanne’s recipe for success
KUANTAN: The book titled ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne is the secret recipe for Joanne Boon Shan Shan’s success that enables her to be conferred the Royal Education Award at the 13th convocation ceremony of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) here yesterday.
Joanne, 24, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.9.
She said the motivational book taught her that she could get whatever she wanted if she put her mind and efforts to it.
“Success doesn’t come easy. For me, the success of obtaining Dean’s List seven times throughout my study was probably due to my strong determination to achieve it. For me, everything is possible if we put our mind and efforts to it,” she told reporters at the convocation ceremony graced by the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is also UMP chancellor.
Meanwhile, occupational health and safety officer at a construction company, Mohd Hamdan A. Aziz, 61, described his success in graduating with Executive Master in Safety, Health and Environment as something that he owed to himself.
Mohd Hamdan, who is a father of four and grandfather of nine, said he had been dreaming to get a Master’s degree ever since he was young, but could not do so due to financial constraints.
“I tried to get my children to pursue a postgraduate degree but they were hesitant about it. So I thought, if they don’t want to do it, why don’t I do it?” he said.
Mohd Hamdan also dedicated the degree to his wife, Rohani Mohamad, 61, for her undivided support to him during his twoyear study.
“It was not easy as I really have to catch up and compete with the younger students so that I will not be left behind,” he added. — Bernama