Inspiring Malaysian with Learning Disability Now a Teacher at 37 After Retaking SPM 10 Times, STPM Twice

An inspiring story of a person with disability (OKU) recently went viral after his sister shared his journey, touching the hearts of many.

According to her, he grew up struggling in school as a slow learner, faced both physical and mental bullying, and even had to retake his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam multiple times.

He had to sit for his SPM exams 10 times

In an X post shared by @DrAinunNasihah, she opened up about her brother’s journey, revealing that on his 10th attempt at retaking SPM, he told their mother it would be his final try.

“He was born breech, and the delayed delivery caused developmental issues. On his 10th attempt, he told our mum this might be his last. He cried many times,” she wrote.

Refusing to give up, he went on to make two more attempts at the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), eventually earning his degree.

“He made two attempts at STPM, which ultimately allowed him to graduate with a degree, and later another qualification with DPLI,” she added.

“He was finally nearing the end of his long struggle”

Dr Ainun also shared that her brother took on various odd jobs, working as a security guard at hospitals, schools, and old folks’ homes, as well as helping their father in the paddy fields.

“On the day of his interview, he was asked about his OKU card at the end of the session. He admitted he had it for being a slow learner (learning disability).”

“The moment he stepped out of the interview room, he ran to our mother and cried, probably out of relief or simply feeling that he was finally nearing the end of his long struggle,” she shared.

Her brother eventually became a school teacher, starting a new chapter in life at 37.

“It’s true he had amazing support from our mother, father, and all of us siblings. But one thing about life is that you can’t truly help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves, even if the whole world tries.

“In his case, he chose to help himself, and that’s how he was able to succeed,” she said.

Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Dr Ainun offered some advice when asked:

“Life comes in phases. When one phase ends, we move on to the next. Even if it feels slow, we’re still moving, at our own pace, on our own timeline.

“So just keep going. Whatever difficulties you’re facing, remember it’s just a phase and it will pass. Just keep going.”

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!

Also read: Inspiring 50yo Chinese Mother Passes Law School Entry Exam That Son Failed Despite Her Disability