PAHANG, 19 November 2025: Mathivanan Loganathan, 26, overcame a challenging academic background, including early subject failures and university rejections, to become the recipient of the prestigious Pro-Chancellor Award and a First-Class graduate at the 20th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
Mathivanan, who earned a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Industrial Biotechnology with a high CGPA of 3.82, credited his success to a profound determination ignited by personal humiliation and the loss of his father.
Disappointment Transformed into Drive
Known as Mathi, the Kedah-born, Penang-raised graduate recalled a difficult start, having failed Science and Mathematics during his PT3 exams. Despite graduating from Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail with an impressive Diploma CGPA of 3.73, his applications for a Biotechnology degree were rejected by several universities due to his Chemical Technology background.
The core motivation for his resilience stemmed from deep family loyalty. “Some relatives used to ask my mother, ‘Why is your son so dumb until he fails in exams?’” he shared. “The moment I saw my mom crying after hearing those words, it lit a fire inside me. All the success and proud moments are just for you, Amma and Appa.”
The turning point came when he reapplied to UMPSA, securing his place with the assistance of staff member Mohd Narawi Hassan. During this period of setback and application difficulty, Mathi also endured the loss of his father to heart disease, forcing him to take a job in a pharmacy to survive before gaining university acceptance.
Scientific Innovation Targets Diabetic Care
Mathi’s commitment culminated in a final-year project that earned him UMPSA’s highest honour: a wound healing cream derived from Kyllinga nemoralis extracts, developed specifically for diabetic patients.
The inspiration for the project was deeply personal, arising from his father’s challenges with diabetes. The research involved advanced technical skills, including phytochemical extractions, product formulation, and efficacy testing. The project’s significant potential to benefit diabetic patients earned strong recognition, leading Mathi to represent UMPSA at the 1st International Biomedical Conference under the Young Investigator Award category.
He credits his supervisor, Dr. Nor Adila Mhd Omar, and the instrumental assistance from UMPSA’s Mohd Narawi for his academic success.
Advice to Youth
Offering advice to young Malaysians, Mathi emphasized the necessity of perseverance and faith. “Life will always test you. Problems may come one after another. But never give up,” he advised. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that heartbreak and rejection can shape individuals into compassionate achievers dedicated to improving the lives of others.
