ALOR STAR: A 34-year-old inmate has not let life behind bars prevent him from continuing his tertiary education at the master's level.
Against all odds, the determined inmate from Alor Star Prison successfully defended his thesis during a viva session held on Sept 18.
The Master's in Management student of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Business Management School said nothing is impossible for inmates like him as long as they have the resolve to succeed.
"Prison has taught me the meaning of life by allowing me to gain knowledge and move forward.
"I am grateful to the Malaysian Prison Department for allowing me to continue my studies, as well as to UUM, especially my supervisors, Associate Professor Dr Zulkiflee Daud and Dr Mazli Mutazam, who have always supported my educational effort even while I am in prison."
The viva was chaired by Prof Dr Hasnizam Shaari, with thesis examiners, including Associate Professor Dr Hamran Mohamad from the National Defence University and Associate Professor Dr Abdul Sukor Shamsudin from UUM.
The Malaysian Prison Department provides opportunities to inmates interested and qualified to pursue higher education, enabling them to shape a brighter future upon their release.