Inspiration from Mohd Akmal’s successful PhD story

KUANTAN, 28 September 2021 - Sharing pictures in the WhatsApp group to share the joy of completing his study was a surprise when his story started to spread on social media a few days ago.

According to Mohd Akmal Azhar, 36, a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) who works part-time as a Food Panda delivery rider, he only shared his joy when his four-year effort to complete his thesis was successfully completed.

“However, at first, I felt uncomfortable when this story started to spread, but I thought it might inspire others,” he said.
According to this Selangorian, he was grateful to be able to complete his study related to the production of probiotic products in the form of tablets that have resistance to acid in the stomach.

“In the first three years, I focused on my work in the laboratory.

“In the fourth year, I started writing my thesis, and since at that time the country was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, I chose to work during the day as a food delivery rider for financial support while completing my thesis at night,” he said.

Sharing his experience as a food delivery rider, although this career seems petty, it is not easy because as a frontliner they also face the risk of COVID-19 infection in order to meet the customers’ requests.

“In addition, we can improve soft skills and good communication techniques with customers, cultivate a positive attitude, patience and good time management.

“What is important, no matter how busy we are, we need to always maintain the relationship with Allah SWT.

“Every success we achieve is not because we are great, but Allah SWT facilitates everything so that we can achieve the goal,” said the father of five.

He further added, every success also comes from parents’ blessings.

“I would also like to thank UMP, especially my supervisor, Professor Datin Ts. Dr. Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim who helped a lot in this study.

“Not to be forgotten is my wife, Noor Akma Abdul Wahab, who sacrificed a lot and understood and always encouraged while carrying out my responsibilities as a student and food delivery rider,” he said.

He also hoped to be given the opportunity to achieve his ambitions in the academic field in the future.
He also advised UMP students to appreciate time and not be lazy.

“Even though a pandemic hits the country, it does not deter us to excel,” he said.

By: Nor Salwana Mohammad Idris, Corporate Communications Unit, The Office of The Vice-Chancellor 

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology