Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir has shared an emotional story about the sacrifices his family made to ensure he could pursue higher education despite severe financial hardship.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Zambry recalled how his parents struggled financially when he received an offer to further his studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
According to him, his family did not have enough money to cover the costs of entering university, leaving them in a difficult situation.
However, his mother made a sacrifice that he has never forgotten.
“My mother sold her necklace and received RM700 for it. That was all she had,” he said in the video.
Zambry explained that the RM700 became his lifeline throughout his early days as a university student and was carefully managed to support his studies.
Determined not to burden his parents further, he said he lived frugally and stretched every ringgit as far as possible while pursuing his education.
“With that RM700, I continued my life and studies at IIUM until I completed my degree,” he said.
The minister’s heartfelt account resonated with many Malaysians, with social media users describing the story as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices parents make for their children’s future.
Many netizens said the RM700 represented far more than financial assistance, viewing it as a symbol of a mother’s unconditional love, faith and commitment to her child’s success.
Others noted that the story serves as an inspiration to young people, proving that success does not always begin with wealth or privilege, but often through perseverance, sacrifice and family support.
The emotional revelation has since sparked widespread discussion online, with many sharing their own stories of parental sacrifices made in the pursuit of education and a better future.
