66-year-old proves it’s never too late to earn a PhD

Office of Strategy and Corporate Affairs | Mohd Fadthul Ikmal Misnal

JOHOR BAHRU, 16th Nov. – At 66, most people would think about slowing down, but not Dr. Maroti Sakharam Khokale. Instead, he was busy achieving a lifelong dream: earning a PhD in Strategic Management from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). With 42 years of experience in the oil and gas (O&G) industry, Dr. Maroti decided it was time to take on a new challenge—and he did so with flying colours.

Dr Morati — Breaking barriers – Dr. Maroti celebrates his PhD achievement at 66 years old.

Turning Experience Into Expertise

Dr. Maroti’s research focused on Malaysia’s Oil and Gas Services and Equipment (OGSE) sector, a critical part of the country’s economy. His goal? To combine decades of hands-on industry experience with academic research to find new ways to improve the sector.

“After working in the industry for so long, I saw a chance to give back by diving deeper into the challenges and finding solutions through research,” he explained.

The Road Wasn’t Easy

Balancing a full-time career, family responsibilities, and PhD studies wasn’t easy. Dr. Maroti admits there were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, but his passion for learning kept him going.

“There were tough days, no doubt about it. But I reminded myself why I started this journey. It was all about making a difference,” he said.

Strong Support System

Dr. Maroti credits much of his success to the people around him. His supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shathees Baskaran was key in guiding him through the research process.

“Dr. Shathees was always there to provide support and keep me on track,” he said. He also thanked Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farzana Quoquab for her expertise in research methodology.

But the biggest shout-out goes to his family. “My wife, Sangeeta, was incredibly patient and supportive, and my daughter Niki and son-in-law Rajas constantly encouraged me to keep pushing forward,” Dr. Maroti shared.

What’s Next?

Now that he has his PhD, Dr. Maroti is ready to step into a new role: teaching and mentoring. He’s passionate about sharing what he’s learned, both from his research and his years in the industry.

“I want to help others by passing on the knowledge and experiences I’ve gathered. It’s my way of giving back,” he said.

Story of Inspiration

Dr. Maroti’s journey proves that age is just a number when chasing your dreams. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new, take on a challenge, or achieve a goal.