As the graduation season peaks from November to December in Malaysia, a heartwarming story emerges from this year’s ceremonies, capturing the essence of parental sacrifice and the joy of academic achievement.
In a recent viral video on TikTok, posted by user @mibaaa_, viewers are given a glimpse into a deeply touching moment at a USM (Universiti Sains Malaysia) graduation ceremony. At the time of writing, the video has now gained over 200,000 views, reflecting its widespread resonance.
A Son’s heartfelt dedication to his father
The video, spanning just 39 seconds, showcases a son’s poignant tribute to his father, symbolising the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and familial support.
The video’s caption honours the father’s role in the son’s success: “Your 24 years old son is successful because of you, dad. Your hardship and your resilience. Thank you, dad, for teaching me a lot of things since I was a child up until now.”
From paddy fields to graduation day
The son recounts lessons learned from his father, from labouring and paddy field work to animal slaughtering and rubber tapping, underscoring the diverse experiences that shaped his life.
In an emotionally charged scene, the son, identified as Izwan, removes his graduation robe and gently drapes it over his father. He then places the mortarboard on his father’s head, a symbolic gesture acknowledging his father’s significant role in his educational journey.
The video concludes with Izwan affectionately kissing his father’s cheek, leaving both him and viewers with a smile.
Insights from Izwan
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Izwan shared his thoughts and advice for current students and recent graduates.
He stressed the importance of honouring one’s parents, saying, “Don’t be too quick to complain. Reward your parents with the best ‘prize’. For those who have graduated, this is the beginning of life as a person; it’s time to give back and contribute to the parents for all the sacrifices they have made.”
Reflecting on the wisdom imparted by his father, Izwan emphasised, “No matter where you go, please remember who we are, what we have gone through and don’t forget to give respect to the elderlies.
Izwan’s aspirations and advice
In this life, we must have principles. I always hold onto this principle: ‘You are what you think.’ Hence, it’s only us who can shape ourselves.”
Izwan also shared his aspirations with WeirdKaya, revealing that he aims to be a teacher.
Grateful for his graduation in Bachelor of Arts in Education, he believes in the attainability of goals, stating, “It isn’t impossible to achieve what we want, and all of our actions will be the determiner.
Personal reflections from netizens
This simple yet powerful act has resonated deeply with netizens, as evident in the emotional responses flooding the video’s comment section.
One user expresses a wish to honour their parents similarly, while another comments on the father’s restrained emotion, a common trait in fathers reluctant to show vulnerability in front of their children.
A particularly heartrending comment comes from a user who regrets only being able to show their academic results at their father’s grave, highlighting the universal theme of parental influence and legacy in our achievements.
Through a simple yet profound gesture of placing his graduation robe on his father, Izwan not only honours his dad but also resonates with countless others who see their own parents’ love and hard work in his story.
You can watch the full clip here:
