Fuelling Passion: Luqman Fitri’s Journey of Discovery in Nutrition at IMU

My time at IMU has been nothing short of transformative. It was a period of immense growth, both academically and personally. I joined IMU directly after completing my A-Levels, so I was not part of the Foundation programme. I chose to pursue a degree in nutrition, drawn to the interdisciplinary approach and the holistic education that IMU is known for each field of study. The idea of learning in an environment where theory is consistently paired with practice especially in local context, was incredibly appealing to me.

IMU University stood out because of its excellent reputation in healthcare education, its commitment to practical learning, and its strong network of professionals. IMU University’s focus on creating opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships and collaborative projects, made it the ideal environment for me to grow as both a student and a future nutritionist.

One of the highlights of my student journey was the practical exposure I gained through various internships, including my time at the Institut Sukan Negara (ISN). These internships were invaluable, providing me with firsthand experience in real-world settings. They gave me the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical environment, which I believe is crucial in healthcare education. At ISN, witnessing the development of a menu plan aligned with an athlete’s nutritional goals, which helped them achieve their target weight before the Olympics, was incredibly gratifying.

A particularly memorable moment was my visit to SEAMEO RECFON (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition) in Indonesia, which was fully sponsored by IMU University mobility funds.

Apart from having an amazing experience in delving into the food and nutrition of another country firsthand, this opportunity allowed me to explore international perspectives on education and healthcare, and it broadened my horizons in ways I never expected.

Throughout my time at IMU, I was fortunate to be recognized for my hard work and dedication, including being amongst the top 3 for the poster presentations during the Nutrition Society of Malaysia Conference in 2024, at which I owe gratitude to my supervisors for the wonderful mentorship they provided throughout. These accolades were a great motivation for me and fuelled my desire to continue striving for excellence.

Looking ahead, I plan to specialise in the field of sports nutrition. My experiences at IMU University, coupled with the opportunities I’ve had to intern and engage with professionals at ISN, have inspired me to continue expanding my expertise and making a meaningful impact in performance nutrition whether it’d be in competitive sports or wellness and fitness. I couldn’t have made it this far without the constant encouragement from my professors, educators, peers, and family. They pushed me to do my best, and their support has been a cornerstone of my growth.

My advice would be to fully embrace the opportunities that come your way. The university provides numerous platforms for personal and professional development, whether through internships, conferences, or extracurricular activities. Looking back, I’ve learned not just the technical aspects of my field in nutrition, but also how to approach challenges with confidence. IMU University taught me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and here, they will always give you that opportunity.

Written by Luqman Fitri Bin Feizal Mahathir