By Asmahanim Amir
Pictures by Suraya Sulaiman

BANGI, 24 May 2019 – Being a disable as early as the age of 16 has strongly tests the fortitude and strength of Dr. Aizan Sofia Amin, who was diagnosed with bone cancer until she lost her left leg.

Telling her hardship, Dr. Aizan Sofia said, although the physical was not perfect, the spirit of her soul and the encouragement given by her family members have never ended.

She pursued studies at the Centre for Foundation Studies of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) in psychology and was named as the Best Student of Psychology 2007 at the bachelor’s degree.

The Best Student award was just a start, she further Master Degree in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and subsequently obtained Doctorate of Philosophy that focusing on disabilities at Glasgow University, Scotland.

Dr. Aizan Sofia, is a Senior Lecturer of Psychology and Human Well-Being Research Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities has never made her situation as an excuse and especially when come to serve the community. She has been a playing an active role with Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM), where she is appointed as the IRM Humanity Icon.

“If I don’t give something to society, I feel that myself is useless. I want people to look at the disabled people (OKU) like me as a volunteer” she added.

In the other hand, she also received several awards including Finalist Study UK Alumni Awards 2017 (Social Impact Category), British Council Malaysia 2017, Woman Icon Recognition, Global Youth Ambassador Team 2017, appointed as Ambassador TN50 during the last governmental administration and recently she was awarded the Tokoh Pekerja (OKU) Negara 2019 in conjunction with Labour Day Celebration, delivered by Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

She said the stigma from society has underestimated her ability since the student days, but that is what burns her spirit to prove that she can compete with others.

“I hope no one else (OKU) is crying because of the harsh words of the people. I want OKU not to be seen as an oppressed, marginalized, even as a less dependable in society. I want their talent (OKU) to be uncovered, not left behind,” she added.