This time Scientific Bangladesh has interviewed Abu Hashem who is pursuing PhD in Malaysia. He is working in the 
National Institute of Biotechnology, Bangladesh. Here is his insights and experiences.
1.Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your PhD topic, and your University to our readers.
Abu Hashem: BSc & MSc in Biochemistry (University of Dhaka 1996-2002); PhD (ongoing) in Nanobiotechnology (University of Malaya, Malaysia; 2018-onward); Principal Scientific Officer, Microbial Biotechnology Division (MBD), National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB), BD. PhD Topic: Development of Nucleic acid-based Nanobiosensor for halal authentication (especially for pork detection). Current University: University of Malaya, Malaysia. The top university in Malaysia, QS world university rank is 59 in the world and 9th in Asia. Big campus with a beautiful natural environment.
2.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD ? In other words, why are you pursuing for PhD?
Abu Hashem: To learn new thing to serve humanity in a better way with innovation and also carrier development
3.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i)PhD topic and ii) Institute?
Abu Hashem: PhD topic: Selected on the basis of demand for the current job. Institute: Facilities available, University rank, communication with the homeland, and religious environment.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor, or Master degree?
Abu Hashem: PhD Student: Minimum Requirements-A Master’s Degree or its equivalent in the related field, Applicants having a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA of 3.7 and above can apply directly for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); Masters: A Bachelor’s Degree (Hons.) or its equivalent in the related field, applicants having a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA 3.0 and above or its equivalent; Bachelor: National Higher School Certificate (or an Advanced Level equivalent) with the percentage of 80% and above or A Diploma from recognized Institutions with at least a CGPA of 3.00. Applicant may be required to undergo an interview session for certain selected programmes before being accepted by the respective faculties. English Language proficiency for international students.
5.Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do PhD in your University/country, what are the steps one has to follow?
Abu Hashem:
1. Go to website: https://www.um.edu.my, then Admissions; then respective course; then apply now or you may
follow suitable route follow application guidelines.
- Create New Account; require passport number
- Application processing fee to be paid in advance. Foreign applicants should be paid using Bank Transfer/ Internet Banking or Telegraph Transfer made payable to: Payee: BURSAR, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA Account No. : 800127 9998 Bank Information: CIMB Bank Berhad, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur Swift Code: CIBBMYKL and scan copy of payment slip Requirements:
- Scan copy of Passport
- Scan Photograph (colored) with blue background
- Certificates and Transcripts scan copies
- English language copy if applicable
- Financial support doc. if applicable
- Two referees with full address and contact details (email, phone).
This is just a sample, follow instructions as per the website.
6.Scientific Bangladesh: What are mistakes one should avoid when contacting with University or Professor for PhD studentship?
Abu Hashem: It is difficult tell in a nutshell. Instructions on the website to be followed carefully.
7.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications(journal articles)?
Abu Hashem: At least two ISI index journal articles followed by thesis submission. Before that have to face the Proposal defense, the Candidature defense, and final submission defense, and finally Viva Voce.
8.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
Abu Hashem: Yes, I have chosen my supervisor deliberately depending on expertise in my desired field.
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Abu Hashem: Try to do tasks timely, when inquires, give feedback with responsibility and share your finding with supervisors.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Abu Hashem: Try to help labmates and follow instructions while sharing common equipment.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Abu Hashem: It is very difficult to answer. It might be better to make some progress regularly so that have to face less stress.
12.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Abu Hashem: Usually five days but it is hampered now due to Covid-19 related restrictions.
13.Scientific Bangladesh: PhD is considered as training for a career in Research. What 1. technical and 2. Soft skills you are focusing to develop or developed by this time?
Abu Hashem: I try to adapt physical techniques along with principal behind the techniques and relevant software operation & data analysis methods.
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your future plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
Abu Hashem: Return to Bangladesh.
15.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
Abu Hashem: You may first select the topic of your interest, go through the topic, find out what already developed and where the scope for further development available. Search potential supervisor (s). Approach him/her/them stating your interest.
16. Scientific Bangladesh: Thank you for your time and for providing helpful information for future PhD students.