From growing up in the estates of Sungai Siput to walking the historic halls of the University of Cambridge, Jayaprakash Murulitharan’s journey is a remarkable reminder that dreams truly have no boundaries.

Now 44, Jayaprakash never imagined he would one day become the first and only Malaysian to earn a Master’s in Atmospheric Science from Cambridge. Raised in a rural estate and surrounded by financial challenges, he often heard that boys like him could only dream of such achievements. But his family, especially his father, never allowed him to settle for less. They reminded him constantly that “nothing is impossible” when determination leads the way.

Motivated by that belief, and supported by friends and family, Jayaprakash secured a Malaysian government scholarship to pursue his PhD at Cambridge, a moment he still describes as surreal. Just two weeks ago, he graduated with a Doctorate in Chemistry (Atmospheric Science) from the university’s Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry.

His research tackled one of Malaysia’s most persistent environmental issues: the transboundary haze. Through atmospheric modelling, satellite imaging, biomass flux analysis, and big data techniques, Jayaprakash mapped how particles from biomass burning in Sumatra travel across borders and affect cities like Greater Kuala Lumpur. For him, this work is more than academic, it’s a step toward cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer environment for all Malaysians.

Driven by his passion for public service, Jayaprakash hopes to use his skills in modelling, coding, and big data to strengthen Malaysia’s emerging AI-driven policies. Currently serving as a PTD officer in the housing and local government ministry, he continues to prove that real progress happens when knowledge meets purpose.

A Chevening scholar, Jayaprakash also holds a master’s in environmental and Sustainability Studies from the University of Strathclyde and a degree in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

This kind of story us showing that where you begin in life does not define how far you can go. 

Source / Image Credit : FMT & smc_hq