Kuala lumpur: Determination and family support played pivotal roles in helping a blind Universiti Malaya (UM) senior lecturer, Dr Noorilham Ismail, complete his doctorate on schedule despite facing numerous challenges. Dr Noorilham, 35, who is part of the university's History, Literature, and Social Science Faculty, successfully completed his thesis on 'The United States' involvement in the Falklands War 1982-1983', which examined US foreign policy under the Reagan administration, within a three-year timeframe.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Noorilham emphasized the difficulties he encountered during his academic journey, particularly with the technical aspects of writing such as footnotes and bibliography. He credited his wife, Zarifah Arsani, for her invaluable support in these areas. Zarifah, 31, a housewife with a background in history, also joined him on research trips to archives in Washington DC, Maryland, London, and Cambridge.
Financial challenges initially posed a hurdle for Noorilham, a native of Felda Lok Heng Selatan in Kota Tinggi, Johor. He began his studies using personal savings but later received the Sasakawa Fellowship from the Tokyo Foundation. Additionally, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim provided financial support for his research expenses and other necessities while he was in the US.
Noorilham expressed gratitude to his mother, Salimah Kasim, for her unwavering support since he lost his sight at the age of eight due to a fever. He drew inspiration from former UM lecturers who were also visually impaired. Sim highlighted that the assistance provided to Noorilham was part of a broader effort to ensure equal access to higher education for individuals facing specific challenges.
Sim covered RM15,000 of Noorilham's research costs in the US and provided a monthly aid of RM1,000 until the completion of his doctorate. He acknowledged Noorilham's perseverance, noting that despite an initial rejection for his Master's application due to his blindness, Noorilham's achievements serve as an inspiration. Sim expressed pride in Noorilham's commitment to being an exemplary educator for future generations, emphasizing that talent and determination can overcome obstacles.
During the convocation ceremony, Noorilham was also presented with tokens of appreciation, including a set of branded headphones, a Manchester United football jersey, and a bouquet of flowers.