Making the decision to pursue my studies at IMU University was perhaps one of the most significant decisions in my academic life. The first thing that I found incredibly attractive about the Bachelor of Digital Health is the combination of healthcare and technology. IMU has an innovative curriculum that appealed to me, as I have always been fascinated by the role of data and innovation in enhancing patient outcomes. IMU is one of the pioneers in Malaysia to offer such a programme, and I knew it would equip me with the technical expertise as well as the practical experience to succeed in the fast-changing world of healthcare.

It has been a challenging and rewarding experience at IMU. In every semester, there were new lessons, both in terms of textbooks and teamwork, presentations, and real-world projects. I can also recall completing a meta-analysis on disease co-occurrence on the basis of data from  INPIRE and PhysioNet, when I learned to read complex data and extract the meaningful insights out of big datasets. It was a milestone that further increased my value of research and evidence-based decision making in healthcare.

In addition to academics, IMU provided me with innumerable chances to learn soft skills and personal growth. I have participated in different student-initiated activities and projects that involved planning, working together and being creative. The most influential experience was during IMU Digital Health Week when I collaborated with a team to create posters and interactive games that would increase awareness of digital health among the public. My interaction with public audiences also inspired me to focus on the significance of communication as an approach to closing the divide between healthcare and technology.

IMU offers a Graduate Trainee Programme that exposes students to industry experiences as early as their second year, through industry projects, placements, and pathways to permanent job positions. This initiative bridges classroom learning with real-world healthcare challenges, preparing students for future careers in digital health and related sectors.

In my internship, I was able to have a good exposure to the environment of the working world in the health sector. The experience helped me understand better how an organisation works on a day to day basis. I was able to see the importance of data, teamwork, and communication in the process of ensuring smooth operations and patient satisfaction. The internship also improved my flexibility, professionalism, and problem solving skills which will aid me in my future career life.

Naturally, there were times when it seemed difficult to juggle between various commitments. Time management and discipline were put to test as I juggle and manage coursework, deadlines, and part-time work. Nevertheless, such experiences made me understand that it is important to work with priorities and stay positive despite stressful times. Reflectively, I am so thankful that these challenges came my way as it has made me a stronger and more confident person.

At this point, I am about to take the next step in my career, which is to look at postgraduate opportunities and a future career in health data analysis or digital health project management. I intend to join the digital health ecosystem development in Malaysia and uplift the current situation with healthcare providers, patients, and technology.

It is an amazing honour to have won the Tun Zahir Merit Award, which is not only the mark of academic performance but also of endurance and dedication. The acknowledgement would never have come without the tutelage of my lecturers as well as the input provided by my colleagues and the nurturing atmosphere that IMU offers.

My word of advice to the upcoming IMU students would be straightforward, keep your mind open to learning, and you should never be afraid to venture out. It can be taking part in research, being involved in student projects or being an intern, all these experiences are worth something, and you can find your purpose. IMU is a destination with opportunities, seize the most of them and you will realize that the journey is as rewarding as the destination.

Written by Vicky Lee Zhi Hui, who graduated with her degree on 1 November 2025 and is the recipient of the Tun Zahir Merit Award.