Mathiswaselan Paramaselan, a JPA scholarship recipient, shares his journey through IMU University’s Foundation in Science (FIS) programme as a bridge between SPM and MBBS studies. The programme provided a strong academic foundation in medical sciences, active learning in biosciences, and early exposure to healthcare concepts. Beyond academics, he also excelled in co-curricular activities.

Hey there! I’m Mathiswaselan Paramaselan, but “Mathis” works if tongue twisters are not your cup of tea. My dream of becoming a specialist with a stethoscope around my neck began as early as the age of 10. Back then, I had little idea of what the future held for me, until I chose IMU University… or perhaps, until IMU chose me.

27 May 2024; A date I will cherish for the rest of my life. My eyes welled up with tears as I saw the column of A+ on my SPM results slip. All my sacrifices, challenges and prayers flashed before me in an instant. At that moment, all the struggles finally felt worthwhile.

I had always been passionate about pursuing medicine and the Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) scholarship was the only opportunity I worked tirelessly towards. While preparing for my interview, I reflected on the Open Day I attended at IMU University….

My parents and I were warmly welcomed by the students and lecturers, including Prof Gerard George and Ms Noraishah binti Abdul Aziz. After the campus tour and enquiry sessions, it became evident that IMU was more than just a university. The healthcare-oriented Foundation in Science (FIS) syllabus, international-grade facilities, highly regarded accreditations such as the SETARA ranking and approachable lecturers reassured me that IMU would nurture both my academic and clinical excellence.

In July 2024, I was blessed to receive the JPA scholarship to sponsor both my pre-university and undergraduate studies locally. Without a second thought, I registered to begin my Foundation in Science programme at the renowned medical university in September 2024.

Foundation in Science became the bridge between my SPM journey and my MBBS aspirations. I could endlessly sing praises about the medically inclined FIS syllabus, which was perfectly tailored for students pursuing healthcare-related fields.

As a Mathematics enthusiast, I was genuinely excited to calculate drug dosages in the very first chapter and discover how calculus actually exists in the medical world beyond terrifying exam papers. Whoever claimed Physics has no relevance in medicine clearly never attended Dr James’ and Ms Nor’s lectures. Ohm’s Law appears in blood pressure, Boyle’s Law exists in every breath we take and suddenly Physics became less of a nightmare and more of a medical reality.

FIS became the bridge that transformed my high school knowledge into the mindset and skills required of a future medical student. Active learning ensured that concepts were not merely memorised, but truly understood through application, imagination and critical thinking. Subjects such as Biosciences sparked curiosity and passion, as the pathology and microbiology disciplines introduced us to the analytical thinking needed in med school.

The lecturers were incredibly enthusiastic and guided us with unwavering dedication. Where do I even begin?

• Ms Saras and Ms Sharmini’s motherly compassion,
• Ms Shalini’s unforgettable humour,
• Mr Jashan and Dr Ng’s iconic Penangite stories,
• Ms Shirley and Ms Kana’s Biosciences advice,
• Ms Kit May, Ms Azlina and Ms Tung’s straightforward teaching styles,
• Ms Diana’s mastery of differential equations and
• Mr Chuah’s fascinating approach to Biology.

Not forgetting Ms Prasanniah and Mr Parkash’s encouragement although they only taught me for a very short period. Every lecturer left a meaningful impact on my journey.

Although co-curricular activities were not compulsory, the lecturers consistently encouraged and celebrated our achievements beyond academics.

Apart from academics, I was also actively involved in music as a junior classical vocalist. I was truly honoured to perform at various events throughout Klang Valley, proudly carrying the names of both IMU University and my music institution, Sahaana Fine Arts Malaysia onto every stage I stepped on.

Besides that, my FIS English lecturer, Mr Jashan offered me the opportunity to perform for the IMU community during IMU’s Deepavali celebration in 2024 and 2025. Despite the demanding balance between academics and performances, the unwavering encouragement from my lecturers and friends constantly motivated me. It was a quiet reminder that success is also measured in the passions we continue to nurture along the way.

Just two weeks after the eggshell showcase in Penang, I began my MBBS journey under the ME225 cohort in the esteemed School of Medicine.

As an alumnus of the Centre of Pre-University Studies (CPU), I now contribute through peer tutoring sessions for juniors in Biology, Biosciences and Mathematics as a small gesture of gratitude towards the lecturers who shaped my journey. Together with chemistry masters Ms Nuraishah and Ms Shasha, Maths ‘senseis’ Ms Jessica and Ms Farah and Biology ‘sifu’ Ms Abigail, and many other FIS alumni, these sessions aim to strengthen students’ understanding and boost their academic confidence.

I deeply cherish the experiences and challenges that molded me into a more resilient and confident individual.

“FIS was not merely a pre-university programme; it was a stepping stone that prepared me to embrace the MBBS journey with strength and determination.” I will proudly say.

Thankfully, Ms Raja Sueraya introduced me to medical terminologies back then, otherwise I might still be drowning in medical jargons today!

My deepest gratitude and humble obeisances to Dr James, the grandmaster of Centre of Pre-University (left) and Ms Sharon, my amazing mentor for her guidance (right), as well as all my amazing FIS lecturers and friends who made my pre-university journey both comfortable and empowering.

Their guidance, encouragement and dedication transformed my Foundation in Science journey into one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.

Written by Mathiswaselan Paramaselan