Dr Noorilham Ismail overcame blindness to complete his PhD on US foreign policy, aided by his wife’s help and financial support from Steven Sim
KUALA LUMPUR: Determination and family support enabled a blind Universiti Malaya senior lecturer to complete his doctorate despite numerous challenges.
Dr Noorilham Ismail, 35, from UM’s History, Literature and Social Science Faculty, said finishing his thesis on US involvement in the Falklands War within three years proved difficult.
He relied on Microsoft and specialised software for writing, but required assistance with technical elements like footnotes and bibliographies.
“My wife helped a lot with the technical parts,” he told reporters after receiving his doctorate at UM’s 66th convocation ceremony.
His wife Zarifah Arsani, 31, accompanied him during month-long research visits to archives in Washington DC, Maryland, London and Cambridge.
The Felda Lok Heng Selatan native initially faced financial constraints before receiving the Sasakawa Fellowship from Tokyo Foundation.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim covered his RM15,000 research costs in the US and provided RM1,000 monthly until degree completion.
Noorilham thanked his mother Salimah Kasim for supporting him since he lost his sight to fever at age eight.
He drew inspiration from former UM lecturers who were also visually impaired.
Sim said his assistance ensured equal access to higher education for those facing specific challenges.
“This Felda settler’s son had his Master’s application rejected due to blindness, but today stands proud after receiving his doctorate from Sultan Nazrin Shah.”
He described Noorilham’s difficult journey, noting the lecturer now promises to educate future generations regardless of race or religion.
At the convocation, Noorilham received appreciation gifts including headphones, a Manchester United jersey and flowers. – Bernama
