JOHOR BAHRU, 18 Nov. – “If you are facing any difficulties, do talk to someone you trust and reach out for advice. Avoid making decisions that you might later regret and that could jeopardise your well-being,” said Suzanna anak Sabastine Janang, a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

Suzanna and her husband, Masdi bin Abdul Gani, are from Bintulu, Sarawak, and Labuan, respectively. After graduating from high school, they had long dreamed of studying at UTM, but their plans were derailed due to unsatisfactory examination results. Years later, they found a new opportunity when UTMSPACE opened an Electrical Engineering program in Kota Kinabalu.

During the intervening years, Suzanna earned a Polytechnic Certificate in Petroleum Engineering and a Polytechnic Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Power). Masdi obtained a Polytechnic Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Communication) and a Polytechnic Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Both completed their certificates at Politeknik Kuching, Sarawak, and their diplomas at Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah in Jitra, Kedah.

When UTMSPACE launched the program, Suzanna encouraged Masdi to join her. Together, they embarked on their studies, balancing demanding careers in the oil and gas industry with their academic commitments.

Their journey was anything but ordinary. Balancing demanding jobs with part-time studies at UTMSPACE, they encountered numerous challenges, including health setbacks, demanding schedules, and financial pressures.

Suzanna initially travelled between Bintulu and Kota Kinabalu weekly to attend classes while managing her project-based contract work. Later, her husband’s job took them to Johor Bahru, where they joined UTMSPACE JB. Despite their best efforts, they had to drop one subject when Masdi’s demanding offshore work schedule conflicted with their classes.

For Suzanna, the most challenging period came during the pandemic in 2020. After undergoing major spinal surgery in March that year, she faced a long recovery as a paraplegic. “My classes were online during the Movement Control Order (MCO). I could not even sit up due to the surgery and had to lie down during classes. It was a struggle to keep up with the lessons since I prefer face-to-face interaction for better understanding and discussions,” she shared. Currently, Suzanna is improving and still undergoing rehabilitation.

Despite these difficulties, Suzanna persevered. When her husband, Masdi, could return to Johor Bahru after the restrictions were lifted, he assisted her with class notes, prepared materials, and studied together for quizzes and tests. Their teamwork became crucial in ensuring they both made progress in their studies.

“Maintaining motivation while facing health problems is truly mind- and soul-shattering, believe me,” said Suzanna. She remained strong by envisioning how proud she would feel after completing her journey. Suzanna did not regret her decision; in fact, she felt grateful when she saw her parents’ proud faces as they took photos after the graduation ceremony.

Masdi’s journey was no less remarkable. Having worked his way up in the oil and gas industry with an Electrical and Electronic Engineering diploma, he aspired to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a UTMSPACE Kota Kinabalu student, he juggled classes with his demanding two-week rotating schedule offshore and onshore. At one point, he had to retake the Bahasa Melayu SPM examination as a private candidate, learning through YouTube tutorials to meet graduation requirements.

After nine years of perseverance, Suzanna and Masdi have achieved their dream, graduating together at UTM’s 68th Convocation. “Factors that keep me going until the finishing line are my determination to prove to all naysayers that we (my husband & I) can make it,” said Suzanna. Their parents also played vital roles in keeping her strong. 

“The recovery process taught me patience and resilience. It shaped my perspective on life, reminding me that no matter how hard the challenges are, they can be overcome with determination and support,” shared Suzanna when asked about her journey of recovering from the surgery.

“The journey to this goal was long, with many obstacles and detours.  My graduation is a shared accomplishment with my family, friends and colleagues, who have loved and supported me through the many years of work it took to reach this milestone. Your belief propelled me forward, even in my doubts. This achievement is dedicated to all who have been part of my journey. To all the lecturers who inspired a desire for lifelong learning,” Suzanna shared.

Reflecting on their journey, Suzanna offers valuable advice to others: “To full-time students, focus wholeheartedly on your studies because education enhances the quality of life and determines your path after graduation. Those pursuing studies through programs like SPACE should be prepared for challenges such as work schedules, class schedules, financial pressures, and balancing work, family, and studies. There will be moments when you feel like dropping out, but perseverance is key.”

To Suzanna and Masdi, your journey is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination. Congratulations on your well-deserved success—keep striving, believing, and inspiring!