Today marks a small but deeply meaningful achievement for me—one that has been over 20 years in the making. After decades of part-time lecturing at various public and private universities, I have finally received my official teaching permit from the Ministry of Higher Education.
For those unfamiliar with the process, private institutions often inquire about this certification when considering part-time lecturers. While it may not always be a strict requirement, the absence of this permit has, admittedly, left me with a lingering sense of incompleteness. Each time I was asked, and my answer was “No, not yet,” it felt like a quiet but persistent reminder of an unfinished journey.
But today, that chapter closes. Alhamdulillah.
This permit is more than just a piece of paper—it’s validation, a nod of recognition for years of dedication to teaching, even as a side pursuit. It’s also a personal reassurance that I can continue doing what I love—sharing knowledge, engaging with students and contributing to academia—without that faint shadow of doubt.
To anyone else navigating a long-delayed goal, no matter how small it may seem to others: your milestones matter. Celebrate them.
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By Abdul Latiff Puteh, Founder – White & Associates, Malaysia
