KOTA SAMARAHAN: A grandmother’s love knows no bounds — that was what 66-year-old Merejai Ngcharang proved when she travelled from Pakan, Sarikei to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to celebrate her grandson’s graduation at the university’s 29th Convocation Ceremony on Tuesday.
Accompanied by 11 family members, she arrived to witness the proud moment of her beloved grandson, Sylvester Tuah Nyadang, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management with Honours from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts.
For Merejai, the long trip was not a burden, but a meaningful journey filled with love, pride, and the prayers of a grandmother for her grandchild’s success.
“Our family came here to celebrate my grandson’s success. We travelled in two cars along the Pan Borneo Highway for three hours to be here today (Nov 4).
“Sylvester is a hardworking child. He loves to study, and I feel very emotional seeing his achievement,” she said when met by Sarawak Tribune.
She described Sylvester as a good and family-oriented young man who always returns to the village during holidays to spend time with his loved ones.
Although Merejai and her family live modestly as farmers, she said education has always been their priority, and Sylvester’s success proves that determination and knowledge can change lives.
“We’re just farmers, and so are his parents. That’s why we’re so proud he managed to pursue higher education. I hope he finds a good job and can help his parents live comfortably,” she said.
Merejai added that Sylvester’s maternal grandparents and other relatives were also present, all united in celebrating his graduation together.
“Our whole family feels grateful to God for his success. I also have another grandchild who just started studying at UNIMAS last July — I hope she will follow in Sylvester’s footsteps,” she said hopefully.
In another touching story at the same convocation, a family from Kota Belud, Sabah, also drew attention when 10 of them travelled all the way to Sarawak to celebrate the success of Nicoleen Dabin, 23, who graduated with a Bachelor of Design with Honours.
According to her sister, Edrena Erna Dabin, 34, the convocation marked not just an academic milestone but also the end of an emotional journey for their family.
“We’re very excited to be here because Nicoleen is our youngest sister. This convocation is deeply meaningful because during her second semester, our father passed away.
“It wasn’t easy for her to continue her studies after that, so we’re extremely proud of what she has achieved,” she said.
Edrena shared that the family flew from Sabah — bringing along their mother, grandmother, siblings, cousins, uncles, and nieces — to show their support for Nicoleen.
“All ten of us came because when Nicoleen first registered at UNIMAS, she came alone. We only sent her off at the airport.
“This was our promise to her — since she came to UNIMAS by herself, we would all come together for her convocation,” said Edrena, who is also from Kota Belud and works as a nurse.
She described Nicoleen as a hardworking, gentle, and talented individual.
“She’s very diligent and creative. Since primary school, she’s been active in dancing and volleyball. Even at UNIMAS, she continued to represent the university in dance and sports.
“We were pleasantly surprised that she could still pursue her passions even while studying far from home,” she added.
