Participation of Fijian Ambassador and his Wife in Commencement to Celebrate Zullah’s Graduation

A student from Fiji, an island country in the South Pacific Ocean obtained a doctorate in Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU). This is the first time for a Fijian to receive the degree in Korea. As a Fijian Ambassador and his wife participated in the commencement, his graduation has become in the limelight.

The person in the news is Mohammed Asid Zullah, aged 32, who was conferred a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering. Started the course in September, 2010, he finally received the degree by passing his doctoral thesis in seven years.

The reason it took such a long time for Zullah to get the degree is 'ju-gyeong-ya-dok', which means he worked during the day and studied at night. He who also received a Master’s degree in KMOU is working for Korean Register, the only international ship classification company in Korea. Moreover, the last year’s marriage made him not to only focus on his studies because he has to be a breadwinner.

Prof. Lee Young-ho, his academic advisor, said, “Zullah is very lively, friendly and enjoys his life of studying abroad. And this is the first case for a Fijian student to receive a Doctor’s degree in Korea.”

The Zullah’s active attitude is reflected in this year’s graduation ceremony. An official in KMOU explained “Few days before the ceremony, he expressed his desire to invite the Fijian Ambassador and his wife into his ceremony. So, Yeom Ho-young, an Honorary Consul of Fiji to Busan and one of the KMOU’s alumni arranged the invitation for him.”

Zullah said “I am very happy to finally graduate although it took a long time,” and expressed his love for Korea, saying that “I have no plan for having children. But, we continuously live in Korea.”