A salute to UPNM for going the extra mile

I REFER to the letter by the Academic and International Division, UPNM (The Star, April 16). My gratitude to Dr Tang Siew Mun, a senior lecturer.
Immediately after he had read my letter, published on April 8, he spoke to the higher authorities in the university.
I am too young to study at UPNM as cadet officers need to be at least 17 years and six months.
The concern and urgency that Dr Tang, the UPNM officers and a Major Roziman showed touched my parents and me so much.
I received several phone calls explaining why I was not called for the interview and advising me on what to do. The authorities concerned went a step further to make arrangements for me to attend an interview and a physical test on May 26 to June 10.
All these were done within 24 hours. The efficiency and professionalism in handling my case really befits the name of the university and the army. I have no regrets at all in applying to do a course in this university.
I would like to thank the Public Services Department (PSD) for answering my prayers and making my dream come true. And, you have given my mother the best Mothers Day present from a 17-year-old son.
I checked the JPA website on May 11 and received the good news; I have successfully secured the scholarship to do an engineering course overseas.
I do not want to seem ungrateful to UPNM for helping me secure a place in the university but as I have yet to undergo the tests and there is no guarantee that I will qualify, I have accepted the PSD scholarship on my father’s advice.
He said when I have completed my studies overseas I could apply to the army as a volunteer (Askar Wataniah).
To all the straight As students out there who are unsuccessful in their application for scholarships, be strong, brave and patient.
Pray for a person like Dr Tang or Major Roziman to come to your rescue.
KENG WEI JIN,
Kuala Lipis, Pahang.