THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
2 Postgraduate
AS Christmas approaches, it is natural to
look back on the past year and ahead to the
next. Not only does the end of December
mark the end of a calendar year, it also
signifies the end of the financial year – both
important milestones.
The past 12 months have certainly been
eventful. History was made with Malaysia’s
14th general election bringing about a
change in government. It was unexpected,
and the country is still adapting. The higher
education sector is not immune to the
change, but the new Government seems to
be open to suggestions for improvement.
Recently, British High Commissioner to
Malaysia Vicki Treadell hosted
representatives from the five UK university
branch campuses in Malaysia (UK5) – Heriot-
Watt University, Newcastle University,
University of Nottingham, University of
Reading and University of Southampton – at
her residence, along with members of the
Education Ministry, British Council and
Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
We were delighted that Education Minister
Dr Maszlee Malik could join us. Also present
were Higher Education Department
director-general Datin Paduka Dr Siti
Hamisah Tapsir and deputy director-general
Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan as well as
Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk
Dr Mohd Ghazali Abas.
The discussion was open and free-flowing.
Many points arose, which the UK5 have
committed to progressing next year. English
language education will be a main focus. The
UK5 are well placed to help in that regard,
and we look forward to working with
various stakeholders to deliver on the
promises we made.
We also had the opportunity to present
some of the ways in which we are already
contributing to Malaysia, be it through
corporate social responsibility activities,
scholarships, enabling widening
participation or the research impact we are
creating on Malaysia. We were delighted to
briefly inform Dr Maszlee of some of our
Inculcating management skills in learners
FIRST City University College has serviced
the Malaysian education industry for almost
three decades. In that time, it has produced
award-winning and highly employable
graduates from its foundation, diploma,
bachelor’s degree and postgraduate
programmes in various disciplines, thanks to
its outstanding track record of providing a
well-rounded education.
In upholding its vision of empowering
students to be globally competitive, the
university college has expanded its
postgraduate programmes to cater to
students who wish to climb the career
ladder in their chosen professions and
welcomes students who want to embark on
an uplifting postgraduate learning
experience.
The university college has harnessed the
best of British education for more than 20
years through collaborations with reputable
partner universities from the United
Kingdom. Its franchised master’s degree
programmes include a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) programme validated
and recognised by the university college’s
long-term partner, Anglia Ruskin University.
Students wishing to face the challenging
and ever-demanding business world may
pursue First City University College’s MBA
programme. The flexibility of being able to
study for their MBA either full or part time
enables even working adults to have the best
of both worlds –­­a career and academic
success.
The university college’s MBA programme
is designed to engage learners by imparting
broad business knowledge and management
skills in preparation for managerial roles.
“Subjects such as project management,
organisational behaviour and strategic
management proved very useful to me. I am
able to apply all the knowledge I gained to
my career,” says Kok Soon Yeh, who
graduated from First City University College
with distinction with an MBA this year.
Designers who wish to pursue their
postgraduate studies will find the Master of
Reflecting on 2018,
preparing for 2019
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Treadell hosted representatives from UK5 as well as
members of the Education Ministry, British Council and Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
initiatives beyond just delivering quality
education.
Looking forward, the University of
Nottingham Malaysia is expecting a
challenging 2019. The higher education
sector is becoming increasingly competitive
as the market seeks to increase the number
of students, both from home and abroad.
New entrants are expected in the market –
initially from Japan and maybe from other
countries. More and more public universities
are opening private universities, further
changing the landscape in which we operate.
First City University
College has harnessed the
best of British education
for more than 20 years
through collaborations
with reputable partner
universities from the
United Kingdom.
Design Management programme at First
City University College especially enticing.
This is the first and only programme in
Malaysia to combine academic study with
creative and professional practice in a
project-led curriculum that draws on a
range of interdisciplinary perspectives from
business and the arts.
It is also designed to support
employability and employer engagement
by developing transferable and industry-
specific high-level skills, including acquiring
broad disciplinary knowledge and a
professional understanding of modern
multi disciplinary design and design
management.
In addition, the university college will
introduce two new master’s degree
programmes under the Faculty of
Engineering and Computing – Master in
Software Engineering and Master in
Engineering Management – which are to
commence in May next year.
Students enrolled in the Master in
Software Engineering programme will be
able to develop technological problem-
solving and entrepreneurial skills, identify
technology trends, lead and manage
software development, and materialise
innovative ideas.
Meanwhile, the Master in Engineering
To meet these challenges and take
advantage of opportunities, private
universities such as ours have had to
become ever more efficient and agile to meet
the challenges ahead. At Nottingham, one of
our main focuses will be to reach out to
South-East Asia and beyond. A key element
of our strategy is to deliver our courses to
countries in the region rather than expect
students to come to Malaysia.
We already deliver our courses in
Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India,
and hope to expand into Laos and Thailand
First City University College’s MBA programme is designed to engage learners through imparting
broad business knowledge and management skills in preparation for managerial roles.
Management programme offers a
comprehensive understanding of complex
business environments, the incorporation of
business and management skills, and
mastery of technological problem-solving
skills in engineering.
First City University College’s eco-friendly
urban campus is equipped with state-of-the-
art facilities that an environment condusive
to effective learning and teaching
approaches. Within its campus, the
university college’s Centre for Postgraduate
Studies is a dedicated space for postgraduate
students and comprises modern lecture
halls, classrooms, a lounge and spacious
discussion areas.
First City University College is ideally
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
next year. We also expect to continue
discussions with several other countries in
South-East Asia that have expressed an
interest in working with Nottingham.
We are conscious that the higher
education sector is changing, and we need to
be alert and plan for different modes of
delivery such as flipped classroom, blended
learning and online delivery. With my
computer science background, I am
personally interested in how technology can
help. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the
current buzz, but this is only part of the
story that this sector needs to address.
We can look back on 2018 with much
pride and satisfaction and look forward to
2019 with hope and optimism. I would like to
thank our many stakeholders and wish
everybody a happy and enjoyable festive
season.
n Prof Graham Kendall is the chief
executive officer, provost and pro-vice-
chancellor of University of Nottingham
Malaysia.
Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
located in the modern township of Bandar
Utama. It roofs a lineup of dedicated
teaching staff with strong industry
experience, ready to guide students towards
achieving their dreams. First City University
College opens every day this month for
registration. Enjoy 50% off tuition fees for
early-bird registration (terms and conditions
apply). The university college’s January
intake is in progress for its foundation,
diploma, bachelor’s and postgraduate
programmes.
n For more information on the programmes,
scholarships and incentives offered at First
City University College, call 03-7727 3200 or
visit www.firstcity.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
Looking beyond the noise
THE key to understanding communications
and media studies is not how active we are
on social media, how familiar we are with
pop culture, or how aware we are of a
politician’s latest tweet.
Mastery in this field is being able to zoom
out and look at the big picture to see how
communications actively shape our world,
zoom in to see the different threads of
communications binding society together,
and what we can learn and apply from it.
Dr Tan Meng Yoe, coordinator for the
Master of Communications and Media
Studies (MCMS) programme at Monash
University Malaysia, provides insight into
the programme.
Making sense of media
communication
Communications is more than what is
presented to us. It is thus important that we
learn to make sense of it. We live in a world
where we are inundated with media
content from many sources. Today,
everything can be a scandal, everything can
be a campaign, everything can be a product.
But is that all there is to society?
Look beyond the noise to find out what is
really going on. It is during this process of
inquiry that important critical thinking
skills are developed. For example, news
agencies always claim to publish the truth
and present it in an impartial manner, yet
we know this is not true, as demonstrated
by the well-documented decrease in trust in
mainstream news in Malaysia recently.
In news, we have to ask whose agenda is
prioritised, how are stories framed, what
version of reality is laid out for us, who is
behind it and whether it is useful or
dangerous. These are not easy questions,
but with some training, they are not
impossible to answer.
This can be applied to all avenues of
communication, be they movies, politics,
concerts or advertisements. The key is to
look beyond the obvious and identify the
contexts, structures and processes that
make communication effective or
ineffective.
Thinking beyond ourselves
Apart from theoretical knowledge, an
important aspect of honing communication
skills is broadening our knowledge and
appreciation of a world beyond what we
are familiar with. This is more crucial than
we think it is.
For example, whenever an advertisement
receives backlash for its insensitivity
towards particular cultures or groups of
people, it is important to realise that it is
usually not one person’s fault. Instead, it is a
result of collective ignorance.
The fact that no one in the entire
production process could pick out a
potential misunderstanding simply means
that a broader understanding of other
cultures is lacking.
To be fair, it is impossible to know
everything there is to know about everyone
and that mistakes do happen. As such, the
solution is not to learn everything, but to
develop an “others-centred” approach when
making decisions.
Students enrolled in Monash University
Malaysia’s MCMS programme are exposed
to cultural issues within Malaysia and
abroad, learning not just fact-files about
other societies, but the intricacies and
cultural dynamics that make the world
simultaneously more complicated and
colourful. Thanks to the university’s diverse
demographics, students also get to learn
and work with people of various
Dr Tan says that in communications, the key
is to look beyond the obvious and identify the
contexts, structures and processes that make
communication effective or ineffective.
backgrounds and nationalities and adapt to
different styles.
It is this posture of wanting to learn more
about others that serves as a powerful
deterrent to cultural misunderstandings and
will help students develop communication
strategies to navigate these complexities.
Learning and producing
knowledge
Accumulating knowledge and widening
one’s perspective is important, but taking it
to the next level requires students to conduct
original research and contribute to the
knowledge pool. The topics of these research
Postgraduate 3
Communications is more
than what is presented to
us. It is thus important that
we learn to make sense of
it. We live in a world where
we are inundated with
media content from many
sources.
projects, independently pursued under the
guidance of experts from the School of Arts
and Social Sciences, are varied and
insightful.
Some recent research projects include a
study into the mechanics of how fake news
is spread in Malaysia, Asian perspectives on
the ongoing Hollywood whitewashing
debate, communication techniques of
successful YouTubers and a textual
comparison of United States president
Donald Trump’s and Chinese president Xi
Jinping’s speeches.
These topics are current, relevant and
directly contribute to a deeper
understanding of the world we live in.
With knowledge gained from these
projects, coupled with rigorous training in
research skills, Monash University Malaysia’s
graduates are equipped to provide useful
insights into current trends and develop
innovative media strategies and solutions,
applicable across a broad range of
industries.
n For more information on the MCMS,
visit www.monash.edu.my/sass
4 Postgraduate
Capping off an eventful year
THIS year, Malaysia witnessed a
historic event that promises
tremendous change in the years to
come. Within the education sector,
we have seen many new ideas
propagated throughout the year.
At Open University Malaysia
(OUM), 2018 has been a year in
which we focused on positioning
OUM as the university of choice
among working adults.
As an open and distance
learning (ODL) institution, OUM
understands the needs of working
adult learners who seek quality
and flexible programmes at fees
they can afford.
One of our major
accomplishments this year is
undergoing the programme
accreditation and reaccreditation
process by the Malaysian
Qualifications Agency.
As part of our continuous efforts
in quality assurance, this exercise
will reaffirm the competitiveness
and reputation of our programmes
to the masses.
Early this year, we opened two
new learning centres in Banting
and Kuala Selangor, bringing the
total number of OUM learning
centres to 32.
Establishing learning centres
is an important investment
towards boosting
accessibility across
Malaysia, even for
those living in
suburban or
rural areas.
As a way to encourage
multilingualism among our
learners, the Chinese Language for
Basic Communication course was
introduced in January as an option
under the Basic Compulsory
Courses category. A similar course
for the Japanese language is
currently in the works.
Concluded last month, OUM’s
mystery shopper initiative revealed
positive findings related to
customer service at several
learning centres.
In September, we celebrated the
graduation of over 2,500 learners
at our 22nd convocation, bringing
the total number of OUM graduates
beyond 75,000. Internationally,
more than 400 learners from our
partner institutions in the
Maldives, Vietnam and Sri Lanka
also graduated at three special
convocations at Villa College in the
Maldives, Ho Chi Minh City
University of Technology (Vietnam)
and International Institute of
Health Sciences (Sri Lanka)
respectively.
Last month, OUM hosted the
National Colloquium for Tutors
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
and Learners, where about 140
participants came together to share
their perspectives and experiences
on ODL.
Engaging with our tutors and
learners is a crucial means of
identifying issues and determining
appropriate solutions to minimise
gaps in teaching and learning.
From a national perspective, the
Government’s renewed focus on
technical and vocational education
and training (TVET) is an agenda
that we fully support, as we
consider TVET a valuable
complement to formal academic
studies.
We plan to embed TVET-related
skills in a selection of courses in
the near future, such as
Introduction to Communication,
Principles of Management for Non-
Business Majors, Thinking Skills
and Problem Solving.
In the coming years, OUM will
also work on boosting institutional
and disciplinary research to
improve the university’s standing
and encourage our teaching and
learning community to contribute
to the body of knowledge of higher
education, both locally and
internationally.
Regardless of uncertainties and
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
In the coming
years, OUM will also
work on boosting
institutional and
disciplinary research
to improve the
university’s standing
and encourage
our teaching and
learning community
to contribute to the
body of knowledge
of higher education,
both locally and
internationally.
anticipated challenges ahead, OUM
is committed to providing quality
education and outstanding
services, ensuring round-the-clock
accessibility and flexibility while
remaining affordable.
Our efforts throughout this year
reflect our institutional dedication
to excellence as Malaysia’s premier
ODL institution.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is
the president and vice-chancellor
of OUM.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018 5
6 Postgraduate
Rewarding passionate learners
EDUCATION is a lifelong journey.
Getting a postgraduate qualification
in the form of a master’s degree is a
great way to continue the learning
process. Apart from satisfying your
intellectual thirst, there are several
pertinent reasons for you to
consider pursuing one of the
postgraduate programmes offered
at Nilai University.
In today’s competitive
employment market, there is a
pressing need to acquire extra
knowledge or specialised skills
within your profession. Some of
you may have already entered the
workforce, while others may be
thinking of continuing their
academic journey after having
obtained their undergraduate
degree.
Having a postgraduate
qualification serves to indicate that
you have undergone rigorous
training and possess in-depth
knowledge in your field. It also
makes it more likely that you will
be identified as a candidate of
choice for certain posts and be
targeted for future career
development.
The aforementioned intellectual
stimulation is a great reason for
you to want to further your
knowledge in a specialist field, thus
allowing you to acquire more
knowledge and skills in an area you
are passionate about. For some, it
will be an opportunity to be an
Looking to the future of TVET
MALAYSIAN universities are
absent from this year’s Reuters Top
75: Asia’s Most Innovative
Universities, considering the 2016
list saw two local institutions
making the list.
The list ranks research-based
universities in Asia through a
methodology that reflects their
successful pioneering efforts in
various fields.
Effective innovation, while
difficult to quantify, can be
measured empirically by said
methodology, measuring criteria
such as number of applied patents
granted and a patent citation score
that identifies continuous utility
and relevance of the patents.
Malaysia has five research
institutions based in universities
that contribute to the nation’s
innovation, research and
development initiative.
The 11th Malaysia Plan
highlights the need for innovative
measures as a solution to create
Nilai University’s Blueprint for Success incorporates strong courses, holistic development, character building skills
and quality internships.
expert in a niche area. Not
everyone has the opportunity to
further their studies in an area
they have passion for. So, if you
do have the opportunity to
deepen your knowledge in a field
that you love, you should grab it
viable alternative energy sources
to reduce the dependency of
Malaysian industries on oil and
gas as well as curb the immense,
growing carbon footprint that the
demand for palm oil has created.
The Government has forwarded
initiatives for private institutions
to collaborate with academia to
solve sustainability issues, but
Reuters’ list does not reflect the
success of these collaborative
efforts.
With the gap between
industries and academia, there is
a serious lack of demand for
innovation in Malaysia. However,
the national plan also details a
feasible grassroots solution to
handling this problem –
improvement of vocational
education.
Technical and Vocational
Education in Training (TVET)
schools are institutions for
students who are aware of their
strengths and weaknesses and
with both hands.
The university’s MBA
programmes are conducted
through coursework and research.
A team of dedicated staff, who are
recognised for their research
initiatives and publications, serves
have a clear view of career
pathways they can pursue.
The training system has been
re-engineered to produce a highly
skilled workforce for Malaysia’s
job market. The reformation of
the system is also meant to
reduce unemployment rates and
improve the sociocultural climate
in the country.
Innovation itself requires the
collaborative efforts and research
from a multitude of disciplines,
meaning various industries must
coordinate attempts and
resources to achieve some form
of cooperation across the board.
A major factor contributing to
the gap between the industry and
academia is each of the various
fields’ desire to excel in its own
right, putting aside possibilities of
joint potential growth for field-
specific distinctions.
The reformation of TVET
schools aims to overcome these
fences by acknowledging that
to provide excellent research
training and academic stimulation
– both of which you will need to put
you on a par with global standards.
Nilai University offers specialised
MBA programmes, including those
in human resource management,
innovation in one field sparks a
ripple effect across industries
and recognising the need for
collaborative efforts.
In fact, the most impactful
advances recently have been
borne of intersections of two or
more fields.
By instilling awareness in the
upcoming generation of
researchers and innovators that
each field is codependent and not
self-sufficient, Malaysia may be
able to see an upward trend in
innovation that is not only
effective but also continuous and
consistent in the years to come.
While there is no immediate fix
to improve innovation in the
country, especially in bridging the
gap between industry and
academia, measures must be
taken to expedite the process to
meet the increasingly dire need
for alternative solutions, especially
ones concerning environmental
protection and preservation.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
management, marketing and
banking and finance. The
university also offers the Master of
Applied Sciences and Master of
Engineering Science.
The primary thrust of Nilai
University’s PhD programmes is to
provide you with the opportunity
and ability to make original and
innovative contributions in your
field of interest through your own
research efforts. Formal training in
research methodology and
quantitative methods is made
available to improve your research
rigour and analytical prowess.
Nilai University offers PhD
programmes in business
administration, applied sciences
and engineering.
Nilai University also provides
you with the true value of
education via its Blueprint for
Success, which incorporates strong
courses, holistic development,
character-building skills and
quality internships.
The university is open for
consultation every day and will
host Open Days this Saturday and
Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Walk in
for consultations with our
education counsellors.
n For more information, call
06-850 2308, e-mail marketing@
nilai.edu.my, visit www.facebook.
com/NilaiUniversity or www.nilai.
edu.my
Existing industrial policies
focused on avaricious gains from
narrow capabilities need to be
open to alternative methods.
Understanding that this upheaval
– for there is no other word for a
process of this magnitude – is not
easy but is attainable, is crucial
in starting the long, slow walk
towards progress.
The good news is that these
problems are an existing
foundation for long-term
research and development
activities to encourage holistic
innovation.
Whether the Government’s
goals are met depends on how
willing industry and academia
are to pool efforts into not only
attaining short-term gains and
maintaining economic standing,
but also in finding innovative
footholds in the future to move
forward into the relatively
unknown world of independence
from non-renewable resources.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
Flexible options for
lifelong learning
YOUR quest for knowledge does
not have to end upon donning
your graduation gown. Lifelong
learners instil in themselves a
burning desire for self-
improvement throughout their
lives. Though the term may seem
especially applicable to the
degreed graduate with career
progression in mind, lifelong
learning is necessary across all
ages and educational and
professional backgrounds.
The Human Resources
Development Fund programme,
“Strengthening of lifelong
learning for skills enhancement”,
aims to ensure a continuous
supply of quality local human
capital through effective
initiatives to build and grow a
world-class Malaysian
workforce. Such initiatives
include capitalising on studying
while working. With strong
governmental support, lifelong
learning is taking a step forward.
An important consideration
now is to ensure a successful
endeavour, because lifelong
learning requires that students
study in parallel with their
personal and professional
commitments.
Management and Science
University (MSU) offers
breakthrough ways for working
adults wishing to further their
studies, and offers a wide range
of programmes that keep the
student’s convenience and
educational and professional
backgrounds in mind.
Lifelong learners from all
walks of life can access MSU’s
range of undergraduate and
postgraduate programmes and
choose from a variety of study
modes to best fit their situation.
Students can opt to attend
classes on weekdays, weekends,
or in the evenings. Students can
even opt for virtual learning via
video conferences and online
discussions.
Lifelong learning is vital for
everyone and not just for the
insatiably curious. Make lifelong
MSU offers a wide range of programmes that keep the students'
convenience and educational and professional backgrounds in mind
to better suit and support lifelong learners.
Postgraduate 7
learning a part of yourself to
advance professionally and gain
an immense sense of personal
fulfillment.
MSU is an applied university
with a holistic approach to
education and employability.
Championing innovation,
entrepreneurship, excellence
and scholarship, the MSU vision
of an enriching future for all is
supported by its mission to
transform lives through
education.
MSU earned five stars in five
QS Stars University Ratings
categories – teaching, facilities,
graduate employability, social
responsibility and inclusiveness.
Ranked among Asia’s best
universities in QS Asian
University Rankings 2019, MSU
was named the Best Brand in
Education for Leadership and
Human Capital Development
last year by the Asia Pacific
Brands Foundation. MSU is a 5
Star: Excellent university in the
Higher Education Ministry’s
Rating for Higher Education
Institutions in Malaysia 2017,
and was named the Most
Entrepreneurial Private
University 2016 by the ministry.
MSU is also recognised by the
United Kingdom’s Accreditation
Service for International
Schools, Colleges and
Universities (ASIC), which
named it a Global TVET Model
University. ASIC also awarded it
the Outstanding Leadership in
International TVET Education
award in 2018 and Excellence in
Quality International Education
and Outstanding Contribution
to International Education
awards last year.
MSU’s latest accolade is
Excellence in Education
Digitisation by the Malaysia
Digital Chamber of Commerce.
n For information on
programmes offered at MSU,
call 03-5521 6868, e-mail
enquiry@msu.edu.my or
visit www.msu.edu.my
8 Postgraduate
Advance your career with education
UNIVERSITI Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR)
vision is to achieve educational excellence
through transformative societal impact. It
also offers quality and affordable
postgraduate programmes to enhance the
employment opportunities and careers of its
graduates.
To enrich its research endeavours, the
university, through its Institute of
Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR),
recently organised the R&D Colloquium 2018
(1.0) at UTAR Kampar Campus as a platform
to exchange research ideas and interests,
seek project funding related to cross-
disciplinary topic areas and develop cross-
disciplinary collaborations. It also served to
update UTAR’s research centres, faculties,
IPSR and the vice-president’s office for R&D
and Commercialisation on research
outcomes.
Held since May 2014, the ninth iteration of
the R&D Colloquium continues to strengthen
interaction between researchers from the
university’s 32 research centres by
establishing research collaborations and
reinforcing cross-disciplinary research.
This type of event is a regular fixture for
UTAR as the university insists on providing
its students and staff with cross-disciplinary
instruction, hands-on practical training and
consistent exposure to cutting-edge research.
These efforts, along with all postgraduate
programmes and research and development
(R&D) activities at UTAR, are coordinated by
IPSR.
“IPSR functions as a central body to ensure
that programmes and R&D projects are well-
administered and monitored to provide the
best possible R&D experience,” says UTAR
vice-president for R&D and
Commercialisation Prof Dr Faidz Abdul
Rahman.
“In line with our motto ‘Intellectual
Pursuits through Sustainable Research’,
UTAR postgraduate students receiving their scrolls at the UTAR Convocation recently.
UTAR’s postgraduate programmes are
designed to encompass a large share of
research and development activities to better
provide students with the most up-to-date
technical knowledge and skills.
“This allows those pursuing postgraduate
qualifications to enhance their competency,
guaranteeing them a competitive advantage
in their industries, thus furthering their
careers. A postgraduate qualification can
also be advantageous to people planning a
career change as it allows them the
opportunity to branch out into areas that
they may not have considered earlier in
their career,” says Prof Faidz.
IPSR has endeavoured to cultivate
innovative research, which is evident from
the number of grants received by UTAR
Trained to research
IN a University World News article titled
The need for innovation in research
methodology, author Ben Daniel wrote:
“Research methods courses offer students
the opportunity to learn the various
aspects of the research process, including
research design, data collection, analysis,
writing and presentation, and framing
useful research questions.”
However, with the influx of more
complex data because of big data and the
subsequent rise of new analytical tools, the
structure and content of many research
methodology courses need to be updated
to take these changes into account.
Any reliance on research methods
courses that are merely repeating the
syllabi of previous years will prove
erroneous, and it is quite conceivable that
research methodology will become an
essential part of data science in the future.
It is for this reason that students should
embark on research methods courses,
supported by higher learning institutions.
These higher learning institutions, in turn,
should focus on constantly reviewing the
topics of such courses to ensure they
remain up to date and relevant to their
students and better contribute to the
global body of knowledge.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
researchers from local and international
organisations. To better serve its students,
IPSR also provides support and advice on
course content, fees, entry requirements,
financial aid and classes. Intake occurs
year-round.
UTAR’s postgraduate programmes may be
completed by coursework, research or a
combination of both, ensuring that they meet
the needs of diverse individuals and their
learning styles.
“UTAR encourages us to attend local and
international conferences, and to join
committees responsible for organising
conferences. These give us ample exposure
to the world of research and expand our
experience,” says Master of Philosophy
(Social Science) by research graduate Tiny
Tey Chiu Yuen.
UTAR is one of the fastest-growing private
higher education institutions in the country.
From only 411 students, the university now
has 25,000 students with campuses in Perak
and Selangor. UTAR has produced more than
56,000 graduates since its inaugural
convocation in 2005 and offers over 110
programmes at foundation, bachelor’s,
master’s and doctorate levels.
UTAR was awarded self-accreditation
status by the Malaysian Qualifications
Agency last year. It ranked 501-600 in the
Times Higher Education World University
Rankings 2019 and 99th in the Times Higher
Education Asia University Rankings 2018.
UTAR’s Open Day will be held this Saturday
and Sunday at its Sungai Long campus in
Selangor and Kampar campus in Perak.
UTAR is also providing extended counselling
hours at both campuses daily (except for
public holidays) from 9am to 5pm.
n For more information, call 05-468 8888
(Kampar Campus)/03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long
Campus) or visit www.utar.edu.my
It is crucial for a postgraduate student to
be well-versed in research methodology, as it
will lead to more positive outcomes,
including:
l Higher completion rates – Supervisors
who are knowledgeable in various research
methods, as well as the quality of research
methods courses, play a key role in assuring
higher course completion rates among
students.
l Improved research methodology –
Through the course of their study, students
will gain the necessary knowledge and skills
to carry out better research.
l Improved data management skills –
Data generated by machines, software
applications, sensors and networks as well as
the associated complexity of the research
environment continue to grow and
transform. It has thus become essential to
have the ability to understand and use such
data appropriately to make more accurate
findings and conclusions.
l Increased career prospects –
Increasing volumes of data and the ever-
increasing emphasis on the data-intensive
economy means that graduates who have
worked on their data and research literacy
skills will see increased interest from
prospective employers.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
Playing host
to first TEDx
Talk event
THE University of Nottingham
Malaysia hosted its inaugural
TEDx event, TEDxUoNMalaysia,
on Oct 20. The brainchild of a
group of students who wanted to
give new ideas a platform to be
heard and provide a fresh
perspective on existing ideas, it
attracted about 100 students.
Themed “The Actual
Beginning”, the event explored
the stories and origins of artists,
engineers and entrepreneurs
whose lives and achievements
served as an inspiration to
others. Eight talented speakers
and one wonderful performer
shared stories of their lives with
the audience, and provided
advice, hope and lessons to
anyone looking to start a whole
new adventure.
“We are really proud of our
students, who managed to pull
off a successful TEDx Talk event.
It is obvious that working on an
event of this scale with a
reputable international brand
name has been extremely
gratifying for them. I am certain
that they are just as proud of
their achievements as we are,”
says University of Nottingham
Malaysia provost, pro-vice-
chancellor and chief executive
officer Prof Graham Kendall.
“I wish to congratulate the
organising team for placing us
within the TEDx world. We were
told that they are already
working on the next event, and
we are very much looking
forward to it,” adds Prof Kendall.
The speakers were certified
professional coach and founder
of Present2Represent
Abdelrahman El-far, who spoke
on how his company became the
first professional development
body at the University of
Nottingham Malaysia within 15
years, founder of Food+ Calvin
Chan, who spoke on how food
waste is rapidly turning into a
social crisis, travel blogger
Soraya, who shared
her journey of self-discovery,
alumnus of the university and
consultant Liew Kah Hoong, who
spoke on gamifying education,
founder and chief executive
officer of iMotorbike.com Gil
Carmo, who spoke about the
promising future of electric
Thanks to a group of its students, the University of Nottingham
Malaysia hosted its first TEDx Talk in October.
Postgraduate 9
I wish to
congratulate the
organising team for
placing us within
the TEDx world.
We were told that
they are already
working on the next
event, and we are
very much looking
forward to it.
motorbikes in South-East Asia,
graphic designer Abdelrahman
Harfoosh, who shared his ideas
on stories and story-telling,
project director of grassroots
initiative The Rohingya Project
Saqib Sheikh, who shared about
activism, spoken word performer
Chloe Ling, who spoke on the
nature of time, and University of
Nottingham student and singer
Nicole Sian, who performed two
of her favourite songs.
Organiser Yehya Eldeeb, who
is a student from the university’s
Department of Mechanical,
Materials and Manufacturing
Engineering, says, “The hardest
struggle is always the beginning.
Our organising team aimed to
foster conversation about the
newest innovations on the
market and to discuss topics
philosophically. We also hoped to
inspire learning and personal
growth, and used TEDx as a
platform to give back to our local
community and society.”
“Our hope is to provide an
enriching experience by
attracting like-minded people
who enjoyed the talk and
discussions sparked by it, and
provided some good feedback
after the event. It was really
worth the effort,” Yehya adds.
n For more information on
University of Nottingham
Malaysia, e-mail study@
nottingham.edu.my or visit
www.nottingham.edu.my
10 Postgraduate
Take your
studies to
the next level
CPA Australia is one of the
world’s largest accounting
bodies, with a global
membership of more than
163,000 finance, accounting
and business professionals.
The CPA (Certified Practising
Accountant) designation is
highly regarded and
recognised internationally.
Studying the CPA Program
equips students with technical
skills and develops their
business, strategic thinking and
leadership qualities, ensuring
Farah Hanis Zulkifli chose to study full time so that she could focus her efforts and complete the programme in a year. that they have the essential
attributes to be leaders.
As part of the CPA Program,
students gain access to a wide
range of learning resources.
They also have the flexibility to
choose how, when, where and
what they learn.
CPA Program student Ho Mei
Shuen chose to join CPA
Australia because it is widely
recognised in many countries.
“I believe that CPA Australia is
the most relevant professional
body to join for my field of
undergraduate study,” she says.
With flexible study options,
students can choose to complete
the CPA Program through
distance learning, full-time study
or a combined postgraduate
degree. Alternatively, students
can opt for online or face-to-face
tuition to complement the
distance learning study option.
The CPA Program now gives
accounting candidates in
Malaysia the opportunity to
complete all six subjects in 12
months with its full-time
programme at Sunway TES.
“I opted for the full-time
programme so I could better
focus on my studies and
complete the syllabus in a
shorter period of time. I am
grateful to my lecturers who
helped me gain a better
understanding of the syllabus
and course materials and
provided me with useful exam
tips,” says Ho.
Another CPA Program student,
Farah Hanis Zulkifli, learnt
about the course while she was
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
The CPA Program
prepared me well
for my career, as it
exposed me to real-
world accounting
practices. The
knowledge I
gained through the
programme helped
me hone my skills
and expertise.
Farah Hanis Zulkifli
studying in Australia and
enrolled as soon as she
graduated.
“Choosing the full-time study
option allowed me to fully
commit to the programme. I
could focus and spend more
time studying in order to
complete the programme in
one year. The CPA Program
prepared me well for my career,
as it exposed me to real-world
accounting practices. The
knowledge I gained through the
programme helped me hone my
skills and expertise,” says Farah.
“For example, by learning
about Malaysian taxation, I now
have a better understanding of
tax regulations in Malaysia and
how they impact businesses and
industries,” she adds.
The CPA Program also offers
soft skills classes and internship
opportunities to better equip
candidates with the essential
skills to for the next step in their
career.
Visit www.cpaaustralia.com to
learn about CPA Australia’s
information sessions in
Malaysia.
n For details, call CPA Australia
Malaysia office at 03-2267 3388
or e-mail kl@cpaaustralia.com.
au
CPA Program
student Ho
Mei Shuen
says she
chose to join
CPA Australia
because it
is widely
recognised
in many
countries.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
Talks on 21st century education
WHEN we talk about 21st century education,
many people assume it involves adopting
some form of technology in the classroom.
While innovative tools and applications can
certainly enrich the teaching and learning
experience, the world of studying should
encompass more than that.
Education in the 21st century must ensure
that students are ready for the future, be it
in terms of employability, contribution to the
economy or inculcation of values for a
rapidly evolving world.
In this context, higher education
institutions and providers need to mould
future graduates who are not only
competent in their respective fields, but
also adaptable, technologically savvy,
equipped with problem solving,
collaborative and critical thinking skills,
and able to play proactive roles in a
globalised society.
To be hosted by Open University Malaysia
(OUM), the International Conference on
Education (ICE) 2019 provides an excellent
avenue for higher education stakeholders
to widen their networks and engage in
knowledge sharing to explore new
opportunities and the latest developments.
With the theme Education for the 21st
Century, the conference will be held on Apr
10 and 11 next year at Seri Pacific Hotel,
Kuala Lumpur. According to OUM president
and vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mansor
Fadzil, the conference will focus on three
sub-themes, which address current issues in
higher education.
“The sub-themes are Innovations and
Technology in Education, Assessment in the
21st Century, and Access to Education and
Lifelong Learning,” says Prof Mansor.
“We hope to attract researchers,
practitioners, policymakers and academics
who can contribute ideas that can inspire
change as well as add value to the entire
OUM will be hosting ICE 2019, which lets stakeholders in the higher education sector widen their
networks and engage in knowledge sharing.
higher education experience.”
Within these themes, participants and
presenters will have a chance to share ideas
on other salient topics, including the Fourth
Industrial Revolution, sustainable
development goals, open educational
resources and incultating the culture of
lifelong learning.
ICE 2019 is anticipated to include both
local and international experts in academia.
The highlights of the conference will be
keynote addresses by Prof Tian Belawati and
Postgraduate 11
Education in the 21st
century must ensure that
students are ready for the
future, be it in terms of
employability, contribution
to the economy or
inculcation of values for a
rapidly evolving world.
Prof Dr Rozhan Mohammed Idrus, who are
open and distance learning (ODL) experts
from Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia, and
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, respectively.
Prof Tian is one of Asia’s leading figures in
ODL and has decades of experience in
research, teaching and administration of a
large-scale open university system.
As one of the pioneers of distance learning
in Malaysia, Prof Rozhan is a trained
instructional designer and has published
more than 170 scholarly works on ODL.
Important deadlines of this conference
are as follows:
Abstract submission Dec 25, 2018
Notification of abstract acceptance Jan 15, 2019
Full paper submission Jan 31, 2019
Notification of full paper acceptance Feb 25, 2019
Early bird registration Feb 28, 2019
Submission of camera-ready copy Mar 11, 2019
ICE 2019 Apr 10 and 11, 2019
n For more information on ICE 2019, call
03-2773 2622, e-mail ice2019@oum.edu.my
or visit ice2019.oum.edu.my
12 Postgraduate
Making an
informed decision
PURSUING a postgraduate degree
takes dedication, hard work and
perseverance. However, before
embarking on this journey,
potential students will first reach a
fork in the road and have to decide
between obtaining a postgraduate
degree by coursework or research.
A postgraduate degree by
coursework requires students to
cover core and elective subjects
through classroom or online
lessons, undertake assignments
and sit for examinations.
Opting to do their postgraduate
programme by research requires
students to work on an
independent research project
under the guidance of a supervisor
and submit a thesis based on this
research.
Most higher learning institutions
in Malaysia offer both kinds of
postgraduate programmes in
different disciplines but choosing
the most suitable path depends
strongly on the student.
A familiar path
Many potential postgraduate
students cannot afford to dedicate
the amount of time needed for
research, so students who find it
difficult to allocate the time should
opt to pursue postgraduate
coursework programmes. These
courses often offer part-time and
online paths to allow people to
schedule their studies without
sacrificing their careers or other
commitments.
Fresh graduates may find it
difficult to gain admission into a
master’s by research programme,
since they have neither the
required work or research
experience. Hence, a postgraduate
coursework programme might be
the only option for such students.
A postgraduate coursework
programme is also more attractive
for students who have a keen
interest in acquiring knowledge
through textbooks and discussions.
New knowledge is presented in a
manner that is most familiar to
students, which is through direct
interaction with their lecturers in a
classroom environment.
Off the beaten path
Postgraduate programmes by
research do not have regular
lectures or class schedules and is
not dependent on assignments and
examinations. Each research
student will have to work on a
research project while only
receiving guidance from a
supervisor.
If you cannot
decide on what sort
of postgraduate
course to enrol in,
you can always
seek the guidance
of education
counsellors, who
can help you make
a more informed
decision.
This does not mean students are
required to spend all their time in
the laboratory. A good thesis
requires extensive use of multiple
resources for reference and to
build the basis for new research.
A postgraduate research student
is expected to look through
textbooks, journals, survey results,
published articles and other
sources and discuss the findings
with her supervisor before finally
writing her thesis.
However, the pathway for each
research student is different, and
depends completely on the subject
of the research.
A master’s by research is more
suitable for students who can
devote a lot of time to research and
extensive practical work and is
adept at dealing with a lot of data.
This path is also suitable for
students who are inquisitive,
innovative and are keen to find
answers to questions and solutions
to problems, and who wish to
pursue a career in academics or
want to continue down the
research pathway.
Best of both worlds
If you cannot decide on what
sort of postgraduate course to enrol
in, you can always seek the
guidance of education counsellors,
who can help you make a more
informed decision.
If you are still of two minds,
there is one more option - a
combined research-coursework
postgraduate programme. This
option offers the best of both
worlds, with face-to-face classes as
well as a thesis submission.
With the many different
postgraduate options available,
there is definitely a programme to
suit your particular needs.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
Innovative approach
to lifelong learning
ASIA e University (AeU) offers a
wide range of postgraduate degree
programmes, including Doctor of
Business Administration (DBA),
which represents the highest
academic qualification in the field
of business.
A DBA is the bridge between
theory and practice. Equivalent to
a PhD, a DBA allows you to use
research methods to define,
evaluate and analyse complex
business issues and develop
original and reliable solutions.
Students will be able to generate
an understanding of the synergies
and insights that come from
integrating different disciplines
within the context of original
research. The DBA programme
demands intelligence, diligence
and determination, but the
rewards can be significant to both
your career and your organisation.
AeU’s DBA programme possesses
a good mix of coursework and
independent research, and DBA
students are required to pass all
their coursework before they can
embark on the research phase. At
Dr Azzanawawy with his wife Norashikan Saifullah and daughter Azzalea
the end of the programme,
graduates will be able to refine Sofea at AeU's eighth convocation recently.
theories and concepts, interpret
research findings and recommend materials from anywhere, enabling AeU at a glance
solutions. me to study at my own pace and
convenience,” he says, adding that AeU is one of Malaysia’s leading
Disabled graduate shares AeU’s online library also provided
easy access to online databases and
open and distance learning (ODL)
universities and one of Asia’s
AeU experience thousands of e-books, e-journals premier ODL institutions. As one of
and other collections to support his Asia’s premier universities in the
Dr Azzanawawy Samat is a learning and research efforts. digital frontier, it believes that
senior assistant director at the “Another big incentive for me innovation and technology have the
Education Ministry and a recent was that as part of its corporate power to make education truly
DBA graduate. He is also physically social responsibility initiative, AeU democratic, personalised and
disabled. offers a 75% tuition fee discount to borderless.
“My disability stems from a disabled students, which made it Today, AeU’s quality education
biking accident at a young age. The affordable for me to continue my system and international focus is
effects of my accident manifested studies. proudly supported by its 17,000
when I was 21, when I found “The most rewarding part of the graduates and nearly 30,000
myself no longer able to balance DBA programme is that I have globally connected students from
and became vulnerable to falls, become smarter in terms of time 100 different countries, and it prides
and I was categorised as having a management. I can now effectively itself on developing career-ready
physical disability. My biggest divide my time between career, graduates who are innovative,
challenge is that it takes me more family and studies, and have resilient and well-prepared for the
energy and effort to go from one learned to be more disciplined and needs of a rapidly changing
place to another compared with better appreciate my family and workforce.
others. colleagues. AeU also offers PhD programmes
“Too often, I have to face risks in “The knowledge I gained by research in business
public places. For example, I can’t throughout my learning journey administration, finance, humanities,
gain access to university buildings also allowed me to contribute more education and information and
and their surroundings if they are effectively towards my communications technology.
not disabled-friendly. I require organisation, and I have published Annual intakes for its DBA
facilities such as disabled toilets three journals and two magazine programme are in January, May and
and parking as well as wider articles. September. However, intakes for all
pedestrian walkways. Their “I enjoyed my experience at postgraduate programmes by
absence poses a danger to my life. AeU. I made new friends from research are open throughout the
“I was attracted to AeU’s flexible different backgrounds, races and year.
mode of study, as that meant I did countries. The diversity of its
not have to leave my job to attend students makes learning at AeU n For enquiries, call 03-5022 3456/
regular classes on campus. unique, and sharing my 013-350 7270, e-mail enquiries@aeu.
Through AeU’s innovative learning experiences and knowledge was edu.my or apply online for the
management system, myPLS, I a wonderful experience,” says Dr January 2019 intake at
could gain access to my learning Azzanawawy. www.aeu.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
Ready for IR4.0
THE Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) will
revolutionise the manufacturing industry
through the introduction of smart factories,
where interconnected machines will
communicate with each other to go about
their tasks more efficiently.
To accelerate the country’s adoption of
IR4.0, the Government is currently
formulating the National Industry 4.0
blueprint. Although the framework will
provide guidelines to achieving the nation’s
IR4.0 goals, the success of the framework
depends on its execution by government
agencies, public and private entities and
higher education institutions.
However, a major factor in the future
success of this framework lies in human
capital. Skilled human capital plays a major
role in IR4.0, but Malaysia is not producing
enough skilled workers to meet projected
demand. As such, our higher education
institutions should develop a sense of urgency
and respond accordingly by focusing their
efforts to produce more skilled workers.
The world is moving towards a digital
economy and Malaysia’s educational structure
Branching out globally
MANY reputed universities choose to go
international by building branch campuses
in other countries such as New York
University Abu Dhabi. While some of these
universities are considered research-
intensive in their home countries and
establish branch campuses to serve as
teaching institutes, can the same be said
for Malaysia?
“Malaysian universities are making
good progress. A majority of branch
campuses here are contributing to the
Government’s aspiration to produce high
quality research outcomes for the nation.
In many of the metrics, several research
universities and branch campuses here are
on a par with other top universities across
the globe,” says Prof Mahendhiran Nair,
Monash University Malaysia vice-president
(research and development) and Monash
Malaysia R&D Sdn Bhd chief executive
officer.
Public and private universities in Malaysia
offer extensive research opportunities to
students, but there are some added benefits
of pursuing research in international
branch campuses, the most important of
which is leveraging the international
connection.
Malaysian students and researchers at
branch campuses are part of a broader
international network and can gain access to
international expertise, technology,
additional research resources and support.
As an added benefit, students and
researchers at these campuses also gain
access to resources and expertise from local
campuses. This can include data sets that are
exclusive to Malaysia and SouthEast Asia, or
in-depth knowledge specific to the region.
Another notable advantage is the
possibility of comparative research work,
which serves to help researchers expand
their research reach and impact. This also
Postgraduate 13
should follow suit. Aside from university
graduates, co-curriculum development for
Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET) also needs
to embrace IR4.0.
Recently, a strategic alliance between
government agencies, higher education
institutions and the private sector will allow
TVET diploma holders to pursue
undergraduate programmes in universities
under the Malaysian Technical University Future jobs will require advanced skills and knowledge and will create new upper-level
Network. Private universities, including technical positions that require graduates to possess advanced degrees.
Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), have
already developed a framework to accept computing and augmented reality. The 21st century workplace is changing.
TVET graduates into their higher-level TVET Postgraduate research in the coming era Future engineers will need to be
programmes. should focus on applied and multitalented in both engineering and
The obvious challenge universities will multidisciplinary research topics with direct information technologies. Higher education
face is the integration of IR4.0 pillars into IR4.0 applications. Previously, only a limited institutions, too, must play a larger role by
their curricula. To confront the challenge, number of postgraduate degree holders producing IR4.0-ready talent as well as
universities have begun developing their worked in high-pace industry, as far more investigating challenges faced by IR4.0 and
own IR4.0 education framework to promote opted to join academic institutions or providing solutions within their curricula. –­ ­
the transformation of content across research departments. However, future jobs By Dr Mohammed Reyasudin Basir Khan,
disciplines. UniKL, for example, is reviewing require advanced skills and knowledge to senior lecturer at UniKL
its new and existing programmes to enhance IR4.0 technologies, creating new
incorporate IR4.0 elements, including upper-level technical positions that require n For more information, e-mail reyasudin@
Internet of Things, big data analytics, cloud graduates to have advanced degrees. unikl.edu.my
helps researchers exchange best practices
and case studies that will be mutually
beneficial in resolving various research
questions and challenges.
The knowledge network between
Malaysian branch campuses and
international campuses also serves as a
platform for enhancing transnational
research and development outcomes – not
to mention globalising Malaysian research
and educational initiatives.
Prof Mahendhiran provides one
example, saying, “Monash University
Malaysia, jointly with Monash University
Australia, established a research platform
called the South East Asian Community
Observatory in Segamat, Johor, which
gives researchers a window into the
impact of economic development on
diverse communities in Malaysia.”
He says these types of collaborative
researches not only enhance the research
and development efforts of the branch
campuses, but also serve to enrich the
teaching and learning of students and staff
from both campuses, both here and in
Australia.
“If Malaysia is to become a regional and
global centre of education and research
excellence, universities operating in
Malaysia must be a contributor of new
knowledge that is of importance to the
local and international communities,” says
Prof Mahendhiran.
Many Malaysian universities, especially
research universities and international
branch campuses, are actively contributing
to new knowledge. As these institutions
build their reputations by producing
world-class research and contributing to
the global pool of knowledge, the
reputation of the nation will soar, and
Malaysia will be known as a leading
destination for research-oriented students.
14 Postgraduate
HAYS Asia Salary Guide 2018 reports that
the majority of employers believe that skill
shortages will affect their business
operations in the near future. However,
employers all over the country also expect
an increase in business activities in the
coming year.
In general, skill shortages and mismatches
in the Malaysian workforce are still major
challenges when it comes to stimulating
productivity.
To address these challenges, the SEGi
Group of Colleges believes that skilled
workers should be given the opportunity to
secure jobs that offer them career
advancement and long-term career
development.
By focusing on long-term career objectives
rather than short-term financial benefits,
SEGi Group of Colleges provides
opportunities for individuals to climb the
career ladder by offering quality
postgraduate degrees to better meet the
demands and changing needs of various
industries.
According to SEGi College Subang Jaya
Centre for Continuing Education (CCE)
deputy head Eve Tan, many industries now
demand skilled workers who are creative
and possess specialised skills or in-depth
knowledge in select areas.
“SEGi Group of Colleges offers
postgraduate programmes that are
structured to guide students into
professional management careers. A
master’s degree also makes it easier to jump
into management and leadership positions,”
she says.
Tan adds that the Master of Business
Administration (MBA) is one of SEGi
College Subang Jaya’s top programmes and
is popular among working adults who
wish to pursue further study. The MBA is
fully accredited by the Malaysian
Bridging the skills gap
SEGi Group of Colleges believes in preparing its students for long-term career objectives.
Qualifications Agency.
The programme is fully assignment-based
and contains eight modules and one
dissertation, which needs to be completed
within two years. Classes are held on
alternate weekends.
Vancs Chai Min Sing, an alumnus of SEGi
College Subang Jaya’s MBA programme in
collaboration with University of Southern
New courses aimed at
business professionals
Queensland, Australia, says he received an
80% increment in his salary six months
before completing his MBA as a result
of being headhunted by another
organisation.
“Know your big why. Don’t start the
journey before understanding why you
want a postgraduate degree. An MBA
programme is an investment that will not
AS ambitious working adults in Malaysia
seek to further empower themselves by
enrolling in postgraduate courses, Curtin
University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is
introducing two new postgraduate courses
for next year. They are Curtin University’s
Master of International Business and Master
of Commerce in Marketing, which are being
introduced to meet demands for more
postgraduate business qualifications.
The Master of International Business will
commence in February while the Master of
Commerce in Marketing will begin in July.
Enrolments for both courses are already
underway and more information can be
found at courses.curtin.edu.my/courses-and-
study/postgrad/.
The Master of International Business
provides a highly practical perspective on
how to lead in a multifaceted, international
and multicultural global environment.
Meanwhile, the Master of Commerce in
Marketing is industry-focused with an
emphasis on topics relevant to the marketing
profession. The course covers aspects of
marketing communication, digital marketing
and the application of marketing in
manufacturing and service industries.
“A postgraduate course deepens
knowledge and perspective while expanding
an individual’s options for advancement.
Employers seek to hire the best, especially
for mid-level and senior roles, so demand is
shifting to candidates who bring
postgraduate qualifications and work
experience to the table,” says Prof Jim
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018
yield returns immediately, but rather five
years down the road.
“It will consume a large portion of your
time, focus and financial resources. Patience
is bitter, but its fruit is sweet,” he says.
SEGi Group of Colleges offers postgraduate
programmes in collaboration with leading
international university partners, such as:
l MBA (International Business)
(University of Greenwich)
l MBA (University of Sunderland)
l MBA (University of Southern
Queensland)
l MA International Business (University
of Greenwich)
l MSc Engineering Management
(University of Sunderland)
A master’s degree will help you remain a
valuable employee, build on your current
abilities, gain new skills or even transition to
an entirely new field.
SEGi’s master’s programmes are suitable
for professionals across all disciplines and
will significantly enhance your capabilities.
From the moment you start your
journey as a postgraduate student, you
will have access to SEGi’s vast professional
networks.
n For more information, call 03-2070 2078/
WhatsApp 012-988 9627 for SEGi College
Kuala Lumpur, call 03-8600 1777/WhatsApp
016-212 9154 for SEGi College Subang Jaya,
call 04-263 3888/WhatsApp 013-629 4880 for
SEGi College Penang or call 082-252 566/
WhatsApp 017-859 2566 for SEGi College
Sarawak, or visit www.segi.edu.my
The Master of
International
Business and
Master of
Commerce
in Marketing
are Curtin
Malaysia’s latest
postgraduate
offerings.
Mienczakowski, Curtin Malaysia’s pro-vice-
chancellor, president and chief executive.
“Aside from paper qualifications, a
working adult who has shown initiative to
return to school demonstrates that he has
discipline and creativity and is well
organised. These are qualities any employer
would desire.”
Prof Mienczakowski adds that as more and
more companies are operating across
international boundaries, employers
worldwide are placing increasing value on
graduates with international outlooks or
experience when assessing job applications.
Thus, it is most appropriate for these
graduates to pursue the Master of
International Business.
Curtin Malaysia offers postgraduate
qualifications by coursework or research,
such as the Master of Science in Project
Management, Master of Policy Sciences and
Master of Philosophy as well as the new
Master of International Business and Master
of Commerce in Marketing.
Candidates may enrol in Curtin
University’s master’s or doctoral programmes
on a full-time or part-time basis. The
duration of a master’s programme is usually
a minimum of one year and maximum of
two years of equivalent full-time study while
doctoral programmes typically require a
minimum of two years and maximum of
four years of equivalent full-time study.
n For more information on Curtin Malaysia,
visit www.curtin.edu.my
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16 THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018