From cleaner to PhD holder: Nurul’s journey of grit and hope

Nurul Asmaa Akmal Din's remarkable journey from cleaning to becoming a PhD holder serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and the value of education. Born in Kampung Alor Limbat, Terengganu, Asmaa grew up with a strong emphasis on education, a lesson imparted by her parents who encouraged her to seek knowledge even without tangible assets to offer.

Throughout her academic journey, Asmaa juggled the demands of her studies with long hours of work as a cleaner. This arduous routine, spanning from 7 am to 10 pm, allowed her to fund her own education and ultimately pursue a PhD. Her resolve was unwavering, fueled by the desire not to burden her parents with financial worries.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including demanding work schedules and balancing classes with cleaning jobs, Asmaa remained steadfast in her pursuit of her dreams. She found encouragement and support from her community, with customers offering kind gestures like extra payments and words of encouragement. These acts of kindness fueled her determination to continue working towards her goal.

Asmaa's PhD focused on exploring the experiences of Malay cleaners in the Klang Valley, a topic she felt passionate about given her own extensive experience working as a cleaner. Her research combined personal insights with interviews and data from various stakeholders, shedding light on the often unseen challenges faced by this community.

In October 2024, Asmaa completed her PhD, making her the youngest member of her faculty at Universiti Malaya. Her academic success comes with a deeply personal and rewarding sense of accomplishment, as her mother's encouragement and unwavering belief in the power of education were the driving forces behind her journey.