Just sharing...

Positive attitude allows Ong to be an overcomer
Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2573666/Article/index_html

USM acting vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal (right) chatting with Ong Boo Siong (left) and other distance learning students in Penang yesterday. (Inset) Datuk Yahya Hamid

GEORGE TOWN: Ong Boo Siong has not allowed the fact that he has only one functioning arm to stop him from pursuing his dreams. In fact, it has spurred him on.

The 35-year-old freelance motivational speaker's right arm was not fully developed at birth, ascribed to the fact that his mother had taken the drug Thalidomide during her pregnancy to control severe morning sickness. 

"I have a positive outlook on life. If we think positively, it doesn't matter what happens. I see my situation as a challenge," said Ong, who lives in Puchong with his wife and 2-plus-year-old daughter. 

He said his faith and his parents have helped him to achieve what he has in his life.

He already holds a diploma in information technology from Institut Teknologi Tun Abdul Razak (Ittar) and is now pursuing a degree in anthropology and sociology through Universiti Sains Malaysia's distance learning programme.
Another student, Datuk Yahya Hamid, the managing director of an oil and gas company, is pursuing a degree in political science.

The 55-year-old from Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan, says all four of his children, aged 22 to 28, had attended university and now it was his turn to get a degree.

Yahya said he chose the course as part of his job was to understand the culture and behaviour of people.

He said he came across the advertisement for USM's distance learning programme by chance and hoped to complete his degree in four years.

The pair were among 2,192 off-campus students offered places in the distance learning programme in four courses -- Humanities (418 places), Social Science (417), Science (583) and Management (774).

In his speech welcoming the students, acting vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Shukri Mus-tapa Kamal called on them to use the opportunity well to acquire knowledge and skills.

"Apart from modules, books and notes, such students now have video conferences and e-learning portals at their disposal," adding that the facilities were provided at a relatively low cost.