Health Issues No Obstacle To Nurul Allyssa Winning Minister’s Special Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Despite facing health problems that kept her away from classes for nearly a month, it did not stop Nurul Allyssa Saadon from winning the Minister’s Special Award (Best Overall Graduate) at the 31st Baitulmal Skills Institute (IKB) convocation ceremony, here today.

Nurul Allyssa, 25, who graduated with a Certificate in Computer Graphic Design, said the encouragement given by her family and teachers strengthened her resolve to keep studying to secure a better future for herself and her family.

“I did not expect to receive this award. Even though I was often unwell and missed almost a month of lessons, thanks to the teachers’ support and guidance, I managed to catch up and complete all the assignments given,” Allyssa told reporters after the convocation ceremony.

Allyssa, who is the sixth of seven siblings, said she planned to start her own business one day.

“I am grateful for institutes like IKB that help students from B40 families to pursue studies with various assistance, including free meals and monthly allowances,” she added.

Meanwhile, another student, Nur Athirah Nadhilah Abdul Rahman, 21, a Diploma in Fashion Design Technology graduate, was announced as the recipient of the Excellent Skills Award. She received the award accompanied by her mother and her father, who has been suffering from a stroke for the past 10 years.

“My parents are my source of strength to study and achieve today’s success. We rely solely on my father’s pension under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Invalidity Scheme, which is less than RM1,000 a month, with some help from my sister.

“I hope with the knowledge and qualification I now have, I can achieve my dream of becoming a well-known fashion designer both locally and internationally, and open my own brand boutique one day to change my family’s future,” said the youngest of two siblings.

A total of 97 graduates from seven skills programmes, one diploma programme, and six certificate programmes received their scrolls at the 31st convocation ceremony.

The graduates also received skills certificates, including the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3, Three-Phase Wireman Competency Certificate (PW4), and Construction Skills Competency Certificate (CIDB).

The ceremony was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

-- BERNAMA