KUANTAN: Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) will publish a book documenting the life and struggles of Dr Siti Hawa Apandi, who died today.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts Dr Yatimah Alias said the book would chronicle the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patient's journey, from her diploma studies in 2007 to completing her PhD last year.
"The book is being prepared with contributions from Siti Hawa's supervisors and UMPSA's Centre for Inclusive Technology and Ecosystem," she said today.
Siti Hawa, 37, was the country's first SMA patient to complete a diploma, bachelor's degree, master's degree and PhD at the same university. She died at her home in Taman Seri Mahkota Aman.
Her remains were taken to the Seri Mahkota Aman Mosque for funeral prayers before she was buried at the Batu 8 Muslim cemetery.
In August, she was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for completing all four levels of higher education at UMPSA.
Yatimah said Siti Hawa's academic achievements had made her an icon of inclusivity at the university, inspiring the campus community, particularly people with disabilities and inclusivity advocates.
"UMPSA's Centre for Inclusive Technology and Ecosystem director Dr Munira Abdul Razak had been following Siti Hawa's progress and published inspirational articles about inclusive ecosystems," she said.
SMA is a genetic disorder that damages motor neurons in the spinal cord, progressively weakening the muscles they control.
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