74-YEAR-OLD GRANDPA PROVES AGE NO BARRIER TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

GEORGE TOWN (Penang, Malaysia), Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Ex-serviceman Abdul
Hamid Yunos, 74, proved that age was no barrier to academic excellence when he
passed out with a degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysian Science
University-USM) 44th Convocation Friday.

Abdul Hamid, a grandfather who has five grandchildren, underwent a
three-year course received a Degree in Humanities together with 588 others.

"I am proud and happy for the support from my family members which enabled
me to continue my studies," he told reporters after the convocation here Friday.

The father of two children aged 39 and 34 said his most difficult task was
mastering both the Malay and English language since both mediums were used
during classes.

"I was not too familiar with the modern day Bahasa Malaysia and had no
knowledge of English. So I had to work extra hard to understand English," said
Abdul Hamid who hopes to continue his academic excellence throughout his life
span and a probably sit for his Masters.

Meanwhile, Penang Port Sdn Bhd Human Resources manager Abdul Banit Abdul
Kadim, 56, who received his scroll in Community Science said he would continue
his Masters and PhD and hope to achieve the goals by 60.

"I want to share this joy with my family because I had to spare time for my
work, studies and family for four years," he said after receiving his scroll
from USM Pro Chancellor Dr M. Jegathesan.
-- BERNAMA