Page 12 - Science@UM365Dec2020

CHEMISTRY STUDENT NEWS

PRODUCES AN has been the defining moment
“Coming to Universiti Malaya

ALL ROUNDER of my life, especially being the

first to pursue higher education

Sermaly Chandran in my family, I carry the dreams
of many.”

Sermaly enrolled into the Bachelor of Science in Applied
Chemistry program in 2016. The four years of
undergraduate studies allowed a great deal of flexibility
and allowed her to fully explore and seize different
experiences. Sermaly was an exchange scholar in the
Temasek Foundation International Leadership Enrichment
and Regional Networking Program at Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore as one of the 40
student leaders selected from ASEAN countries. Beginning
with being surrounded by friends from various countries
and diverse cultural backgrounds to building bridges and
now being part of a huge exchange family, while taking
home a piece of motivation and inspiring advice from
successful leaders, the journey was definitely irreplaceable
for Sermaly. A year later, another opportunity struck
where she participated as an outbound student at Chiang
Mai University, Thailand. This was another immense
adventure to learn beyond the classroom and gain both
local cultural wisdom and obtain academic exposure
alongside. In the same year, Sermaly participated and
emerged as the first runner up and best presenter of the
Southeast Asia Global Innovation Challenge 2019, a . Everything in this world gives you an
competition themed Chemistry in Industrial Revolution 4.0 experience of life. It depends on how you
by proposing an idea on tackling ocean plastic pollution. take that experience forward and the way
She embarked on another phase as an intern at the you execute it may it be up or down. And at
PETRONAS Research Centre under an inspiring and every down, she is always grateful to her
outstanding woman in Chemistry, Dr Geetha Srinivasan. family, friends and lectures – both from home
The journey of learning was eye-opening, giving her a and UM, who always have believed and stood
chance to make bold resolutions for her future. by her to make her stronger and strive harder
to endeavour to reach her dreams and goals.
UM not only encouraged her to be
“I have begun to make my academically strong but also made her a
'todays' ridiculously amazing, better person in life.
Thus, she believes that meeting with all kinds
for a collection of carpe diem of wonderful people will broaden your
viewpoints and cultural knowledge. At the
to define my life” same time, do not crumble to peer pressure.
Remember who you are, and your dreams
will take you to the most special places your
heart has ever known and be grateful for
every window of opportunity.

Science@UM365 10