From 32 to Glory: Fauzi’s Academic Comeback
What Happened in 2002?
When Fauzi Baharin saw his O‑level results slip, the world turned to gray. The score line read 32 points—a number that felt like a dead end for any dream of junior college. In that moment, he thought all hope was lost.
So… How Did He Turn Things Around?
- He realized his earlier PSLE success placed him at Yusof Ishak Secondary School.
- During the O‑level prelims he snagged 16 points, but then he let confidence get the better of him.
- He said, “I was complacent and overconfident,” and the national exams slipped away.
- Disheartened, he decided to study at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) instead of pursuing a traditional path.
Life at ITE Dover
In the Higher Nitec course in mechanical engineering, Fauzi faced another challenge—he was still not fully engaged in his studies. The classes didn’t capture his attention, and progress was slow.
A New Chapter Begins
Fast forward to today, Fauzi is 35 and proudly holds a bachelor of technology degree in mechanical engineering from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He graduated with honours—an incredible turnaround that says sometimes the best stories start with a “fail.”
Why It Matters
- His journey reminds us that a single setback can inspire a lifetime’s growth.
- It proves that perseverance, a little bit of humility, and a pinch of humor can open doors you thought were permanently closed.
Takeaway
Feeling stuck? Remember Fauzi’s story: even when you’re on the wrong side of a number line, you can always map a new path. Keep laughing, keep learning, and keep going.
The turning point
The Power of Peer‑Teaching: How Fauzi Turned Helping Others Into a Path to NUS
When the Spark Clicks
“Months went by and I finally found that mojo to study again. It happened when I watched a few of my classmates wrestle with engineering maths— and that seeing pain? It hit me personally,” Fauzi confesses. After taking extra math in secondary school, he suddenly decided to open up and ease the struggle for those around him.
Happy, Helpful, and Hungry for Knowledge
Fauzi’s first line of “success” was a simple truth: Helping makes learning stick. Every time he explained a concept, he’d remember the solve‑tech for when his own head was full of equations.
- “I felt satisfied with my effort in helping them to pass or achieve good grades,” he says.
- He’d ask lecturers for clarifications, hunt Google for extra context, and watch YouTube tutorials until the theory clicked.
From DuPont to Ngee Ann Polytechnic
After a few years at the global manufacturing giant DuPont, Fauzi decided to go back to school—this time part‑time. He enrolled in a diploma in mechanical engineering at Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 2013. The same helping‑all‑the‑time habit carried over; he was a math guru around the campus.
GPA 3.71, Dream 4.0
Thanks to relentless effort, his dedication paid off with a GPA of 3.71. This score opened the doors to the National University of Singapore in 2017.
Juggling Life’s Gears
Four years later, Fauzi balanced a full‑time mechanical engineer role, fatherhood, and part‑time studies. “It was exhausting hitting the books after a full day’s work,” he admits, but family and friends kept the momentum alive.
From Associate to Senior
Now, Fauzi is a senior mechanical engineer at DuPont, and he graduated from NUS with honours—a sweet reward when hard work finally clicked.
Word of Wisdom from a Tri‑Season Champion
When asked about failing a major exam, Fauzi’s advice glows with optimism: “Don’t dwell on failures. Learn from them and move on with double the enthusiasm to chase your goals.”
