Testimonial by Md Sozon

Doctor of Philosophy candidate at Faculty of Accountancy and Management

Sozon’s Supervisors Dr. Pok Wei Fong and Dr. Omar Hamdan Alkharabsheh


Mr. Foo Wai Wai, Head of DISS & Sozon is sharing information with Exchange students


Sozon received 1st Prize in the FYP Competition-2023


Sozon was one of the SRC members of 2022–2023


Sozon joined a get-together with UTAR President and the international students' program


Sozon was a participant in International Students' Hiking Activities arranged by DISS.


Sozon was the Co-eminence at the TEDxUTAR 2023 program

I am Md. Sozon from Bangladesh, a recipient of a fully funded scholarship from the UTAR Foundation to continue my doctoral research. I am currently a full-time PhD candidate at the Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) under the supervision of Dr. Sia Bee Chuan, Dr. Pok Wei Fong, and Dr. Omar Hamdan Mohammad Alkharabsheh.

My research focuses on the variables influencing academic integrity in Malaysian higher education. This research aims to create an educational program and framework that aid in enhancing students' academic integrity and promote the growth of skilled human resources.

I feel more assured and confident that I made the proper decision to enroll at UTAR ever since I stepped foot on campus. Dr. Pok introduced me to other staff members and supervisors at the university. I felt right at home at the university because of its friendly environment and strong community. Notably, the faculty, staff, and other students are constantly willing to lend a helping hand, creating an environment favorable to study and personal growth.

 In this connection, I would like to mention some of the administrative personnel who are making my journey smooth and memorable, such as Mr. Foo Wai Wai, Head, Department of International Students Services (DISS), Ms. Zuraini Binti Mohmad Shari, Institute of Postgraduate Studies & Research, Ms. Madeline Kelly Anak Sug, Ms. Alina Ting Ee Ping, Ms. Yap Pui Leng Faculty General Office (FAM), and other staff of the university.

It is fair to say that my experience at UTAR has been nothing short of transformative and has surely helped me grow in terms of my knowledge, leadership, and self-assurance. I feel blessed and privileged to be a Dr. Pok Wei Fong student who allocated her valuable time and resources to teach me different topics related to research, publication, data analysis, and professional life skills even before I formally enrolled in the PhD program. Moreover, Dr. Sia Bee Chuan guided and taught me research methodology and scientific writing skills.

My honorable supervisors are highly knowledgeable in their disciplines and genuinely care about the success of my professional and academic growth. Their advice and encouragement helped me go beyond my comfort zone to succeed in my academic endeavors. Also, beyond the scheduled appointments, Dr. Omar is providing theoretical and practical knowledge related to management, thesis writing, and presentation skills.

I am happy to share that I won 1st Place (Champion) in the Postgraduate category of the Faculty of Accountancy and Management FYP-Final Year Project Competition-2023 held on Friday, May 5, 2023. I dedicated this certificate to my supervisors for their support and cooperation.

Additionally, the university's broad selection of courses and extracurricular activities enabled me to explore several fields and identify my actual passions. I was regularly provided with the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge to real-world circumstances, whether through research projects or student organizations. This cultivated a sense of confidence and competence. It was an honor to represent the Student Representative Council (SRC) and serve as Postgraduate Student Representative for 2022–2023 at UTAR, Sungai Long Campus. 

Also, I was invited to share my experience with the international students together with the UTAR President on October 12, 2022, at the UTAR Kampar Campus.

Besides, I received so many certificates and appreciation letters for contributing to different events and extracellular activities in UTAR, such as a letter of appreciation for my work as the "IGARSS 2022 Session Manager" during the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) conference, which took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 17 to 22, 2022. I am sure that these types of social events contributed to creating wonderful memories and developing friendships that persisted long after graduation.

I can say with confidence that UTAR and my esteemed supervisors have been able to provide the most critical knowledge and experience to equip me for the difficulties and opportunities in the professional world that lie ahead. I do not doubt that the knowledge, abilities, and values I acquired throughout this time have laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors.

Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my honorable supervisors and the rest of the UTAR staff for their continuous support and guidelines to make notable progress in my study. So far, it has been a great educational journey full of advancement, knowledge, and precious memories. I wholeheartedly endorse UTAR to all prospective students looking for a truly life-changing and rewarding educational experience.

Thanks, UTAR and my supervisors, for making my university life truly exceptional.