Starting with no prior foundation in 2D Animation, twins Ahmad Arif and Ahmad Afiq of Segamat Community College have demonstrated that determination and perseverance can turn “zero” into “hero.”
Both recipients of the Director’s Award for the Certificate in Information Technology, they shared that they had to put in extra effort throughout their studies, dedicating approximately three hours each day to revising and reinforcing what they had learned.
The 21-year-old twins, who are the fifth and sixth of six siblings from Batu Pahat, Johor, also researched online for additional references, alongside guidance from their lecturers.
“This journey was not easy, as we struggled to understand certain topics. However, we turned those challenges into motivation, strengthened by the support and encouragement from our lecturers.
“At the same time, we sought guidance from senior students and used the ChatGPT application to help us understand difficult topics,” they said when met at the 2026 Johor Community College Convocation Ceremony, held at Premier Port Dickson Polytechnic.
Meanwhile, Nur Fatiha binti Abdullah, 22, a graduate of Bandar Penawar Community College from Kota Tinggi, Johor, proved that being eight months pregnant was not an obstacle to attending the 2026 Johor State Community College Convocation Ceremony.
“My mum and dad always remind me that limitations are not a hindrance, but rather a challenge that motivates me to keep moving forward,” she said, adding that she also received constant encouragement from her friends and lecturers.
Nur Fatiha, who currently works as a Digital Marketing Assistant at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa in Pengerang, said one of her biggest challenges was having her husband, a Malaysian citizen who works and resides in Singapore, away from her during the pregnancy.
“Despite the challenges, the support and encouragement from those around me gave me the strength to keep going,” she said.
At the ceremony, a total of 855 graduates received their diplomas and certificates. Also present was the Deputy Secretary General (Policy) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Ahmad Rizal bin Adnan.
