Former BJSS duo prepare for careers in broadcast journalism

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KARATE exponent M. Yokananthini and squash player P.T. Pushppa Devi are getting prepared for a career after sports.

Both are pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang.

As part of their studies, both had to organise a talk show. Yokananthini was given the responsibility to handle the camera.

“It was quite interesting as each of us were given a specific task. For us it was a learning process,” said the 22-year-old Yokananthini.

Team effort: Yokananthini (in red) and Pushppa (standing third from left) posing with their UPM course mates and Sashi (centre) after the talk show. On the far right is Emyly.

Besides Yokananthini and Pushppa Devi, the others in the team were Wan Amiruddin Wan Pa, M. Kalaivani, Kee Khai Sin, Janey Tracey Jimah, Lee Pei Qin, Sufian Hadi Mohd Sojak, Emyly Pang Lai Teng and Qyiza Deborah Joseph.

Lecturer Dr Megat Al-Imran was the executive producer while Rizal Abdul Razak was the producer.

Both Yokananthini and Pushppa Devi had gone through the matriculation programme at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

Pushppa Devi was delegated to invite an IT expert to be the guest on the show – Gadget Brain — and after some running around, she managed to get IT specialist T. Sashi Kumar.

Friendly advice: (From left) Yokananthini and Pushppa Devi getting some pointers from Sashi.

“Sashi was receptive to our request. In fact, he took leave from his job to spend almost three hours with us. Being an experienced speaker, he made us feel comfortable and made the recording a success,” said Pushppa Devi.

Sashi, a Computing and Information System (ICT) graduate, is currently working for a government agency as a senior executive in the IT service department. He is on a weekly technology review radio programme on MinnalFM.

Sashi said he was pleased to assist the UPM undergraduates.

“I was impressed with their enthusiasm. This is a learning process for them. I am happy to help,” he said.

Yokananthini said she admired Sashi’s confidence when facing the camera.

“He was very patient and we certainly learnt a lot from him,” she said.

Yokananthini has been involved in karate for almost 16 years. She is a member of the national training programme. Her next competition will be the national championships.

“I don’t have any problem dividing my time between studies and karate. I want to excel in both.

“I will continue to train and my aim is get a regular place in the national squad,” said Yokananthini.

Emyly, who was the host of the talk show, said she was quite nervous but Sashi gave her confidence.

“He was understanding and encouraged me. He gave us some valuable pointers which will be helpful in our career,” said Emyly.