ISDEV VIVA TALLY FOR 2014: 8 AND MORE TO COME ....

After the viva has come to an end, Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan (right) captures the moment 
by taking a photo with the Board of Examiners. 

It is the semester break. It is Ramadhan. To some it is a time to rest and relax. But not so in ISDEV. The semester break and Ramadhan has not slowed down ISDEV pace. In fact they may act as the catalyst that propel ISDEV further to excellence. Thus conducting a viva voce in the blessed month of Ramadhan has not marred ISDEV spirit to strive for excellence. Two viva voce are slotted for this month alone. The first was held on Thursday, 10 July 2014 and immediately a week apart, the second viva voce will be held on Thursday,  17 July, 2014.

 Wan Norhaniza (front) calmly but superbly answered the questions. 

The first viva voce was for RISDEV (ISDEV Posgraduate by Research) student, Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, which is a testimony of ISDEV commitment to excellence regardless of the period and time. Alhamdulillah. Indeed praise is only to Allah SWT. As ISDEV members and the rest of the Muslim ummah wade through the second ten days of the month of Ramadhan to seek Allah SWT rahmat (love and blessings) Wan Norhaniza has added the tally to ISDEV records of “Excellent PhD Thesis” after defending her PhD thesis on “Indeks Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam: Satu Analisis Konseptual” (Islamic-based Development Index: A Conceptual Analysis) which was held at C23, Social Sciences Conference Room. 

 Prof Joni Tamkin (3rd from right) seeking some clarifications from Wan Norhaniza on her PhD Thesis.

With an air of absolute exuberance which is evident throughout her viva, Wan Norhaniza's passion in her research was obviously shown in a humble yet confident manner when she answered the various questions fielded to her. Working her thesis under her main supervisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and co-supervised by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, the Board of Examiners was impressed with her etiquette, keen interest and understanding of a broad knowledge that she possessed about her research. They unanimously agreed to award her with Grade "1" as well as announced that her PhD thesis deserved a nomination for an "Excellent PhD Thesis" at least at the university's level.
 

 The ambience at C06 during the mock viva

There are many factors that have contributed to Wan Norhaniza's success. One of the factors is ISDEV strict adherence to the culture of mock viva and congregational solat hajat prior to any viva. Wan Norhaniza's case is not an exception. The mock viva session was held for her the day before at C06, School of Social Sciences and the congregational solat hajat took place at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid at 8.30 a.m. the morning of her viva.

Dr Zahri Hamat (left) posing a question to Wan Norhaniza on the usage of exegesis in her thesis.

The Board of Examiners for the viva voce for that day consisted of the chairperson, Professor Dr. Merza Abbas from the Centre for Instructional and Multimedia (PTPM) USM,  the external examiner, Professor Dr. Joni Tamkin Borhan from Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM), two internal examiners,  Dr. Mohd Zaini Abu Bakar and Dr. Zahri Hamat and representing the Dean of School of Social Sciences, Associate Professor Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim. The examiners were satisfied and are of a unanimous opinion that apart from the efforts of the candidate and all parties involved, the doa (supplication) from all ISDEV members especially in this blessed month of Ramadhan has added to the blessings of such a blissful news.

A jubilant Wan Norhaniza (right) after the viva expressing her gratitude 
to Assoc. Prof. Dr.Intan Hashimah.

Congratulations to Wan Norhaniza who has diligently followed the footsteps of seven ISDEV Alumni members especially those whose viva were held this year - the likes of Suraya Ismail, Wan Anisah Wan Endut, Mohamad Helmi Hidthiir, Radieah Mohd Nor, Raziah Md Tahir, Mohd. Syakir Mohd. Rosdi and Farid Wajdi who have all made ISDEV proud. It is hoped that both existing MISDEV (Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) and RISDEV students will closely follow suit of such traditions in excellence.