By Diong Hoe Sing
Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Accounting
Class of August 2007

It was my first major achievement when I was awarded the Star Education Fund Scholarship and I am thankful to UTAR for giving me the opportunity. This was the main source of funds that enabled me to do my degree programme in UTAR.

After that, my life took a turn for the better when I was awarded the Tan Sri Khir Johari Award on 9th February in Hotel Istana. I received the award from the Higher Education Minister, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, and witnessed by His Majesty, Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty, Raja Permaisuri Agong. This award was given by the Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman in recognition of students who achieved excellent academic results although suffering from hardship and physical difficulties. Thanks to UTAR for giving me the opportunity to receive such a great award.

My family background was critical challenge. I am from a very poor family and it was the main impetus that motivated me to study hard. As the eldest son in my family, I had experienced a very hard time during my childhood.

I followed my father to the rubber estate at 5am daily since I was 5 years old. I worked while starving and my arm was badly bitten by mosquitoes. During my childhood, my daily meal was plain rice with only one egg.

As a result, I realised that knowledge is the only "candle" that will light up my life and guide me to walk out from this darkness. Hence I started to put a lot of effort in my studies in order to improve my future. Probably I would not have been motivated to study hard to achieve good results without this hardship. So due to sheer poverty and suffering, I am motivated myself to strive for a better life. We should treat our suffering as a form of impetus for success.

In order to excel academically, we have to understand what we learn. For subjects that involve calculations, we have to understand the underlying concepts and principles very well. One must always ask when in doubt. Never feel embarrassed if you ask questions.

"When we read, we know; when we listen, we understand; when we write, we remember." We have to briefly read through the relevant material before attending the class so that we have better understanding of the topics being taught. Review the day's lessons every night and write down useful notes.

One needs to have effective time management and be self disciplined besides getting enough rest while studying. Besides hard work, believing in God's trust is important. One has to pray to refresh one's mind and to receive God's blessing.

I would like to thank my UTAR lecturers who have guided and supported me, and my church members who have motivated and guided me. I will show my appreciation for the assistance I have received by helping others and contributing to society.

When I first came to study in UTAR, my English Language proficiency was very poor. I also had to improve my IT skills by getting my friends to coach me on various software. Being away from home, I had to adapt quickly to KL culture.

My advice for those who face similar hardship is never to let the challenges of life become the barrier to success. Always remind and motivate yourself by asking yourself this question "If other people can do it, why can't I ?"