WHEN introducing themselves, various people have different ways of disclosing their names, and likewise when registering, or displaying their names such as in business cards.
While conducting training, I would urge participants to use a short name to introduce themselves in front of the class, just like family and friends would call them.
It is unnecessary to give their full name, which can be difficult to remember, along with 30 to 40 other names and new faces.
Unless they have adopted a familiar Western name, most Malaysian Chinese would use their common surname which is easier to remember.
Sometimes, one of them would translate from Chinese and add a mister in front of their surname and I would point out that it is not appropriate.
Occasionally, I may meet someone calling himself a “Datuk” or “Dato” first, but these titles are inconsequential to me. Anyone who is courteous and helpful has my respect, but not those who are arrogant or egoistic. Their title, position, wealth, or intellect has nothing to do with me.
If someone were to introduce himself as a doctor, I would ask if he is a dentist. Those who run their own dental clinics are likely to earn much more than general practitioners in private clinics.
Then there are also those who also call themselves doctors but are not medical practitioners, after being awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or another type of doctorate degree.
While a PhD focuses on original research and contributing new knowledge to a field, professional doctorates focus on applying knowledge to professional practice rather than solely on research, such as Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
In any case, there is a very wide difference in doctorate degrees, within the same country and internationally.
Degrees awarded by top ranked universities, be they bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral, are the most prestigious, recognised and door opener for the recipients.
At the other end of the scale are universities, mainly in developing countries, that are more like degree mills.
In 2016, the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said his ministry is committed to its aim of producing 60,000 PhD degree holders by 2023.
In January 2022, Bernama reported that Prof Datuk Dr Raduan Che Rose, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Professors commented that it was normal for Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to produce 400 PhD graduates each year.
He added that UPM produced 457 PhD graduates in 2021, Universiti Malaya (450), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (516), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (568) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (431). In 2024, Universiti Malaya churned out 599 individuals with doctoral degrees.
Way back in 2004, a year after he stepped down as prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad commented, “Before, if you threw a stone you would hit one Datuk. Now, you throw a stone, you hit two Datuks!”
Can this statement apply to those with PhDs today? Certainly, if you include those awarded or bought from dubious universities and bodies.
Not only that, some of them with questionable PhDs had the audacity to identify themselves as Prof Dr and then followed by their names.
Those who are good talkers may be able to get away initially but will be exposed by their inability to express their thoughts in writing.
The true worth of anyone with or without a doctoral degree is to write on what is currently happening or developing and have them published for public scrutiny.
If they cannot do that, whatever title, qualification and knowledge they may have or claim to have is of no benefit or interest to others.
On the other hand, it is always a delight to meet someone who is humble but keeps surprising those watching with hidden knowledge, skills and talents. ‒ July 31, 2025
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov
