JOHOR BAHRU, 15 Nov. – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) proudly celebrates the extraordinary achievement of its graduate, Dr Rathosivan Gopal, who has carved his name into national history as the first and only Malaysian to win the prestigious Young Persons’ World Lecture Competition (YPWLC) 2022. This historic win not only represents a personal milestone for Dr Rathosivan, but also a significant honour for UTM and a source of immense pride and inspiration for Malaysia.
The path that led him to the world stage was neither straightforward nor ordinary. To qualify for the international final, Dr Rathosivan first had to excel at multiple levels of the competition. He began at the university-level selection, where he competed among UTM’s best presenters. After emerging victorious, he advanced to the national-level competition, where he once again outperformed top candidates from across the country. Only after successfully clearing these stages did he earn the privilege to represent Malaysia at the global finale.
Competing at the international level proved to be an entirely different challenge. The finalists came from various countries, each bringing unique expertise, research depth, and their own national pride. Despite the intense competition, Dr Rathosivan delivered a world-class presentation that impressed the international judges and ultimately secured him the top award. His victory marked a historic first for Malaysia in the 15-year history of YPWLC, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer for future Malaysian researchers.
Reflecting on this achievement, Dr Rathosivan humbly acknowledged the essential role played by his mentors at UTM. He emphasised that the triumph was a shared success, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship in shaping his journey and success.
“This victory is not mine alone. It is also the result of my mentors’ dedication to helping me refine my presentation skills and strengthen my confidence. Their guidance played a huge role in shaping my journey.”
His achievement became even more meaningful as he was simultaneously completing a research attachment at Université Laval, Quebec, Canada, funded by the highly competitive Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme. This international research not only deepened his technical expertise but also broadened his global outlook. Exposure to advanced research facilities, multicultural academic networks, and innovative engineering practices strengthened his capabilities as a young Malaysian researcher.
Winning YPWLC served as a powerful affirmation of Malaysian talent on the global stage. Dr Rathosivan’s victory not only marked a historic first for Malaysia in the 15-year history of YPWLC but also served as an inspiration for more young Malaysians to pursue international opportunities with confidence.
“This experience strengthened my belief in the quality of research produced by Malaysian students. I hope my journey encourages others to step beyond their comfort zones and explore opportunities abroad.”
Beyond the competition, Dr Rathosivan’s academic excellence is further highlighted by his attainment of the SEED Canada Scholarship, awarded to scholars who demonstrate exceptional academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to community impact. During his six-month attachment, he not only engaged in cutting-edge engineering research but also strengthened his leadership, communication, and social innovation skills, which are attributes that continue to shape his professional trajectory.
Now graduating at the 69th UTM Convocation, Dr Rathosivan looks back on his journey with deep gratitude.
“These achievements represent years of dedication, perseverance, and passion. I am deeply honoured to bring recognition to UTM and Malaysia.”
His story stands as a testament to what determination, strong mentorship, and global exposure can achieve. More importantly, it reflects UTM’s unwavering commitment to nurturing graduates who excel in science, innovation, and societal contribution. Dr Rathosivan’s journey will continue to inspire future generations of Malaysian researchers to dream boldly and pursue excellence on the world stage.
