Overcoming the Impossible: One Man’s Journey from Sacrifice to Triumph
Imagine juggling a full-time teaching job, a grueling PhD program, and a long-distance research commitment, all while navigating personal tragedies. This isn’t a plot from a dramatic film—it’s the real-life story of Dr. Monis Abid, whose achievements at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) 69th Convocation in Johor Bahru on November 16th left everyone in awe. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: his journey wasn’t just about academic excellence; it was a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination.
While pursuing his PhD in Chemistry at UTM, Monis simultaneously served as a full-time lecturer at the University of Prince Mugrin in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. His weekends were anything but restful—he dedicated them to research at the King Abdulaziz University Desalination Centre in Jeddah, a journey spanning hundreds of kilometers. And this is the part most people miss: there were nights he slept on the floor of a mosque or in his car, all to ensure he maximized every moment. ‘I only had weekends for experiments; the rest of the week was for teaching,’ Monis recalls. ‘The commute was exhausting, but I pushed myself to make every trip count, to feel like I was moving forward.’
Early in his PhD, Monis faced a devastating blow—the loss of his co-supervisor, which forced him to pivot his research entirely. Shortly after, he endured another heart-wrenching tragedy: the passing of his father. Despite his grief, he remained steadfast in his academic pursuits, forgoing visits to Pakistan to focus on his research in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. ‘I promised my father I’d make him proud, no matter what,’ Monis shares. ‘I couldn’t let him down.’
Inspired by his late co-supervisor’s wisdom, Monis adopted a philosophy that became his guiding light: ‘Be like flowing water, not stagnant water. Stagnant water rots, but flowing water brings life.’ This mindset empowered him to embrace change, adapt to challenges, and keep moving forward with renewed purpose.
Even in moments of exhaustion and doubt, Monis displayed extraordinary mental fortitude. ‘There were times I was on the brink of giving up,’ he admits. ‘But Imran Khan’s words kept echoing in my mind: ‘The real war is in the brain; we only lose when we give up.’ Patience, for Monis, meant accepting delays and failures. ‘Science doesn’t follow our emotions; it follows processes,’ he explains. ‘Hard work meant sacrificing comfort—long nights in the lab, endless commutes, and repeating experiments until I found answers. Dedication meant staying true to my dream, even when I had to start over after losing my co-supervisor, even when I lost my father. Dedication is when your purpose becomes stronger than your pain.’
Monis’s relentless efforts paid off in remarkable ways. He completed his PhD with multiple publications in prestigious journals, earning recognition that validated his sacrifices. His innovative work earned him a spot among the Top 30 Innovators in Saudi Arabia by Jameel Deep Tech and the Best Research Award at the University of Prince Mugrin, presented by His Highness, the Prince of Madinah. These accolades highlighted the profound impact of his perseverance, inspiring others to dream bigger and strive for excellence. ‘Those recognitions reminded me that every sacrifice, every sleepless night, and every setback had meaning,’ Monis reflects. ‘They motivated me to turn my research into real-world solutions that can benefit society.’
His dedication was further acknowledged when he was granted Saudi Permanent Residency—a milestone that celebrated both his professional and personal commitment. Reflecting on his journey, Monis offers wisdom to those facing adversity: ‘When you hit rock bottom, that’s when the real version of you emerges. Allah has given us a brain of limitless potential. Take a deep breath, calm yourself, and move step by step toward the solution. Giving up should never be an option.’
For Dr. Monis Abid, a PhD is more than an academic achievement; it’s a symbol of resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, perseverance and belief can lead to extraordinary success. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a world that often prioritizes comfort over sacrifice, how many of us would go to such lengths to achieve our dreams? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about what it truly means to push beyond limits.
