Yayasan Sarawak Sponsorship Makes Dream Of Medical Degree Come True For Two Sarawakians
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The dream of two Sarawakians from Kapit and Tatau to pursue a career in medicine has finally come true after they successfully completed their studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) through Yayasan Sarawak sponsorship.
The success of Jasnita Anak Kent from Rumah Anding, Sungai Melinau, Kapit, and Nur Hafizah Auda from Kampung Baru Tatau proves that financial constraints and family background are no barrier to achieving excellence in higher education.
The inspiring stories of the two graduates, who come from low-income (B40) families, also caught the attention of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, who highlighted their achievements in his speech at the 30th UNIMAS Convocation Ceremony on Tuesday.
When met after the ceremony, Jasnita expressed her gratitude and joy at completing her studies despite facing various challenges throughout her academic journey.
"I am happy because not everyone gets an opportunity like this. Although there were hardships along the way at university, Yayasan Sarawak helped a lot," she said.
According to Jasnita, the conducive learning environment, as well as the support of her friends and lecturers, was also a key motivation for her to keep striving until she completed her studies.
She also described the Sarawak Government's initiative to expand access to higher education as an important step in opening up more opportunities for locals to achieve their aspirations and build professional careers.
Meanwhile, Nur Hafizah said she was touched and had not expected her achievement to be noticed by the Sarawak Premier, to the point of her name being mentioned in his speech at the ceremony.
She said the recognition was a meaningful memory and a source of motivation to continue contributing to society, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Reflecting on the challenges during her studies, she said the journey from Tatau to Bintulu before continuing on to Kuching required careful planning.
However, improvements to road infrastructure in Sarawak have greatly helped ease travel and shorten journey times.
"In my view, the Sarawak Premier's initiative is truly worthwhile because it covers education, learning and transportation.
"I hope more Sarawakians will be interested in pursuing medicine, because doctors are still very much needed in Sarawak," she said.
Nur Hafizah also expressed her wish to return to serve in her home state, particularly in areas near her hometown.
"Of course I want to serve in Sarawak. If possible, I would like to work somewhere near the Bintulu area," she said.
Both graduates were among the 41 Yayasan Sarawak-sponsored medical students who received their degrees at the 30th UNIMAS Convocation Ceremony.
Through the sponsorship, they received full funding for tuition fees, accommodation at residential colleges and an annual living allowance, helping to ease their families' financial burden throughout their studies.
Their success also reflects the effectiveness of the Sarawak Government's investment in human capital development, particularly in producing more local medical professionals to meet healthcare service needs across the state. -UKASnews
