Malaysian woman with SMA recognized for completing continuous higher education up to PhD

Dr. Siti Hawa Apandi, a 37-year-old woman living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), has achieved a remarkable academic milestone, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR). She is the first SMA patient to successfully complete continuous higher education at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), culminating in a PhD in Computer Science Engineering.

Her academic journey, which began with a diploma, saw her consistently achieve excellence, including Dean's List awards each semester and First Class Honours. Despite the progressive muscle weakness associated with SMA, which necessitates her use of a wheelchair and reliance on her mother for daily assistance, Dr. Apandi demonstrated extraordinary determination. Her dedication saw her complete her Master's degree in 2016 before obtaining her PhD last year.

The profound success story is deeply intertwined with the unwavering support of her mother, Zaidah Tamjis, 63. For over a decade, Zaidah has been an integral part of Siti Hawa's educational pursuit, effectively making the UMPSA campus her second home since Siti Hawa began her diploma studies in 2007. Zaidah accompanied her daughter through every stage of her higher education, providing essential support.

Tragically, Dr. Apandi was unable to attend her PhD graduation ceremony due to receiving intensive care for lung infection complications. Her condition has weakened significantly since last year, following an influenza infection that exacerbated her existing SMA. The MBR recognition ceremony was attended by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Yatimah Alias, who lauded Dr. Apandi's and her family's commitment over more than 10 years of academic endeavor.

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I always accompanied my daughter throughout her studies at the bachelor's, master's, and up to PhD levels.