Kota Kinabalu: Cerebral palsy-afflicted Mohd Amirul Asyraf of Lahad Datu became Sabah's first recipient of Shell Malaysia's Special Excellence Awards for students with physical disabilities.The 19-year-old former student of SMK Madai in Kunak is among three lucky disabled statewide this year to receive the special category scholarship from the oil and gas company.
Shell Malaysia is also sponsoring the studies of three disabled from the peninsula and four from Sarawak this year to study in local universities.
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The special category scholarship was launched initially for students of Sarawak last year in conjunction with Shell's 100 years of upstream operations in Miri.
Amirul, who is pursuing bio-physics at the Labuan Matriculation centre, obtained 3As, 3Bs and 3Cs in the SPM.
While the scholarship is for bio-physics studies, the eldest among five siblings said his dream is to become a barrister.
His father, Mohd Asri Alian, 50, said despite Amirul's disabilities since birth, he showed tremendous enthusiasm in gaining knowledge.
"He obtained 3As and 2Bs in his UPSR and 4As, 3Bs and 1C in the PMR," he said.
He said Amirul's study pattern is similar to any other children, the only difference being that during examinations, he uses a computer to answer questions.
Mohd Asri said he didn't apply for the Shell scholarship for his son, hence he was really surprised when the oil and gas company called him to say his son has been picked to receive the special category award.
He learnt latter that the State Education Department had nominated Amirul for the award.
Mohd Asri, who is attached to the Lahad Datu Education Department, said even though he didn't expect the award, he is happy for his son.
"Hopefully, Amirul would be able to continue with his studies and fulfil his dream," he said. At the matriculation centre, he said Amirul is fortunate that his former schoolmates are also studying there.
Amirul's mother, Halipah Backok, 43, a head nurse in Kunak Hospital, said her son likes to play on the computer. "Even though he has physical disability, he is mentally active and quite good in mathematics," she said.
According to her, when his maths teacher hands out a problem to be solved, his peers would struggle with the calculator while he only uses mental calculation.
"He usually solves the question before his classmates could even settle it using a calculator," she said.
As a mother, she is quite worried about Amirul's welfare in school without their guidance.
But in order for Amirul to learn how to be independent, she is willing to let him be "on his own".
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai presented the award to Amirul at the Shell Educational Excellence Awards 2011.
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