Among them is former Student Representative Council (SRC) president Nurul Aminatul Zahraa Binti Yunus for the year 2023/2024, an undergraduate in International Business whose journey reflects both adaptability and clarity of ambition. Now setting her sights on becoming a business consultant, she attributes her success to a focused and practical approach.

“Follow your lecturers, stay consistent, and do what is required — success will come,” she said.

Despite her strong academic record, Nurul emphasised that success did not come from studying excessively, but from understanding. By paying close attention during lectures and revisiting recorded classes, she built a disciplined learning habit that earned her multiple Dean’s List recognitions.

Triplets in Tech: Shared Journey, Individual Paths

Equally compelling is the story of triplet brothers, Agathiiyan Krishna Muthri, Aghiilan Krishna Muthri, and Arrjunan Krishna Muthri, who have collectively amassed more than 10 Dean’s List awards each over the course of their studies from foundation to undergraduate.

Having progressed together from foundation to degree over four years, their journey reflects both shared discipline and individual growth.

Agathiiyan, the eldest by minutes, has emerged as a quiet leader — not by authority, but through initiative. While all three specialise in different areas within IT, each has developed a distinct personality: one actively takes on leadership roles, another prefers a more academic focus, while the third contributes through student organisations.

“We don’t compete — we support each other,” he said.

Raised in a disciplined household where education was prioritised, the brothers grew up with strong academic values instilled by their parents. Their father’s career shaped expectations around commitment and responsibility, which continue to influence their outlook today.

Their decision to enrol at UNITAR was driven by practical considerations — proximity to home, affordability, flexible intake, and a seamless pathway from foundation to degree — but their achievements reflect far more than convenience.

Agathiiyan believes academic success is rooted in strategy rather than sheer hours of study.

“Assignments show you what matters. It’s about understanding, not memorising,” he explained.

He also credits collaborative learning as key, working closely with peers who contribute different strengths — from coding to documentation — while he often takes on the role of simplifying complex concepts for others.

Beyond academics, he actively participates in student organisations and leadership roles, recognising the importance of developing well-rounded skills.

“To position ourselves well, we need more than grades,” he added.

While confident academically, he admits that balancing coursework with meetings, projects and extracurricular responsibilities remains his biggest challenge — one that continues to shape his growth.

Looking ahead, the brothers plan to pursue master’s degrees while gaining work experience, with aspirations of exploring opportunities in Germany, driven by its reputation in technology and engineering.

Balancing Achievement and Aspiration

Another standout student, Suziana Nabillah Suhaimi, a scholarship recipient of the State Government of Penang and UNITAR and the eldest in her family, represents a different but equally compelling motivation — one anchored in responsibility and expectations.

Driven by her family’s aspirations, she has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition while contributing actively as a Secretary in the Peers Club for 2025/26. Within UNITAR PEERS Club, a student-led group that supports wellbeing, peer mentoring, and campus engagement, helping students connect, adapt, and grow beyond academics.

She hopes to pursue a career in private international education upon graduating in 2028.

Her confidence was evident at the recent Dean’s List ceremony, where she attended as a seasoned recipient alongside friends dressed in vibrant traditional Malay attire.

“We wanted to make the most of the moment — celebrate, create memories, and enjoy the experience together,” she said, recalling how they continued the celebration after the event.

A Culture of Support and Self-Discipline

Across these stories, a common thread emerges: success is rarely achieved alone.

Whether it is siblings navigating the same academic journey, peers supporting one another through assignments, or students staying grounded through lecturer guidance, these high achievers demonstrate that discipline thrives within a supportive community.

They also embody a balanced perspective, one that recognises that university life extends beyond grades.

“You can study, and you can still enjoy the experience,” Arrjunan, one of the triplets, shared.

According to Vice-Chancellor of UNITAR International University, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, the achievements of these students reflect more than academic ability.

“These students demonstrate that success is built on discipline, resilience, and the ability to learn both independently and collaboratively. At UNITAR, we are proud to see our students not only excel academically, but also develop the character and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s evolving world by building highly employable skills,” he said.

With strong communication skills, clear ambitions, and the ability to balance multiple demands, they reflect a generation that values both excellence and adaptability.

As they move toward postgraduate studies and professional careers, these students carry with them not just academic accolades, but the discipline, resilience, and perspective needed to succeed — together, yet individually.

Close to 400 students received the UNITAR Dean List at an award ceremony on 27 June at UNITAR International University.