USM PENANG, 9 February 2020 – “Are you still running?” That is the question many people would ask Tan Sri Dr. M. Jegathesan whenever they meet or come across each other once in a while.

The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Pro-Chancellor, also known as ‘The Flying Doctor’, is an accomplished microbiologist.

Still, he was often asked on his achievements in the track and field event, representing the country and being the sprint champion in two Asian Games and a semi-finalist in two Olympic Games in the 1960s.

Known to those close to him as ‘Jega’, he recently met the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan and had discussions on matters relating to the university.

This was followed by a session with the USM MPP (Student Representatives Council) members for the 2019/2020 Academic Year later in the afternoon, arranged by the Division of Student Development Affairs and Alumni (BHEPA).

Jegathesan congratulated the MPP members for being elected as representatives. He then went on to explain the difference in meaning of achieving ‘excellence’ and ‘success’.

“Excellence is determined by the world,” he said, while “success would depend on your own potential.”

“Achieving our own success would depend on own potential,” he continued to explain with the acronym H.A.R.P. - ‘Height (of success) Achieved Relative to Potential’.

“Though our talents may be different, we should grab every opportunity that we could to achieve success. It would be good for parents too, to expose their children to as many different opportunities as they can,” he added.

Already in his 70s, he shared lots of insights and words of wisdom to the ‘young’ MPP members.

 

As they listened attentively, he continued further by reminding them to not be afraid in chasing their dreams.

“Don’t just dream; change it to visions and goals,” he reminded them to always visualise what they have wanted, and where in the end they will find a way to turn it into reality.

More words of wisdom then followed. “In order to realise one’s dream, make sure you have 4Ds: Direction, Determination, Discipline and Dedication,” he pointed out to them.

“In addition to the 4Ds, you need to have the right ‘attitude’ and ‘aptitude’ to follow your dreams through.”

As he finalised the session, Jegathesan reminded the 20 MPP members to have a ‘winning’ image and be confident in doing their duties.

“It’s all part of the journey of life,” he said. “Aim for a balanced life so that you can manage all the things in life well,” he said in ending the session.

Others who were present at the session include the BHEPA Senior Deputy Registrar, Mohamad Abdullah and several university officials.

Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin