Anger is a natural emotion experienced by everyone. It can arise when we face stress, injustice, disappointment, or misunderstanding. However, the way we manage our anger determines whether it leads to positive solutions or creates even greater problems. Managing emotions does not mean suppressing anger; rather, it means responding to it wisely so that it does not harm ourselves or those around us. 1. Pause Before You React When you feel angry, avoid making decisions or responding immediately. Give yourself a few moments to calm down. Simple techniques such as taking deep breaths or counting to ten can reduce impulsive reactions and allow your mind to think more clearly and rationally. 2.Identify the Real Cause of Your Anger Sometimes, anger is not caused by the immediate situation but by accumulated stress or unresolved frustrations. Ask yourself, "What is really making me angry?" Identifying the root cause helps you focus on finding solutions instead of blaming others. 3. Communicate with Care Choose your words wisely. Avoid raising your voice, insulting others, or using hurtful language, as the effects of harsh words can last long after the conversation ends. Instead, express your feelings by saying, "I feel disappointed because..." rather than making accusations or assigning blame. 4. Take Time to Cool Down If your emotions are still running high, step away from the situation for a while. Taking a walk, drinking water, engaging in light exercise, or simply getting some fresh air can help reduce stress and restore emotional balance before continuing the discussion. 5. See Things from a Different Perspective Try to understand the situation from another person's point of view. Not every mistake is made with bad intentions. Practising empathy can reduce misunderstandings and create opportunities for more constructive and meaningful conversations. 6. Focus on Solutions, Not Blame Holding on to anger rarely solves problems. Instead, concentrate on what can be done to improve the situation. Asking, "What can we do differently moving forward?" is far more productive than dwelling on mistakes that have already happened. 7. Turn Anger into an Opportunity for Growth Every experience of anger provides an opportunity for self-reflection. Once your emotions have settled, take time to reflect on what happened. Understanding your emotional triggers will help you develop healthier responses and improve the way you handle similar situations in the future. Managing anger is not a sign of weakness it is a reflection of emotional intelligence, self-control, and maturity. Individuals who regulate their emotions effectively are more likely to build healthy relationships, make sound decisions, and become respected leaders. As the saying goes, "A small fire can be your friend, but a raging fire becomes your enemy." In the same way, anger, when managed wisely, can become a catalyst for positive change. Left unchecked, however, it has the power to damage relationships, careers, and overall well-being.

Rising above life's challenges and giving back to the community has earned Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) student Lailatul Akmal Awiss Juharin the prestigious Student Icon Award 2026 at the UPM Vice-Chancellor's Awards (ANC) 2026. A student from the Faculty of Educational Studies, Lailatul Akmal received the University's highest student honour in recognition of her outstanding achievements in leadership, academic excellence, co-curricular activities, entrepreneurship, character development, and contributions to both the University and the wider community. She was also presented with the Putra Entrepreneur Award for her remarkable accomplishments in entrepreneurship. According to Lailatul Akmal, the recognition is both an honour and a responsibility, reflecting the unwavering support she has received throughout her university journey. She admitted that she never expected to be named Student Icon, believing that many other students had also made significant contributions to the University and society. "I see this award not merely as recognition for myself, but as a tribute to my family, lecturers, the University, my friends, and the entire Warung Yamal team who have continuously supported me. I was once an asnaf aid recipient at this University, and today I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to fellow students and the community," she said. Her experience as an asnaf aid recipient during the early years of her studies inspired her to establish Warung Yamal, an entrepreneurial initiative that not only generates income but also creates employment opportunities for students while carrying out various community welfare programmes. The initiative demonstrates how personal challenges can become a catalyst for leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and social responsibility. Lailatul Akmal also shared that every success begins with a small step, driven by determination, the courage to embrace challenges, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement. She believes that true success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by one's ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Meanwhile, UPM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah expressed his hope that all Vice-Chancellor's Award recipients would serve as role models for other students by balancing academic excellence with strong character and integrity. He emphasised that success should always be accompanied by humility, openness to constructive feedback, and a lifelong commitment to learning. The UPM Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2026 also marked the introduction of the Jiwa Putra Award for the first time, while celebrating outstanding students from diverse backgrounds through the Putra Inclusive Award, reaffirming UPM's commitment to recognising the diverse talents, potential, and contributions of its student community.