IMU Welcomes Its First-Ever Foundation in Arts Students: A New Era for Creative Thinkers

28 Jan 2025

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Parkash Mathivanan, the Programme Director of FiA and the Lead behind its creation.

IMU University has reached an exciting milestone, opening its doors to the inaugural cohort of the Foundation in Arts (FiA) programme. This trailblazing initiative welcomed 45 enthusiastic high school leavers who arrived on campus throbbing with energy and ready to explore new frontiers.

More than just another foundation course, FiA represents an innovative gateway into a world of creativity, critical thinking, and boundless opportunities.

A Foundation for the Future: Bridging Creativity and Real-World Impact

Parkash Mathivanan, the Programme Director of FiA and the Lead behind its creation expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking step. “This isn’t just a foundation programme it’s a launchpad for students to discover who they are and how they can impact the world,” he shared. “We’re not just preparing students for degrees; we’re equipping them to be lifelong learners, innovators, and leaders.”

The programme was meticulously designed over two years, with input from students, educators, and industry experts. IMU’s Group Managing Director, Prof. Gerard George, championed the vision, tying it to the One Health concept a holistic approach linking human, animal, and environmental health. According to Parkash, “FiA inspires students to see the bigger picture, blending science and social science to create a new generation of thinkers.”

One Year, Three Semesters, Infinite Possibilities

Hosted at IMU’s Bukit Jalil campus, this one-year programme is divided into three fast-paced semesters. Designed to be challenging yet enriching, FiA acts as a direct pathway to IMU’s undergraduate degrees in psychology, communication, and social sciences. Students will gain both an academic advantage and practical, real-world skills to excel in their future careers.

New Beginnings: From Nerves to Excitement

Starting a new chapter can be daunting, but IMU’s FiA students are embracing the journey. Wei Jie, one of the programme’s first students, shared, “At first, I was nervous, but now I’m excited. Collaborating with students from the Foundation in Science programme is such a unique opportunity.”

The first day was filled with ice-breaking activities, meeting with the faculties and an orientation to help students feel at home. Shazliza, a FiA faculty member, reassured the students that, “Our goal is to give students the best start to their undergraduate journey. We’ll guide them every step of the way.”

Arts Meets Science: Building a Collaborative Community

The FiA programme thrives on collaborative effort and creative challenges that encourage students to push boundaries and think outside the box. Parkash highlighted the essence of the programme, saying, “FiA bridges the worlds of science and arts, challenging students to embrace a collaborative mindset.”

As students embark on this vibrant new journey, FiA is not just about academics it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, creativity, and purpose. With this groundbreaking programme, IMU is setting the stage for a future where arts and sciences work hand in hand to shape the world.

FiA: A Carefully Crafted Vision for the Future

Parkash Mathivanan emphasised the thoughtful approach behind FiA’s creation, stating, “FiA was meticulously designed through a comprehensive needs analysis to ensure we meet the evolving demands of today’s students.”

One standout feature of the programme is its flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning experience by choosing preferred modules. “While we’ve given students room to explore their interests, quality has been our guiding principle from the start,” Parkash explained.

The programme underwent a rigorous development process, inspected by multiple departments and committees to guarantee its excellence. It received the green light after reviews by the Faculty Board, Senate, and Management Committee, with a dedicated Board of Study and a Panel of Assessors which includes external advisors ensuring its feasibility and quality. FiA’s official milestones include securing the MQA Approval in January 2024 and subsequently securing the MOHE Approval in March 2024.

This meticulous attention to detail not only guarantees a top-tier foundation programme but also demonstrates IMU’s commitment to redefining education standards. As Parkash puts it, “This is more than a programme it’s a promise to our students that their future is in the best hands.”

Welcome to the Future of Education at IMU!

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