By: Nurul Ezzaty Mohd Azhari
SERDANG, Mar 19 – Equipped with the principle that nothing is impossible to achieve if we have the determination and strong discipline, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduate from the Faculty of Human Ecology (FEM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Dr. Cheng Kai Wah, has managed to complete his studies in just two years.
“I received the information from the Dean of FEM, Professor Dr. Mohamad Fazli Sabri that I had broken the faculty’s record by successfully completing the viva voce examination in my fourth semester.
“I have indirectly proven that PhD does not require too much time, and it really depends on an individual’s determination and effort.”
“I am confident that if we are disciplined in managing time, it can be completed in a short time,” he said.
More fondly known as Dr. Cheng, he was also the recipient of the University Prize for the Doctor of Philosophy BasNet Gold Medal award at the 45th UPM Convocation Ceremony.
He said he devoted eight hours daily to completing his PhD-related work, including attending classes, doing revisions, and writing the thesis.
“I am also a tutor at the faculty and need to allocate time for my lectures. When I am exhausted, I’d use the weekend to make up for the eight hours for my thesis,” he said.
Meanwhile, he has been actively involved in volunteering since his bachelor’s degree expressed his views that a graduate should not just be a nerd as they might miss out on precious experiences.
“I would like to thank the Dean of FEM, my main supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syuhaily Osman and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hariza Hashim,” he said. - UPM
