6 January 2014 – The International Medical University (IMU) welcomed its pioneer batch of Foundation in Science (FiS) students. More than 50 students, mostly school leavers, have enrolled for this foundation programme, the first pre-university programme offered at the University. 
Commenting on the inaugural intake, Sharon Chan Min Hui, Head, Foundation in Science, said,
“6 January 2014 marks the inaugural Enrolment Day of Foundation in Science! As the day draws nearer to this date, we got more anxious and excited. Excited for the programme to start, and anxious to meet the students! In our preparation for the programme, IMU has put in a very strong team of lecturers with vast experience to develop the programme. One very important key when designing the syllabus is to produce thinkers and critical analysers.”
Lead in Planning Foundation in Science Programme and Assistant Director, IMU Centre for Education (ICE), Dr Chia Chee Fen, said
“The planning of the FiS programme started in early 2013, after the feasibility of the programme was evaluated in late 2012. YBhg Tan Sri Abu Bakar, President of IMU, wanted to ensure that besides studying, students also gain insights into a career in health professions and most importantly every student will embrace the IMU values.”
The IMU FiS programme is the preferred foundation and direct route for entry into any of the University’s local degree programmes. A 1-year programme conducted in 3 semesters, the Foundation in Science programme is awarded by IMU and offered at the University’s main campus in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
“I feel very nervous on the first day I came to study in IMU. I decided to study this programme as I feel that it will enable me to get used to the style of studying in this University. I will be able to adapt to the environment in IMU and hopefully, have a smooth transition from pre-university to university studies”,
said Goh Yan Hun, one of the students who is studying the Foundation in Science programme. 
“The Enrolment Day saw the students receiving their lab coats, pictures taken for student ID and parents had the opportunity to mingle and interact with the faculty over refreshments. Students were also given a learning style workshop, to help them discover their learning styles so as to maximise their year-long learning here. All in all, we look forward to a very exciting year ahead!”, added Sharon.
One of the students who registered for the Foundation in Science, Yaaliny Krishnamurthi, said,
“I had lots of fun on the first day I came to study in IMU. There are lots of friendly people in IMU. The lecturers also looked so professional. I really enjoy every moment in IMU so far, it is really a great experience. I am looking forward to more interesting and exciting moments in IMU.”
Dr Chia added,
“We were overjoyed as this would mean that we were on track to offer the programme for the first intake in Jan 2014. As in all IMU programme, FIS has to be scrutinised for quality assurance, then approvals obtained by the Faculty Board, the Senate and also the Board of Study which consists of invited external advisors. MQA approval for the programme was obtained in October 2013. The baton was then passed on to a team of carefully selected teachers to conduct the programme.”
Another student, Nazatul Shima, said,
“Coming to study in IMU, I was extremely nervous because it is a new environment and experience for me. Still, I am proud that I am an IMU student.”
A FiS student who intends to pursue her studies in psychology, Elaine Tan, said,
“I was given a scholarship but I didn’t like the study environment where I was studying my pre-university. After one term, I decided to study in IMU. When I first came to study in IMU, I felt relief that I am finally studying what I want. I was so happy, excited and exhilarated as I believe that the University gives a conducive, comfortable and suitable study environment for me, a key to my success. I love this university and its people.”
More information on the IMU Foundation in Science (FIS) Other news on IMU Foundation in Science: Foundation in Science Students Think out of the Box for Cross Boundary Studies
