{
  "id": 20130627,
  "title": "Snake bite cost man a leg, but not his dream of a PhD",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/snake-bite-cost-man-a-leg-but-not-his-dream-of-a-phd",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T06:43:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1578309/snake-bite-cost-man-leg-not-his-dream-phd"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Dr Mohd Suharizal Mahamad Subri, a 49-year-old senior mechanical engineer, lost his right leg to a pit viper bite at the age of 12 but went on to earn a PhD in Facilities Management from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). His late mother's constant encouragement to study hard despite his physical disability motivated him to pursue higher education. Suharizal overcame low self-esteem by staying active in sports, especially golf, and joining the Adaptive Golf Club for players with disabilities. Another UTM PhD recipient, Dr Azizul Abd Ghani, also refused to let his disability hinder his academic achievements. Azizul, who has permanent impairment in his left eye, earned a doctorate in Land Administration and Development while working as a senior executive at Water Asset Management Incorporated (PAAB). Both individuals demonstrate the power of perseverance and the importance of support from loved ones in overcoming challenges.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}