Age No Barrier For Oldest First-Degree Graduate
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Age is not a barrier for 50-year-old Haji Kassim as he became the oldest firstdegree graduate at the 1811 Convocation of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) held yesterday morning at the Chancellor Hall.

He did it in grand style as not only did he obtain a first class BA honours degree in Malay Literature but he was also one of the recipients of the Book Prize; an honour given to outstanding graduates annually.

Furthermore Haji Kassim will continue his post-graduate studies for his masters at UBD before pursuing his doctorate after he completes his MA in one or two years.

Haji Kassim, who has one grandchild and nine children - one of them is also an undergraduate of UBD, said he did not have any problems studying with students half his age over the past four years.

"They were respectful and they looked upon me as their mentor and advisor. In fact, I became their advisor for any problems including personal and family issues.

"Being students, they openly sought my advice in life without reservations," he said.

He was such an inspiration that other students like Roshammaliza binti Harridan, 24, and Anizn bin Langkan, 24, who both graduated with BA (Hon) Education in Malay Literature and Malay Language felt really indebted to him.

"We looked at him not only as father figure but our inspiration as we did ask him to help us with our studies in subjects like Malay Literature and Malay language," they said.

Haji Kassim said he is pursuing a childhood dream of studying until doctorate level.

"I only found time to pursue a tertiary education after my children had all grown up. So I made the decision to study four years ago after consulting family and friends for advice.

"Being a father and a grandfather, I did lecturing for local consultant firm during my free time as well as writing for local publications in order to support my family.

"Since I am able to do so over the past four years, I will do similarly while studying for my masters and doctorate," he said.

Haji Kassim has been a consistent top student during his four-year first degree course at UBD.

In his second year of study, he was selected by UBD to undergo a one-year twinning programme at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur where he also came out top.

"All I am interested in now is to complete my masters and doctorate. Before that happens I do not want to think of anything else yet," he said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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