Fasiha fulfils parents’ dream to earn her DBA

“LEARNING is lifelong. It doesn’t mean that you are old or young, you still have to learn every day.”

These are the words of Sarawak Tribune reporter, Fasiha Khushiri, who has turned her four-year pursuit of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) into a meaningful journey of fulfilling her parents’ dream while embracing lifelong learning.

The 36-year-old working mother officially earned the title of Dr after receiving her DBA at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 30th Convocation Ceremony at Arena Gemilang, DeTAR Putra, Kota Samarahan on November 2.

Fasiha said her doctoral journey began in 2022 and was initially expected to conclude in 2025, but she needed additional time to complete her thesis before finally achieving her goal this year.

She credited her flexible working arrangement for making it easier to manage her professional and academic commitments, with classes scheduled only on weekends.

“It took me about four years, from 2022 to 2026. I was supposed to complete it in 2025, but I needed more time to finish my thesis. Thankfully, I managed to complete it this year.

“And thankfully, my job allows me to work under a flexible working arrangement, which means I have flexible working hours. I also attend classes only on weekends,” she said after receiving her DBA scroll conferred by Head of State and UNIMAS Chancellor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, during the UNIMAS’ 30th Convocation Ceremony at Arena Gemilang, DeTAR Putra last Monday.

Her research, titled The Effects of Flexible Working Arrangements on Work-Life Balance Among Working Mothers in Kuching, was also inspired by an area closely connected to the experiences of working women.

While the journey required perseverance, she found encouragement to continue as she progressed through the semesters.

“From the first semester and second semester, I already gave up, and I always told my parents that I wanted to quit my study. But when it comes to semester four, five, and then it’s already halfway, so I have to finish it,” she said.

Reflecting on her achievement, she said the experience strengthened her belief that learning should never be restricted by age or circumstances.

She also encouraged young women, particularly those in the media industry, to pursue further education whenever they had the opportunity.

“For young women, my young friends, my media friends, go, go, go start and study now. It’s okay to be late. As in Malay, ‘Biar lambat asal selamat’. It’s okay to start late,” she said.