WHILE many students dream of success for themselves, 18-year-old Ang En Yang carries a greater purpose — to uplift his family and honour his father’s hard work.
Currently pursuing a Diploma in Accounting at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), En Yang is known among his peers as a quiet yet determined young man who believes that education is the key to changing his family’s future.
His father, Ang Tau Yean, a seasoned fisherman from Teluk Kumbar, has spent over 30 years braving the open sea to provide for his family. Witnessing his father’s daily perseverance has been the driving force behind En Yang’s determination to succeed.
“My father has worked under the hot sun and stormy weather for as long as I can remember. I want to succeed so that he can retire,” said En Yang humbly.
Despite his modest background, En Yang’s discipline shines through. He spends long nights revising and catching up on assignments, motivated by a vision to build something meaningful. With a passion for numbers and a flair for business, he plans to start his own enterprise after completing his diploma by using his accounting knowledge to create a sustainable livelihood for his family and community.
“I want to help my family and, one day, provide job opportunities for others,” he shared.
En Yang was among 12 students who received the Higher Education Admission and Excellence Award during a Deepavali celebration held at the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) in Permatang Damar Laut.
Accompanied by his mother, Hoong Mee Nee, En Yang received RM500 in cash for his admission into TAR UMT.
The award, introduced under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), aims to encourage and support the children of fishermen who pursue tertiary education.
Another proud parent, Ammar Ismail, 59, a fisherman from Pulau Betong, was all smiles as two of his children were also recognised under the programme.
His son Muhammad Sufi Ammar, 18, received the Higher Education Admission Award for his Diploma in Electronic Technology at Balik Pulau Vocational College, while his daughter Nur Afiqah Ammar, 24, received the Excellence Award for completing her Degree in Education at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“I’m very happy that my children are doing well in their studies. Education is very important to be successful in life. Their success is our greatest gift,” said Ammar.
The Deepavali celebration also brought festive joy to the community, with five fishermen from the southern coast of Penang Island receiving food baskets.
Teluk Tempoyak fisherman Vellirajah Munien, 50, expressed heartfelt thanks for the timely contribution.
“The food basket came at just the right time as we prepare to celebrate the Festival of Lights. We’re not hosting an open house this year, but this thoughtful gift will certainly make our celebration more meaningful,” he said.
Another recipient, Teluk Kumbar fisherman Kumar Singh Gobin Singh, 34, shared his appreciation for the continued support.
“It’s wonderful that the state government, through PPSN, always remembers the fishermen community during Deepavali,” he said.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the celebration at PPSN Permatang Damar Laut was a commendable initiative that reflected Penang’s multiracial harmony and spirit of togetherness. Also present at the gift presentation were Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Management head Ann Tan, SIDSB Approval manager Muhammad Adli Yahaya and other staff members.
“Congratulations to all the students and their proud parents. However, this is only the beginning as the journey ahead is far from over,” he said.
Farizan also highlighted the growing importance of education in today’s competitive landscape, reminding students that strong academic performance remains a key stepping stone to future opportunities.
“Those who achieve good results have an advantage when entering the job market. Education is vital, and a child’s success is the greatest gift to parents — they are your best investment,” he said.
Pix courtesy of Silicon Island Development