UTP brings a family closer together
(The Star, 9 November 2021)
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Vijaya Kumar (seated, left) with his wife Vijialetchemy (seated, right) together with their daughters (top, from left) Subhashini Devi, Sangetha Devi, Suria Devi and Sathia Devi.
It was retired master mariner Vijaya Kumar’s previous experience working with PETRONAS that gave him the confidence to send his children to pursue their tertiary studies in Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).
“I want my children to have a world-standard education,” said the Ipohrian.
Despite personal preferences, Vijaya and his wife Vijialetchemy have always given their daughters the freedom of choice.
“We have never restricted our children to only UTP, or even when it comes to any other courses.”
Yet, by sheer coincidence, all four of them chose to enrol in UTP, a decision that has brought the family closer in unexpected ways.
Since young, Suria, Sathia and Sangetha were drawn to science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects and all three naturally chose engineering.
Suria feels that engineering reflected her personality and interests, while Sathia has always been fond of ‘gears and machines’ and aspires to be a well-known engineer someday.
Third daughter Sangetha was more fascinated by elements of problem-solving, critical thinking and good communication involved in the engineering field.
Even then, choosing mechanical engineering was not a straightforward decision.
“I was torn between doing a course related to mass communications and engineering. I then looked up UTP’s website and saw the detailed course list that I would be studying.
“There were non-engineering courses like entrepreneurship and professional communication skills, in addition to the hardcore non-engineering courses,” she said.
YUTP Education Grant student Sathia (back row, second from left) who has always been fond of gears and machines, aspires to be a well-known engineer someday.
Knowing that a mechanical engineering degree would not limit her from learning other subjects she was also passionate about put her heart at peace.
Youngest daughter Subhashini grew up with her sisters embarking on their respective journeys in UTP and saw how they each experienced dynamic and active undergraduate lives.
Other than their studies, they took part in exchange programmes, Science and Engineering Design Exhibition (SEDEX), technopreneurship activities and many more.
Eldest sister Suria was given the chance to join the JST Sakura Science Programme, which allowed her to travel outside of Malaysia and experience the culture and lifestyle of a different country.
She remembered fondly, “We got to take part in an engineering symposium in Japan and managed to secure a bronze medal!”
Seeing how her sisters blossomed in UTP motivated Subashini to follow in their footsteps.
Being interested in entrepreneurship since she was a child, she naturally gravitated towards a course in business management.
Starting her degree this September, she said excitedly, “I look forward to making beautiful memories just as my siblings have.”
UTP is one of the most prominent universities in offering educational grants to reduce the financial burden of families who are struggling and the family is a beneficiary.
Both Sathia and Sangetha were recipients of the Yayasan UTP Education Grant, which went a long way to assisting the family financially.
“Many scholarships and grants are available for students who excel in their studies,” Sathia mentioned. “I am a YUTP Education Grant student and I am proud to say that out loud.”
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Sangetha (second from right) was happy that UTP also has non-engineering courses like entrepreneurship and professional communication skills in addition to the hardcore non-engineering courses.
Vijaya couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out. “All three of my daughters have matured well,” he said.
“They clearly demonstrate leadership qualities, are highly motivated to excel in all aspects of university life and they continue to strive to give their best in everything they do.
“I have witnessed my eldest daughter’s success and looking at her pursue her master’s degree makes me feel so confident about her future career, especially when she is getting her MSc in Mechanical Engineering at UTP.
“Others have yet to complete their degree programme, but I'm very confident that with UTP’s internship programmes, they will be able to have great careers after their respective graduations.”
When asked if he would recommend UTP to other parents, Vijaya replied without hesitation, “Definitely. It brings me so much joy that UTP provided the foundation that my daughters needed to achieve their dreams.”
Not many families can say that their daughters went to the same school since primary, secondary and now university. This has been unexpectedly enriching for the sisters.
“Because of these shared experiences, the bond between my girls is so much stronger now,” added Vijaya.
