A Decade of Glitz and Glamour in Foundation in Science

This year (2024) marks a decade of the IMU Foundation in Science (FiS), a programme that aims to nurture prospective students to become future healthcare professionals. The FiS programme has fostered a smooth transition from secondary to tertiary education.

Dr James Edward Walsh, who joined IMU in 2017 and is currently the Director of Centre for Pre-University, describes the FiS programme as a transformative journey that not only lays the groundwork for students’ academic journey, but also nurtures the skills and knowledge that are integral to obtaining success in the healthcare industry. Dr James also affirms that the time students spend in Foundation in Science will be an inspirational and holistic experience, and this has been proven throughout the past ten years of FiS.

Over the past decade, the growth of FiS not only involved academic affairs but also included fun, glitz, and glamour through numerous events.

Led by a collaboration between IMU students and staff, Chariofare is IMU’s flagship fund-raising charity-run initiative. The annual event aims to provide an opportunity for students to organise community projects to raise funds for supporting needy communities. Along with the charity run, patrons can also enjoy a carnival with an array of performances, activities, free health checkups, and food. IMU students from different batches, including those from the Foundation in Science, run various food stalls and activity booths. One of the highlighted FiS booths is Ms Shirley’s eye-catching henna designs, and since 2016, she has drawn many beautiful floral and mandala designs, each taking 5-10 minutes with fellow student helpers who helped out during Chariofare.

On January 11, 2019, the IMU Bukit Jalil campus buzzed with excitement as it celebrated the 5th anniversary of the IMU Foundation in Science Programme. Over the past five years, this programme has paved the way for many students to advance into their degree programmes. The celebration drew a large crowd, with visitors travelling from Penang to join the festivities.

Highlights of the day included a campus tour led by a student ambassador, a delightful lunch, and engaging online quizzes. After lunch, Dr James Walsh, Head of the Centre of Pre-University Studies, briefly introduced the Foundation in Science programme, followed by a short online quiz.

As evening fell, the celebration culminated in a grand banquet for alumni and Foundation in Science students. The night was filled with joy and camaraderie, featuring captivating performances and heartfelt video testimonies, encapsulating the essence of a truly remarkable and memorable occasion.

Learn more about this at Celebrating 5 Years of Success in Nurturing STARS!

Launched in 2022, the FiS Intercohort Competition is an annual science contest where all three cohorts of FIS students can put on their thinking caps, compete against each other, and test their knowledge of General Science, logical mathematics questions and IQ problem-solving skills through various modes of competition such as a Kahoot game and a Bingo match.

Learn more about this at Team Maggo Wins Battle of the IMU Foundation in Science Cohorts!

On 22 March 2014, 40 dedicated IMU Foundation in Science students created unforgettable “Magic Moments” for 107 young children from six different homes: Ti-Ratana, Precious Children Home, Philea Home, Kanak-Kanak Sayang, Dignity for Children, and Taman Megah Disabled Home. This heartwarming event was one of the many initiatives under the IMU Cares programme.

On that special day, the children’s faces lit up as they enjoyed a ‘The Lego Movie’ screening at TGV Sunway Pyramid. They were also treated to soft drinks and popcorn. The joy continued with a delightful McDonald’s Happy Meal lunch, each accompanied by a toy and a cherished take-home token.

This enchanting experience was made possible by the generosity of IMU staff, who sponsored each child at RM 15.

Learn more about this at IMU Cares: IMU Foundation in Science Students Brings Joy to 107 Children

The IMU University’s Foundation in Science programme features the proudest module, the innovative Cross Boundary Studies, a 100% non-exam coursework module.

On 28 February 2014, the students showcased their brilliance in an exhibition. They are formed into groups of 5 or 6, with 12 teams, tackling real-world problems with remarkable creativity and ingenuity. They delved into classroom design, space utilisation, technology, health and hygiene, resource management, environmentalism, and occupational safety.

This module challenges students to think outside the box and hone their creative problem-solving skills, pushing the boundaries of conventional education and inspiring future leaders to innovate and excel.

Written by Wang Yu Xin, Bong Yen Qin and Chong Zhan Xuan