StarSpecial

THE STAR Tuesday 22 April 2014

The best pathway to study abroad > 7 Overseas learning now more affordable > 11
International
education made
accessible
COURSE FOCUS:
FOREIGN DEGREES
AND BRANCH CAMPUSES
2 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014
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We lay down the options for your first set of wheels.
The supermini that is out to impress > 4
When two worlds collide > 6-7
POSTGRADUATE
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THE STAR Tuesday 21 January 2014
Choice and diversity > 3
An MBA at your own PACE > 8
Engineering your future > 10
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The right MBA
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StarSpecial
THE STAR Tuesday 4 February 2014
Knowing your body weight status > 3
Quality, affordable international education > 5
Unlocking
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MOTORING
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> TURN TO PAGE 12
The University of Nottingham was
the first British institution to set up a
branch campus outside the UK with the
opening of The University of Nottingham
Malaysia Campus (UNMC) in 2000. Today, it
continues to deliver world-class education
and ground breaking research.
The Malaysia Campus is a full and
integral part of The University of
Nottingham, UK, and offers students the
Nottingham experience in an Asian setting.
It is part of a global institution serving an
international community of students and
yet is firmly rooted in all that is distinctive
about British education innovative
teaching and assessment methods,
independent, creative and critical thinking
and an emphasis on the development of a
range of inter-personal skills.
Its quality standards are also among the
best in the world. At the same time, it is a
Malaysian institution and is fully integrated
and engaged with the higher education
community in Malaysia.
More than 90% of research at The
University of Nottingham is of international
quality, according to the most recent
Research Assessment Exercise. It is also
one of the most popular universities
among graduate employers, one of the
worlds greenest universities, and winner
of the Times Higher Education Award for
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable
Development. It is also ranked in the
Worlds Top 75 universities by the QS World
University Rankings.
The University of Nottingham
Malaysia Campus
Established in January last year,
the Malaysian branch campus enables
students to experience the University of
Southamptons world-class education at
60% of the cost of obtaining the same
degree in the UK.
The university first offered mechanical
engineering courses that allowed students
to specialise in advanced materials,
aerospace, automotive, bioengineering,
engine management, naval engineering,
mechatronics and sustainable energy
systems.
Later that year, its electrical and
electronic engineering (EEE) programme
received full approval from the Malaysian
Qualifications Agency.
The EEE programme features a variety
of innovative teaching methods and
assessments, including coursework, group
work and exams. Future graduates are
required to complete a four-year study
with their first two years at the Malaysia
Campus and the final two years at the UK
campus in Southampton.
University of Southampton
Malaysia Campus
Heriot-Watt University opened its
second overseas campus with a new
campus in Malaysia in January last year.
The campus, based in Putrajaya, offers
degrees in business and postgraduate
studies in renewable energy, engineering
and surveying. Putrajaya is the universitys
fifth campus and joins facilities in
Edinburgh, the Borders and Orkney in
Scotland, and Dubai in the United Arab
Emirates.
The university has an established
reputation for world-class teaching
and practical, cutting-edge research
that has made the university one of
the top UK universities for business
and petroleum engineering. Currently,
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers
tailored pathways into its undergraduate
programmes through the foundation in
sciences and foundation in business and
design.
The programmes offered in Malaysia
are identical to the ones offered in the UAE
and Scotland.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The University of Reading Malaysia
began its Foundation in Business
programme in Iskandar Malaysia in
September last year. It is the first time the
university has offered this programme
outside the UK and it is also the first time
that this programme has been designed for
students without an A-Levels qualification.
For its April intake, the university
has offered a special deal for foundation
students upon successful completition
of the foundation in business programme,
students are guaranteed progression onto
their BSc Finance & Business Management
programme, including the Henley Business
school courses.
The universitys brand new campus in
Iskandar Malaysia is expected to be fully
completed in September this year.
Undergraduate and postgraduate
degrees are also being developed to
include programmes in quantity surveying,
real estate, psychology, business and
management, English language, law,
pharmacy and finance.
University of Reading Malaysia
A major hub
for global
education
S
IX years from now, Malaysia is
expected to become a major
destination for higher education, with
the government aiming to attract 200,000
international students by 2020.
To attract more foreign students, the
government has invited some of the
worlds leading universities to set up
branch campuses in Malaysia.
At the moment, the country has 11
branch campuses with three more set to
open in the coming years.
At a foreign branch campus in Malaysia,
local and foreign students get the
opportunity to discover the Asian region
and its people while receiving top-notch
global education.
In addition, courses taught by these
branch campuses are exactly the same
standard and quality as those offered in
their respective home countries.
An overseas education or an
international degree can be extremely
valuable and give students a worldview
as well as skills that are internationally
needed and demanded.
Whether it be pursuing an entire degree
in a local institution that can award an
international degree or through a twinning
programme, students will benet in many
ways (see page 15). In order to pursue
an overseas education, students will
need to make a few preparations. These
include taking up the right pre-university
programme and preparing the relevant
documents for their stay overseas, so do
prepare ahead of time.
Here is a look at the branch campuses
in the country and the education facilities
they offer.
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 3
Monash University Malaysias student body comprises 30% students from
various parts of the world.
M
ONASH University
Malaysia was the rst
foreign university to
set up a branch campus in
Malaysia at the invitation of
the Malaysian government
in 1998. From just a few
hundred students, the student
population now stands at 6,000.
The purpose-built, state-of-the-
art campus was completed in
2007.
Monash University Malaysia
is a comprehensive campus,
with seven out of Monash
Universitys 10 faculties
represented. This means that
through our programmes,
which include engineering, IT,
science, medicine, pharmacy,
business, and arts and social
sciences, we prepare graduates
who have the potential to
contribute to the many aspects
of society and ultimately
become future leaders.
Unlike many of the other
international branch campuses
that may only offer one or two
disciplines, we have established
a broad base. We dont see
ourselves as a campus thats
just importing programmes
from Australia. Our courses are
contextualised for the country
and the region to ensure they
are locally relevant, while also
taking a global perspective,
says Prof Helen Bartlett, pro
vice-chancellor and president of
Monash University Malaysia.
Thirty per cent of the student
body consists of international
students from Australia,
China, Sri Lanka, Africa, South
Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius,
Bangladesh, Maldives and many
more. Coupled with academics
from the world over, Monash
University Malaysia is an ideal
destination for an international
study experience.
Excellence in education
Providing tertiary
education of the highest order,
Monash University Malaysia
also values research and
intellectual inquiry. Students
are encouraged and taught
to contribute ideas, create
impact and change lives. As
part of its efforts to ensure the
curriculum remains relevant to
the real needs of the country
and beyond, the university
maintains close relationships
with leading industry players
through each of its schools
Industry Advisory Panels.
Our curriculum benets
from the input of top industry
leaders, and we strive to create
an active dialogue with them
that is mutually satisfying and
bears real results, shares Prof
Bartlett.
Courses at Monash
University Malaysia are
accredited in both Malaysia
and Australia. This ensures an
education that is locally relevant
and internationally recognised.
The university aims to create
graduates who are able to lead
and contribute in their regional
and local communities.
Top-notch facilities
The campus is equipped with
world-class facilities, including:
24 engineering laboratories
dedicated to selected
specialisations, including
robotics and mechatronics.
State-of-the-art television and
radio studios.
A live cell imaging microscope
and single-cell imaging
microscope.
A library and learning
commons that encourage
learning through inquiry,
collaboration, discussion and
consultation. It also integrates
IT facilities and library services
in a user-friendly environment.
Students have access to more
than 315,000 e-books, 60,000
e-journals, and 1,000 electronic
databases as well as online
lectures, reading lists and past
exam papers.
A canopy walkway, which
will provide a secure link to
the Sunway Pyramid shopping
centre via Sunway University.
The Sunway-Monash
Residence, which can
accommodate 2,000 students
and connects directly to the
campus via a double-decker
bridge.
The virtual practice
environment for the training of
pharmacy students.
The Neurobusiness Laboratory
to study how consumers make
decisions.
A stock trading room for
business students.
n For more information, visit
www.monash.edu.my
Well-equipped
international
campus
4 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014
Mission to help save lives
Lim (third from left) with his fellow MBBS students from Sabah and Sarawak, (from left) Chong Yan Mei, Yii Yann Fen, Tracy Tan Sii Yin
and Fiona Ting Ee Hie.
W
HEN one of Sarawaks
most promising future
doctors decided he
wanted to study medicine at a
foreign university, he did not
have to look any further than
Peninsular Malaysia.
Just a short trip across the
South China Sea, Joshua Joel Lim
Yung Chern was able to nd
everything he wanted for his
higher education.
Besides having the
opportunity to study at a
leading university, he also
learned to be independent
while building his career as a
doctor.
Lim has been studying
at Newcastle University
Medicine Malaysia (NUMed)
in Johor since 2012. The state-
of-the-art branch campus
offers undergraduate degrees
in medicine (MBBS) and
biomedical sciences (BSc). It
was established by Newcastle
University in 2009, one of
the United Kingdoms most
prestigious universities.
Lim speaks positively about
his experience at the university
and expects to graduate with
an internationally recognised
degree that will make him
eligible for provisional
registration as a doctor with the
UKs General Medical Council.
When Lim graduates,
he intends to head back to
Sarawak, where he plans to
dedicate his life to caring for
patients and saving lives.
Why NUMed?
NUMed had always been on
the top of Lims list as a branch
campus of Newcastle University
UK, one of the top medical
schools in UK. He wanted
to experience the world-
class training standards and
curriculum of the university,
which has been contextualised
to Malaysian circumstances and
cultural differences.
As I am from Sarawak,
studying at NUMed in Johor
is my rst venture out of my
hometown and comfort zone.
This is a great opportunity for
me to learn to be independent
without being too far away from
my family, he says.
Lim adds that he loves how
his lecturers at NUMed adopt
a patient-centred approach.
While medical knowledge
is paramount to saving
lives, students are taught to
place equal emphasis on the
psychological well-being of
patients. He believes that this
holistic approach sets NUMed
students apart and puts them
on track to be successful
doctors.
On becoming a doctor
His mother was a nurse and
Lim grew up listening to her
stories of her experiences at the
local hospital. Although he was
awed by her work at that time,
Lim was determined not to
pursue a career in medicine as it
seemed like hard work and the
hours were long and gruelling.
He only changed his mind
about the medical profession
as he was completing his
secondary school education.
Saving lives and helping
others to regain their health
to continue living fullling
lives is incredibly meaningful
and I want to make that
happen for others. Perhaps my
mothers stories were already
long ingrained in my mind.
Medicine, after all, is a stable
and respectable profession. It
will also be a useful application
of my interest in biology, says
Lim.
Plans after graduation
Lim says his long-term goal
has always been to practice in
his hometown, Sarawak.
Sabah and Sarawak face a
chronic shortage of medical
facilities and expertise. I hope to
complete my housemanship in
Sarawak and continue working
there.
Sarawak is covered by large
swathes of jungle. Access to
health care in rural areas is very
limited so people often have
to endure arduous conditions
when they make their long
journey to the nearest hospital.
Ive heard stories that
doctors sometimes travel by
boat to remote areas in order to
visit patients but they are few
and far between. When people
do have access to medical care,
they often face long waiting
times at public hospitals. The
availability of doctors and
medical facilities is the biggest
challenge for medical care in
Sabah and Sarawak. I hope that
my training at NUMed will
allow me to help change this for
the good of all East Malaysians,
says Lim.
NEWCASTLE University UK, has established an international branch
campus in Johor, Malaysia, to provide its undergraduate degrees
in medicine (MBBS) and biomedical sciences (BSc) as well as
opportunities for postgraduate study.
The programmes are equivalent to those of Newcastles
UK-based provision and lead to the award of the same degrees.
By choosing to study at NUMed Malaysia, students will obtain
a reputable UK qualification from an internationally recognised
university. The cost of the programmes is also significantly lower
than studying in the UK.
The bachelor of medicine/bachelor of surgery (MBBS) degree
was launched in 2009 and the degree programmes in biomedical
sciences were launched earlier this year. Both programmes offer
opportunities for periods of study in the UK.
About NUMed
Choice of
aeronautics,
astronautics
The MEng in Aeronautics and Astronautics will provide students with the
opportunity to apply their skills across a broad range of disciplines in the field
of aerospace engineering.
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 5
T
HE University of
Southampton will expand
its portfolio of leading
programmes in Malaysia with
the introduction of its MEng in
Aeronautics and Astronautics.
The university is waiting nal
approval from the Malaysian
Qualications Agency for the
four-year degree programme
with plans to offer it for the rst
time at the Educity@Iskandar,
Nusajaya campus this year.
A highly rated university
The Complete University
Guide rated Southampton as
the top university in the United
Kingdom for aerospace and
manufacturing engineering.
This year, the university
comes in second in The Times,
Sunday Times University Guide
and Guardian University Guides.
Accredited by the Royal
Aeronautical Society and
the Institute of Mechanical
Engineers in the UK,
Southamptons aeronautics
programme is the preferred
course for BAE Systems, a British
multinational defence, security
and aerospace company.
The university is also the
preferred academic supplier to
aircraft manufacturer Airbus
and an academic partner of
helicopter company Agusta
Westland.
Southampton also benets
from the UKs particular
strengths in aerodynamics,
propulsion, aerostructures and
advanced systems.
Opportunity to apply
skills

The MEng in Aeronautics and
Astronautics provides students
with the opportunity to apply
their skills across a broad range
of disciplines in the eld of
aerospace engineering.
Students will explore the
specication, design and
construction of airframes,
engines, satellites and
other spacecraft as the
degree explores aspects of
aerodynamics, ight mechanics,
materials, propulsion and
structures as well as aircraft
and spacecraft systems.
Undergraduates will benet
from the expertise of innovative
researchers as well as the
universitys excellent links with
major aerospace companies
and successful graduates who
work for leading organisations
around the world.
World-class facilities
Students will also have
the opportunity to use the
universitys world-class
facilities, which provide the
foundations for research,
education and enterprise
activities.
These facilities are home to
Southamptons performance
sports, engineering laboratory,
which was awarded the
prestigious Queens Anniversary
Prize for its innovation and
world-leading expertise.
The Prize, awarded with
approval of Queen Elizabeth
II and the UK Parliament,
recognises the major inuence
of the university in competitive
sailing, high performance motor
racing, cycling and winter
sports, including the skeleton
bobsleigh.
The laboratory has helped
to ensure the best performance
and preparation of British
athletes, including gold medal
winners at the Summer
Olympics in Beijing (2008) and
London (2012) and the Winter
Olympics in Vancouver (2010)
and Sochi (2014).
n For more information, call
07-560 2560 or visit
www.southampton.ac.uk
6 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014
The University of Reading Malaysias business degrees will be launched this September.
Offering the
best in
all aspects
T
HE University of Reading Malaysia is
expanding and growing in the delivery
of its world-class programmes in
Malaysia. Having delivered its Foundation
in Business for a year now, the University
of Reading Malaysia is launching its
rst undergraduate programme this
September the BSc in Finance and
Business Management, a double major
delivered through its world-renowned and
prestigious Henley Business School.
This new BSc is a keystone from the
universitys top-ranked Henley Business
School. It combines both the leadership
and management studies of the banking
and investment industry, which Henley is
famous for.
The University of Reading is renowned
for its innovative research-led teaching, a
friendly and supportive environment and
an excellent graduate employability record.
Students at its new Malaysia campus will
benet from the same world-class student
experience that is offered in the United
Kingdom.
The cost of studying at the University
of Reading Malaysia is signicantly
lower than the cost of studying the same
programme at the UK campus and yet the
opportunities for learning are as diverse.
The University of Reading Malaysia has
scholarship opportunities and awards for
high-achieving students throughout their
studies.
As a pre-cursor to its EduCity campus,
the University of Reading Malaysia
opened its rst teaching centre in Johor
Baru, marking an important step for the
university.
Since opening in June 2012, the
university has been delivering executive
education programmes to international
companies in Malaysia and English
language (including IELTS training and
testing) and foundation in business
programmes.
The rst year of the BSc in Finance and
Business Management will be conducted
in a high-tech, purpose-built teaching
centre and continued at the main campus
in EduCity, Iskandar, when the campus is
completed.
The University of Reading Malaysias
brand new campus at EduCity brings
together the best of the UK campus
experience with the natural and cultural
environment in Malaysia.
The main campus opens in September
next year and will cater for up to 2,500
students. It will offer programmes at the
undergraduate and postgraduate levels
in three thematic subject areas: business
and law, science (including pharmacy and
psychology) and built environment.
A range of new research collaborations
is also being explored with Malaysian and
international partners to further embed
the universitys research excellence in the
region.
The University of Readings vice-
chancellor Sir David Bell says the university
is delighted to be part of the EduCity
initiative and to meet the growing demand
for its brand of quality education.
We have around 3,000 graduates from
the University of Reading in Malaysia and
Singapore, the majority of whom travelled
to the UK to experience our unique
offering, rst-class resources and world-
class teaching. We are therefore proud and
excited to have the opportunity to deliver
the same experience to students in the Asia-
Pacic region at EduCity. We are consciously
and proactively developing this campus to
offer the best experience to students, from
the infrastructure of our facilities to the
education delivered, says Sir Bell.
Ranked among the top 40 business
schools in the world and operating globally,
Henley is one of only 57 business schools in
the world to hold a triple-accredited status
from Association of MBAs, the European
Quality Improvement Systems and the
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business top accreditation bodies across
the UK, Europe and the US.
As one of the worlds top 200 universities,
the University of Reading has attracted
international students to its campus in the
UK for more than 100 years and has a long
association with Malaysia.
Having received its rst Malaysian
student in 1934, the university now has
more than 1,400 alumni from Malaysia with
114 Malaysian students graduating in the
last two years in the elds of law, nance
and quantity surveying.
n For more information, call 07-295 5001 or
visit www.reading.edu.my
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 7
INTEC has established itself as a college that successfully shapes excellent students.
The best pathway to study abroad
I
NTERNATIONAL Education
College (INTEC) prepares its
students to study abroad and
it has the credibility to produce
outstanding students. This is why I
chose INTEC to pursue my studies.
I knew I would meet people from
different backgrounds, each
with their own perspectives and
opinions. This would allow me to
be open to creative and innovative
ideas, which is essential to help
me mature and grow, says Kamal
Suria Asri Raja when asked why he
chose INTEC to further his tertiary
education.
Kamal chose to study actuarial
science in INTEC in the American
Degree Foundation programme.
The rst year of this programme
is known as the American Credit
Transfer programme.
The subjects taught at INTEC
are all similar to the ones offered
at universities in the United States,
ensuring that the curriculum is on
par with the American education
system.
I am planning to study at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign because UIUC is one
of the 12 universities known for
its Centres of Actuarial Excellence.
It is the perfect university for me
to further my studies in actuarial
science.
To gain entry to the university
of his choice, Kamal had to obtain
a TOEFL score of between 95 and
105 out of 120 and also obtain
a CGPA of 3. Kamal met these
requirements and secured himself
a place in the university. He will
be ying to the US to further his
studies this August as a transfer
student.
INTEC also hosts a number
of cultural events, sports
events, inter-programme sports
competitions and patriotic events.
I try to participate in as many
events as I can so that I will be
able to gain skills, knowledge,
experience and also expand my
circle of friends. At the same time,
by participating in these events, I
will be able to gain additional soft
skills and social skills, says Kamal.
The activities conducted by
INTEC ensure that its students are
prepared to become more well-
rounded individuals.
INTEC organises a number of
exciting events for its students.
We have had a wide variety of
events, including sports events
and talent shows. Through a
recent talent show called Show
Me Your Art, I managed to form a
special bond with my classmates,
which I will cherish forever. It is
because of such events that I feel
INTEC is a memorable place to
study at, says Kamal.
INTEC is a well-known name
in Malaysia and since the 1980s,
it has established itself as a
college that successfully shapes
excellent students. INTEC has sent
numerous students across the
world to pursue their studies.
To my fellow juniors, I would
say come to INTEC and show off
your abilities. You will meet a
variety of interesting people and
gain valuable experience and
skills. Do not waste this wonderful
opportunity and apply soon, says
Kamal.
INTEC has knowledgeable
and helpful counsellors to assist
students planning to go to the US.
I like this system and it has
helped me obtain a placement in
my university of choice with ease.
INTEC has denitely helped me
in furthering my studies at UIUC.
I am condent that the system
INTEC uses for students who are
planning to go to other countries
is equally ecient, says Kamal.
n For more information, visit
www.intec.edu.my
I am planning
to study at the
University of
Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign. It
is the perfect
university for
me to further
my studies in
actuarial science.
Kamal Suria Asri Raja
8 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014
The appeal of a British education
Prof Robert Craik, chief executive officer and provost of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, poses with a model of the universitys
new lakeside campus in Putrajaya.
A
N education from the United
Kingdom has proven to be
a solid investment in terms
of employability, earning power
and career advancement. The
academic excellence of the UK
education system is recognised
internationally, with one of its
strongest platforms being the
production of students who are
procient in the English language.
It enables students to improve
and enhance their English
language skills and get ahead of
competitors in the international
job market.
The UK education system
employs a student-centred
approach to learning, which
means students can develop
independence, self-discipline and
analytical skills that are most
sought after by employers.
According to a news report
last October, Malaysian High
Commissioner to the United
Kingdom, Datuk Seri Zakaria
Sulong, said that there were
14,500 Malaysian tertiary-level
students in the UK.
This makes Malaysians one
of the largest overseas student
groups in the UK, and makes the
UK the country with the second
highest number of Malaysian
students.
There is also a forecast increase
of the Malaysian student market
share from 27.5% in 2006 to
almost 30% by next year, according
to a report commissioned by
the British Council. The report
explains that universities in
the UK will maintain or even
increase their number of
Malaysian students even in the
face of growing international
competition.
Students have the option to
study at UK university branch
campuses that offer the same
high-quality education in
Malaysia. Branch campuses are
direct extensions of international
universities and governed by the
institution themselves so that
the same education standards
are maintained across the board.
Students have access to the same
syllabus as the main campus but
enjoy a local fee structure that is
relevant to the local market.
Heriot-Watt University
established a branch campus
in Malaysia early last year. The
universitys new campus in
Putrajaya is a state-of-the-art,
purpose-built green campus that
has a 4,000-student capacity.
Heriot-Watt is Scotlands
international university and one
of the UKs top ve universities in
terms of international presence
and number of international
students.
Programmes developed at
Heriot-Watt University are
relevant to the actual industries
they specialises in to ensure they
provide career applicable skill sets
and foster an environment for
future industry leaders.
More than 94% of the
universitys graduates are in
full-time employment or further
their studies within six months
of graduation. As such, many
students choose Heriot-Watt
University because of its high-
employability rate.
Heriot-Watt University is one
of the most culturally diverse
institutions, with campuses in
the UK, the United Arab Emirates
and Malaysia. The university has
the largest international student
cohort of any Scottish University
and an unsurpassed international
in-country presence, delivering
degree programmes to 11,800
students in 150 countries around
the world.
Heriot-Watt University
Malaysia offers a wide range
of bachelors and masters
programmes in disciplines such
as actuarial science, construction
project management, quantity
surveying, petroleum engineering,
chemical engineering, mechanical
engineering, business, nance and
psychology.
Students who register for the
September bachelors degree
intake at Heriot-Watt University
Malaysia will be awarded with an
inaugural scholarship of RM3,000.
n For more information, call
03-8881 0918, e-mail hwum@
hw.ac.uk or visit www.hw.edu.my
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 9
Choong Wei Li won the first prize and RM10,000 with his futuristic design
at the 2013 PAM-Lafarge Architecture Competition.
Winning design for homes of the future
T
HERE is a pressing need for
affordable housing brought
on by the global population
growth.
While addressing this
vacuum, there are those who
are convinced that low-cost
houses can be built to quality
standards.
As such, Redening
Affordable Housing was the
theme of the 2013 PAM-Lafarge
Architecture Competition
that challenged students to
design affordable homes for the
future, which the Malaysian
government has identied as a
key development goal.
Choong Wei Li, an
architecture student at
Limkokwing University, won
the rst prize and RM10,000 for
his futuristic design.
Calling it the 55.5% home, he
dened his design as one where
the resident buys what he can
afford, then expands it to 100%,
depending on the needs of the
occupants.
It is a design that promotes
construction eciency for
an environmentally friendly,
energy ecient and durable
house suited to the number of
occupants.
Choongs unique vision was
to create a housing design along
a grid system where users can
purchase what they currently
need and expand it later as the
number of family members
grow.
The student, who is doing
Limkokwings 3+0 architecture
programme, even carried out
site visits to Jelatek, Kuala
Lumpur, to determine the needs
of the residents, ensuring that
his eventual design could be
applied to solve real-world
housing problems.
His dedication to affordable
housing is inspired by his
own travails of looking for
an affordable rst home as
a bachelor. The room for the
expansion of the house is a big
draw.
As time passes, when people
get married and have children,
they will not need to purchase
a new house as the unit can
be expanded by up to three
bedrooms, he says.
The jury was impressed by
the exibility and practicality
of the design and noted that
the living spaces evoked a
traditional Malay house where
the building is elevated. The
55.5% design is an innovation
reective of the creativity that
is instilled into graduates at
Limkokwing, who are bound
to change the world with their
creations.
n For more information, call
03-8317 8652 or visit
www.limkokwing.net/university
LIMKOKWING University is an international university with a global
presence across three continents. The university has more than
30,000 students from more than 150 countries studying in its
12 campuses in Botswana, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lesotho,
Malaysia, Swaziland and the United Kingdom. The university has
established worldwide recognition through its innovative brand of
creative education, merging the best of east and west education.
About Limkokwing University Of Creative Technology
An artists impression of Choongs 55.5% home.
10 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014
Collaborations that benefit students
F
OR more than two decades,
KBU International College has
had an excellent track record
in conducting 3+0 programmes.
Renowned for its quality education,
the college will add another feather
to its cap when it is upgraded to
a university college by the end of
this year, on the invitation of the
Ministry of Education.
We take pride in our 3+0
degrees, which are offered at KBU
in collaboration with our partners
the Nottingham Trent University,
Sheeld Hallam University and
Anglia Ruskin University, says Dr
Chee Choong Kooi, KBUs newly
appointed principal.
He adds that the college also
maintains strong links with
industry players to train students to
face challenges that they may come
across in the corporate world.
Through the strong links with
industry players, students are able
to make connections between the
Cross-cultural
experience
CURTIN University, Sarawak
Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) is a
good option for international
students because of the
relatively low cost of studying
and living in Miri.
At Curtin Sarawak,
students can choose from
an extensive range of pre-
university, undergraduate
and postgraduate courses
in engineering, science,
technology, business and the
arts, and customise them to
suit their needs.
While studying at Curtin
Sarawak, students can gain
valuable work experience
by interacting with industry
professionals and learning from
lecturers with real industry
experience. They will also be
able to experience a unique
international and cross-cultural
learning environment as the
university has students from
more than 40 countries.
All the courses offered at
Curtin Sarawak are endorsed
by the Malaysian Ministry of
Higher Education, Malaysian
Qualications Agency (MQA)
and Malaysian Public Services
Department (JPA), and
almost all are accredited by
professional bodies locally and
internationally.
Curtin Sarawak offers an
exciting range of double major
combinations in its Bachelor
of Commerce programme.
The programme provides
students with a more applicable
education experience, allows
them to choose the course that
suits their needs and offers
more opportunities to gain
industry experience.
The campus provides
students with all the teaching,
learning and research
tools they may require for
their studies, including 14
computer laboratories, and
terminals located in the library
that provide access to the
universitys online databases of
study resources.
There are also several
discipline-specic technological
facilities. Science and
engineering students have
access to several modern
laboratory facilities while lm
and television students will be
able to make use of the latest
lmmaking equipment and
software in their custom-made
lm laboratory and editing
suite.
To cater to its ever-growing
student body, Curtin Sarawaks
facilities have been enhanced
signicantly in recent years.
This includes the addition
of its Hornbill Precinct, new
hostel buildings to house more
students as well as new sports
and recreational facilities.
Curtin Sarawaks
partnerships and strong links
with renowned industries
and businesses further enrich
students learning experiences
and ensure their skills and
expertise are aligned with
the changing demands of
employers.
n For more information on
Curtin Sarawak, visit
www.curtin.edu.my
abstract concepts in their studies
and the reality of working in the
discipline, Dr Chee says.
The School of Design, which
works closely with Nottingham
Trent University, adopts the
curriculum of the partner
university in its teaching and
learning methods. As such,
the school is well-known for
incorporating design briefs into
its teaching syllabus. It also works
closely with the Malaysian Institute
of Interior Designers, plastic bottle
manufacturer and supplier BROS,
and luxury brand names like Ralph
Lauren to incorporate competition
briefs into its teaching syllabus.
The design students at KBU
have made the college proud
by clinching numerous
accolades in competitions
such as the Bristol Student
Design Competition
2013, the MIFF Furniture
Design Competition, the
Nippon Paint Young Design
Competition and the Philips
Lightover Challenge.
The School of Engineering
and Computing, which
collaborates with Sheeld
Hallam University, has proven
that its students have an
added edge.
Every year, the school
invites industry players and
professionals to participate
in its Innovation Day where
students display their nal
year projects. This event
allows students to meet with
the professionals from the
industry and also prospective
employers.
The School of Business,
Hospitality and Tourism
Management partners with
leading universities such as the
Hotel and Tourism Management
Institute, Switzerland, and HTMi
and Anglia Ruskin University,
UK, to provide business and
tourism management-related
subjects to students. The school
also conducts live lectures via
video conferencing by lecturers
from the UK, enabling students
to experience a more globalised
education.
The college is now offering
10 franchised 3+0 programmes
from three well-known UK
universities. The programmes
offered are in the elds of
engineering, computing, business,
management, accounting, and arts
and design.
n For more information, call
03-7727 3200 or visit
www.kbu.edu.my
KBU collaborates with three well-known UK universities the Nottingham Trent
University, Sheffield Hallam University and Anglia Ruskin University in offering
its 3+0 programmes.
Curtin Sarawak is Curtin Universitys largest international campus.
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 11
At UCSI, the International University Collaboration Centre opens doors to a global learning experience and
prepares students for university life both locally and abroad.
Overseas
learning now
more affordable
M
ANY students dream of studying
abroad to travel, experience new
cultures and be exposed to the
educational environment of other countries.
However, the rising cost of higher education
overseas can be a hindrance to many.
At UCSI University, the International
University Collaboration Centre (IUCC)
allows students to experience a tertiary
education life both in Malaysia and abroad
and to obtain degrees from universities
across the world through its International
Degree Pathway (IDP) programme.
By partnering with more than 20
universities in the United Kingdom,
Australia, New Zealand and Canada, IUCC
is committed to making international
experience a priority.
Prof Dr Teoh Kok Soo, deputy vice-
chancellor (academic affairs) at UCSI and
IUCC director, says that the universitys
IDP programme is unique, affordable and
exible.
With more than 200 elds to choose
from, the IDP programme enables students
to spend their rst few years at UCSI
and complete their remaining years of
study at their chosen partner university
overseas. This means that our students
can experience living and studying in two
countries at a more affordable cost, he says.
The IDPs exibility allows students to
change their transfer plans to accommodate
their needs and nancial status at any
time. For example, if a student suddenly
nds himself without the nancial means
to study abroad as planned, he may opt to
complete his studies at UCSI.
Alternatively, students may also apply
for a scholarship under UCSIs partner
universities such as Deakin University
and The University of Queensland (UQ) in
Australia, which offer full scholarships to
UCSI students.
What the students say
Known for its unwavering commitment
to excellence, UCSI has successfully placed
many students in renowned universities
around the world.
Alireza Shirazi is one example. He
is currently in the bachelors degree
programme in engineering with a major
in civil engineering at the University of
Manitoba in Canada.
He says that choosing the University of
Manitoba was one of the best decisions he
has made for his education.
The quality of education and facilities
here are excellent. Im grateful to UCSI
for providing me with the opportunity
to experience a study life in such a well-
established university overseas.
Woon Hang Leow, who is one of six UCSI
students who were awarded the Deans
Commendation for High Achievement by
UQ, is another example.
She is grateful to UCSI for not only giving
her the opportunity to experience life as a
student studying abroad in Brisbane but for
also equipping her with the necessary skills
to shine.
Practice makes perfect
Nina Jalaluddin, head of development
from Northumbria University, UK, says that
most UCSI students she has encountered
have a strong academic foundation.
UCSIs qualications are internationally
recognised and this is one of the reasons
UCSI students are able to condently pursue
higher education in foreign universities.
This is made possible through the
universitys Praxis concept that advocates
the application of theory to practice in its
curriculum.
UCSI was the rst university in South-
East Asia to make the co-op programme a
mandatory requirement for students.
Under this programme, students
must complete at least two months of
compulsory internship at the end of each
academic year, regardless of their discipline.
With more than 1,200 global corporate
partners, UCSI has the largest industrial
placement programme in Malaysia.
The universitys Praxis centres, which
are in-house business entities under the
UCSI Group such as a consultancy rm,
a boutique hotel, a restaurant, and a skin
science and wellness centre, also ensure
students gain exposure to a real-life
working environment, even before they
graduate.
With such programmes and facilities,
it is without a doubt that UCSI nurtures
well-rounded learners who are equipped
with the necessary skills and experiences
to bring with them wherever they choose
to go.
n For more information,
call 03-9101 8882 or visit
www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/onlineenquiry
Monash University
Malaysia
Swinburne University of
Technology, Sarawak
Curtin University
Sarawak
Newcastle University
Medicine (NuMED)
Netherlands Maritime Institute of
Technology
Manipal International
University
Raffles University Iskandar
12 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014
> FROM PAGE 2
Prime choices of universities
EARLY last year, Malaysia was chosen
as the venue for Xiamens rst overseas
branch campus for Chinas Xiamen
University. Last March, the president of
Xiamen University, Prof Zhu Chongshi,
visited Malaysia to monitor the progress of
the new Malaysian campus.
Located in Salak Tinggi, the branch
campus will have ve faculties
electrical biology engineering and
chemical engineering, medical study
centre, information and communication
technology (ICT), business and economy,
and Chinese language and literature.
This September, Al-Azhar University
and Shanghai Jiao Tong University will
see their rst intake of students. Al-Azhar
University is known as the centre of Islamic
learning with emphasis on the Quran and
Islamic law. Its permanent international
campus will be established in Rembau,
Negri Sembilan and will accommodate
10,000 students. The university will offer
programmes in usuluddin (Islamic studies),
syariah (Islamic law) and Arabic courses.
Shanghai Jiao Tongs branch campus in
Malaysia is expected to be fully completed
in 2018.
Located in Bandar Sunway,
Monash University Malaysia provides
world-class education and research.
It has seven schools that offer a
comprehensive range of courses
from bachelors to PhD programmes
that are designed to prepare
students to be excellent scholars and
professionals in their chosen fields.
To help produce path-breaking
research in the field of neuroscience,
the campus established the Brain
Research Institute Monash Sunway
(BRIMS), an internationally recognised
neuroscience research institute
in the region. BRIMS focuses on
neurological disease and identifying
drug targets using natural plants that
are indigenous to the region. At the
moment, the campus has a student
population of around 6,000 with
one-third of them being international
students coming from 80 countries.
Recognised as one of the regions
finest institutions for world-class
scientific research, Swinburne
University of Technology opened its
branch campus in Malaysia in 2000
in Kuching, Sarawak. In 2009, the
Malaysian Qualifications Agency
awarded the university a Tier 5
Excellent rating.
The university ensures that its
courses are not only relevant to the
needs of the industry but meet its
standards. Recently, it partnered
with the Multimedia Development
Corporation (MDeC) to develop
mobile apps for smartphones, table
computers and other portable
devices. Swinburne offers foundation,
diploma and degree courses in
disciplines such as business and
commerce, design, engineering,
science and information and
communication technology.
The Sarawak Campus is Curtin
University Western Australias first
overseas campus. Curtin is located
on a 300-acre campus in the suburb
of Senadin to the north of the
Miri. The campus currently has 14
computer laboratories with more
than 400 computers for students to
use in addition to terminals located
in the library that provide access
to the librarys online database.
Furthermore, students and staff
have access to online resources
of Curtins main campus in Perth.
The university is renowned for the
practical and applied nature of its
courses, which are at par with those
offered at the Perth campus. Curtin
offers foundation, diploma and
degree programmes in the areas of
commerce, arts, engineering and
science, and media, culture and
communication.
The Newcastle University Medicine
(NuMED) commenced its operations in
Malaysia in November 2011. Located
in Iskandar Malaysia, the university
is backed by its high-quality teaching
and research opportunities available
to students.
NuMED offers the Bachelor
of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
(MBBS) and biomedical sciences
programmes to undergraduates. In
the future, it plans to offer foundation
programmes in medicine and science.
In addition, the branch campus
offers a range of postgraduate
programmes from its home campus
in the UK through e-learning with
some optional face-to-face teaching
in Malaysia.
The Netherlands Maritime Institute of
Technology (NMIT) plays a significant role in
nurturing Malaysias maritime industry. The
institute aims to supply a steady flow of well-
trained maritime professionals to meet the
increasing demand for industry experts.
Classes at NMIT commenced in May
2011 with about 240 students. NMIT plans
to increase its student intake to 1,620 by
next year. Its city campus is currently at the
Kotaraya Office Tower in Johor Baru and
its permanent campus is being constructed
at Educity@Iskandar. NMIT currently offers
diploma programmes in maritime transport
management, transport management and
shipping management.
Manipal International University
(MIU) is a multi-disciplinary institution
that focuses on offering foundation
and degree programmes in the fields
of engineering, business and life
sciences. In the pipeline are plans to
introduce programmes in humanities,
design, law, hospitality, education,
and media and communication.
Last year, MIU moved from its
campus in Kelana Jaya to its new
campus in Nilai.
The new campus is located
on a 140-acre (56.6ha) property
surrounded by green hills and is
adjacent to a picturesque lake. The
campus is built to adhere to LEED
Platinum accreditation from the
United States.
The campus buildings showcase
state-of-the-art integration of green
technology, designed to provide an
environment for students to excel.
Formally approved in 2011 by the
Malaysian Ministry of Education, Raffles
University Iskandar (RUI) is a joint venture
between Singapores Raffle Education
Corporation Ltd and Education@Iskandar Sdn
Bhd. Raffles Education runs 33 colleges in 31
cities across Asia.
RUI is presently operating from its
temporary campus at Menara Kotarajaya in
Johor Baru. Its new 65-acre (26.3ha) campus
in Iskandar is expected to be built in phases.
Currently, RUI offers foundation, degree and
postgraduate programmes in fashion, design
(jewellery, graphic, fashion, product, interior
and multimedia), business administration and
accountancy.
Upcoming branch campuses
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 13
MSU aims to produce good medical doctors who are academically excellent as well as possess soft skills.
Nurturing
caring doctors
T
HE Management & Science University
(MSU), rated twice as an Excellent
University in Malaysia, focuses on
the critical areas of studies that encompass
medicine, pharmacy, health and life
sciences, nursing, business, management,
accounting, hospitality, information
sciences and engineering.
MSUs involvement in the various
elds of medical science is an initiative to
complement the nations need for qualied
medical personnel in Malaysia and across
the region.
The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor
of Surgery (MBBS) programme is offered
through the International Medical
School (IMS) at the MSU main campus
in Shah Alam and its overseas campus
in Bangalore, India. Other programmes
offered by International Medical School
at the main campus are bachelors and
diploma programmes in the eld of medical
sciences.
With the IMS in Bangalore being the
rst overseas medical school to receive a
ve-year accreditation from the Malaysian
Medical Council (MMC), MSU is set to be
a major provider of medical education in
Malaysia.
The MBBS programme is MSUs effort at
achieving the 1:600 doctor-patient ratio by
2020. According to the statistics by Ministry
of Health Malaysia in 2012, the doctor-ratio
per population in Malaysia is currently at
1:791.
At present there are 36,607 doctors,
including specialists. By the year 2020,
based on the estimated population of 34
million, 85,000 doctors would be needed to
attain the standard ratio of 1:400.
The MBBS at MSU is a ve-year
programme that is divided into three
phases with each phase varying in terms
of length, subjects and activities involved.
The MBBS curriculum is built according to
guidelines from MMC and is approved by
the council.
In the early years of study, the basic
medical sciences are taught with an
emphasis on patient care. Later in the
course, clinical teaching builds and
reinforces this strong scientic foundation.
A focus on clinical communication skills
and early clinical contact through visits to
medical practices, community care facilities
and hospitals, is an important feature of
MSUs MBBS course.
The teaching and learning approach
includes teaching small groups, self-
directed learning, case-based learning,
bedside teaching, continuous medical
education, clinico-pathological conferences,
seminars, lectures and tutorials.
MSU aims to produce good medical
doctors who are not only excellent in
academics but also in their soft skills. MBBS
students at MSU are also encouraged to get
involved in various community projects as a
way of giving back to society.
Upon completion of the ve-year
programme, students have to register
with the Public Service Department and
complete a two-year housemanship
programme at selected public hospitals
under the supervision of the Ministry of
Health of Malaysia.
The programmes offered at MSU meet
the stringent standards set by both local
and international bodies. MSUs award-
winning home-grown programmes
are among the best in the region. These
programmes are meticulously designed to
enhance a graduates worth.
The university aspires to provide
education that will enhance the
employability of its graduates and at the
same time, enrich their learning experience
with ethical and moral values.
Intakes for MBBS programme are in May
and October and qualied students must
sit for the Medical Entrance Test (MET)
to determine their aptitude for the MBBS
programme.
n For more information, call 03-5521 6868
or visit www.msu.edu.my
14 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014
The Mikado
comes to Malaysia
Popular comic opera The Mikado was produced by the students and staff of The University of Nottingham
Malaysia Campus.
T
HE premier performance of the Gilbert
and Sullivan comic opera The Mikado
was produced in Malaysia by The
University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
(UNMC).
The performance was in collaboration
with the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts
Centre and Penang Performing Arts Centre.
It was developed by a dedicated and
passionate team of students and staff and is
supported by the School of English and the
School of Modern Languages and Cultures.
The Mikado was an extremely
impressive rst production from the
University of Nottingham, given that we
do not yet have an ocial drama or music
programme here. The students, dedicated
production crew, administration and stage
crew, design team, marketing team, choir,
orchestra, and the lead cast was absolutely
amazing, says Dr Derek Irwin, head of
UNMCs School of English.
A production of this scale has more
than 100 people involved in it, and the
remarkable coordination of these people
is largely due to the efforts of the direction
team of Sergio Camacho and Luis Ortega.
I should also point out that the technical
design of The Mikado was extremely well-
done, largely thanks to the work of UNMCs
Patrick OReilly.
Of course, it would not have gone
forward at all without strong institutional
support from UNMC, which was garnered
by my fellow head of school, Dr Sean
Matthews, continues Dr Irwin.
My own contributions were as head
of the School of English and faculty
coordinator for the drama club, and also
in the role of Pooh-Bah, a haughty and
exclusive person of nearly unimaginable
nobility, albeit totally corrupt.
While I am a trained actor, having
completed my undergraduate degree in
theatre in Canada, it has been nearly 20
years since I have appeared on stage. The
opportunity to do so among such a group
of talented and dedicated young actors
and singers was truly the experience of a
lifetime, and one I will be eternally grateful
for, Dr Irwin says.
The Mikado production proved that
UNMC has the talent and dedication and is
able to put on a play of high standards on
one of the largest stages in Malaysia.
UNMC plans to carry this forward in the
coming years both through on-campus and
semi-professional productions.
In particular, the School of English is
looking forward to bringing some of the
work of its own creative writing students
to the stage and further developing its
programmes to include components of
drama and theatre.
The School of English offers two high-
quality undergraduate degrees as well as
research degrees for postgraduates.
n For more information, visit
www.nottingham.edu.my
Foundation for
successful transition
Swinburne Sarawak is the only international branch campus of Swinburne University of Technology,
Melbourne.
THE one-year foundation studies at
Swinburne University of Technology
Sarawak Campus helps SPM graduates
make a successful transition from
secondary school to university. The
teaching mode, tutorials, assignments
and projects give them a feel of what they
will experience in their undergraduate
studies. They learn teamwork, leadership,
time management, culture sharing and
how to manage their time.
It is a period of self-discovery and
orientation, of adjusting academically,
socially, mentally and physically to
living and studying at university. More
importantly, the foundation courses
in business, design, engineering and
science, and information technology
and multimedia let them discover the
undergraduate discipline that best suits
them.
Besides preparing them for life
at university, the key advantage of a
Swinburne foundation programme is
that it is a direct pathway to a host of
degree courses in engineering, science,
business, computing and design. These
undergraduate courses may be completed
either at Swinburne Sarawak or at its
campuses in Melbourne.
Affordable Australian quality
education
The cost of tertiary education at
Swinburne Sarawak is affordable as it is
only about a third of the cost of studying
in Australia. This makes it within reach
for many students.
As the courses can be completed
entirely on campus, this translates to
more savings. The lower cost of living
in Kuching makes pursuing tertiary
education at the campus another
attractive feature.
The courses offered are identical to
those offered at the Melbourne campus.
When Swinburne Sarawak students
graduate, they are awarded the same
internationally recognised Australian
parchment by the home campus in
Melbourne. A Swinburne qualication is
therefore highly regarded by industries.
Although Swinburne Sarawak
undergraduates have the opportunity
to complete their studies in Kuching,
they may also choose to transfer to
Swinburnes campuses in Melbourne to
complete their studies as the syllabus is
the same.
Many students choose to complete
their nal year at Melbourne, allowing
them to have the international experience
of studying abroad, as well as to save on
cost.
About 20% of the universitys 4,000
students are international students while
its academic staff is made up of highly
experienced lecturers from Australia,
Germany, India, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar,
New Zealand, Singapore and the United
States. The cultural diversity on campus
gives Swinburne Sarawak an international
environment.
Well-equipped campus
Swinburne Sarawak was custom-
designed to accommodate learning,
teaching, research and recreation. For
example, its lecture theatre seats 350
people while its 750-capacity library
provides learning resources and services
to support the universitys teaching,
learning and research programmes.
Laboratories for engineering, research
and tutorial rooms are equipped with
cutting-edge equipment worth more
than RM10mil. The university also has
the latest computers with multimedia
applications in its computer labs,
allowing students to create professional
video productions such as short lms,
commercials and music videos. There
are also two fully-furnished hostels on
campus that provide all the conveniences
of home.
n For more information, visit
www.swinburne.edu.my
Preparing to
study abroad
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 15
STUDYING abroad is a great and exciting
adventure and most of the time, a big eye-
opener to how people in other countries
live.
Malaysians may nd it easier getting
used to different cultures because of its
multi-racial and multi-national mix.
Before you embark on your tertiary
studies abroad, there are a few important
things you need to do.
Preparing documents
Check that your passport has not expired
or if you do not have a passport, apply for
one at the nearest National Registration
Department. Once you have sorted out your
passport, nd out whether or not you will
need a visa to enter the country you will be
studying in.
If the country requires you to have one,
then proceed to nd out what type of visa
you need. This information can be obtained
from the countrys immigration website,
embassy or consulate.
Your college and university counsellors
will also be able to help you with this
information. Visas can take a few months to
process so it is best to start the application
as soon as possible.
Reading up
Even if you have many friends from all
over the world, living in a foreign country
will be a totally different ball game. Educate
yourself by going online and learning
about the dos and donts of that particular
country.
Also read up as much as you can on its
cultural practices, social norms and local
delicacies.
There is no such thing as knowing too
much. It is also a good idea to nd out
Foreign degrees made a difference
F
ROM pre-univeristy
programmes in local private
institutions to twinning
programmes, these individuals
speak about their experiences
studying abroad.
Gaining exposure
Before obtaining his Bachelor
of Communication with a
major in public relations at
Murdoch University in Perth,
Jackie Underwood spent two
years in KDU University College
undertaking a diploma in mass
communications.
At that time, KDU University
College had a partnership with
Murdoch University and I decided
that it would be a good experience
to pursue my degree in Australia,
says Underwood.
He says that being overseas
and far away from his loved ones
was tough at times. However, it
also awarded him with plenty of
benets.
He confesses to having been
homesick every now and then but
says that the bond he has with his
family was strengthened because
of the distance.
I loved the fact that I
was challenged to be more
independent with my studies,
Jackie Underwood. Christy Lim. Naomi Kasimir.
time and expenses, says
Underwood.
Underwood highly
recommends pursuing an overseas
education, especially in Australia.
He believes there is a vast
difference in the way that
the lectures and tutorials are
conducted.
The lecturers expect the
students to take responsibility
for their work by carrying out
their own research and to also
be creative in going about their
assignments something that
many Malaysia students are not
used to, he says.
Exploring the world
Christy Lim completed
her Bachelor of Arts with a
double major in media and
communication, and psychology
at the University of Melbourne,
Victoria.
I chose to study in Melbourne
because it is known as one of the
worlds most liveable cities. Plus
it is only an eight-hour plane ride
from Kuala Lumpur, she says.
Lim completed her foundation
studies in International Canadian
Pre-University (ICPU) programme
at Taylors University College.
She says that the method of
teaching at the University of
Melbourne was not very different
from the way she was taught in
ICPU, though at rst the study
culture was a bit of a challenge for
her.
The lecturers ensured we
received relevant and sucient
knowledge of the topic that was
being taught.
From then onwards it was
up to us entirely to carry out
our research and complete the
assignments, says Lim.
She says that living abroad
affords students plenty of freedom
but this also means that they have
more responsibilities.
If you get the chance to pursue
a degree overseas, go for it. The
world is bigger than you think so
go ahead and explore it.
Learning to be
independent
After completing her GCE
A-Levels in KDU University
College, Naomi Kasimir went
on to the University of Western
Australia (UWA) in Perth to obtain
her Bachelor of Economics.
If I had to compare my
experience in KDU University
College to my experience in UWA,
I would say there is a lot more
emphasis on independent working
and networking in UWA, she
says.
Kasimir says that she had to
learn how to juggle her time
between her assignments, exams
and friends effectively.
She says that her living abroad
experience has also taught her
to become a more independent
individual.
I rented an apartment with a
friend so I had to cook and clean
up after myself. Living with a
roommate taught me to tolerate
peoples aws, says Kasimir.
where the bus stops and train stations are if
you will be commuting via public transport.
Being far away from your home and family
can be tough, so make friends with the
locals and other international students to
keep homesickness at bay.
Packing
It is always best to pack light. Most
things like toiletries and bed sheets can be
bought when you reach your destination.
It is a good idea not to pack perishables as
most countries will not allow you to bring
them in.
If you are bringing electronics, remember
to pack international adapters to keep your
communication devices charged and to use
for your other electrical appliances.
Pre-U courses to
kick off overseas studies
IF you are considering studying abroad,
then you need to take a pre-university
programme that will allow you to further
your studies overseas.
Here is a look at some internationally
recognised programmes:
SAM/AUSMAT
The South Australian Matriculation
programme (SAM) is a Year 12 pre-
university Australian secondary school
course. It is accredited by the South
Australian Certicate of Education (SACE)
and regulated by the South Australian
government.
The Australian Matriculation
programme (AUSMAT) is regulated by
the West Australian government and
just like SAM, it is also a Year 12 pre-
university secondary school course. Both
these programmes are available in private
universities here.
Both the SAM and AUSMAT
programmes allow you to enrol into any
Australian university.
To qualify for these programmes,
students have to obtain ve credits,
including one in English, in the SPM
examinations.
ADP/ADTP
The American Degree Programme
(ADP) and American Degree Transfer
Programme (ADTP) require students to
go through a four-year degree course.
The student completes two years of the
degree in Malaysia and the earned credits
are then transferred to a degree course of
his choice in either the United States or
Canada. The advantage of the ADP/ADTP
is that it is recognised worldwide and not
just in the United States and Canada.
A-Levels
The A-Levels is the most popular
private pre-university programme in
Malaysia. Considered to be the equivalent
of Form 6 in the United Kingdom, an
A-Levels foundation allows students to
undertake any course anywhere in the
world.
It is one of the worlds most recognised
pre-university programmes, especially in
Commonwealth countries.
In order to be eligible for entry into
an A-Levels programme, students need
to obtain at least ve credits in the SPM
examinations, including one for English.
16 StarSpecial
Tuesday 22 April 2014