Scholar strives for greater heights
IMU scholar Pichien Mongkolthanit graduated with a First Class Honours from the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Medical Biotechnology programme on Nov 3, 2018 and is the recipient of the Tun Zahir Merit Award, given to a graduating student who has shown outstanding academic excellence.
He relates his journey in IMU, “The time came for me to pick my degree of choice, which was no easy task. I had vastly different career choices in mind but I ultimately chose biotechnology as a career. After extensive research, I decided to begin my journey to obtain my degree in medical biotechnology at IMU. I am grateful to have been awarded the IMU scholarship, which covered my full tuition fees – allowing me to pursue my studies with peace of mind knowing I was not financially burdening my family.
“As a medical biotechnology undergraduate, I really liked how the programme was structured to allow us students to truly explore our interests in the field. We had the chance to explore if we wanted a research-oriented career or perhaps, tap into our entrepreneurial spirit or even to be a forensic scientist.
“Rather than telling us what we should be, IMU took us through a path of self-discovery and taught us what we can be. I am also grateful to IMU for providing the means for its students to not only pursue academic excellence, but to pick up or enhance their interests in co-curriculars as well.
“For me, it has been a wonderful experience to practise my craft in photography as part of the IMU Photography Club and to serve as its president later on. This, along with other leadership roles as a Student Ambassador has allowed me to grow to be a better leader.
“I have grown and achieved much throughout my journey in IMU and I would not have been able to do so without the help of the amazing people around me. Their guidance and support by my lecturers and mentors extended past the end of each lecture hour.
“I was very lucky to be able to freely approach them for anything, from clarification on the appropriate way of holding a pipette to directional guidance career-wise. They have been ever so generous with their knowledge and experience.
“As for the friends that I have made and will continue to cherish, my thanks for them will be for the good times that we have had and how we guided and supported each other.
“As graduation approached, I felt excited for my plans ahead and the many possibilities I could explore.
“What brought my family and me much joy was being honoured with the IMU Tun Zahir Merit Award. It serves as encouragement for me to continue my hard work and to strive to achieve greater heights.”
IMU’s medical biotechnology degree curriculum is developed to meet international standards and accepted by renowned international partner university – University of Newcastle, Australia – for credit transfer into relevant programmes. Students can also complete the entire degree at IMU. Graduates can undertake postgraduate degrees in any related discipline.
Commencement of this programme is in July and September. If you have pre-university qualifications and an interest in medical biotechnology, apply online now and join the university in your pursuit of a promising and rewarding career. If you have just completed SPM and do not have pre-university qualification, consider the oneyear IMU Foundation in Science (FiS), the preferred foundation and direct route for entry into any of the university’s degree programmes.
■ For more details, refer to www.imu.edu.my or email start@imu.edu.my or call IMU at 03-2731 7272.