Is it possible for someone to achieve what seems impossible? At just 26 years old, Rianyza Gayatri has defied expectations, earning not one but two doctorates in Chemical Engineering.
Rianyza’s remarkable journey culminated at Universiti Kuala Lumpur’s (UniKL) 21st Convocation Ceremony on 16 November, where she was awarded a PhD in Chemical Engineering and honoured with the prestigious President’s Award—an accolade given to the university’s most academically exceptional graduates.
Her academic path began at just 20 years old, when she enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at Sriwijaya University. By 23, she had already earned a Master’s degree from the same institution.
“I always dreamed of becoming a lecturer, and my pursuit of a PhD was driven by that ambition,” Rianyza shared, her eyes lighting up as she spoke.
“I chose to do my PhD through a cotutelle programme between UniKL and Prince of Songkla University (PSU) in Thailand. The opportunity to study at two esteemed institutions allowed me to expand my knowledge and work with the best in the field.”
Rianyza’s research focused on membrane technology, specifically latex treatment, a field she chose because both UniKL and PSU are leaders in this area.
“The dual university residencies provided the ideal environment for my research. I began my work at UniKL, where I focused on preparing my membrane study. For my experiments, I collaborated with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and then completed the final stages of my research in Thailand at PSU,” she explained.
Now a lecturer at Sriwijaya University in Palembang, Rianyza reflects on how her time at UniKL shaped her path.
“UniKL offers an exceptional academic standard and excellent postgraduate programmes. While pursuing my PhD was challenging, I was supported by a fantastic team of supervisors who motivated and guided me every step of the way.
“Their encouragement fueled my perseverance, passion, and patience, and I’m incredibly grateful,” she further noted.
