JOHOR BAHRU, 15 November – “Both academic and sports worlds complement each other in shaping my identity as a competitive, dedicated individual who constantly strives to create value in the fields I love,” said Dr Nur Jannah binti Mohd Esa, a PhD graduate from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Her journey is an extraordinary blend of intellectual pursuit and athletic passion. Graduating on time (GOT) in just three years with a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning (Tourism Planning), Dr Jannah has also carved a niche for herself as an active equestrian athlete, specializing in show jumping and dressage. Her commitment to excellence was recognized through the FABU Academic Excellence Award. In the sports arena, she earned a bronze medal in the Dressage category at the Putrajaya Equestrian Festival 2024. Yet, beyond the medals and awards lies a story of remarkable balance, inner discipline and relentless drive to pursue two demanding worlds simultaneously.
Dr Jannah’s fascination with equestrianism began with a quiet admiration.” My interest started from a sense of awe towards the relationship between humans and horses, where a bond was built on trust, discipline and non-verbal communication,” she shared. What began as admiration soon blossomed into a lifelong passion. Her dedication has taken her across the world, from Japan, Australia, Switzerland, France, New Zealand, Indonesia, to Thailand, where she experienced diverse riding cultures and training philosophies. “Each place visited offered a unique way of understanding the connection between horse and rider,” she reflected.
She also holds a professional international qualification, ‘O Level in Horsemanship Management,’ which combines both theoretical and practical training in equine care, horse health, and advanced riding techniques. This is a testament to her professionalism and commitment to lifelong learning.
Balancing the doctoral research with the equestrian training might seem formidable to many, but for Dr Jannah, both pursuits strengthen one another. “Sports taught me discipline, time management, and mental endurance,” she explained. “These are the same values I carried into my PhD journey.”
Her doctoral research explored the potential of equestrian tourism in Malaysia, examining how the niche can contribute to regional economic growth and sustainable tourism strategies. “I chose this topic because equestrian tourism is growing rapidly and adds value to the tourism and economic sectors,” she said. Her findings highlighted the importance of strategic planning, policy support, and collaboration between stakeholders in developing Malaysia as a recognised equestrian tourism destination. Through her study, she conducted field research, interviewed industry players, and analysed models of equestrian tourism development both locally and abroad. It was a research endeavour that merged her two worlds, the practical and the intellectual, seamlessly.
When asked about the most challenging part of juggling two demanding commitments, she smiled and said, “I was fortunate not to face any major difficulties. The key lies in passion and good time management. Both fields energise and inspire each other.” Her words show the harmony she maintains between her physical and scholarly pursuits. Even amidst thesis writing, fieldwork, and horse-riding competitions, she found balance through purpose and gratitude.
“The most unforgettable moment,” she recalled, “was when I successfully managed my time between thesis writing, research, and competitions with the unwavering support of my supervisor, Prof. TPr. Dr. Hairul Nizam Ismail, and industry leaders like Dato’ Malek Jeremiah (MEM), Qabil Ambak Tan Sri Mahamad Fathil (National Athlete), and even Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, whom I had the honour of meeting during my data collection process.” For her, these experiences were not just milestones but reminders of how perseverance and community support can make the seemingly impossible achievable.
Having completed her PhD, Dr. Jannah now aims to continue excelling in both fields. “I plan to remain active in both,” she affirmed. “The academic field gives me the platform to share knowledge and contribute to the growth of equestrian tourism, while sports continue to shape me personally and professionally.”
Her next aspiration is to represent Malaysia in international competitions. “After completing my PhD, I want to focus on strengthening my performance and competing in more global tournaments, with hopes of representing Malaysia one day,” she said with quiet determination.
To students who struggle to balance passion and studies, Dr. Jannah’s advice is both sincere and assertive:
“Don’t be afraid to pursue two passions at once; the key is time management and clarity of purpose. When you do something sincerely and with deep interest, challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.”
Her story is a shining example of resilience, focus, and grace, proving that success is not confined to one path. From the research halls of UTM to the rhythmic gallops of the equestrian arena, Dr. Nur Jannah Mohd Esa stands as an embodiment of determination and dual excellence, reminding us of all that with passion and perseverance, even the wildest dreams can be mastered.
Source: UTM NewsHub
