The recent UNIMAS’ 29th Convocation showcased not only academic accomplishment, but also the rich diversity, resilience, and determination that define its postgraduate community. This year, the Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities (FSSH) celebrated an impressive group of master’s and doctoral graduates, both local and international, each carrying a story shaped by perseverance, passion, and the support of those who guided them along the way. A total of four Phd students, six Master of Social Sciences (by Research) students and seventeen Master in Environmental Management (Development Planning) programme (Master’s by Coursework) crossed the stage during the ceremony. Among the doctoral graduates were Dr Azizul bin Ahmad, Dr Cheng Sendi, Dr Garibah Dominic Mensah, and Dr Tan Shushu, whose accomplishments exemplify the highest standards of scholarship and dedication.
Among the many inspiring voices was Dr Garibah Dominic Mensah from Ghana, whose PhD journey in FSSH was marked by both challenges and transformative learning. Guided by his supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr Dolly Paul Carlo, Dr Garibah described his studies as a period of intellectual growth. Under the structured, patient, and strategic mentorship he received, his research on “Exploring the Perspectives of Child Victims and Mitigating Their Psychosocial Problems Through Physical Education and Sports: A Case Study of Yeji, Lake Volta” took shape with clarity and depth.
He credits his supervisor’s excellent supervision, through research workshops, regular consultations, and critical academic reflections, for strengthening his theoretical grounding and sharpening his skills in qualitative inquiry. Dr Garibah also expressed appreciation for Dr Haslina Hashim, former FSSH Postgraduate co-ordinator, whose consistent encouragement supported him both in Sarawak and back home in Ghana.
Beyond supervision, Dr Garibah said that UNIMAS and FSSH provided him with a vibrant academic ecosystem enriched by multicultural learning, interdisciplinary dialogue, and research opportunities. Participation in seminars and colloquia expanded his scholarly outlook and prepared him to contribute meaningfully to research, policy, and community development in Africa. As he reflected on his achievement, Dr Garibah expressed deep gratitude to UNIMAS for the academic and personal growth he experienced throughout his PhD journey, ending his message with a heartfelt “Terima kasih.”
His story is one of many. At this year’s convocation, the halls echoed with emotions – joy, relief, pride, and gratitude – as postgraduates from different backgrounds shared similar themes of hard work, sacrifice, and continuous support from their families and lecturers. Their achievements reflect not only personal triumphs but also the collective dedication of supervisors, faculty members, and the broader UNIMAS community.
Another inspiring postgraduate voice from this year’s convocation is Dr Azizul bin Ahmad, a proud son of Kuala Rompin, Pahang. Completing his PhD in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, his research titled “Pemodelan Ruang dan Masa Kes Jenayah Harta Benda dan Kekerasan di Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur dan Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya” offers important insights into spatial and temporal crime patterns in Malaysia’s federal territories. His work highlights how advanced social science research can inform policy, improve urban safety, and strengthen community resilience.
For Dr Azizul, graduating and receiving the Anugerah Naib Canselor (Program Siswazah) for the PhD by Research programme at UNIMAS’ 29th Convocation was an honour of profound personal meaning. He describes it as both “a beautiful ending and a new beginning” to a research journey marked by challenges, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
He conveyed a heartfelt appreciation to his supervisors, Prof. Gs. Dr Tarmiji Masron (Main Supervisor) and Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohamad Hardyman Barawi (Co-supervisor), for their invaluable guidance. Sharing his reflection, Dr Azizul also thanked the academic and support staff of FSSH, his fellow researchers, and his beloved family, especially his mother, Puan Zaharah binti Mat Amin, whose prayers sustained him throughout this demanding path.
His supervisor, Prof. Gs. Dr Tarmiji Masron, offered a thoughtful remark that encapsulates the spirit of postgraduate perseverance: “A good postgraduate student is one who arrives before the supervisor and leaves only after the supervisor has gone home. Truly, every difficulty comes with a path to ease.” His words stand as a testament to Dr Azizul’s discipline, resilience, and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.
Even students who could not attend the ceremony had inspiring stories to share. Cheng Sendi, a PhD student from China under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr Wong Swee Kiong and Dr Khalid Zanudin, completed her doctorate on time. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“My doctoral journey has come to an end. I am grateful for the meticulous guidance of my supervisor and the silent support of my family members and friends. Those late nights spent studying and conducting research, persevering together to solve difficult problems, eventually became the ‘medals’ of growth. I hope to carry this accumulation of valuable knowledge, attitudes, and perseverance with me, moving forward steadily, and living up to time and expectations.”
Cheng Sendi’s successful completion highlights the importance of mentorship, peer support, and a nurturing academic environment in achieving doctoral success.
FSSH’ postgraduate achievements extend beyond PhD graduates. This year, six Master’s students by Research also celebrated the completion of their programmes, marking another layer of dedication, perseverance, and scholarly growth. Each of these master’s students contributed to the university’s research culture, engaging in rigorous inquiry, community-relevant projects, and innovative studies that complement the broader mission of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. They are Asykal Syakinah binti Mohd Ali, Bibiana anak Henry, Grace anak Sumol, Jong Jing Wen, Muhammad Faiz bin Arshad, and Muhammad Syafiq Amin bin Abdul Hamid.
Muhammad Syafiq Amin bin Abdul Hamid, from Sungai Petani, Kedah, marked the joyful completion of his Master’s by Research at UNIMAS’ 29th Convocation. His thesis, “Intervensi Teknologi Digital dan Integrasi Sokongan Sosial Terhadap Kesejahteraan Psikososial Remaja”, reflects his dedication to exploring how digital technology and social support can enhance adolescent psychosocial well-being. He attributed his success to the guidance and encouragement of his supervisors, the support of peers and faculty staff, and, above all, to his family, whose sacrifices and unwavering support made this achievement possible.
Bibiana Henry, a graduate with a Master of Social Sciences (by research), described her journey as both transformative and unforgettable. She shared that she chose the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at UNIMAS because she has always been passionate about understanding people, cultures, and the ways society shapes our lives. Reflecting on her study at FSSH, from her first day as an undergraduate to the completion of her Master’s, she said it feels surreal to finally close this chapter. The experience, she noted, has shaped her in profound ways that she will carry forward throughout her life. Proud of her accomplishments, Bibiana expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supervisors, Dr Regina Garai (main supervisor) and Assoc Prof Dr Wong Swee Kiong (co-supervisor), and her family and friends who supported her along this long and remarkable journey.
This year, the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities also celebrated the graduation of students from the Master in Environmental Management (Development Planning) programme (Master’s by Coursework). These 17 graduates successfully completed a programme designed to equip them with advanced knowledge and practical skills in sustainable development, environmental management, and planning for resilient communities. Through rigorous coursework, collaborative projects, and applied learning, they are now well-prepared to contribute to environmental planning, policy-making, and sustainable development initiatives in Malaysia and beyond.
Among them, Raymond anak Britin@Briton stood out for his extraordinary accomplishment. Despite working full-time as the Head of the Business Development Unit at the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA), Raymond managed his studies with exceptional discipline, achieving a perfect final CGPA of 4.00, earning straight As in all his courses. Despite working full-time, he excelled academically and was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Award (Graduate Programme) for his outstanding performance. His success demonstrates that balancing a demanding professional career with postgraduate studies is not only possible but can also lead to outstanding results.
Raymond’s achievements extend beyond academics. He showed strong leadership within his cohort, guiding discussions in class and coordinating fieldwork alongside their Danish counterparts during their fieldcourse. He is also actively involved in numerous community development initiatives, reflecting his commitment to applying his knowledge for societal impact. His journey serves as an inspiration to working professionals aspiring to pursue higher education while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
He attributes his success to the continuous support of his family and the encouragement of his organisation, which values knowledge development and evidence-based decision-making. Balancing a demanding career, family life, and postgraduate study, Raymond exemplifies dedication, resilience, and leadership. He hopes his journey inspires current and future UNIMAS students and alumni to continue learning while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
George anak Nyaon, another top graduate from the Master in Environmental Management (Development Planning) programme, reflected on the challenges and rewards of his journey. He shared that balancing work, responsibilities, and personal hopes was not easy, and there were moments of doubt and fatigue along the way. Yet, step by step, he persevered. Standing on his graduation day, George described the moment as deeply personal and hard-earned, a testament to discipline, patience, and faith. He expressed gratitude for the support surrounding him, the inner strength he discovered, and the determination that carried him through. “This moment means everything,” he said, capturing the significance of completing a journey that was as much about personal growth as academic achievement.
Kenneth Kueh Woon Hou, one of the top three graduates from the Master in Environmental Management (Development Planning) programme shared that his path in SLUSE began unexpectedly in 2023 – not out of academic ambition, but initially as a way to escape work responsibilities, since the weekend classes offered a brief reprieve from his job.
Yet, beneath the humour, Kenneth’s motivation was deeply personal: to create a proud moment for his late father, who had been diagnosed with kidney failure in 2021 and was unable to attend Kenneth’s undergraduate convocation in 2018 due to health issues. Balancing work, personal commitments, and intensive coursework over two challenging years often left him feeling drained, but perseverance and determination carried him through.
Kenneth also acknowledged the support and camaraderie of his coursemates and assignment partners, giving special mentions to Edner, Debbie, Emilia, and Captain Lo, whose dedication, even amidst military duties, was inspiring. Crossing the finish line of his Master’s, Kenneth expressed heartfelt gratitude to his father: although he could not witness the moment in person, he knows his father is watching over him, sharing in the pride of this achievement.
These voices remind us that every scroll carried across the stage represents years of dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of learning. Together, the faces and stories of FSSH’s postgraduate graduates embody the true spirit of the faculty, anchored in knowledge, diversity, compassion, and the pursuit of meaningful impact. FSSH congratulates each of its graduates on this remarkable achievement and wishes them continued success as they embark on the next chapter of their journey, confident that they will make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change