postgraduate - 15 december 2015

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THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER 2015

special

FOR a country to progress, itneeds to have a population ofcreative thinkers – individualswho strive to think outside thebox and introduce freshinnovative ideas.

Since the late 1990s, the tertiaryeducation industry in Malaysiahas grown tremendously in termsof the number of higher learninginstitutions and the level ofeducation available.

The large demand forpostgraduate study along with thedevelopment of Nilai and EducityIskandar as education hubs arethe reasons for the rise in thenumber of universities currentlyoperating in Malaysia.

This also attracted reputableforeign universities to set upbranch campuses in the country –elevating the number ofpostgraduate courses available tostudents.

Thanks to the Government’sefforts to make the country astudy destination, more studentsare choosing to pursuepostgraduate study in Malaysia’s

private and public universities.A significant number of

international students fromcountries in the Middle East, EastAsia and South-East Asia have alsoarrived on Malaysian shores forquality education.

The reputation of Malaysianuniversities in specialised fields ofstudy has also been a majordrawcard among students,allowing universities to expandand set up their own branchcampuses around the country andabroad.

International exposureAmong the key factors that

helped Malaysian universities

raise their educational standardsare its partnerships withestablished internationaluniversities, learning partnersand industry affiliates.

This enabled local universitiesto draw upon collective expertise,prestige and resources toformulate and improve thequality of their courses andteaching programmes.

Asia e University (AeU) isone such institution that isinternationally established underthe Asia Cooperation Dialogue –an intergovernmentalorganisation that promotes Asiancooperation at a continental level.

Mizana Muhamad, director ofmarketing communications at

Asia e University, says, “AeUcollaborates with globaleducational institutionsto offer quality academicand professional trainingprogrammes that areaffordable and accessible.

“It also acts as a catalyst fornarrowing the digital divideamong communities and nationsand actively promotes e-educationto meet the human capital needs

Branching out in educationof Asia.”

By integrating international andintercultural dimensions into itscourse structure, theseuniversities are able toproduce graduates whocan compete in the globalmarketplace with therelevant knowledge, skills andvalues.

Niche areas of study are anotherreason for the rise in educationquality in Malaysian universities.

Universiti Putra MalaysiaBintulu (UPMKB) has managed tomake use of the vast amount ofresources available in Sarawakand expand its studies in the areasof agriculture, forestry, fishery,

livestock, food and theenvironment.

“We are on parwith some ofthe most

renowneduniversities aroundthe globe based onour niche areas.

“Our currentuniversity ranking isamong the top 1.5% ofworld universities,”says Prof Dr BujangKim Huat, dean of theSchool of GraduateStudies at UniversitiPutra Malaysia.

The university offers jointhigher degree programmes withuniversities from the UnitedKingdom, Canada, France,Australia, Japan and Thailand, andhas courses that are exclusive toUPMKB.

Quality learningMalaysians are assured of

getting top education as only TierOne institutions – universitiesthat are globally recognised forworld-class research, academicexcellence and highly prestigiousscholarships – are allowed to beestablished in Malaysia.

Between 1998 and 2000, MonashUniversity Malaysia, CurtinUniversity Sarawak Malaysia(Curtin Sarawak) and TheUniversity of Nottingham MalaysiaCampus (UNMC) were the firstforeign universities to operate inthe country.

These establishments not onlymarked the beginning of branchcampuses setting up in Malaysiabut milestones for the respective

universities.Curtin Sarawak was the

university’s first internationalcampus and UNMC was the firstBritish university to have a branchcampus in another country.

Since then, some of the otherforeign universities that havebegun operations in Malaysiainclude Swinburne Universityof Technology Sarawak Campus,Newcastle University MedicineMalaysia, Heriot-Watt UniversityMalaysia Campus, RafflesUniversity Iskandar, Universityof Reading Malaysia, ManipalInternational University andUniversity of SouthamptonMalaysia Campus.

Come February next year,

Xiamen University Malaysia willbegin educating its first intake inSepang.

With the array of top-qualityinstitutions currently in Malaysia,universities have to ensure theycontinue to produce top graduateswho have the relevant skill set.

Not only must universitiesmaintain their reputable Tier Onestatus, they need to ensure that alltheir programmes and courses areup to date with current industrychanges and trends.

“It has become a more crowdedmarketplace for Malaysians interms of foreign education andstudy options.

“This is good as it means there isan extremely diverse education

sector and this is a real strength,”says Prof Christine Ennew, provostand chief executive officer ofUNMC.

The growth in the number ofuniversities in Malaysia pairedwith improving education qualityis a promising sign for a countrythat wishes to become a developednation and students must takeadvantage of the many educationopportunities available.



postgraduateTHE STAR,

TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER 2015

OUM leads in theAAOU Conference 2015

E 29th Annual Conference ofAsian Association of Open

iversities (AAOU), hosted byen University Malaysia (OUM),racted tremendous responsem leading providers in the opend distance learning (ODL) arena.ractitioners, advocates andnt-liners of ODL far and nearhered at the Kuala Lumpurnvention Centre to exchangews on the latest developmentsd innovations in ODL.The discussions covered topicsh as open universities in thet century, technology as drivers

ODL, new research and practicesODL, quality assurance in ODLd the open knowledgevement.

Almost 250 participants, mostly

m China, India, Indonesia,kistan, Sri Lanka and Malaysia,ended the conference, and

most 140 papers were presented.As a leading ODL universityMalaysia, OUM enables workingults to further their studiesm diploma to postgraduateel through flexible modes ofrning. Since its inception in1, more than 160,000 students

ve enrolled in OUM.Below, prominent attendees

re their thoughts on thenference.

or more information,t www.oum.edu.my

From left: Prof Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University; Dr ZahidMajeed, Assistant Professor, Allama Iqbal Open University; Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil, Senior VicePresident of OUM; Prof Dongkook Lee, Acting President of Korea National Open University; Prof TianBelawati, Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia; Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, President/Vice-Chancellor of OUM; Prof Datuk Dr Ho Sinn Chye, Vice-Chancellor of Wawasan Open University; ProfYuk-Shan Wong, President of AAOU and the Open University of Hong Kong; Prof Yoichi Okabe,President of the Open University of Japan; and Prof Ramli Bahroom, Vice President of OUM (CorporatePlanning & Finance Services).

Dr Kuldeep Agarwal Director (Academic) National Institute of OpenSchooling, India

I’ve been in the field of ODLsince the 1990s, when it was

still unknown. In fact, in the1980s, there were small partsof it attached to conventionallearning here and there.

Now that it is a separatefield altogether, thisconference truly bringstogether the best of the best.

It is an excellent forum forODL and good job to OUM fora well-planned event.

It is my first timecollaborating with aninstitution in this region andI am looking forward to it.

r Li Kam Cheongecretary-General, AAOU irector of the Open University of Hong Kong, Research Centre

OUM has done a great job in preparing for this conference.lot goes into organising a conference – promotions, gettingelegates and overseeing them, accepting papers andeviewing them, sorting out presenters and their time slotsnd more. Delegates really felt welcomed by the staff and

what has been prepared for them.They have also provided a great venue for such a big

onference as this. The AAOU aims to create a diverselatform for ODL where universities in the region can

work and learn from each other, bring insights and ideasogether and solve challenges together.

Prof Tian Belawati RectorUniversitas Terbuka Indonesia

We have been working with OUMfor quite some time now. We carryout research and create jointpublications together and have evenco-organised a conference before.

OUM has always done aprofessional job and this conferencehas been successful so far. Sharingsuccesses is equally important assharing failures and people here areso willing to share knowledge,successes and even failures. It is agood community that we are in.

Monwipa Wongrujira Assistant ProfessorSukhothai Thammathirat Open

University (STOU)We have collaborated with

OUM before. We have learnt a lotfrom the people there, especiallyfrom the marketing division.

They were very kind to usduring our visit and taught usa lot of things.

As a result, we havelearnt valuable marketingstrategies from them asthey are very successful inrecruitment.

Wafa Sajjad Academic Instructor/Tutor Virtual University of Pakistan

I was expecting a lot from thisconference as this is my first time inMalaysia and also the very first timeout of Pakistan. Everything was verywell-organised and all my expectationswere met.

Chancellor of OUMTun JeanneAbdullah gives herspeech as shecloses the AAOUConference 2015.

Datuk Mary Yap Kain ChingDeputy Higher Education Minister

I want to congratulate OUM, under the leadership of Prof EmeritusAnuwar, for putting together this international event. While manyuniversities are conventional and focus on providing full-time andclassroom-based programmes, OUM is different in that it is a 100% ODLuniversity.

Its learner population comprises mostly working adults and many of themhave enrolled in OUM because it offers part-time studies and a flexible modeof learning. That is why I am sure that everybody at the conference will havea fruitful exchange of ideas, forge new ties and bring home fond memories.



Develop

leadershipskills

The Master in Business Administration by Management & ScienceUniversity helps students become successful leaders for the future.


postgraduate 3

THE Management & ScienceUniversity (MSU) is one ofMalaysia’s top universities,having received muchrecognition from Malaysian andinternational independentbodies.

It has been rated as anExcellent Status University twiceby the former Higher Education

Ministry through a rating systemfor all universities in Malaysia.

MSU is also accredited by theAccreditation Services forInternational Colleges (ASIC), theUnited Kingdom, and theAlliance on Business Educationand Scholarship for Tomorrow(ABEST21), Japan.

MSU’s Graduate School ofManagement (GSM) recognisesthat today’s global companiesrequire managers with abroader outlook.

The university attracts topstudents through itsinternationalisation effort ofemploying faculty memberswith overseas experience and

forming effective links withbusinesses.

The Master in BusinessAdministration by MSU (MSU-MBA) offers students anexperiential learningopportunity in cross-culturalcommunications, building aglobal network and possiblycreating a future internationalcareer.

In addition, students are ableto develop management skillsand techniques, obtain strategicorientation and implement thestrategies formulated.

The MSU-MBA helps studentsdevelop skills in leadership,entrepreneurship, strategic

management and decision-making so that they becomesuccessful leaders in the mostcompetitive markets.

The programme aims to buildon the foundations of workexperience and, by equippingstudents with new skills andknowledge, enable them tomake a smooth transition to ahigher level of responsibility.

The MSU-MBA is popular with

employers as it is a recognisedcurrency in the humanresources marketplace.Employers know the value ofthe qualification and what theycan expect from an MBAgraduate.

They also recognise thecommitment shown by MSU-MBA students in investing

heavily in their careers. Suchcandidates are likely to bedynamic self-starters who willbe an asset to any organisation.

Active learning exerciseswithin the programme act as abasis for verbal analysis anddiscussion, allowing for a richlearning environment throughthe integration of classroomwith real-world experiences.

These exercises broadenstudents’ understanding ofissues by inviting them to thinkbeyond their learning materials.

GSM has establishedcollaborative educational linkswith a number of top overseasuniversities, including those in

the UK, the United States,Australia, New Zealand, SouthKorea, Japan, Germany, Russiaand China.

The Global MobilityProgramme is a means toprovide MSU postgraduatestudents with internationalexposure.

Through this programme,students have the opportunity todevelop an awareness andappreciation of other cultures,political and economicenvironments, and approachesof doing business.

Professors of the MSU-MBAare accomplished teachers whohave made significant

contributions to the businessworld, both as academics andworking professionals.

Professors at MSU are selectedworldwide from among the bestconsultants and professionals intheir fields.

n For more information, call03-2718 4302/4300/4301 ore-mail [email protected] orvisit www.msu.edu.my



postgraduateTHE STAR, TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER 2015

Cultural intelligence is keyIVERSITIES, whether public or private,mpete both on a national and globaltform to attract the best students.or the private sector in particular, thiscess involves a significant amount ofmotional activities both online and innt, which are designed to make antitution distinctive and attractive todents.

A quick glance at higher educationtitutions’ advertisements reveals aprising degree of similarity in how we thing to be offering.

In our increasingly complex, globalisedand often polarised society, we needindividuals who can provide leadership inan international environment, understandthe problems our society faces and who areaware of and accept their responsibility tocontribute to solutions.

All of this is easy to say but difficultto do. Educating and developing leadershiprequires universities’ education to gobeyond the simple acquisition of technical

knowledge and focus attention on a teachinga broader set of personal and generic skills.

Such skills are important to ensuring thatgraduates gain attractive employability.These are also the skills that will enablethem to contribute to the broader well-beingof society.

Ask anyone what these skills are andthey will probably highlight things suchas communication, teamwork, learning,creativity, problem-solving and innovation.

Since Daniel Goleman’s book in 1996,some may also emphasise the importanceof emotional intelligence (EQ) and the abilityto understand and empathise with others.

The ability to engage and understandothers (as well as yourself), see the worldfrom their perspectives, support, encourageand motivate are elements of EQ that

contribute to more effective managementand leadership.

They may be skills that come naturallyto some but they are skills that can bedeveloped and learnt.

Recently, observers are starting to askwhether we should be expecting more offuture managers and leaders, particularlythose who will need to operate in aninternationalised environment.

The term “cultural intelligence” (CQ) wascoined some years ago by academicresearchers in the United States and relates

describe ourselves and what we promisestudents.

Arguably, one of the most over-used claimsis that studying with a particular institutionwill enable an individual to become a “globalcitizen” and perhaps even a global leader.

And I have no doubt that all of us whomake this claim believe that this is a good

to the capacity of individuals to engageeffectively across cultures, being sensitive tothe challenges and opportunities associatedwith the diversity that this creates.

Last year, Julia Middleton of CommonPurpose, a charity that focuses onleadership and citizenship education,outlined the significance of CQ in herbook of the same name.

She highlights the importance ofleadership that is characterised by “a deepand genuine interest in other people”,openness to opportunities to learn andthe ability to operate effectively acrossboundaries.

Leaders with CQ “are excited by differentcultures, not alarmed by them. They don’t just tolerate difference, they actively enjoyit. They trust it, make it a strength and

thrive on it. In the process, they alsoshare their enthusiasm so that it becomesinfectious, and that’s how CQ spreads”.

Like EQ, CQ can be learnt and CommonPurpose has a long tradition of leadershiptraining for students that focuses ondeveloping both EQ and CQ.

Earlier this year, Common Purposepiloted a Global Leadership Experience forMalaysian undergraduates with the supportof Prudential. It was so successful that itwill be repeated next year with thesupport of the Weir Group.

So for us, as universities, if we reallywant to realise our stated ambitions tocreate global citizens and develop the globalleaders of the future, then we need to startthinking beyond the traditional skillsagenda and start to think about how we

encourage our students to develop their CQ.That means exposing them to cultural

differences and encouraging them to acceptand value diversity in all of its forms.

Perhaps one of the most powerfulmechanisms we have for doing this isthe community of international staff andstudents that increasingly comprise ouruniversity campuses.

n Prof Christine Ennew is the chief executiveofficer and provost of The University ofNottingham Malaysia Campus.

By PROFCHRISTINE ENNEW

Universities should aim to produce graduates who are more than just “global citizens”; culturalintelligence is an important factor for success in the modern world.

COLUMN



5THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER 2015





AS into my second year as aior manager at a Japaneseltinational company when Iided to pursue a master’s ininess administration (MBA).rior to assuming this senior

e, my decade-long careerd centred on managingnufacturing operations.

When I faced a wider scope ofponsibility and greateruence on the direction of theiness, I realised that more wasuired of me than what myumulated knowledge andnagement experience in

erations could offer.began scouting for an MBA that

uld help me better understand

IN September, The Edge Financial Daily reported thatSwitzerland topped the WorldEconomic Forum (WEF)’scompetitiveness ranking for aseventh consecutive year.

WEF defines competitivenessas the set of institutions, policiesand factors that determines acountry’s level of productivity.

It ranks a nation’scompetitiveness based on12 indicators, includinginfrastructure, macroeconomicenvironment and technologicalreadiness. While Singapore andthe United States are rankedsecond and third respectively,Malaysia has a lowcompetitiveness ranking.

While the termcompetitiveness has becomeubiquitous because of theincreased globalisation ofthe economy, innovation,

competitiveness andproductivity are notsynonymous. Productivity isthe only meaningful concept ofcompetitiveness at the nationallevel.

Productivity growth canenable competitiveness,especially if it is concentratedin traded sectors, which lowerscosts and enables firms to sellmore in global markets withoutrelying on Government-provideddiscounts and subsidies.

To combat increasinglycompetitive situations, it isimportant for the nation toinnovate.

Innovations can arise at

many different points in thedevelopment process, includingconception, research anddevelopment, technologyadoption/transfer, productionand deployment or marketplaceusage.

Take business organisationssuch as Wal-Mart Stores Inc forexample. The world’s biggestretailer by revenue stunnedinvestors when it reported that

its full-year sales would be flatthis year and its earnings pershare would fall by 6% to 12% inthe next fiscal year.

The news prompted a near-panic sell-off of Wal-Mart shares.

By the close of trading,Wal-Mart’s stock had plunged10%, its worst one-day pricedecline.

In response, Wal-Mart learnthow to innovate to keep up itsbusiness competitiveness.

Besides investing more ine-commerce, it is also makingchanges in its stores to improvecustomer experience, beatcompetitors on price andexpand product assortments,among others.

The Wal-Mart example is areflection on how an economycan manage its resources andcompetencies to increase theprosperity of its population.

To stay competitive, a nationmust quickly learn how to spurinnovation to boost productivitysuch as in the case of a businesssituation.

Through innovation, futuregoods and services will not onlybe cheaper but better. Therefore,a nation’s competitiveness mayincrease with the concomitantinvestment in quality educationand training that encourageinnovation, productivity andlabour markets flexibility.

Victoria University Masterof Business Administration(VUMBA) educates businessexecutives on formulation andimplementation of strategies

to improve on businesscompetitiveness.The subjects include

managing innovation andentrepreneurship, organisationchange management, strategichuman resource management,and strategic management andbusiness policy.

n For more information, [email protected]

Learning from the bestbusiness and strategy, strengthenmy grasp on key managementdisciplines and provide theingredients for me to develop intoa better business leader.

I was looking for an MBAprogramme of reputable standing.Only two MBA programmes inMalaysia at the time were rankedin the world’s top 100 and one ofthem was University ofStrathclyde’s triple-accredited MBA.

Its strong reputation for researchexcellence in strategicmanagement was a major pullfactor for me.

I had the privilege of learningfrom academics who are not onlyat the forefront of their disciplines

but who possess a wealth ofinternational experience inbusiness and of the industry.

Throughout the programme,local counsellors with solidacademic and professionalcredentials provided effectivesupport and intensive groupdynamics with fellow professionalsenriched my exposure andlearning experience.

Putting newly acquiredknowledge into practice helped mebring about changes in thecompany that led to unprecedentedrevenue, profit and growth.

Now, the lessons gleaned frommy MBA experience continue toprove invaluable in my current

role as country manager at anAustralian multinational company.

Pursuing an MBA demandsconsiderable time and effort. Manyof my weekends and eveningswere spent away from the family,at classes, in groups and onassignments.

It was a challenging time for meand my family but with the rightsupport, we came throughtogether.

It was a pleasant surprisefinishing as the top Malaysian MBAstudent in 2015 and receiving thedean’s commendation for projectin the process.

These are simply the icing on thecake, because the knowledge

acquired, experience gained andfriendships forged throughout the journey define the true value ofthis MBA. – By Ch’ng Poh Leong

Ch’ng Poh Leong earned hisMBA from the University ofStrathclyde and is working asa country manager.

Beat thecompetition

Ch’ng Poh Leong with his wifeand children.




postgraduate 7

MBA with fexibilityASIA e University (AeU) celebratedits 5th Convocation Ceremony atthe Putra World Trade Centre,Kuala Lumpur on Sept 20.

A total of about 3,000participants comprising local andinternational graduates receivedtheir scrolls at the convocation.

Its 537 international graduatesare from Bahrain, Hong Kong,Indonesia, India, Iran, Kenya,the Maldives, New Zealand,Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka,Taiwan, the United Kingdom,Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

The variety signifies AeU’sincreasing recognition in theinternational arena. Among theinternational MBA graduates whoreceived their scrolls at the AeUconvocation ceremony was AdnanAli (pic), 34, who hails fromIslamabad, Pakistan.

He was a telecommunicationengineer who previously worked

for Nokia but now works as atechnical lead in Redknee, areputable Canadian companybased in Malaysia that providestelecommunication softwaresolutions.

Adnan has more than 10 yearsof technical experience, havingto travel overseas frequently forwork.

He felt the need to upgradeand boost his career progressionby getting involved in themanagement team at hisworkplace.

However, to be part of the team,he was expected to have business

and management knowledge,including leadership skills.

This resulted in his pursuit of theMaster of Business Administration(MBA) at AeU.

Adnan says, “My biggestchallenge was choosing auniversity that provided theflexibility and accessibility ofstudying in terms of location andtime to fit my hectic work life.After looking around, I felt AeUwas the best option. Besides beingaffordable in fees, it offers a goodmix of online and conventionalMBA students in the courses aswell, providing a good businessnetworking environment withpeople from various industries.”

Adnan took the blended learningmode at AeU, which includes face-to-face, online and self-managedlearning.

“When I was working overseasand could not attend the weekendclasses, I would catch up on classeswith recorded videos of mylectures, and the professionallearning materials that enabled meto study in trains, airports andhotel rooms without missing out onlessons,” he says.

“Obtaining the MBA from AeUwas a life-changing experience forme. Coming from an engineeringbackground, many facets of

business were new to me. Initially,I had some difficulties but mylecturers and peers gave me goodsupport, which encouraged meto reflect on how well I wasdoing and identify areas ofimprovement.”

Studying at AeU was aninvaluable endeavour that helpedAdnan develop management skills.

He says, “I became moreconfident and effective in decision-making and increased my level ofstrategic awareness. It also helpeddevelop my leadership and generalmanagement skills. The mostvaluable part of the AeU MBAprogramme was the ability tocreate expanding networks and

engage with students fromdiversified nationalities, cultures,backgrounds and industries.”

AeU is a collaborativemultinational universityestablished under the auspices ofthe 33 Asia Cooperation DialogueCountries (ACD).

All academic programmes areinternationally benchmarked,approved by the of EducationMinistry and accredited by theMalaysian Qualifications Agency.

As an open distance learninguniversity, AeU to date has anenrolment of more than 22,000international students in 65

countries and has seen 7,000graduates thus far.

It also has a diverse andinternational community of about1,000 fellow doctoral students from46 countries.

AeU’s programmes are designedand customised with workingadults in mind to suit their busylifestyles.

With AeU’s personalisedlearning, students are in thedriver’s seat – they havecontrol of their education.

AeU has spread itswings to ACD membercountries such asBahrain, Bangladesh,Cambodia, China, India,

Indonesia, Iran,Myanmar,Pakistan, SaudiArabia,Singapore,

Sri Lanka, Thailand, United ArabEmirates, Vietnam as well as tonon-members such as Denmark,Hong Kong, Iraq, Kenya, theMaldives, Mauritius, Namibia, NewZealand, Nigeria, Sweden, Somalia,Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In addition to the main campuslocated in Kuala Lumpur, AeUcontinues to expand its network

with the opening of learningcentres in strategic locationsacross the country, includingin major cities and ruralareas in the peninsula andSabah and Sarawak.

n For more information,

call 1300 300 238 ore-mail enquiries@

aeu.edu.my orvisit www.aeu.edu.my





Online connectivity at its bestHILE hiring people to front

paradigm shift of goingernational will help pushconcept, we should not

sconstrue the notion ofernationalisation.Ultimately, a brand mustmmunicate its local character toak to a global market. In doingwe do not lose sight ofditions and values just tobrace the concept ofbalisation.erhaps the most strategicision in this century is to create

ocial media channel plannsistent with our language ande and with a clear target

dience.urthermore, the rule of thumb

for any business is that it engageswith communities that speak tocommunities while neverneglecting the one-on-oneopportunities.

As a company with newinternational presence, you needto look at every angle that makessense and gives you credibleexposure.

What worked a few years ago isnow most likely derailed bymodern gadgets and approaches,making it important to stayrelevant.

In addition, state authoritiesshould realise that it is not their jobto censor creativity but rather tofoster and encourage ingenuity.

In Malaysia, we have yet to see

or hear of genuine advantages thatthe Government offers to youngentrepreneurs or brands that haveput Malaysia under the globalspotlight.

That assistance can influence aswell as drastically spur the futureof the Malaysian enterprise in thisdigital sphere.

While the state needs to rethinkits role in this complex algorithm,we need to be cognizant of the factthat online engagement reallymeans the commitment to aparticipatory culture.

Many companies that enter theonline field are new, possessinglittle experience. Malaysiancompanies require goodconsultants to plan its practical

online routes strategically.The verdict of how you will

significantly cause changes tomindset, attitude and lifestyle willbe determined by the cultural andcommercial viability of your plans.

Monash University Malaysiawelcomes government andcorporate initiatives that encouragediscourse for planning andstreamlining of online initiatives. – By Assoc Prof Dr Joanne Lim

Assoc Prof Dr Joanne Lim is fromthe School of Arts and SocialSciences at Monash UniversityMalaysia.

n For more information, visitwww.sass.monash.edu.my

Assoc Prof

Dr Joanne Lim.



Hng adds, “I enjoy attending the classesthat I have every month. The lecturers arewell prepared and study materials areup-to-date and relevant to the modernbusiness world. Most of the workshopsand assignments given focus on real casestudies. That helped us learn how to solvecommon issues in the modern businessworld.”

Another student, Joey Ho, had set hermind on pursuing an MBA five years ago.As a finance lead at a shared service centrefor a well-known pharmaceutical company,she wanted to develop her career.

She chose the SEGi PACE MBA becauseit offered flexibility. With classes only onweekends and three workshops persemester, she could focus on workwithout the hassle of rushing to classes.

Another reason for her choice was

that SEGi offered the most competitivetuition fees payment scheme.

“SEGi is one of the best universities tostudy an MBA because it fully equipsgraduates with the skills and tools ofthe trade that are essential in facing

the challenges of today. It also helps toenhance our capability to function as a

senior manager within a wide rangeof organisations,” she adds.

n For more information,call 03-6145 1777or 1800 887 344 or [email protected] orvisit www.segi.edu.my orwww.pace.edu.my


postgraduate 9

Work and studySEGI University and Colleges now offers awide range of programmes under its Facultyof Business and Accounting, including theMaster of Business Administration or theMBA, which is especially for high-levelbusiness decision-makers or aspirants whowant to climb the career ladder.

SEGi offers the PACE or Professional andContinuing Education, which is a consortiumof global universities that enables adultlearners to advance at their own pace andcomplete their studies with assurance thatthey can still attend to other obligations andhave a fulfilling work-life balance.

Students have the independence tocomplete their studies at their own paceas they can choose the number of subjectsthey wish to pursue during the semester.

John Hng (pic) is currently pursuing thePACE MBA at SEGi University. He

works in a Swiss-based company,majoring in industrial connectorsand cables manufacturing.

As his work requires him totravel frequently, he needed acourse that offered him flexibility,which the SEGi PACE MBA did.

“Honestly, it was very challengingto study and work at the sametime, especially with afamily to care for. Ineeded to put in 101%effort to completeassignments andprepare forexaminations,”says Hng.

Exploring new grounds

Prof Chuah (fifth from left) and Prof Tzeng (sixth from left) together with UST delegates, UTAR

staff, presenters and students.

UNIVERSITI Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)further strengthens its presence in Asiathrough its recent programmes jointly heldwith University System Taiwan (UST).

These programmes include the DisasterManagement and Risk Reduction on ClimateChange workshop, and Water Pollution andManagement workshop.

“I’m happy with UTAR’s strongcommitment to establish an extensivecollaboration that benefits both Malaysianand Taiwanese societies,” says USTvice-chancellor Prof Chyi Jen-Inn.

Last year, UTAR and UST signed a

research collaboration memorandum ofunderstanding that includes four prominentpublic universities – National Yang-MingUniversity, Tsinghua University, NationalCentral University and National Chiao TungUniversity.

The research undertaken is in disastermanagement and wastewater treatment.

“Malaysians are unprepared for naturaldisasters, so this is a great opportunity toshare and exchange ideas with a countrythat is experienced,” says UTAR vicepresident (research and development andcommercialisation) Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei.

“Sharing expertise from Taiwan will helpus develop competent experts in riskmanagement,” adds Dr Lai Soon Onn, deputy

dean (student development and industrialtraining) of the Lee Kong Chian Faculty ofEngineering and Science.

“The long-term goal is to form anindustrial service team consisting of localand UST academicians to provide technicalconsultation services to Malaysianindustries,” he says.

UTAR president Prof Ir Datuk Dr ChuahHean Teik and UST chancellor Prof Ovid J. L.Tzeng discussed student and staff academicexchanges to Taiwan, double-degrees fromUST partner universities, and future projects.

Prospective students are invited to the

UTAR Campus Tour & Info Day on Dec 26(10.30am to 4.30pm) at the UTAR Kamparcampus or UTAR Sungai Long campus.

In conjunction with the January intake,school-leavers are invited to the UTAR OpenDay from Dec 18 to 20 (9.30am to 5.30pm) atthe two campuses for programme enquiriesand to participate in various activities.

UTAR is also extending counselling hoursat these two campuses daily from 9am to5pm (excluding public holidays).

n For more information, call 03-90860288/016-223 3559 (Sungai Long), 05-4688888/016-223 3557 (Kampar), [email protected] or visitwww.utar.edu.my



0 postgraduateTHE STAR,


Prepare for an academic careerE growth in the number oftoral candidates enrolling in

iversiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)been substantial.

Over the past 10 years, 107,477dents have enrolled in theversity, a large percentage ofom are academic staff fromh local and internationalversities.

These academicians are givendy leave to pursue their doctoraldies and, upon completion,urn to their universities to takelecturing positions. These jobsail competencies in research,ching and service.

Contrary to international studies,ich report on a relatively lowel of the availability of academic

s, these doctoral candidatesve a job to return to.Given this scenario, UPM hasen the initiative to equip thesetgraduates with the right kindkills needed in their academiceer.reparing for an Academiceer is a week-long certificategramme offered by UPM’sool of Graduate Studies in

laboration with the Higherucation Development Centre ofUniversity of Otago.

Experienced staff from UPM andUniversity of Otago, Newland, teach in this programme

Students of UPM receive mentoring from University of Otago academicians.

and provide the participants withrich developmental experiences.

During the training session,participants are taught theimportance of teaching experiencewhen planning an academiccareer, planning and evaluatingteaching, and developing ateaching portfolio.

Besides this, participants aregiven practical expertise indeveloping a research portfolio,

which includes writing for journals, reviewing journal articlesand conference abstracts,presenting research at conferences,chairing conference sessions,networking, examining a thesis(text and oral), writing examinerreports, and knowing how to keepabreast of current developments.

They are also provided withopportunities to take on leadershiproles to enhance their capacities.

Programme participants workclosely with their supervisors inUPM to develop their ownprogramme of learning as anacademic.

Participants also undertaketeaching responsibilities duringtheir candidature and arementored and guided byexperienced staff from UPM overa six-month period.

At the end of this period,reflective journals are collectedand further mentoring is providedby colleagues from the Universityof Otago.

This collaboration between UPMand the University of Otagoprovides the right internationalexperience in preparing for an

academic career.Students who have graduated

from the programme describetheir experience as extremelyuseful, allowing them to standout from their colleagues, takeon leadership roles and beappointed as new mentorsupon returning to their ownuniversities.

Mohamed Bello Ibrahim,an academician from Nigeria,describes the mentorshipprogramme as something hewould recommend to hisuniversity upon his return.

Dr Azita Azadi from Iran

has already started a similarprogramme at her ownuniversity by capitalising onlocal expertise and incorporatinglead practices in becoming awell-rounded academic.

This shows the effectivenessand the international impact ofthe UPM programme.

UPM’s proactive initiative is inline with current internationaldevelopment in doctoraleducation, where the thesis isnot the sole focus.

The Oxford Statement (2015)states that doctoral candidatesmake a substantial contributionto society upon graduation andneed to be equipped with career-ready skills.

UPM adheres to thisinternational statement andprepares academicians for thenext generation with a widerange of skills necessary for anacademic career.

The vibrant research culturein UPM and the proactivemeasures of the School ofGraduate Studies provideacademics undertaking theirdoctoral studies with the rightenvironment to deliver.

n For more information, [email protected] or visitwww.sgs.upm.edu.my



Enhance skillsWAWASAN Open University’s (WOU) sixthconvocation ceremony saw the graduationof about 500 students, out of which 120 werefrom the postgraduate programmes and 380were from the undergraduate programmes.

Since its inception, the university hasproduced more than 500 graduates from itspostgraduate programmes.

Toh Chiew Yee, 34, received herCommonwealth Executive MBA (CeMBA)degree from WOU at the recent convocationceremony.

“The CeMBA degree will improve mycareer prospects as it is a recognisedpostgraduate programme around the world.I feel equipped with the necessary paperqualifications when opportunities arrive,”she says.

The recipient of the TunDr Lim Chong Eu

Memorial Prize forthe best postgraduatewas Dr Chan Kar Weng

who graduated with aMaster of Education.

“With a Master inEducation (TESL)coupled with myother degrees andPhD in science, I willhave another optionto practise as aneducator. Mycareer is no longer

Impactful research

limited to the field of science,” he says.“I can think more critically now because

the Master of Education programmeprovided room for me to do so. I am nowhelping my workplace to develop e-training,which requires sound knowledge ofeducation to sustain adults’ motivationto learn.”

Dr Chan, 35, believes that being diligent ina smart way is the only key to success.

“There are no shortcuts to success. WhenI studied, I went through the content withoutskipping any part. One must be self-directedto look for knowledge. The Internet hadinevitably become my home tutor when Istumbled across things I found difficult tounderstand,” he says.

To date, more than 17,000 workingprofessionals have seized the learningopportunities offered by WOU.

The university believes that quality highereducation is vital to the development ofhuman resource and an asset in this country.

Enrolment for part-time study in Januaryintake next year is in progress. Enrol nowfor a postgraduate programme at WOU andenjoy the attractive fee rebate.

Interested candidates can apply throughregular entry or via WOU’s unique openentry admission system that takes theapplicants’ work experience intoconsideration.

WOU will be hosting its Open Day at themain campus, regional centres and supportcentres nationwide on Dec 19 to 20.

n For more information, call 1300 888 968or visit wou.edu.my

Students at Curtin University Sarawak areexposed to research on business sustainabilityand the community with its seven keyresearch areas.

Dr ChanKar Weng.


postgraduate 11

RESEARCH and development in the businessworld is vital to provide viable solutionsto overcome issues and challenges in ahighly competitive and dynamic businessenvironment.

Researchers in the Faculty of Business andHumanities of Curtin University Sarawak,Malaysia work on research themes thatincorporate the many aspects of businessand provide cutting-edge informationrelevant to the business community.

With an emphasis on businesssustainability- and community-focusedresearch, the faculty’s interdisciplinaryresearch approach covers seven key

research focus areas.They are tourism and hospitality,

entrepreneurship and human resources,business performance, economics andfinance, learning pedagogies, humanitiesas well as brand, communications andcustomer relationships.

The tourism and hospitality research arealooks at ecotourism, tourism and thehospitality and services industries.

Entrepreneurship and human resourcesresearch focuses on human resourcesmanagement and development, indigenousentrepreneurship, ecopreneurship andentrepreneurship education.

Business performance research focuseson financial and managerial accounting,ethical issues, accounting standards andperformance analysis, among others.

In the area of economics and finance,economic aspects such as the performanceof financial institutions, behavioural finance,macroeconomic factors, monetaryeconomics, business fluctuations and cycles,government and the monetary system, andbiofuels, energy and natural resourceeconomics are looked into.

Education (teaching and learning) inhigher education, discipline-based educationfor classroom improvement as well ascurriculum and pedagogy development are

the foci of researchers in the learningpedagogies focus area.

Researchers in the humanities focus areaconduct research on Sarawak’s ethniccultures and history, ethnolinguistics,sociolinguistics, new media and itsdemocratisation potential, inter-relationshipbetween old and new media, and new mediaand their impact on contemporary society.

Green marketing, international publicrelations, corporate social responsibility,retailing and service marketing are someaspects covered under the brand,communications and customer relationshipsfocus area.

Having built an outstanding reputation inthe national and international researcharena, the Faculty’s researchers also act asmentors for postgraduate scholars at the

doctorate and master’s levels.These focus areas are critical componentsof success in discovery research.

Potential students are encouraged toundertake higher degree by research orhigher degree by research studies withCurtin University Sarawak and contributeto sustainable business practices in Malaysiaand internationally.

n For more information, visitwww.curtin.edu.my



2 postgraduateTHE STAR,


Advancing researchin nutrition and wellness

CORDING to head of UCSIversity’s nutrition with wellnessgramme Assoc Prof Dr Yim Hipg the human body is similar to

acing car.Put in the wrong fuel or let it gohout maintenance and it willdeliver its full performance.hout healthy eating, your bodyl suffer – just like a car engine,”says.indings from British medicalrnal The Lancet showed thatlaysia had one of the highestes of obesity among Asianntries with 45.3% of its

pulation obese. The number ofbetes patients jumped to 31%year, up from 15.2% in 2011.

On the other end of thespectrum, eating disorders such asanorexia and bulimia are on therise due to the growing influenceof the media and today’s celebrity-centric culture.

These lead to the increasingneed for nutritionists.

A nutritionist is qualified to giveadvice on disease prevention andpromote the holistic well-being ofindividuals and communities.

This professional has variousroles to play, including being a

scientist in public healthand clinical settings as well

as in the fields of sports

nutrition, health promotionand education.

UCSI introduced the BSc (Hons)Nutrition with Wellnessprogramme to mould qualifiedand well-rounded nutritionists.

Unlike other programmeson nutrition, this degree hasa dual focus on the scientificunderstanding of nutritionand food science as well asfundamentals of marketingand entrepreneurship.

The degree is the latest of a

string of successful programmesoffered by UCSI, which is the firstprivate university in Malaysia tooffer a food science with nutritionbachelor of science degree.

The dual focus of the BSc (Hons)Nutrition with Wellness givesstudents an added edge in thecompetitive working world.

“The programme enablesgraduates to venture intotraditional nutritionist roles suchas health consultants for diseaseprevention, public health andeducation or venture into thebooming wellness business,”explains Assoc Prof Yim.

When it comes to fields relatedto human health, research andinnovation are crucial to ensurecontinuous advancement formankind.

Innovation and research are twothings UCSI’s Faculty of AppliedSciences (FAS) is well known for.To maintain the highest level ofacademic and scientific standards,the faculty emphasises evidence-based learning and takes pride inhaving state-of-the-art laboratoriesand equipment.

Students also learn from theprogramme’s experiencedacademicians such as Prof DrMirnalini Kandiah, one of the firstthree nutrition officers inMalaysia’s Health Ministry in the1970s.

She is a respected researcherspecialising in the fields of cardiometabolic risk and herbal remediesfor cancer patients.

In line with the university’spraxis approach, which advocatesthe application of theory topractice, the programme alsoincludes two months of cooperativeplacement for every year of study.

This offers students theopportunity to pursue theirinternship with some of the mostprestigious names in the industry.

“Having passion and enthusiasmin improving human health isimportant for students to do wellin the programme,” says Assoc Prof Yim, adding that having goodcommunication skills is also anadvantage.

“There are multiple healthawareness projects in whichnutritionists are required to work

with the community, so always beready to venture out of yourcomfort zone.”

To ensure students improvetheir communication skills, thefinal year of the programme alsosees students embarking on acommunity project.

This involves them working witha community – be it a school orresidential area – and advisingmembers of the public on nutritionand wellness.

n For more information,call 03-9101 8882 or visitwww.ucsiuniversity.edu.my

Assoc Prof YimHip Seng saysthat it is vitalfor nutritionstudents tohave goodcommunicationskills as well aspassion andenthusiasm inimprovinghuman health.

postgraduate - 15 december 2015

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