Dr. Masri Abdul Lasi: From Humble Beginnings to Academic Triumph

19 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Dr. Masri Abdul Lasi hails from Kampung Muhibah in Beaufort, Sabah, and is of Bajau descent. Born as the youngest of five siblings, he was raised in a humble family that valued education deeply. His mother was a teacher and small trader, while his father served as a Registration Officer at the National Registration Department (JPN) in Semporna. From an early age, his parents instilled in him the belief that education was the key to transforming one’s future.

His educational journey began at Sekolah Kebangsaan Simunul in Semporna, then continued at secondary schools in Kota Kinabalu and Beaufort. Demonstrating an early passion for learning, Masri harboured big dreams of building a broader future through education.

His first step into higher education was at Twintech International University College of Technology, where he enrolled in a Foundation programme. He then pursued a Bachelor's in Marketing at the same institution, earning a scholarship from the Public Service Department (JPA) during his undergraduate studies. After graduation, he advanced to a Master’s in Marketing at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), supported by the government’s MyBrain15 initiative, aimed at nurturing highly qualified academics.

Masri’s pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. He completed an MBA and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at City University Malaysia, both supported by scholarships. His desire to deepen his understanding led him to undertake a Master’s in Science (Counselling) at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). He later earned a PhD in Marketing from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), funded by MARA, contributing to valuable research in the field.

His journey was marked by profound personal loss. While still a student, Masri lost his father shortly after completing his final exams in 2012. The following year, on his graduation day—an event meant for celebration—he received the heartbreaking news that his mother had passed away too. “That day, my graduation was full of tears,” he recalls. “The mother I dreamed of having beside me had gone. From that moment, I promised to become a doctor to fulfill my parents’ dreams.”

Despite these hardships, Masri found the strength to continue. He worked part-time as a barista to cover his study costs, often brewing coffee and washing cups late into the night. “My hands, which held reference books by day, held sponges and cups at night,” he shares. These sacrifices laid the foundation for his academic achievements.

Beyond academics, Masri briefly explored acting in telemovies and participating in singing competitions. However, he realised that true fulfilment came from lifelong learning. His move to Kuala Lumpur marked a new chapter, where he faced fierce competition, high living costs, and uncertainties. Yet, he believed in challenging himself and stepping out of his comfort zone. His second PhD was as demanding as the first, but he persisted. Now, he plans to pursue a doctorate in Artificial Intelligence (AI), reflecting his belief that knowledge is an ongoing journey.

Masri’s leadership qualities have also been recognised. He became one of the youngest deans at a private university, balancing maturity and empathy in his role. He has served as an academic assessor, Adjunct Professor, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM, UK). Today, he is a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Terengganu, specialising in digital marketing and marketing technology. Despite being “a Sabahian lost in Terengganu,” he is dedicated to mentoring students and contributing to national education.

Although working in Terengganu, his heart remains in Sabah. He hopes to return someday to support the development of his homeland, sharing his experience, expertise, and international network.

Masri remains committed to the principle that education is the most solid foundation. While social media can bring quick fame, he emphasises that lasting success comes from continuous learning. “Fame can fade, but knowledge endures. Young people shouldn’t chase shortcuts. Success belongs to those who keep moving forward.”

Today, Masri is the only person in his family to hold a PhD. Every achievement is a gift to his late parents, who never saw him reach this height. From a barista washing cups to a senior academic and industry consultant, his story proves that perseverance and patience are the true keys to success, and that knowledge lasts longer than fleeting popularity.