PROF SYUKRI'S WIDA' MEETINGS

Simply beyond words - Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad presented a specially dedicated gift inspired by the heart to convey a heartfelt 'Thank You' to Prof Syukri for leading ISDEV as its Director since its inception.

It is the final week for 2016. It also the final week for  Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh to helm the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) as its director. Being a visionary leader who leads by example, and definitely walks the talk, Prof. Syukri has arranged for a series of meeting, on three consecutive days, with ISDEV fraternity in his final week as ISDEV Director. The first is his Wida' Meeting with the administrative staff of ISDEV followed by a Wida' Meeting with ISDEV Academic Staff consisting of 6 Senior Lecturers, 2 ISDEV Academic Staff Training Scheme (ASTS) and 1 Honorary Lecturer. As a cap to this series of meetings, is the Tarbiyyah Pengarah held on Friday 30 December 2016 at Dewan Pembangunan Siswa I. This series of meetings with ISDEV fraternity is to ensure that the transition of Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari as the new Director of ISDEV comes 1 January, 2017 is smooth flowing and without much hitches, in shaa Allah.

Wida' meeting with ISDEV administrative staff.

On 28 December 2016, ISDEV Director, Prof. Syukri allocated a special time to meet with ISDEV administrative staff. His meeting took place at ISDEV Meeting Room at 9:30am. Among the highlights in his final meet as ISDEV Director with ISDEV administrative staff is that he stressed the need for ISDEV to be a centre where Islam is much alive. He also kept reminding ISDEV administrative staff to be positive, hard working, actively spread Islam in order to obtain rewards and barakah. As a Muslim, he also touched on how to be and bring a good image of Islam where ISDEV will continue to be an example to other centres as well as to other Muslims. At the end of his speech he advised all administrative staff to simplify other people's business in order to make Allah SWT simplify our journey in spreading Islam. 

Prof. Syukri presented a farewell gift to Khairun Adawiyah as a keepsake for her to remember ISDEV.

In the meantime, on the same day, Khairun Adawiyah, one of ISDEV staff also celebrated her last day as a staff of ISDEV. After three years, three month and seven days (25/9/2013-30/12/2016), she decided not to continue her contract as she wanted to focus on her health. In her farewell speech, she apologized for all her wrongdoings and at the same time recorded her utmost thanks to all ISDEV members for all the experiences she gained and sweet memories she had.

Wida' meeting with ISDEV academic staff.

The next day, Thursday 29 December, 2016 was ISDEV academic staff's turn to hear, listen and be inspired once more with the wisdom of their revered and much loved leader. Prof Syukri was well prepared and appeared calm and well composed to deliver his final words of advice, reminders and matters that need to be taken up by the new Director of ISDEV in ensuring that ISDEV's target to be a Regional Reference Centre by 2020 becomes a reality. He also reminded ISDEV lecturers to be mindful of the Education Blueprint so that any programme and activities including even research endeavours take into account the needs and requirements of the Education Blueprint.

Too filled with emotions. The Tarbiyyah Pengarah as Prof Syukri haltered at various points
during his final address in his capacity as ISDEV Director.

The final day marked the final working day of Prof Syukri as ISDEV Director before the baton is passed to Associate Professor Dr Zakaria on Sunday 1 January, 2017. Congregating at Dewan Siswazah 1, Kompleks Cahaya, Unversiti Sains Malaysia, after the Majlis Restu Ilmu of MISDEV 15.1 (Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students, and the change of leadership of members of Ahli Bersekutu ISDEV (ABI), it was time for all ISDEV members to lend their ears and hearts to listen and be spiritually and intellectually touched by the final words of Prof Syukri as ISDEV Director. Prof Syukri started his farewell address with the history of ISDEV which had spanned 56.5% of his life. ISDEV started at about the same time he accepted his appointment as a lecturer at USM.

The line-up of ISDEV current lecturers.

Although ISDEV was not physically present then, nonetheless his fervor to pursue for Islam had already been sown deep within him. through the process of various trials and tribulations be it physical, intellectual or spiritual, none of this tests perturbed him and made him gave up. In fact it raised his confidence to strive further for Islam until such a time he met with friends who had the same fikrah (understanding) as him. Associate Professor Dr Zakaria is that friend who had stood together with him over the years to be followed by Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad and Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi. These are the pioneers of ISDEV who had stick through thick and thin weathering the storm when anything, at one point in time, in referring or mentioning of Islam would be looked upon with disdain and utmost detest.

ISDEV members at Dewan Siswazah 1.

However Alhamdulillah, that was all the past. As the fervour for Islam has also shifted with the passing of time, and those who want to see Islam to its rightful glory increased, the path to strive further was opened with ISDEV being granted a Virtual Centre status and later in 2013 to become a full fledged Research Centre of Excellence (CoE). He reminded the 3 basic but main pillars that built ISDEV - 1) Iman & Taqwa; 2) Ukhuwwah (Brotherhood); and 3) Syncronization of Thoughts and Understanding. He also stressed on the need for ISDEV members to respect and follow Assoc. Prof. Dr Zakaria. Prof Syukri was as a matter-of-fact rather opened about his sentiments and pleaded to all ISDEV members to safeguard ISDEV, his love, and not to take the opportunity to destroy ISDEV especially in front of his very own eyes as he will still be reporting for duty at ISDEV on 1 January, 2017 in his capacity as an academician, a Professor of Islamic-base Development until his retirement due on 1 August, 2017.

A cake specifically for Prof Syukri presented by ISDEV lecturers.

LEADERSHIP IN SERVICE MANAGEMENT: THE CLMV FIELDWORK REPORT

The sign that says it all - Presentation of Research's Outcome.

Two ISDEV delegations led by Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh were in Vietnam for seven days beginning 31st July 2016 for the CLMV Research on Leadership in Islamic Service Management: Indigenous Versus Exogenous Leadership in Vietnam. In continuation of the fieldwork research, progress reports were presented on 3 November 2016 held at Mesmera Ballroom 2, The Everly Hotel, Putrajaya. Co-researchers, Puan Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz and Dr Wan Khairul Firdaus of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) were also among those who attended the meeting. 

On the opening ceremony - Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri, Dr. Shahir Akram together with Puan Azreen Hamiza
took the opportunity to capture the moment with co-researcher from UniSZA Dr. Wan Khairul Firdaus.

In action - Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan presented his output regarding Leadership in Islamic Service Management.

Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan summarized his conclusions into several segments which are Hotels, Islamic Restaurants, Masajid, and Islamic Community. In order to get the information needed, ISDEV Director, Prof. Syukri and ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr Shahir Akram interviewed the owners of Islamic Restaurants in Vietnam such as Pandan Restaurant, Daun Restaurant, and Basirah Restaurant. Besides that, Ms. Normala Baharudin from the Consulate General of Malaysia helped in arranging and creating networking between ISDEV, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Van Lang University, Social Science and Humanity University as well as the University of Economics in Vietnam.

ISDEV delegates visited Islamic Tourism Centre

In the evening, the delegates' journey continued with a visit to the Islamic Tourism Center Office at Putrajaya. One of the outcome of the visit had led to future collaboration between ISDEV and the Islamic Tourism Center such as in strengthening the networking between these two centres including collaborations in generating more ideas on Islamic Hospitality.

Token of appreciation from ISDEV to Director of Islamic Tourism Centre, Dr. Azrul Anaz Mohd Any.

A NAS A WEEK - 26 RABI'AL-AWWAL 1438

But if they turn away, (O Muhammad), say, "Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne" [al-Tawbah, 9:129].

IDMAC2016: A SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION WITH ISLAMIC RELIEF ACADEMY, UK

One for the Album - Some of the participants in IDMAC 2016.

ISDEV recently organized the 11th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2016) at the Auditorium of the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang. Although this is the eleventh in a series of initiative to encourage related research in Islamic social sciences perspective, however for this year's IDMAC, it was the first time that ISDEV collaborated with an organisation overseas, Islamic Relief Academy, United Kingdom to organize IDMAC2016 with the theme on Islamic Sustainable Development. 

The ambiance at the registration counter prior to the start of IDMAC 2016

The two days conference was held from the 6 till 7 December 2016 with the focus to provide a platform and opportunities for practitioners, managers, scholars, researchers, academicians, graduate students and others from all over the world to engage on an intellectual discourse on Islamic Sustainable Development and to explore new ideas and issues that is able to lead to the maximization of benefits for the Ummah.

ISDEV Director launch three books at IDMAC2016

Three books were officially launched on the opening day of IDMAC2016 by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh. The three books are Islamic Perspectives on Sustainable Development; Pembangunan Lestari Islam: Konsep & Aplikasi; and Politik Pembangunan: Paradoks, Teori, Aktor, dan Ideologi by Warjio, an ISDEV Alumni.

The covers of the three books launched

The first two books are an editorial where 31 papers from IDMAC2016 were published. For Islamic Perspectives on Sustainable Development edited by Shereeza Mohamed Saniff and Raudha Md Ramli the book is co-published by ISDEV and Islamic Relief Academy, UK. In the meantime, the book on Pembangunan Lestari Islam: Konsep & Aplikasi edited by Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan and Nurul Suhada Ismail published by ISDEV contains 20 chapters.

ISDEV Honorary Lecturer,  Dr. Shereeza addressing the audience with her Keynote Address on the first day of IDMAC2016

The first Keynote Address was delivered by ISDEV Honorary Lecturer, Dr. Shereeza Mohamed Saniff. She talked on The Islamic-based Development Actor Approach to Sustainable Development in Islam. In her speech, Dr Shereeza mentioned that sustainable development in Islam begins at its roots, that is, the actors. According to her, as there are varying actors whose background and development objectives differ, the path to sustainable development whether in Islam or conventionally are tough indeed. So going back to the core by starting at the actors will be tackling the issue of sustainable development in Islam to be based on the right footing. Taking the spirit of baldatun tayyibatun wa rabb al-ghafuur and relying on several exegeses, al-Qur'an has spelled what the actors need to do in order to qualify for such a status which, according to her, is an exact and precise depiction of what sustainable development in Islam ought to stand for.

Keynote Address II - Prof. Dato' Dr. Omar Osman touched on Sustainability Journey of USM: Solution Oriented Campus Ecosphere  for Vitalizing Higher Education on GAP

The participants then had the opportunity to listen to the 2nd Keynote Address by Prof. Dato' Dr. Omar Osman, Chairman of Toray-USM Knowledge Transfer Centre. He shared with all those present about the initiatives taken by USM on sustainable development. He was impressed with the spirit of volunteerism found within the students of USM as a number of sustainable development driven tasks were undertaken by students themselves. He also shared some gems of nature within USM that could be enjoyed by all as it was intended to represent the epitome of sustainability in which USM can be proud to be among the institutions of higher learning who are futurists in this field.

A group photo on the last day of IDMAC 2016

ISDEV GETS NEWS COVERAGE

ISDEV in the news - UNISSA and USM hold dialogue for the joint research collaboration.

ISDEV achievements today had left its mark on two neighbouring countries which are Negara Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. From 11-18 November, 2016, 8 ISDEV lecturers together with its 2 academic staff training scheme (ASTS), and 4 ISDEV Alumni members went to Brunei carrying with them two missions which were successfully accomplished. They were led by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh. The first mission was the Islamic Development Management Colloquium while the second mission was the Encyclopedia Zikir Nation project encompassing fieldwork and discussion with their co-researchers at Universiti Islami Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA). ISDEV endeavours on these two missions received the media attention in Brunei as there was the news coverage by Borneo Bulletin.

A full page coverage by Akhbar Sumut Pos Society on the event where Prof Syukri was the sole invited speaker.

Prof. Syukri was also very proactive in spreading ISDEV ideas on Islamic-based Social and Political Development. For this endeavour, Prof. Syukri was given the honour on 20 November 2016, to speak on Islamic Ethical Governance in Medan, Indonesia. At the end of his speech, Prof Syukri was given the highest accreditation afforded to visitors of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). He was garbed with the "Ulos" by the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), USU.  Prof Syukri's efforts also received media attention as there was full page coverage in Sumut Pos published and circulated in Medan, Indonesia on 24 November 2016 (Thursday).

A NAS A WEEK - 20 RABI'UL AWWAL 1438

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When the trust is lost, then wait for the Hour.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, how will it be lost?” The Prophet said, “When authority is given to those who do not deserve it, then wait for the Hour.” [Source: Sahih Bukhari 6131; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari].

RISDEV STUDENTS PARTCIPATED IN SAPLI 2016

Group photo of ISDEV participants with the Rector of Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS), Prof. Dato' Dr. Ab. Halim Tamuri (centre) well as representatives from both universities.

Four RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students together with an ISDEV Alumni member, Dr. Mohd Syahmir Alias, recently participated in the Inter-University Postgraduate Seminar 2016 (SAPLI2016) held at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA), Negara Brunei Darussalam. The two days seminar took place on 2 until 3 of November 2016. It is the third SAPLI series and is jointly organized by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) and Centre of Postgraduate Studies Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS). It is the second time UNISSA hosted SAPLI (the first was in 2014) while in 2015, SAPLI was held at Everly Hotel, Putrajaya, Malaysia hosted by KUIS. 

ISDEV members presenting their papers during the concurrent sessions.

The seminar was held with the focused aim to uphold the names of Islamic scholar in the field of education and research with the theme: Upholding the Integration of International and Modern Islamic Knowledge. There were in all 52 papers presented in SAPLI 2016 consisting of papers written in Malay, English and Arabic.

Kasimah, Nur Sakiinah, Abang Mohd Razif, Zulfakhairi and Dr. Mohd Syamir presenting their papers.

Five papers were presented by ISDEV members. ISDEV Alumni, Dr. Mohd Syahmir presented his paper on Konsep Al-Hawa dan Hubungannya dengan Epistemologi dan Aksilogi Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam' (The Concept of Lust and Its Relationship with the Islamic-based Research Epistemology and Axiology). The four RISDEV students, Kasimah Kamaruddin, Nur Sakiinah Ab Aziz, Mohamad Zulfakhairi Mokhtar and Abang Mohd Razif Abang Muis each presented their papers based on the PhD Islamic-based research that they are undergoing.  For Kasimah and Nur Sakiinah it was on Islamic-based Research Methodology specifically on Istinbat Lafziyyat and on the sciences of Qiraat. In the meantime, Mohamad Zulfakhairi presented a comparative analysis on the concept of intention (ni'at) within the conventional paradigm to that of Imam al-Ghazali's perspectives and Abang Mohd Razif's paper centred on Training Programme in Management.

Dinner Hosted by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Raja Dato' Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Abdul Karim.

ISDEV members attended a dinner hosted by ISDEV Advisor, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Raja Dato’ Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Abdul Karim, together with the top management of UNISSA at The Rizqun International Hotel.

Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Raja Dato' Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Abdul Karim, at the airport to send off ISDEV members.

Thank you, Yang Dmuliakan Pehin for your kindness!

DISCHARGE OF DUTIES AS A VISITING FELLOW: DR MOHD SHUKRI

Dr Mohd Shukri (left) with Dr Pribanus at the Surabaya Juanda International Airport.

Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi in fulfilling his appointment as a Visiting Fellow of Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (UTM-Madura) recently went to Madura, Indonesia. His two days academic stay as the Visiting Fellow of UTM-Madura was packed with academic activities. His arrival on 22 November 2016 at Surabaya Juanda International Airport, was warmly welcomed by Dr Pribanus, Dean of Faculty of Economic and Business (FEB), UTM-Madura.

The FGD in session.

Dr Mohd. Shukri participated in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Assistant Dean 1, Faculty of Economy and Business (FEB), UTM-Madura and other faculty members. In this FGD Dr Shukri was given the opportunity to share his experience on "the ISDEV way" in research, publication and postgraduate programme.

Dr Mohd Shukri with the lecturers of the Faculty of Islamic Knowledge headed by De Abdul Rahman (left).

Besides the FGD with the FEB, Dr Mohd Shukri was also invited to share on the various fields of studies that are offered at ISDEV with the lecturers of the Faculty of Islamic Knowledge of UTM-Madura.

Dt Mohd Shukri was asked to assist in the discussion on the means and ways to produce honourable entrepreneurs among students upon graduation from UTM-Madura.

Dr Mohd Shukri's opinion was also sought by UTM-Madura in the FGD on Program Studi D3 Wira Usahawan (D3 Honourable Entrepreneurs Study Programme). He was asked to assist in giving ideas and inputs by the faculty members as to how they could ensure that the entrepreneurs who graduated from their faculty are not only pious but are of high moral standards as well.

A first for Dr. Mohd Shukri. He had to stand while delivering his talk. 

In addition, Dr Mohd Shukri in fulfilling his duties as a Visiting Fellow at UTM-Madura was requested to give a public talk to UTM-Madura community in a National Seminar with the theme on Management. The Dewan Utama of UTM-Madura was packed as all were eager to hear him. His talk was on Pengelolaan Konflik Politik Berteraskan Islam (Islamic-based Management on Political Conflict).According to him, it was a first for him to deliver his talk while standing. It was nonetheless well received by the audience.

Dr Mohd Shukri taking a photo with the packed hall as the backdrop.

A NAS A WEEK - 13 RABI'UL AWWAL 1438

Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah , and (those animals) killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you (are able to) slaughter (before its death), and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and (prohibited is) that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of (defeating) your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful [al-Maidah, 5:3].

ISDEV FULFILLS OUTSTANDING MISSIONS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

ISDEV delegates ready to board the flight to Negara Brunei Darussalam at KLIA.

On 11 November, 2016, 7 ISDEV lecturers, 1 ISDEV honorary lecturer, 2 ISDEV academic staff training scheme (ASTS) together with 4 ISDEV Alumni members and 2 officers from the Alumni office of Universiti Sains Malayia (USM) geared up to accomplish their mission in Negara Brunei Darussalam. United as one team, they brought along with them ISDEV idealism, reputation and good image. They were prepared to share their expertise and knowledge at the Colloquium on Islamic Development Management. In the meantime within the entourage, all 7 ISDEV lecturers were also there to further proceed with their fieldwork as well as discussions on the Encyclopedia Zikir Nation project.

ISDEV delegates at the Majlis Kesyukuran held at Rizqun International Hotel.

On the night of their arrival at Negara Brunei Darussalam, ISDEV Advisor, Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim hosted the delegates with a grand dinner which was fit for a king. The Majlis Kesyukuran was held at the Presidential Lounge of the Rizqun International Hotel. While being feasted gastronomically, ISDEV delegates also had the opportunity to hear a live salawat (blessings to Rasulullah SAW) session and qasidah (Arabic balladry) which were beautifully and melodically sang.

UNISSA's Rector, Dr Haji Norarfan Zainal.

On the second day of the trip, ISDEV delegates went to Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Brunei, to fulfil the invitation of  UNISSA's Rector Dr Haji Norarfan Zainal. The delegates were warmly welcomed and was given the good news on the setting up of a new faculty at UNISSA, the Faculty of Islamic Development Management (FISDEV). The university is all geared up to take in the first batch of undergraduate students in this faculty in the upcoming Academic Session 2017/2018.

(Right) Dr Mohd Shukri presented his latest book to ISDEV Advisor, YM Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim. (Left)  UNISSA's Rector, Dr Norarfan gave his opening remarks at the start of the colloquium.

ISDEV delegates were then hosted by YDM Pehin, on the third day of the trip, with a Colloquium on Islamic Development Management.The colloquium had the gathering of great minds and heart of both ISDEV delegates as well as the top management of UNISSA and the faculty members of FISDEV. This colloquium was also held at the Rizqun International Hotel which was intended to be a sharing session to chart FISDEV successful future.

Colluquium session held at the Rizqun International Hotel

Prof. Syukri hands over the letter of appointment (extension) to YDM Pehin Abdul Rahman as ISDEV Advisor to YDM Pehin and Dr. Norarfan Zainal as ISDEV Associate Fellow.

Prior to the start of the serious discussion, but immediately after tasting the delectable dinner course , ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh, personally handed over three letters signed by USM Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail, extending the appointment of Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim as the Advisor to ISDEV, Dr. Norarfan Zainal, UNISSA's Rector as ISDEV Hononary Fellow, and Tuan Hajj Rafee of Universiti Brunei Darussalam also as ISDEV Hononary Fellow. At the same time, ISDEV lecturer, Dr. Mohd. Shukri Hanapi and ISDEV Alumni who is the current Vice-Chancellor of University College Bestari, Prof. Ab. Aziz Yusoff , both presented their latest books to YDM Pehin.

Prof. Syukri listens attentively to the explanation during an interview session.

The end of the colloquium signaled the start of serious empirical work by ISDEV lecturers throughout the remaining days they were in Brunei. For the purpose of the Encyclopedia Zikir Nation project, ISDEV delegates, headed by Prof Syukri, went to various government agencies for data collection. Among the government agencies they had the opportunity to hold a face-to-face semi-structured interview was the Acting Director of Administration, Office of the Mufti, Haji Mohammad Sufian Haji Basri, and the Permanent Secretary (SUT) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Brunei, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Haji Abd Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, Permanent Secretary (SUT).

Prof. Syukri ,Dr Rauf of UNISSA and all ISDEV lectures trying out the library's information system to search for literatures that culd help them further in their Encyclopedia Zkiri Nation project

For the empirical part of this trip to Negara Brunei Darussalam, besides collecting data from the various government agencies, ISDEV lecturers also had the opportunity to visit the library and book stores around the country. Meetings with their UNISSA's counterpart before the start and after the end of the empirical part were also held at UNISSA.

A meeting on the project Encyclopedia Negara Zikir with UNISSA researchers was held at UNISSA.

2 MORE RISDEV STUDENTS SUCCEED IN THEIR VIVA

Mohd Zulkifli just moments before his viva shows he is ready for his viva voce.

The Tuesday of 29th November 2016, two RISDEV students (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students, Mohd Zulkifli Muhammad and Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz were spiritually and mentally prepared to face their viva voce held at C23, Meeting Room of the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). It was the day to prove and defend their PhD thesis that they had worked upon for years.

In action - Mohd Zulkifli answering Chairman's Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sanusi Hassan questions

Mohd Zulkifli Bin Muhammad was the first candidate to face his viva voce. His session was in the morning. He calmly but confidently defended his PhD thesis on "Andaian ketidak-Terhadan Kehendak Manusia Dalam Ekonomi Islam Arus Perdana: Analisis Berdasarkan Tasawur Islam" (Assumption of Man's Unlimited Wants in Mainstream Islamic Economics: An Analysis From Islamic Tasawur). 

Thanks to the Board of Examiners, Prof Dr. Ahmad Sanusi Hassan  (Chairman - seated 2nd from left),
  Prof. Dr. Engku Ahmad Zaki Engku Alwi (External Examiner - seated right), and two internal examiners -
  Dr. Shukri Hanapi (standing -2nd from right) and Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari (standing - 3rd from left).

Alhamdulillah, praise is to Allah SWT, the viva voce for Mohd Zulkifli Muhammad ended with flying colours. His viva was smooth flowing throughout. His main supervisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and co-supervisor Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad were proud of their student when the result was announced that he had succeeded in his viva voce with a Scale of 1.

Azreen Hamiza with her big supporter, her husband Mohd Azrul. 

The second candidate of viva voce in the afternoon session was Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz. She had successfully defended her PhD thesis on "Conceptualizing Islamic Hospitality Management".

With humility and patience Azreen Hamiza explains the finer points of her PhD Thesis during her viva voce.

She showed her mastery of the subject and research as she was able to answer the questions posed to her rather matter-of-factly yet in the most relaxed mannerism possible exuding her strong grasp of her research throughout the viva. This had surely impressed her examiners when all examiners were made known that her academic and career background prior to her PhD endeavours was in the filed of financing. They had unanimously agreed to award her with a Scale of 2.

Thanks to the Board of Examiners, Prof Dato' Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed  (Chairman - seated 3rd right),
  Prof. Dr. Engku Ahmad Zaki Engku Alwi (External Examiner - seated 2nd right), and two internal examiners -
  Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad (standing -2nd from right) and Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Hussin (seated - right)

 It is truly and ardently believed that apart from the efforts of the candidates and all parties involved, the do'a (supplication) from all ISDEV members has added to the blessings of such blissful news.