Kuala terengganu: Poverty and hardship were no obstacles for the son of a construction worker as he used the shortcomings to fuel his spirit to achieve success. Holding fast to his determination to change his family's fate, Mohamad Izuwansah Ishak, 23, a student in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Fisheries) with Honours programme, was named recipient of the Royal Award at the 23rd Convocation of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) here, today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Izuwansah, who was born in Sungai Tiram, Johor, dedicated the award to his parents Ishak Jalil, 60, and Inn Mindun Damin, 58, who worked tirelessly to ensure he received an adequate education. The fourth of six siblings shared that he worked part-time as a barista at a cafe in Kuala Terengganu to ease the family's financial burden, to cover daily expenses and tuition fees.

"I worked from Sunday to Thursday at the cafe for three years for pocket money to cover food and drinks. And I also worked as a heritage programme coordinator at UMT on weekends," he said. "At first it was quite difficult to divide my time between work and studies. But as the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way. Effort is the ladder to success."

"With that income, I was able to buy necessities and send a little money to my parents in the village. Moreover, two of my younger siblings are still schooling," Mohamad Izuwansah added at the convocation event.

The award presentation, including a plaque, RM7,500 cash, and a certificate, was presented by UMT Chancellor, Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah. Mohamad Izuwansah said he is currently working as a project research assistant at the Malaysian Fisheries Department in Johor. However, the student, who aspires to become a lecturer, plans to continue his studies at the Master's level before pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) next.