Conviction Without Compromise: Dhanish’s Gold Standard

For Dhanish Musharraf Ubaidali, receiving the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal is not just about grades or accolades. "It is a testament to my commitment to academics," he shares, a conviction shaped early on. In primary school, when he was bullied and ostracised, he told himself: people may exclude me, but they will never discredit my abilities. That quiet resolve followed him through the years, becoming a steady anchor as he navigated university life.

There were semesters where his results reassured him he was on the right path. But there were also moments when he was thrown into unfamiliar modules and projects that felt almost impossible. "Regardless of how much you think you know, the truth is really you know nothing. But that is okay," he reflects. It was this mindset, balancing confidence with humility, that shaped his journey.

Staying consistent was not always the popular choice. While many of his peers chose to skip lectures in later years, relying on recordings and notes, Dhanish kept attending every session. "If I did not and the results were not as good as I expected, I would never be able to forgive myself," he says.

Outside academics, Dhanish stayed actively involved in university life. He participated in multiple CCAs and hall recreational activities – balancing rigour with connection and creativity.

He attributes his success to the unwavering support of his family, friends, mentors, professors, and all who believed in him, acknowledging he couldn't have achieved this milestone without them and is truly grateful.

Now, as he looks ahead, Dhanish remains grounded by the same values that brought him here. To him, doing things well means more than achieving perfection – it is about effort, alignment, and staying true to yourself. "If I woke up one day and realised I do not like the job I am doing, I will quit. I believe there is no single path to success, but whichever I choose, I will make it my own, with full conviction and no regrets."