ISSUE #01
JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER
- UNITAR Continues It's Winning Streak with Silver at Putra Brands Awards 2024
- UNITAR Leadership Series 2025 Kicks Off with Inspiring Insights from Tan Sri Lim Hock San
- UNITAR Hosts Inspiring Social Media Content Creator Event: Insights from Top Influencers
- UNITAR Partner School: Inspiring Future Leaders Through Campus Visits
- UNITAR Shining Achievers: Alya Alisha
- UNITAR Shining Achievers: Rina Neoh
- UNITAR Shining Achievers: Lim Chee Gay
UNITAR AWARDS & RECOGNITION
UNITAR Continues Its Winning Streak With Silver At Putra Brand Awards 2024
- 17 January 2025
UNITAR International University (UNITAR) has once again secured a Silver Award under the Education & Learning category at the prestigious Putra Brand Awards 2024, held at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This remarkable achievement reaffirms UNITAR’s dedication to excellence in education and its strong connection with the Malaysian public.
The award, widely recognised as the “People’s Choice Award” and “Money-Can’t-Buy Award”, highlights brands that resonate deeply with consumers through public votes and interviews. Accepting the award on behalf of UNITAR was the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Timothy Johnson, accompanied by a vibrant delegation from the university who attended the grand event.
Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Timothy Johnson shared his elation: “Winning this accolade once again reflects the unwavering trust and support from the community we serve. UNITAR’s commitment to delivering quality and innovative education remains steadfast, and this recognition motivates us to push the boundaries of what we can achieve for our students”.
Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Puvan Balachandran added: “UNITAR’s journey from being Southeast Asia’s first virtual university to becoming a household name in education exemplifies our dedication to innovation, inclusion, and impact. The Silver Award at the Putra Brand Awards 2024 is a tribute to the trust placed in us by our students and stakeholders. We will continue to lead with a vision of accessible and transformative education for all”.
UNITAR International University has prided itself on offering innovative opportunities for students through its online learning platform. Earning the privilege of being known as the first virtual university in Southeast Asia, since then, the university has taken it up a notch to offer widely accessible and affordable education for all learners aspiring to pursue higher education.
Recognised for excellence, UNITAR International University has been awarded at the Putra Brand Awards on various occasions since 2015.
UNITAR International University is part of the UNITAR Education Group, consisting of UNITAR Colleges, UNITAR Academy, and Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College (KLMUC).
UNITAR LEADERSHIP SERIES
UNITAR Leadership Series 2025 Kicks Off with Inspiring Insights from Tan Sri Lim Hock San
- 21 January 2025
UNITAR International University proudly launched the 1st UNITAR Leadership Series of 2025, a premier platform dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders. This highly anticipated event featured esteemed business leader Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. (Dr.) Lim Hock San, Group Executive Chairman of LBS Bina Group Berhad and Adjunct Professor of UNITAR International University.
Keynote Address: Strengthening Malaysia-China Relations
The event, held on 21 January 2025, provided an invaluable opportunity for students, alumni, industry partners, and the general public to gain insights into Malaysia’s strategic partnership with China. Tan Sri Lim delivered a compelling keynote address on the Malaysia-China relationship, emphasising its importance in driving economic and technological growth.
During his speech, he explored:
- Why China is a strategic partner for Malaysia
- Key data points on China’s population, GDP, and economic impact
- The evolution of Malaysia-China trade and its current landscape
- China’s global advantages and how Malaysia can benefit
- Ways Malaysia can leverage China’s technological resources for rapid growth
Exclusive Closed-Door Discussion with UNITAR’s Top Students
Following the keynote, UNITAR’s Top 10 students participated in a closed-door discussion with Tan Sri Lim, where they engaged in thought-provoking conversations on artificial intelligence, technopreneurship, technology, leadership, and innovation. This intimate session allowed students to gain direct insights from one of Malaysia’s most influential business leaders, providing them with a deeper understanding of the future of technology and leadership.
Developing Future Leaders through Hands-On Experience
The UNITAR Leadership Series is a student-led initiative that not only brings esteemed leaders to share their insights but also provides UNITAR students with practical experience in event planning and execution. By organising these events, students develop crucial skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, budgeting, and project management—all of which are essential for thriving in today’s competitive job market.
A Successful Start to the Leadership Series
The 1st UNITAR Leadership Series of 2025 was a resounding success, achieving its primary objectives:
- Empowering the Next Generation – Attendees gained knowledge on leadership, innovation, and international relations.
- Providing Real-World Insights – Students and professionals alike benefited from Tan Sri Lim’s vast experience and expertise.
- Fostering Professional Growth – The closed-door discussion offered an exclusive mentorship opportunity for UNITAR’s top students.
With more sessions planned throughout the year, UNITAR looks forward to continuing this enriching series, shaping students into confident and capable leaders of the future. Stay tuned for upcoming events in the UNITAR Leadership Series!
UNITAR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
UNITAR Hosts Inspiring Social Media Content Creator Event: Insights from Top Influencers
- 18 January 2025
UNITAR students had the exclusive opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the world of social media influencing at the “Successful Social Media Content Creators: Discover The Secrets” event.
This engaging session featured a panel discussion with four renowned local influencers—Joshua (@joshmadj), Gunamax (@gunamax_), Tanesh (@taneshh10), and Dharshamini (@dharshamini_kesavan)—who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences with an eager audience of 80 students from across Malaysia, including attendees from Ipoh and Melaka.
Overcoming Negativity and Staying Motivated
In today’s digital age, dealing with online negativity is a crucial skill for any content creator. The influencers spoke openly about their experiences with criticism and negative comments, offering strategies on how to handle them constructively. From ignoring hate speech to using constructive criticism for self-improvement, they encouraged students to stay focused on their goals and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
Interactive Q&A Session
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students had the chance to ask the influencers about their personal experiences, content creation strategies, and advice for aspiring influencers. The panelists provided thoughtful responses, guiding students on how to identify the right type of content that suits their personality and strengths. They also reassured attendees that perseverance and authenticity are key to building a loyal audience.
Achieving the Event’s Goals
The “Successful Social Media Content Creators: Discover The Secrets” event successfully achieved its objectives:
- Inspiring the Next Generation of Influencers – Students left the event feeling motivated and equipped with practical knowledge to start their social media journey.
- Providing Real-Life Insights – The panelists offered authentic advice on how to carve a niche and build a personal brand in the digital landscape.
- Addressing Concerns and Challenges – The interactive discussions helped students overcome doubts and understand how to tackle online criticism effectively.
This insightful event was an eye-opening experience for UNITAR students, offering them a realistic perspective on what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of social media. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, such discussions play a crucial role in guiding and empowering the next generation of content creators.
A Glimpse into the Influencer Journey
The panelists shared their stories of breaking into the social media industry, offering a candid look at what it takes to succeed in the digital space. Each influencer spoke about their motivations for joining the industry, whether it was a passion for creativity, a desire to entertain, or the aspiration to share meaningful content. They also addressed the initial struggles they faced, including challenges with content consistency, audience engagement, and self-doubt.
Balancing Social Media and Work Life
One of the key discussions revolved around balancing social media with personal and professional commitments. The panelists emphasised the importance of time management, discipline, and setting clear priorities. They shared practical strategies on how to create content without compromising other responsibilities, a valuable takeaway for students looking to start their own influencer journey.
UNITAR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
UNITAR Partner School: Inspiring Future Leaders Through Campus Visits
- 13 & 15 January 2025
UNITAR recently had the privilege of hosting two vibrant groups of secondary school students from SMK Changlun, Kedah, and SMK Durian Tunggal, Melaka, at our Main Campus in Kelana Jaya. These visits, part of our UNITAR Partner School initiative, aimed to introduce students to the university experience, inspiring them to pursue higher education and explore future career pathways.
Exciting Engagement with SMK Durian Tunggal, Melaka
On 13 January 2025, UNITAR had the pleasure of welcoming 80 students and teachers from SMK Durian Tunggal, Melaka. Their visit was packed with enriching activities, providing them with insights into UNITAR’s academic offerings and student life. Through interactive sessions and campus explorations, they gained a deeper understanding of the university experience, making the day both fun and educational.
A Warm Welcome to SMK Changlun, Kedah
On 15 January 2025, travelling all the way from Kedah, a busload of eager Form 5 students and their dedicated teachers from SMK Changlun, Kedah, joined us for a dynamic campus visit. They toured our facilities, engaged with UNITAR staff, and participated in exciting activities that showcased the university’s innovative learning environment. It was a day filled with discovery and inspiration, leaving students with a clearer vision of the opportunities that await them in higher education.
Both visits reflect UNITAR’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between secondary education and higher learning. By providing young minds with a first-hand glimpse into university life, we aim to empower and guide them towards a bright future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to SMK Durian Tunggal and SMK Changlun for joining us—we look forward to seeing these students again as part of our UNITAR family!
UNITAR SHINING ACHIEVERS
Student Alya Alisha Recognised for Sustainability Innovation
The School of Media, Art & Design proudly celebrates the achievement of Alya Alisha, a Diploma in Fashion Design student, whose project “Denim Drift” has earned recognition at the Malaysia GPM Sustainability Awards 2024. Alya’s innovative approach to sustainable fashion has secured her a nomination for the Sustainability Leadership Award.
The Malaysia GPM Sustainability Awards, established in 2015, honour exceptional contributions to sustainability, highlighting innovative projects that drive environmental and social responsibility. Alya’s “Denim Drift” addresses textile waste by creating stylish, reusable denim garments through a closed-loop system that promotes recycling and reusability.
UNITAR SHINING ACHIEVERS
UNITAR Celebrates Rina Neoh’s Recognition as a Top Woman Investor in Southeast Asia
UNITAR International University proudly congratulates Rina Neoh, Adjunct Professor at UNITAR, on her prestigious recognition as one of the 2024 GPCA Top Women Investing in Southeast Asia. This esteemed honour acknowledges her exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the investment landscape in the region.
We take immense pride in celebrating Rina Neoh as the sole representative from Malaysia on this distinguished list. Her contributions to entrepreneurship, venture capital, and economic growth have been instrumental in shaping opportunities for businesses and aspiring investors across Southeast Asia.
UNITAR SHINING ACHIEVERS
UNITAR Congratulates Lim Chee Gay on Prestigious Appointment
UNITAR International University proudly congratulates Lim Chee Gay, Adjunct Professor at UNITAR, on his appointment as the Managing Director of the Global Operations Centre at The Access Group. This remarkable achievement reflects his outstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions to the global business landscape.
As a distinguished professional, Lim Chee Gay has consistently demonstrated excellence in driving innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. His new role at The Access Group, a leading business solutions provider, highlights his expertise and commitment to advancing industry best practices on an international scale.
