Dr Siti Hawa Apandi has made history after being recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the ‘First SMA Patient to Complete Continuous Higher Education Studies from Single University’.
The 37-year-old, who lives with the rare genetic condition spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), began her academic journey at diploma level and went on to complete her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the highest academic qualification, at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
The unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother, who accompanied her throughout her studies at UMPSA from 2007 until this year, was instrumental in helping Siti Hawa prove that her genetic condition would not prevent her from pursuing her ambitions.
