KUANTAN, Oct 27 – Dr Siti Hawa Apandi, the first Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) patient in Malaysia to complete all levels of higher education at a single university, passed away at her home in Kuantan on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the age of 37.
In an official statement published on its Facebook page on Tuesday, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the late Faculty of Computing alumna.
“May her soul be showered with mercy and placed among the faithful,” UMPSA stated in its online tribute.
Dr Siti Hawa earned a national record in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the “First Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patient to Complete Continuous Higher Education Studies From a Single University”.
Diagnosed in early childhood with SMA—a rare genetic condition causing progressive muscle deterioration—she relied entirely on a wheelchair for mobility.
Despite severe physical constraints, she entered UMPSA in 2007 for a Diploma program, subsequently earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and ultimately a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Last year, she was hospitalized for approximately 50 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan due to a severe bacterial infection.
Academic Milestones, MBOR Record, and Institutional Recognition
Key academic achievements, prestigious awards, and health battle details include:
- Complete UMPSA Educational Track: Dr Siti Hawa completed her Diploma (2007), Bachelor’s in Software Engineering, Master’s in Computer Science, and PhD in Artificial Intelligence sequentially at UMPSA.
- Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR): Her continuous academic trajectory from Diploma to Doctorate as an SMA patient was officially recognized by MBOR.
- Prestigious Honors & Awards: Her academic excellence earned her the HeiTech Industry Excellence Award in 2013 during her undergraduate studies and the Abdullah Bin Ummi Maktum Inclusive Excellence Award during her PhD program.
- Health Challenges: She spent nearly 50 days in the ICU at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital last year treating a bacterial infection before passing away peacefully at her residence at age 37.
–NMT
More Stories
Pahang Palace Denies Fabricated TikTok Video Claims Involving Tengku Mahkota
Face-to-Face Learning Resumes In Stages Across Johor Following Haze Closure
TNB Extends Deep Condolences Following Fatal Collision Involving Work Vehicle In Dungun