Among financial hardship and personal challenges, 18-year-old Naufal Zulkarnain Muhammad Anuar, raised by a disabled single mother, is striving to achieve his dream of becoming a heart specialist, driven by a passion to improve his family’s life and contribute meaningfully to society.
Image credit: Sinar Harian
Raised by a disabled single mother, he scored 9As & entered medical school
According to local daily Sinar Harian, Naufal is the third of six siblings from Temerloh, Pahang, and was brought up by a single mother, Manisah Hassan, who has a physical disability. In order to make ends meet, she sells traditional kuih and bread in small quantities.
Despite the circumstances, he excelled in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, scoring 9As. With his impressive results, he is currently enrolled in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin’s (UniSZA) Foundation in Medicine and Health Sciences program.
Chasing a medical dream with only a second-hand phone
During his time preparing for the SPM exams, Naufal studied using a second-hand smartphone bought with his savings and a laptop borrowed from his sister.
The prevalence of heart disease in Malaysia was a major factor behind Naufal’s choice to pursue medicine. So, his dream is to become a specialist, so that he can help others live longer and healthier lives.
University kindness and community aid keep his dream alive
In a heartwarming gesture, UniSZA arranged a special vehicle to fetch Naufal from his grandmother’s home in Temerloh and bring him to the university for registration. The initiative is part of UniSZA’s commitment to equitable education access and social responsibility.
Naufal, now living on campus said that adjusting to university life has its challenges, but he feels encouraged because of the support he received from lecturers and friends.
Naufal has also applied for a donated (wakaf) laptop from the university and has received public contributions to help with his educational expenses. He is grateful that with continued support, he can complete his studies without placing additional strain on his mother.
He also noted that the affordable food on campus has allowed him to stretch his limited funds.
Strength from a mother’s sacrifice
What touches many about Naufal’s story is not just his academic excellence, but his unwavering admiration for his mother. Despite her physical disability, Manisah continues to provide for her children with strength and resilience.
From personla struggles to national inspiration
Naufal’s father, Muhammad Anuar Abdullah, 50-year-old, is currently under the care of the Pahang Islamic Religious Council as part of a rehabilitation program. Despite the absence of his father, Naufal remains resilient and focused on his goals.
Many people have been moved by Naufal’s story of desire and tenacity, becoming a symbol of hope for underprivileged students nationwide. His journey is an example to the power of education, resilience, and the unwavering love of a mother.
UniSZA reaffirmed that the assistance extended to Naufal reflects the university’s dedication to social equity, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.
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