23/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

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COMMENT by Dr Naveen Nair Gangadaran

qualification is significant for the many attributes, benefits and advantages it offers. Pursuing postgraduate study helps distinguish a graduate in a competitive job market. Those with such qualifications possess advanced knowledge and skills, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the success of the organisations they serve. Although postgraduate curricula may differ across programmes, they share several common elements. Their significance lies in the development of strong leadership and management skills. Postgraduate graduates are better equipped to handle complex situations, resolve conflicts and apply analytical thinking to organisational challenges. They also learn how to promote and maintain a positive image of the organisation and excel in managing its human resources. Another key benefit of pursuing a postgraduate programme is the opportunity to specialise in a particular academic or professional N OT long ago, a mother brought her three-year-old child to my clinic because he had not started speaking in sentences like other children his age. His vocabulary was limited and he communicated mostly through gestures and single words. After an assessment, I explained that he was showing signs of speech delay and would benefit from early intervention and speech therapy. The mother hesitated. She told me she had watched several TikTok videos claiming that some children simply “speak later” and eventually catch up on their own. According to the videos, there was no cause for concern. Her reaction was not unusual. Increasingly, parents arrive at clinics not only with questions but also with information they have gathered online – some helpful but some misleading. On another occasion in the neonatal nursery, a young mother was reluctant to breastfeed her newborn. She had read a blog post by a social media influencer claiming that breast milk could worsen jaundice in newborns and that mothers should temporarily stop breastfeeding to help bilirubin levels fall. In reality, breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for most newborns and stopping breastfeeding unnecessarily may deprive infants of important nutritional and immunological benefits. While certain forms of jaundice require monitoring, decisions about feeding should always be guided by medical advice. These encounters reflect a growing phenomenon in modern parenting – information overload. Today’s parents have access to more information than any generation before them. A quick search online can produce thousands of articles, videos and opinions on parenting. Social media

Digital parenting and dangers of viral advice

field, allowing individuals to develop expertise in that area. A postgraduate student can develop expertise in areas such as management, international business, strategic management, finance, marketing, operations management, IT management or human resources. This specialisation enables individuals to become highly competent and valuable assets to companies. Another important advantage of postgraduate education is that it often opens the door to higher-level positions in the job market. Graduates with postgraduate qualifications are frequently considered for leadership roles, including business operations manager, marketing analyst, management consultant, human resource manager and even senior executive positions. The combination of job security and competitive salaries makes postgraduate education highly valuable in today’s job market. Another significant advantage of pursuing a postgraduate programme is the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to start a platforms are filled with advice on feeding, discipline, sleep routines, childhood illnesses and developmental milestones. While this access to information can empower parents, it can also create confusion. Advice from healthcare professionals often competes with content created by bloggers, influencers or online personalities who may not have medical training. For many parents, it becomes difficult to determine which advice is reliable. In clinic consultations, I often see parents silently weighing two sources of information: what they have read online and what they are hearing from their doctor. It is not uncommon for them to wonder which one they should trust. This dilemma is understandable. Parenting decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when the well-being of a child is at stake. Yet, the challenge of misinformation makes credible sources of guidance more important than ever. One such initiative is the Positive Parenting Programme. It has become an abundant resource for Malaysian families. Initiated by the Malaysian Paediatric Association in 2000, the programme was designed to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and parents by providing reliable, evidence based information. It is a collaboration of various experts, sharing practical guidance on raising healthy children. The hallmark of this parenting guide is its availability in two languages –

Many parents turn to short social media videos and reels for parenting advice. These are meant to complement, not replace professional medical advice. – REUTERSPIC

throughout their professional careers. Finally, pursuing a postgraduate programme is significant because it fosters a commitment to lifelong learning. The knowledge and experiences gained extend well beyond the classroom. In addition to high-quality education and academic guidance, postgraduate students can participate in a variety of academic and extracurricular activities organised by their universities. These opportunities allow students to engage with peers, faculty members and industry professionals, helping to build strong professional networks. The relationships formed during postgraduate study can provide support and open doors throughout graduates’ personal and professional lives, enabling them to remain relevant, competent and adaptable in an ever-changing global environment. Prof Dr Akram Al-Khaled is with the Faculty of Management and Hospitality, Spectrum International University College. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com guidance. In today’s digital era, the challenge lies not in the lack of information but in navigating the vast amount available. As parents strive to make the best decisions for their children, turning to trusted, evidence-based resources can help cut through the noise. Doing so not only empowers parents but also helps ensure that children receive the care and support they need to grow and thrive. DrNaveen Nair Gangadaran is a paediatrician at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

communication is a fundamental professional competency essential for career success. Often classified as a “soft skill”, it remains highly valuable in professional settings. Engaging in postgraduate studies helps students sharpen their verbal and written communication skills. These abilities enable graduates to explain, discuss and convey complex ideas clearly to colleagues, managers and stakeholders at all levels within an organisation. Effective communication, in turn, ensures that teams can collaborate efficiently to achieve the organisation’s mission and vision. Postgraduate programmes also foster stronger time management skills. Completing such studies can be demanding, as students often balance academic work with professional and personal responsibilities. This challenge encourages the development of effective strategies for managing time, making students more organised and disciplined in their daily activities. These skills become valuable life tools that benefit graduates attractive. was successfully sent across. Such initiatives aim to ensure that parents receive information grounded in medical evidence rather than online trends. Social media is not inherently harmful; it can be a useful tool for sharing experiences and building support networks among parents. Many parents now turn to short social media videos and reels for parenting advice. These are meant to complement, not replace professional medical advice. Parenthood has always involved learning, questioning and seeking The message

business from ground up. Such programmes equip individuals with the competencies and strategic thinking required to become successful entrepreneurs, providing essential tools for those who aspire to establish and manage their own businesses effectively. In addition, postgraduate study offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to broaden their business acumen and perspectives. Students gain fresh insights into their area of specialisation and are exposed to diverse approaches to management, leadership and problem-solving. This experience helps graduates expand their capabilities and enhance their professional potential. Another important benefit is that it enhances awareness of the international market. In addition to learning from experienced lecturers and professors, students gain insights into global industries through interaction and collaboration with their peers in the classroom. Equally significant is the development of strong communication skills. Effective Bahasa Malaysia and English. Over time, the programme has expanded into a comprehensive digital platform where parents can access articles, guides and expert advice on a wide range of topics. These include childhood nutrition, developmental milestones, respiratory infections, mental well-being and the impact of digital technology on children and teenagers. I recall reading the last edition about RSV infections and the message was concise, clear and understandable by the public. The infographics were engaging and

The power of postgraduate studies HOLDING a postgraduate VOICES OF REASON by Prof Dr Akram Al-Khaled