Despite facing congenital heart disease and airway abnormalities, this recent SPM graduate has chosen a pathway of entrepreneurship instead of pursuing his studies.
Assisting his beloved aunt, affectionately called Mak Yang, Ahmad Awaluddin Idris helps run her humble nasi lemak eatery in front of her house.
Awaluddins life has been marked by sorrow, losing his mother to a lung infection at age 10 and his father at the tender age of two. Since then, Mak Yang, a single mother of two, has lovingly cared for Awaluddin.
When he turned 12, he began supporting Mak Yang's small business, becoming an indispensable part of their partnership.
However, tragedy struck again when Mak Yang broke her leg in an accident, limiting her ability to work as before.
Determined to secure their livelihood, Ahmad courageously took charge of the cooking duties every morning, despite regular medical check-ups at Penang Hospital every few months.
In order to reach a wider customer base, they relocated their food stall near a nearby petrol station.
Residing in Rumah Awam Fasa 1, Padang Rengas, Awaluddin, who achieved commendable results in his recent SPM exams, has decided to prioritize entrepreneurship over further studies.
Rising at the crack of dawn, he diligently prepares approximately 150 packs of delicious nasi lemak each morning, selling them for RM1.20 per pack.
Awaluddins motivation stems from his desire to continue Mak Yang's legacy and explore his own passion for business.
"She has taken care of me so well, and I want to repay her kindness," Ahmad expressed gratefully.