Dreams Deferred, Dreams Fulfilled: A Story of Perseverance (Charmaine Leong Sau Ming)
The speech below was delivered during our recent University of Strathclyde Graduation Ceremony 2024. Charmaine was awarded Student of the Year 2024, and Best Overall MBA Student prize.
“Good afternoon, Professor Andrew Marshall, Encik Nizar Idris, esteemed Strathclyde academics, CDC directors, fellow graduates, ladies, and gentlemen.
It is an honour to stand before you today as part of this inspiring Strathclyde community. Being recognised as the Top MBA Graduate is a privilege beyond words, and I am grateful to the University for this recognition. My MBA journey began on 1 October 2021. That day, I was overwhelmed with emotions as I embarked on a path to fulfilling a long-held dream: earning a degree.
Earlier in my life, financial constraints forced me to leave my Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery studies halfway. Yet, I never let go of my dream of graduating with a degree. After nearly two decades of a career filled with long hours and constant travel, the pandemic presented an unexpected silver lining. With work travel paused, I seized the opportunity to pursue an MBA—a chance to grow as a well-rounded leader and bring greater value to my organisation.
As a perfectionist, I spent months researching MBA programmes before choosing Strathclyde. Its triple accreditation, held by only 1% of MBA programmes worldwide, spoke volumes about the calibre of this journey. I knew it would provide a world-class education and open new doors in my career. Strathclyde’s professors and local counsellors bridged theory with real-world application. Studying while working allowed me to implement insights immediately, producing tangible results in my role. The assignments, though challenging, were transformative. Every subject I tackled strengthened my capabilities and deepened my resilience.
Equally valuable were the connections I formed with other students. Studying alongside professionals from diverse industries broadened my perspective. Many of us celebrated promotions and new opportunities during this journey, reflecting our shared growth and determination. This MBA journey was far from easy. Late-night meetings, weekend classes, and juggling work, studies, and life pushed me to new limits. When work travel resumed during my second semester, I adapted by sleeping less and taking every opportunity to study, including during work trips across different time zones.
While I expected time challenges, what I didn’t expect was having to face the greatest challenge of my life at the same time—battling stage 3 NPC, a form of head and neck cancer. In the middle of my second semester, my focus abruptly shifted from academic research to researching for survival: understanding treatment options, side effects, and more. The demands of treatment were overwhelming. I was hospitalised twice, including a stay in the ICU, and therefore, I had to defer two subjects.
After completing my treatments, I was eager to start my third semester. Although resuming studies while recovering was challenging, the thrill of learning kept me going. During this time, four classmates learned about my situation and offered incredible encouragement. I fondly called them the “Power Rangers” because they brought strength and support, I remember they sent me a care package with the message: “Stay strong, and let’s graduate together.” And here we are today—we made it.
My MBA journey, like a roller coaster, is full of surprises and unexpected twists and turns. This year, as I was writing my thesis and completing the deferred subject, the cancer returned. I remember asking the oncologists and surgeons, “Can you let me finish my MBA first?”—a question I knew was impractical. Their unanimous response was clear: cancer wouldn’t wait.
In August, I underwent major surgery while simultaneously working on an assignment, preparing for an exam, and completing my thesis as a solo researcher. Finishing my MBA became my driving force to recover quickly. As I was wheeled into the operating theatre, I told myself, “This surgery must succeed; I have to wake up, complete my MBA, and graduate.”
Beyond academics, this MBA journey impacted my life in unexpected ways. Strathclyde became more than a place of useful learning; it became a source of strength during my most challenging moment. Post-surgery, the journey was excruciating. The pain in my head and neck was so intense that even the strongest medications barely helped.
During this time, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Dalphine Ong, became more than a mentor. She regularly checked in on my health, ensuring I had what I needed during hospitalisation and recovery. Her care and support gave me strength, as did the steadfast support of the Strathclyde staff and CDC team. To Dr. Dalphine, Kirsteen, Susan, and Fauzi—thank you for all you’ve done. You made this moment possible, and because of you, Strathclyde will always hold a special place in my heart.
Alongside Strathclyde and the CDC team, my family and friends played pivotal roles in my journey. I am especially grateful to my former colleague and mentor, Mr Eddie Khoo, who encouraged me to pursue this MBA, cheered me
on throughout this journey, and witnessed my transformation. Thank you, Mr Eddie.
I would also like to honour my mother. Twenty years ago, she pawned her jewellery to fund my education. I vowed that one day she wouldn’t have to worry about finances, I would graduate with a UK degree, and I would share this pride with her. Today, I have overcome cancer not once but twice, graduated, and stand ready for the next chapter with excitement. To my mother, I would like to say: Mama, 你個女,我得咗, 我畢業啦！ 感谢你。我爱你。This means, “Mom, your daughter has made it—I graduated! Thank you. I love you.”
Finally, to my fellow graduates—congratulations! We all faced our own challenges during this MBA journey, but we made it. This journey has shown us that resilience isn’t just a skill for business but a way of life. We are stronger than we think, braver than we believe, and capable of greatness at any stage. As we leave here today, let us carry forward Strathclyde’s legacy, embrace resilience, and continue seeking knowledge as we make our mark on the world.
Thank you!”
Written by:
Charmaine Leong Sau Ming
Student of the Year 2024
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