Serdang: Losing both parents within five years and taking on the responsibility of caring for his three younger siblings did not stop Muhammad Adam Iskandar Azharunaim from pursuing his dream of entering university.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 20-year-old, the eldest of four siblings, became the family's sole breadwinner and caregiver after his father died from a COVID-19 infection in 2021, followed by his mother's death from stage four brain cancer on Aug 24. Since his father's passing, Muhammad Adam had been caring for his mother, who suffered from a genetic illness, while ensuring his siblings-Nur Alya Syafiah, 19; Nur Aneesya Syafiyah, 17; and Muhammad Ashraf Iskandar, 16-continued their education.
'Our family's expenses depended on zakat assistance received by my mother and my late father's Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) benefits. Since my mother died, I have taken on the full responsibility of looking after my family,' he told Bernama when met at his home in Kampung Terap, Serdang here yesterday.
Despite achieving an outstanding 9As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Muhammad Adam postponed his university plans because he could not leave his mother, who required continuous treatment at Penang Hospital. His determination to care for his mother came at a personal cost. He frequently missed school and revised his lessons at the hospital while accompanying her, including during his preparation for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination.
'I continued my Form Six studies at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Serdang because it was close to home and allowed me to take care of my mother. Although I was often absent, my teachers supported me by providing learning materials and lesson videos, and I eventually achieved a 4.00 CGPA in STPM,' he said.
Muhammad Adam chose Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) partly because its location allowed him to continue caring for his mother. He received an offer to pursue a Bachelor of Education (History) with Honours at USM on Aug 15, but by then, his mother was already unable to respond.
'This is a test for me, but I cannot think of any other way to change my family's future except through education,' he said, adding that Nur Alya Syafiah is suspected of having a similar illness to his mother, while Muhammad Ashraf is a person with a physical disability.
His story caught the attention of USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Ir Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, who visited the family to offer support. Abdul Rahman said Muhammad Adam was among more than 200 recipients receiving assistance under USM's Siswa Sulung (Sulung 4.0) programme this year.
'Under the programme, he will pursue his four-year degree without having to pay tuition fees throughout his studies. USM will also assist with his hostel fees. To date, 1,200 USM students have received sponsorship through Sulung 4.0, which supports first-born children from financially challenged families who have gained admission to university but face financial constraints,' he said.
Abdul Rahman said the programme reflected USM's commitment to ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have better opportunities to improve their families' future.