Dec 2024 - Jan 2025: Festive Cheers and New Beginnings

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the promise of a new year, we not only reflect on the past year but also bid farewell to the 14th Council as we hand over our newsletter and council to the 15th Council. This is the last newsletter edition from the 14th Council, and the December-January edition embraces the spirit of the festive season and the optimism that accompanies the dawn of a new year.

In this edition, we highlight the meaningful events that have brought our community together, from our ICMS Christmas Bonding Event, which allowed us to celebrate the season in good company, to our upcoming Chinese New Year festivities, where we’ll continue to foster connections and create lasting memories. These events encapsulate our theme of 'Festive Cheers and New Beginnings' — a reflection of the joy and togetherness that the holidays bring, and the excitement of new opportunities and growth in the year ahead.

We hope this newsletter serves as a reminder of the power of togetherness and the potential for new beginnings in the year ahead!

Lastly, we sincerely thank you for following the journey of our newsletter throughout our tenure and for your continued support as we pass the baton to the 15th Council.

Past Events

Christmas Social: Potluck Gathering [UK Chapter]

On a freezing winter evening in London, Malaysian students from ICMS found themselves longing for the warmth of home. To bring a sense of togetherness, the UK Chapter organised a Christmas bonding event, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere for all Associates and Directors to feel the warmth of companionship.

The night was filled with joy, as everyone gathered to share delicious food and heartfelt conversations. Attendees supported one another, preparing for the challenges of the winter season ahead. The menu featured comforting dishes like pasta and snacks, making the evening more memorable. It was a precious moment of togetherness, celebrating the spirit of Christmas far from home.

As the night progressed, Junior Associates who had completed the Junior Associate Development Program (JADP) Challenges took the opportunity to share their experiences and reflections, adding a meaningful touch to the celebration. The event truly embodied the essence of unity and joy, leaving everyone with cherished memories to carry through the winter.

Aussie Bound: Pre-Departure Briefing & Beyond [AU Chapter]

The "Aussie Bound" pre-departure event was a resounding success, leaving participants well-equipped and excited for their upcoming journey to Australia. Designed to provide a flexible and immersive experience, the event achieved its goal of preparing pre-university students from Malaysia with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed for their studies abroad.

Students actively explored the various sessions, from insightful presentations on cultural adaptation and academic expectations to interactive panels featuring Alumni and industry experts. Fireside chats with representatives from organisations like the Australian Malaysian Business Council (AMBC) and AUG Student Services offered relatable advice and stories, giving attendees a clear picture of life and opportunities in Australia.

The open-format structure allowed participants to tailor their experience, seamlessly moving between booths and discussions on topics like living arrangements, career pathways, and the unique challenges of adapting to a new country. The booths, manned by university affiliates and Australian state representatives, became vibrant hubs of information and interaction, helping students build valuable networks.

The closing ceremony was the highlight of the day, where students celebrated their engagement with tiered rewards and a much-anticipated lucky draw. The atmosphere was one of excitement and camaraderie, as students walked away not only with prizes but also with a sense of belonging and confidence in their next step.

Knowing your future: Opportunities beyond STEM [ICMS Academy]

On Sunday, December 1 2024, ICMS hosted an engaging online session for STEM students to explore diverse career opportunities beyond the lab. Despite being a small group session, the interaction and engagement with the speakers were truly inspiring.

The session featured esteemed speakers who shared invaluable insights into non-research career pathways:

• Sara Loh, Recruitment Manager at Michael Page, provided an in-depth look into roles such as Medical Science Liaison and Regulatory Affairs.
• Kenneth Tan, Life Science Consultant, shared his journey of creating an impact in consulting and offered practical tips for transitioning out of research roles.

Participants also benefited from breakout networking sessions, gaining personalised advice on the skills and adaptability required to excel in competitive industries.

The event aimed to guide bioscience students in understanding various roles outside the lab, fostering clarity and confidence in navigating career pivots in hopes that attendees gained valuable insights into potential career paths and the skills needed for growth beyond research!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Christmas Bonding Event! [MY Chapter]

On December 28, 2024, the ICMS MY Chapter wrapped up the year with a festive bang at the ICMS Ho Ho Ho Christmas Bonding Event! Held at the cosy WHITESAND Cafe in Empire Damansara, the evening was nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, games, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Decked out in the theme colours of red, green, and white, attendees brought their A-game with dazzling holiday outfits that lit up the room like Christmas trees! The event was the perfect opportunity to celebrate not just the season but the ICMS family, as members came together to bond, share memories, and make new ones to last beyond the holidays.

The evening was sleigh-tacular, featuring games that had everyone in fits of laughter, bonding activities that brought out our inner elves, and let’s not forget the snacks!

This was not just an event; it was a celebration of the ICMS family coming together to make merry memories. As the year came to a close, this magical evening was the perfect way to wrap things up (literally and figuratively).

To everyone who joined in, you made the night un-fir-gettable. Here’s to sleighing through 2025 with the same energy, joy, and ICMS magic!?

Alumni Lounge: Directorship and Beyond

ICMS hosted an exclusive Fireside Chat and AMA Session with our esteemed Alumni, bringing together Associates past and present for an inspiring evening of shared experiences and invaluable insights.

The session featured Alumni spanning from the 4th to the 13th Council, who generously shared stories from their ICMS journeys. From the challenges and triumphs of their directorship roles to the ways ICMS shaped their professional and personal growth, the panellists offered participants a glimpse into life beyond the Council.

Key takeaways included:

• Lessons learned throughout their ICMS tenure and into their careers.
• Memorable moments that defined their time in ICMS.
• The lasting impact of Directorship on their skill sets, network, and outlook.

The interactive format allowed attendees to submit burning questions via 'Slido', creating a lively exchange of advice and inspiration. The open and engaging discussion reminded everyone of the incredible opportunities ICMS provides and the enduring connections it fosters.

Thank you to all who joined us for this meaningful session. Let’s continue to build on the legacy as we welcome the 15th Council and embark on the next chapter of ICMS excellence.

Joint Quarterly Meeting

On December 29 2024, the ICMS community gathered virtually for the Joint Quarterly Meeting (JQM), bringing together the 14th Council Directors/Associates and the 15th Council Junior Associates for a productive and inspiring session.

The meeting highlighted key moments from the past quarters and set the stage for the months ahead. Here are some of the highlights:

• A recap of the remarkable Q2 and Q3 achievements, celebrating the hard work and dedication of ICMS Associates and Directors.
• Engaging presentations by the JADP Challenge 1 Top 3 teams, showcasing their innovative ideas and commitment to excellence.
• Essential updates and announcements to prepare the Councils for upcoming milestones and initiatives.

The session served as a platform for recognition, reflection, and collaboration, reinforcing the shared vision of ICMS. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making the JQM a success! Let’s continue to strive for excellence as we move forward together.

Pro Bono Consulting Project: A Transformative Opportunity [ICMS Consulting Group]

ICG recently launched an exciting 1-month trial for the Pro Bono Consulting Project, offering participants a chance to gain real-world consulting experience and elevate their skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment. This prestigious programme provided ambitious individuals with the unique opportunity to collaborate with renowned organisations, tackle meaningful projects, and grow professionally and personally.

From January 6th to February 7th, participants will dedicate just 3-4 hours per week, working fully virtually to enhance their consulting, problem-solving, and communication skills. Alongside invaluable experience, participants will earn a Certificate of Appreciation, recognising their contributions and achievements.

The Pro Bono Consulting Project is definitely a stepping stone for career advancement and this programme is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the impact of proactive, driven individuals!

Pickleball Session Bonding Session [MY Chapter]

On January 19 2025, the 14th and 15th Council came together for an exciting and active Pickleball session at the ESM Pickters Arena in Universiti Malaya. This fun-filled event was a fantastic way to catch up, get fit, and kick off the Chinese New Year with some healthy competition!

The event was a self-sponsored session, with participants covering the booking fees for the court. Paddles and balls were provided free of charge, allowing everyone to jump right in and enjoy the game without any hassle. It was a great opportunity for the Councils to bond, get active, and enjoy some friendly competition!

Future Events

Chinese New Year Bonding Event [MY Chapter]

Get ready to ring in the Year of the Snake with a night of fun, food, and fantastic company at the ICMS MY Chapter Chinese New Year Bonding Event 2025!

On the 8th of February 2025 at The Black Basket Cafe, Encorp Strand Mall, Kota Damansara from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM MYT, Associates, Directors and Alumni will come together to celebrate a vibrant evening of celebration. Decking themselves in Red, White, Royal Blue, or Golden — or even better, don their traditional clothes, we hope this is also a fashion show to remember!

Expect a mouthwatering buffet-style feast, complete with drinks and the must-have Yee Sang! But that’s not all—get ready for some hilarious games and a free-and-easy session afterwards to unwind, chat, and dive into some board and card games.

It’s the perfect chance to catch up with old friends, make new memories, and kick off the Lunar New Year in true ICMS style! Let’s make it a night to remember!?

ICMS x ATSHM Networking Event [HK Chapter]

ICMS Hong Kong Chapter will be collaborating with the Association of Thai Students in Hong Kong SAR and Macau (ATSHM), to host a cross-cultural networking event for Malaysian and Thai students studying in Hong Kong. Moreover, the event will also invite both Malaysian and Thai working professionals to share insights on industries such as banking, consulting, computer science, and more. Hong Kong Directors and Associates hope this event will build cross-cultural networks for Malaysian students and develop them professionally.

For more exciting updates and news, do check out our website, and follow our social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!

Copyright ? 2024 The International Council of Malaysian Scholars (ICMS).

Prepared by the 14th Council Publications Team, Secretarial Division (Tayanaa Logenthiran, Chong Kaiting, Ch’ng Yau Lun, Tirthana Karthigesu).