13 minutes
THE opportunity given to pursue his postgraduate studies at the Management and Science University (MSU) was a fruitful experience for Arivananthan Kanakasundar.
“Additionally, the main reason for pursuing postgraduate studies is to fulfil my parents’ dream of obtaining a master’s degree,” explained Arivananthan.
The Klang lad is currently pursuing the Master in Science Food Service Technology at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). As an alumnus of MSU’s Bachelor in Biomedical Science (Hons) and among the top students, he is a five-time recipient of the Dean List and three times of the President List.
Arivananthan is also a recipient of the Chancellor Gold Medal Award at the 23rd Convocation Ceremony of MSU in 2018.
“The experiences I’ve had at MSU have also shaped my decision to apply for postgraduate studies here. I believe MSU is one of the top universities in Malaysia that will help me with the necessary knowledge and skills to support my future professional career.”
He’s currently attached as a Research Officer and Special Officer to Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) Deputy Chairman Senator Datuk Dr Ananthan Somasundaram. PTPK is a Malaysian Statutory Body under the Ministry of Human Resources.
On his postgraduate journey, he said: “I am not focusing on my career advancement just yet because I want to focus on research. The passion for research spurred me to take my postgraduate studies. I think it is always best to pursue your postgraduate studies after getting a bachelor’s degree because you are still young and have fewer commitments,” he said.
“In addition, taking the postgraduate journey will give you in-depth knowledge of the subject. So, if I am given another chance, I will say continue your postgraduate studies right after your bachelor’s degree.”
As he is doing his postgraduate study in a flexible learning mode while keeping a full-time job, Arivananthan, 27, said it demands greater commitment.
“I have to balance my time between work and postgraduate studies. But thanks to my supervisors and coursemates at MSU, I have faced no issues so far”.
With interest stemming from his final year project back during his undergraduate studies, Arivananthan will focus his research on “Isolation and Molecular Characterisation of Endophytes from Peels of Psidium Guajava and Citrus Limon”.
“I chose this research topic on endophytes because I’m curious on the potential of endophytes to mankind. I knew it would boast an interesting discovery of endophytes that can be isolated from the peels and the potential they hold as antibiotics, anticancer, antiviral as well as antitumour products.”
He hope through this research, he will be able to identify new species of endophytes that holds the potential to help mankind in the medical field.
The postgraduate studies at the Management and Science University (MSU) offers advanced degrees at MBA, MSc and PhD levels covering Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Information Sciences, Education & Social Sciences, Business Management and Professional Studies, and Hospitality & Culinary Arts.
These areas are offered under the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and the Graduate School of Management (GSM).
For more information, call 03 – 5521 6868, email enquiry@msu.edu.my, or visit www.msu.edu.my
