KOTA SAMARAHAN: Pre-university students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) for the 2025/26 session are determined to make the most of their foundation year as they gear up for the transition into full-fledged degree programmes.
Taking their pledge during a special ceremony on Wednesday, the students expressed a strong commitment to academic success and personal growth viewing the programme not just as a stepping stone, but the beginning of a much larger journey toward their future careers.
Among them are Iban twin brothers from Julau, 18-year-olds Alvin Ngalai Kilee and Alwin Imban Kilee who share not just a birthday, but a passion for mechanical engineering.
“Our dad’s a technician, so growing up, we’ve always watched him work with machines and tools.
“I chose this course because it’s challenging — and I get bored easily. I need something that pushes me. With this, I know I won’t lose interest,” said Alvin, the older twin by one minute.
For Alwin, it was a senior’s experience that lit the sparks.
“I heard one of my seniors say that being a mechanical engineer means you can build homes in beautiful places.
“That really stuck with me. I want to do that too, to design, build, and fix things with my own hands,” Alwin said.
The new intake also includes Kuching siblings Shaermen Farrelsyah Ahmen Shahriman and Suszainne Farrelisya Ahmed Shahriman, born in the same year but in different months — January and December of 2007.
While both chose UNIMAS as their first choice, their academic interests took different paths, with Shaermen being enrolled in the physical science stream with a focus on computer science, while Suszainne is pursuing life sciences.
“Since we were little, our parents and relatives always told us that if we were serious about studying, UNIMAS is where we should go.
“Now that we’re here, it feels like a dream slowly turning into reality,” Shaermen said.
Suszainne, echoing her brother’s excitement, shared their hopes for the future.
“We both want to do well so we can move on to the next level. I’m aiming for a medical degree, and Shaermen wants to take engineering.
“So this foundation year is really important for both of us,” she said.
As they take their first steps into university life, these students carry with them not just ambition, but a shared sense of purpose, to learn, grow, and one day, make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.
