School of Education and Humanities (SEH)

Mohamad Shazwan from Pasir Gudang, Johor, is a beacon of resilience and academic excellence. As the eldest of two siblings, he has been a source of pride for his family, whose unwavering commitment to his education has been the cornerstone of his success. Despite their modest academic backgrounds, his parents instilled in him the importance of pursuing knowledge and reaching for the stars.

This determination led Shazwan to embark on his educational journey at UNIRAZAK in November 2021, where he pursued a Bachelor of Education (Honours), majoring in Malay Language. Today, he graduates with flying colours, achieving an impressive CGPA of 3.96 from the School of Education and Humanities (SEH) – a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the values instilled by his family.

Receiving the Chancellor's Award is an achievement beyond my wildest dreams. It's a deeply fulfilling experience that validates the dedication and hard work I've poured into my academic journey. This recognition exceeds my expectations and fuels my determination to strive for excellence in all my future endeavours. 

My motivation to uphold high academic standards stems from a solid commitment to my personal and professional aspirations. My family's unwavering support, encouragement, and sacrifices have been a cornerstone of my perseverance. I am equally grateful to my lecturers, friends, and university staff, who believed in my potential and continuously inspired me to aim higher. Their faith and encouragement significantly shaped my determination to achieve and sustain excellence.

Managing time effectively was one of my biggest challenges, especially balancing assignments and extracurricular activities. As my studies progressed, the academic workload became more demanding, particularly in education-related subjects and my major, Malay Language. At the same time, I actively participated in extracurricular activities, including serving on the Student Representative Council (SRC/MPP) and other university clubs, making time management even more critical. 

To overcome this, I created a structured schedule to allocate time for each task, prioritising what was most important. While following the schedule was initially tricky and impacted my CGPA, I stayed motivated and adapted. Setting clear, achievable goals allowed me to balance academics with extracurricular activities. By focusing on one area at a time, I managed to maintain steady progress and excel in academics and extracurricular commitments.

My education and experience at UNIRAZAK have been transformative. They have equipped me with essential skills for my career as an educator while fostering personal and professional growth. Over the past three years, I've enjoyed engaging in events and activities that allowed me to connect with a diverse community, from students and lecturers to university staff. These interactions boosted my confidence, enriched my journey, and created a strong sense of belonging, fulfilling university life. 

A key influence on my academic journey has been Asst. Prof. Siti Farhah, whose mentorship has profoundly shaped my perspective. She instilled values of kindness and positivity, emphasising the importance of supporting one another through challenges. Her guidance has impacted my outlook and behaviour, fostering respect and empathy that I will carry into my future endeavours.

I am to create a meaningful and lasting impact in education and beyond. With the foundation of my education from UNIRAZAK, coupled with the honour of receiving the Chancellor's Award and other achievements,

I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to the development of future generations. The skills and values I have cultivated at UNIRAZAK will be shared with those who need them, empowering others to achieve success and build brighter futures.

To my fellow Razakians, remember that university isn't just about earning a degree–it's a place to shape yourself into a knowledgeable and well-rounded individual. Take full advantage of this opportunity, actively engage in lectures, join clubs and activities, participate in discussions, share your ideas, connect with others, and celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small it seems. With determination and effort, InshaAllah, you'll successfully navigate your academic journey at UNIRAZAK and make the most of this transformative experience.