An inspiration: Saidatul Badru receiving her scroll from Tun Juhar.
KOTA KINABALU: An active mind and body are what keeps the heart going, as a former Syariah Court lawyer demonstrated by becoming the oldest woman to receive her doctorate at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) convocation.
While Saidatul Badru Mohd Said Keruak, 74, enjoys occasional visits with friends, she believes in making the most of each day, rather than just spending her senior years in leisure.
“Of course, I meet up with my old friends once in a while because it is important to also keep up with friends and family – but not all the time.
“We also need to engage in other meaningful activities,” she said after receiving her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History on Saturday.
Saidatul Badru said age has never been an obstacle for her in achieving what she wanted in her career and in life.
“Age is just a number. It is our determination and hard work that matter,” she said, adding that she hopes her achievement would resonate with those who may have postponed their dreams due to other commitments.
Saidatul Badru’s academic journey began after she became a grandmother, when she completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Universiti Malaya at the ages of 44 and 55, respectively.
“I took the opportunity to further my studies at those ages because my children had all finished their studies and were building careers of their own.”
Her decision to study History at UMS was driven by her desire to reconnect with her hometown of Kota Belud, even though she had been offered a place at International Islamic University Malaysia.
Living in Kuala Lumpur, she relied on two research assistants who helped gather information and materials for her thesis.
At her age, travelling could be difficult, but with the support of her assistants and the guidance of her thesis supervisor and professors, Saidatul Badru was able to complete her research.
Though her thesis took five years to complete – slightly longer than the usual three to four years – her perseverance paid off.
She also thanks her three children and three grandchildren for being her greatest supporters throughout her doctoral studies.
Saidatul Badru, who is the founder of Darul Bakti Kota Belud, a charity home for children from impoverished and broken families, said she now leaves most of the daily operations to her relatives and hopes that these children will find her story inspiring and aim for the stars as well.
She was among the 359 graduates to receive their scrolls from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, during the convocation ceremony.
Saidatul Badru also hails from a distinguished family. Her late father, Tun Mohd Said Keruak, served as a Sabah chief minister and state governor. Her younger brother Salleh is also a former Sabah chief minister.
