THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018
Producing corporate psychologists
UNIVERSITI Tunku Abdul Rahman
(UTAR), a premier private
university in Malaysia, is
committed to providing quality,
affordable education.
UTAR’s programmes are
designed to produce graduates
equipped with the relevant
knowledge and skill to meet
human capital needs for our
nation’s progress and development.
One such programme is its
Master of Psychology (Industrial &
Organisational Psychology).
Programme head for Master of
Psychology, Dr Yap Chin Choo, says,
“There is a reciprocal relationship
between a company’s health and
its employee’s psychological states.
“At the same time, the growth of
an organisation can be determined
by how engaged its employees are
in its development.
“This branch of psychology
specialises in the scientific study
of behaviour in an organisational
setting as well as the application
of psychology to understand work
behaviour.
“Individuals work not only to
seek fulfilment and remain active,
but also to receive a salary and
satisfy their financial needs.
These factors suggest that
how we behave at work may
be different from how we would
behave outside the workplace.
“Therefore, psychologists
examine matters such as what
makes people happy at work, how
to increase employee motivation
Product using betel leaf wins gold medal
HAND sanitation helps prevent
the spread of infection but
alcohol-based sanitisers can
have a drying effect on the
skin. Not only is overly dry,
cracking skin the perfect
environment for germs to
enter the body, alcohol is also
an expensive chemical.
Natural products present huge
cost-saving potential in general
healthcare. In response to this,
Management & Science University
(MSU) has developed a more
natural solution.
Called Betelnizer, the natural
hand sanitiser demonstrates
antimicrobial and antifungal
properties that fight pathogenic
bacteria and viruses. It is safe to
be used by adults and children.
Infused with vitamins C and E, it
has a natural, pleasant fragrance
that makes it enjoyable to use.
Led by the university’s
International Medical School
senior lecturer and medical
microbiologist Dr Ridzuan Muhd
Pauzi, the innovation bagged the
gold medal for medical research at
the Research and Innovation Week
2018, beating the competition of
more than 300 universities and
industries.
Betelnizer uses betel leaf
extract as its main component
compared with as high as 75%
alcohol in other hand sanitisers.
Called sirih in Bahasa Malaysia,
UTAR’s Master of Psychology focuses on the scientific study of behaviour in an organisational setting as well as the
application of psychological assessment to understand human reactions and responses at work.
and which leadership styles bring
out the best in employees.
“The programme is also
designed for psychology graduates
who are interested in building a
career in the corporate sector.
Prospective candidates can
advance their academic pursuit
on a full-time or part-time
basis.
“The job market may not be as
At MSU,
innovation is a
social entrepreneurial
call answered
through a research
culture across the
university’s
eight academic
faculties.
betel (or its botanical name Piper
betle) belongs to the same
Piperacea family as black pepper
(Piper nigrum).
Mostly used in local traditional
ceremonies, betel leaf is known to
possess medicinal properties,
which the Betelnizer innovation
has scientifically proven.
The potential cost reduction by
the use of the natural antiseptic is
huge, as is the potential increase in
commercial crop cultivation to
meet the anticipated future
demand beyond the confines of
betel leaf’s traditional use.
At MSU, innovation is a social
entrepreneurial call answered
through a research culture across
the university’s eight academic
attractive to fresh psychology
graduates as it is to professionals
with years of experience,
especially to those familiar
with quantitative research.
“It is important to have a
postgraduate degree in
psychology if you are interested
in practising psychology
accurately and proficiently.
“In order to ensure greater
Dr Ridzuan (right) and Dr Aisyah at the Research and Innovation Week 2018 in Terengganu.
faculties. Development of natural
products is just one of the
university’s core research areas,
which in healthcare also includes
blindness prevention.
MSU advances research into
halal practices with its
International Centre for Halal
Studies and builds entrepreneurs
competency among the master’s
graduates, the programme
implements a mixed-mode
approach, emphasising
both practical work and
research projects.
“The taught part of the course
provides exposure that prepares
our students to work with different
corporate organisations on a
regular basis,” says Dr Yap.
through its Leadership and
Entrepreneurship Advancement
and Development Institute.
The Research and
Innovation Week 2018 was held
in Terengganu, organised by
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
in collaboration with Universiti
Sultan Zainal Abidin and TATI
This branch
of psychology
specialises in the
scientific study
of behaviour in
an organisational
setting as well as the
application
of psychology to
understand work
behaviour.
Dr Yap Chin Choo
Established in 2002, UTAR is one
of the fastest growing private
higher education institutions in the
country.
The university was awarded
self-accreditation status by the
Malaysian Qualifications Agency
last year. This year, it was placed
501-600 in the Times Higher
Education World University
Rankings and 99th in the Times
Higher Education Asia University
Rankings.
n For more information, call
05-468 8888 (Kampar campus)
or 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long
Campus), or visit www.utar.edu.my
University College.
Aiding Dr Ridzuan in developing
the Betelnizer product was MSU’s
Master of Science (by research) in
Biomedicine student Dr Aisyah
Badhrul Hisham.
n For more information about
MSU, visit www.msu.edu.my
2 Postgraduate
“GLOBAL universities drive
economic growth through
teaching partnerships and
quality research.”
This was one of the messages
I presented in speeches over
the past few weeks, using the
University of Nottingham
Malaysia as an example.
On April 24, the university
hosted a series of events in
London that culminated in a
series of speeches at Asia
House.
I was fortunate enough on that
day to be able to say a few words
about the role that the University
of Nottingham has played in
Malaysia since setting up the
region’s first UK branch campus
almost 20 years ago.
I felt that many members of the
audience were surprised by the
range of quality activities that are
Asean and beyond
being undertaken in Malaysia.
The next day, the university held
a Malaysia Day on its UK campus.
The campus was transformed, with
hawker stalls selling nasi lemak,
durian, murtabak and many other
Malaysian delicacies.
The staff and students were
entertained by various talks,
demonstrations and a dance
performance by the university’s
Malaysian Society.
I was particularly pleased to
speak about our partnership
ambitions and how we are now
reaching out beyond Malaysia, in
the same way that the UK spread
its wings when it established a
campus in Asia almost 20 years
ago.
We already deliver
courses in Singapore,
Sri Lanka and
Vietnam and are
about to start
doing so in
Bangladesh
and Laos.
None of these
would have
been
possible without a Malaysian
campus.
We have plans to further extend
our reach by working with quality
partners who share our ambitions
and vision.
The next week, I delivered the
same message in Malaysia,
speaking at several events in Kuala
Lumpur.
The climax was on the evening
of May 3 when Prof Martyn
Poliakoff performed a live science
demonstration at the Malaysian
Petroleum Club located on the
42nd floor of the iconic Petronas
Towers.
Prof Poliakoff was ably assisted
by Vicki Treadell, the British High
Commissioner to Malaysia. Not
only was it great fun, it brought to
life the effect that increasing
acidity has on the ocean.
On the same day, Prof
Poliakoff gave a
presentation to
schoolchildren at
Petrosains and was
a judge in FameLab
2018, Malaysia’s
biggest
science
communication competition.
The University of Nottingham is
rightly proud of Prof Poliakoff as,
in addition to his many other
achievements – including being a
fellow of the Royal Society,
receiving an Order of the British
Empire in 2008 and a knighthood
in 2015 – his Periodic Table of
Videos series has attracted over
150 million hits on YouTube.
Following the live
demonstration, three researchers
from the University of Nottingham
Malaysia presented three-minute
snapshots of their research
projects.
These covered how we can
address human-elephant conflict
(Dr Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz), detect
breast cancer (Dr Weang Kee Ho)
and feed the world’s population as
it continues to grow (Prof Festo
Massawe).
All three researchers presented a
powerful message which, after the
fun of the live demonstration,
brought a hush to the audience as
they took in the significance of the
information they were receiving.
The overarching message from
all three scientists was that the
research they are undertaking is
important for all of mankind, has
the potential to protect the
environment and will positively
impact everyone.
This event was among the many
others we have hosted, and was
delivered against the backdrop of
the Going Global conference from
May 2 to 4.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018
We have plans
to further extend
our reach by
working with
quality partners
who share our
ambitions and
vision.
Prof Graham Kendall
It is an annual conference
organised by the British Council in
collaboration with the Higher
Education Ministry.
Both bodies should be
congratulated on delivering an
excellent event that provided
delegates with the opportunity to
debate the biggest challenges that
the education sector faces.
It has been a hectic but
immensely enjoyable few weeks.
I am really pleased that I could
talk about some of the work that
University of Nottingham Malaysia
is doing, and outline our vision –
“Asean and Beyond”.
n Prof Graham Kendall is the chief
executive officer, provost and pro-
vice-chancellor of the University of
Nottingham Malaysia.
Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018 3
4 Postgraduate
Educating future dental experts
THE Postgraduate Diploma in
Implant Dentistry (PGDID) offered
by International Medical University
(IMU) Malaysia is the first and only
postgraduate diploma programme
accredited by the Malaysian
Qualifications Agency.
Taught by highly qualified local
and international speakers who
have rich experience in the field,
the programme aims to equip
students with the knowledge and
skill to perform dental implant
procedures at varying levels of
complexity.
Its curriculum is benchmarked
against the Diploma in Implant
Dentistry examination by the
Royal College of Surgeons of
Edinburgh.
The PGDID is designed to train
working dental practitioners
through flexible modular delivery,
which is supplemented with
guidance from personal tutors.
Early clinical exposure is part of
the curriculum. Students are
encouraged to perform their first
implant during the first module
under close supervision of IMU’s
experienced implantologists.
The training standard for PGDID
students includes assurance of
patient safety. An evidence-based,
patient-centred approach is used
in advising patients regarding
techniques, materials and choice of
prostheses in their dental implant
treatment.
Clinical work
begins during
the first
module of
IMU’s
postgraduate
programme
in implant
dentistry.
The PGDID is offered in full-time
and part-time mode. Full-time
students are to complete all six
modules within a year while
part-time study allows students
to complete two or three modules
per year over a maximum of
three years.
Students can perform their
implant surgery requirement at
their own clinics or at IMU Oral
Health Centre. Clinical work begins
in the first module.
Some prerequisites to enrol in
the PGDID are:
l A qualification registrable as a
dental surgeon with the Malaysian
Dental Council (or its equivalent in
other countries)
l At least two years of
postgraduate clinical experience
l Interest in using dental
implants with appropriate baseline
knowledge and skill in oral surgery
and restorative dentistry
IMU is Malaysia’s most
established private medical and
health science university with
more than 26 years of experience
in healthcare education.
Established in 1992, IMU
pioneered the Partner Medical
School programme and has since
gained international recognition
through more than 30 partnerships
with world-class universities
in Australia, New Zealand, the
United Kingdom, Canada,
Biggest cohort ever
CURTIN University, Malaysia
(Curtin Malaysia) achieved its
latest milestone last month
when it handed out Curtin
University scrolls to 682
graduating students from its
graduating classes of 2017 – its
largest graduating cohort ever.
The graduates comprised
299 undergraduate and
postgraduate students from the
Faculty of Business, 37 from the
Faculty of Humanities, 338 from
the Faculty of Engineering and
Science, and eight from other
Curtin campuses, who attended
two separate graduation
ceremonies – a combined
ceremony for the Faculty of
Business and Faculty of
Humanities in the morning, and
another for the Faculty of
Engineering and Science in the
afternoon.
Attended by family members
and a long list of dignitaries
from Malaysia and Australia,
both ceremonies were held at
the university’s 1,500-capacity
Recreation and Event Centre.
This year’s graduation saw
one of the highest numbers of
postgraduate graduates, 60 in
total, and the highest number of
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
degrees being conferred at 20.
Curtin Malaysia has produced
more than 5,500 graduates since
its establishment in 1999,
including over 35 PhD graduates
since 2011.
True to Curtin Malaysia’s
status as Curtin University’s
largest international campus
and global hub in Asia, the
graduating cohort consisted of
individuals from Malaysia,
Afghanistan, Australia,
Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Fiji,
India, Indonesia, Maldives,
Myanmar, Pakistan, the
Philippines, Singapore and
more.
Coinciding with the
graduation ceremonies was an
equally glittering awards
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018
Ireland and China.
IMU offers other postgraduate
programmes as listed below.
l MSc in Public Health (taught)
l MSc in Analytical and
Pharmaceutical Chemistry (taught)
l MSc in Molecular Medicine
(taught)
l Master of Pharmacy Practice
(taught)
l Master of Health Professions
Education (taught)
l MSc in Medical & Health
Sciences (by research)
l PhD in Medical & Health
Sciences (by research)
IMU’s main campus is in Bukit
Jalil, with branch clinical schools
located in Seremban, Kuala Pilah,
Batu Pahat and Kluang.
n For more information,
call 03-2731 7272, e-mail
postgraduate@imu.edu.my
or visit www.imu.edu.my
ceremony at the Miri Marriott
Resort & Spa that evening,
where high-achieving students
of the university were presented
university- and industry-
sponsored awards for academic
excellence, outstanding
extracurricular activities and
community service.
According to Curtin Malaysia’s
pro-vice-chancellor, president
and chief executive Prof Jim
Mienczakowski, the graduation
and awards events were also
occasions for the university to
celebrate some of its latest
achievements.
They include new
developments in research,
renewal of its 5 Star: Excellent
rating in the Rating for Higher
Education Institutions in
Malaysia (Setara) for the fourth
consecutive time, introduction
of new learning technologies
and spaces in line with Curtin’s
transformative learning
initiatives, and an expanding
regional footprint as Curtin’s
global hub in Asia through
strategic partnerships and
collaborations.
Curtin University is among
the top 1% of universities in the
world according to the 2017
Academic Ranking of World
Universities.
Curtin Malaysia offers the
same internationally accredited
courses and degrees as its
Australian parent.
Most of the courses are
accredited by professional
bodies nationally and
internationally, including
Engineers Australia and the
Engineering Accreditation
Council of Malaysia for its
engineering courses, and the
Association to Advance
Collegiate Schools of Business
and other international bodies
for its business offerings.
n For more information, visit
www.curtin.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018 Postgraduate 5

(From left) Guest speakers Prof Ahmad, de Oliveira and Prof Cleaver, shared their thoughts and
insights on design management.

Building a
future in design
management
THE Faculty of Design and Built
Environment of First City University College
(First City UC) hosted a design management
conference on March 1.
More than 60 participants from different
institutions attended the conference, along
with members of the media and First City
UC’s faculty and top management.
The conference featured three guest
speakers – Prof Ahmad Zainuddin from
Malaysia Design Council (MDC), Prof Phil
Cleaver from Middlesex University London,
United Kingdom, and motivational speaker
Ronan Diego de Oliveira from Brazil.
Prof Ahmad, who is chairman of the MDC
and has a doctorate in design management
from Manchester Metropolitan University,
UK, delivered the opening speech.
“Design is the key to disruptive innovation,
and can position Malaysia as the regional
digital and manufacturing hub.
“Malaysia needs to draw on the strength of
its creative industries, especially design, to
remain a formidable global economic
player,” he said.
Prof Ahmad stressed that when properly
governed on diverse platforms, design can
be a vital part of human survival.
Prof Cleaver, an established, award-
winning heavyweight in the graphic design
world, shared his views on brand
management and implementation, brand
identity and rebranding.
The conference was then taken to another
level by de Oliveira with a segment called
“Management by Design Thinking”.
He discussed how design can be used to
solve problems by taking user experience,
journey and insights into consideration.
He has extensive training in leadership
from International Association of Students in
Malaysia needs to
draw on the strength of
its creative industries,
especially design, to
remain a formidable global
economic player.
Prof Ahmad Zainuddin
Economic and Commercial Sciences (AIESEC)
and organised the world’s largest design
thinking workshop last year, which attracted
1,000 participants.
Quality education
First City UC is offering Malaysia’s
first ever Masters of Design Management,
which combines academic study with
professional practice in a project-centred
curriculum that draws on a range of
interdisciplinary perspectives from
business and the arts.
The course is designed to support
employability by helping students develop
transferable, industry-level skills.
First City UC provides value-for-money
education. Attractive scholarships for
academic merit, sibling discounts and sports
excellence are available from First City UC
for eligible students.
n For more information, call 03-7727 3200,
e-mail enquiry@firstcity.edu.my or visit
www.firstcity.edu.my

Students from different institutions were invited to be part of the design management
conference held by First City UC.
6 Postgraduate
Preparing for the revolution
BACK in January, the Higher Education
Ministry revealed its mandate for the year.
Inspired by the increasingly talked-about
Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), it was
given the theme “Higher Education 4.0:
Knowledge, Industry and Humanity”.
IR4.0 promises a manufacturing
revolution influenced by robotics and
artificial intelligence using various new
technologies including Big Data analytics
and cloud computing.
Given this scenario, the type of workers
needed by the country is dictated by radical
changes in consumer demands and
preferences.
In the context of Malaysian higher
education, we can expect innovative
approaches to teaching and learning as well
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
as designing learning spaces, pedagogies,
curricula and assessments.
This will be an era during which the
country is hoping to transform the future
workforce via science, technology,
engineering and mathematics as well as
technical and vocational education and
training (TVET).
Therefore, there is a need for higher
education institutions to equip graduates
with the capacity to adapt to technological
change and respond to demands of a new
job market.
This is important as the use of automated
and intelligent technology may cause some
jobs to become obsolete. This means that it
is even more important for the workforce
to be able to adapt to IR4.0.
In addition, the IR4.0 employment
scenario calls for workers who are
equipped with the necessary soft skills that
include complex requirements such as
universal adaptability, people management
and negotiation expertise.
Open University Malaysia (OUM) is
committed to responding to the nation’s call
for well-rounded, competent graduates who
have what it takes to make IR4.0 a reality
for Malaysia.
Career relevance has always been OUM’s
priority. Since its inception, OUM has
focused on fit-for-purpose academic
programmes, ensuring that those who enrol
with us are imbued with the right blend of
knowledge and skills in areas that are in
demand.
At the postgraduate level, this effort is
reflected in programmes such as the Master
of Occupational Safety and Health
Management with Honours and Master of
Instructional Design and Technology.
As a nod to the growing interest in
multidisciplinary studies, OUM also offers
the Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) programme,
which interlinks various disciplines in
social sciences, humanities, education and
languages.
The highlight on languages has also
resulted in a new offering – Chinese
Language for Basic Communication. This
course teaches the basics in Mandarin,
which is expected to become as globally
dominant as the English language is today.
Pedagogy is a major element in OUM’s
teaching and learning processes, and is
potentially the most fundamental way the
university can contribute to IR4.0 progress
in Malaysia.
Leveraging on e-learning and focusing on
self-direction, OUM’s blended learning
approach helps mould its learners into
independent self-starters who are
resourceful, disciplined and can monitor
and evaluate their own progress.
This is especially applicable to working
adults, who appreciate the flexibility to
The delivery of higher education in Malaysia must adapt to the demands of IR4.0.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018
Career relevance
has always been
OUM’s priority. Since
its inception, OUM has
focused on fit-for-purpose
academic programmes,
ensuring that those
who enrol with us are
imbued with the right
blend of knowledge
and skills in areas that
are in demand.
Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil
study at their own convenience and possess
the level of maturity required for academic
independence.
As a direct response to the growing
interest in TVET, OUM will introduce more
skills-based courses that can boost a
graduate’s competency at the
workplace.
OUM’s TVET offering will provide a taste
of relevant professions and focus on
secondary knowledge and skills such as
entrepreneurship and applied finance.
These initiatives represent OUM’s efforts
to link higher education provision to IR4.0.
The university realises the need to address
the current disconnect between quality of
graduates and pressures necessitated by an
innovative and competitive economy.
We are committed to continue catering to
working adults, especially those who are
looking to pick up new knowledge and skills
so they can adapt to a rapidly changing
world.
For this purpose, we will continue to
leverage on our position as the nation’s
premier open and distance learning
institution. This will hopefully provide us
with a unique edge during this latest
industrial revolution.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is president
and vice-chancellor of OUM.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018
Understanding
the business world
THE world is getting smaller. This could
not be truer in the business world, as
corporations expand their marketing, sales
and processes to different countries and
make global trade a current reality.
As the movement of people, products,
money and ideas transcends national
borders, a new breed of capable and
culturally adaptable graduates are needed.
The Master of International Business (MIB)
at Monash University Malaysia provides a
special focus on global aspects of business
such as cross-cultural competencies and
leadership that is crucial to meet the
evolving needs of today’s multinational
companies.
“Graduates will be able to effectively
analyse, interpret and form judgments about
current political, social, economic and
industry-related events that are likely to
influence their business.
“Additionally, graduates are able to
capture the emerging business opportunities
that arise from globalisation dynamics,” says
Dr Ravichandran K. Subramaniam, head of
the MIB programme at Monash University
Malaysia.
With the aim of helping students develop
an in-depth understanding of international
business environments, the course
introduces leading perspectives in analysing
business-related events and management
issues.
Through independent research,
presentation and case study, students
acquire the skills needed to gather relevant
data for analysis as well as competencies
necessary to effectively communicate their
decisions.
Postgraduate 7
The opportunity to go
on a study trip to Hong
Kong, Shenzhen and Monash Malaysia’s Master of International Business programme equips individuals with the
skills to effectively analyse and interpret current events that may have an effect on their
Shanghai was priceless. It
business.
allowed me to personally of processes within multinationals and in the market, the Monash MIB provides
see the world’s second global markets.
“The opportunity to go on a study trip
students with an edge as it gives them the
alternative of pursuing a career in
biggest economy. to Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai was research.
priceless. It allowed me to personally see The course syllabus is embedded with a
Charles Tan the world’s second biggest economy,” adds research component every semester.
Tan. Successful completion of this pathway will
“Visits to local companies also broadened qualify students to apply for admission to a
“As a science student, I realised that my view across industries and captured PhD programme.
business was very foreign to me. I didn’t valuable insights for a great learning
understand business concepts and how the experience.” n For more information on Monash
real world works. I was even struggling to With many MIB programmes available Malaysia’s MIB, visit www.monash.edu.my
understand the value of money,” says MIB
graduate Melody Ang, who is currently
pursuing her PhD at Monash Malaysia.
“I was also slow to realise that the
working world is a very complicated place
and, to survive in it, it’s better to be
equipped with some business knowledge –
thus began my MIB journey.”
Echoing similar sentiments, MIB graduate
Charles Tan who currently devises
international growth strategies at Petronas,
says, “MIB’s focus on multi-lensed global
issues trains students to recognise signposts,
practise foresight and carry out scenario
planning, all of which are important
elements in international business.”
The MIB includes a study tour component
that gives students a real-world experience
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018
Developing competent
professionals across the board
OPEN University Malaysia (OUM)
offers affordable and accessible
degree programmes.
As the first open and distance
learning university in Malaysia,
OUM’s specialty is in offering
flexibility for working adults.
These programmes let learners
upgrade their qualifications,
knowledge and skills without
sacrificing or compromising
their jobs and
responsibilities.
The Kuala Lumpur
learning centre
Assoc Prof
Dr David Lim.
offers postgraduate programmes
that are designed for working
adults.
OUM’s part-time courses are
segregated into its industry-specific
faculties – Cluster of Business and
Management, Cluster of Education
and Social Sciences, and Cluster
of Applied Sciences.
Edge in psychology
OUM offers the Master of
Counselling in tandem with the
needs of Malaysia Board of
Counselors (LKM) to produce
counselling professionals.
“Graduates of the programme
will be registered counsellors
recognised by LKM, which will
help them further their careers,”
says Assoc Prof Dr Fatimah
Yusoof, programme director for
Master of Counselling.
Assoc Prof Fatimah had 30 years’
experience in higher education
prior to joining the university. She
specialises
in family
counselling and
is a member of LKM.
“Learners will gain
insight from different
industries and professional
backgrounds. This gives them
practical experience to create
solutions for various challenges in
their lives and careers,” she says.
Student Lekhalekshmi
Kamalanathan says, “Everybody
gets to contribute his or her view
and you can analyse each other’s
thoughts on certain issues. It is
enlightening as you get to explore
different perspectives.”
Lekhalekshmi, who was a
lawyer, adds that the university’s
diverse student pool helped build
bridges to connect people of
different ages and professions.
The Master in Counselling is
available at OUM’s KL learning
centre. Students will be exposed to
various counselling and
psychotherapy theories, techniques
and processes as well as ethical
issues in the field.
Upon graduating, students can
diversify their careers in various
fields, including academics, mental
health and human resource
management.
Necessary qualifications
in English
A strong proficiency in English,
which is the second most spoken
language globally, allows
professionals across industries to
access a whole world of
information.
Recognising the importance of
the language, OUM offers the
Master in English Studies.
Assoc Prof Dr Fatimah Yusoof.
Graduates of this programme
demonstrate advanced skills and
knowledge in English.
It is an advanced degree that
emphasises depth by offering a
combination of literary and
cultural studies. Students have up
to two years to obtain the
stipulated 42 credit hours of this
programme.
“The pursuit of postgraduate
education can be tremendously
rewarding and fulfilling in more
ways than one,” says Assoc Prof Dr
David Lim, programme director for
the Master in English Studies.
“In addition to guiding learners
in their acquisition of transferable
skills and knowledge, the faculty
Postgraduate 8
incentivises learners to question
everything and form their own
thoughts about a range of
fundamental issues.”
Assoc Prof Lim earned his
doctorate from Australian
National University. He was a
postdoctoral fellow at Asia
Research Institute in National
University of Singapore and a
visiting research fellow at the
Centre for Integrated Area Studies
at Kyoto University, Japan.
He shares that students are
expected to engage in advanced
reading and analysis as well as
take part in production of complex,
sophisticated literary and
non-literary text and discourse.
According to him, this lets them
demonstrate knowledge and
appreciation of contextual
approaches.
Upon graduating, students’
employability improves as they
graduate with skills in critical
thinking, production and reception
of text, and transferable
conceptual, analytical and
communicational knowledge.
These graduates can then
embark on further study in English
or its related disciplines.
n For more information on OUM,
call 03-2773 2121 (hotline) or
03-2773 2002 (general line), or
visit www.oum.edu.my