SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018

SETARA

Making
their mark
Not all universities are ranked
equally in terms of quality.
Delve into what makes the
top institutions the best in
the business.
2 Setara
BY leveraging on Malaysia’s
strategic location and sound
infrastructure, the nation
aims to be a regional
higher education hub.
In many ways, there are
signs that suggest the
country is heading
in the right
direction.
One such indication
is the number of
international
students within
our shores.
In 2014, there
were up to 135,500
international
students registered
across the various
public and private
universities as well
as foreign branch
campuses, and the
number is expected
to rise to 250,000 in 2025.
In 2016, the United
Nations Educational,
Science and Cultural
Organization (Unesco)
recognised Malaysia as one
of the top 10 preferred
destinations for tertiary
education, with a survey
among international students
listing affordable cost of living
and a diverse socio-cultural
landscape as among the country’s
strengths.
These facts and figures are
testament to the increasing quality
of education in Malaysia, allowing
school-leavers and undergraduates
to seek world-class tertiary
education without moving abroad.
More notably, however, is
the fifth and latest Rating for
Higher Education Institutions in
Malaysia (Setara 2017) released
in November last year that
revealed eight universities being
awarded the coveted 6 Star:
Outstanding rating.
This is the first time the top
rating was awarded to any
university since the rating system
was introduced in 2007.
Raising the bar
The Setara results were
introduced as a basis for quality
assurance of higher education
and a reference point for
the criteria and standards of
academic qualifications offered
at higher learning institutions in
Malaysia.
The Malaysian Qualifications
Agency has worked closely with
participating institutions within
the public and private sector
to ensure each set of results
released in 2007, 2009, 2011 and
2013 was produced only after
conducting critical and impartial
evaluation.
The results thus provide school-
leavers with a fair guide to the
Striving for better rating
Category weightage for institutions of different ages
Instrument
Mature
university
(≥15 years)
General 40%
Teaching and learning 30%
Research 20%
Services 10%
education options available to
them, providing reasons for
confidence in the various
institutions due to the many
assessments that must be
completed to fulfil the rating
requirements.
These assessments help
universities not only gauge their
position in the country’s higher
education landscape and pit
themselves against competitors,
but also have better insight into
their processes and build upon
their core functions of teaching,
research and service.
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
data verification, and sensitivity settle for second best? The good
and validity analysis. thing about the tedious assessment
Category of institution The judging criteria can be process is that it would have
divided into four main categories: produced some interesting
general (institutional profiles), feedback for institutions to
Emerging
university University teaching and learning, research pinpoint their weaknesses, be it
(≤14 years) college capacity, and services and income in general programme delivery,
generation. research, faculty or income
40% 40% Each of these categories carries a generation.
different weightage depending on All universities would already
the age of the institution, as shown have some form of internal
40% 50% in the table on the left. The figure reviewing process in place,
below is a breakdown of the but having an external and
15% 5%
judging criteria. unbiased view will surely add
another dimension to quality
5% 5% Laying the foundations assurance.
In saying so, institutions must
The increased participation of not be overdependent on the
A vast improvement higher learning institutions alone Setara findings and continue to
from 2013 to 2017 strengthens the conduct their own quality
Out of the 54 institutions that credibility of the results. enhancement processes as
participated in the Setara 2013 However, equally apparent is maintaining high standards of
rating, 42 universities were how there is still room for quality is an ongoing process,
rated Tier 5: Excellent while 11 improvement for emerging as well what more when Malaysia pushes
institutions were rated Tier 4: as some mature universities. for developed status.
Very Good. One institution was Being rated 5 Star: Excellent
excluded from the final list due to is no doubt a great feat, but why > TURN TO PAGE 4
insufficient data.
Setara 2017, on the other hand, Breakdown of judging criteria
evaluated 71 institutions – eight
institutions earned a 6 Star:
Outstanding rating, 21 institutions General: Teaching and Research Services and
received a 5 Star: Excellent rating, Institutional learning capacity income
29 institutions were rated 4 Star: profiles generation
Very Good, 12 institutions rated 3
Star: Good and one institution
rated 2 Star: Satisfactory. Student quality Capacity of
and diversity academic staff Critical mass Income from
At first glance, it would seem
of researchers commercialisa-
that many of the institutions failed tion of ideas
to maintain their previous ratings,
but it is important to note that a Lecturer Student
list of changes was made to the capability satisfaction on
new judging criteria, in addition to teaching and
the change in rating name from University social
facilities Research responsibility
Tier to Star.
Academic staff income and knowledge
Institutions were also divided transfer
recognition
into three categories – mature
universities with at least 15 years Quality of
of establishment, emerging graduates
universities with less than 15 years Quality
management Education
of establishment and university Quantity of
system and training
colleges – as opposed to the two Internalisation publications
programmes
categories of public and private of academic
institutions in previous editions. programmes
The rating instrument was Financial
based on a seven-step methodology stability
that took into account national Other
Quality of
and international benchmarks, Programme sources
publications
stakeholder engagement, pilot run, Institutional recognition of income
reputation
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
Honouring achievements in sports
HELP University’s (HELP) sports
achievers continue to win
accolades at international, national
and university levels, the most
recent being this year’s
Commonwealth Games and the
5th Asian Taekwondo Poomsae
Championships.
HELP also emerged victorious in
University Basketball League 2018
in the women’s and men’s
categories, with Gashvinder Singh
and Fang Bi Yi declared most
valuable players.
At HELP’s Achievers’ Awards
ceremony, the university’s
co-founder, vice-chancellor and
president Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan
said that excelling in sports was
one way of developing well-
rounded, goal-oriented students
who have leadership skills and
discipline.
According to HELP Education
Group’s chief executive officer
Datin Chan-Low Kam Yoke,
nurturing sports achievers is the
university’s contribution towards
nation-building.
She believes that sports
achievers must be equipped
with the appropriate educational
qualifications so that they may
continue to find employment
after their active sports careers.
Thus, the CEO Sports Scholarship
Award was introduced.
One of the earliest recipients of
the award was Soo Beng Kiang, a
top Malaysian shuttler and world-
ranked badminton player who
studied at HELP in 1998.
Athletes who have completed
their studies at HELP while actively
Prof Zakaria (second from left) with (from left) taekwondo representative Sara Yap, artistic gymnast Tan Fu Jie and
badminton player Soniia Cheah, HELP sports achievers who excelled at this year's Commonwealth Games.
competing are international
badminton player Lydia Cheah,
national hockey player Joel van
Huizen, national tennis player
Kevin Loke, national taekwondo
representatives Liew Shwu-Jenn
and Liew Shwu-Lynn, national
table tennis player Chu Soo Jiin,
and national bowling
representative Sheena Ayesha Dina
Rizal.
The CEO Sports Scholarship
Award entitles national athletes to
a 50% bursary while state athletes
qualify for a 30% bursary.
This has propelled HELP to the
top of the ladder as a sports
university and contributed to it
becoming an 11-time winner in the
Malaysian Association of Private
Colleges and Universities
Championships, an achievement
that HELP’s Department of Student
Activities (DSA) director Anthony
Silvarajoo is proud of.
“From the beginning, DSA has
been encouraging sports by hosting
events such as the annual HELP
Sports Carnival where 19 types
of sports are made available for
students to compete in, including
athletics, football, netball,
volleyball, badminton, table tennis
and bowling.
“We also have the Sports Award
Day during which athletes who
represent HELP at national and
state levels are honoured,” he says.
National badminton player
Soniia Cheah, who is completing
her A-Levels on a full scholarship,
chose to study at HELP because of
its tolerance towards her strenuous
international-level training
schedule.
Sara Yap, mixed-pair event
silver medallist at the 5th
Asian Taekwondo Poomsae
Championships and gold medallist
at last year’s SEA Games, has
ambitions of completing her
Setara 3
psychology degree soon and
attends classes when her training
schedule permits.
“I am happy to have received
a cash incentive for my
achievements. It is nice to have
been recognised as it is tough
juggling between my training
schedule and classes,” she says.
Prof Datuk Dr Zakaria Ahmad,
vice-president of the Olympic
Council of Malaysia and HELP’s
DSA, was a national gymnast.
He is the president of the
Malaysian Gymnastic Federation,
and feels that sports is a vital
component of any good university
as it builds teamwork and
character in students.
Kannan Subramanian, fitness
coach, former national runner
and member of the DSA, provides
support to HELP athletes by
arranging transport schedules for
their training sessions and fitness
programmes.
“This year, HELP made history
at the Institutions of Higher
Learning Games where it placed
ninth out of 84 private and public
institutions, with seven gold, two
silver and six bronze medals.
“That was the pinnacle of many
years of practice and hard work
we put into improving our
rankings over the years,” he says.
Kannan hopes that HELP
continues to be recognised as a
sports university and attract
Malaysia’s best talents.
n For more information, call
03-2716 2000 or visit www.help.edu.
my
4 Setara
A breadth of options
UNIVERSITI Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is
Malaysia’s leading technical and
entrepreneurial university, formed as part
of the education group under Majlis Amanah
Rakyat (MARA).
It was formed via the amalgamation of
seven MARA skills institutions on 20 August
2002 and has since experienced rapid
expansion as one of the universities of
choice in Malaysia.
The university’s primary aim is to provide
an enriching undergraduate and
postgraduate learning environment that
fulfils the academic and intellectual potential
of its students.
The university advocates a culture that
strives for a high standard in the higher
technical and vocational education and
training delivery system, emphasising
hands-on technical skills and knowledge
development.
With the concept of “One Institute,
One Specialisation”, UniKL at present
has 12 campuses strategically located
throughout peninsular Malaysia, with its
chancellery situated in the heart of Kuala
Lumpur.
The diversity in specialisation within the
university enables the optimisation of
resources, enhances teaching and learning
activities, and boosts profound research
activities within the university.
Below are the 12 campuses of UniKL and
their specialisations.
l UniKL Malaysia France Institute –
Mechatronics, mechanical, robotics, welding,
air-conditioning and electromechanical
systems
l UniKL British Malaysian Institute –
Electrical, electronics, medical electronics
and telecommunication technology
l UniKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology – Aviation technology
Nation’s top institutions
> FROM PAGE 2
The latest Setara results serve to give
school-leavers an unbiased reference
to the quality of higher education
within the country while providing
universities with useful feedback for
6 Star: Outstanding
International Medical University
Monash University Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Malaya
5 Star: Excellent
Curtin University Sarawak Campus
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
Campus
University of Nottingham Malaysia
International Islamic University Malaysia
Universiti Malaysia Perlis
International Centre for Education in Islamic
Finance
Management and Science University
Sunway University
Taylor’s University
UCSI University
Lincoln University College
Legend
Mature universities Emerging universities
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
l UniKL Malaysian Spanish Institute –
Mechanical, manufacturing, mechatronics,
applied electronics and automotive
l UniKL Malaysian Institute of
Information Technology – Software
engineering, networking, computer system
security, multimedia and animation
l UniKL Malaysian Institute of
Chemical and Bioengineering Technology
– Chemical and bioengineering technology
l UniKL Malaysian Institute of Marine
Engineering Technology – Marine
engineering technology
l UniKL Royal College of Medicine
Perak – Medical and allied health sciences
l UniKL Malaysia Italy Design Institute
– Design, manufacturing and engineering
business management
l UniKL Malaysian Institute of
Industrial Technology – Quality
engineering, facilities maintenance and
industrial logistics
l UniKL Institute of Medical Science
Technology – Medical science technology
l UniKL Business School – Accounting,
tourism, entrepreneurship, Islamic finance
and marketing
In response to challenges of the
globalisation era and to fulfil the current
demand of the industry and job market,
UniKL moulds graduates with strong
technological knowledge, astute technical
and entrepreneurial skills, and excellent
leadership qualities.
Presently, UniKL boasts more than 23,000
students and has produced more than 48,000
graduates who have established their
careers or become successful entrepreneurs
locally and globally.
n For more information, call 03-2175
4000/1800 888 177 or visit www.unikl.edu.my
general improvement.
Ratings were finalised based on
institutions’ general profiles, teaching and
learning, research capacity, and services
and income generation.
Below is the list of Malaysia’s top
universities.
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Universiti Teknologi Mara
Universiti Tenaga Nasional
Universiti Utara Malaysia
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
Kolej Universiti Sains Perubatan Cyberjaya
University colleges
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018 Setara 5

Service to humanity
WIDELY recognised as one of the
top medical schools and a source
of highly proficient medical
professionals, Melaka-Manipal
Medical College (MMMC) has been
entrenched in Malaysia for more
than two decades.
MMMC’s reputation has
extended internationally, with
many of its alumni practising in
different parts of the world
including in the United States,
programmes, which involve much
hands-on immersion, giving rise to
a showcase of awards and
accolades.
MMMC’s medical and dentistry
programmes integrate science and
clinical experience with in-depth
study and independent research.
This allows students to combine
classroom learning with
hands-on training in laboratories.
The programmes emphasise an
popular Bachelor of Dental
Surgery (BDS) in 2009.
Its Foundation in Science (FIS)
inculcates SPM-leavers with basic
knowledge in medical and dental
subjects before they enrol in their
choice of degree studies.
MMMC offers scholarships to FIS
students who sat for SPM last year.
Even students with 5As may obtain
some monetary assistance as long Researching which university you want to attend is important as your choice
as statutory entry requirements will affect every aspect of your life as a student.

the United Kingdom and Australia.
Its reputation stems from the
academic delivery
of its medicine and
integrative approach to healing,
with students learning how mental
well-being affects physical
health.
A head start in
are met.
MBBS students can apply for a
PTPTN loan of RM150,000, which
goes a long way towards helping

the right direction

dentistry MMMC students are also
given the opportunity to carry
out research, some of which
have been published.
The institution introduced its
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor
of Surgery (MBBS)
programme in
1997, followed
by the
parents in getting their children
through medical school. BDS
applicants may also apply for
PTPTN loans.
MMMC’s quality medical and
dental education is proof of its
commitment to providing diverse
learning opportunities in its
curriculum.
This dedication to excellence is
“inspired by life” – which is its
motto – tempered with ethical
service to the nation and
humanity.
Online applications for the July
(FIS) and October (degree) intakes
can now be submitted via www.
manipal.edu.my
Prospective students are invited
to visit the Melaka campus and
learn more about the institution’s
commitment to quality education.
n For more information, call
MMMC’s admissions unit at
06-289 6662 (extensions
1005/1020/1032/1035/1142).
PICKING the right university is a
crucial step towards fulfilling your
career goals. Before furthering
your studies, there are many ways
to learn more about a university of
your interest.
Here are some of the best
sources of information that you
can turn to.
l Internet
In this digital age, the Internet is
a powerful tool. There are multiple
platforms such as Afterschool.my
that give you insight into various
universities’ programmes, facilities,
scholarships and more. Visiting
these sites enables you to compare
universities easily.
Besides this, rankings of higher
education institutions by
established organisations inform
the public on the specific areas a
university performs well in.
These rankings can usually be
found online with a simple web
browser search.
For instance, the QS World
University Rankings evaluates
how well top universities from
around the world stack up against
one another in terms of academics
and other indicators such as
faculty diversity, research output
and graduate employability.
Official websites of universities
can also help you in your decision-
making process by giving you
valid, accurate and current
information.
> TURN TO PAGE 8
6 Setara SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018

Spearheading
innovation
in the region
WITH its impressive global presence,
Monash University is leading the way for
research-based problem-solving around the Twenty years ago,
world. The recently released Reuters Top 75:
Asia Pacific’s Most Innovative Universities
Monash University
As the third largest branch campus of Australia’s largest university, Monash University Malaysia rankings has named it the most innovative took a bold step in
is optimally positioned for research and education engagement within the South-East Asian
region.
university in Australia.
In Malaysia, the Monash University setting up a campus
branch campus is pioneering a vision of
innovation based on meaningful
here in Asia, and we are
involvement with its surrounding still the only major
community in South-East Asia.
“To me, the real innovation is how we research-intensive
engage,” says Prof Andrew Walker, president
and pro-vice-chancellor of Monash
Australian university to
University Malaysia. have a comprehensive
“Engagement is key to what we do here.
Our location in the heart of the Klang Valley campus here. We were
means that we are perfectly situated to
engage with industries and shape a research
born out of innovation.
agenda that will meet the industry’s It is part of our DNA.
productivity challenges in the new
Malaysia.” Prof Andrew Walker
Much of the campus’ innovative
engagement with the industry is
accomplished through collaborative to build a research platform in South-East
research partnerships that carry significant Asia.
social impact. “There is a huge opportunity for our
An example of this is the recent launch research to help us create relationships with
of sustainability grants centred around the industry, government and civil society
improving the eco credentials of Sunway here.
City, where the university is based. “For instance, our advanced engineering
The Monash University Malaysia researchers are working on smart
Community Grant Scheme currently manufacturing to help the industry in
supports five projects that will mobilise Malaysia respond to the opportunities the
the university’s research skills towards Fourth Industrial Revolution presents. That,
improving urban sustainability. to me, is a recipe for meaningful engagement
These include the Sustainable Intelligent and innovation.”
Transportation Ecosystem, which will use Such initiatives from the Malaysia campus
adaptive technology to meet the city’s will not be slowing down anytime soon. As
transportation needs, and the Sunway City the campus celebrates its 20th anniversary,
River of Sustainability, which aims to Prof Walker reflects that the roots of its
conserve and manage the water canal that trailblazing legacy reach all the way back to
runs through the city. when it was established in 1998.
“The sustainability grants sum up what “Twenty years ago, Monash University
we’re trying to do here. We supply world- took a bold step in setting up a campus here
leading research and collaborate with a in Asia, and we are still the only major
major corporation to make an impact in our research-intensive Australian university to
local community,” says Prof Walker. have a comprehensive campus here.
Monash University Malaysia is also “We were born out of innovation. It is
investing in educational innovation to part of our DNA.” – By Helen Sneha
ensure that its students are active Jambunathan
participants in the learning process. The
campus, which was recently awarded a 6 n For information on the courses available
Star: Outstanding score in the Rating for at Monash University Malaysia,
Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia, visit www.monash.edu.my
is committed to putting students’ needs
first.
The days of having a single teacher Prof Andrew Walker
standing before rows of desks in a is committed to
classroom will soon be a thing of the developing the
past as the campus moves towards university into
using more innovative educational a regional hub
methods. for educational
As Prof Walker puts it, the new focus
innovation and
is not on teaching, but on learning.
excellence.
Students will be given opportunities in the
classroom to develop the critical skills that
they need to transition smoothly into the
working world.
Monash University achieved a
personal best this year by placing
59th in the QS World University
Rankings, and the Malaysia campus
aims to use this momentum to
continue spearheading innovation
in the region.
Prof Walker sees the improved
ranking as an opportunity to put
the university’s research expertise
into action.
“The ranking places us in
the same league as other top
research universities in the
world. My vision is for
Monash University Malaysia
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018 Setara 7

Champs in FinTech Challenge

A TECHNOLOGICAL revolution
is taking place within all industries,
including the banking and
financial sector.
With new, revolutionary
financial technologies (FinTech)
being introduced every day, SAS
Malaysia, in collaboration with
the Malaysia Digital Economy
APU offers a wide
Corporation, organises the SAS range of degree
programmes in
FinTech Challenge to encourage
students and academics in
Malaysia to contribute ideas
and develop innovative solutions collaboration
to enhance the banking
experience.
with Staffordshire
The SAS FinTech Challenge 2017- University in the
2018 began last October with the
submission of 82 concept papers United Kingdom
from various local institutions.
Only 20 papers were shortlisted
that aim to nurture
for the semi-finals. students into
Among the 20 semi-finalists
was Asia Pacific University of professionals and
Technology & Innovation’s (APU)
Team SOMEROLA, which
prepare them for
comprised APU students Elisha challenging careers
Yeo, Muhammad Akbar Husnoo,
Sailalith Sarupuri, Seetaram in business.
Chandrashekhar, Tan Kok Sheng
and Yashna Sayjadah.
After a series of workshops and
hands-on training sessions reputation through its
conducted by SAS Malaysia, the achievements and by winning a
team advanced to the national host of prestigious awards at
grand finals in which they emerged national and international levels.
victorious and walked away with a It is among the highest-rated
cash prize of RM50,000. universities in the country, with
Representatives from Maybank, a 5 Star: Excellent score in 2011,
CIMB Bank, Hong Leong Bank and 2013 and last year in the Rating
Public Bank were on the judging As champions of SAS Malaysia FinTech Challenge 2018, Team SOMEROLA walked away with a cash prize of for Higher Education Institutions
panel at the grand finals. RM50,000. in Malaysia.
Team SOMEROLA was mentored In addition, APU was awarded
by Dr Kadhar Nowshath and Prof media entrepreneurs. programmes in collaboration with skills, creativity and innovation five stars in four QS Stars Rating
Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam from Staffordshire University in the are some key attributes of APU System categories – teaching,
APU’s computing, engineering and
technology faculty.
Proven track record United Kingdom that aim to
nurture students into professionals
graduates. The multicultural
student community comprises
employability, facilities and
inclusiveness.
The concept they proposed was APU is among Malaysia’s and prepare them for challenging 11,000 students from more than
aimed at simplifying the loan premier private universities. careers in business. 110 countries. n For more information, visit
application process for social It offers a wide range of degree Professionalism, problem-solving APU has earned an enviable www.apu.edu.my
8 Setara
Choosing the best school
> FROM PAGE 5
In addition, keep a lookout for blogs and
discussion groups that contain first-hand
reviews and accounts of former students’
journey.
These platforms can give you behind-the-
scenes information usually not found on
official university websites.
l Education fair
With rising popularity and increasing
numbers of participating universities,
education fairs should be on your radar.
The wealth of information at hand allows
visitors to thoroughly survey and
compare the institutions under their
consideration. Since there will be a team of
counsellors stationed at every booth, you can
gather details that are not found on the
official websites of universities, including
course fees, the environment and facilities of
the university, classroom dynamics and
more.
If you have any questions, you can expect
immediate clarification – just ask. As smaller
and less popular universities also join the
event, an education fair might even be
where you find your dream programme in a
niche area.
l School career counsellor
Sometimes, discussing your plans with
your school’s career counsellor is the most
efficient way of getting to know your
options.
Through a series of interviews,
counselling sessions, evaluation and
guidance, counsellors advise and assist you
in making the right decision by setting
realistic academic or career goals.
Your counsellor may suggest an
assessment for you to take that will allow
you to match your best abilities to certain
career types. Examples of this are the
intelligence quotient test or emotional
intelligence test.
If your school has connections with
companies that offer work placements, you
may also experience real-life exposure to
industries and gauge how you feel about
them.
Counsellors can also help you identify
solutions to your personal or general
challenges. To make that happen, they work
with you to develop important skills such as
time management and critical thinking.
l Friends
Most of us have friends from all walks of
life with different interests and life goals.
Mingling with them will help you get general
information on various topics, including
their perspective and knowledge of certain
tertiary institutions.
Not to forget, you may have older friends
who are currently pursuing their tertiary
studies and can tell you their experiences.
l Visiting respective university
What better way to get to know a
university than by seeing and experiencing
the institution’s atmosphere with your own
eyes?
Visiting a university is a great way to see
the campus’ environment and facilities. You
can get to know the university inside out and
determine whether you like it there before
making your decision.
Most universities hold open days where
the public can visit the campus and talk to
deans, lecturers and counsellors who are
readily available and willing to discuss life
at the university.
Among the questions you could ask are
if the university has foreign degree transfer
programmes, extracurricular activities, an
engaged student body, staff with industrial
experience and internship opportunities
with well-respected companies.
IMU is committed to producing professionals who are dedicated to improving healthcare in their
communities.
Training future
healthcare experts
IN addressing the changing roles of
healthcare professionals and services
beyond the 21st century, International
Medical University (IMU) is passionate about
investing time and resources to provide
excellent education and groom healthcare
professionals who are caring, ethical and
capable of exercising leadership in their
respective communities.
Its graduates are inculcated with active
community involvement during their
course of study via the university’s IMU
Cares programme, which allows students
to translate what they learn in class into
health education for the public and
strengthen their communication and
technical skills through exposure to real-
world scenarios.
The programme also helps produce
graduates who are committed to lifelong
learning and imbued with a sense of good
citizenship and ethical behaviour.
Over the years, IMU students’ community
involvement has won the university several
awards. In August 2013, IMU’s School of
Medicine was conferred the ASPIRE for
Excellence Award in the Student
Engagement category by the Association for
Medical Education in Europe.
In April the same year, the university won
first place in the MacJannet Prize for Global
Citizenship for IMU Cares’ Kampung Angkat
Project, as well as the Bronze Award in the
CSR Leadership Award category at the Global
CSR Awards 2018.
IMU also has a 6 Star: Outstanding score in
the Rating for Higher Education Institutions
in Malaysia and self-accreditation status
from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency
(MQA).
The MQA award allows IMU to accredit its
non-professional health sciences and
postgraduate programmes. Such autonomy
is only granted to institutions with solid
internal quality assurance systems.
A globally recognised university that
specialises in medicine, health sciences and
complementary medicine programmes, IMU
pioneered the partner university model and
has established a strong global network, with
more than 30 partner institutions in China,
Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom,
Ireland and Canada.
This model gives IMU students
opportunities for education and training
outside Malaysia. The university’s successful
partnerships with prestigious universities
indicate that its unique curricula meet
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
IMU’s medical
programme incorporates
the United States Medical
Licensing Examination
preparation courses as
part of its curriculum,
providing its graduates
with alternative career
pathways locally and
abroad.
stringent international standards and are
universally accepted by its partners.
Several programmes offered by the IMU
have been accredited by international
organisations.
Recently, IMU’s BSc (Hons) Dietetics with
Nutrition programme was the first in the
world to receive the International
Accreditation for Education Programs for
Dietitian-Nutritionists conferred by the
International Confederation of Dietetic
Associations.
The international accreditation received
by its chiropractic, pharmaceutical chemistry
and biomedical science programmes is
also assurance that the curricula offered
at IMU measure up to international
benchmarks.
Graduates of these programmes have the
option of working locally or abroad. Similar
opportunities are also provided within the
programme curricula.
An example of this is IMU’s medical
programme, which incorporates the United
States Medical Licensing Examination
preparation courses as part of its curriculum,
providing its graduates with alternative
career pathways locally and abroad.
Interested in pursuing a career in the
healthcare industry? Join this innovative
centre of learning and embark on an
exciting journey to make a difference in
others’ lives.
n For more information, call 03-2731 7272,
e-mail start@imu.edu.my or visit www.imu.
edu.my
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
UCSI University made history in
the QS World University Rankings
2019, having broken into the top
500 and gaining a spot among the
top 2% of all universities in the
world.
With its 481st spot in the
rankings, UCSI is the only
Malaysian private education
provider in the top 500. This is the
first time that the university has
been featured in the rankings.
Besides that, it was recognised as
one of the world’s best young
universities when it was placed
70th in the QS Top 100 Under 50
Rankings 2019.
Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Yusoff,
UCSI’s vice-chancellor and
president, shares how recent
achievements have made the past
year a memorable one for the
university.
“These successes were the
culmination of our university-wide
push for excellence and strategy-
specific performance. We welcome
this development as it shows that
we are moving in the right
direction.
“We are building on the
strengths of the university. Quality
education is our priority and we
want to be a standard-bearer of
thought leadership,” he says.
He adds that UCSI’s progress has
proven that Malaysian universities
can make an extensive global
impact despite their relatively
recent establishment.
“We can be agile, adaptable and
less constrained by practices and
sentiments that are cemented in
the past. We need to strive for
what higher education expects of
us and what it means to our staff,
students and community.”
UCSI was recognised as Asia’s
fastest rising university after its
131-spot climb in the QS Asia
Meteoric rise in rankings
Medical students Tay Chee Sin (left) and Jessica Marian Lee Mei Sze (right) embarked on a year-long research
programme at Harvard Medical School under the mentorship of Prof Dr Gordon Williams (centre).
University Rankings 2018 from the
previous year.
In the QS World University
Rankings by Subject, it was
revealed to be among the top 100
education providers in performing
arts.
Furthermore, UCSI was rated 5
Star: Excellent in the Emerging
Universities (less than 15 years old)
category in the Rating for Higher
Education Institutions in Malaysia
last year. This result puts the
university on par with foreign
branch campuses in Malaysia.
Since 2014, UCSI’s top students
have been selected to advance
high-impact research at reputable
institutions such as Harvard
University, Imperial College
London, University of Chicago and
Tsinghua University.
Its students and alumni have
earned global acclaim for social
initiatives such as Hands of Hope,
Breadboard and Kyan-Mar-Yeh
Project.
Many of these endeavours seek
to empower underprivileged
members of society, and much
progress has been made in aiding
the plight of refugees.
UCSI graduates Kim Lim,
Suzanne Ling and Lee Swee Lin
are successful social entrepreneurs
who achieved worldwide
recognition through The Picha
Project – an initiative that
empowers refugee families by
employing them into a catering
business.
The university’s dynamic
Setara 9
environment is something
prospective students can look
forward to. UCSI is home to a
proud, vibrant community of
culture and diversity, with more
than 10,000 students from 110
countries.
With numerous clubs and
societies, opportunities abound
for students to strengthen their
affinities and build lasting
networks.
Long renowned for its track
record in teaching and learning,
UCSI is quickly making a name for
itself in research and innovation.
Its research publication production
increased by 103% from 2014 to
last year, while its citation score
went up by 991% in the same
period.
The university partners with
more than 4,000 global companies
to provide students with structured
internship programmes and job
opportunities.
Based on the students’
performances, capabilities
and professionalism during
their internships, 97.8% of
UCSI’s industry partners stated
that they would like to rehire
them.
With these unique strengths
and more, UCSI stands out as an
institution that offers an education
few can, provides experiences
others cannot, and delivers life-
defining outcomes for students
everywhere.
n For more information, call
03-9101 8882 or visit www.
ucsiuniversity.edu.my
10 Setara
The elements of a superior uni
RANKINGS and ratings by
well-respected bodies are a
straightforward and effective point
of reference when you need to make
a decision on which university to
attend.
The Rating for Higher Education
Institutions in Malaysia (Setara) is
one of several methods that the
public can use to judge the calibre of
a university.
However, how does one classify a
top university?
More than the basics
The most blatant aspect that
may come to mind when considering
factors affecting university standing
is the availability of quality
facilities.
Universities with well-equipped
campuses will clearly attract more
students as they can provide a choice
learning environment that caters to
students’ needs.
Be it top-notch science
laboratories, industrial design
workshops or professional audio
recording rooms, universities that
are able to offer cutting-edge
equipment in various learning fields
allow students to maximise their
learning.
Having access to tools that
professionals use in their daily
practice also means that students
would not be caught by surprise
when they are catapulted into the
throes of working life.
Besides facilities that help students
get a leg up in their area of study,
elite universities understand that a
campus filled with beautiful and
comfortable spaces for both rest and
work could make or break a
student’s learning journey.
Providing a cosy and pleasant
physical environment is important
because it helps students focus on
what is truly important – gaining
knowledge and building skills.
Cosmopolitan mentors
Higher learning institutions that
draw in and employ international
staff members are seen as more
effective than those that do not.
The presence of a diverse faculty
naturally leads to a more well-
rounded and dynamic learning
climate.
Opinions, experiences and
knowledge from different countries
and cultures around the world pool
in one place and are ripe for the
picking – enabling students to
mature and open their minds
vicariously.
Lecturers with divergent skills and
ways of thinking are also able to
suggest different educational
initiatives they have seen or
experienced in their own countries.
If everyone came from the same
background, there would be an
apparent lack of originality and
creativity.
Faculty who hail from
different nations are also
more likely to know experts
from their respective fields
whom they can get in touch
with to benefit the university.
Likewise, leading universities
that have a vast network of
professional contacts can
secure more collaborations
and industrial placement
opportunities for their students.
Alliance between
authorities
The best universities have the
best industry input. Tertiary
education establishments that
isolate themselves from
association with real-world
experts are setting students up
for failure.
Theory taught in a lecture
hall by staff with little practical
experience would only mould
graduates who are by no means
ready for the challenges of
reality.
Pre-eminent universities are
frequent collaborators with
industry experts and often have
highly respected guest speakers
or lecturers visit their
campuses.
It is also palpable that
establishments teeming with
activity involving industry
players are more likely to be
known to the public as a solid
centre of learning.
This will influence more
companies and professional
organisations to take in
graduates from these
universities – for internships or
full-time employment.
Furthermore, students
who network with authorities
from their field of study
while at university may receive
priceless specialist guidance and
possible career opportunities
later on.
It can be seen that institutions
rich with public and private
sector partnerships are often
at the forefront of higher
education distinction.
A basin of knowledge
What is a mark of a great
university that is distinct from a
school or learning centre? Ask
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
Be it top-notch
science laboratories,
industrial design
workshops or
professional audio
recording rooms,
universities that
are able to offer
cutting-edge
equipment in
various learning
fields allow
students to
maximise their
learning.
any academician and he or she
will tell you that it is scholarly
research.
Extensive and detailed
research by students and the
faculty are critical to the growth
of industries and knowledge at
large.
Inquiries and investigations
by tertiary education
institutions exist to explore,
build upon or find solutions to
real issues.
Professionals in the working
world often refer to published
university studies to inform
their practice and solve
problems they face in their
careers.
Companies and community
groups can also approach
universities to collaborate with
them on specific research
projects.
Top institutions of higher
learning typically have research
partnerships with professional
bodies, governmental
organisations and other
distinguished universities.
Now that you are informed
of the several factors that
constitute a quality institution
of higher learning, get out
there and begin the search
for the university of your
dreams.
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
MSU aims to be the education destination for people from all walks of life and higher education
levels.
Transform lives,
enrich futures
MANAGEMENT & Science University (MSU)
is one of Malaysia’s top universities that
focuses on meeting the demand in national
and global critical-need areas by developing
quality human capital.
These areas include medicine, health
sciences, pharmacy, information sciences
and engineering, business management and
professional studies, education and social
sciences, hospitality and culinary arts, music
and fashion.
The award-winning programmes offered
by MSU meet stringent standards set by local
and international bodies, including the
Malaysian Qualifications Agency, the United
Kingdom’s Accreditation Services for
International Schools, Colleges &
Universities (ASIC), and Japan’s Alliance on
Business Education and Scholarship for
Tomorrow.
The university’s promotion and
advancement of higher education have
been recognised by ASIC in the form of two
awards: Outstanding Contribution to
International Education and Excellence in
Quality International Education.
MSU was awarded 5 Star: Excellent status
in the Rating for Higher Education
Institutions in Malaysia and named The
Most Entrepreneurial Private University in
2016 at the Ministry of Higher Education
Entrepreneurial Awards.
The university was also recognised as a
leading education provider at the Putra
Brand Awards last year and named the Best
Brand in Education for Leadership and
Human Capital Development at the Asia
Pacific Elite of Elites BrandLaureate Awards.
MSU also scored five stars in five QS Stars
Rating System categories (teaching, facilities,
graduate employability, social responsibility
and inclusiveness) and placed 217th in the
QS Asia University Rankings 2019.
In addition, MSU received a Gold Award
in the School of Tourism & Hospitality
category at the Malaysia Tourism Council
Gold Awards 2017.
A recent accreditation by the Asia Pacific
Institute of Events Management (APIEM) not
only ranks MSU as APIEM’s first Malaysian
Centre of Excellence, but also accords
international calibre to MSU’s event
management programmes while assuring
that its graduates are the best possible
candidates for the event management
market.
MSU gives top priority to enhancing its
graduate employability and the growth of its
students and faculty. By engaging highly
Setara 11
A tracer study
done by the Higher
Education Ministry
showed that 98% of
MSU graduates were
successful at securing
employment within six
months of graduating,
putting MSU at the
top of the national
graduate employability
register.
qualified academics and international
visiting professors, it delivers compelling
learning experiences within the framework
of a holistic curriculum.
This collaborative, industry-embedded
university blends global exposure with
extensive industrial training to enrich the
personal competencies of its graduates.
Its global mobility initiatives for student
exchange, leadership development and
market immersion empower MSU graduates
with the kind of well-roundedness that is
desired and sought after by employers.
A tracer study done by the Higher
Education Ministry showed that 98% of MSU
graduates were successful at securing
employment within six months of
graduating, putting MSU at the top of the
national graduate employability register.
Meticulously crafted to enhance graduate
potential, the university’s programmes are
among the best in the region and contribute
to producing graduates who are popular
picks among employers.
As an applied and enterprise university,
MSU offers programmes of study at
postgraduate, undergraduate and
foundation levels through connected
pathways that admit students from all
walks of life and backgrounds.
n For more information on MSU’s
upcoming intakes, call 03-5521 6868,
e-mail enquiry@msu.edu.my or visit
www.msu.edu.my
12 Setara
Agents of change in Islamic finance
THE International Centre for
Education in Islamic Finance’s
(INCEIF) vision to be the
knowledge leader in Islamic
finance is manifested in its
commitment to nurture talent and
experts in the Islamic finance
services industry and promote
impactful research activities.
INCEIF has demonstrated
notable achievements in teaching
and research, the most recent
of which is achieving a 5 Star:
Excellent score in the Rating for
Higher Education Institutions in
Malaysia by the Higher Education
Ministry.
Currently, INCEIF offers four
academic programmes – Doctor
of Philosophy in Islamic Finance,
Master of Science in Islamic
Finance, Masters in Islamic
Finance Practice (MIFP) and
Professional Certificate in Islamic
Finance.
The strength of INCEIF’s
programmes lies not only in their
academic rigour but also in
bridging theories and practices
through the active involvement of
industry practitioners in INCEIF
governance, development of course
syllabi and teaching.
The MIFP in particular is known
for providing practical knowledge
in the classroom.
In its commitment to further
bridge the gap between theories
and practices, INCEIF is bringing
the classroom to the industries
through action-based learning
(ABL).
In ABL, students work in teams
and are mentored by the academic
Integrating theories and practices in the classroom, INCEIF aims to nurture knowledge leaders in Islamic finance.
faculty and industry experts
to solve real and contemporary
issues faced by the industries.
Participation from Islamic finance
institutions and industries has
been encouraging.
“We bridge the academic-
industry gap through ABL and,
in the process, develop analytical
skills, cultivate leadership and
teamwork, and expose students
to real problems in the industries,”
says INCEIF’s deputy president
academic Prof Dr Mansor
Ibrahim.
On the research front, INCEIF
is extending its outreach to the
industries through strategic
alliances and collaborative applied
research.
In its syllabus and through its
research, the university tackles
contemporary issues in Islamic
finance, social finance and halal
economy, cultivating resilience
in the development of the industry
as well as its economic and social
impacts. Research at INCEIF
is relevant academically and to
the industry.
A total of 26 subject matter
experts make up the team of
dedicated and experienced faculty
at INCEIF. Most of them sit on
various boards and advisory
councils.
Besides the esteemed faculty
members and reputable
professionals in Islamic finance,
the students themselves are
inciting dynamism and
advancement at INCEIF.
They are constantly exchanging
valuable knowledge and
experience from their respective
backgrounds, which comprise a
diverse range of industries,
countries, functions and
perspectives.
Students undergoing a
transformative learning journey
SUNDAY STAR, 8 JULY 2018
We bridge the
academic-industry
gap through ABL
and, in the process,
develop analytical
skills, cultivate
leadership and
teamwork, and
expose students
to real problems in
the industries.
Prof Dr Mansor Ibrahim
at INCEIF are well-positioned
to be agents of change upon
graduation.
Today, there are 1,561 INCEIF
alumni – graduates who have
been nurtured by facilitation from
real-world stakeholders of Islamic
financial services – from 72
countries.
A number of its graduates are
already making meaningful
contributions to the advancement
of Islamic finance at all levels,
among which are product
development, policy framework
and implementation, regulation
and enforcement innovation.
n For more information, call
03-7651 4000 or visit www.inceif.
org