Completing his studies in just 5 semesters, Subash Rao receives BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. Excellence Award

GAMBANG, 27 October 2024 – The youngest child of Pothorajoo Sanasee and Appalarasie Subramaniam, Subash Rao Pothorajoo, 23, achieved outstanding success by completing his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering in just five semesters at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).

This success was celebrated at the 19th UMPSA Convocation Ceremony, where he also received the BASF Petronas Chemical Sdn. Bhd. Excellence Award, presented by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin, during the Fourth Session.

According to Subash, he is grateful to have completed his studies in just five semesters instead of the usual seven, achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.87 and earning the Dean’s List Award every semester since his diploma programme.

“This success would not have been possible without the prayers of my parents and the support of my friends, Aghilan Ganesan and Goh Zi Yi.

“Thanks also to Yayasan UMPSA, which offered me a scholarship during my diploma studies, while for my bachelor’s degree programme, I received a scholarship from the Public Service Department (JPA).

“More interestingly, I was also selected as a recipient of the BWS Germany Scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to complete one semester at Hochschule Mannheim, Germany,” said Subash, who had previously been awarded the Faculty Gold Medal during his diploma studies.

The youngest of four siblings, Subash shared his desire to follow in the footsteps of his three older siblings, who also chose UMPSA as their destination for further studies.

His brothers and sisters pursued Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Technology programmes: Satish Raodan, along with his two sisters, Loshyini Devi and Tarshwini Devi.

In addition to excelling academically, Subash was active as President of the UMPSA Sustainability Club (Ecosiswa) and participated in various volunteer activities, including the ‘Let’s Save Go Green’ programme.

Furthermore, he served on the publicity committee of IEM UMPSA and the multimedia committee for CHEST UMPSA and was also a member of the Chess Club.

According to Subash, UMPSA’s practical approach in technical fields and the strong support from the teaching staff greatly helped him enhance his competitiveness as a graduate.

He described UMPSA’s learning experience as a crucial factor that has prepared its graduates to meet industry needs.

Now working as a Production Engineer at Top Glove, Subash remains active in Young Engineers IEM Pahang.

Subash aspires to become a Professional Engineer (Ir.) and pursue his PhD at either Cambridge University or Hochschule Mannheim, with the unwavering support of his family and beloved friends.

By: Nor Salwana Mohammad Idris, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology