KUANTAN: A convocation is a joyous occasion, but there were many wet eyes at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)'s convocation this year.
At the event today, a couple found the courage to accept their late daughter's posthumous degree scroll, which she earned before her life ended tragically this month.
Adek@Che Ahmad, 46, and Siti Yuana Janamin, 44, stood on behalf of their daughter, the late Asniza, to receive her Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) degree at the 18th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), held at the UMPSA Sports Complex here today.
Siti Yuana expressed how her daughter's dream of attending the convocation was shattered when the accident occurred on Oct 3, just 19 days before the ceremony.
She said that her daughter had made all the preparations, from choosing the perfect attire to planning the event, were made, and Asniza even promised her friends that they would don their convocation robes together on the appointed day.
"But who are we to defy fate? Allah SWT loved her more. I accept it and am proud to have had a responsible, caring, and resilient daughter," said the mother of four.
Asniza, aged 24, was the eldest of four siblings and tragically lost her life in a road accident at Kilometer 119, Jalan Tanjung Laboh, Banang Jaya, Batu Pahat, on Oct 3.
During her time at UMPSA, Asniza actively participated in the Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) and was commissioned as a junior officer.
"I used to tell her that she needed to be strong to succeed, as she always complained about being busy with tasks or sharing her problems.
"So, today, it is that strength that drove me to attend this convocation ceremony.
"Even though she's no longer with us, our family is immensely proud of her achievements, which will remain a cherished memory for life," she said.