| Universiti Putra Malaysia

OKU visual impairment status is no barrier to becoming a Master's graduate

By: Nazrul Rapail
Bachelor of Arts (Malay Language and Linguistics), FBMK, UPM


SERDANG, Jan 8 -   The OKU visual impairment status in both eyes is not an obstacle for Khairullah Affarouk Paiman, 37, to graduate with a Master of Malay Language at the 44th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Convocation Ceremony 2022 here.

Khairullah Affarouk, who is a second child of six siblings, was born perfect, and his condition had totally changed when he, as the native of Felda Pemanis, Segamat Johor, suffered nerve damage in both his eyes as a result of being hit by a ball when he was 13 years old.

He was interested in the Malay language and admitted that he had to face various challenges while completing his studies at the Master's level here.

He is currently pursuing his studies at the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level.

He said various parties had always assisted him in terms of moral support as well as the provision of various facilities that had greatly assisted him in producing his thesis and academic projects.

“I am grateful to be able to continue my studies here because UPM is very concerned and aware of the plight of the disabled. Various infrastructures can be enjoyed such as the OKU friendly living facilities and also the provision of embossers from the Sultan Abdul Samad Library (PSAS), UPM, which helps OKU students’ vision,” he said.

Khairullah had his own principles not to make his disability an excuse to achieve success and  always motivated himself to pursue his ambition as a lecturer one day. - UPM

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