Melaka: A mother's unusual way of parenting, addressing them with respectful titles such as 'professor' and 'engineer' since they were young, has proven effective as all children thrive in life. Zulhijah Abu Zarin, 67, this year's recipient of the Ibu Inspirasi (Inspirational Mother) award, said it is a form of positive affirmations and a mother's prayers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulhijah and her husband Ridzuan Hamad, 74, worked hard to raise their three sons and one daughter, aged between 38 and 45, ensuring they received a good education. She noted that three of her children are now lecturers holding the title of 'Professor Dr' at local and private universities, while the fourth is an engineer at a Japanese-owned factory in Melaka.

Zulhijah shared, "I only studied until Form Three.because my family was poor. I was determined to ensure my children receive a proper education and secure good jobs because that is the only way to improve a family's life." She worked as a school bus driver and conductor for 16 years, while her husband, who climbed the career ladder from a clerk to retire as the Melaka Employees Provident Fund (EPF) director, significantly supported their children's potential.

Regarding the award, Zulhijah mentioned she never anticipated such recognition, as raising and educating her children were parental obligations, not tasks done for rewards. However, she expressed gratitude and hoped the recognition would inspire other parents to educate their children better, allowing them to transform their lives.

Zulhijah received the award from the wife of the Melaka Governor, Toh Puan Asmah Abdul Rahman, during the 2025 state-level Mother's Day celebration. Other recipients included Amnah Ibrahim (Anugerah Ibu Cekal), Faridah Musa (Anugerah Ibu Usahawan), and Fairuz Aziha Shamsudin (Anugerah Ibu Waja).