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Who/what is your motivation to complete your postgraduate journey?
Embarking on the journey towards my postgraduate degree, I found myself propelled by a rich tapestry of motivations. My business, family, parents, and my friends – each one offered a unique source of inspiration, fueling my drive to succeed. The ethos of PUTRA Business School (PBS) struck a deep chord within me with its focus on “nurturing human leaders”. It was as if they were echoing my own beliefs that leadership should be compassionate, inclusive, and grounded in an ethical framework.
Rewind to a decade ago, I stood at a crossroads as a scholarship recipient from a Fortune 500 company, PETRONAS. The choice between secure employment or the uncertain path of entrepreneurship was daunting. Back then, the entrepreneurial spirit was not as prevalent, and the future seemed shrouded in uncertainty. After five years of navigating the tumultuous waters of running a business, I recognized a knowledge gap that needed bridging. I rallied individuals whom I trusted, seeing them not as mere ‘staff’, but as a ‘team’, the vital cogs in our humanised organisational machine.
My pursuit of advanced education was more than a personal quest for betterment; it was about setting an example. I wanted to embody one of our company’s core values, “continuous self-improvement” and demonstrate to my team that learning is an ongoing process, thus we need to keep challenging ourselves in seeking knowledge.
At home, I am a father to four wonderful children. While they may not yet grasp the full significance of education, even the eldest 7-years-old Sophea, to the youngest 5-month-cutie Lyn, I am hopeful that my journey will inspire them to seek knowledge relentlessly as they grow older.
To my wife, this accomplishment is more than just a personal accolade; it’s a heartfelt token of gratitude for her unwavering support throughout this journey. She has been my pillar of strength, my beacon of hope, and this achievement is as much a testament to her love and patience as it is to my efforts. Thanks a lot my beloved wife, Nurhayu Rusdi.
To my parents, Hjh Rohana & Hj Jailani, and in-laws, Puan Siti Hamidah & En Rusdi, this achievement symbolises their prayers and blessings that have been my guiding light throughout my life and family. I am firmly rooted in the belief that my successes are not solely a result of my endeavours, but a reflection of their endless faith and love. Lastly, to my peers and friends, I want to impart that life, along with its challenges, is fleeting. We must remain patient, resilient, and appreciative of every hurdle we overcome. After all, each challenge conquered is a victory, an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
How did you overcome your challenges while studying?
The teachings of Islam provide me with a profound source of strength as I navigate the challenges of completing my postgraduate study. Similar to other religions, the Hindu scriptures underscore Vidya (knowledge) as a conduit to Moksha (liberation), reminding me of education’s transformative power. Buddhism, with Buddha’s emphasis on ‘Right Understanding’, encourages me to approach my studies with an open mind, seeking truth through personal insight rather than accepting information blindly. Moreover, in the book of Proverbs (4:7), it is stated, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting understand.” Christianity’s teachings, which consider wisdom and understanding as principal virtues, inspire everyone to delve deeper into subjects, seeking not just knowledge but also comprehension.
Amid these diverse philosophies, Islam resonates strongly with me, emphasising the pursuit of knowledge as a step towards enlightenment. Echoing the Quranic verse “Read in the name of your Lord who created” (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1) and Prophet Muhammad’s teaching that “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim,” I am instilled with the belief that every piece of learning brings me closer to spiritual and intellectual growth. This Islamic perspective converges on the immense value of knowledge that reminds me that my academic pursuit is not just about acquiring the ‘scroll’, but also about gaining insights into the intricacies of God’s creation. This also reminds me that my pursuit of postgraduate education is a noble endeavour that aligns with my spiritual values that turns the challenges of postgraduate study into a fulfilling journey of personal and intellectual growth.
In addition to the strength I draw from my faith, there are practical tools and strategies that help me face the challenges of postgraduate study. One of these is the integration of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), into my learning process. AI-based platforms provide personalised learning experiences, offer resources at my fingertips, and even assist in research by sifting through vast amounts of data quickly. This use of AI complements my studies, making the pursuit of knowledge more accessible and efficient.
Collaborative work with my peers is another significant tool. By engaging in group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and peer reviews, for example during the War Game session, I not only get different perspectives on a subject but also learn to communicate my ideas effectively. These collaborations foster a sense of community, making the often-lonely journey of postgraduate study feel more connected and supportive. Not just that, the excitement was extended to the formation of the PBS Football Club (PBS FC) that drove to more collaborations and continuous friendship beyond the classroom.
Moreover, practising work-life balance is crucial in navigating the demands of my academic journey. Managing my time efficiently, taking breaks when needed, and ensuring I have time for relaxation and reflection all contribute to maintaining my mental health. This balance allows me to be more productive in my studies while also taking care of my well-being. Imagine, I managed to complete 100 km of running per week during my study with 4 subjects enrolled every semester. Thanks to PBS.

Any advice for future students?
Knowledge, a universal tool, is available to everyone, irrespective of their background or social status. It’s not just a tool, but a beacon of hope, an equaliser that transcends the boundaries of disparity. So, I implore future students, thirst for knowledge, not solely for their own enlightenment but also to contribute positively to our society. Remember, harnessing knowledge isn’t a privilege, it’s a shared responsibility, a commitment to personal growth and societal betterment.
As we tread the journey of life, hustling to earn a living, and amassing wealth, let’s not allow our hard-earned ‘scroll’ or MBA to merely catalyse worldly ambitions or personal greed. Instead, let it be the spark that ignites the desire to make our world a more harmonious place to inhabit. Let our education serve as a moral compass, guiding us towards purposeful living and inspiring us to use our skills and knowledge for the greater good.
Reflecting on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, it’s heartbreaking to see how knowledge can be misused. Those with power, often blessed with education and intellectuality, appear to squander these gifts granted by God. This misuse breeds egoism, not wisdom. Therefore, it’s paramount that the knowledge we gain from esteemed institutions like PUTRA Business School (PBS) and others, instils in us humility, leading us to benefit others, and fostering peace and harmony globally.
With PBS recently crowned as the number one MBA program in Malaysia, it stands as a testament to its excellence in nurturing values of human leadership. I passionately urge you all to become ambassadors of PBS, extending invitations to more friends to join this prestigious institution. Let’s share this remarkable opportunity with potential leaders out there, offering them the chance to learn from experienced tutors, lecturers and specially appointed prominent leaders and experts like YB Senator Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Kamarul A Muhamed, Founder & Group CEO of Aerodyne Group, as the PBS Professor of Practice. By doing so, we sow the seeds for a brighter future, where Malaysia, specifically, and the world, in general, will be led by compassionate leaders moulded by PBS, making it a better place for everyone.
In conclusion, let our knowledge be a force for good, guiding us to remain humble and inspiring us to effect positive change in the world. Let’s ensure our pursuit of education leads us not just towards personal success, but also towards the upliftment of humanity.