Becoming a doctor was never part of her original plan. Nur Asyiqin Seberi, 24, had always dreamt of becoming a pilot. However, due to financial constraints, she had to reconsider her ambitions.
Despite being an outstanding achiever, she gave up the idea and focused instead on securing a scholarship — a decision that ultimately led her to Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP), under the sponsorship of Majlis Amanah Rakyat’s (MARA) Young Talent Development Programme (YTP).
YTP is a scholarship offered to outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers for further studies at both preparatory and degree levels in selected institutions locally and abroad.
“Coming from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Wakaf Bharu, I was the only student who scored straight A’s in SPM. At that time, I was unsure which path to take. My only goal was to secure a scholarship to alleviate my family’s financial burden.
“My father was a labourer and my mother a housewife, so I knew I had to be wise in choosing a path that would not add to their hardship,” she recalled.
That decision paid off. Nur Asyiqin was recently honoured with the Outstanding Academic Performance award during the Oath Taking Ceremony and the Academic Excellence Award in Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), UniKL 2025.
Throughout her journey in the Bachelor of MMBS programme, she earned two Distinction Honours (First and Final Examinations), received the Outstanding Academic Performance Award in the Discipline of Medicine, was listed on the Dean’s List every year, and won the Best Student Award from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) — not once, but every year.
“Honestly, I never imagined myself becoming a doctor. In high school, it seemed like something only for ‘high achievers’ from well-off families. But looking back, I believe I followed the path Allah had laid out for me. It was planned for me,” she said.
“Five years in medical school is no small feat. I made it a point to seek advice from seniors on how to prepare for each academic year. I treated the allowance from MARA like a salary — and I made sure to ‘earn’ it.”
Success did not come easily. Nur Asyiqin studied up to 16 hours a day, never skipped classes, created her notes, and always asked questions.
“It was never about chasing the Dean’s List or Distinction awards — I simply gave 100 percent in everything I did.”
Amidst the heavy workload, she also worked part-time to help cover additional study expenses.
For her, every month felt like exam season. It was stressful, with endless online assessments, clinical postings, end-of-posting exams, seminars, and hands-on medical work.
“Time management was the most difficult part. But I stayed committed to my schedule and kept myself on track.”
Like most students, she faced moments of self-doubt, especially during professional exams when the results were uncertain. But her foundation remained strong.
“I definitely could not have done it without my parents. Their sacrifices, love, and support are the foundation of my journey. And to Professor Dr. Wahinuddin Sulaiman — I look up to him so much.
“His belief in me meant everything. I hope to one day inspire others the way he has inspired me. Along the way, I have also met many kind souls who treated me like their own child. Because of them, Ipoh and Taiping have become my second homes,” said her.
