PhD Grad and Family Credits PRIME College

Kuberan with his cousin Kumar (left) and on the right, Vijendran Arulrajah, Principal of PRIME College, USJ.

“My father inspired me to be an engineer,” said Kuberan Anandarajah, 26, who had just completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough University , UK . Kuberan, who was back in Malaysia recently, shared the secrets of his success. He also credited his success to the strong foundation built whilst studying at PRIME College . Upon completing his secondary school education, he did his A-Levels, and subsequently enrolled in PRIME College 's Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. “The foundation in engineering gained at PRIME readied me for university and life. The lecturers are superb and I have many fond memories here,” said Kuberan, who paid a visit to his alma mater to share news of his achievement with lecturers who once taught him. “It is a wonderful feeling to be back at PRIME, to see the lecturers who use to teach and mentor me. I used to study at PRIME College's old campus at Old Klang Road, but the new campus at USJ still have some of the lecturers who taught me. The facilities at its campus in USJ are much better and sophisticated today,” said Kuberan.

Kuberan's family believes in the quality of education at the College. His two cousins, Kumar and Yokendra, are currently pursuing their studies in Engineering, also at PRIME.

That's not all, Kuberan's two younger sisters, Sathya and Sivasathi, also began their tertiary education at PRIME College where they both did the A-Levels programme. Both sisters have furthered their education to Manipal , India , pursing degrees in medicine and dentistry.

His excellent results led him to receive the Higher Achievers Scholarship (HAS) awarded by PRIME College to students with outstanding results and have active participation on curricular activities. With the HAS in hand, Kuberan chose to complete his degree with Loughborough University , a quaint little town in England located between Nottingham and Leicester .

The opportunity to study in the UK was a dream come true for Kuberan. He not only received a degree from a recognised top-notch university, but also grew in character.

“The learning environment and student life in Loughborough is perfect for students. Although a lot would prefer the big city life, I find Loughborough an ideal place for living and learning. The small town gave a lot of opportunity to know more about life in a foreign country without the distraction of city entertainment,” Kuberan recalls fondly. “The cost of living is also much more affordable in smaller towns.”

Thanking his background and the cultural diversity of Malaysia , Kuberan easily adapted to the life, culture and people at Loughborough. He actively participated in sports and was enthusiastic badminton player at the University.

Studying in the UK gave me a wider range of opportunities as the University is very much industry driven and strong in research. Mechanical engineering students were able to work together with industry leaders such as Caterpillar, Lotus and Jaguar, said Kuberan.

Kuberan graduated 2001 with a First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering and was awarded Best Student in Mechanical Engineering 2001. The University offered Kuberan a full scholarship to further his degree to a PhD which he immediately accepted.

“The foreign exchange rate to study in the UK is very expensive for most Malaysians, and I have been blessed to gain scholarships by from PRIME and Loughborough University . I would encourage good students to apply for scholarships to study in the UK , as you have more to gain than just an education,” said Kuberan.

Back for good to Malaysia in September this year, Kuberan is currently working in engineering sales and consultancy with a local engineering company who offered him a position prior to his return.