A Professor Born from Adversity
This book delves into the human-interest story of a distinguished academic leader from Malaysia. Berani Melawan Nasib (Daring to Defy Fate) narrates the inspiring journey of Prof. Dr. Dato’ Mohd. Noh Dalimin, M.Sc, DIC, who served as the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).
The book traces his humble beginnings as a descendant of 19th-century Javanese immigrants who sought a new life in Johor. Gifted with an exceptional intellect and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Noh became one of the few ethnic Malays to receive a government-sponsored education, setting him apart in a system that historically favored non-indigenous communities.
Against all odds—without wealth or privilege—Noh’s unwavering determination and academic brilliance propelled him from a modest childhood in the forests of Batu Pahat to becoming a renowned professor and a leader in Malaysian higher education. Losing his father at a young age, he carried the weight of his family’s struggles. Yet, his late father’s wish for him to attend an English-language school fueled his mother’s relentless efforts to secure his education, despite the overwhelming burden of raising nine children alone.
This biography was conceptualized and co-authored by Hardi Hood, a senator from Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, who coincidentally pursued his doctoral studies at UTHM. Due to his demanding responsibilities in the Senate, Hardi collaborated with Muhammad Natsir Tahar, a prolific writer from Batam, who also served as the book’s editor. Their partnership breathes life into the narrative, vividly capturing Kampung Parit Bengkok, where Noh was born, as well as Yogyakarta and London, the cities that shaped his academic journey.
The book’s unique blend of poetic language, humor, and deep emotion makes it an engaging read, capable of captivating readers in a single sitting. It seamlessly weaves philosophical reflections, an excerpt from Gurindam XII, and an elegiac poem that stirs the soul, adding layers of depth and motivation.
While the biography may lack intricate details of the subject’s life—due to time constraints in gathering firsthand accounts between Batam and Johor Bahru—this minor shortcoming is compensated by rare photographs and significant documents embedded throughout the chapters.
An inspiring and compelling read, this book is a must-have for those seeking motivation and a deeper appreciation of perseverance, intellect, and destiny. ~
