Who says you cannot achieve your dreams and goals in your advancing years?

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”- Mark Twain

Grandfather of eight grandchildren, Ram Sing Gengarajoo shares the success of completing his Master of Science in Safety, Health, and Environment studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). He also emerged as the oldest graduate at the 66th UTM Convocation Ceremony.

The 77-year-old said the challenge faced was not the age factor but pursuing his studies in a different field for two years. Ram Sing completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Allahabad, India in 1979. Later he worked as a Forestry Officer at Sabah Forestry Development Authority (SAFODA) for 32 years and in Sinar Mas, Indonesia for another 8 years.

Ram Sing currently lives with his son in Singapore. He shared his obstacles crossing the other side to attend classes. “I had to cross the Johor causeway every day to attend classes at UTM Johor Bahru Campus. It was a little relieved, as when the pandemic hit in early 2020 I attended classes online instead. I am also proud of myself for never failing to attend all the online classes and complete assignments and exams like others,” he added.

The former Forestry Officer decided to pursue a post-graduate level to enhance his knowledge for his current agricultural consultancy work. “I found this study very helpful with the consultancy works that I do, and I really enjoy studying while working, even though I have to face bitter challenges,” he said. He hopes that his success in completing his master’s degree at the age of 77 inspires all who are keen to enhance their knowledge since learning itself is a lifelong journey.