Aznan (second from left) presenting the Director’s Award to Iklil Najaa during the Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan convocation ceremony. — Courtesy photos
DIVIDING her time equally as a student and national athlete has helped Johor Baru-born Nurul Najieha Zulkifli find success in both academics and sports.
The Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan (PIS) student not only obtained a Diploma in Creative Animation but was also recipient of the institution’s special sports award.
“I have always followed a strict schedule even during my secondary school days, as I do not want my education and career as a national athlete to be affected,” said the 24-year-old.
“I wake up early every morning for my kayak training, which takes about three hours, before going to PIS to attend classes.
“After I am done with classes, I will continue with my training and later do some revision at night before going to sleep,” said Nurul Najieha after the PIS convocation ceremony in Pasir Gudang, Johor.
She said that being disciplined enabled her to focus on her studies and kayaking.
She has chosen to continue pursuing a Degree in Visual Communication and New Media at the same polytechnic.
“I am also training to prepare for the SEA Games next year, which will be held in Thailand.
“I won a bronze medal during SEA Games 2023 held in Cambodia.
“I aim to improve further and with extensive training, I hope to get gold next year,” said Nurul Najieha.
Nurul Najieha proudly showing her Diploma in Creative Animation.
Iklil Najaa Talip, 24, from Tangkak, said she was over the moon to be awarded the PIS Director’s Award, which is given to a graduate who maintains a good record.
“It was something I never imagined I would get, as there are many graduates who did well.
“This award is a gift to my parents, who always supported and encouraged me to study,” she said, adding that she was currently pursuing a Degree in Electronic Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia in Batu Pahat.
Nurul Najieha and Iklil Najaa were among 1,027 PIS students at the convocation which was officiated by Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin.
In his speech, Aznan congratulated the graduates and reminded them to always develop their talent to fulfil their true potential.
He said Johor was at an important stage presently where its economic landscape was changing and it’s improving people’s lives at a scale never witnessed before.
“In less than two years, the state has pulled in investments worth RM113.7bil that created more than 35,000 new jobs.
“We are seeing fast growth for Johor compared to other states.
“Through close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, Johor has the potential to be among the most developed states in Malaysia,” he added.
Aznan said the Federal Government signed a memorandum of understanding with its Singapore counterpart earlier this year to carry out the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
He said this was the government’s effort to create high-paying jobs for locals as well as increase the state’s economy in 10 main sectors such as digital economy, manufacturing, energy, financial services, and healthcare.
“More than 100,000 jobs offering high salaries are expected to be created under JS-SEZ.
“When the Rapid Transit System, which links Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru to Woodlands North in Singapore, starts operation by early 2027, it will create more economic growth for us.
“All of these are done to ensure future generations in Johor will inherit a bright future, filled with many opportunities for them,” said Aznan.
He said to ensure youths were equipped with the right skills and knowledge, the state government with support of the Federal Government had set up Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC).
According to him, JTDC’s objective is to develop an ecosystem that provides training, education and careers to create world-class, highly skilled talents.
“The council provides a platform for both industries and education institutions to ensure the talent we have is able to meet the demands of the job market,” said Aznan.
