From Struggles to Success: My Path Through Education and Passion for the Gambus

 by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain

My educational journey has been anything but conventional, fueled by passion and resilience. It all began in 2000 when I earned a Higher National Diploma from the Musicians Institute in Acton, London. Returning to Malaysia in 2002, I immersed myself in teaching at higher learning institutions and contributing to the performing arts. But despite my dedication, I soon faced a challenge: my lack of formal higher education qualifications became a barrier to advancing in academia.

    By 2014, I was at a turning point. Determined to move forward, I discovered the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) program offered by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). This pilot program was designed to recognize and validate non-formal and informal learning, offering individuals like me a second chance at academic progression. Among over 300 candidates, I was one of the few who successfully converted years of teaching and performing experience into an APEL certification. This certification allowed me to bypass the requirement for a bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s program.

    I was accepted into the University of Malaya, which was the first institution in Malaysia to recognize APEL qualifications. I was also fortunate to receive funding through the government’s MyBrain15 program. Throughout my master’s studies, I juggled multiple commitments. I continued performing, teaching, and organizing music festivals both locally and abroad, while also writing articles and publishing books. These experiences, though challenging, enriched my understanding of the field and shaped me into the person I am today. Along the way, I published two books on the gambus, with my second book earning the Best National Art Book 2017 award from Yayasan Pembangunan Buku Negara.

    Completing my master’s degree in 2017 was a proud milestone, but I didn’t stop there. In 2018, I enrolled in a Doctor of Creative Arts program at ASWARA. The journey was demanding, with a one-year pandemic disruption and two semesters of leave. Yet, I persevered, guided by the belief that “drive, determination, and consistency can turn barriers into stepping stones.” Finally, in May 2023, I successfully defended my DCA exegesis, and on December 1, 2024, I celebrated my convocation—a moment of triumph and fulfilment.

    Looking back, my journey was more than an academic pursuit. It was a holistic experience shaped by my unwavering commitment to music and education. Performing, teaching, writing, and contributing to the arts while pursuing my studies pushed me to my limits and proved that the sky is not the limit—it’s merely the beginning.

    To those on their own journeys, my message is this: “Passion fuels the journey, but it’s drive, determination, and consistency that see you through to the destination.” -drrz

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