Muhammad Faiz Qudry Ridzuan, an 18-year-old Malaysian student, visited his deceased family members’ graves after receiving his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results.
The SPM is Malaysia’s national exam, similar to Singapore’s O-Level exams.
He shared his achievement of earning 5As with his late parents and younger brother.
In a TikTok post on 25 Apr, Muhammad Faiz displayed his SPM result slip while standing at his family’s graves.
“Dad, mum, and little brother! I got 5As in my SPM,” stated the in-video caption.
The teenager lost his father to a lung infection in 2014. His mother and younger brother died two years later from pneumonia and asthma complications.
Though orphaned for nearly ten years, Muhammad Faiz continued his studies, driven by his family’s memory.
“This is what they would’ve wanted to see. If I gave up, I’d be the one disappointing them,” he told Weird Kaya.
In another post, he shared selfies with his certificate and the headstones of his family members.
“I hope my achievement brings you happiness. I’m trying to be a child who stays strong in the face of all challenges,” Muhammad Faiz wrote.
He noted the moment wasn’t as happy as expected. “The atmosphere [at school] just isn’t as joyful. I love all of you. Thank you for taking care of me,” he wrote to his late family.
Muhammad Faiz called his results “average” but stressed he had proven his ability to succeed despite his situation.
“I never got to experience going up on stage with my parents, but it’s ok, that’s my fate. What can I do, even if I complain, it won’t change anything,” he reflected.
Muhammad Faiz plans to continue his education at the Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG), a tertiary education institute for teacher training.
“If I get in, that’s a blessing,” he said. “But if I don’t, it’s okay. At least I tried. I’ll apply to other universities. No matter what, I’ll keep studying.”
The teenager promised his parents to work hard and become the best version of himself. He told BuzzKini that staying strong without his family was hard, but their memory pushes him forward.
“Everything I do now is for them. Even if I can’t see them anymore, I want to bring them happiness,” he said.
When asked what keeps him going through tough times, Muhammad Faiz answered: Hope.
“My family’s hope is what keeps me alive,” he said. “It’s not easy, but I try. I don’t want to disappoint them, even if they’ve left me behind, I still want to continue the dreams they had for me.”
