Latest news with #ManagementandScienceUniversity
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Celebrating academic excellence
Prof Mohd Shukri (centre) posing with recipients of the Chancellor Gold Medal Award, President's Award and Mohd Shukri Yajid Outstanding Award. Almost 2,000 graduands receive scrolls at varsity's 35th convocation in Shah Alam THE 35th convocation ceremony of Management and Science University (MSU) witnessed the conferment of degrees and diplomas to 1,974 graduates, representing 126 academic programmes. The convocation saw 47 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, 64 Master's degree holders, 887 Bachelor's degree recipients and 976 Diploma holders. The Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering (FISE) stood out for offering the highest number of programmes at 27, while the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies (FBMP) produced the largest graduating cohort, comprising 509 graduates. This year also marked the graduation of inaugural cohorts from three newly introduced programmes: Master in Counselling and Guidance, Master in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor in Liberal Arts (Hons). Presiding over the ceremony was Raja Muda of Kedah and MSU chancellor Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin. Also in attendance were MSU president and founder Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, vice-chancellor Prof Puan Sri Dr Junainah Abd Hamid, members of the university board and senior management. Five special excellence award categories were presented to 49 graduates. Sponsored by MSU Foundation, recipients received plaques, cash prizes and scholarships for postgraduate studies at MSU. They included Chancellor's Gold Medal winner Amelia Shafinaz Azmi Faez who graduated with a Bachelor in Liberal Arts (Hons); President's Award recipients Putri Ely Qistina Shariff who pursued a Bachelor in International Business (Hons) and Hana Nabilah Mustafa Kamal who graduated with Diploma in Graphic Design. The Mohd Shukri Yajid Outstanding Award went to Jesuvan Raj Paul, a Bachelor in Music Technology (Hons) graduand. A total of 26 Academic Awards and 19 Industry Awards were also given out. In a media statement, MSU said its collaboration with more than 2,000 industry partners, notably through its University Industry Advisory Panel (UIAP), has ensured the delivery of industry-relevant academic programmes. According to the 2024 Graduate Tracer Study by Higher Education Ministry, MSU recorded a graduate employability rate of 99%, with a graduate marketability rate of 99.7% – among the highest in the nation. This achievement is reinforced by recognition from Talentbank which named MSU the Employers' Choice of University 2025, as per the National Graduate Employability Index. This year marked the debut of the university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, where it placed within the 801–1,000 band. It ranked 580th in QS World University Rankings 2025. The university also excelled in QS World University Rankings by subject in 2025, achieving top marks in Hospitality & Leisure Management where it ranked at 36th globally and second in Malaysia. It also placed the university's Art & Design within 51–100 globally and first in Malaysia while Business & Management Studies ranked 250th globally and fifth in Malaysia. MSU's Computer Science & Information Systems was ranked in 701–750 band globally and 20th in Malaysia while Medicine placed within 701–850 globally and 20th in Malaysia. Internationalisation efforts continue to be a pillar of MSU with Global Mobility Programme and Global Leadership Programme empowering students to develop skills in line with the university's motto: 'Transforming Lives, Enriching Future'. These initiatives are supported by the Scholarship for Mobility and International Learning Experiences, offered through MSU Foundation. MSU said it also maintains active collaborations with over 350 partner universities worldwide.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Medical science graduate, Wany is a healer in more ways than one
POPULAR, award-winning singer Wany Hasrita may be riding high with her girl-next-door image coupled with her "feel good" music. And while she excels in pop and Asli songs, the lanky beauty actually pursued medical science in university, only to delve 100 per cent into showbiz after graduation. "When I was a kid, I had always dreamt of pursuing a science degree, and over the years I gravitated towards medical science,because I am rather passionate about fighting diseases and healing people," she said at the launch of her latest single titled 'Jahat' at Aloft Hotel in KL Sentral, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur. DIVORCED Wany, 32, an only child whose parents were divorced during her teenage years, studied medical science at Management and Science University (MSU) in Shah Alam, graduating in 2017. While she initially wanted to get a job with the Health Ministry, another childhood love got the better of her. "I've always loved music and in fact I've been singing in concerts since my schooldays. At first, I saw singing as a pastime, but over the years, I began to seriously think of becoming a recording artiste like my idols, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk Jamal Abdillah," said Wany, who hails from Bagan Datuk in Perak. DECISION Wany is fortunate that both her parents, especially her mother, gave their blessings to her decision to join showbiz. "My parents had always wanted me to complete my studies and get a degree. Being an educated entertainer, they constantly reminded me, would make me a credible name in showbiz." FULL USE Despite not pursuing a medical science-related job, Wany admitted that she was "making full use" of what she learnt in university. "From my university course, I learnt how to treat people who are injured, and dish out health tips to persons close and dear to me," said Wany who calls herself a "healer". FANS When asked if her medical students supported her, Wany admitted that none of them had set up fan clubs in her name. "I'm sure many medical students listen to my songs as they give me feedback and congratulate me from time to time. "However, they are also rather busy with work," said Wany. MOTHER Wany became a proud mother to 2-year-old Aishah Mohamad in 2023 and marked her baby's birth with a sweet song titled 'Cinta Hatiku'. "My baby girl is my major supporter who smiles and claps whenever she hears my music." FOOTSTEPS Wany will "leave it to Allah" if her daughter hopes to one day follow in her footsteps. "But, of course, she must be an educated person like her mother," she said. PAINFUL When asked about 'Jahat', Wany said that it was her first "painful" song and her first collaboration with Indonesian composers and lyricists Audree Dewangga, David Elsandro, Andre Lizt and Trakast. "It's the official soundtrack for Viu drama series, 'Pabila Dia Tersenyum'," said Wany. "It's the story of a long-suffering woman who has been used and abused by various former partners." JAKARTA She recorded the song in November within three hours and enjoyed the experience of stepping into a state-of-the-art studio in Jakarta. "My ultimate dream is to work with singer, composer and lyricist Melly Goeslaw, a titan of Indonesian music." SOUNDTRACKS When asked about having her songs used as official soundtracks, Wany said that this was a "great strategy" which all new singers should make full use of. She said: "I strongly believe that young singers should make full use of official soundtracks to promote their music. "Malaysians love TV dramas, and part of a drama is a soundtrack that matches the story. "If they catch a new song on a drama which they like, they will remember the song for a long time." HOSTING When asked about her hosting and acting projects, Wany said she recently recorded a Hari Raya Aidil Adha entertainment show with some of her contemporary artistes. Wany, the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 31 top winner, rocketed to fame with the song 'Menahan Rindu' in 2016. She subsequently recorded a duet with Tajul Ariff titled 'Di Sana Cinta, Di Sini Rindu', as well as 'Sinar Terindah' and 'Sang Purnama' with Wani Syaz. HARI RAYA Wany's best known duet with Jamal was 'Belenggu Rindu' in 2019, and her other popular songs include 'Rintihan Rindu', 'Rindu Dalam Benci', 'Semaikan Cinta', 'Terlalu Memuja', 'Kucuma', 'Terpaling Di Raya' and 'Menanti Di Aidilfitri'. Wany, who studied in Sekolah Menengah Bandar Damai in Cheras is married to Sarawakian pilot Mohamad Al-Adib Fahmi Harun.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MSU's 35th Convocation Ceremony
IN celebration of a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Management and Science University (MSU) will witness the conferment of degrees and diplomas to 1,974 graduates representing 126 academic programmes. The ceremony is being held over four sessions across two days at the university's Chancellor Hall. The convocation marks the successful completion of studies for 47 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, 64 Master's degree holders, 887 Bachelor's degree recipients, and 976 Diploma holders. The Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering (FISE) stands out for offering the highest number of programmes — a total of 27, while the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies (FBMP) produced the largest graduating cohort, comprising 509 graduates. This year also marks a significant milestone with the graduation of the inaugural cohorts from three newly introduced programmes: Master in Counselling and Guidance, Master in Early Childhood Education, and Bachelor in Liberal Arts (Honours). Presiding over the ceremony was His Royal Highness Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, Crown Prince of Kedah, who serves as the Chancellor of MSU. Also in attendance were MSU President and Founder, Professor Tan Sri Dato' Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid; Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puan Sri Datuk Dr Junainah Abd Hamid; members of the University Board, and senior management officials. In recognition of outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements, five special excellence award categories were presented to 49 distinguished graduates. These awards, sponsored by the Yayasan MSU, include plaques, cash prizes, and scholarships for postgraduate studies at MSU. Recipients included:Chancellor's Gold Medal: Amelia Shafinaz Azmi Faez , Bachelor in Liberal Arts (Hons); President's Award: Putri Ely Qistina Shariff, Bachelor in International Business (Hons) and Hana Nabilah Mustafa Kamal, Diploma in Graphic Design); Mohd Shukri Yajid Outstanding Award: Jesuvan Raj Paul, Bachelor in Music Technology (Hons); Academic Awards: 26 recipients as well as Industry Awards: 19 recipients Industry partners involved in the Industry Awards include: MSU Pharma Sdn Bhd; MSU Medical Centre; Betelcare Sdn Bhd; Affin Bank Berhad, National Heart Institute (IJN); Fire Fighter Industry Sdn Bhd; BilaBila Retail Sdn Bhd; Novatiq Scientific Sdn Bhd; Jsoft Solution Sdn Bhd; Foto Unigraduate Sdn Bhd; Arah Tenang Sdn Bhd; Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites; Nelson's Franchise (M) Sdn Bhd; Beststar Travel Centre Sdn Bhd; Arba Travel; Focus Point Vision Care Group Sdn Bhd as well as BJC Foods (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd MSU's collaboration with more than 2,000 industry partners, notably through its University Industry Advisory Panel (UIAP), has ensured the delivery of industry-relevant, high-quality academic programmes. This has contributed to producing graduates who are not only competent and technically skilled but also holistic, well-balanced, and socially engaged. The university has undergone significant transformation to remain aligned with the evolving landscape of global and national higher education. Key performance indicators reflecting this transformation include graduate employability, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, internationalization, research and innovation, community-based sustainability, flexible education, and lifelong learning. According to the 2024 Graduate Tracer Study by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), MSU recorded an exceptional Graduate Employability (GE) rate of 99%, with a Graduate Marketability (GM) rate of 99.7%—among the highest in the nation. This achievement is reinforced by recognition from Talentbank, which named MSU the Employers' Choice of University 2025, as per the National Graduate Employability Index (GE Index). Significantly, 2025 marks MSU's debut in the THE World and Asia Rankings. Among MSU's notable accomplishments over the past four decades are its rankings in global and regional university evaluations include: QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2025: #580; Times Higher Education (THE) WUR 2025: #801–1000; QS Asia University Rankings 2025: #129; THE Asia Rankings 2025: #401–500; QS Asia 2025 – Southeast Asia: #28; QS Top 50 Under 50: Top 100 globally as well as QS Graduate Employability Rankings: #301–500 MSU's focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also reflected in its performance include: THE Impact Rankings 2024: #301–400; QS WUR Sustainability 2025: #1161–1180; AppliedHE Private University Ranking: ASEAN 2025: #7; named Engaged & Sustainable University of the Year 2024 by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial & Engaged Universities (ACEEU). MSU has also excelled in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: - Hospitality & Leisure Management: #36 globally, #2 in Malaysia - Art & Design: #51–100 globally, #1 in Malaysia - Business & Management Studies: #250 globally, #5 in Malaysia - Computer Science & Information Systems: #701–750 globally, #20 in Malaysia - Medicine: First-time listing, #701–850 globally, #20 in Malaysia Internationalization efforts continue to be a key pillar of MSU's strategic direction. Programmes such as the Global Mobility Programme (GMP) and Global Leadership Programme (GLP) empower students to develop global leadership skills in line with the university's motto: Transforming Lives, Enriching Future. These initiatives are supported by the Scholarship for Mobility and International Learning Experiences (SMILE), offered through the Yayasan MSU. As of today, MSU maintains active collaborations with over 350 partner universities across Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, China, the Middle East, Eurasia, Europe, West Asia, and Oceania.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Youth must step up'
Inspiring future leaders: Anwar delivering his keynote address at the event. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star YOUTH empowerment through holistic education will be central to Malaysia's progress, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister emphasised the vital role of private universities in preparing youths to meet national challenges, especially in fields like digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the energy transition. 'Why do we place such importance on the younger generation? Because the type of training, the expertise, the capacity to effect change, and the willingness to adopt new disciplines – we have to depend on you,' he told students. 'You can't expect people in my generation to be as fast, to assimilate and acquire knowledge and expertise at the same level, particularly in new sciences and disciplines. 'That's why Management and Science University (MSU) and many other premier institutions are considered by the government as part of our team – to provide opportunities and instil discipline and scholarship among students,' he said during his 'Temu Anwar IPTS' session with higher education students at MSU on May 5. Anwar also said education should not be limited to personal gain – it must be grounded in ethics and a sense of national responsibility. Malaysia's future, he reiterated, depends on a generation that combines technical skills with strong moral values and civic consciousness. 'The assimilation and acquisition of knowledge are critical for your future, your family, your society and your country. 'To acquire knowledge to be comfortable in life is not the end (goal). We want to acquire and assimilate knowledge to disseminate what is just and true,' he said. Speaking to some 4,000 students, the event included an open Q&A session, where students posed questions to the Prime Minister on issues such as economic inequality, student involvement and government accountability. One student proposed establishing forums to include youth input and participation in programmes tied to Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year, as well as reinstating e-wallet aid to help offset rising living costs. Anwar welcomed both suggestions, directing the Higher Education Ministry to enhance student engagement and expressing openness to expanding financial relief mechanisms. 'We'll consider the e-wallet idea. If we can add a little, maybe we can add more – for books, e-wallets, and so on,' he said. Meanwhile, he also said the government would look into ensuring the prices for land transport are reasonable, and passengers are not charged exorbitant fares during festive periods – especially students studying and living within Peninsular Malaysia. He was responding to a student who suggested that the government extend FLYSiswa – which offers subsidised flights – to cover land transport for students in Peninsular Malaysia. Anwar said the FLYSiswa initiative – currently focused on Sabah and Sarawak due to high airfares, especially during festive seasons – could be expanded after discussions with Transport Minister Anthony Loke. 'Why do we give some preference to Sabah and Sarawak? It's expensive, particularly during festive periods. So we chose to support them – at least to ease part of their burden,' he said. The FLYSiswa initiative was announced under Budget 2024, to assist underprivileged students flying domestically between Sabah, Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan in returning to their hometowns and get back to their varsities for a new semester.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Are You Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables?
ACCORDING to key findings from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024, only 13% adolescents and 17% adults consumed 2 servings of fruits daily, while just 5% of adolescents and 12% adults consumed 3 servings of vegetables per day. The data showed that inadequate fruits and vegetables consumption contributed to insufficient Vitamin A intake in 55% adolescents and 63% of adults. With regard to Vitamin C, about 78% of adolescents and 74% of adults consumed insufficient Vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables are well-established sources of dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that high consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk and lower mortality rates from various chronic diseases, including cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. This protective effect is primarily attributed to the presence of vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and ß-carotene. Hydrophilic antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, constitute approximately 85% of the total antioxidant content in fruits and vegetables. These vitamins play key roles in maintaining physiological homeostasis and protecting cellular components from oxidative damage. Vitamin C enhances the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms. Beta-carotene, abundant in brightly pigmented fruits and vegetables, has been shown to mitigate oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and support immune function by modulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes. According to the Management and Science University (MSU) Senior Lecturer at Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Dr. Tan Bee Ling, 'In addition to vitamins, fruits and vegetables are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, which exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. Among these, anthocyanins represent one of the most prevalent classes of flavonoids in plant-based foods. These compounds are not only responsible for the characteristic red, blue, and purple pigmentation but also contribute significantly to the overall antioxidant capacity of the diet. Vitamin A Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining numerous physiological functions, including vision, immune function, and cell growth and differentiation. In the visual cycle, vitamin A is a precursor to retinal, a component of rhodopsin, which is necessary for low-light and color vision. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues and mucosal barriers, thereby supporting immune defense mechanisms. In addition, vitamin A regulates gene expression through its active metabolite, retinoic acid, which influences cellular growth and differentiation. Dietary vitamin A exists in two primary forms, namely preformed vitamin A (retinol and its esters), found predominantly in animal-derived foods such as liver, dairy products, and eggs; and provitamin A carotenoids, notably ß-carotene, found in orange, yellow, and dark green leafy vegetables and fruits. The latter are converted enzymatically to retinol in the human body, although conversion efficiency can be influenced by individual nutritional status, genetics, and overall dietary composition. Carotenoids are a diverse class of naturally occurring pigments synthesized by plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, and they play multiple roles in both plant physiology and human health. Among these, lycopene is particularly notable for its potent photoprotective properties and its ability to quench singlet oxygen species, thereby mitigating oxidative damage. In non-photosynthetic plant tissues, carotenoids serve as precursors to phytohormones, act as visual attractants for pollinators through pigmentation, and antioxidants. During fruit and seed ripening, carotenoid biosynthesis is often upregulated, leading to marked color transitions such as shift from green to red or purple hues. This change is largely attributed to the accumulation of anthocyanins and/or carotenoids. For instance, in tomatoes, the pericarp transitions from greenish-yellow to deep red during ripening due to the conversion of colorless phytoene into lycopene. Carotenes represent some of the earliest intermediates in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and are ubiquitous across photosynthetic organisms. In the human diet, carotenoids such as ß-carotene, a-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are of particular significance. These six compounds account for over 90% of total carotenoids detected in human tissues and are associated with various protective health effects. Several carotenoids including ß-carotene, a-carotene, and ß-cryptoxanthin, exhibit provitamin A activity and can be enzymatically converted into retinol, an essential nutrient for vision, immune function, and epithelial integrity. Lutein and zeaxanthin, in particular, are highly concentrated in the macula of the human retina, where they filter high-energy blue light and counteract oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the prevention of age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation. Age-related macular degeneration remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness among individuals over the age of 65. The antioxidant capacity of these carotenoids underpins their protective role in ocular health, emphasizing the importance of adequate dietary intake of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C Ascorbic acid, commonly referred to vitamin C, is a water-soluble essential micronutrient that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It is obtained primarily through the diet, with significant amounts found in a variety of plant-based foods, including cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Vitamin C functions as a potent antioxidant, capable of donating electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species and other free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress within cells. Upon electron donation, vitamin C is converted into a relatively stable intermediate known as the ascorbyl radical, which can be recycled back to its active form. This redox activity contributes significantly to cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative damage. Beyond its antioxidant role, vitamin C is involved in several biosynthetic pathways, including collagen synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and immune system regulation. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress, driven by excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation, may induce the formation of mutagenic compounds and activate pro-inflammatory and oncogenic pathways. In this context, regular intake of antioxidant-rich foods, including those high in vitamin C, has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, certain cancers, and age-related degenerative conditions. Given its multifaceted biological functions and antioxidant properties, vitamin C contributes to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, supports mitochondrial energy metabolism, and plays a protective role in immune defense. Therefore, increasing the consumption of vitamin C rich food may represent an effective dietary strategy for mitigating oxidative damage and promoting long-term health. Consuming 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables daily is recommended to help ensure adequate intake of vitamins A and C. Collectively, the synergistic effects of vitamins and phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables highlight their essential contribution to the prevention of chronic diseases and the promotion of overall health.
