I want to set the record straight on three (3) matters that have been getting attention on social media and within the academic community: the use of the title “Datuk Wira Dr” in a published journal article, the order of authors on that article and how it relates to my PhD research, and the claims about my Master of Laws (LL.M) convocation in the United Kingdom.
Background to the Research and the Published Article
This article grew out of my PhD research, which was formally completed at Asia e University (AeU) in 2022. My thesis was titled:
“Effect of Business Coaching on Growth and Performance and The Moderating Role of Competitive Advantage in Small Medium Enterprises in Malaysia.”
I completed every academic requirement — proposal defence, viva voce, corrections — and received formal confirmation that I had passed.
The article was developed independently after my studies ended, by extending the model and methodology together with two experienced academic researchers. My original PhD supervisor was therefore not directly involved in writing it.
I am now working on four (4) more research papers with various groups of researchers, including my former supervisor and my current supervisor at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). These papers are at different stages of research and review; a few are close to being accepted by indexed journals such as MDPI and Elsevier.
The article published in Cogent is only one of five (5) papers being developed, with the aim of strengthening the link between academic theory and real industry practice.
Author Responsibility and the Title Issue
I am the principal author and I take full responsibility for the submission and final review of the article. The title “Datuk Wira Dr” appeared because the journal system pulled the information automatically from my ORCID profile. I admit this was my oversight — I did not check the ORCID configuration carefully enough at the time.
To comply with international academic publishing ethics, I took immediate action to remove the non-academic titles from that profile. My official profile can be viewed here:
👉 https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5104-2876
My Personal Principle
In every decision and action, I try to hold firmly to the words of Prophet Muhammad SAW:
“The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others.”
This principle is my main guide in life and in my career, including my efforts to contribute to the academic world and to entrepreneurship development through knowledge that is sound, ethical and useful.
I believe education, research and the sharing of knowledge are not just worldly pursuits — they are a form of worship when done with sincere intention and when they benefit society.
Academic Commitment
I appreciate all the constructive feedback from the academic community and I am open to any scholarly discussion that can raise the quality of research and the way knowledge is shared. I will stay committed to producing academic work that is of quality, has integrity, and adds value to the entrepreneurship and academic ecosystem.
I hope this statement gives some clarity and brings the academic discussion back to a fair and objective footing.
The LL.M (Corporate Governance) Convocation Issue
Besides the journal article, some parties have also claimed that my convocation photo at the University of Cumbria on 16 July 2025 is fake and was generated using AI.
For your information, I started my Master of Laws (LL.M) in Corporate Governance at the University of Cumbria in 2022 and completed it in 2024. My official convocation was held in Carlisle, United Kingdom, on 16 July 2025.
All the information and documentation of my studies are valid and can be officially verified with the university if needed. For verification, please contact the following official channels:
University of Cumbria
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.cumbria.ac.uk
Verification & Official References
Asia e University (AeU)
📞 Tel: +603-2785 0000
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.aeu.edu.my
The status of my PhD can be checked through the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) eScroll system:
👉 https://great.mohe.gov.my/Awards
Thank you for your attention and please take note.
Datuk Wira Dr Azizan Osman
Remember, success is not for the great, but for those who put in the effort.
Prof. Datuk Wira Dr. Azizan Osman
Business growth strategist, mentor and TV & podcast host – guiding founders and MSMEs through expansion and scale.