The Malaysian Psychology Students Assembly (MAPSA) is a conference and platform that brings together psychology students from across Malaysia to exchange ideas, develop skills, and connect with peers from different universities. It offers a vibrant space for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in psychology-related fields to present their research, take part in workshops, and engage in discussions on current topics within the discipline.

We (IMU Psychology students:  Thurgga A/P Ramas Kumar and Fathima Asra Thaifoor Najath) are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this conference held on 10 May at the University of Cyberjaya. As final-year psychology students from IMU, we presented our thesis research to the attendees. Sharing our work with a wider academic audience was both an exciting and enriching experience that took us beyond the classroom and into the real world of academic discourse.

Thurgga A/P Ramas Kumar

I presented my quantitative research titled “Malaysian Men’s Perceptions of Women’s Clothing and Victim Blaming: Gender Norms as a Moderator.” The experience was truly amazing—many attendees responded positively and showed strong interest in the topic. Although I only presented the proposal and haven’t collected data yet, several people connected with me on LinkedIn to stay updated on the results.

The Q&A session was particularly engaging, with insightful questions that encouraged me to think more critically about my research approach. I was also thrilled to form meaningful connections with fellow psychology students and lecturers.  It was inspiring to learn from others’ research; many of their topics were thought-provoking and impactful.

Fathima Asra Thaifoor Najath

For my presentation, I shared my qualitative research exploring how parasocial relationships can influence identity formation, emotional regulation, and social functioning in young adults in Sri Lanka. It was encouraging to receive positive feedback from both students and lecturers, many of whom expressed genuine interest and noted the relevance of the topic in today’s digital age.

Several attendees shared that they could personally relate to the theme, which boosted my confidence and affirmed the potential impact of my research. The spontaneous questions during the Q&A session challenged me to think critically and respond on the spot, which helped deepen my understanding and articulation of the topic.

At IMU, the psychology programme is built on a research-driven curriculum that equips us with strong critical thinking and practical research skills. This foundation prepares us to confidently design and conduct our own studies, an essential ability for both academic success and future professional careers.

A key focus of the programme is on developing communication and presentation skills. Through regular opportunities to present and share ideas during tutorial sessions, we build confidence and clarity in expressing complex concepts. This experience proved invaluable during the conference, making us more effective communicators in academic, clinical, and workplace settings.

Ethics is deeply embedded throughout the curriculum, guiding us to act responsibly and professionally. This emphasis ensures that we appreciate the importance of ethical conduct—an essential factor in gaining trust and credibility in any psychology-related role. Moreover, IMU strongly encourages independent inquiry, fostering our ability to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and develop original research projects. This culture of curiosity and innovation helps us become proactive learners and problem-solvers, skills that are highly valuable for further studies and professional practice alike. Together, these elements make IMU’s psychology programme a comprehensive and enriching experience, preparing students to excel both academically and professionally.

Thurgga A/P Ramas Kumar

Attending the Malaysian Psychology Students Assembly (MAPSA) 2025 gave me a valuable opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained from my psychology degree at IMU University. Presenting my research helped me strengthen the communication and presentation skills that I have developed throughout the programme.

The conference also emphasized the importance of ethics in research, reinforcing the strong ethical foundation taught at IMU. Engaging with other students’ work inspired me to embrace independent inquiry and critical thinking, which are key parts of my education.

Overall, MAPSA allowed me to connect what I’ve learned in class with real-world experience and valuable networking opportunities that will benefit my future career in psychology.

Fathima Asra Thaifoor Najath

Attending MAPSA 2025 was a defining moment in my academic journey. Presenting my research in a formal setting not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to see myself as an emerging voice in the field of psychology. IMU’s strong foundation in research methods, academic writing, and critical thinking had prepared me well for this opportunity. In particular, IMU University’s rigorous standards when it comes to conducting research proved especially valuable; I believe this thorough training will help me stand out within academic research.

The experience solidified my academic identity and gave me greater clarity about pursuing postgraduate studies and a future in research. Receiving thoughtful feedback from both peers and lecturers helped me strengthen my work and appreciate new perspectives beyond my own.

Attending the Malaysian Psychology Students Assembly (MAPSA) 2025 was an incredibly meaningful experience for us. It provided a valuable opportunity to share our research, connect with fellow psychology students and lecturers, and engage in inspiring discussions. The positive feedback and interactions motivated us to deepen our understanding and commitment to the field. This experience has shaped our academic and professional growth by boosting our confidence in presenting research, broadening our perspectives on current psychological topics, and expanding our network within the psychology community.

We highly encourage future students to participate in events like MAPSA. It is a great platform to learn, grow, and build connections that will support both your studies and professional journey.