Written by Associate Professor Dr Wong Swee Kiong
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), successfully organised its first FSSH Sharing Session 2026 on 24 June 2026 at the FSSH Conference Room. The session was delivered by Professor Datu Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat and attended by 25 academic staff members.
The faculty extends its sincere appreciation to Professor Datu Dr Neilson for generously sharing his knowledge, experience, and insights with the young scholars of FSSH. The sharing session forms part of the faculty’s Strategic Plan 2026, which aims to support academic and professional development among its staff.
During the session, Professor Datu Dr Neilson reflected on his academic journey and shared his experiences during his early years at the Faculty of Social Sciences, before it was renamed the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. He also spoke about the qualities of an effective lecturer, the purpose of becoming a scholar, and the expectations of academic staff in higher education.
Professor Datu Dr Neilson emphasised the importance of building a strong research foundation, developing a distinctive research identity, publishing strategically, and securing industry research grants. He encouraged young scholars to view every rejection as an opportunity for growth and continuous improvement. In addition, he shared practical advice on time management, productivity, mentorship, and the importance of upholding academic ethics and integrity throughout one’s academic career.
The session also highlighted the importance of translating research findings into practical outcomes that benefit society and relevant stakeholders. Professor Datu Dr Neilson reminded participants that academic success should not be measured solely by personal achievements, but also by the knowledge created, the people inspired, and the communities served.
Despite the increasingly demanding nature of academia, he noted that the fundamental purpose of higher education remains unchanged—to educate and inspire students, generate new knowledge, uphold academic integrity, mentor future scholars, contribute meaningfully to society, and serve as intellectual leaders.
The sharing session concluded on an inspiring note, with participants expressing their appreciation for the valuable guidance and encouragement received. One participant remarked;
“I am truly grateful and inspired by Professor Datu Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat’s sharing session.”
The positive response from participants reflected the meaningful impact of the session and reaffirmed FSSH’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence among its young scholars.
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