Disability Not a Barrier to Success
- nabalunews
- Nov 1, 2025
- 2 min read
1 November 2025
KOTA KINABALU: The inspiring story of Dr Sabrina Mohammad has captured the hearts of many Sabahans, particularly among youth, women, and persons with disabilities (OKU ), as she continues to prove that physical limitations are no obstacle to academic excellence and leadership achievement.
Originally from Kampung Gudon, Sepanggar, but now based in Sandakan, Dr Sabrina, who has a physical disability, has turned every challenge into a stepping stone towards greater success in academia and social advocacy.
In student leadership, she made history as the first female student with a disability to be elected President of the Postgraduate Students’ Association for the 2022–2024 term, after winning overwhelmingly in the university’s campus election.
Her victory was not merely a personal milestone, but a testament to the fact that ability and leadership are not defined by physical condition.
University lecturers have described her as a student who embodies both academic excellence and strong leadership qualities.
“She is not only outstanding academically but also socially aware and courageous in LEADERSHIP, inspiring both male and female students alike. Dr Sabrina is a fine example of a young woman deserving of recognition as a future leader,” said one of her former lecturers.
Beyond the campus, Dr Sabrina remains active in various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kota Kinabalu and Sepanggar, focusing on community development, education, and grassroots health awareness programmes.
For her, the true purpose of leadership lies in creating positive change and inspiring others.
“I want young women and the disabled community to know that we are not LIMITED, we simply move differently,” she said in an interview.
Dr Sabrina recently completed her Master’s degree in Political Science (International Relations & Diplomacy) at UiTM Shah Alam at the end of 2024.
She is now pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Since 2023, she has also served as the Health Liaison Officer to the Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing, who also holds the Sabah State Health portfolio.
Earlier this year, she made further history as the first medical doctor with a disability from Malaysia to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season in Saudi Arabia, under the Tabung Haji Medical Mission.
Her journey stands as proof that knowledge, perseverance, and resilience can turn barriers into strengths, making Dr Sabrina not only an academic role model but also a symbol of courage and inspiration for all Sabahans.
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