Raining heavily outside... suddently thinking about someone who shaped my journey in a quiet but lasting way, Dr Shaffe.
He was never the kind of supervisor who impressed you with complex theories or cutting-edge research discussions. In fact, there were moments when he would honestly say, “I’m not sure about this part.” But what made him different was what came after that. Instead of leaving it there, he would go and discuss with colleagues, like Dr Ramli, just to make sure I received the guidance I needed. Looking back, that humility meant more than expertise.
I still remember one moment very clearly. I saw him walking on campus, holding my proposal in his hand, as if he had just come back from somewhere. That small scene stayed with me. It meant he had been reading it, carrying it with him, thinking about it, even outside of our meetings. When we spoke, his feedback was not rushed or general, but thoughtful and specific, as if he had truly spent time with my work.
Twelve years ago, things were very different. There was no AI, no instant tools, no easy shortcuts. Everything depended on time, patience, and human effort. And he gave that effort, consistently.
What I appreciate most is not how “great” he was in research, but how present he was as a mentor. He gave me motivation when I needed it, reassurance when I doubted myself, and support in ways that were simple but deeply meaningful.
He truly gave me something far more valuable than technical knowledge, he gave me confidence, direction, and the strength to keep going when things felt uncertain.
Even now, as I move further in my academic journey, I realize how rare that kind of supervision is. And how lucky I was to have experienced it.
Some mentors teach you knowledge.
Some mentors shape how you feel about the journey.
He is the latter.....
Thank you very much, Dr.
