KEMAMAN: For Muhammad Afiq Mohd Hairul Fahmy, collecting his degree at the UC TATI convocation was a moment he was determined to experience for himself, even as stage-four brain cancer took an increasingly heavy toll on his health.
The 23-year-old’s determination brought him to the 26th convocation ceremony of TATI University College (UC TATI), where he received the Special Aegrotat Award after completing his Bachelor of Information Technology with Business Management (Honours).
A Two-Day Ambulance Journey to the UC TATI Convocation
Making the occasion possible, however, required an extraordinary effort from his family, who travelled by ambulance over two days from Arau, Perlis, to Banting, Selangor, before proceeding to Kemaman, Terengganu.
Throughout the journey, he was accompanied by Major (Dr.) Muhammad Faiq Hashim and a medical assistant from the 96th Armed Forces Hospital (96 HAT), who attended to his medical needs along the way.
“Attending the Convocation Was His Own Wish”
His father, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) senior officer Kepten Ts Mohd Hairul Fahmy Yob, said the family was determined to fulfil his son’s wish to attend the ceremony, despite the considerable challenges posed by his medical condition.
He said Muhammad Afiq had never been one to give up easily, even as his health continued to deteriorate.
“Attending the convocation was his own wish, and we could not bring ourselves to deny him that opportunity, although we knew it would involve a long journey.
“We travelled for two days to get here because of his medical needs. For Afiq, we were prepared to do everything possible. We even considered seeking an air ambulance, but on medical advice, he was not fit to travel by plane,” he said.
The family eventually chose an ambulance to accommodate Muhammad Afiq’s medical needs throughout the journey from the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia to Terengganu.
A Warm Welcome on Graduation Day
Upon arriving for the UC TATI convocation on October 10, 2026, Muhammad Afiq was assisted by his coursemates, UC TATI management staff and the 96 HAT medical team.
As he made his way to the stage, his fellow graduates lined the red carpet in a warm show of support, helping to escort him alongside his parents.
Receiving the Special Aegrotat Award in Person
At the ceremony, he received the award in person while seated in a wheelchair, accompanied by both his parents.
The award was presented by UC TATI Vice-Chancellor Dato’ Ir. Kamaluddin Abd Rashid and Rector Prof. Ir. Dr. Hairul Azhar Abdul Rashid.
A Memorable Moment With Fellow Graduates
Before the day ended, his fellow students gathered around him for a group photograph — a fitting reminder of the friendship and support that carried him to his UC TATI convocation.
For another inspiring story of perseverance in education, read about a 79-year-old’s remarkable journey to a PhD.
