KOTA SAMARAHAN: Two outstanding Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) graduates, Nur Hanis Fakhrul Nizam and Shaashita Ramarau, were honoured with the Royal Education Award (Pingat Jaya Cemerlang) at the university’s 29th Convocation Ceremony yesterday.
The award recognises their exceptional academic performance, perseverance and leadership throughout their studies.
Bachelor of Counselling with Honours graduate Nur Hanis Fakhrul Nizam, 23, topped this year’s list of outstanding graduates by winning the Royal Education Award during the first session of the convocation ceremony held at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR PUTRA) yesterday.
Nur Hanis, hailing from Pahang, stood out as a consistent high achiever, having received the Dean’s List Award seven times.
She also won the Gold Award and Best Project Award for her Counselling Track Lab Innovation System Project at the Caunselovation Expo 2025, representing the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD).
“There’s really no secret formula to success, only prayers from my parents and the support of everyone around me.
“Being the eldest in my family and coming all the way from Pahang to Sarawak, I wanted to make my parents proud,” she said modestly.
Nur Hanis admitted her journey was far from easy, as she began her studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was challenging at first because my father could only send me off at KLIA.
“This is actually the first time he’s here in Sarawak for my convocation, and it means everything to me,” she shared.
She added that her experience studying counselling gave her many opportunities to engage with communities and lead outreach programmes, which helped her grow in confidence and empathy.
“Studying counselling taught me how to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life, and that shaped who I am today.”
She also emphasised the importance of time management and discipline.
“As counselling students, we always have events and assignments, so managing time is everything.
“I always made schedules, kept up with lecturers, and stayed close with friends. That’s how I stayed balanced,” she said.
Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Counselling at UNIMAS.
“InsyaAllah, I’ll continue with my master’s here at UNIMAS. My heart belongs here,” she said warmly.
Meanwhile, Shaashita Ramarau, 23, who graduated with a Bachelor of Finance with Honours, also received the Royal Education Award for her consistent academic excellence, including six Dean’s List recognitions.
She described her university years as a test of strength and self-belief.
“University life tests you emotionally, mentally and physically. There will be tough days, but you have to wake up, show up and do your best.
“If you ask me who deserves credit for this award, I would say myself, because at the end of the day, you have to support yourself.
“Every morning, I wake up, work hard, and keep going. And maintaining that routine was key,” she shared.
Shaashita said time management, balance and mental health were crucial to her success.
“I always make time for my studies, for fun and for my mental well-being. Even if I only have an hour or two, I make the most of it. It’s about maximising every moment,” she said.
On her next plan, Shaashita said she plans to further her studies or build a career in finance.
“My next goal is to either continue my studies at a leading university or work with a major company, perhaps one of the Big Four, or even start my own business one day to give back to my family, community and country,” she said.
Both Nur Hanis and Shaashita embody UNIMAS’s values of perseverance, discipline and excellence, representing the new generation of graduates determined to make a difference through knowledge and character.
