I have always been fascinated by science, especially biology, since I was young. After graduating from high school, I wanted to pursue a field that had practical applications in everyday life, though I was initially unsure about which path to take. It was then that a friend of my sister, who was studying Dietetics at IMU, introduced the course to me.

I found it fascinating to learn about food, nutrition, and their impact on health. I have always wanted to make a positive difference in society and contribute to building a healthier community. IMU stood out to me for its strong reputation as a leading healthcare university in Malaysia, and I was also drawn to the opportunities it offers for placements in both local and international hospitals. With that, I decided to pursue my dietetics degree here.

The four-year journey pursuing a Dietetics with Nutrition degree at IMU was fun, fulfilling, and fruitful. I can still recall the moments when we experimented with food during practical sessions, planned menus for patients from different cultural backgrounds, practised counselling, and much more.

One of the most memorable experiences in my journey was during my clinical placement in Seremban.

It was indeed challenging to be away from home, to handle cases far more complicated than anything I had studied, and to counsel patients in real-life settings. It was a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and reward all at once.

There were times when I struggled and questioned my own competence, but under the guidance and encouragement of my clinical instructors, I gradually became more confident and capable. Those moments tested my resilience but ultimately made me stronger.

Despite the hardships, what I truly cherished were the memories created with my peers. We shared our cases and learning points, motivated one another, and celebrated even the smallest achievements. These moments of teamwork and camaraderie made the journey less daunting and more meaningful. We helped and learned from each other, and most importantly, we survived together.

After completing my MPU modules, I decided to take a short break to recharge, travel, and spend meaningful time with my friends and family. It was a much-needed pause after years of intensive study and clinical placements, allowing me to reflect on my journey and realign my goals. At the same time, I am actively searching for job opportunities where I can apply my knowledge and skills, contribute to patient care, and continue learning as a young dietetics graduate.

Throughout my journey, I have been deeply inspired by the dietitians I have met, including my lecturers, clinical instructors, and preceptors, who demonstrated not only professional excellence but also compassion and dedication in their work.

In the future, I aspire to become a dietitian who embodies the values of patient-centred care, empathy, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, just like them. I hope to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the advancement of dietetic practice in Malaysia, while providing individualised nutrition care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

Sometimes it is normal to feel lost or to doubt yourself along the way. There will be moments when you question your abilities but remember that growth often comes from discomfort.

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or receiving criticism, as both are valuable opportunities to learn and improve. Every small step matters, and consistency will take you further than you think.

Keep learning, keep growing, and one day you’ll look back and realise just how much progress you’ve made from where you first began.

Written by Cheang Yee Shan who graduated with First Class Honours from the Bachelor of
Science (Hons) in Dietetics with Nutrition programme on 1 November 2025.

She is also the recipient of  the Tun Zahir Merit Award, which is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence within the graduating cohort. This award is given in memory of the late Tun Dato’ Seri Dr Mohamed Zahir, who served as the Chancellor of IMU from 1999 to 2005.