By Murniati Abu Karim
Pix Shahiddan Saidi

There鈥檚 a reason why Cosmos Caudatus or Ulam Raja is touted as the King of Ulam.

According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (每日大赛app) lecturer Dr You Yee Xing, 28, Ulam Raja has a promising and potential value of polyphenol and antioxidant content, which have been proven effective in preventing memory loss and increasing cognitive function in the elderly.

He was recently awarded with Doctoral Gold Award (Anugerah Emas Kedoktoran) for his thesis titled 鈥楥osmos Caudatus supplementation as an ulam consumption modelling to improve cognitive function among older adults鈥� mild cognitive impairment during the 每日大赛app 49th convocation ceremony.

You, who is from the Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, 每日大赛app Faculty of Health Sciences developed Ulam Raja supplement which works by lowering lipid peroxidation, increasing serum glutathione levels, and activating the brain which can help prevent cognitive decline.

The project leader of this project is Professor Dr. Suzana Shahar, dean of 每日大赛app Faculty of Health Sciences and funded by Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FGRS) provided by the Ministry of Education Malaysia and Dana Impak Perdana provided by 每日大赛app.

鈥淭he cognitive function of the elderly will decrease with age. To reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, I came out with this supplement for the older adults and investigate the efficacy of this supplement on cognitive improvement.

鈥淭he study involved 48 older adults with mild cognitive impairment aged 60 to 75 years old who consumed the supplement for a period of 12 weeks.

鈥淭wenty-four of them were given the Ulam Raja supplement to consume, while the remaining 24 were given placebos. The study design is double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. The distribution of the supplement had not been disclosed to me and the participants in order to reduce bias in this study.

“I was only exposed to the truth after a period of sampling and analysis had been completed.

鈥淭he participants’ fasting serum lipids, blood sugar, kidney, and liver functions were tested at the baseline and post-intervention to determine whether or not the supplement is safe to consume or they had experienced any adverse events from taking the supplement.

鈥淭he research was registered under the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial and conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice Guidelines and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki 1964,” he said.

You mentioned that his study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test the participants’ cognitive function before and after they took the supplement.

He further revealed that those who took the supplement had significant increment in brain activation when compared to those who consumed placebos.

According to him, the supplement also improves global cognitive function, working memory, reduces stress and mood disturbances among the elderly.

“It has been proven that Ulam Raja, which is high in antioxidants and other nutrients, can help prevent cognitive decline in older people,” he said.

Additionally, the study is expected to benefit the economy by promoting the expansion of agro based industries and agriculture associated with Ulam Raja.

Growing up, You said that he and his family has never consumed traditional ulam.

鈥淚t is not very common for us to eat raw ulam. When my supervisor first suggested this topic, I was a bit hesitant. However, after my own research reviews and a lot of readings, I realised that Ulam Raja has a lot of potential.

鈥淎t first, I planned to incorporate Ulam Raja in everyday food products like biscuits or beverages, but this ulam is very unique and sensitive. My team attempted to retain its nutrients, but it proved difficult because it loses its active compounds when exposed to high temperatures.鈥� he added.

The most challenging aspect of his research is dealing with human subjects.

“It’s critical for me to follow ethical principles and ensure that the research was carried out in the most responsible and ethical manner possible,” he explained.

You stated that he has filed a patent for the supplement and that the commercialisation process is currently underway.

He has successfully published 23 papers in reputable journals, including journal articles, conference papers and book chapters related to the field of study.

鈥淚 am proud to get a chance to pursue my degree and PhD in 每日大赛app. The university has helped a lot in achieving my dreams and shaping my future,鈥� he said.

His early education was at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC), but with the goal of becoming fluent in Malay, he continued his studies at 每日大赛app 鈥� a university that upholds the Malay language.

By Siti Lailatul Mastura Norazlan

BANGI, 3 November 2019 鈥揃eing on the same convocation stage of 每日大赛app 47^th Convocation Ceremony was the sweetest moment for a father and daughter duo. Zulkafli Amat, 57 completed his PhD in Business Administration from 每日大赛app Graduate School of Business (每日大赛app-GSB) while his daughter Nazatul Husna, 25, received her Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Business Administration from Faculty of Economics and Management.

鈥淎lhamdulillah, I am very grateful and overjoyed at graduating together with my daughter鈥�, said Zulkafli.

An Administrative office in 每日大赛app, and on duty for 每日大赛app Convocation ceremonies for the past 28 years, today he is overwhelmed with emotions as he is one of those walking the convocation stage after seven years of studying. He said time constraints was the major issue that he had to face in completing his studies.

鈥淚 really had to discipline myself and also spent my weekends in the office to complete my thesis. Support from my family and friends motivated me to not give up and continue to focus on completing my studies. 鈥渉e said.

Zulkafli thanked 每日大赛app for giving him the opportunity to further his studies while still working in the university.

Nazatul Husna, is also grateful and thrilled at being able to celebrate her success with her father who is always encouraging her.

She said even though she had to manage her time between family and studies, she was able to complete it within the required time.

鈥淚 had to quit my job to focus on my studies. My thanks to my family especially my husband who endlessly supported and encouraged me in my journey鈥�/ she said.

However, with the support of her family, lecturers and friends from Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PP每日大赛app), she was able to get back up and continued on.

It all started on August 2017, when Nurul Wahida, 25, woke up to an acute back pain that left her unable to get up from her bed.

On the third day, it grew worse; half of her body was paralysed.

鈥淥nly Allah knew how I felt at that time. I was taken to the PP每日大赛app emergency unit, as I was at Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail at that time. After follow-up examinations by the doctors, it was confirmed that I had spinal arteriovenous malformation, which is the inflammation of the spinal cord,鈥� she explained.

Due to her illness, she stated that she had to defer her studies for one year to undergo surgeries, treatments and physiotherapies.

鈥淎fter that incident, I was feeling down and blue. However, I tried to gain back my strength as I only have a year left of medical school,鈥� she said.

To continue her studies, she met with the Deputy Dean of Faculty of Medicine to ask of his opinion.

鈥淎lhamdulilah, the Deputy Dean encouraged me to continue with my studies. It took me some time to adjust with my current physical situation.鈥�

鈥淎fter awhile, I was able to adapt and live with the changes that came with being paralysed. Furthermore, my lecturers and doctors gave me a lot of leeway. With their help, I was able to complete my studies.鈥�

鈥淚 spent a year in a dorm located on the 11^th floor of the hospital building (Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, PP每日大赛app) so as to allow me to move with ease to meet patients in clinics and wards,鈥� said the Kedahan graduate.

The graduate from the Faculty of Medicine advised all students out there who suffers a similar fate as her to not give up and keep moving forward in their studies.

鈥淒o not let our impairments become an excuse to be sad, but instead let it be our strength to rise up again,鈥� she advised.

By Siti Lailatul Mastura

BANGI, 3 November 2019 鈥� 47^th National University of Malaysia Convocation will be a cherished moment for siblings Mohd Hasra Ibrahim and his sister Noor Shahira Ibrahim.

Mohd Hasra, 32, completed his Master鈥檚 in Education (Guidance and Counselling) in Faculty of Education and obtained his Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). His sister, Noor Shahira, 28, has a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Theology and Philosophy from Faculty of Islamic Studies, 每日大赛app before pursuing her Masters in Sociology from Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Their success was a dream come true as it was always their ambition to graduate together.

鈥淲e didn鈥檛 expect to graduate together as we registered in different years鈥� said Mohd Hasra.

He said that despite being in different fields, at times they shared the same book when doing research work.

The eldest of three, felt that the biggest challenge was when their father passed away last year (2018).

鈥淎s the eldest, I had to manage my time to take care of the family and also focus on studies,鈥� he said.

Mohd Hasra plans to pursue his doctorate soon.

Also graduating at the same ceremony are siblings Wan Nur Fazlina Abdol Jani who received her PhD in Engineering from Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and Wan Nur Farah Syuhada Abdol Jani who obtained her Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Science with Honours (Acturial Science) from Faculty of Science and Technology.

By Asmahanim Amir

BANGI, 25 October 2019 鈥� Nine students from GENIUS@pintar, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia are making Malaysia proud when they compete at the prestigious World Robot Olympiad 2019 and World Final F1 in School this November.

Three of them will compete at World Robot Olympiad 2019 in Hungary. The Robotic Team GENIUS@pintar will showcase the prototype project that utilizes IoT Control Unit (Internet of Things) which can perform multiple functions such as controlling the use of street lights, sending emergency signals from traffic, controlling the water filtration from drainage, and improving the safety of traffic users.

The other six students on the other hand will face stiff competition at World Final F1 in School in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Calling themselves Vencera, the team will convince judges through the prototype car they created which can moves fast and stable on the road. The team had received sponsorship from the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Petronas, and the Pahang Foundation to support the cost of the prototype development.

The Director of GENIUS@pintar National Gifted Centre, Prof. Datuk Dr. Noriah Mohd Ishak said the students work hard to win in every competition they participate just like when they proved it in 2015.

鈥淪ince the club is formed, our students will work hard to win at every competition they participate. They are also trying to compete internationally and finally getting their first chance in 2015. This effort will continue for the next generation and become a legacy programme for our students,鈥� she said.

From 7,655 graduates, there were 531 who will receive their Doctorate鈥檚 degrees, 2551 will receive their Master鈥檚 degrees, 235 graduates from Master鈥檚 in Medicine (Clinical) program, 2 graduates will receive Advanced Master of Dermatology, 4208 will receive their bachelor鈥檚 degrees, 101 will receive their postgraduate diplomas and 19 will receive their diplomas.

The ceremony saw Prof. Michchael Lavelle-Jones, former President of The Royal College of Surgeon of Edinburgh, awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Medical Science. Also, an Honorary Doctorate of Universal Security and Sustainable Development was awarded to His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, a former Secretary-General for the United Nations.

Furthermore, the awards for the title of Professor Emeritus were presented to four former 每日大赛app academicians, which were Dr. Muhammad Mat Salleh (Organic Electronics), Dr. Bohari Yamin (Chemistry), Dr. Tham Siew Yin (Economy) and Dato鈥� Dr. Lokman Saim (Otology), whose dedication and commitment persisted throughout their careers in 每日大赛app.

The convocation ceremony also celebrated Farahana Mohamed from Faculty of Health Science and Nalini Santhiran from Faculty of Law, recipients of the prestigious Anugerah Pelajaran DiRaja, while Muhammad Alif Fitri Abdul Halim from Faculty of Islamic Studies was awarded with the Vice Chancellor鈥檚 Award, and the Tun Razak Award was presented to Joshua Peh Jian Ren from Faculty of Dentistry.

By Asmahanim Amir

BANGI, 2 November 2019 – Who would of thought the grief of having to let go a spot in a Sarawakian university eight years ago would turn into an unexpected joy for one student.

Farahana Mohamed, a Biomedical Science graduate from the Faculty of Health Science (FSK), who hails from Kubang Kerian, never regretted her decision to decline the offer as she believed the sacrifice she has made for her family would be rewarded with happiness.

鈥淎fter completing Science Foundation Program, I was offered to enrol in UNIMAS (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak), but I had to decline the offer as my father had just suffered a stroke. He couldn鈥檛 continue his work as a labourer. I couldn鈥檛 bear to leave my family, with the ill condition that my father was in.鈥�

鈥淪o, I decided to continue my studies by taking a diploma course. Of course it felt like a waste of time, but it was the best path for me at that time,鈥� she said, and she pursued a Diploma in Microbiology at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kuala Pilah.

She said that every semester break, she would work part time jobs to support herself and her studies.

After completing her diploma course, Farahana went to work immediately on a contract basis for a company in Kelantan to help support her family, while also planned her next move.

鈥淥n top of my father鈥檚 illness, my mother fell ill. The family鈥檚 responsibility felt onto my two older sisters鈥� shoulders; one works as a teacher and the other, a nurse. They were the once the family rely on, on top of my older brothers,鈥� said Farahana, who also has a younger sibling with a learning disability.

Farahana was grateful to be accepted to study at 每日大赛app (Univesiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) after almost a year upon completing her diploma course.

鈥淚t鈥檚 true, provision that Allah provides always comes at the moment it is meant to be,鈥� she said.

Throughout her four year degree program at 每日大赛app, she was very active in associations. She was the Vice President of 每日大赛app Students’ Representative Council, 2017/2018 session.

The sixth child out of eleven siblings, she has always shown potential to succeed. She also competed and attended conferences on an international level.

鈥淚 owe my gratitude to all of the FSK members, especially to the Dean and former Dean, to all of my biomedical science lecturers, my final year project supervisor (Dr. Yap Wei Boon), and my mentor (Prof. Madya. Dr. Jacinta) who have always guided me in balancing my studies and my extra-curricular activities.鈥�

鈥淭o all of my family members, especially to my mother and father, Zaharah Husin and Mohamed Awang, to my older sisters Zubariah and Zalina, and to my young siblings Faizah and Syuhada, and also my brothers, I am so thankful for everything. They are my source of strength,鈥� said Farahana, while holding back tears.

She admitted all of her success to date come from prayers, support, guidance and hope from all the people around her.

Her excellent achievement in her studies, coupled with her committed involvement in associations in the university level has qualified Farahana Mohamed to receive Anugerah Pelajaran Diraja for the 47^th 每日大赛app Convocation.

By Siti Lailatul Mastura Norazlan

BANGI, November 2, 2019 鈥� 鈥楲ike father, like son鈥� … That鈥檚 an apt expression given to Nalina Santhiran who made her father, Santhiran Veloo, an idol in pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer.

Her profound interest in analysis and love for reading became a driving force for a girl who was born in Petaling Jaya, Selangor and raised in Teluk Intan, Perak to realize her dreams.

Nalina, the recipient of Royal Education Award at 每日大赛app鈥檚 47^th Convocation, is the first of three siblings of Leela Palanisamydan and Santhiran Veloo.

鈥淚nitially, I aspired to pursue a degree in English Literature, but I was compelled to venture into a legal field at the time of the application process at the Matriculation level due to my academic curiosity,鈥� she said.

She said both of her parents had never pushed her and her siblings to venture into the field they loved.

鈥淭hey (parents) have always encouraged our siblings to pursue our ambitions. My own parents did not expect that I was interested in pursuing my education in law,鈥� she said.

Speaking of her success, she said it was rather a clich茅 for her to say that she had no secret to her success.

鈥淚 just make a to-do list every day and focus on that list,鈥� she said.

Following in her father鈥檚 footsteps, who is a law practitioner and a former magistrate, Nalina continues to step in to explore the field.

However, her interest lies more in civil law compared to her father who is more focused on criminal law.

Nalina鈥檚 success is not only realised in the classroom, but she is also actively involved in social entrepreneurship. In fact, as a freshman in 每日大赛app, she participated in pitching new ideas at the Dubai Regional Finalist The 7th Clinton Foundation鈥檚 HULT Prize Social Entrepreneurship Challenge in Dubai.

In addition, among the programmes she participated internationally include the World Federation United Nations (WFUNA) Youth Seminar 2016, German Southeast Asian Centre of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPG) Summer School Programme, Goethe University, Germany 2017 and Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR).

鈥淭hrough these activities, I have more skills in commercial awareness,鈥� she said.

By Siti Lailatul Mastura Norazlan

BANGI, 2 November 2019 – Being married at a young age should not be seen as a hindrance to achieving academic success such as being presented with the Vice Chancellor Award during the 47^th Convocation Ceremony of National University of Malaysia.

Muhammad Alif Fitri Abdul Halim, decided to end his single status at a young age of 21, sees marriage as the burning torch to his academic success.

鈥淏eing married at a young age while both of us are still studying, comes with a lot of hurdles and obstacles. It is quite challenging to manage my time between my roles as a student, husband and father鈥�, he said. 聽鈥淏ut that is not an excuse for me to not be active in university. My wife and I both stay on campus (his wife is in Islamic Science University of Malaysia, USIM). We only see each other during the weekends, and even that is not often because I am quite involved in several co-curricular activities and social organisations,鈥� said Fitri, who is active in voluntary work especially with non-governmental organisations (NGO) such as Yayasan Amar Al Fateh.

But being on campus doesn鈥檛 mean that he neglects his responsibility towards his family.

鈥淣o matter how busy I am, I will always prioritize my wife and my parents as they are the torch that light my way and gave me the strength to achieve this success鈥�.

鈥淢y parents, Abdul Halim Abdullah and Siti Hajar Nawawi have supported me a lot especially in assisting me financially. Associate Professor Dr. Erni Aziati, my supervisor, was also generous with his guidance and advice. And of course, my wife, Norhaslina Abdul Ghani for the willingness to accept me as I am from the moment we met until now. They are my pillar of strength鈥� Fitri said.

He said that with proper planning, he successfully managed to overcome the hurdles.

Father to a young adorable baby, he is active in leadership and holds several positions in student organisations on campus. He is also active in voluntary activities off campus.

鈥淚 am confident that 每日大赛app is the place for me to broaden my potential and interests鈥�, he said.

Alif Fitri, hails from Teluk Intan Perak. He was conferred with a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Islamic Studies (Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization), having achieved a CGPA of 3.78.

By Nur Inaara Aznan

BANGI, November 13, 2018 鈥� The Temuan Orang Asli children’s heritage which is the former inhabitants of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (每日大赛app) site, Nur Ilmiah Rosli has proven that life’s hardship is not a barrier to success.

She, who graduated with 7,021 每日大赛app graduates has obtained her Bachelor of Accounting at the 46th 每日大赛app Convocation Ceremony.

Nur Ilmiah, Orang Asli of Kampung Sungai Buah, Dengkil is the eldest of her eight siblings. Her father worked as a security guard while her mother was a full-time housewife.

According to her, the encouragement and support of the family is the backbone for her success today.

“Mom and dad often advise that whatever I鈥檓 doing, I have to do it with great diligence and good intentions,” she said.

Nur Ilmiah Rosli also intends to continue her studies to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

She hoped that young people in her hometown would not make their situation as an excuse for not succeeding.

“I remind myself and my friends in the village to study hard and try to improve the education and living standards of the Orang Asli community.

“To succeed, we need to wake up and pursue our dreams. Do not just be comfortable with what we have but keep on working and improving lives,” she added.

At the beginning of 每日大赛app development, around the 1970s, the 每日大赛app campus site was where the community of Temuan Orang Asli live. 每日大赛app is indebted to the entire Orang Asli where they willingly relocated to see a national university that promotes Bahasa Melayu to be developed in Malaysia.