| Universiti Putra Malaysia

Younger sister follows brother’s footsteps, graduates together

By: Nisa Sahira Samsudin
Student of Bachelor of Human Development Science with Management, FEM

SERDANG, March 23 – At the 45th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Convocation Ceremony, Dr. Krishnan Nair Balakrishnan and his younger sister, Subatrra Nair Balakrishnan, have graduated together here.

The dream of the pair of siblings was fulfilled, and they were thrilled to be able to finish their studies together.

Dr. Krishnan successfully graduated with a PhD in the field of Vaccines, while Subatrra successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology.

The eldest brother of the four siblings was also previously a graduate of the Bachelor of Microbiology, and this became an inspiration for his youngest sibling to venture into the same field.

He then decided to pursue a master’s and PhD at UPM based on his interest in the hope of experiencing a new environment compared to his previous place of study.

His loyalty to UPM did not end there, as he is currently serving at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), UPM.

Among the interesting stories that Dr. Krishnan shared was that he became a personal tutor in several private institutions to find a source of income while studying.

Meanwhile, Subatrra, the former Deputy President of the Hindu Association, is currently pursuing a master’s at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

"Don't be afraid to give up the good for the great," was one of the encouraging words the pair of siblings gave to UPM students. - UPM

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