With his livelihood suddenly cut short, this father of two had to pivot to odd jobs, including running a school transport service, and assisting his wife in small catering ventures.

But his passion for cooking, rooted in his culinary arts training, never cooled.

Now, thanks to a group of MBA students from UKM-Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB), Fandie is getting back on his feet.

Through their initiative, “Empowering Lives Through Prosthetic Support”, the students raised over RM15,000 to provide him with a high-quality carbon fibre prosthetic limb, restoring his mobility and reigniting his hope of working as a chef again.

The project, which began in November 2024, was led by Uma Devi Arumugam as their MBA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

“We wanted to do something meaningful, something that would leave a lasting impact,” Uma told FMT Lifestyle.

Through their research, the students quickly realised that prosthetics are often unattainable for many from low-income backgrounds as they can cost anything from RM10,000 to RM50,000.

Without access to a well-fitted limb, individuals like Fandie face immense challenges especially in securing employment.

“Our main goal was to give someone a second chance. To walk again, to work, and to live with dignity,” Uma said.

The team spent months researching and reaching out to potential beneficiaries, but 45-year-old Fandie’s story struck a chord with them.

“As a chef, he couldn’t stand for long hours anymore, so he had to give up his career. This led to a lot of financial and emotional stress, especially as he had to support two children.” Uma added. “But his determination to support his family and rebuild his life moved us the most.”

She explained that the prosthetic Fandie received from Socso was heavy and poorly fitted to his body size, often causing pain when working.

His new RM15,000 carbon fibre prosthetic was a significant upgrade, made possible by the team’s efforts in securing support from various companies and anonymous donors.

The students partnered with Lee Prosthetic & Orthotic Centre to craft a limb tailored to Fandie’s needs. Unlike his previous prosthetic, this one offered greater comfort and flexibility.

On March 15, the students and medical professionals gathered as Fandie took his first steps with his new prosthetic limb. The moment was emotional for everyone.

“You could see the joy and hope on his face,” Uma recalled. “He tried walking with it and smiled throughout – he was finally able to move comfortably again.”

Fandie shared with the students: “I can feel the difference from my previous prosthetic. It’s more comfortable, and I can move my foot left and right more freely. I can say it’s almost back to normal, which is what I’ve wanted.”

With his newfound mobility, he now has his sights set on the future. His first plan is to start a small food business in front of his house. But his ultimate dream remains the same – to return to a professional kitchen.

“If this allows me to stand in the kitchen for two to three hours, then I will have no problem,” he said.

Fandie will continue to receive follow-up medical support, and the MBA students remain in touch with him.

Reflecting on the experience, Uma described it as one of the most meaningful parts of their MBA.

“This project allowed us to apply what we learned into a real-life scenario,” she said. “It was honestly overwhelming. We were proud, emotional, and humbled.”

Beyond changing one life, the students hope this initiative sparks broader conversations about accessibility and support for people with disabilities.

“We hope people see that disability is not the end,” Uma said. “With the right support, anyone can bounce back. Everyone deserves a second chance, and small acts of kindness can lead to big transformations.”