Rohani Abdullah, 81, Receives PhD in Ethnobotany: A Testament That Age Is Not a Barrier

Source: The Rakyat Post


Rohani Abdullah, originally named Christine Longuet, has proven that age is no barrier to education as she received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) at the age of 81.

Love for Malaysia

Rohani arrived in Malaysia in 1971 and fell in love with the beauty of Terengganu, particularly Kampung Pulau Duyong, where she settled. Over a span of 10 years, she worked hard to obtain her doctorate in human ecology and ethnobotany, through her thesis titled “Tempat, Tumbuhan dan Masyarakat di Terengganu; Penilaian Berdasarkan Dua Era.”

Challenges Faced

Rohani began writing her thesis in 2013 with the support of her beloved husband, Wan Othman Wan Abdullah, and their eight children. However, the journey was not as smooth as expected; Rohani faced various challenges, including health issues, family problems, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, with strong support from her family, experienced young supervisors, and assistance from the university management, Rohani overcame these obstacles.

Legacy and Writings

Rohani, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Sorbonne University in France, plans to write her autobiography as a legacy for her family and publish it in all the languages she speaks: English, French, and Bahasa Malaysia. She wants her grandchildren to know where they came from.

Additionally, Rohani has published several books, including Amabah An Architect’s Journey (2013) and The Visible Trail of Chang Fee Ming (2000). She also earned a Master’s degree in Architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2006, showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning.

Passion for Sailing

Rohani’s journey to establish her roots in Malaysia began when she arrived at Duyong Island as a single mother with her children. She is known for her passion for sailing and had learned the basics at a young age. While waiting for her ordered sailing boats to be completed, she fell in love with a local man, Wan Othman, known as Awi. Awi passed away in 2019 from cancer.

Family Life

Today, Rohani is a grandmother to 26 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to nine, with the tenth on the way. She considers herself an “orang bumi” (a person of the earth), meaning that wherever she stays, that is her home.

Her strength as a grandmother was evident when she played a crucial role in rescuing her granddaughter, Sabrina Bolivar, and Sabrina’s mother from the clutches of Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISBH). Sabrina, the daughter of a former GISBH member, shared her story of trauma and neglect within the community through a TikTok video.

Conclusion

Rohani Abdullah is not only a successful academic but also a dedicated mother and grandmother. Her efforts in academia and love for her family illustrate the importance of education and family bonds in her life. She serves as an inspirational example that there are no age limits to pursuing knowledge and cherishing life.

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