First to score distinctions for all 33 of his
modules
It is a first in his polytechnic's 55-year history.
SINGAPORE Polytechnic (SP) student Kuriakin has scored distinctions
for all 33 of his modules, a feat no other student from the school
has accomplished since it was established 55 years ago.
The electronics, computer and communication engineering student
will be graduating top of the 5,000-strong cohort of students
graduating from SP next week.
For his excellent performance, the 23-year-old will be receiving
the Lee Kuan Yew Award, given to top polytechnic graduates from
technology courses.
His all-distinction record is made all the more impressive by the
fact that he achieved it while juggling several jobs and
co-curricular activities in the guitar and Rotaract clubs. He also
participated in community involvement projects in the
Philippines.
An Indonesian who arrived in Singapore four years ago from his
hometown on Bintan island, Mr Kuriakin has worked as a waiter,
sales assistant and roadshow promoter to pay off his $6,000 tuition
loan and living expenses here.
The youngest of five children, he did not want to burden his
parents who are still living on Bintan. His father is a mechanic
and his mother, a housewife.
His efforts are even more resounding as Mr Kuriakin was not always
an A-grade student. He did poorly in Indonesia's high school
leaving examinations in 2004 and was denied a place at SP.
He said: 'I was the captain of my school's basketball team and
neglected my studies. I saw how disappointed my parents were.
During that year, my father was hurt in an accident at his
workplace and until now I believe I caused it. He was distracted
because he was depressed by my poor results.'
Motivated to make his parents proud, he came to Singapore to sit
for his O levels as a private candidate and scored seven
points.
He hopes to study robotics in the United States starting
September.
He said: 'I am glad I did not give up when I did not do well in my
high school exams. If I had given up, I would not be able to chase
my dreams now.'
