A mother and son share a unique graduation day at UTHM, both receiving civil engineering scrolls after overcoming pandemic delays together
BATU PAHAT: A mother and son experienced a unique double graduation at the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) convocation.
Dr Norshila Abu Bakar, 51, received her Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering while her son, Akmal Hafiz Nurhizal Azam, 25, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology.
Norshila’s PhD journey was extended by nearly two years due to laboratory closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order.
She expressed profound gratitude for the unexpected timing that allowed her to graduate alongside her son.
“Today, I get to walk across the stage in my robe, receiving my scroll side by side with my son,” Norshila told Bernama.
She recalled being four months pregnant with Akmal when she received her Master’s degree at UTHM 25 years ago.
Akmal credited his mother as his teacher, motivator, and source of strength throughout his academic path.
“She was always there,” he said, noting her support helped him switch from arts to engineering.
The 25th UTHM Convocation, running from December 6 to 11, celebrates 4,915 graduates.
The ceremony honours Tan Sri Datuk Soh Thian Lai with an Honorary Doctorate for his contributions to technical education. – Bernama
