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

Nurul Asmaa Akmal Din's journey from cleaner to PhD holder demonstrates the power of perseverance and determination. Born in Kampung Alor Limbat in Marang, Terengganu, Asmaa grew up knowing that education was the key to a better future. Her parents ensured that their children understood the importance of learning and set aside a study space for her and her siblings.

Despite her father working as a rubber tapper and her mother as a midwife and masseuse, Asmaa's family ensured she had the support needed to pursue her academic goals.

Asmaa excelled academically and attended tuition classes from Standard 2, as well as religious classes on weekends. She also worked as a cleaner to fund her studies, balancing long working days with her classes, assignments, and exams. Her parents' sacrifices and her own determination fueled her ambition, leading her to complete her degree in 2018 and apply for a master’s programme at UM. However, financial constraints forced her to take up a cleaning job to support her studies.

Despite grueling work hours, Asmaa managed to complete her master’s degree and was accepted into a PhD programme at UM. Her unique perspective as a former cleaner inspired her research on the quality of life of Malay cleaners in the Klang Valley. Overcoming various challenges, including difficult commutes and bad weather, Asmaa managed to earn her PhD in 2024, becoming the youngest member of her faculty at UM.

Her story is a testament to the fact that no matter how difficult life may seem, with hard work and dedication, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.