Soo Wincci finally gets her PhD

PETALING JAYA: After six years of tirelessly working on her thesis, singer and actress Soo Wincci (pic) has now received her PhD in business administration from Open University Malaysia (OUM).

Soo, 31, was also recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the first Miss World Malaysia to receive a doctorate.

The former beauty queen said that she could not hold back her tears when her lecturer, who supervised her thesis, informed her that she had passed and was eligible to receive the title of Doctor of Philosophy.

“I could not control my emotions the moment I was told by my thesis supervisor that I had passed.

“For the first time in my life I cried non-stop for an hour from the memory of the six year journey to achieve my ambition of holding a doctorate,” she told mStar Online.

Her convocation ceremony was held Monday at the Putra World Trade Centre.

Soo also holds a law degree from the University of Reading, UK, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

She said that she was overcome with sadness when recalling the sacrifices she had made over the six years it took her to complete her thesis.

“During the entire period, I had to give up a lot, including time for myself, my family and friends, even love, in order to realise this dream.

“I didn’t get enough sleep up to the point that I barely recognised myself but now I can rest to my heart’s content,” she said.

Soo shared her difficulty in completing her thesis on her Facebook page, with her thesis being rejected numerous times and still not giving up.

 “I don’t remember how many times my thesis was rejected by the lecturer and corrections needed to be made, up to the point that I was scolded by those around me who asked me to stop forcing myself to study.

“However, I had to work hard to realise my dream and my vision,” she explained.

She added that her achievement in attaining the doctorate was a new beginning for her as well as a way to inspire more people to achieve their dreams.