Unlike most high-achieving students, Muhammad Aiman Afiq Mohd Basri had to put his dreams on hold during the very first semester of his bachelor’s studies due to financial constraints.
But who would have thought that his dream of pursuing higher education would be rekindled at Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI), all beginning with a simple phone call from someone he fondly calls “Chegu Sham.”
On 5 October 2025, Muhammad Aiman Afiq stood among more than 400 new students registering at Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI).
“The second chance came swiftly when Chegu Sham connected me to the Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Dato’ Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dato’ Dusuki, and I was offered to pursue a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with Honours.
“I am deeply thankful to Yayasan Pelajaran MARA (YPM) and the Dean of UniKL BMI, Ts. Dr Zulkifli Mahmoodin, who helped me through this process and ensured that I could continue my studies without worry,” he added.
As part of the assistance, Muhammad Aiman Afiq also received a laptop from YPM, a gift that symbolises his fresh start and fuels his determination to succeed in his studies.
Muhammad Aiman Afiq, a former MRSM student, was among the top achievers with 9As in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) before pursuing a foundation programme at a local university, earning a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.7.
However, his ambition to complete his bachelor’s degree was disrupted during the first semester due to financial difficulties.
He relied on personal savings and assistance from friends to get by.
During this period, Muhammad Aiman Afiq found solace by joining various university activities, especially the theatre club, which became his outlet amid personal challenges.
Not wanting to burden his parents, where his mother being the family’s main breadwinner and his father is battling illness, Muhammad Aiman Afiq made the difficult decision to pause his studies temporarily to save money, hoping to re-enrol the following year.
“When Chegu Sham found out about my situation, he insisted on helping. He brought my case to MARA’s Chairman, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity that came my way.
“I am determined to complete my studies and change my family’s future. I also hope my younger sister will not have to face the same struggles I did,” Muhammad Aiman Afiq said.
