Latest news with #Shaiful
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47
Mr Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari with his daughter Nur Amalina on his graduation day. From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47 Teo Yan Ting TNP May 15, 2025 School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books. "I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper. "I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun. "I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all. "There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose." On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017. "I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it." Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina. "It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride. In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course. "I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful. "I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot." Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling. "There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful. Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma. "I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it." And his children had his back. Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator. Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award. "I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful. "Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
New Paper
15-05-2025
- General
- New Paper
'I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy... I wasn't interested in school'
School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books. "I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper. "I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun. "I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all. "There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose." On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017. "I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it." Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina. "It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride. In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course. "I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful. "I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot." Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling. "There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful. Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma. "I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it." And his children had his back. Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator. Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award. "I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful. "Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education."
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah Umno dismayed over sorry state of Tanjung Dawai beach
KUALA MUDA: Kedah Umno has voiced disappointment over the deteriorating condition of Tanjung Dawai beach, describing it as an eyesore that undermines efforts to promote the state as a tourism destination. Its information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said the beach was now strewn with marine debris, casting doubt over the effectiveness of the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign. "What is the point of launching a tourism campaign if iconic destinations like Tanjung Dawai are left in such a polluted state?" he said in a statement today. He said Tanjung Dawai beach was not only known for its tourism appeal, but also served as a lifeline for local communities, including fishermen, small traders and homestay operators, who were now affected by the worsening waste problem. Shaiful took aim at Merbok member of parliament Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan and Tanjung Dawai assemblyman Hanif Ghazali, claiming that they appeared indifferent to the state's tourism agenda. "Where are they when it comes to defending the dignity of their own constituency? Have they made any effort to push for urgent action from the local authorities and the state government?" he said. Commenting further, Shaiful urged the state government and relevant agencies not to rely solely on catchy tourism slogans while failing to address basic issues such as environmental cleanliness and lack of tourist infrastructure. "The people demand answers and immediate action," he said. The New Straits Times had contacted both Nazri and Hanif but yet to receive a response. Once known for its white sands, Tanjung Dawai beach now saw fewer visitors. Despite twice-weekly clean-ups by the Sungai Petani Municipal Council since July last year, rubbish and debris continue to wash ashore and pollute the beach. Non-governmental organisations, government bodies and student volunteers had pitched in to clean up the area, but their efforts were short-lived. Some locals had suggested installing garbage traps or a sea wall, but these might pose financial and other environmental challenges.
