Tanjong malim: Celebrities Mohd Sabri Yunus and Ahmad Fedtri Yahya have taken significant steps in their academic pursuits by enrolling in master's programs at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Award of Qualifications (APEL.Q) pathway.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Sabri, a renowned actor and director, has long harbored the dream of advancing his education. At 65, this aspiration is finally coming to fruition as he embarks on a Master of Education in Malay Literature at UPSI. The university extended this opportunity through the APEL.Q pathway, marking a significant milestone in his journey since his earlier attempts to study at a university did not materialize during his tenure at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Reflecting on his past, Mohd Sabri shared that although formal education eluded him previously, his thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. He valued everyone he encountered as a source of learning and is optimistic about conducting research on pantun in Dikir Barat, aiming to clarify misconceptions about the term 'Tukang Karut.'

Ahmad Fedtri Yahya, a television personality and presenter, has also been afforded the opportunity to pursue a Master of Education in Malay Language through the same APEL.Q pathway. Expressing his excitement, Fedtri emphasized the importance of language in reflecting a society's civilization and knowledge. He noted the challenges posed by evolving communication styles among the younger generation due to digital influences and stressed the need to strengthen efforts in upholding the Malay language.

UPSI's vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, welcomed the two celebrities into the university community, highlighting the potential for staff and students to gain invaluable insights from their experiences in the arts, language, and culture. Md Amin emphasized that the involvement of Sabri and Fedtri is crucial in enriching the cultural identity of the nation, especially as UPSI students prepare to become educators and influencers of future generations.