Staying the Course: Conversations with Academics

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Amirrudin Kamsin, Acting Director at University of Malaya Centre for Continuing Education (UMCCed). Our conversation is on his role at UMCCed and the future of continuing education in a post-pandemic world.   

Continuing education is an excellent platform for adult learners to further their potential -- and we wish to understand how UMCCed is enabling this effort.  

Dr. Amir holds a PhD in Human Computer Interaction from University College London, an MSc in Computer Animation from Bournemouth University, and a degree in IT from Universiti Malaya.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.  

Follow & Subscribe at: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff 

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/asrif 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff 

Blog: https://www.asrif.org  

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

In this episode, I speak to Nik Shahrizal Sulaiman, a partner at PwC Malaysia about his experience in the Executive MBA (EMBA) programme at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.   

Our conversation is on his motivations in undertaking the programme and how it has benefitted his growth. We also discuss how the EMBA can be different from an MBA in terms of student demography and structure.   

Nik holds a degree in accounting and finance from Lancaster University, and is professionally qualified in chartered accountancy, investments, risk management, and treasury. I also learned that we were in the same college at Cambridge, Hughes Hall.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.  

Follow & Subscribe at: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/asrif

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org 

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

In 2001, when the most high school leavers were busy applying to university, Khalil Nooh went the unconventional route of pursuing a certification with Microsoft. This was 20 years ago when the certification route was not yet a popular choice among high school leavers.   

Over the years, while working his way up the corporate ladder, Khalil also pursued a degree with Open University Malaysia. Five years ago, he decided to embark on a new journey as a tech entrepreneur.   

In this episode, I speak to him about his relentless pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong learner -- both formally and informally.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.  

Follow & Subscribe at: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff 

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/asrif 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff 

Blog: https://www.asrif.org  

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

As a child growing up in Penang, Dr. Wan Puspa Melati was exposed to the world of social service at an early age having followed her academician father whenever he is out and about doing community work. With such a vast exposure during her formative years, it comes as no surprise that her career has centered around the social sciences and empowering the underserved.  

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Melati about her journey in building a career as a clinical sociologist, while pursuing her academic aspirations and focusing on her role as a mother. Dr. Melati is currently a senior lecturer at Taylor's University and holds a PhD from International Islamic University Malaysia, an MA from Oxford University, and a BA from the University of San Francisco.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.  

Follow & Subscribe at: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/asrif

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org 

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

In 2016, Dr. Wan Zulhafiz Zahari completed his PhD in Oil & Gas Law at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Four years later, he began a part-time MBA at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) while serving as an academic faculty member at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).  

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Hafiz to understand his rationale and motivation in pursuing an MBA after earning his PhD -- and how it has benefited his professional and personal growth.  

Dr. Hafiz is currently the Deputy Dean of Academic & Internationalisation and Assistant Professor at the Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, IIUM.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a conversation to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org 

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

In 2008, Ir. Dr. Chan Tuck Leong became the first person to earn his bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).  

In this episode, Dr. Chan shares his 12-year journey at UTP beginning as a member of the pioneer batch of 1996 to completing his Chemical Engineering PhD while working in Bintulu, Sarawak at one point.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a conversation to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org 

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

In 2014, at the tender age of 49, Roslan Bakri Zakaria, began his PhD in Organisational Innovation at Brunel University in the UK.   

In this episode, I speak to Roslan to understand his motivations in undertaking doctoral studies later in life as a mature student, and how the journey has been for him. Definitely an inspirational story on lifelong learning.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a show for master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their grad school journey.  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org 

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

It's important to make sure that you make the most of your time in grad school. There are many ways to realise this including networking, volunteering, and reaching out to faculty members in your department and beyond.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a show for master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their grad school journey.  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org 

Music: Step In Step Out · Blue Dot Sessions  

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

SHOW LESSDeadlines are a huge part of the part-time study challenge. In this episode, we discuss 3 strategies to keep up with deadlines including planning well with the timetable, tackling assignments early, and strategically reading academic papers.  

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a show for master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their grad school journey.  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org 

Music: Step In Step Out · Blue Dot Sessions  

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Welcome to my show for part-time PhD, MBA, and Master's students that discusses the joys and challenges of lifelong learning. 

In this episode, we discuss 3 tips on staying motivated during your study. These include taking a step back, starting early with your writing, and saying no to certain things. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AsrifYusoff/videos

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrif-yusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org

Music: Step In Step Out · Blue Dot Sessions

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.