Intan Azura | Division of Information Studies

Dr Intan Azura, our first Singaporean PhD graduate, has returned from a 1-year stint in the Middle-East, to take up a position as Assistant Professor at NIE (National Institute of Education) in the Policy and Leadership Studies Academic Group. In the past year, she was an Assistant Professor of Educational Technology in the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Abu Dhabi University (ADU), United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dr Intan obtained her PhD in early 2008, with her thesis on Information Literacy Education in the Context of Project Work: Application of Multiple Intelligences and Mediated Learning. She is also a graduate of the MSc Information Studies programme at DIS.

Reflecting on her 1-year stay in UAE:

My one-year stint in ADU was a very enriching experience filled with much excitement and numerous learning opportunities. Other than picking up some Arabic, familiarizing myself with the Arab culture, and exploring the deserts and far flung towns of Abu Dhabi, I had the good fortune to meet with VIPs from the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development. I was entrusted with developing the first Library and Information Science (LIS) Master’s Degree program in the UAE, and was consequently appointed the Director of the LIS program in ADU from December 2008 to June 2009. I was even given the ADU Faculty Service Award at the Annual Appreciation Lunch. It was an honor to receive the award from His Excellency Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University.

My colleagues in ADU were very warm, kind and hospitable. My students were always enthusiastic to learn and were game to try their hand at new things such as using blogs in our lessons. Although most of them were not really sure where Singapore is, it was the perfect opportunity for me to share with them what Singapore has to offer – modern amenities, world class education, and a rich mix of races and culture, among others. Several of my students had expressed keen interest to come to Singapore to do their postgraduate degrees!

Abu Dhabi is fast developing into a modern, cosmopolitan city. The Abu Dhabi 2030 Plan is testament to the government’s desire to build and move the emirate in that direction. With plans to develop more public libraries and museums in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, I dare say that opportunities in the area of Library and Information Science are set to increase. As Singaporeans have proven and made a name for themselves in Abu Dhabi in many sectors such as education, banking, real estate and business, it is anticipated that Singaporeans can also contribute tremendously in the area of LIS in Abu Dhabi. So go forth and venture into the UAE!

Intan can be contacted at: intanazura.mokhtar@nie.edu.sg