Malaysian Indians continue to make remarkable contributions across various fields, bringing pride to their community. One such contribution is in the realm of education, where dedicated educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation by nurturing bright students. Among them is Prof. Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam, a distinguished academic who has guided and mentored a group of outstanding students.
At the 48th convocation ceremony of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) held on December 2, six students, including five local students—Pavitira Nagaraju, Usha Nagasundram, Nur Maisarah Roslan, Amirra Shazreena Aminul Razin, and Shobehah Abdul Karim—along with an international student, Sun Aina, were awarded their PhD degrees. These students were under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam from the Department of Malay Language.
Prof. Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam said, “It’s my privilege and honour to have my six PhD students graduate together in the same session for the very first time. As their supervisor, I am even more excited and thrilled to see them receiving awards in two distinct categories. They now have the power to shape the future generation by leveraging their invaluable knowledge, substantial expertise, and extensive research experience gained during their PhD journey. As an academician, I believe it is our responsibility to contribute to the nation’s education sector by producing PhD graduates with significant skills, knowledge, and, most importantly, quality.”
Prof. Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam emphasized the importance of collaboration between lecturers and PhD students, stating that these students are already equipped with innovative ideas, skills, and knowledge. She strongly believes that with timely guidance and opportunities from lecturers, students will be able to shine brightly by showcasing their talents and skills at various local and international conferences, competitions, community engagements, and more. These opportunities, she added, will further strengthen their research areas.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all six of my PhD students and the other graduates on their hard-earned degrees, as this marks the beginning of a journey filled with endless possibilities.”
Pavitira Nagaraju, Usha Nagasundram, Nur Maisarah Roslan, and Sun Aina were awarded the ‘Graduate on Time (GOT)’ award for completing their PhD studies on schedule. In addition, Pavitira Nagaraju, Usha Nagasundram, and Sun Aina also received the ‘Best Research Award’.
Dr. Pavitira Nagaraju shared her journey, which began in Kulim, where she completed her STPM at SMK St. Anne’s Convent and SMJK Chio Min. In 2012, she joined Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to pursue her undergraduate degree, followed by a Master’s degree in 2020 and a PhD in Malay Language in 2024. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a family with a father who worked as a driver at Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) and a mother who was a devoted housewife, Dr. Pavitira was raised with the values of hard work, perseverance, and humility. Her journey became even more challenging after the loss of her father in 2021, just as she was beginning her PhD studies.
“Earning a Doctor of Philosophy and being awarded the Best Thesis fulfilled a dream that began with uncertainty. Balancing work, classes, community projects, innovation competitions, research proposals, and thesis writing was not easy, but I overcame every obstacle with the support of my soulmate. I am immensely grateful to my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam, for her invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout the entire journey.”
“This milestone is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with greater challenges and opportunities. My PhD journey has shown me that success is not a destination, but a stepping stone to greater achievements. It has also proven that no dream is too big to achieve with dedication and belief.”
Dr. Usha Nagasundram shared that completing her PhD has been a transformative journey. Coming from a middle-class family, she faced challenges in balancing academic rigor with personal commitments, but she overcame them through perseverance and a strong support system. Winning the Best Thesis Award, despite these hurdles, served as a humbling affirmation of her dedication. Dr. Usha expressed deep gratitude to her supervisor and mentor, Prof. Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam, whose guidance was invaluable throughout the journey. She also extended special thanks to a significant person in her life, who had been her motivator since 2016 and consistently encouraged her to continue her studies, ultimately leading to the milestone of earning her doctorate.
“I am deeply grateful to my late grandmother, Meenachi Krishnasamy, and to my parents, P. Nagasundram and P. Vasantha, for their unconditional love and sacrifices, which have been the cornerstone of my success. I extend heartfelt thanks to my family, mentors, and friends for their steadfast encouragement and support. It is my hope that my journey serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams with resilience and passion.”
Dr. Nur Maisarah Roslan shared, “Growing up with a single mother, the hardest-working person I know, taught me invaluable lessons about life and achievement. My mother, Professor Dr. Normaliza Abd. Rahim, is an extraordinary role model who balanced her career as a lecturer—juggling endless publications and conferences—with the demanding role of raising six children on her own. Despite her challenges, she never compromised her duties as a mother and ensured all of us received quality education, leading us to pursue tertiary education at universities. I am incredibly proud to share that all three of her daughters, including myself, now hold PhD degrees. Her unwavering determination and relentless drive to push herself forward have inspired me throughout my life. Thank you, Mama—you are my greatest inspiration.
Completing my PhD while raising three beautiful children—Sofea Al-Latisya Zulhelmi Azizi, Mateen Al-Fattah Zulhelmi Azizi, and Amelia Al-Iman Zulhelmi Azizi—was no easy feat, but I am grateful for the immense support from my dearest husband, Zulhelmi Azizi Mohd Jamil. I am also profoundly thankful to my PhD supervisor, Professor Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramanian, whose guidance and encouragement were invaluable throughout my academic journey. Her unwavering belief in my abilities and achievements, coupled with her positivity and dedication to her students’ success, were a blessing from the Almighty that I will always cherish. Thank you, Prof., for being such an integral part of my journey!”
Dr. Shobehah Abdul Karim shared, “Throughout my academic journey, my supervisor, Professor Vijayaletchumy, played a pivotal role in inspiring me to pursue my studies from a Master’s degree to a PhD. Her invaluable support and proactive efforts to ensure her students’ progress were instrumental in my success.
In November 2024, at the age of 55, I am proud to have completed my PhD after six and a half years of perseverance and hard work. Balancing the challenges of being an adult part-time student with my teaching commitments was no easy feat, but it has been a rewarding journey of resilience and determination.”
China student Sun Aina shared, “Completing my PhD in Translation and Interpretation has been an extraordinary journey of perseverance and self-discovery. Along the way, I faced significant challenges, including restructuring my supervisory committee and navigating unexpected administrative hurdles. However, with resilience and the steadfast guidance of my supervisor and godmother, Prof. Dr. Vijaya, I was able to overcome these obstacles.
Receiving the Best Thesis Award is a reflection of the dedication and unwavering support I received throughout this journey. I wholeheartedly dedicate this achievement to Prof. Dr. Vijaya and all those who believed in me, serving as a reminder that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth.”
It is remarkable to note that Professor Dr. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam, a dedicated academic in the Malay Language Department at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), has been shaping the future of education for nearly 26 years. Her unwavering commitment to her field and to nurturing the next generation of scholars is evident in her impressive record of producing approximately 30 PhD graduates over the course of her career.
This achievement reflects not only her expertise and dedication to academic excellence but also her ability to inspire and guide her students through the rigorous demands of advanced research. As a mentor, she has played a pivotal role in supporting her students’ academic journeys, fostering their growth as scholars, and contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge in the Malay language and related disciplines. Her legacy as an educator and mentor is a reflection of her passion for teaching and her profound impact on the academic community.
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