KUALA LUMPUR: Behind every success is a great support system, especially if someone is going through the rigorous process of earning a PhD.
More so if they do not have the same capabilities as everyone else.
Dr Noorilham Ismail, 35, who is visually impaired, said it was thanks to the help he got that he had managed to complete his PhD.
While he could manage writing a big part of his thesis on his own, he said his wife, Zarifah Arsani, 31, helped him with the technical parts, including the footnotes and bibliography.
She also followed him on his research trips to the United States of America (US) and the United Kingdom in 2023 to scour the archives there for information on his thesis.
Noorilham had become visually impaired about eight years ago when a severe fever damaged his eyes.
He was conferred his doctorate for his research on foreign policy, specifically the US’ role in the Falklands War, on Saturday (Nov 29) at Universiti Malaya (UM).
The second of three children said he initially funded his PhD with his own money and then obtained scholarships, but it was still not enough.
He also said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim stepped in and offered him aid to continue his studies and graduate on time.
“Dr Noorilham was someone I had known for two years; he was introduced to me by a very close and old friend who is another lecturer at UM and is visually impaired,” said Sim.
“When I knew Dr Noorilham, he was still in the midst of obtaining his PhD, and my friend told me that he was undergoing some financial issues as well.
“Because at that time he had to finish his last thesis in America, which was costly for him.
“The RM300 a month they received from the Welfare Department (JKM) was all they had to survive on.
“So I met with Noorilham and his wife, Zarifah and gave them some financial help.
“Every month, I also chipped in an additional RM1,000 allowance, as much as I could manage.
Sim shared that he gave Noorilham about RM15,000 for his arrangements in the US to complete the final phase of his thesis.
“And today, after two years, I couldn’t be prouder. Ilham has finally earned the title of ‘doctor’, ” said Sim while adding that Noorilham is a lecturer in UM as well.
“Not only does he now have a stable income, but he has also vowed to be a good educator for all Malaysian children, regardless of race or religion.
Sim said Noorilham is not only an inspiration to the disabled but also to the non-disabled community.
“Success comes from effort. I have seen Dr Noorilham work hard to get what he wants despite his disability.
On Saturday, Sim gave Noorilham a pair of headphones and a Manchester United jersey of his after meeting him at the graduation.
A total of 686 graduates were conferred their doctorates at the ceremony.
During the convocation ceremony, UM chancellor Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said PhD graduates are a minority who have the determination, will and ambition, choosing to continue to “explore the Sahara of knowledge and to continue to dive into the ocean of knowledge.”
“Use wisdom to build a more just, peaceful, prosperous and humane world,” he said.
At the ceremony, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, former Chief Justice and an alumna of the UM, was conferred an Honorary Degree in recognition of her services and contributions to the country.
She served in the judicial and legal service for two decades, beginning in 1986, including as a federal counsel.
She also served as special officer to the Chief Judge of Malaya and later to the Chief Justice of Malaya.
In 2019, she was appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia, marking the first time a woman had been chosen for the position since Malaysia gained independence in 1957.
Star Media Group deputy executive editor Dr Christina Chin was also conferred a PhD for her research titled, “Malaysian Public, Users and Stakeholders’ Perception of e-Cigarettes and Vape (ECV): A Gender Analysis”.
A total of 11,356 graduates will be receiving their scrolls at UM’s 65th Convocation Ceremony, which began yesterday and will continue until Dec 10 2025 - this number was the highest record since the university's 120 years of establishment.
UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman told the graduates that although the world was becoming increasingly advanced, this did not mean it included good values and conscience.
"This is the challenge that awaits you. But here also lies the opportunity to create something that has never been built by the generations before you," he said during the ceremony.
He added that UM not only produces scholars who master theories but can also "lead hearts and lead the times."
