JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 16 — At 79, Dr. Haji Kamarul Azman Jamaluddin has proven that determination and the spirit of lifelong learning can outlast age, circumstance, and time. The retired military officer, motivational consultant and father of four, received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling and Psychology from Academy of Islamic Civilisation (ATI) during Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) 69th Convocation Ceremony 2025, conferred by the Pro-Chancellor, Her Highness Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.
Born on 31 August 1946 in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Dr. Kamarul’s journey has been one marked by endurance, discipline and unwavering faith. After completing a Bachelor of Social Science at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 1988 and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development at UTM in 2001, he returned to academia nearly two decades later to pursue his PhD.
“I told my children they must graduate before I do, and they all did,” he said with a laugh. “It took me nine years to complete my PhD because of work pressures and several delays, but I never gave up.”
Dr. Haji Kamarul Azman Jamaluddin, 79, proudly receives his Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling and Psychology at UTM’s 69th Convocation Ceremony
Supervised by Associate Prof. Dr. Sulaiman Shakib Mohd Noor and Associate Prof. Dr. Adibah Abdul Latif, his research explored communication patterns and types of intimacy among married couples. Based on findings involving 300 respondents, he reported that harsh, indifferent or non-loving communication styles significantly affected emotional closeness between partners.
Before his academic chapter began, Dr. Kamarul served with the Royal Reconnaissance Regiment starting in 1968 after completing six months of cadet officer training at the Royal Military College in Sungai Besi, Selangor. His service along the Thai-Malaysian border took him to Kelantan, Pahang, Perlis and East Malaysia. He was trained as a paratrooper, completing ten jumps from 1,000 metres, while also serving as a tank commander with the armoured regiment.
After retiring from the military, he carved a second career as a motivational speaker, conducting seminars across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. His sessions, well known for creative themes such as “Merayu Ombak” and “Meraduk Badai” (Romancing the Waves and Withstanding the Gale), focused on resilience, teamwork, self-discipline and self-discovery.
As an ex–part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), he taught Creative Thinking and also mentored a class of Kelana Siswa Scouts from 2014 to 2016.
Dr. Kamarul reminisces his time mentoring the Kelana Siswa Scouts, reflecting on his role as a university scout leader from 2014 to 2016
“Motivation touches the mind, but counselling heals the heart,” he said. “Counselling is about helping people rediscover their inner strength to face life’s realities.”
His transition to academia began after Associate Prof. Dr. Mohamed Sharif Mustaffa encouraged him to take up part-time lecturing upon completing his master’s degree. The advice inspired him deeply and prompted his desire to enrol in a doctoral programme that “touches the heart”. Balancing coursework, research and his consultancy work, both locally and abroad, became an ongoing test of stamina and discipline.
“The hardest part was relearning mathematics and statistics at 69,” he recalled. “It was challenging, but it taught me patience.”
He expressed profound gratitude to his supervisors, describing Dr. Sulaiman as his motivator and Dr. Adibah as his mentor in academic writing and analysis.
Support from his wife and family served as his greatest pillar of strength. His children helped with technology, slides and online submissions, while his grandchildren assisted in preparing for his viva. “They were my technical experts,” he said warmly.
For Dr. Kamarul, this PhD is not an ending, but a new beginning. He hopes to continue teaching and offering counselling services, possibly even to other universities, with the aim of inspiring adult and senior learners.
“Education never stops, even in your seventies,” he said. “Keep learning and keep thinking, and your mind will stay alive. When challenges come, do not run from them. Face them with grace, because that is how you grow.”
As he stood on stage to receive his doctorate, the veteran officer offered a message to the younger generation. “Enjoy your learning journey. Embrace challenges with honesty and make others happy along the way. That is how you truly live.”
Dr. Kamarul is celebrated by his family, whose unwavering support helped him complete his PhD journey
