The relentless pursuit of self-improvement, and unconditional familial and collegial support have become the pivotal factors contributing to a life-changing promotion to full professorship for three academic staff at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
Professor Dr Noor Azam bin Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Haji Othman, one of the earliest locals to be recruited as an academic in the English Language and Linguistics Department at UBD, recalled becoming a scholar and his aspirations to expand the knowledge of linguistics in Brunei.
“I knew then that this was a career for life as I had always been interested in academic work and research. In fact, I already knew it at the end of my first degree,” he said in an interview with the Bulletin.
“When I joined UBD, I was very lucky to be guided by supportive and nurturing colleagues throughout the early years of my academic journey, and more importantly in research and publication.”
Professor Dr Noor Azam, whose research mainly involves analysing language, education, and other state policies with an emphasis on sociolinguistic and socio-cultural patterns, also believes that Brunei remains a veritable laboratory of linguistic studies that should be highlighted by local academics.
“Brunei itself is a goldmine for linguistic data and linguistic research. Much has been written by external researchers. Bruneian researchers from both English and Malay linguistics should work together to delve into the local ecolinguistics, and publish their research for the world to see. The more local perspectives that can be published, the better.
“My research and articles reviewing the sociolinguistic situation in Brunei have been cited by many Bruneians and international researchers, including my doctoral thesis entitled ‘Changes in the Linguistic Diversity in Brunei Darussalam’. Through my research, I hope to provide an accurate local perspective that international colleagues could use in turn,” he said.
Given his vast experience in administration, including stints in Vietnam and Singapore, Professor Dr Noor Azam encourages Bruneian academics to intensify international collaborations, but at the same time not confine themselves to their own niche areas, and instead be open to new or related fields of study as much as possible, including administrative duties.
“Academics are meant to be adaptable critical thinkers and should be able to cut across disciplines. Our young academics should also take the opportunity given to them to prove themselves as administrators, programme leaders, and deans or deputy deans at the university. These are positions of trust, and a chance for you to develop new ideas or to improve the status quo for the benefit of both students and staff,” added Professor Dr Noor Azam.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr Hoon Chang Yau, who completed his doctoral degree study in 2006 at the age of 26, is among the first scholars to conceptualise multiculturalism and hybridity in Indonesia and that work pioneered many subsequent scholarships (academic works) on cultural politics in Indonesia.
Prior to joining UBD, Professor Dr Hoon had taught at the University of Western Australia and Singapore Management University (SMU) where he was awarded with the Teaching Excellence Award in 2012 and Research Excellence Award in 2014.
With experience in teaching and research, as well as holding various academic affiliations with international universities and research institutions, Professor Dr Hoon, who was born and raised in Brunei, believed that it was the right time to return to the Sultanate, to help build the local capacity of the Institute of Asian Studies, UBD, where he has been working since 2016.
“My greatest achievement is to see my students complete their studies, successfully graduate and eventually get a job that they are happy with. My future plans are to continue to contribute to knowledge, build local capacity in research and education, and to cultivate graduates that are useful to the society and the nation.”
During the interview, Professor Dr Hoon also shared his most influential works in the areas of multi-culturalism and ethnic diversity in contemporary Southeast Asia.
“My monograph on ‘Chinese Identity in Post-Suharto Indonesia’ in 2008 has been my most influential work as it has become one of the key references on the post-Suharto Chinese in Indonesia. Meanwhile, my article entitled ‘Assimilation, Multiculturalism, Hybridity: The Dilemmas if the Ethnic Chinese in Post-Suharto Indonesia’ published in Asian Ethnicity in 2006 was the first in the field to theorise multiculturalism in Indonesia and to date, it has been cited over 200 times,” recalled Professor Dr Hoon.
During his eight years at SMU, Professor Dr Hoon had taught a range of modules to a diverse group of students. His widely-acclaimed module titled ‘Managing Diversity in Asia’ was featured on The Straits Times and BBC News.
After 25 years of experience specialising in minerals and rocks in geosciences, Professor Dr Basilios Tsikouras still finds immense enjoyment and satisfaction in his academic endeavours.
During the interview, Professor Dr Tsikouras stated that doing research has been a constant driving force for him, as he also takes pleasure in collaborating with fellow global researchers.
Professor Dr Tsikouras began his professional career as a geologist, and worked with various companies on water resources and environmental issues. He later gained an academic position at the University of Patras in Greece in 2001 until 2013 where he embarked on a new chapter of his career at UBD.
“At UBD, I have had the incredible opportunity to fully develop my potential. UBD has provided me with a nurturing environment to excel in my field, and has been instrumental in facilitating my publication endeavours. Through my research, I have been able to contribute valuable insights to the scientific community and make a positive impact on society. This journey has been an enriching experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities that UBD has presented to me.”
Professor Dr Tsikouras was previously involved in a groundbreaking discovery related to methane emissions from rocks containing chromite that were considered unusual at that time, and has since opened up new avenues for research worldwide.
“Today, new researchers at UBD got the ‘geoinspiration’ and are exploring the catalytic behaviour of chromites and investigating the possibility of producing low-cost and environmentally friendly fuels using this mineral (chromite). This has the potential to revolutionise the decarbonisation of the energy sector.”
Currently, Professor Dr Tsikouras is involved in various environmental projects for the advancement of science and for the benefit of society, where he also plans to continue disseminating his fascinating findings and work with the public and with his students.
“My goal is to impart my love for research and instil in them (students) the excitement of discovering new things. I want to nurture their potential and encourage them to make their mark in the world of academia. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I hope to inspire them to carry on the torch of research and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields,” said Professor Dr Tsikouras.
In 2019, Professor Dr Tsikouras was given the honour of having a newly discovered mineral named ‘Tsikourasite’ by the International Mineralogical Association, recognising his significant contributions to the fields of ore mineralogy and mineral deposits.
Amid celebrating their success, all three professors never forgot the unwavering support from their families, colleagues and friends.
“My sincerest thanks to my father Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Haji Othman bin Uking and my mother Zainah binti Bais, and my entire family for their support and encouragement throughout my student years and professional career. Also my most thanks to Professor Peter Martin, Associate Professor Dr Mohamed Gary Jones, Associate Professor Dr James McLellan, Dr Adrian Clynes and Dr Alex Henry who guided and involved me in research and publication from the start,” said Professor Dr Noor Azam.
“Beside the unconditional love for my family, my most instrumental gratitude goes to my PhD supervisor, Professor Lyn Parker, who was both caring and stern, and who demanded nothing less than the highest quality in my work. Also, to the late Dr Romit Dasgupta who was the most supportive former lecturer and colleague of mine, and nothing less to Professor Wang Gungwu and Professor Kuah Khun Eng for their guidance in their leading fields. I am also grateful to my friends at UBD, especially Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle and Assistant Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Dr Abby Tan, for their unwavering support and confidence in me,” said Professor Dr Hoon.
“First and foremost, my late parents who had wholeheartedly supported me during my earlier years, providing both emotional and financial assistance always deserving immense recognition. Also, to my wife who has been an incredible pillar of support who has helped me persevere through the ups and downs of my academic journey. I must express my deepest gratitude to the remarkable people at UBD, with whom I have had the privilege to work and have been the driving force for me. Lastly, to the incredible friends I met in Brunei, who made this journey smoother and more enjoyable,” said Professor Dr Tsikouras.
Professor Dr Noor Azam, Professor Dr Hoon and Professor Dr Tsikouras are among the latest academics to be conferred full professorship since December 2022, after UBD conferred full professorship to two local academics, Professor Dr Asbol bin Haji Mail and Professor Ampuan Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Dr Haji Tengah in October 2021.
Professor Dr Noor Azam is currently the Dean of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education and professor of the English Studies programme, meanwhile Professor Dr Hoon is a Professor of Anthropology at the Institute of Asian Studies, and Professor Dr Tsikouras is a Professor of Mineralogy and Petrology at Geosciences at Faculty of Sciences, UBD. – Rizal Faisal
