15 hours ago
#NSTviral: M'sian defies the odds to graduate early from US varsity with highest academic award
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian who obtained only 2 As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations has graduated early from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, in the Spring 2025 semester and was awarded the 'Golden Honor Cord', the highest symbol of academic excellence at the institution.
Zul Hakim Zulhaimi completed his degrees in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Automation & Systems Integration Engineering Technology earlier than the Fall 2025 timeline originally projected under his
Due to rejections from public universities here, he subsequently enrolled at the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) in 2018, venturing into the Mechatronics Technology Engineering diploma programme despite coming from the arts stream in secondary school.
After graduating from the diploma programme with flying colours, he was awarded a Mara scholarship to further his studies in the US.
At Purdue University, he seized every opportunity available.
He contributed to the development of a smart exoskeleton prototype equipped with force and angle sensors for educational and industrial applications.
He also served as a teaching assistant for the Lean Six Sigma course and represented his group at the Purdue Tech Expo.
Many netizens praised his journey and perseverance in achieving his goals despite the hurdles he faced.
