Family Awareness Programme
The Place of Family in Life and Career Decisions
How much should family influence your career?
At university, you’re encouraged to think about your future career. But what place should family have in that future?
Join us for an interactive talk on how science and philosophy can help us think about family, life and career decisions.
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Dewan Kuliah Utama (Main Hall)
BioTech 1, level 1
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Free event · Registration required
Registration link to be confirmed.
Registration deadline: To be confirmed.
Limited to 200 participants. Only registered participants will receive a free lunch pack, sponsored by the Abdalla family.
Questions worth thinking through
Your family now
- Should you make career decisions that make you happy, or your parents happy?
- Would you move far away from family, maybe even overseas, for your career?
- How much should you sacrifice to help your siblings, rather than focus on your own career?
Your future family
- When should you get married? Are the considerations the same for men and women?
- Should you get married at all, or dedicate your life to an amazing career?
- Would you have children if it meant sacrificing the freedom to explore wider career opportunities?
What will you gain?
Through the talk and discussion, we’ll explore:
- How family and career choices can affect your wellbeing.
- What scientific research and philosophical reasoning can contribute to those choices.
- A practical way to weigh opportunities and responsibilities.
Meet the speaker
Irwan Hanish
Irwan teaches immunology, science communication and philosophy of science at UPM.
He holds a PhD in Immunology & Microbiology from the University of Newcastle, and studies Islamic philosophy of science at ISTAC-IIUM under Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar.
Moderator
Ruweyda Abdalla
Communication Coach
MSc in Psychology
University of East London
Frequently asked questions
Who can register?
Registration is open to all UPM students. The talk will also be live streamed online for students outside UPM.
What language will the session use?
The session will be conducted in English.
What will the interactive part involve?
There will be anonymous polls and a short discussion with another participant. Taking part is optional. You’re welcome to simply listen, and you don’t have to share personal or family experiences. We ask everyone to listen respectfully and make room for different views.
Will student merit points be provided?
Registered UPM students who attend this event in person will receive the merit points as well as a free lunch pack.
Join the conversation
You don’t need to have your future figured out. Come with your questions, or simply come to listen.
–
Dewan Kuliah Utama (Main Hall)
BioTech 1, level 1
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Registration link to be confirmed.
- Organised by:
EXCO Sahsiah dan Pembangunan Insan,
Majlis Perwakilan Fakulti Bioteknologi dan Sains Biomolekul
Sesi 2026/2027and
Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences,
Universiti Putra Malaysia.- Supported by:
- Abdalla family
- Enquiries:
Nurin Batrisyia
bc253062@student.upm.edu.myIrwan Hanish
irwan@irwanhanish.com
An event held in loving memory of Khalid Abdalla (19XX–2026), a much-loved husband and father, on behalf of the Abdalla family.