In a powerful testament to determination and lifelong learning, 59-year-old Dr Mohamad Idris Rosdi has proven that dreams are worth chasing—no matter your age. The father of four recently earned his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), completing a journey that spanned nearly a decade and cost him more than RM100,000.
Initially expected to take just three years, Dr Idris’ academic path stretched to nine due to multiple hurdles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, work obligations, and constant travel between his home in Miri, Sarawak and UMK in Kelantan. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his goal.
“I was willing to spend and travel back and forth because I want more people from the Melanau community to be educated and have higher education qualifications,” said Dr Idris.
Throughout his studies, he juggled running a training and consultancy business while flying monthly across the South China Sea to attend classes—each trip adding to the growing financial cost of his degree. His total expenses, which included flights, accommodations, and other travel-related costs, eventually exceeded RM100,000.
He noted that UMK’s flexibility played a key role in helping him continue his studies. Occasionally, lecturers were sent to Sarawak to conduct classes in person, minimizing his travel burden and keeping him motivated.
“I took one subject per month, and praise be to God, I managed to complete the programme,” he said.
Dr Idris chose UMK because of its strong focus on entrepreneurship, a field that aligns closely with his background in business and security services. His persistence paid off during UMK’s 14th convocation ceremony, where he received his scroll in the presence of his wife, Rabiah Othman, and daughter, Nurul Farhanah, who both flew in to witness his proud moment.
His journey is more than a personal victory—it’s a beacon of hope for his community. As a member of the Melanau ethnic group, Dr Idris hopes his story will inspire others to pursue higher education, regardless of age or obstacles.
His message is clear: it’s never too late to learn, grow, and make a difference—not just for oneself, but for the next generation.
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