We often come across inspiring student achievements, but this time, it isn’t just about the success, it is about the journey filled with disappointment, criticism, and humiliation that shaped a young man into an award-winning achiever.
At the 20th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), we met with 26-year-old Mathivanan Loganathan, the recipient of the prestigious Pro-Chancellor Award and a First-Class graduate in Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Industrial Biotechnology, finishing with a CGPA of 3.82.
In this exclusive interview, Mathivanan opens about his struggles, his resilience, and the scientific innovation that earned him one of UMPSA’s highest honours.
Born in Kedah and raised in Penang, Mathivanan, or Mathi as he is known, did not have an easy start. “My school days weren’t the best. I even failed a few subjects,” he recalled. “I always dreamed of studying biotechnology, but during my diploma, I was placed in chemical technology instead. Still, I didn’t give up, because I believed one day I would pursue biotechnology.”
The emotional strength behind his determination came from a place of deep hurt, watching his mother suffer from the criticisms of those around them.
“Some relatives used to ask my mother, ‘Why is your son so dumb until he fails in exams?’” he said. “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.”
Despite facing humiliation and a series of academic rejections, he continued to push forward. His applications for a biotechnology degree were rejected by several universities because of his chemistry background. “I faced criticism, doubt, and disappointment,” he shared. “Yet, I applied again the following year and that was the turning point.”
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That turning point came through UMPSA. With guidance from Mohd Narawi Hassan, a staff member from the Department of Academic and Inter-Academic Affairs (JHEAA), Mathi reapplied. After sending in his documents, he received the acceptance letter that changed everything. “It was a one-in-a-million feeling,” he said.
Mathi’s journey is remarkable not because he had a perfect academic background, but because he transformed every setback into fuel. Despite failing Science and Mathematics during PT3, he went on to complete his Diploma at Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, with an impressive CGPA of 3.73. Even then, life tested him yet again. His university application was rejected, and during that time, he also lost his father to heart disease.
“I had to start working in a pharmacy just to survive,” he said softly. But his dream of studying biotechnology never faded.
His dedication culminated in a final-year project that became the highlight of his academic career, a wound healing cream derived from Kyllinga nemoralis extracts, designed especially for diabetic patients.
When Mathi's father faced the challenges of diabetes, it ignited a passion in him to help others dealing with similar struggles. Mathi took a leap to make a difference for those suffering from wounds related to the condition. Hence that's where it all begins...
His innovation required advanced technical skills, including phytochemical extractions, product formulation, and efficacy testing using animal models. The project’s potential to benefit diabetic patients is significant and it earned him strong recognition from UMPSA.
Mathi also represented UMPSA at the 1st International Biomedical Conference under the Young Investigator Award category, organised by the Institute for Medical Research (IMR). “Sharing my project with experts, exchanging ideas, and engaging in scientific conversations was eye-opening,” he said. “It made me realise how meaningful and exciting science communication can be.”
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Throughout his journey, he credits two key figures : his supervisor, Dr. Nor Adila Mhd Omar, and UMPSA staff member Mohd Narawi, who helped him secure his place at the university. He also expressed gratitude to his elder brothers, close friends, and a cousin who stood by him during every hardship.
Offering advice to young Malaysians, Mathi emphasised the importance of perseverance. “Life will always test you. Problems may come one after another. But never give up,” he shared. “If God gives us challenges, He also gives us the strength to rise again. What matters most is keeping your trust in Him and continuing to pray.”
Mathivanan’s story reminds us that humiliation, heartbreak, and rejection can shape individuals into stronger, more compassionate human beings. From failing subjects to earning First Class Honours, from losing a father to helping diabetic patients through research, this man’s thought is indeed one in million.
As he steps into the next chapter of his career, his achievements highlight the power of determination, love for family, and a desire to improve the lives of others. His story shows as an inspiration to all young Malaysians who continue to dream, strive, and rise despite the odds.
We wish him every success in his future endeavours.
At the 20th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), we met with 26-year-old Mathivanan Loganathan, the recipient of the prestigious Pro-Chancellor Award and a First-Class graduate in Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Industrial Biotechnology, finishing with a CGPA of 3.82.
In this exclusive interview, Mathivanan opens about his struggles, his resilience, and the scientific innovation that earned him one of UMPSA’s highest honours.
Born in Kedah and raised in Penang, Mathivanan, or Mathi as he is known, did not have an easy start. “My school days weren’t the best. I even failed a few subjects,” he recalled. “I always dreamed of studying biotechnology, but during my diploma, I was placed in chemical technology instead. Still, I didn’t give up, because I believed one day I would pursue biotechnology.”
The emotional strength behind his determination came from a place of deep hurt, watching his mother suffer from the criticisms of those around them.
“Some relatives used to ask my mother, ‘Why is your son so dumb until he fails in exams?’” he said. “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.”
Despite facing humiliation and a series of academic rejections, he continued to push forward. His applications for a biotechnology degree were rejected by several universities because of his chemistry background. “I faced criticism, doubt, and disappointment,” he shared. “Yet, I applied again the following year and that was the turning point.”
That turning point came through UMPSA. With guidance from Mohd Narawi Hassan, a staff member from the Department of Academic and Inter-Academic Affairs (JHEAA), Mathi reapplied. After sending in his documents, he received the acceptance letter that changed everything. “It was a one-in-a-million feeling,” he said.
Mathi’s journey is remarkable not because he had a perfect academic background, but because he transformed every setback into fuel. Despite failing Science and Mathematics during PT3, he went on to complete his Diploma at Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, with an impressive CGPA of 3.73. Even then, life tested him yet again. His university application was rejected, and during that time, he also lost his father to heart disease.
“I had to start working in a pharmacy just to survive,” he said softly. But his dream of studying biotechnology never faded.
His dedication culminated in a final-year project that became the highlight of his academic career, a wound healing cream derived from Kyllinga nemoralis extracts, designed especially for diabetic patients.
When Mathi's father faced the challenges of diabetes, it ignited a passion in him to help others dealing with similar struggles. Mathi took a leap to make a difference for those suffering from wounds related to the condition. Hence that's where it all begins...
His innovation required advanced technical skills, including phytochemical extractions, product formulation, and efficacy testing using animal models. The project’s potential to benefit diabetic patients is significant and it earned him strong recognition from UMPSA.
Mathi also represented UMPSA at the 1st International Biomedical Conference under the Young Investigator Award category, organised by the Institute for Medical Research (IMR). “Sharing my project with experts, exchanging ideas, and engaging in scientific conversations was eye-opening,” he said. “It made me realise how meaningful and exciting science communication can be.”
Throughout his journey, he credits two key figures : his supervisor, Dr. Nor Adila Mhd Omar, and UMPSA staff member Mohd Narawi, who helped him secure his place at the university. He also expressed gratitude to his elder brothers, close friends, and a cousin who stood by him during every hardship.
Offering advice to young Malaysians, Mathi emphasised the importance of perseverance. “Life will always test you. Problems may come one after another. But never give up,” he shared. “If God gives us challenges, He also gives us the strength to rise again. What matters most is keeping your trust in Him and continuing to pray.”
Mathivanan’s story reminds us that humiliation, heartbreak, and rejection can shape individuals into stronger, more compassionate human beings. From failing subjects to earning First Class Honours, from losing a father to helping diabetic patients through research, this man’s thought is indeed one in million.
As he steps into the next chapter of his career, his achievements highlight the power of determination, love for family, and a desire to improve the lives of others. His story shows as an inspiration to all young Malaysians who continue to dream, strive, and rise despite the odds.
We wish him every success in his future endeavours.
