Muhd Hafiz - Story # 1

Muhd Hafiz, was playful when he was a kid. He played a lot of sports and the game, "Catch" with his siblings and friends during his childhood days. Passing the national exam, PSLE, was a miracle. He remembered that he was often times scolded by his teachers when he was in primary school and had to be called for remedial classes in secondary school just to beef up his Math, a subject he never liked. He considered himself to be "slow" as he felt that he was always "2 steps behind" his class. 

The pass in his GCE 'N' Levels brought so much joy to him, he began to have the motivation to put more effort into his studies, so as to make it to a polytechnic. Unfortunately, his efforts did not pay off for him as he failed the "O" Levels and had to go to ITE for a NITEC course.

The failure was a major setback for him. Yet, despite being distraught, he had to pull himself out of the miry clay and take the awkward step forward to embark on the journey to ITE's  NITEC in Multimedia.

It was then that he learnt editing using software, circuitry and videography, animation. In order to support himself financially, he had to work part-time when he was studying in the ITE.

Right now, as Hafiz reflects on his educational journey, he wished he had been able to foresee his future back then and had worked harder in his studies.

Although I sensed that Hafiz felt somewhat regretful about his playful past, I can see that the failures and setbacks he had suffered have actually helped to define him. I can see a truly contrite spirit in him, someone who realizes his mistake, picks up the pieces and willingly moves on. He says,"No one can change the past, but one must learn from the past to have a brighter future."


I felt too that his past has certainly helped him become the fine young man he is today. He is well-respected and well-liked by his friends, who will not hesitate to approach him for advice. In fact, there is a reason why he seems to be the person everyone loves to go to with their problems. He thinks very logically and holds a balanced view to issues in life despite being only 23. From the answers to the series of questions I have posed to him, there is definitely depth in his philosophy towards life in general.

I asked him about how being poor has helped enrich his life.

He and his family know what it is to be in need, i.e., they know what it is not to have food on the table. They know what it is like not to have electricity in the house. He and his siblings did not eat in school as they had no pocket money, let alone having the luxury of owning the latest gaming console. His dad lost his job as he did not have the skills needed for it and he was retrenched. Yet, through it all, they are thankful, they appreciate what little they have and they learn to be resourceful. Poverty has taught them to be satisfied without a full meal, to use their imaginations to create their own games, to read to fight boredom, to save electricity to prevent having to study in the dark. To Hafiz, having his basic needs met is a big deal, the word "want" is not in his vocabulary. In fact, it is such hardship in life that taught him how not to depend on others.

Now, at age 23, he is a full-time student at ITE College East (Simei Campus). He is pursuing a 2-year Higher Nitec course in Information Technology. For him, going to ITE (Institute of Technical Education) has given him exposure to industrial  work experience, which is useful for him. His ambition is to become a teacher and he has photography as a hobby. He is certainly not someone from the elite school, but in terms of his value system, he is far better than many in his generation

What touches me most about Hafiz's sharing was the part about how his mum, Hannah Hassan, has the most influence on him. She has been his pillar of strength, a role model, always providing him with the encouragement and support throughout his growing up years. There is no exaggeration about it, and simply put in Hafiz's own words, it is Mum's "personality and mannerism". When asked about what was the one thing he remembers most about his childhood, Hafiz said it was the family bonding that he had. Hafiz's dad was a drummer and mum was a homemaker. Money was an issue. Hafiz and siblings had to have whatever meals Dad and Mum could afford to put on the table. It didn't matter to him the types of food he could or could not eat, all he could remember were those precious moments of being and eating together as a family.

Hafiz appreciates his teachers in school. They make him think about his future and they influence him in achieving his goals in life. He knows the importance of friendship but he is careful to stay away from evil influences.

You can tell from his facebook postings, Hafiz loves Singapore. He feels strongly for the welfare of Singaporeans. Notwithstanding, Hafiz would still love to have a chance to experience life in another country and to see if  the grass is really greener on the other side.

In fact, I suggested to him that in Canada, we do have programs to help him fulfil his dreams and talents, to facilitate him in becoming successful in the trade or profession he chooses to be in. He has very good values and this is likened to having a very strong foundation in life. In fact, if given the right opportunity to pursue his dreams, Hafiz will have a great future and will definitely contribute to the nation-building process of Singapore.

Lastly, when asked why he was willing to let the world know about himself. Hafiz responded that he hopes his story will inspire others to achieve their goals in life. This to him, is an opportunity to convey his message that "Nothing can stop anyone from achieving his goal in life." Not poverty and not even if you have to spend more years in school, like himself. It doesn't matter how long one takes to reach his destination, as long as he keeps going.
  
On behalf of all Singaporeans, thank you, Muhd Hafiz for unreservedly sharing your story. Look out for him, Singapore!