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UNITAR Redefines Success: From Navigating Your 20s to Thriving in Your 30s and Beyond

Kelana Jaya, 3 October – In a society where success is often measured by speed, many young adults find themselves overwhelmed by pressure and self-doubt. Graduate by 23, land a dream job by 25, settle down by 30, is the fast lane that many young people find themselves speeding down. But this narrative is being redefined by UNITAR, a university that champions mental health awareness and lifelong learning as key pillars of success.

We see youths burdened by unrealistic expectations and internalised stress,

said Dr Brendan J. Gomez, Consulting Psychologist and Associate Professor at UNITAR. “Mental health should never be a side conversation; it is central to how we learn, grow, and thrive. Our role is to support learners through every phase of their journey, especially during the emotionally complex years of early adulthood.”
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Dr Brendan J Gomez
Associate Professor and Psychologist

With over 16,000 students and a growing postgraduate community, UNITAR is shaping a future where success is defined not by age but by authenticity, emotional resilience, and impact. UNITAR’s undergraduate programmes help young adults build foundational skills while navigating identity formation and emotional regulation. And its postgraduate programmes—including MBA, M.Ed, and DBA— are increasingly becoming platforms for career pivoting, personal transformation, and second chances. UNITAR’s ecosystem is designed for working adults and career switchers. With flexible schedules, online options, and a strong support network – mental health counselling services, career coaching, and peer circles – the university enables learners to balance study with life’s responsibilities, which opens doors to mature learners in general.
 
Two mature students who had an illustrious sharing are teachers Shoba Vias from St John’s International School and Cynthia Majinau from Forest City International School, Johor Bahru.

UNITAR’s education and experience have been a very informative, interesting, and thoughtprovoking addition to my teaching career. The focus on application of concepts taught rather than traditional route learning has helped me to think out of the box while addressing the learning and teaching outcomes of the students at my school,

said Shoba, who will be graduating from the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in TESL this November.

shoba

Shoba Vias,
Teacher, St John’s International School

Another teacher, Cynthia Majinau, who is in her 40s shared, “I felt more focused compared to when I was younger, because I knew exactly why I was studying and what I wanted to get out of my experience at UNITAR. At first, I was a bit nervous being surrounded by younger 2 students. Eventually, I saw it as an advantage as I brought in more life experience and a different perspective. I was able to contribute meaningfully during group discussions. It also gave me more understanding of other people’s struggles and challenges.”
cynthia

Cynthia Manijau
Teacher, Forest City International School, Johor Bahru

Cynthia needed to juggle both her learning and household responsibilities.

It was not always easy, but I learned to manage my time better. I planned things, set priorities, and sometimes had to sacrifice social time to keep up with assignments. My husband and teenage children were really supportive and helped, too. I tried to keep a balance, studying when I needed to, and making time for work and personal life.

“Overall, I had an informed, encouraging, and diverse teaching and administrative faculty that has made my four years at UNITAR very meaningful,” said Shoba.
 
This integrated approach supporting learners from their 20s into their 30s and beyond positions UNITAR as a national leader in inclusive, flexible, and purpose-driven postgraduate education.
 
“At UNITAR, we believe education should never be limited by age, background, or circumstances. Our mission is to ensure that every student, whether a fresh school leaver or working adult, has access to quality, affordable, and flexible learning,” Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Ir. Dr. Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, Vice Chancellor of UNITAR International University said.
ABOUT UNITAR EDUCATION GROUP

UNITAR International University (UNITAR) was established in 1997 as the first virtual university in Southeast Asia and among the earliest private universities in the country. It is the first institution in Asia to be awarded a QS 5-Star Rating for the Online Learning category. In alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, UNITAR’s holistic and innovative learning ecosystem provides a comprehensive programme offering for all socioeconomic levels whilst developing highly employable and entrepreneurial global citizens.

It aims to go beyond just providing the learning journey for students in acquiring relevant skill sets, but through their C.A.R.E. — Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, and Entrepreneurial education methodology, UNITAR nurtures its students in developing selfawareness of their talents and abilities, as well inculcating in them the need for social responsibility whilst moulding them to be better citizens of the nation.

UNITAR’s programmes are offered in 13 locations, including its main campus in urban Kelana Jaya. It has a total enrolment of over 7,000 students spread within 40 homegrown programmes ranging from the Foundation, Diploma and Bachelor’s levels to the postgraduate Master’s and Doctorate’s. To meet the current needs of the industries, UNITAR also provides over 50 professional certification programmes. With APEL, working professionals can continue their education journey with the option to reduce their programme duration.

UNITAR takes pride in having committed academics housed in various faculties and schools. The academic verticals comprise of the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education & Humanities, the School of Information Technology and School of Media, Arts & Design. Since its inception, UNITAR has embarked on an innovative learning methodology where technology is featured significantly but never aimed to replace human relationships. Its pursuit to offer competitive quality education in both conventional and online teaching modes continues till today, meeting the needs of 21st Century education.

Media Contact
Josephine Dionisappu
Head of Corporate Communications
UNITAR Education Group
ym.ratinuobfsctd-68547c@uppasinoid.enihpesoj
+60 12 376 0029

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