Journey of Excellence

By Norul Hanizan Hazin, Alumni Centre

A 2005 Bachelor of Food Science (Nutrition and Food Service) alumna of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Hajah Saripah Embong not only excelled throughout her teaching career but also brought pride to Malaysia through her achievements in education, research, innovation and STEM.

Her journey as an educator spanning 39 years and 7 months is a remarkable story of excellence, marked by dedication, innovation and meaningful contributions to education. 

Beginning her teaching career in 1983 as a teacher of Science, Mathematics, Integrated Living Skills (KHB), and Geography, Hajah Saripah served as a Senior Technical Vocational Teacher, Excellent Teacher in KHB, and Excellent Teacher in Design and Technology (RBT).

She guided her students to achieve 100 per cent A grades in KHB time and again, helped develop educational modules, and served as a speaker and judge in academic competitions.

Beyond teaching, Hajah Saripah was actively involved in research, invention, and innovation, particularly through projects such as The Potential Product from Pandanus Amaryllifolius Roxb., Dr Duster with Green Cleaner, Nifty Cleaner Kit and The Miracle of Multipurpose Soap: Novely.

Her products received numerous gold medals, special awards, and innovation recognitions at competitions and exhibitions in Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Romania, Croatia and Indonesia.

In 2017, she received the Princess Maha Chakri Award, becoming the second Malaysian teacher to do it. 

Other recognitions received include the Outstanding Alumni Icon Award (Main Category) at the UMT Alumni Icon Awards (MAIKA) 2021, National AdiGuru Icon Award 2023, National Teacher Icon 2017, Terengganu Women Aspirations Award in the Education Category, as well as several Excellent Service Awards.

Although she retired in April 2023, Hajah Saripah’s commitment to contributing to education has never ceased. She remains active as a speaker, innovation and STEM mentor, researcher and innovation judge, 

In 2024 and 2025, she continued to represent Malaysia in international education programmes, serving in various capacities including judge, keynote speaker, and panelist in the fields of innovation and education.

She was appointed as a Public Member of the Human Research Ethics Committee (Health Sciences) (JKEP) at UMT for the 2025–2026 term, and continues to contribute to various education, STEM and innovation programmes at the state, national and international levels.

She has worked with UMT lecturers, staff, research assistants and postgraduate students to support students in conducting laboratory testing for their research products.

From being a UMT student to becoming an educator, innovator, and internationally recognised education figure, Hajah Saripah Embong has demonstrated how knowledge gained at university can become a catalyst for greater change.

Her story is a testament that alumni excellence is not measured solely by personal achievements, but also by how knowledge, experience and expertise are continuously shared to inspire future generations and contribute to society.