Let’s be real. Not everyone has it all figured out at 17. While most people would think 2As in SPM isn’t the best results, Zul Hakim Zulhaimi is living proof that determination can get you far.
Image credits: MARA USA
Rejected by every local university he applied to, Zul could’ve easily given up. But instead, he rewrote his story in a big way and now he’s a proud graduate from Purdue University in the United States, with two engineering degrees under his belt.
Rejection is not the end, but a redirection
Back in 2018, Zul sat for his SPM and walked away with only 2As. He tried applying to public universities but every single one rejected him. For many, that would’ve been the moment to throw in the towel. But Zul had other plans.
Instead of giving up, he took a bold step and enrolled at the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) to study Mechatronic Engineering Technology. Prior to this, he came from an arts stream background but was determined to make it work.
Image credits: MARA USA
From zero science background to Engineering Diploma
Jumping into a technical course without a science foundation isn’t easy, but Zul gave it everything he had. And it paid off. He graduated in 2021 with flying colours and the confidence to dream bigger. That’s when MARA came knocking, awarding him a scholarship to continue his studies abroad.
Naturally, he picked one of the best. Purdue University in the U.S., known globally for its engineering programs.
Once he landed at Purdue, Zul wasn’t just another student sitting in lecture halls. He went all in. Some of his proudest achievements during his time there include:
• Building a smart exoskeleton prototype with force and angle sensors for industrial use
• Becoming a Teaching Assistant for a Lean Six Sigma course
• Presenting his team’s innovation at the Purdue Tech Expo in front of both industry experts and academics
He turned every opportunity into a stepping stone and with that, Zul managed to graduate early, with honours.
Image credits: MARA USA
Graduated Early With Honours
Though his MARA scholarship was supposed to run until Fall 2025, Zul completed everything one semester early and walked the stage in Spring 2025 with:
• A degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
• A degree in Automation & Systems Integration Engineering Technology
He also received the Golden Honor Cord, an award given to top academic achievers. Zul’s story is more than just inspirational. It’s a reminder that your starting point doesn’t determine your destination. He didn’t come from a perfect academic background. He wasn’t on anyone’s radar as the next top student. But he kept going, stayed curious, and bet on himself.
He’s proof that second chances, when met with hard work, can lead to amazing outcomes. Congratulations, Zul. You didn’t just beat the odds. You’ve inspired a whole new wave of students who thought their 2As meant the end.
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