Latest news with #INTIInternationalCollegePenang
The Star
09-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Turning waste into hope
Winning moment: Kughanya (right) receiving the award. THE act of healing can take many forms – for Kughanya Kumaran, it means conserving the earth. 'I want to lead sustainable ventures that not only generate profit but also heal communities, protect nature and uplift people,' the aspiring green entrepreneur and changemaker told StarEdu. The 23-year-old Penangite has already taken action to pursue her vision. She recently came up with an idea to redefine waste management and organic agriculture. 'I developed a green-tech solution that transforms toxic waste into an organic fertiliser, called Nutriloop, with the potential to restore both the earth and public health,' she said. Armed with this idea, the mass communication student at INTI International College Penang flew to the United Kingdom to take part in Flare 2025, an enterprise ideas challenge hosted by the University of Hertfordshire. Competing against nine other finalists from India, Sri Lanka, the UK, the United States, Switzerland, Afghanistan and Africa, Kughanya – the only Malaysian representative – emerged as the overall champion at the event held on May 21. Reflecting on her successful outing, Kughanya said she competed not only as a student but also as a voice for change. 'I felt very proud of myself – that was the gift for three months of sleepless nights,' she said. 'What made it truly unforgettable was the moment the judges not only listened to my pitch, but also smelled, touched and tested my product with their own hands. They also expressed interest in purchasing my 100% organic fertiliser. 'That kind of validation – from international professionals and everyday people alike – means more than any award. It confirmed that what I've created is not just a concept, but also a real, working solution that people believe in. That emotional and practical impact is what I consider my most meaningful achievement to date,' she added. She shared that the idea for her innovation was inspired by her research showing that Malaysia could face severe environmental and public health crises due to harmful waste disposal and synthetic chemical use within the next five years. Looking ahead, Kughanya said her next steps include joining more international innovation competitions and environmental pitch platforms to elevate Nutriloop's impact. 'But beyond competitions, I'll be focusing on advancing the research behind my product. There are still essential lab tests, scientific validations and national product registrations to be completed. 'If everything progresses smoothly beyond the business proposal stage, there is definitely a vision to turn this idea into a real business – one led by me, a young woman determined to create change. One day, I hope to proudly call myself the founder and lady boss of a Malaysian-born green-tech brand that heals the planet,' she said. Kughanya encouraged students to 'make improvements for the future'. 'Let's be the generation that turns waste into wealth, pain into purpose, and ideas into green revolutions. 'Start from the heart. Don't chase awards – chase impact. Find a real problem that hurts you, then build something that heals others. Don't be afraid if you're the first to speak out. Be bold. Talk to real people. Validate your ideas. Fail, learn and grow,' she said. Lara, 19, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to
The Star
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Engineering student earns World Cup spot with record-breaking swim
Fastest in fins: Chin (centre) celebrating his national gold medal win in the 100m Surface event. Louis Chin Teng Aun, an engineering student at INTI International College Penang, has earned a place on Malaysia's national finswimming team following a standout performance at the 3rd Malaysia Finswimming Championship (MFC). Competing in the senior category for participants aged 18 and above, Chin secured four gold medals and one silver. Along the way, he broke two national records and set a new competition record – achievements that earned him the title of 'Best Male Finswimmer' in the senior division. Representing Penang, Louis dominated in the 400m, 200m, 100m and 50m Surface events. He clinched gold in all four, with the 200m and 100m events seeing him rewrite the national record books. His win in the 50m Surface also set a new competition benchmark. He added a silver in the 50m Apnoea and placed fifth in the 50m Bifin. These results secured him a coveted place in the national team, which will compete in the Finswimming World Cup this September. What makes Chin's achievement even more remarkable is that he only transitioned into finswimming less than a year ago. 'Finswimming felt like the natural next step. I was a state swimmer for Penang and had represented Malaysia, but by 21, I felt burnt out,' he said in a press release dated June 17. A friend introduced him to finswimming, and he immediately recognised it as the next phase in his athletic journey. His return to the water gained traction after a strong showing at the Higher Education Institution (Sukipt) Games, where he represented INTI. The results prompted him to commit fully to finswimming. Today, he trains after class five days a week, incorporates strength sessions into his routine, and coaches younger swimmers on weekends. 'Finswimming has reignited my passion. Training after classes and coaching on weekends help me stay focused. It's my way of giving back,' he said. At the MFC, his perseverance was especially tested in the 400m Surface event. 'I started cramping at 300m – it took everything I had to finish strong. 'The 200m was equally demanding. Winning gold and setting records was validation for all the hard work,' he said. While the 'Best Male Finswimmer' award was a significant recognition, Chin sees it as a responsibility as much as an honour. 'It's a title I have to keep earning. I'm grateful to my coach, teammates and the Penang squad for their constant support.' Balancing life as a student-athlete presents its own set of challenges. Chin credited his varsity's learning ecosystem for helping him manage both academics and sport. 'The lecturers are incredibly understanding when I miss classes for competitions. They help me catch up and stay focused. 'Time management and discipline are key — I am even able to plan my meals,' he shared. INTI International College Penang chief executive Hemalatha Murugiah praised Chin for his focus and determination. 'Louis exemplifies the spirit of excellence that INTI cultivates in its students. 'We are immensely proud of his national records and his upcoming representation of Malaysia on the world stage. 'His discipline, determination and sportsmanship inspire our entire college community,' she said. With the World Cup fast approaching, Louis is intensifying his training with a personalised programme aimed at reaching his peak by September. 'I'm not just going to participate – I'm aiming for the podium,' he said. Beyond his ambitions, Chin hopes to elevate finswimming's profile in Malaysia. 'This sport has so much untapped potential. I want to raise awareness and help finswimming gain national recognition.' To young athletes, his message is simple but firm: 'Success is rooted in resilience – the ability to persevere through fatigue and discouragement. 'Maintain an unwavering commitment to excellence and never falter when faced with challenges. Such a mindset will lead you far.'
The Star
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
The path to a brighter future
GEORGE TOWN: As school-leavers and parents face pressure to make the right education choices, the Star Education Fair 2025 provides a one-stop platform to explore academic programmes and financial aid opportunities. Now in its 38th year, the long-running fair is a rare opportunity to access diverse study options and funding resources under one roof. Held over two days until today, the event drew tens of thousands from Penang and neighbouring states on its opening day yesterday. Visitors explored over 100 booths representing 57 local and international institutions offering programmes ranging from pre-university to postgraduate levels. Students were drawn not just by enrolment perks but also by the chance to engage directly with education providers. S. Yamuna, 18, a recent SPM leaver from SM Bukit Jambul, attended with her mother in search of an information technology course. 'I was in the IT stream at school, which gave me early exposure to software and computing. 'Now I'm looking for something that matches my interests and is affordable – ideally with scholarship options,' she said. Her mother M. Puspa Kumari, 49, appreciated the convenience of comparing multiple institutions in one place. 'Tertiary education is a big step. This fair saved us the trouble of visiting each campus individually,' she said. For Form Five student Jason Lim, 17, the fair was an eye-opener. 'I wanted to explore both local and overseas universities,' he said. 'Scholarships and foundation programmes matter a lot to me. Even if I qualify, the cost of living and tuition need to be manageable. I also want a course with strong career prospects.' Exhibitors echoed the fair's importance, particularly in the northern region where such events are held less frequently. Patrick Ooi, assistant vice-president of INTI International College Penang, said the fair was an ideal platform to showcase over 50 programmes. 'We've received strong interest, several appointments and even on-the-spot sign-ups. 'With campuses in Penang, Subang, Nilai and Kota Kinabalu, we cater to a wide range of academic goals,' he said. Peninsula College deputy chief executive officer Tan Choo Khuan highlighted the appeal of their 'Campus-in-Industry' model. 'As a subsidiary of PKT Logistics Group, we place students within industrial parks where they can work part-time through our 'Jom Belajar Sambil Bekerja' initiative,' he said. 'They graduate with both academic and work experience certification.' Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) vice-chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi noted that education fairs serve more than just promotional purposes. 'They raise awareness on the importance of tertiary education,' he said. 'With over 70 programmes, we're the only institution in the northern region offering Chinese Studies from diploma to doctorate level.' Organised by Star Media Group, the fair remains one of Malaysia's longest-running education expos. Admission is free, with door gifts for early birds. Key exhibitors include INTI International College Penang, Peninsula College, HCUC, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and The One Academy Penang. Others include UCSI University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Universiti Malaya, TARUMT, AIMST University, Open University Malaysia, City University Malaysia, Wawasan Open University, University of Southampton Malaysia and Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. Specialist colleges such as Ko Beauty Academy, Golden Chef College, Travex International College and Akademi Laut Malaysia join international institutions like Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University and Concord College International School. The event also features four booths focusing on TVET, three offering scholarships, three first-time exhibitors, two international participants and three booths centred on English language courses. For more information, visit or email edufair@
