JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 18 – As Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) celebrates the achievements of its graduates, one story stands out for its sincerity, dedication, and the lifelong impact of a remarkable mentor. Nurul Nazihah Jamal, who graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Informatic Engineering, marks this convocation as the culmination of a decade-long academic journey shaped under the guidance of Prof. Ts. Dr. Dayang Norhayati Abang Jawawi.
Nazihah’s journey with her mentor began in 2015 when she joined a Community Social Responsibility (CSR) programme led by Prof. Dayang. What started as a simple involvement evolved into one of the most meaningful academic relationships of her life. Over the years, she completed her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and finally her PhD—all under the same dedicated educator.
“Prof Dayang is more than a supervisor to me. She shaped my values, encouraged my growth, and showed me what it truly means to be an educator,” said Dr. Nazihah.
As her journey progressed, many questioned why she chose to continue all her academic phases at UTM under the same mentor. Some asked why she did not pursue postgraduate studies in a new environment, while others jokingly teased, “You still don’t want to let go of Prof. Dayang?”
For Dr. Nazihah, the answer was clear.
“Staying under her guidance was never about comfort but it was about values,” she explained.
“Every meeting, every discussion, and every project with Prof. Dayang opened new perspectives for me. She taught me more than research; she taught me the true meaning of being a researcher and an educator.”
Her growth was nurtured through meaningful advice, particularly one lesson she continues to hold close:
“Prof always taught me to stay open to ideas and perspectives, to listen positively, and to see challenges from different angles. That advice changed the way I approach research and life.”
Their partnership resulted in several achievements, including a New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) Award 2024 for their CSR initiative and the Merit Thesis Award for Dr. Nazihah’s PhD work. In the same year, Prof. Dayang was honoured with the Educator NALI Award, recognising her outstanding dedication to academic excellence and student development.
When asked to describe Prof. Dayang in three words, Nazihah smiled and replied with heartfelt clarity:
“A nurturing guide, a mentor, and a true partner in our work together.”
These words reflect the deep respect and appreciation she holds for someone who has shaped her not only academically, but also personally. To Dr. Nazihah, the mentorship she received was built on compassion, wisdom, and a spirit of partnership that strengthened her confidence throughout the years.
“Her influence is something I will carry with me forever. She built the foundation I stand on today,” she shared.
Now stepping into her new role as a lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Dr. Nazihah brings with her the values and spirit instilled by her mentor, she is ready to inspire the next generation the way she was once inspired.
“Prof. Dayang is truly one of a kind. I owe much of who I am today to her guidance, patience, and belief in me,” she added.
As UTM celebrates its graduates, this story stands as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact of devoted educators. It highlights how mentorship built on trust, values, and shared purpose can shape not only academic success, but the character and future of an entire generation.
As she reflects on her journey, Nazihah hopes her story reminds others of the tremendous value of dedicated educators. She believes UTM is profoundly blessed to have someone like Prof. Dayang, an educator who nurtures, inspires, and transforms lives.
“It is a privilege to be her student, and UTM is richer because of educators like her,” she said with heartfelt gratitude.
