SERDANG, 2 December – Mogesh Sababathy, a newsreader with Pertubuhan Berita Nasional Malaysia (BERNAMA), made history today after graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Immunobiology from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), on the same day he was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s first News Presenter with a Doctorate in Immunobiology.
Receiving his doctoral scroll and the Malaysia Book of Records certificate concurrently, Mogesh described the moment as the culmination of years of sacrifice in balancing two demanding worlds—scientific research and broadcast journalism—that ultimately shaped who he is today.
“I am truly overwhelmed. Completing a PhD is already a major milestone, but receiving the Malaysia Book of Records recognition on the same day makes me feel that all the sacrifices were worthwhile,” he told reporters after the UPM convocation ceremony.
While continuing his role at BERNAMA, Mogesh said he is also building an academic career, noting that the recognition serves as a reminder to trust the process and value one’s own efforts.
“This is not my achievement alone. This journey belongs equally to my family, lecturers, friends and everyone who opened doors for me to learn,” he said.
A recipient of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship for his PhD studies, Mogesh conducted research on lung inflammation and the potential of stem cells as a therapeutic approach, inspired by his father’s experience with a brachial plexus injury.
Dean of UPM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. Goh Yong Meng, said Mogesh’s achievement demonstrates UPM’s ability to produce graduates who excel not only in the laboratory but also in communicating complex scientific issues to the public through mainstream media.
“He brings together two fields that are rarely combined—immunobiology and news broadcasting. This is especially important in the post-pandemic era, where we need more scientists who can explain health issues clearly and responsibly to the public,” he said.
According to him, Mogesh’s thesis contributes meaningfully to the understanding of lung inflammation and the potential role of stem cells in treatment, in line with UPM’s One Health approach.
“Research like this opens the door to safer and more effective treatment methods, and in the future, we hope they will also be more accessible,” he added.
Reflecting on his student journey, Mogesh said the greatest challenge was maintaining mental and emotional resilience while managing his demanding schedule as a newsreader.
“There were days when I went straight from the lab to the studio. But broadcasting was actually a breathing space for me, a kind of stress reliever that gave me renewed energy,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to his supervisors, fellow researchers, colleagues and family for their unwavering support. Addressing young people who perceive science as difficult, Mogesh emphasised that science is closely connected to daily life and plays a vital role in solving societal problems.
Now bearing the title Dr and holding a Malaysia Book of Records distinction, Mogesh said he aims to remain active in academia and research as an immunology expert, while continuing his broadcasting career to make scientific knowledge more accessible and understandable to the public.
