39th IIUM Convocation: Two law graduates awarded degrees as senior citizens

By Nur Shahirah Aizah and Nurin Najmina Zaidi

GOMBAK, 28 November 2023: Two senior citizens completed their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws (AIKOL) and were awarded their scrolls in the fifth session of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony at IIUM Gombak, yesterday (27 November).

In an exclusive interview with IIUM Today, Chong Tiam Kwai, who is 66 years old and Low Yok Lin, who is 77 years old, shared their extraordinary four-year academic journey which they undertook to obtain their Bachelor of Laws degree.

Both Chong and Low shared their deep gratitude towards the IIUM for enabling them to achieve their ambitions and for their time at AIKOL as they enjoyed every moment of their four-year study there.

œAll the lecturers had helped me, motivated me and guided me along the way and they also broadened my knowledge on Islam, Low said. Both also praised the law students for their respect and helpfulness at times when they needed assistance. 

œThe students in AIKOL helped me a lot and included me in their study group, Low said. At the same time, Chong remembered the time someone lent him a ˜Family Law textbook when he did not know where to find one. œIt was a gesture of kindness that I will always remember, Chong said.

When asked about their reasons for continuing their study, Chong, after finishing his studies in London, pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Laws as a substitute for the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP). Meanwhile, Low had always wanted to gain more knowledge of law since he worked as Pegawai Tadbir & Diplomatik (PTD or Administration and Diplomatic Officer).

For both Chong and Low, they chose the IIUM to continue their study as a close friend recommended them to consider the IIUM as, all public universities in Malaysia share similar approaches. Furthermore, Low chose the IIUM also because it was more feasible for him to take classes there given that he had already retired from his PTD job in 2001 and had five children studying abroad at the time.

As for the challenges faced in his pursuit of knowledge, Low is not an exception to facing difficulties like any other student, such as meeting deadlines by finishing his assignments on time and attending classes. These did not stop him from continuing his study.

Whereas Chong found the experience not overly tough, attributing his success to the unwavering support of his wife. œMy wife has been incredibly supportive throughout the journey, and I am grateful for her encouragement, he shared.

Offering advice to aspiring students, Chong emphasized to never give up, pray to God, and keep on fighting as challenges are there to overcome. Low, on the other hand, advised students to listen to the lecturers, and finish all assignments as all their hard work will eventually be paid off in the end.

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Looking ahead, Chong revealed his plan to pursue a PhD while Low wanted to lecture on law in future. The academic journey of Chong and Low proves that age is just a number which should not be a barrier in one’s pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.***