Centre for Pre-University Special!

Editorial message “Educa�on is the passport the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”

–Malcom X. -

The future of humanity belongs to the younger genera�on! As it is so, we—the Centre for Pre-University—recognise the importance of a conducive environment for educa�on and growth of each and every student. We firmly believe that educa�on is a powerful tool that can shape the future of humanity, and as such, we consider quality educa�on as our top priority.

At the Centre for Pre-University, every staff member is dedicated to provide their utmost care and considera�on for every student enrolled in our programme. In response, the students under the Pre-University programme display unlimited passion and dedica�on to learning. We deeply cherish this dynamic rela�onship between the staff and students. For that reason, I wish to shoulder the task of conveying the efforts of the staff and students alike to the community. Consider this as my hear�elt gra�tude for being given the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful family—the Centre for Pre-University.

That being said, this quarterly newsle�er is the first issue of 2019. What do we want to express with our quarterly newsle�er?

The quarterly newsle�er is our small a�empt to convey the ac�vi�es happening around the Centre for Pre-University, for the students and staff members. At the same �me, we would like to provide our readers with news on the latest scien�fic advancements. The puzzle at the end? It is our li�le treat for your brain ;-)

We hope you will enjoy our humble newsle�er.

Editor, Centre for Pre-University, Dr Chew Weiyun

Newsletter – March Issues

English Appreciation Month: Toastmaster and Poetry Recital CompetitionAuthor: Ms. Norlaila Najwa

Toastmaster Compe��on – organized by Faculty of Business, Finance, and Hospitality – is held on 12th February. It is a public speaking ac�vity that gives students opportunity to speak in front of audience based on given topics. The topic chosen for discussion are: Sex Educa�on Awareness in Higher Learning Educa�on, Should Smoking Be Banned in Eateries and Suicides among Teenagers . Par�cipa�ng in such compe��on is a great way for students to build confidence and enhance their social skills. On the other hand, public speaking is a great pla�orm to share one’ s valuable insight and opinion with the world. Students are given the chance to discuss current issues, while working closely with faculty members at the same �me.

While discussing hard facts are undoubtedly a marketable skill for the future, the ability to express those facts in a crea�ve way is just as cap�va�ng. Hence for Poetry Recital Compe��on, social jus�ce is chosen as the theme. Social jus�ce is defined as the equal access to wealth, opportuni�es, and privileges within a society. Both students and staff par�cipated in the compe��on. Poem “S�ll I Rise” by Maya Angelou was recited by both the winner and the first runner up. Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist and civil right ac�vist. While reci�ng poetry, par�cipants are given the freedom to express feelings to their audience, conveying the messages of the poems in a fun and crea�ve way.

All in all, learning a new language is not only fun, it also opens up a whole new world to be explored. English, like any other language, is not merely a tool of communica�on – it’ s also a bridge to new culture, opportuni�es, and insights you could never really experience without learning the language.

February is an English Apprecia�on Month conducted by Centre of Educa�on and Learning. Various ac�vi�es and compe��ons are held for the students and MAHSA staff to par�cipate, enjoy and simultaneously learn English.

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Scholarship – Powering Up Your AmbitionAmbi�on is formless as it is unmeasurable by values but unequivocally exist in all sen�ent life forms. It is the enigma�c desire that drives a person’s advancement; an ambiguous feeling that derives a sense of fulfilment once achieved. Ambi�ous Students at Pre-U centre MAHSA confides in the excellent educa�on brought by a team of pres�gious lecturers offered by the centre, knowing that a great educa�on would bring them a step closer to their dream careers. To further assist students in gearing up for their exci�ng journey, Pre-U centre offers the scholarship for student's efforts, dedica�on, and their passion for learning at Pre-U programme. The scholarship is an effort from our part, to reduce our student’s financial burden hence allowing them to learn worry-free.

TESTIMONIALS (GRADUATE STUDENTS)

TESTIMONIALS (UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS)

“At first I was doub�ul about choosing Founda�on InScience, but now that I have completed it, only two wordsto conclude: No Regrets. A fast course that is compact andwill fully-equip you with the knowledge and experienceyou need before stepping into your degree.” – Khor JessLin , FIS July 2017

“I used to think that I will not learn much in FIS comparedto other programmes such as A-Levels. However, I wasproven wrong. Every knowledge I had obtained in FIS isequivalent to the syllabus of A-Levels and STPM. I alsolearnt the proper ways in conduc�ng a research projectand groom my professionalism which will be required formy career. The lecturers are super caring and suppor�ve.I truly appreciate the experience I had in FIS and I willtreasure it for life. “ – Daniel Haziq Rishinsa, FIS July 2017

I choose MAHSA University because MAHSA providesbe�er facili�es in den�stry, and it is the only universitythat provides sufficient dental chairs to each student.Moreover, the lecturers in MAHSA are dedicated and wellprepared for every classes. The scholarship I receivedfrom MAHSA University is half coverage. The 50% rebateof the tui�on fees is a huge encouragement for me topursue my dream in degree programme. – Angeles Loi En,FIS April 2018

Designers’ baby – engineered to by HIV-resistant, but may be more than that!Authors: Dr Cheong Jee Yin, Dr Chew Weiyun

Back in the 1980s, the use of computers was merely for working and there were no online shop-ping, da�ng and stock market. Never had they imagine that smartphones andsupercomputers will become a reality and just by a few clicks you can now purchase an item.Items that seem to appear only in science fic�on is becoming a reality today and this is whatis happening to our gene�c engineering.Today, gene�c engineering can be as easy as adding a few drops of acid into a solu�on. Sincethe first discovery of CRISPR by a group of scien�st lead by Yoshizumi Ishino in 1987. Theyhave no idea of their discovery could be anywhere revolu�onary. 25 years later, thebiochemist, Jennifer Doudna, generates great hype as it shows gene can be edited easily withCRISPR technology she invented. Since then, scien�sts all around the world are fran�callyresearching the gene edi�ng technology. 4 years later, a piece of news shocked the wholeworld, the Chinese scien�sts announced that they have produced designer babies (twins).This turn of event causes an uproar among the science communi�es. More than ever, thescience communi�es are now calling for an ethical code of conduct for gene�c researches.The designer babies they have produced is resistant to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)through gene�c engineering. A technique called CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced shortpalindromic repeats) was used to gene�cally edit the genes of the embryo into a desirablebaby. The technique u�lizes enzymes to recognize and cut specific strands of DNA that arecomplementary to the sequence, just like a pair of molecular scissors.When a protein called CCR5 is present on the surface of the white blood cells (WBC), it allowsHIV to a�ach itself and enters the cell, replica�ng itself. The gene that codes for this proteinis common among humans; however, most of us have a mutated version of it. The mutatedCCR5 proteins are smaller in size and are located inside the cell; making it impossible for HIVto a�ach itself onto the WBC. The Chinese scien�sts were able to alter the babies’ genome toproduce WBC without the protein, thus making the babies HIV resistant. This confirms aplausible cause of elimina�ng gene�c diseases such as cancer, Herpes infec�ons, and

somewhat 3000 gene�cally related diseases (Trisomy 18, Klinefelter, Down syndrome, etc), benefi�ng humanity as a whole. However, gene�cs-altering is rarely that simple! Recently, it was discovered that, besides catering for the a�achment of HIV, CCR5 also governs a person’s learning abili�es and memory forma�on. Under low levels, a person’s ability to learning and memory forma�on was greatly enhanced. Certainly, it also meant that the stroke pa�ent will recover faster. However, there is s�ll a lot of uncertainty comes with the possibili�es. Will altering the level of this protein meant that producing a more intelligence Homo sapiens? What may happen to babies without this protein? Can the gene�cally modified gene be passed on to offspring? Shall there be any other complica�ons that we do not know? Did we finally found the fountain of youth? What will humankind be in the future; are we crea�ng aliens or superhuman? These are some ques�ons that need to be answered and there is much more than we don’t know yet.

Upcoming activitiesMAHSA University is commi�ed to have monthly ac�vi�es based on theme.

Please join us and have fun!

Month Theme Organiser Mar Go Green Month Faculty of Engineering and IT Apr Arts and Music Month SRC May CSR Month Faculty of Den�stry Jun Family Apprecia�on Month Centre for Pre-U

Crossword puzzleCell biology

How many organelles you know?

Across Down

2 Enable for cell movement. Example sperm

4 Site of photosynthesis in plants

6 Energy production by ATP synthesis

7 Responsible for protein synthesis

8 Stores enzymes responsible for intracellular digestion

1 Control centre of the cell. Stores DNA

3 Responsible for the modification, sorting, and transport of macromolecules throughout the cell

5 Central large found only in plants. Responsible for plant turgidity – allows a plant to stand upright

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