JOHOR BAHRU, 17 Nov. – “Failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity for growth and resilience,” said Sasi A/L Subramaniam, a Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor receiver and a graduate with a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

Sasi’s journey began with a significant challenge that could have easily derailed his ambitions: he received a disappointing result of 7Gs in his SPM trial exam. However, instead of succumbing to despair, he chose to view this as an opportunity for growth. Through sheer determination and hard work, Sasi improved his performance in the actual SPM exam, demonstrating that failure can lead to greater strength. He then pursued a Diploma in Risk Management at Putra Intelek International College, where he graduated with the prestigious President’s Gold Award, a testament to his academic excellence and dedication.

Sasi continued his tertiary education by pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) at Open University Malaysia (OUM) before taking on the challenge of a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development at UTM.

His primary motivation for pursuing a Master’s degree was to deepen his knowledge in the field and enhance his skills for a better future career. His strong interest in exploring current issues in the field motivated him to apply for the Master’s program, which also helped boost his self-confidence and contributed to his professional growth.

Sasi’s Master’s journey began during the pandemic, which meant that classes were conducted online rather than in person. “One of the main challenges of online classes was the lack of direct interaction, making it difficult to maintain focus,” Sasi noted.

He also faced challenges such as managing his time effectively, dealing with the isolation of remote learning, and adapting to a new learning environment. He engaged more actively with his lecturers and peers during discussion sessions to overcome these challenges. He also took detailed notes and sought additional resources outside the classroom to enhance his understanding of the subject matter.

Sasi shared that his biggest challenge was managing his time and finances while working from home and pursuing his Master’s degree simultaneously. “Working from home requires a high level of discipline to effectively balance work and studies,” he noted. To address this, he developed a strategy that included setting a consistent schedule, prioritizing tasks based on their importance, and designating a dedicated workspace to improve focus.

Additionally, he incorporated brief breaks between study and work sessions to maintain productivity and gradually enhance his performance in both areas. He also managed his finances by budgeting carefully, seeking part-time work opportunities, and applying for scholarships and study funds.

Reflecting on a past accident where he relied on crutches for mobility, Sasi remarked, “Experiencing the accident taught me the value of gratitude and self-confidence. I realized it was not an excuse to give up on life but rather a lesson in resilience.” This experience strengthened his determination, encouraged personal recovery, and inspired him to continue striving for the success he enjoys today.

Sasi expressed deep gratitude for his achievements, particularly acknowledging his family and the Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor for their support throughout his journey. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor for their generous RM 3,000 study fund. Your support made a significant difference, allowing me to focus on my studies without the burden of financial stress,” he said.

“Failure is an essential part of the learning process. It helps us identify our weaknesses and shortcomings, allowing us to learn from our mistakes,” Sasi encouraged those facing challenges in their studies or life. “Everyone’s journey is unique, and each challenge presents an opportunity to build self-confidence while gaining knowledge.”

To Sasi A/L Subramaniam: Your journey of resilience and determination is truly inspiring, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements. As you move into the future, carry the UTM spirit with you and continue to turn challenges into opportunities for greatness.