Star BRATs

🔥ROARRR! A huge congratulations to the five incredible UiTM students who made their mark at The Star's Reels of Achievers Recognised (StarROAR) Junior Reporter Contest!

These talented young reporters roared the loudest, showcasing their creativity and storytelling skills.📝

The Winners:
🏆 Danisha Afuza binti Azizul
🥈 Elham Nurin Arisya binti Ahmad Irwan
🥉 Puteri Helena Yasmeen binti Fadzil
🎖️ Anis Aqilah binti Mohd Alkmar Haramain
🎖️ Muhammad Haikal bin Yuri Azhar

Organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, UiTM, this contest challenged students to step into the world of journalism and bring inspiring stories to life. The next generation of journalists is ready to shine.✨

UMMC palliative care physician Dr David Paul Capelle urges future healthcare professionals to embrace palliative care as an essential part of medicine, focusing on compassion, communication, and holistic support for patients and families. Read more in this story by BRATs participant Serene.

‘Be present as a person’ EVERYONE has the ability to communicate with empathy and be involved in palliative care.

Four Johor teens bagged first prize at the National AI Competition 2025 with BlueJay² — an AI-powered posture screening and treatment system inspired by a noodle vendor’s struggle with back pain. Led by BRATs participant Tina Low, the team hopes to take their innovation global and make a real impact on community health. BRATs participant Charis has the story.

Johor teens top AI challenge PROBLEM-SOLVING is a highly sought-after 21st-century skill that students are increasingly expected to develop in today's fast-paced world shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

23-year-old Kughanya from Penang is turning toxic waste into an organic fertiliser that has won global recognition 🌱♻️. Read all about her passion project that wowed judges at Flare 2025 in the UK in this piece by BRATs participant Lara.

Turning waste into hope THE act of healing can take many forms – for Kughanya Kumaran, it means conserving the earth.

22 years after joining BRATs’ Mabul Experience ‘03 and helping build reef balls as a teen, former BRATs participant Daphne finally returned to Mabul — this time on her honeymoon — to dive down and see the very same reef balls thriving with life. 🌊🐠

‘BRATs 03, I found our reef balls’ What began as a youth project blossomed into a lifelong love for the ocean for this diver.

Starting life in a new country can feel overwhelming, but embracing change early makes all the difference 🌍✨. BRATs participant Dhanushkaa shares her journey in studying abroad and experiencing growth and new friendships.

Tips for studying abroad STARTING afresh in another city – let alone another country – can be overwhelming for students.

BRATs participant Kannchana writes about her once-in-a-lifetime taste of Oxford life through a youth leadership camp. The experience left her more confident, connected, and inspired for the future.

Lessons from Oxford IF anyone had told 10-year-old me that I would one day set foot at Oxford University, I would have given them an incredulous side-eye in response.

From struggling with Bahasa Malaysia in primary school to proudly reconnecting with the language during the pandemic, BRATs participant Maryam reflects on the importance of preserving our mother tongue as part of Malaysian identity.

Balancing BM and English IN kindergarten, I was surrounded by adults who mostly spoke Malay. My only exposure to English was through television, so it was no surprise that I was much better at Malay.

JPA’s new sponsorship model, which links loan repayments to academic performance, offers freedom, but students are calling for fairer benchmarks across different courses to ease pressure. BRATs participant Fiona has the story.

CGPA now key to JPA payback STUDENTS say the new merit-based sponsorship model recently introduced by the Public Services Department (JPA) gives them more control over their future, but they are calling for improved measures to ensure fairness.

🌟 BRATs participant Nittila shares how being the eldest child came with the pressure of perfection, but through challenges in SPM and matriculation, she discovered that her family’s pride lies not in grades alone, but in her effort and growth.

Letting go of eldest child pressure Growing up as the eldest child, I often wondered if I had ever made my family proud.

From grandma’s kitchen to his own, BRATs participant Ryan discovered that cooking is more than just making meals — it’s about preserving family traditions, saving costs, and creating memories.

Kitchen lessons MY love for food began with the dishes my grandmother made for our family.

Is it really girl power or just a photo op? BRATs participant Gloria explores how true empowerment isn't just about posing — it’s about thinking critically, asking questions, and owning one's voice.

Girl power or just a pose? THESE days, it feels like pop culture is everywhere - it's in our playlists, our socials, our group chats, and even the way we talk about beauty, power and confidence.