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ASSOC Prof Lt Col ( Rtd) Dr Azuddin Bahari is a PhD ( Business Administration) recipient at AeU’s 5th Convocation.
He is an Associate Professor in the School of Business Innovation and Technopreneur, University Malaysia Perlis ( UniMap).
Here he shares his experience in completing his PhD degree with AeU.
“In September 2003, after 31 long years serving in the Malaysian Army, came the day of my retirement, which also marked my journey into new territory: the academia.
With an MBA from Leicester University, I embarked as a lecturer at the School of Business Innovation and Technopreneurship, Universiti Malaysia Perlis ( UniMAP).
With my experience, I was appointed UniMAP’s Director of Occupational Safety and Health Unit and has been since January 2004.
With the MBA, I thought I have what it takes to excel, until I realised, I would need a PhD.
At 59 years of age, I was not a young chap anymore when I began the greatest journey in my academic life.
I began surveying the best academic institutions suited to my need as a part- time PhD student.
I wanted to study in an internationally recognised institution, to study in a convenient and conducive environment, and a renowned supervisor to guide me.
Also, the institution should be able to provide a wide range of support services on request and is flexible at the same time.
After scouting around, I found that AeU stands out.
I received unanimous support, especially from Dr Hanum Hassan, a colleague who was willing to assist and guide me in directing my thesis and I joined AeU on September 20, 2010.
The School of Graduate Studies’ Dean Prof Siow Heng Loke said, ‘ PhD is about proving a theory and your PhD is not to solve world’s problems.’
My research area was in service quality vis- a- vis disaster management.
International network
AeU, with its wide internationally recognised network, linked me to Prof Datuk Dr Shattri Mansor of Universiti Putra Malaysia ( UPM) as my supervisor.
He is an expert in image processing, remote sensing and GIS, UAV- based remote imaging, disaster management and early warning system, an excellent recommendation by AeU.
With the professor as my supervisor and Dr Hanum as my adviser, pursuing my PhD was smooth sailing.
So I assumed a nothing- is- impossible attitude and worked towards the accomplishment of my mission.
As Prophet Muhammad said, “Your deeds hinge on your intentions and a person can only get fit his intentions.
With constant prayers from my wife, excellent guidance from my supervisor, supportive dean, exceptional service support from the administrative staff of the School of Graduate Studies, and guidance from my colleague Dr Hanum, I completed my PhD within the time frame.
AeU provided me with the opportunity to obtain my PhD, which is an important ingredient of knowledge economy.
It also helped me discover new knowledge, developing new skills and see things in a critical way.
A PhD from AeU allowed me to improve my academic qualifications and sharpen my research skills.
As a PhD graduate, I am seen as having absolute authority on my subject matter and I am less likely to be questioned.
The excellent e- learning platform provided by AeU enabled learning to take place with ease and beyond any boundaries.
For those who pursue their PhDs, be prepared mentally and physically.
You need to set your goals and manage your time well.
With good time management, there is no need for you to restrict yourself from doing or undertaking your favourite daily activities. All that is needed is consistent work, a timetable and a clear strategy to accomplish your objectives.
I have no regrets being part of the AeU community, for it expedited my quest for academic excellence and lifelong learning.”
Global acceptance
AeU celebrated one of the annual event highlights on Sept 20 with 2,921 graduates receiving their scrolls at the university’s 5th Convocation Ceremony at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
A total of 536 foreign students graduated from 12 foreign countries such as Bahrain, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Kenya, Maldives, New Zealand, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Zimbabwe, signifying AeU’s gaining acceptance in the international arena.
The total graduates number also includes 521 teachers from the Program Pensiswazahan Guru ( PPG), a second batch of PPG graduates from the Education Ministry – a contrast from the first batch was just 83 graduates last year.
This reflects the Education Ministry’s confidence in the quality of AeU’s programmes and in its commitment to enhance the capabilities of teachers in the country.
For more information, look out for AeU’s advertisement in this StarSpecial.