Lieutenant Leong Keng Yik overcomes stage two bone cancer diagnosis and major surgery to graduate with MSc from UniMAP
ARAU: A Malaysian army officer has defied a stage two bone cancer diagnosis to complete his Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).
Lieutenant Leong Keng Yik, a 31-year-old volunteer officer from the 504 Territorial Army Regiment, was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma last year after experiencing severe pain during military training.
Medical tests revealed cancer cells had deteriorated part of the bone structure in his left pelvis, requiring immediate surgery in June 2023 during his final semester.
“I initially thought the pain was normal since I had been actively training,” he told reporters after UniMAP’s 20th Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Tuanku Canselor.
“When the pain intensified to the point where I couldn’t squat or sleep at night, I realised something was wrong.”
The surgery forced Leong to defer his studies and left him bedridden for nearly four months, struggling with anxiety and insomnia during recovery.
“My mental state crumpled during this time,” he admitted.
He credited his family and supervisor Dr Muhammad Hasnulhadi Mohammad Jaafar for providing crucial support throughout his ordeal.
“Dr Muhammad Hasnulhadi was willing to travel all the way from Perlis to Penang to visit me,” Leong said.
“When I saw my supervisor go to such lengths to support me, I felt I couldn’t give up.”
Fellow volunteer officers from his regiment also visited him at home, offering encouragement that motivated him to work harder in physiotherapy.
Leong gradually resumed his studies after regaining the ability to walk while undergoing intensive physiotherapy to strengthen bones and muscles around the operated area.
“My condition is now stable, and the implant fits well,” he said.
“I need more time to strengthen my muscles.”
The UniMAP alumnus, who previously earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in 2019, considers his master’s completion the greatest gift for his supportive family and friends. – BERNAMA
