12/05/2026

TUESDAY | MAY 12, 2026

26

EDUCATION

Passion to purpose: MSU alumnus builds career beyond limits

F OR C Dinesh M Chandran, work is his passion and per sonal journey. Today, as a manager at Decathlon, he has built a fulfilling career rooted in his love for the outdoors, people and continuous growth. Dinesh’s journey began in 2008 at MSU College, then known as Pusat Teknologi dan Pengurusan Lanjutan (PTPL). He first pursued a Diploma in Business Management before advancing to a Bachelor in Outdoor Recreation Management (Hons) under the School of Hospitality and Creative Arts (SHCA) which closely aligned with his personal interests. “One of the main reasons I chose MSU was because my brother was also a graduate from PTPL, and he inspired me to follow a similar path,” he shared. “I’ve always had an interest in business, and after completing my diploma, I felt confident continuing my degree at MSU because of the values and opportunities it offered.” Reflecting on his student life, Dinesh describes MSU as more than just an academic institution. For him, it was a platform for growth. He expresses deep appreciation for the supportive lecturers and positive learning environment that encouraged students to succeed both academically and personally. Turning theory into practice For Dinesh, being a “normal student” went far beyond attending lectures. “It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, joining events, and meeting new people,” he explained. “These experiences helped me develop important skills like communication, social interaction, and management.”

o Manager Dinesh Chandran reflects on lecturers and learning environment that encouraged students to succeed. Through hands-on activities and campus involvement, he was able to turn theory into practice, a crucial step in preparing for the real world. After graduating, Dinesh began his career at an adventure campsite in Gopeng where he worked as an outdoor facilitator. His role involved leading activities such as caving and white-water rafting. These experiences strengthened his leadership and resilience skills. “Later, I stayed connected with MSU and eventually returned to contribute as a school officer,” he said. “In 2017, I joined Decathlon as a department manager, and today I’ve grown into a store leader, managing locations such as Bukit Tinggi and Elmina Lakeside Mall.” Like many students, Dinesh admits that his early academic

Looking ahead, Dinesh hopes to give back by strengthening industry academia collaboration. “I would love to see a partnership between Decathlon and MSU to create more opportunities for students, including internships and career pathways,” he said. One principle has remained with him throughout his journey: “Success is a journey. I’ve held onto this since 2008, and I even share it with my daughter,” he added. “Success doesn’t mean you stop growing. It’s about sustaining and continuously improving.” He has a message for current and future students: “Step up your game. You’re no longer in school, and with today’s technology success is just a fingertip away. Stay motivated, believe in yourself, and don’t make excuses.” The future belongs to those who are willing to take initiative, embrace challenges and follow their passion. MSU is a global comprehensive dual sector university that integrates academic and technical education within one ecosystem. It offers both higher education programmes and TVET pathways, enabling flexible progression from skills-based training to advanced qualifications. The MSU graduate employability

journey was not without challenges. “During my diploma studies, it was quite tough as I was still trying to understand the concepts,” he shared. “But during my degree, learning became more meaningful. It wasn’t just about knowledge; it became about passion.” This shift in mindset allowed him to better understand and apply what he had learned, setting a strong foundation for his career. Success is a journey Entering the retail industry was a completely new experience for him. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve learned that experience is the best teacher,” he said. With over nine years of experience in retail management, Dinesh has successfully navigated various challenges, including operations and inventory management, as well as team leadership. “The key is how you handle challenges,” he explained. “If you focus only on stress, it will overwhelm you. But if you see challenges as opportunities to grow beyond your limits, you’ll find solutions and improve yourself.” This mindset continues to guide him in both his professional and personal lives.

Dinesh says experience is the best teacher to surmount challenges.

ranks at 99% securing employment within six months of graduation on the Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) tracer study. MoHE also rates it with SETARA Tier-5 Excellent Status for Emerging University as well as The Most Entrepreneurial Private University in Malaysia. For more information on undergraduate programmes offered at MSU, please call 603-5521 6868, email enquiry@msu.edu.my or visit www.msu.edu.my.

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