Sarawak Entrepreneur Spends RM100,000 Over A Decade To Earn Doctorate
BACHOK, May 5 (Bernama) -- To earn his doctorate, a graduate from Miri, Sarawak spent over RM100,000 over nearly a decade of study at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK).
Mohd Idres Rosdi, 59, who was conferred a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Management, said the amount covered tuition fees and flight expenses for his regular travel between Sarawak and Kelantan since beginning his studies in 2014.
He said the extended duration of his studies was due to various challenges, including managing his business and the travel restrictions imposed during the Movement Control Order (MCO) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
'None of that ever broke my spirit. Today is a historic moment in my life, as I've finally achieved the doctorate I have long dreamed of,' he said when met at UMK's 14th Convocation Ceremony at the Bachok campus.
Mohd Idres said the achievement was especially meaningful as it came at a stage in life where he is approaching his golden years. He plans to use the knowledge gained to further develop and expand his business.
He firmly believes that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams, as long as there is determination and perseverance.
'The key is to never give up or be easily discouraged. Age is not a barrier to achieving one's goals,' he said.
He added that earning his doctorate would enhance his business capabilities and create greater benefits for his staff.
A father of four, he also shared that all his children are currently pursuing business studies at local universities, following in his footsteps.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Dealership ordered to refund buyer RM4,600 for failing to deliver car
IT HAS been over six months since an account executive booked a new car but the vehicle has yet to be delivered to her. Nuraliah Izzati Mohamad Mirizan had gone to a car dealership at one of the hypermarkets along the Kota Tinggi-Johor Baru trunk road on Nov 3, 2024. The dealer, she recalled, had been displaying cars at the common area of the hypermarket for many years. 'My mother had even bought a car from the dealership without any issues,'' said Nuraliah Izzati. The 22-year-old claimant chose a sedan priced at RM49,980 and paid a RM100 booking fee on the same day. She then paid the dealer a RM4,500 deposit via two bank transfers of RM2,250 each on Nov 19 and 20. 'The car was supposed to have been delivered in January this year, as promised by the saleswoman,'' Nuraliah Izzati said when met outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru. However, the company failed to fulfil its promise. The claimant said she felt lucky that she had not signed the bank loan for the car although the loan had been approved on Nov 19, based on documents forwarded to her by the company. 'I went to see the saleswoman again in February and she promised to deliver the car in March before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which fell on March 31,' Nuraliah Izzati recalled. The claimant added that she had wanted to use the car during the Hari Raya period but once again, the company failed to deliver the vehicle. Dissatisfied with the service rendered by the company, Nuraliah Izzati called the car manufacturer's headquarters in Selangor to check on the status of the car. 'To my surprise, the saleswoman had not even booked the car under my name when I paid the booking fee on Nov 3, 2024,'' said the claimant. Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to refund RM4,600 (comprising the RM100 booking fee and RM4,500 deposit) to the claimant within two weeks. Those needing assistance with regards to Tribunal matters can call 07-227 1755 or 07-227 1766.

The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
‘Under the Tree' food haunt flourishing after upgrade
(From left) Koay, Syerleena and Woo looking at the photos of the stalls before and after their revamp along Lengkok Burma in George Town, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star FOR over two decades, a group of dedicated hawkers has catered to the appetites of locals beneath the welcoming shade of trees in Lengkok Burma, Pulau Tikus, Penang. This spot, affectionately known as 'Under the Tree,' was once a charming, rustic gathering place where hawkers set up their stalls amid tree trunks while patrons occupied folding tables and chairs wherever space permitted under the leafy canopies. The area has recently undergone significant improvements. New roof with high ceilings, paved flooring, enhanced lighting and better ventilation have transformed this beloved spot into a more appealing venue. This has led to an uptick in customers eager to experience the upgraded setting while enjoying the culinary delights on offer. This newfound popularity, however, has introduced challenges. The increased footfall has led to traffic congestion, as diners often park illegally along the narrow two- way street beside this food haven. Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo has urged diners to demonstrate civic responsibility. 'We have given this old place a breath of fresh air, so come and enjoy it but be prepared to park further away, such as along the main Burma Road,' Woo advised. He said the city council would conduct enforcement to ensure safety of road users. The RM100,000 renovation was funded through the parliamentary allocation of Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid. She emphasised the significance of 'Under the Tree' not only from a local micro- economic perspective but also as a food destination for the community. 'Penang Island City Council will look into the increased traffic and work to improve management,' she assured during a site visit with Woo. Also present was city councillor Koay Gaik Kee. Business has been thriving for the hawkers since the upgrade. Kenny Yeap, 41, who runs a porridge and noodles stall, noted the return of long-time customers, now more comfortable thanks to improved seating arrangements. 'Office workers used to get their shoes dirty when it rained, but now they can enjoy their lunch breaks without that concern,' Yeap pointed out. Reflecting on the past, he recalled, 'When my mother started our stall in 1994, there were only two others here, using umbrella stands. 'Then, gradually, more stalls joined us,' he said. Som Sae Ung, 61, who runs a drinks stall, observed that many patrons used to opt for takeaways due to limited seating. 'It is lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves here now,' she said. Regular customer Teoh Say Kheng, 70, expressed mild surprise at the upgrade, having grown accustomed to the old setup. 'But now I can bring more friends and family over when they want to savour local delights,' he said.


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Structural challenges likely for plantation sector
PETALING JAYA: The plantation sector lacks catalysts moving forward with the average crude palm oil (CPO) price forecasts pegged at RM4,100 per tonne for 2025 and RM4,000 per tonne for 2026, respectively. Phillip Capital Research, which initiated a 'neutral' rating on the sector, said the overall aggregate sector earnings is forecast to grow by 9.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2025, before facing a 3.4% y-o-y earnings contraction in 2026 due to weaker palm product prices in the second half of 2025 (2H25) and persistent structural challenges. The research house said its preferred large-cap pick is SD Guthrie Bhd with a target price of RM5.21, supported by resilient upstream contributions, strategic diversification into non-food downstream segments and embedded value from potential asset monetisation. Furthermore, SD Guthrie's integrated structure and estate rejuvenation efforts positioned it well to weather CPO price swings while unlocking hidden land bank value over time. Among small-cap names, Phillip Capital Research said it favoured Sarawak Plantations Bhd with a target price of RM2.88, underpinned by its young estate profile, ongoing replanting programme and steadily improving internal crops production. The plantation group also boasts a healthy balance sheet and offers an attractive 4% dividend yield, supported by healthy free cash flows. Sarawak Plantations' compelling enterprise value (EV) per ha valuation of less than RM20,000 per ha presented notable upside potential versus its peers, the reseach house added. While macro headwinds such as softer CPO prices and global trade uncertainties persisted, Phillip Capital Research highlighted that valuations for selected planters are beginning to look attractive, particularly if prices stabilise and earnings recovery takes shape in 2H25. The potential rerating catalysts for the sector include tighter global edible oil supply, supportive biodiesel mandates and renewed foreign interest in undervalued mid to large-cap names. 'In our view, the plantation sector's risk-reward is now more balanced. 'We recommend selectively accumulating upstream-focused names with younger estates, improving fresh fruit bunch yields, and efficient cost structures to capitalise on any palm oil price recovery,' it noted. For investors seeking more stability, diversified integrated players with defensive earnings and consistent payouts warranted consideration. Overall, the research house viewed its valuations on the sector as fair, but structural headwinds would cap upside.