Not everyone peaks in high school, and that’s okay.
In fact, for one Malaysian student, things only started falling into place after he didn’t get into any local university.
Armed with just 2As in SPM and no spot in any public uni, Zul Hakim Zulhaimi could’ve easily called it quits.
But instead, he took an unexpected path. That path led him from an arts stream background all the way to Purdue University in the US, where he graduated early with not one, but two engineering degrees.
Here’s how he rewrote his future from the ground up.
Before Purdue, he couldn’t even get into local uni
Back in 2018, Zul’s SPM results didn’t open many doors.
He only scored 2As and was rejected from every local university he applied to. For many, that would’ve been the end of the road.
But instead of letting that define him, he made a bold decision to start over in a different way.
He enrolled in the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) to pursue a diploma in Mechatronic Engineering Technology.
This was especially challenging, considering he came from an arts stream background. That meant jumping straight into a highly technical course without the usual science foundation that most students had.
Despite the odds, he persevered. After years of pushing through unfamiliar territory, Zul graduated from GMI in 2021 with flying colours.
From arts stream to mechatronics? He said yes anyway
With his diploma in hand and newfound confidence, Zul set his sights higher.
His hard work at GMI didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon awarded a scholarship from MARA to continue his studies overseas.
He chose Purdue University in the United States, a world-renowned institution for engineering. For Zul, it wasn’t just about going abroad. It was about proving to himself that he could thrive on a global stage.
More than just classes, he made an impact
Once at Purdue, Zul hit the ground running. He didn’t just attend lectures and submit assignments. He immersed himself in hands-on projects and real-world applications.
One of his proudest accomplishments was building a smart exoskeleton prototype equipped with force and angle sensors.
Designed for both learning and industrial use, the project combined innovation and practicality. It stood as a clear reflection of how far he had come.
Beyond the lab, he also served as a Teaching Assistant for a Lean Six Sigma course, mentoring other students and honing his leadership skills.
On top of that, he represented his team at the Purdue Tech Expo, where they presented their innovation to a mix of academic and industry professionals.
Finished 1 semester early, with double majors & a Golden Honor Cord
Zul’s scholarship was set to run until Fall 2025. But he didn’t need that long. With sheer determination and consistent effort, he managed to finish early, graduating in Spring 2025 with not one, but two majors:
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automation and Systems Integration Engineering Technology
To make it even more impressive, he was awarded the Golden Honor Cord, a distinction given to top-performing students for academic excellence.
It’s not about where you start, but where you’re headed
Zul’s journey didn’t start with perfect grades or the ideal path. He faced rejection, took an unconventional route, and entered a field he had no background in. But he never let that stop him.
It goes to show that it’s okay to start slow, stumble, or take a different route. What matters most is having the courage to keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.
Congrats, Zul. You’ve not only made it, but you’ve inspired countless others who may be walking a similar path.
