THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
Building on existing know-how
THE most successful companies in
the world would not be where
they are today without the
leadership and foresight of highly
knowledgeable professionals that
form the managing boards of their
respective organisations.
Interestingly, many chief
executive officers around the
world, such as Tim Cook of Apple,
Jeffrey R. Immelt of General
Electric, Shantanu Narayen of
Adobe Systems, Datuk Seri Azman
Mohd of Tenaga Nasional Berhad
and Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek of Public
Bank, all have a common
denominator – a Master of
Business Administration (MBA)
qualification.
It is clear from this pool of
public figures that an MBA
qualification is something that is
quite relevant to higher
management across diverse
industries and businesses.
Fresh graduates often face a
Quality programmes with dual accreditation
XIAMEN University Malaysia
(XMUM) welcomed its first batch
of students on 22 February 2016 as
the first Chinese university branch
campus in Malaysia.
The programmes offered
at XMUM are recognised
internationally, with dual
accreditation by the Malaysian
and Chinese governments.
The 150-acre (60.7ha) campus in
Sepang, Selangor is fully equipped
with world-class facilities such as
on-site dormitories and excellent
security features.
The university currently has an
enrolment of 2,400 local and 1,000
international students.
This year’s September intake for
degree programmes and August
intake for foundation programmes
are now open for application.
XMUM offers two foundation
programmes and 15 undergraduate
programmes.
All the courses are taught in
English, except for courses in
conundrum when looking for their
first job since many companies are
keen on employing individuals
who have a certain level of job
experience.
Their lack of experience makes
it difficult for them to get a job
while at the same time, not having
a job equates to having a
continuous lack of experience,
leading to a vicious deadlock.
The challenges do not end after
landing a job. Fast forward a
decade or two later, these same
candidates, standing on the brink
of managerial positions, realise
that their lack of higher academic
qualification is barring them from
being considered for much-
deserved promotions.
This raises the age-old debate as
to which is more important to
employers: good academic
qualifications or job experience?
According to Prof Loo Sin Chun,
cluster chair of business and
management studies at
XMUM is fully equipped with world-class facilities.
Chinese medicine and Chinese
studies, which are taught in both
English and Chinese. The latest
undergraduate courses to be
introduced were the Bachelor of
Arts in Advertising and Bachelor of
Open University Malaysia, the
simple answer is that employers
are always hoping to strike gold by
hiring talented individuals who
have both academic qualifications
and work experience as they are
more likely to turn into capable,
qualified leaders.
He thus emphasises the need
for one to undertake postgraduate
studies as it provides individuals
with the edge they need to stay
ahead in the highly competitive
working environment, where it is
common to meet many talented
workers who have at least a
bachelor’s degree under their belt.
“There are some students
enrolled in our MBA programme
without much academic
qualification who come to beef up
their credibility. For these students,
having a postgraduate degree is a
matter of self-esteem and self-
respect,” adds Prof Loo.
All-round capabilities
A key strength of the
MBA programme is that it
encourages candidates to
constantly interact with
their peers and tutors
via online forums or
scheduled physical
meetings. This
feature, Prof Loo
believes, is the key
ingredient of MBA
programmes that
provides students
with the greatest
opportunity for growth.
“With a modern MBA
programme, students
receive many networking
opportunities. Even those who
pursue this programme online
can develop leadership qualities
when they conduct or initiate
topics of discussions online.
“They do not lose out on the
experience that those who go for
physical classes get, as they still
Science in Mathematics and
Applied Mathematics.
Xiamen University is the first
university in China to have an
advertising major approved by the
Chinese Education Ministry, and
receive the right training in
communication and leadership.
They also attain the necessary
exposure to various theories and
application techniques, allowing
them to handle their jobs more
confidently,” says Prof Loo.
In a Forbes article titled Five
Reasons Women Should Get MBAs,
it is argued that the business
school environment teaches
individuals to speak up and defend
their positions or views when
challenged. It also trains
individuals to make risky
managerial decisions based on
incomplete information.
Interestingly, the same article
suggests that MBA graduates can
let go of their inner perfectionists
when it comes to completing tasks.
This is seen as positive as it results
in delivering timely outcomes
more efficiently without
compromising general quality –
an ideal that will help many
organisations in a fast-paced
business environment.
Deeper thought process
“Students from diverse
backgrounds are able to better
appreciate other disciplines and
the issues related to other business
areas through the exchange of
thoughts and ideas. This
knowledge will help them
communicate and understand
people better,” shares Prof Loo.
He believes the constant
mingling and open discussion with
people of diverse backgrounds and
experiences will result in a new
breed of managers who are more
confident in daily undertakings
and have broader views of how
to tackle challenges.
This same sentiment was shared
by Prof Chester Spell, management
professor at Rutgers University,
who believes that being able to
step out from one’s biased
perspective and see things from a
has made outstanding
contributions to the development
of advertising talent in China.
At present, the advertising
department of XMUM is
collaborating with world-class
advertising companies, paving the
way for students to participate in
industry-university projects.
Through these projects, XMUM
students will not only be trained
to excel in their area of expertise,
but also learn how to deal with
their future employers and
clients.
Advertising graduates have a
wide range of employment
opportunities in advertising, public
relations, digital marketing,
cultural and creative industries,
film-shooting and editing, media,
and marketing.
The Mathematics and Applied
Mathematics programme at
Xiamen University, which is
offered by its School of
Mathematical Sciences, was
new angle is what separates MBA
graduates from other individuals.
In an opinion piece on Rutgers
University’s website, Prof Spell
shares that from their many
debates and dialogues with peers
and professors, MBA students can
increase their worth as they can
create an arsenal of different
problem-solving methods and
ideologies.
Being able to summarise
challenges in a problem, identify
the pros and cons of different
business techniques and come up
with reasonings for decisions
made as well as having strong
analytical skills are some
techniques that MBA students
develop throughout the course.
The changing tide
From time to time, the media
picks up on chief executive officers
or successful entrepreneurs who
shun the need for an MBA
qualification. These individuals
swear on the school of hard
knocks and believe that personal
experience is the best teacher for
success.
There should not be any
comparison in the first place, since
the MBA programme, though
versatile, is not a one-size-fits-all
qualification that guarantees
success.
What it does is it provides
opportunities for people who lack
managerial exposure to widen
their skill sets and gain better
insight into the different business
areas of companies and their
stakeholders.
There is no denying the
possibility of achieving business
goals or becoming a capable
manager without an MBA
qualification. However, in this fast-
paced world, having an MBA may
just provide the edge that could be
the difference between a rough
diamond and a polished one.
introduced in 1922 and was among
the first batch of programmes
offered at the university.
World-famous mathematician
Chen Jingrun once studied in this
programme from 1949 to 1953.
Xiamen University’s
Mathematics and Applied
Mathematics department employs
many outstanding lecturers –
most of whom graduated from
well-known foreign universities.
XMUM provides high-quality
education in mathematics and
applied mathematics for those who
wish to pursue or advance their
careers in areas that require
advanced mathematical science
skills.
The university welcomes
prospective students to visit the
campus for enquiries and
registration.
n For more information, call
03-7610 2079 or visit www.xmu.
edu.my
2 Postgraduate
AT the University of Nottingham
Malaysia, around 1,000 students
are about to graduate. All their
hard work will culminate in a
short walk across the stage, where
they will shake hands and receive
a scroll.
They will start that short
walk as graduands and end it as
graduates, ready to embark on the
next adventure of their lives.
Our academic and professional
services staff will feel immensely
proud as each student crosses the
stage to the applause of friends,
family and peers.
We recognise the hard work
and dedication that has gone into
giving them the right to make that
short walk. It will take less than 30
seconds, but it signifies years of
hard work and, in many cases, the
stress, worry and fear that this day
would never arrive.
Our convocation will take place
over three days (July 21 to 23) and
I am deeply proud to lead the
dedicated team that plans and
delivers the ceremonies that are
such an important part of the
university calendar.
The day is not ours though.
It belongs to the graduates, their
friends and their family. Our job is
to make this important day run as
smoothly as possible, ensuring
that everybody has a memorable
experience.
It’s time to celebrate
We also rely on the graduands
and the many visitors to play their
part but, in our experience, this is
never a problem.
At graduation, we are able to
present ourselves in a more formal
way. We dress in robes, each one
representing the institution that
awarded our highest degree, apart
from the presiding officers who
wear black and gold.
When we process in and out of
the graduation hall or stand on the
stage, it is noticeable how many
pictures are being taken to capture
this moment.
Graduations also provide the
opportunity for words of advice
to be given to the new graduates.
These are often given by those
leading the ceremony but, at
Nottingham, we also ask a member
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
of our alumni or one of the fresh
graduates to address the
congregation.
We ask them to speak openly
and honestly and offer words of
gratitude where they feel are
warranted.
We are also able to offer awards
to luminaries who have served the
university, the higher education
sector or the wider community.
The nomination and selection of
candidates for these significant
awards go through a robust
university process to ensure that
the person is “eminently worthy” –
as we say in the oration when
presenting the honorary recipient
to the congregation – of an Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (third from left), who was conferred the
honorary doctorate from the Doctor of Laws, with (from left) University of Nottingham’s pro-vice-
University of Nottingham. chancellor for global engagement Prof Nick Miles, vice-chancellor Prof
Each of our honorary graduates Shearer West and Prof Graham Kendall.
is invited to offer words of advice
to the graduates as they embark on reflect on how education guest lectures, mentoring students
the next stage of their life’s transformed my life and career or acting as an ambassador for the
journey. and has enabled me to do things university.
A degree from one of the world’s that I could not even dream about If you are graduating from the
leading institutions provides when I was the same age as many University of Nottingham Malaysia
an excellent launch pad for the of the graduates that will walk in the next few days, please enjoy
graduate’s future career and across the stage. your day.
ambitions, be it entering the world Our new graduates also become It may seem formal at times, as
of work or pursuing further alumni of the university. The it has to be, but the ceremony, and
academic study. Malaysia campus has more than everything that surrounds it, is
Indeed, a common feature 10,000 alumni, which form part of designed as a celebration so that
of the speeches delivered at our the 270,000 in the global you have a memorable day. Most
graduation ceremonies is Nottingham family. of all, make the most of the degree
highlighting how education can We ask our alumni to stay in that you have worked so hard to
transform lives. touch, come back and visit us and obtain.
Having not started my studies let us know how their career
until I was 35 years old and now in develops. We want to remain part n Prof Graham Kendall is the chief
the privileged position of leading of their success and continue on executive officer, provost and pro-
the University of Nottingham their life’s journey with them. vice-chancellor of the University of
Malaysia, I am testament to that. We also ask them to consider Nottingham Malaysia.
Not a day goes by that I do not giving back, whether by giving Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018 3
4 Postgraduate
Flexibility for the lifelong learner
YOUR quest for knowledge does
not have to end once you take off
your graduation gown, because
lifelong learners are embedded
with a burning desire for self-
improvement.
Though the term may seem
especially applicable to the
graduate in the workforce with
career progression in mind,
lifelong learning is necessary
across all ages and education
levels as well as professional
backgrounds.
The Human Resources
Development Fund programme
titled “Strengthening of Lifelong
Learning for Skills Enhancement”
aims to ensure a continuous
supply of quality local human
capital through effective initiatives
that can build and grow a world-
class Malaysian workforce.
Some initiatives include
capitalising on studying while
working, because lifelong learning
requires people to strike a balance
between studying, working and
having a personal life.
Management and Science
University (MSU) offers
breakthrough opportunities for
working adults who wish to
further their studies. A wide range
of programmes are offered with
convenience and students’
educational and professional
backgrounds in mind.
Lifelong learners from all walks
of life may access MSU’s range of
undergraduate and postgraduate
programmes, and choose from a
variety of study modes to fit their
individual situations – be it
weekday, weekend, evening or
virtual classes, the last of which
run via video conferencing that are
supplemented with online
discussions.
MSU’s programmes are managed
by its various faculties and schools,
which are:
l Faculty of Health and Life
Sciences
l Faculty of Business
Management and Professional
Studies
l Faculty of Information
Sciences and Engineering
l International Medical School
l School of Pharmacy
lSchool of Education and Social
Sciences
l School of Hospitality and
Creative Arts
l School of Graduate Studies
l Graduate School of
Management
l Centre for Fundamental
Studies
Lifelong learning is vital for
everybody, not just the insatiably
curious. Make lifelong learning a
part of yourself so you may
advance in your professional life
and gain immense personal
fulfilment.
MSU is one of Malaysia’s top
universities, with a focus on
developing and delivering quality
human capital to national and
global critical-need areas such as
medicine, health sciences,
pharmacy, information sciences,
engineering, business management
and professional studies, education
and social sciences, hospitality and
culinary arts, and 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, and Japan’s
Alliance on Business Education and
Scholarship for Tomorrow.
MSU was awarded 5 Star:
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
Excellent status in the Rating for
Higher Education Institutions in
Malaysia 2017, and was 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 2017, which is awarded by
Association of Accredited
Advertising Agents Malaysia and
endorsed by Malaysia External
Trade Development Corporation. It
was also declared the Best Brand in
Education for Leadership and
Human Capital Development at the
Asia Pacific Elite of Elites
BrandLaureate Awards 2017.
MSU scored five stars in five QS
Stars Rating System categories
(teaching, facilities, graduate
employability, social responsibility
and inclusiveness). In the QS World
University Rankings 2019, the
university placed 217th and is
among the top 1.8% of all
universities in the region,
according to the QS Asia Rankings
2019.
MSU gives top priority to
enhancing its graduate
employability and the growth of its
students and faculty. By engaging
highly qualified academics and
international visiting professors, it
delivers compelling learning
experiences within the framework
of a holistic curriculum.
n For more information, call
03-5521 6868, e-mail enquiry@msu.
edu.my or visit www.msu.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
Grooming
healthcare
educators
INTERNATIONAL Medical
University’s (IMU) postgraduate
certificate, postgraduate diploma
and master’s programmes in
health professions education are
designed to fulfil the needs of the
21st century.
The aim is to enable learners
to develop an in-depth
understanding of educational
theories, principles and values
related to contemporary
learning environment and
assessment.
The postgraduate health
professions education
programmes equip learners
with enhanced skills to pursue
career opportunities in health
professional education and
carry out related research at
a higher degree.
The programmes offer a
mixed mode of coursework and
research training. This blended
mode allows students to
undertake much of their study
online, with some weekend
on-campus sessions, giving them
flexibility in working towards
the Master of Health Professions
Education.
The blended mode gives
students the accessibility of
online learning alongside social
and professional interaction.
IMU’s e-learning environment
(Moodle) offers students access
to all study content and
technology-enhanced learning
facilitated by moderators.
Face-to-face sessions include
lectures, workshops, seminars
and case presentations. Most of
these sessions are scheduled on
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
at the IMU Bukit Jalil campus,
enabling students to pursue
postgraduate studies while
working.
Coming from diverse
backgrounds, students bring
varied talents and experience
to the programme. The small
intakes foster an excellent
learning culture and many
opportunities for cooperative
learning with a high level of peer
support.
Every student undertakes a
research study under the
supervision of faculty members
with established research
credentials.
While the formal output of
the research semester is a
dissertation, students’
professional interpersonal skills
are also enhanced through
one-to-one interaction with their
research supervisors, academic
and other professional staff.
Postgraduate 5
At the time of writing, students
of the first cohort are finalising
their research dissertations,
marking the last stage of
their journey in the master’s
programme.
Though not its primary
purpose, the master’s
qualification opens up
opportunities for more advanced
research training, such as
enrolling in doctoral
programmes.
As befits a university with a
6 Star: Outstanding score in the
Rating for Higher Education
Institutions in Malaysia, IMU’s
degree courses are periodically
reviewed and re-imagined.
The postgraduate programmes
in health professions education
are no exception and are
currently undergoing a review
of content and delivery, aimed at
enhancing the learning
experience and outcomes.
IMU offers other postgraduate
programmes, including taught
MSc in Public Health, MSc in
Analytical and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry, MSc in Molecular
Medicine, Master of Pharmacy
Practice, Postgraduate Diploma
in Implant Dentistry, and MSc
and PhD by research.
About IMU
IMU is Malaysia’s first and
most established private medical
and health sciences university
with more than 26 years of
dedication in healthcare
education.
Established in 1992, IMU
pioneered the world’s first
Partner Medical School
programme and has since gained
international recognition. It has
more than 30 world-class
university partners in Australia,
New Zealand, the United
Kingdom, Canada, Ireland
and China.
IMU’s main campus is located
in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur,
with branch clinical schools
located in Seremban, Kuala
Pilah, Batu Pahat and Kluang.
In 2010, committed to its
brand promise of Delivering
the Future of Better Healthcare,
IMU became a fully integrated
healthcare institution offering
education, healthcare services
and research to serve and
improve the quality of lives.
n For more information,
call 03-2731 7272, e-mail
postgraduate@imu.edu.my or
visit www.imu.edu.my
6 Postgraduate
Your choice
neighbourhood
university
ONE of the hallmarks of Open University
Malaysia (OUM) as the nation’s premier
open and distance learning institution is its
commitment to providing access to anyone
who wants to learn, regardless of location,
age, gender or socio-economic background.
The slogan “Your Neighbourhood
University” is what sets OUM apart from
other higher education institutions in
Malaysia. Thus far, OUM has established 33
learning centres nationwide as it strives for
higher accessibility to education.
In the southern region, OUM has five
learning centres in Melaka, Negri Sembilan
and Johor.
People living in Johor can enrol at learning
centres in Johor Baru, Batu Pahat or Pontian,
while those in Melaka and Negri Sembilan
can attend OUM learning centres in Bandar
Bukit Baru and Seremban respectively.
OUM’s commitment to learner-centred
processes means that the five southern
learning centres are located close to key
areas where local communities stand to
benefit from the university.
One area that OUM often emphasises is
infrastructure development. As with the
other 27 learning centres in the country, the
campuses in Bandar Bukit Baru, Seremban,
Johor Baru, Batu Pahat and Pontian provide
safe environments that are conducive to
learning and well equipped with purpose-
built facilities.
While most learning materials and
resources are available online through
myINSPIRE, the university’s learning
management system, the centres provide
ample space for learners to meet up, hold
discussions and study.
All campuses are equipped with
tutorial rooms, computer laboratories and
student lounges. Learners can also take
advantage of the free wireless Internet
connection available throughout the learning
centre.
Support services are crucial to ensure
learners’ needs are always met. In this
regard, the learning centre directors,
academic staff and other qualified officers
are always ready to assist learners when
required.
The most sought-after programmes at
the five southern learning centres
are the Bachelor of Business
Administration
and Bachelor of
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
OUM’s commitment
to learner-centred
processes means that
the five southern
learning centres are
located close to key
areas where local
communities stand
to benefit from the
university.
Management, with more than 4,000 learners
having enrolled in these programmes since
OUM began offering them.
The Bachelor of Teaching (Primary
Education) programme, popular among
in-service teachers, has benefited close to
4,000 learners in Negri Sembilan, Melaka and
Johor.
Since its inception, OUM has received
excellent response from learners in the
southern region.
In total, the university has an enrolment
of almost 30,000 learners, of which 11,000
have successfully graduated.
Now in its 18th year, OUM is striving to
spread its wings even further nationwide
to become your best neighbourhood
university.
If you are interested in enrolling in OUM’s
southern learning centres, contact details are
listed below.
l Seremban Learning Centre (06-761 1003)
l Melaka Learning Centre (06-292 1852)
l Johor Baru Learning Centre (07-221
2006)
l Batu Pahat Learning Centre (07-438
1788)
l Pontian Learning Centre (07-686 4880)
n For more information on the programmes
offered at OUM and its September intake,
call 03-2773 2121 (speed line),
e-mail enquiries@oum.edu.
my or visit www.oum.
edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018 Postgraduate 7

RESEARCH leads to expansion of knowledge
and discoveries in various disciplines, and is
deemed a crucial part of coming up with
viable solutions to current issues.
To higher learning institutions, impact-
driven research projects and publications
not only foster professional excellence but
also boost their visibility among academia
and relevant industries.
From an academic aspect, research
grants increase the chances for academic
advancements, future collaborations and
other academic activities that are beneficial
to stakeholders.
Committed, active academics from
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
have been contributing to numerous
discoveries through their research
endeavours for many years.
One of them is Prof Dr Lim Yun Seng from
the university’s Department of Electrical &
Electronic Engineering who, along with
co-researchers Dr Chua Kein Huat, Dr Wong
Jianhui, Assoc Prof Dr Chew Kuew Wai,
Assoc Prof Dr Ezra Morris Abraham
Gnanamuthu and Assoc Prof Dr Stella
Morris, conducted a research project titled
Development of a Fast-responded and Utility
Integrated Energy Storage System to Provide
Ancillary Services under High Intermittency of
Photovoltaic Systems.
The project successfully obtained a grant
In-demand research
Prof Lim (third from right) with TNB delegates during their visit to UTAR Sungai Long Campus.
worth more than RM1.5mil from the
Malaysian Electricity Supply Industries Trust
Account.
“This project was established to develop a
fast-responding, utility-scaled energy storage
system on an 11kV network to supply real
power to customers during peak hours and
reduce peak demand charges.
“Through several funding schemes, we are
able to build a realistic energy storage
system and improve its performance thanks
to a collaboration with a leading researcher
in the United Kingdom. This project also
garnered the attention of Tenaga Nasional
Berhad,” says Prof Lim.
UTAR’s commitment in education and
research excellence has been proven
through the recognitions it has received,
such as its 5 Star: Excellent status in the
Rating for Higher Education Institutions
in Malaysia 2017.
The university placed 501-600 in the
Times Higher Education World University
Rankings 2018 and 111-120 in the Times
Higher Education Asia-Pacific University
Rankings 2018.
UTAR is one of the fastest-growing
private higher education institutions in
the country and has campuses in Kampar,
Perak and Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor.
Since its inaugural convocation in
2005, UTAR has graduated about 54,000
students to date. It offers more than 110
programmes from pre-university to
postgraduate levels.
UTAR’s postgraduate programmes
can be undertaken as course-based or
research-based studies, allowing each
student to choose the option that best
suits her individual learning style.
n For more information, call 05-468 8888
(Kampar Campus) or 03-9086 0288 (Sungai
Long Campus), or visit www.utar.edu.my

Globally recognised
qualifications
TWO of Curtin University’s
accounting programmes – the
Bachelor of Commerce
(Accounting) and Bachelor of
Commerce (Accounting and
Finance) – have been recognised
by the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and
Wales (ICAEW).
According to Assoc Prof
Pauline Ho, acting dean of
Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of
Business, the accounting
programmes are now recognised
by five major professional
accounting bodies – CPA
Australia, Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants
(ACCA), Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants,
ICAEW and the joint
organisation formed between
the Malaysian Institute of
Certified Public Accountants and
Chartered Accountants Australia
and New Zealand (MICPA-
CAANZ).
The business courses offered
at Curtin Malaysia are identical
to those offered at its parent
campus in Perth and are
accredited by the Association to
Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business (AACSB) – a recognition
given only to the top 5% of
business schools in the world.
Assoc Prof Ho says the AACSB
accreditation means that Curtin
Malaysia’s business students and
alumni can be proud of studying
at one of the leading business
education providers in the
world.
In the QS World University
Rankings by Subject 2018, Curtin
University was named among
the top 150 subject providers in
the Accounting & Finance and
Business & Management
categories.
In addition to being
recognised by ICAEW, the
accounting programmes at
Curtin Malaysia carry acceptable
qualifications for associate
membership eligibility in CPA
Australia, ACCA and Institute of
Public Accountants, and can be
used for entry to the Institute of
Chartered Accountants Australia
(ICAA) graduate programme.
Once graduates have
obtained membership in these
organisations, they will be
eligible to join the MICPA-
CAANZ and the Malaysian
Institute of Accountants.
Curtin’s globally recognised
qualifications have resulted in
more than 80% of Curtin
Malaysia’s graduates securing
jobs within six months of
completing their studies.
Furthermore, more than
90% of companies that employ
Curtin’s alumni are satisfied
with their work performance.
Curtin Malaysia offers
undergraduate and
postgraduate courses identical
to those offered at its parent
campus in Perth, as well as pre-
university courses that feed
directly into its undergraduate
programmes.
In 2010, Curtin Malaysia was
granted self-accreditation status
by the Malaysian Qualifications
Agency and is rated 5 Star:
Excellent in the Rating for
Higher Education Institutions in
Malaysia 2017. Its engineering
programmes are among the best
in the country, with a Tier 5:
Excellent score in the Discipline-
Based Rating System.
n For more information
on Curtin Malaysia, visit
www.curtin.edu.my
8 Postgraduate
MASTER of Business Administration (MBA)
has long been regarded as the world’s
premier business qualification. At Asia e
University (AeU), the programme’s reputation
goes one step further.
AeU provides its students with an
unparalleled opportunity to earn their MBA
qualifications without disrupting their
careers. Using innovative technologies, AeU
has developed a learning and teaching
format that offers the greatest flexibility
without sacrificing standards.
If you are serious about advancing
your career, AeU’s MBA can give you the
progression of management skills and
expertise you need. Where, when and how
you study is up to you.
Rizqan Izari (pic) received his Bachelor of
Laws (LLB) from University of Malaya. He
was admitted as an advocate and solicitor at
the High Court in Malaya after successfully
completing his pupillage at Azmi &
Associates.
He understands and respects the
importance of diverse professional skill sets,
and this appreciation was one of the reasons
MBA a good complement
he was drawn to the MBA programme at
AeU. Rizqan is in his last semester and is
currently writing his MBA research paper.
He shares some insight into his learning
experience:
“Hunger for diversification motivated me
to study for an MBA after obtaining an LLB.
My interest areas are varied and the
yearning to learn more every day, be it
through experience or academia, is always
present.
“My first degree is in law, which I credit
for giving me analytical, evaluation,
reasoning and critical judgement skills.
“My second degree is an MBA, which
I credit for providing me with the many
frameworks, theories and ideas to better
perform my job. I believe that the
combination of both degrees make for
an extremely attractive repertoire of skills.
“After my LLB, I was looking for an MBA
programme that has the prestige and
international acceptance to give me a
competitive edge in the job market.
“The two important criteria I had was that
the programme should offer a full distance-
learning international programme, and that
it should be flexible enough to accommodate
my working schedule.
“Full-time study was not a feasible option
for me. The old model of business school
education is gone. It is no longer good
enough to sequester myself on campus for
two years before heading out into the
corporate world. I want a flexible study
plan that allows me to call the shots.
“AeU blends the best of technology and
tutoring to let students decide how they
want to study. It is this unique combination
of flexibility and support that sets AeU’s MBA
apart.
“I am a strong believer in disruptive
innovation in education, and AeU is at the
forefront of using technology to enhance
teaching and learning.
“Combining interactive online classes, self-
paced coursework, in-person learning and
real connections to the AeU community, the
MBA programme is enhanced with a vibrant
social network that lets students study and
interact with professors, lecturers and
classmates around the world at any time.
“AeU professors are passionate. They love
being with their students and are dedicated
to realising learning through class
discussions. The case studies they used
provided a great interactive learning
experience, and the debrief sessions among
students after classes were also valuable and
enriching.
“It was interesting to gain insight from the
protagonist interviews, which helped us
understand the motives and rationale
behind decisions and gave us a full
perspective of each case.
“The excellent academic staff, well-
designed syllabus, innovative learning
technology and student diversity were some
things that made studying at AeU a fulfilling
experience.
“A key takeaway from the programme was
how it provided
me with great networking opportunities
with senior executives and budding
entrepreneurs from various industries.
The camaraderie I forged during
the programme has been
invaluable.
“My studies in law and
business have given me
a huge advantage at
work.
The skills I gained
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
A key takeaway from
the programme was
how it provided me
with great networking
opportunities with senior
executives and budding
entrepreneurs from
various industries.
The camaraderie
I forged during the
programme has been
invaluable.
Rizqan Izari
help me understand agreements, negotiate
fairly, ensure that there are no loopholes that
may result in losses for the company I work
for, handle technical queries and address
them effectively, and take care of the rights
and interests of the other party.
“I primarily build business partnerships
for the company. Sometimes, I represent the
company on various platforms. In a nutshell,
my responsibilities revolve around
exploring, strategising and executing new
horizons for various alliances and
partnerships.
“An LLB with an MBA is a great
combination. It helps you develop a unique
skill set that lets you mitigate complex
business problems. You become more aware
of the power of words and learn to use it
advantageously.
“It also gives you valuable insight into
business as well as a diverse perspective
if you are looking to start your own law firm,
as you would be able to play an
active role in running the organisation
smoothly, efficiently and in a shrewd
manner.
“There are great career options available
in the industry that require the blend of
skill sets you can gain from these two
degrees. I strongly recommend getting an
MBA if you are a lawyer.”
n For more information,
call 1300 300 238 or
03-5022 3400, or apply to
AeU’s September intake at
www.aeu.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
Doctor clinches
top prize
DR Lam Mynn Dee is a medical doctor from
Penang who has been working with the
Health Ministry since 2012.
She recently completed the Master of
Science (MSc) in Health Research at Penang
Medical College (PMC) with first-class
honours and distinction. At the conferring
ceremony this year, she was awarded the
First in Class Prize.
“The part-time programme at PMC offered
me the opportunity and flexibility to pursue
my studies at a world-renowned university
while working full time,” says Dr Lam.
“As young medical officers, we were
encouraged to carry out research in addition
to our clinical duties. This course emphasises
experiential learning and I was very lucky to
have had the support of my supervisor, Prof
Dr Krishnan Rajam, and other faculty
members.”
Prof Krishnan is head of family medicine
at PMC, now known as RCSI & UCD Malaysia
Campus (RUMC) after a recent upgrade to
university status. His interest areas also
include drowning prevention and road
safety.
“The topic Dr Lam chose has good
potential for follow-up action and it’s rare
for a researcher to choose a high-risk
population,” says Prof Krishnan.
The title of Dr Lam’s research is Pattern of
Tobacco Use and Intention to Quit among Fire
and Traffic Police Officers.
“I chose to study smoking behaviours
among a specific demographic to gain
knowledge about potential factors that
may signal an individual’s desire to
Getting a solid foundation
SHERINE Abraham is a student from
Malaysia who is enrolled in the Bachelor of
Biomedicine programme at University of
Melbourne, Australia, which is ranked
among the top 40 institutions worldwide.
Australia’s No.1 university combines
world-class teaching with research, industry
connections and practical experiences for
students, allowing them to develop
professionally and personally.
Sherine has been able to
combine her passion for social
work with her goal of working
towards public health in
developing nations at
University of Melbourne.
“I admire the versatility of
the course structure here. It is
tailored to allow exploration of
various areas in the discipline
without limiting us to a
biomedical course that only
addresses human biology.
“The university
encourages us to take
subjects that are not
traditionally
related to our
chosen academic
disciplines,”
says Sherine.
She notes
that getting
Postgraduate 9
Dr Lam (right) was
awarded the First in
Class Prize upon
completion of her MSc
in Health Research.
quit smoking.
“The data from this research may be
useful for future design and implementation
of smoking cessation initiatives.
“I was delighted to have Prof Krishnan as
my supervisor. He was very supportive and
helpful. If I had any questions, I could call
him anytime.
“The two years of study was not always
smooth, but I can attest to the journey being
worth every effort,” says Dr Lam.
Prof Krishnan has all praises for Dr Lam,
stating that she was probably the best
research-based postgraduate student he has
encountered.
“It was an ideal relationship to have a
good candidate who is ready to learn.
She deserves all the credit for her efforts
and I owe her an appreciation for the
opportunity to be her supervisor.
“We simply guide students the best way
we can,” he says.
Dr Lam is in the midst of exploring further
areas of research and is keen to pursue a
PhD in the near future.
The fifth annual intake for the part-time
MSc in Health Research by the Royal College
of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) at RUMC is now
in progress with limited seats.
The programme is open to Malaysians,
permanent residents and expatriates (work
visa holders) looking to further their
research capabilities or switch to a career in
academics, health or research.
n For more information, visit www.rcsiucd.
edu.my
involved in projects related to her career
goals can help her be job-ready upon
graduation. Studying at a university with the
best graduate employability rate in Australia
is a good start as the university’s connections
allow her access to a range of organisations
and societies.
Her advice to new University of
Melbourne students is to get involved in
a range of clubs, societies and social
groups.
“Do as much as you can to enrich
yourself and make the most of your
time here. I am a huge advocate of
holistic education, and I believe
that University of Melbourne
provides myriad opportunities
for those who choose to
embrace them, so don’t
hesitate. You never
know until you try,”
she says.
n University of
Melbourne’s
Information Day will
be held on July 28
in Kuala Lumpur.
Register your
attendance at
futurestudents.
unimelb.edu.
au/Malaysia
10 Postgraduate
Clean sweep at innovation contest
MONASH University Malaysia’s researchers
performed spectacularly at the International
Invention, Innovation & Technology
Exhibition (ITEX) 2018, where all eight of the
university’s entries occupied the top spots
with two gold, three silver and three bronze
awards.
ITEX entries are judged based on novelty,
inventiveness, usefulness and application,
presentation and demonstration, market and
commercial potential, and environmental
friendliness.
Gold award recipients
l Green Approach: Capitalising Local
Fungal Strain Penicillium Citrinum for
Biofungicide Development by Assoc Prof
Adeline Ting Su Yien and Dr Cheow Yuen Lin
from School of Science.
The researchers identified an isolate of a
locally derived fungal strain as Penicullium
citrinum, which has tremendous potential as
a biopesticide. This isolate or its compound
(citrinin) can be further developed into a
biopesticide for sustainable management of
major tropical diseases in Malaysia.
l Hydrogel-Based Biosensor for Point-of-
Care Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Infection by Dr
Ooi Chien Wei, Dr Lim Swee Lu, Prof Tey
Beng Ti and Prof Chan Eng Seng from School
of Engineering and Advanced Engineering
Platform.
This invention is a functionalised
hydrogel that is inexpensive and highly
specific, which can be used to improve the
method and rate of hepatitis B virus
detection.
Silver award recipients
l Automated Non-Destructive Crack
Detection for Aluminium Casting with High
Precision by Dr Wang Xin, Dr Tan Ming
Kwang, Dr Tan Boon Thong, Edward Boey
The Monash University Malaysia cohort at ITEX 2018.
Chia Ming, Terence Lee Yoong Foong and
Eng Zi Jie from School of Engineering and
Advanced Engineering Platform.
Aluminium-casted products, which are
widely used in the automotive industry, are
highly susceptible to defects. This research
team developed an effective method of
detecting surface cracks on aluminium casts
using vibrations.
l Lanctos 75 for Mental Wellness by Prof
Iekhsan Othman, Dr Mohmad Farooq
Shaikh, Thaarvena Retinasamy, Brandon Kar
Meng Choo and Dr Yatinesh Kumari from
Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health
Sciences, and Dr Zurina Hassan and Assoc
Prof Amin Malik Abdul Majid from
Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Lanctos 75 is a potent herbal supplement
for neurodegenerative diseases and related
cognitive dysfunction. It can protect against
beta-amyloid, which is crucially involved in
Alzheimer’s disease, and can significantly
improve memory status.
l Collaborative Learning Ecosystem of
Multi-Touch Tabletop Computers (in Smart
Lab) by Assoc Prof Arkendu Sen, Assoc Prof
Lakshmi Selvaratnam and Prof Datuk Anuar
Zaini from Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine
and Health Sciences.
This invention enables active learning for
mass student cohorts (up to 160 students). It
involves the integration of hands-on
practical skills during group study and
co-construction of knowledge using physical
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
learning resources and interactive digital
media.
Bronze award recipients
l Wearable Circadian Lux Sensor by Dr
Vineetha Kalavally, Anas Mohamed and
Hassan Maheedh Mohamed from School of
Engineering, Advanced Engineering Platform
and Intelligent Lighting Laboratory.
This invention calculates the portion of
light that affects the human circadian
rhythm and outputs the data in the form of
circadian lux.
l DITTO (Deaf in Touch Today) by Assoc
Prof Uma Devi Palanisamy, Dr Sabrina Anne
Jacob, Dr Amreeta Dhanoa and Elizabeth
Chong Yie-Chuen from Jeffrey Cheah School
of Medicine and Health Sciences and Global
Asia in the 21st Century Platform, Reza Rosli
and Gayathrie Deva from Leo Burnett and
Arc Worldwide Malaysia, and Goh Soo Leng
from Malaysian Federation of the Deaf.
There is a need for safe, effective
communication between healthcare
personnel and deaf individuals. This
invention is a mobile app that allows a
hearing-impaired person to book the
services of a sign language interpreter.
l Development of a Novel Integrated
Platform for Halal Testing by Prof Sunil
Kumar Lal from School of Science and
Global Asia in the 21st Century Platform.
The use and contamination of haram
substances during vaccine and food
production remains a concern for Muslims.
This invention establishes porcine detection
methods for halal-compliance practices.
n For more information on the research
areas Monash University Malaysia is
involved in, visit www.monash.edu.my/
research
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
Study with an accredited body
CPA Australia is one of the world’s full-time study or combined
largest accounting bodies with a postgraduate degree. You can also
global membership of more than opt for online or face-to-face tuition
163,000 finance, accounting and to complement the distance learning
business professionals. The CPA
(Certified Practising Accountant)
designation is recognised
internationally.
The CPA Program equips you
with technical skills and
develops your business, strategic
thinking and leadership qualities
to ensure you have the essential
skills to become a leader.
Through the programme, you
will receive a range of
knowledge resources and
learning products as you
progress, with the
flexibility to choose how,
when, where and what
you learn.
With flexible study
options, you can choose to
complete the CPA Program
through distance learning, Ho Mei Chuen.
Are we ready for change?
WE often hear that Industry 4.0 is
transforming jobs, economics and society.
This new revolution will embed smart
technologies not only in industry and
organisations, but in our daily lives as well.
The big question is whether we are
producing enough high-skill engineers and
technologists for this revolution.
In the past, it was good enough for fresh
engineering graduates to have the basic
knowledge and skill to enter the workforce.
However, in today’s highly competitive,
fast-paced market, these limited attributes
are no longer good enough for the job
market.
Artificial intelligence has transformed
everyday items into smart technologies and
changed our way of interacting with these
objects.
For example, virtual assistants with built-
in artificial intelligence such as Amazon’s
Alexa, Google Assistant and Microsoft’s
Cortana have transformed user interface
from physical interaction to audio-based
input (commands).
Other areas such as Big Data and the
Internet of Things form the backbone of the
innovation that is leading us into a new type
of economy from the previous labour-driven
one.
Experts agree that future engineers should
be developed through curricula that focus on
updated competency skills that match the
current market demand.
Therefore, partnerships between higher
education institutions and the industry are
Postgraduate 11
Farah
student Ho Mei Shuen, she chose more time studying so that I could
CPA Australia because it is one of the complete the programme in one Hanis
world's largest accounting bodies year. Zulkifli.
and is widely recognised in many “The CPA Program prepared
option. countries. me well for my career as it
CPA Program now gives “I believe that CPA Australia is the exposed me to real-world
accounting graduates most relevant professional body to accounting practices.
in Malaysia the join, with my field of undergraduate “The knowledge I gained
opportunity to study. helped me hone my skills
complete all six “I opted for the full-time and expertise.
subjects in 12 months programme so I could focus on “For example, by
under a full-time studying and complete it in a shorter learning Malaysian
programme at time. The lecturers helped me gain a taxation, I now understand
Sunway TES. better understanding of the syllabus tax regulations in the country
The programme and provided useful tips. and how they impact
also offers soft-skill “They also guided us on which businesses and industries,”
classes and areas to focus on and supplied extra she says.
internship notes that made the course material Visit www.
opportunities that easier to comprehend,” says Ho. cpaaustralia.com.au/
aim to equip Another CPA Program student, bcpa to learn about
candidates with Farah Hanis Zulkifli, learnt about the CPA Australia’s
essential skills course while she was pursuing her information sessions
for the next steps studies in Australia and enrolled in it in Malaysia.
in their careers. after graduating.
According to “Choosing the full-time option n For details, call 03-2267 3388 or
CPA Program allowed me to focus on spending e-mail kl@cpaaustralia.com.au
important. There are several interesting
initiatives that have been introduced in
universities to bridge the gap between
education and industry.
For example, Universiti Kuala Lumpur
(UniKL) launched its Teaching Factory
concept, where students are exposed to the
authentic industry environment within the
campus.
The concept was made possible through
collaborations with specific industrial
partners to open a workshop, small plant
or service centre within the university
campus.
In addition, to meet the challenges of
Industry 4.0, postgraduate programmes have
been reshaped to offer more advanced
courses and research areas focusing on the
revolution.
Another exciting initiative by UniKL is the
establishment of new research clusters that
focus on interdisciplinary studies for
Industry 4.0 that gather campus experts,
researchers and graduate students working
for the industry under one roof.
In a nutshell, it is important for higher
academic institutions to grow in line with
the fast-paced technological trends to
produce engineers of the future so that we
can create enough high-skill talent for the
evolving market. – By Dr Mohammed
Reyasudin Basir Khan, senior lecturer at
UniKL British Malaysian Institute
n For more information, e-mail azahar@
unikl.edu.my or visit www.unikl.edu.my
12 Postgraduate
POOR English language proficiency
among fresh graduates is among
the top five problems faced by
Malaysian employers.
Along with mediocre critical
thinking and interpersonal skills,
these are issues that must be
addressed if Malaysian graduates
are to become entrepreneurial,
balanced citizens who are work-
ready and competent.
According to the Malaysia
Education Blueprint 2013-2025,
English language proficiency is
lacking among primary and
secondary school students as well,
where only a dismal number
manage to score at a level
equivalent to a Cambridge 1119
credit or above in the Sijil
Pelajaran Malaysia examinations.
I believe the Education Ministry’s
call for a boost in English language
mastery is a timely decision.
Introduced by the previous
administration, the blueprint urges
graduates to improve proficiency
English crucial for success
in the language if they want to
secure high-income jobs and
contribute to national
competitiveness.
Reaffirming commitment to the
plans outlined within this blueprint
is a laudable effort on the part of
the ministry’s new leadership.
The blueprint can be further
augmented by new initiatives at
all levels of study.
As a multicultural society, it is
important for Malaysians to be
able to communicate well in both
local and international contexts.
Thus, mastery of Bahasa
Malaysia and English should
be complemented with basic
proficiency in at least one other
language.
I am impressed that Dr Maszlee
Malik, the new Education Minister,
is multilingual.
Highly proficient in Bahasa
Malaysia, English and Arabic
and with moderate fluency in
French, German, Mandarin and
Hokkien, his initiative to learn
different languages is an admirable
trait that all Malaysians should
emulate.
In addition, mastery of English
is crucial in academia. As a global
language with more than 1.5
billion speakers worldwide,
English is necessary for effective
communication, information
gathering and research, especially
at the postgraduate level.
At Open University Malaysia
(OUM), we endeavour to boost
learner proficiency by using
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
English as a medium of instruction
across most of our courses and
programmes.
myINSPIRE, OUM’s learning
management system, operates
in English. Furthermore, most
resources at our digital library
are available in English.
Thus, OUM learners have
everything to gain if they can
improve their proficiency in this
language.
The Master of English Studies
(MEST) programme is a unique
postgraduate offering that helps
learners deepen and widen their
appreciation for the English
language.
This programme is not only
suitable for those interested in
English as an evolving language,
but who also want to hone
transferable skills such as
advanced literacy and
communication skills, critical
reasoning, and the capacity to
critically analyse diverse forms
of discourse.
I believe that MEST is a great
option for teachers who wish to
heed the recommendation in the
Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-
2025 (Higher Education) that
educators improve their linguistic
THE STAR, TUESDAY 17 JULY 2018
As a global
language with more
than 1.5 billion
speakers worldwide,
English is necessary
for effective
communication,
information gathering
and research,
especially at the
postgraduate level.
Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil
skills as well.
OUM’s focus on boosting
language competencies go beyond
English. We have introduced Basic
Mandarin as an elective for those
who wish to take up a third
language.
I consider this a relevant move
to equip learners and graduates
with 21st century skills, as
Mandarin is widely considered the
language of choice in commerce
due to China’s growing dominance
as a global economic player.
We are currently planning to
follow this course with a similar
offering in Basic Japanese.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is
the president and vice-chancellor
of OUM.