How Siti Hawa achieved a PhD with her mother at her side

Siti Hawa Apandi lived with her mother Zaidah Tamjis throughout her journey from diploma to PhD, earning recognition as the first person with spinal muscular atrophy to complete continuous higher education studies at a single university. Born with mobility issues due to spinal muscular atrophy, Siti Hawa required her mother's unwavering support.

Her father took her to school daily, carrying her to class and returning to work before coming back for her pick-up. Siti Hawa excelled in her studies, earning a diploma in computer science and later pursuing degrees in software engineering, master's, and a PhD in artificial intelligence. Throughout her education, Zaidah, 64, assisted with daily needs, attended lectures, and even copied down material she missed.

Despite SMA affecting her vocal cords and requiring intensive care, Siti Hawa defended her PhD thesis and received her recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records. Her story underscores the importance of individual support, especially when institutional accessibility was limited. Now bedridden, Siti Hawa continues to envision projects that would benefit society, particularly by making technology more accessible for people with disabilities like herself.