Veveonah Mosibin, the Sabahan student who captured the nation’s heart by climbing a tree for internet connectivity during the pandemic, has reached a significant academic milestone. The 24-year-old from Pitas recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). This achievement marks a major step forward for the young scholar, who became a symbol of educational resilience during the challenging lockdowns of 2020.
Currently, Veveonah has transitioned into a new academic field and is pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the Management and Science University (MSU) in Shah Alam. She is presently in her second year of the medical programme, a shift she decided upon after finding the hands-on requirements of marine science difficult to navigate during the height of the global health crisis. Her decision to enter the medical field was driven by a personal ambition to serve as a doctor and contribute meaningfully to her local community in Sabah.
The young student first rose to prominence four years ago when she uploaded a video titled “24 Hours On Tree Challenge” to her YouTube channel. The footage documented her spending a night in a tree to secure a stable internet connection for her online examinations, highlighting the severe digital divide faced by rural students in Malaysia. The video resonated deeply with the public and sparked a nationwide conversation regarding infrastructure improvements and the dedication of students in remote areas.
Veveonah recently took to social media to clarify her current status following some public confusion regarding her graduation. While she celebrated her successful completion of the Marine Science degree, she emphasised that she has not yet graduated from her medical studies. She reminded her followers that the journey to becoming a physician is a long-term commitment and that she remains focused on her ongoing clinical education and examinations.
Expressing her sincere gratitude for the continuous support from Malaysians, Veveonah stated that she is hopeful for the future as she balances her rigorous medical curriculum. Her journey from a remote village in Pitas to the lecture halls of Shah Alam continues to inspire many, serving as a testament to perseverance in the face of logistical and environmental obstacles. As she progresses through her MBBS, many are looking forward to seeing her achieve her goal of providing healthcare to those in need.
