NILAI, July 18th, 2023 – An outstanding Orang Asli Student Nurul Atiqah Ithnani Idrus, 18, made history by becoming the first Orang Asli student to be admitted to the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Tamhidi (Foundation) Program for the 2022/2023 Academic Session.

The second child of these three siblings is even more proud to have chosen the Tamhidi Program in Medicine, Dentistry, and Science for one year of study, which will then be placed in the bachelor’s Program at USIM.

Nurul Atiqah from the Semai tribe is a former Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Bentong (SMAP Bentong) student, Pahang, who obtained 10A results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). She is also the best SPM Orang Asli student at Pahang State Level in 2022.

“I am delighted because I managed to continue my studies and hope to achieve my dream of becoming a dentist.”

Atiqah said that to achieve something successful, one must be able to handle pressure. Early preparation is vital, and she will ensure daily subject revision, such as reading, and will often seek help from more proficient people to master weak subjects.

In the meantime, her mother, Norhayati Abu Zaki, a housewife, also expressed gratitude and pride in her daughter’s success.

Sharing tips, in addition to praying for the best for her children, Norhayati often advises them to respect their parents, study hard, and hold to the words that to succeed is not easy, that success must start from the bottom, and something that we do not know we must learn.

“I hope that she will be even more successful and able to help those who are in greater need, as we have been in that situation before,” she said again.

Nurul Atikah is also eligible to receive educational assistance from the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) for her studies, from the Foundation level up to the bachelor’s level.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Prof Ts. Dato Dr. Sharifudin Md Shaarani said USIM welcomes Nurul Atikah, who will register for Tamhidi USIM on July 25, 2023. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Higher Education, IPG Tengku Ampuan Afzan Campus, and JAKOA for their cooperation in today’s program.

“This is history for USIM because it will receive the best indigenous students from Pahang,” he added.

A total of 1109 students are expected to register for the Tamhidi (Foundation) program from July 25 to 26.

 

Prepared by:
Noorumaina Mohamed Yunus
Pusat Komunikasi Strategik (StraComm)
Aras 1, Canselori Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai Negeri Sembilan