Post Graduate - 19 April 2016

8/18/2019 Post Graduate - 19 April 2016

1/16

THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 APRIL 2016

special

Upgradeyourself


2/16

postgraduateTHE STAR,

TUESDAY 19 APRIL 2016

Expandinghorizons

IAN JEROME LEONG

CORDING to the Gartnerrldwide IT Spending Forecast6 released by the world’s

ding information technology (IT)earch and advisory company,overall IT expenditure for thisr is expected to hit US$3.54lion (RM13.88 trillion), 0.6%her than the total recordednding for last year, whichfered a whopping US$216bil

M847bil) drop compared with4.

This rise in global expenditure

ecast, which covers spendingd acquisitions on data centretems, software, devices, ITvices and communicationvices, is largely due to thetinence of information and

mmunications technologyT) and computing in the ever-lving business landscape.

The adoption of ICT andmputing is widely accepted as aural and necessary step towardsdernisation, calling on the needprofessionals, including thosem non-ICT or computingkgrounds, to pursue relevanttgraduate programmes.

rong industry demand

Assoc Prof Dr Roshayuhamad, dean of the Schoolnformation and

mmunication Technology at Asianiversity, says, “IT awarenessomes a necessity for every

owledge worker regardless ofucation background as ICT iseded to build better businessportunities and stay on top ofbusiness world.”

As organisations of all sizesacross industries turn towardsIT solutions for a competitiveadvantage, there is a massivedemand for ICT graduates who

can help bridge the gap faced bycompanies in reaching theiroperational targets.

Deputy dean and head forcomputer science at QuestInternational University PerakAsst Prof Dr Pong Hon Keat says,“The demand for ICT graduates isgrowing fast. From softwarearchitects and network engineersto game programmers, good ICTand computing graduates arehighly sought after in the jobmarket.”

He believes only 60% of thedemand for ICT graduates is metand that a great deal of importancemust be placed on meeting thisdemand so that the current ICT-

driven economy is able to moveforward smoothly.

Climbing the ladder

“With the prevalence of mobiledevices, social networks, the cloudand mobile applications, ICT andcomputing skills are no longer thepreserve of computingprofessionals but are now opento those who wish to enhance

their careers,” says AssocProf Dr Yau Kok Lim of theDepartment of Computing andInformation Systems at SunwayUniversity.

As ICT and computingprogrammes are widelyimplemented and ever-expanding,employees holding managerialpositions are expected to havein-depth understanding of thecomputing applications in themarket as well as their pros andcons.

Professionals of any educationbackground are encouraged tohave ICT-related postgraduatequalifications to remain relevantin the workforce, keep abreastwith modernisation and makemeaningful contributions to theirorganisations.

Dr Chew Esyin, Master ofBusiness Information System

coordinator and senior lecturer atMonash University Malaysia,agrees with Assoc Prof Yau.He says, “People from non-ICTbackgrounds who gain ICTknowledge and skills at thepostgraduate level will advancetheir competitiveness andfacilitate broader careerprospects.”

> SEE PAGE 3

From classroom

to workplaceWITH the extensive growth ofinformation and communicationstechnology (ICT) and computingapplications, a postgraduatequalification within these fieldswill prove beneficial to studentsirrespective of industry.

Postgraduate asks twoprofessionals from non-ICT andcomputing backgrounds theirreason for studying a master’s ininformation and communicationtechnology management (bothspecialised in projectmanagement) and how it hashelped them.

Mohd Faiz Alias,

director of industryrelations at KRU AcademySdn Bhd.

As a lecturer in animation andvisual effects, I had seentechnology grow to become animportant tool for teaching andlearning such as learningmanagement systems andmassive open online courses.

Higher learning institutionsbegan to emphasise digitalliteracy and independentlearning as these would betterprepare graduates to work in anera of digital economy andnetwork societies.

I soon realised that myexperience and technicalexpertise would not be sufficientfor me to perform my newmanagement and leadership roleeffectively.

My postgraduate course atAsia e University (AeU) gave meaccess not only to ICT knowledgeto better understand the socialcontexts of technology but also

gave me a broad overview onmanagement and leadershipskills.

I believe the future ofeducation will embrace a lot ofchanges and ICT will be anessential part of the deliveryplatform.

Technologies have becomean integrated part of our workprocesses and having ICTskills will not only give us acompetitive edge but willenable us to predict neweconomic and societal challengesahead.

Alice Chang Li Chin,

manager of casinooperations.

With a background in businessstudies, I discovered my interestin ICT in my workplace andfound it important for the future.I enrolled in the course at AeU topursue my interest and upskill atthe same time.

I now have a wider perceptionand understanding of ICTconcepts. During the course, I gotto meet people from differentfields, share my ICT-related workexperience and widen mybusiness and social network.

The knowledge I acquired

improved my work performancetremendously and I no longerfeel stressed when I am assignedICT-related projects.

I am no longer restricted tousing old work processes thatwere used by my predecessors asI can now create new systemsthat are more effective to theneeds of the projects assignedto me.


3/16


postgraduate 3

> FROM PAGE 2

She adds that ICT postgraduatedegree holders have betterperformance and promotionopportunities in the workforce andtheir knowledge has a widerspectrum of industry application asthe qualification prepares them forroles as senior business managers,business analysts, system analysts,project leaders, informationmanagers and many others.

Career change

Besides being able to make avertical step in the corporateladder, a postgraduate ICT orcomputing qualification enables

one to make a switch at ahorizontal level – opening avenuesfor a career change into a differentindustry or exploring IT-relatedsub-fields.

“The convergence of ICT withvarious fields, such as education,psychology, healthcare,transportation, marketing andagriculture, has addedconsiderable diversification,” saysAssoc Prof Yau.

Sub-fields such as mobileapplications, wearabletechnologies, big data, data scienceand data mining, for example,allow postgraduate degree holders

Harness new skillsthe opportunity to explore areassuch as business intelligence andknowledge management, ITgovernance and softwaredevelopment methodologies,research, image processing androbotics.

Dr Chew cites a master’s degreein information systems as amongthe best postgraduate qualificationsfor jobs (according to a 2013 Forbes article) and that computer andinformation managers arecurrently among the highestpaying positions in many countriesin the world.

Dr Amna Saad, deputy dean(academic) at the MalaysianInstitute of Information Technologyin University Kuala Lumpur, says,

“Many organisations havehistorical data that are leftuntouched in its servers.

“These huge data sets holdsignificant importance tocompanies and a postgraduatewith ICT and computing skills canextract good industry practicesfrom this information.”

Specialised programmes

“Being equipped with an ICT andcomputing postgraduatequalification enables the individualto develop cutting-edge solutionswith potential economic impact,”

says Assoc Prof Yau.Assoc Prof Roshayu says,

“Organisations have a need forhigh-calibre personnel who notonly have in-depth skills in their

fields of knowledge, but also abroad general knowledge of therange of skills needed to designand deliver new innovativeservices.”

Postgraduate ICT and computingdegree holders are able to createand confidently apply the bestprogrammes, techniques andpractices that will maximiseproductivity while operating withlimited resources.

Dr Amna believes that thosewith different prior educationbackgrounds or hybrid knowledgewill have an added advantage overtheir peers in terms of

implementing ICT solutions today-to-day industry problems.

With a distinct skill set andin-depth understanding of theirrespective industries, postgraduate

degree holders are the bestcandidates to identify technologicalgaps, key areas or trade practicesthat require ICT or computingimprovements – leading to thecreation of industry-specific andbespoke software.

Countless opportunities

Based on Digital Dividends, aworld development report releasedthis year by the World Bank Group,there is great potential in theinformation and communicationssector.

Countries that complement

technology investments withbroader economic reforms willreap digital dividends in theform of faster growth, more jobsand better services.

As such, regardless of theshifts in economy that can occurfrom time to time, ICT andcomputing will forever berelevant across the manyindustries with the only variablebeing the extent of its growthrate.

The high demand for ICT andcomputing professionals inmodern industries plus the skillsand knowledge one can learnfrom postgraduate study withinthese fields equal to a win-winsituation for any individual whointends to take the next step intheir career.

Upskilling with apostgraduatecomputing or

informationtechnology degree

opens new avenues inone’s career.


4/16

postgraduateTHE STAR, TUESDAY 19 APRIL 2016

By PROFCHRISTINEENNEW

COLUMN

Changes through time

has been more than a quarter ofentury since Tim Berners-Leeote a project proposal for whatuld soon become known as therld Wide Web.

At the time, I was already aular e-mail user (to keep in

ntact with research and teachingaborators); I had developed myn forms of computer-basedessment and dabbled in the

velopment of computer-aidedrning (CAL) for my students.o the emergence of the Webs something that captured myerest.However, even as an earlyopter of information andmmunications technology (ICT)eaching, I had no idea of thele of its future impact in alllks of life.

When the concept of the Webs disseminated to the academic

mmunity, it quickly became clearus that it was a resource thatuld be of real value in many

different ways.Now, we operate in a world in

which computers, tablets andsmartphones are normal featuresof the learning environment,university communities expect fastWi-Fi to be available anywhereand everywhere, and onlinelearning is becoming increasinglymainstream.

Multinational academicteams collaborate in onlineenvironments, new researchfindings are disseminated byFacebook and Twitter, and alibrary is less of a place to storebooks and more a location forinteractive and collaborative

learning.The World Wide Web has

transformed not only the teaching

and research process, it has alsotransformed the universityenvironment.

Alongside dramatic changes inthe delivery of higher education,ICT has revolutionised the wayeducation is marketed. Initially,changes were quite simple andbased on the ability of technology-based solutions to process moredata and to do so more quickly.

Prospective students couldgather information more rapidlyand make more complexcomparisons than hitherto.

However, real revolution camewith the development anddiffusion of Web 2.0 and,particularly, social media.

In combination withsmartphones and tablets, thesedevelopments enabled prospectivestudents to engage with institutionsand their existing students in wayspreviously impossible – throughvideo, audio, images and chat.

This resulted not just in theavailability of more information,

but qualitatively differentinformation. Prospective studentsno longer relied on just whatinstitutions would tell them, theycould actually share theexperiences of existing students.

But the changes have notstopped there. These newtechnologies also have majorimplications for the studentexperience and the ways in whichstudents, their teachers and theirinstitutions interact.

The sharing of information hasbecome easier, feedback hasbecome quicker and there is amuch greater scope for students toexpress themselves.

Students reluctant to speak up ina classroom setting may be morewilling to engage in onlinediscussions and debates.

Institutional managers can muchmore easily understand the issuesthat may be causing concern fortheir students.

I can easily find out the issuesthat excite or worry students at ouruniversity by looking at thediscussions taking place onFacebook and participate in thosediscussions by offering my views,providing explanations orcorrecting misperceptions. Inmanaging the student experience,

such interactions can beinvaluable.

As with many things, there is adark side to these advancements;the very features of social mediathat make it so valuable infacilitating interactions andinformation sharing also presentopportunities for individuals tomislead, misrepresent and evenbecome abusive.

Bullying and harassment inonline spaces are fortunatelyrare, but not unknown.

Misrepresentation is morewidespread and inevitably givescause for concern.

However, it is important to

remind ourselves that this darkside is not the fault of technologybut rather the individuals whouse it.

For this reason, those of usworking in the education sectormust increasingly think not justabout how we use the latest ICTtechnologies effectively but alsohow we can encourage ourstudents to use those technologiessensibly and responsibly.

n Prof Christine Ennew is the chiefexecutive officer and provost of TheUniversity of Nottingham MalaysiaCampus.

Factors

to considerIF you are thinking about pursuing apostgraduate degree, you probably alreadyhave an idea about the course and evenpotential universities that you would like toenrol in.

However, when making the decision topursue a postgraduate degree, there areseveral other non-academic factors toconsider before you commit to it.

Stage of life

For some, the right time to consider apostgraduate qualification is after they havegained some work experience, started afamily and/or been able to afford a car and ahouse.

Others would rather put their time andeffort into a postgraduate degree while theyhave minimal family, financial and workresponsibilities.

Regardless, this decision is yours tomake as no one can better consider thecircumstances in your life.

Work experience

Some people opt to continue withpostgraduate studies immediately afterobtaining their degree.

However, once you do start work you maylack the working experience to show a trackrecord of your performance despite beingbetter qualified than others vying for thesame position as you are.

You may have to make up for that bydemonstrating other skills that you haveacquired. Being a research assistant,teaching assistant or applying for industrialplacement during your study can be helpful.

On the other hand, some would prefer toenter the workforce for at least a few years

to gain working experience and understandthe needs of the industry before pursuing apostgraduate degree.

Finances

Postgraduate degrees are not cheap butthey can be affordable if you plan yourbudget carefully.

Student loans for postgraduate degreesare available from public and private

funding sources and may even come withother perks, including monthly stipends anda job placement opportunity.

On the other hand, you can use yoursavings, especially if you have been workingfor a while.

The Employees Provident Fund allows fora withdrawal from your Account 2 tofinance your education at an institution ofhigher learning locally or abroad.

You can also apply for research funds,work as a research assistant or work whileyou study to ensure that you have a steadyincome as you complete your course.

Location

Several public and private universitiesthroughout the country offer postgraduate

programmes, and we can now add open anddistance learning institutions to this diversepool of options.

You can scope out the institutions on yourlist by carrying out research and speaking tocurrent students or acquaintances beforedeciding if it is the right fit for you.

Consider all your options; for instance,would you prefer a university in the cityclose to your current life and amenities, orare you looking to uproot your life and entera whole new chapter?


5/16


postgraduate 5

Excel in graduate studies

GRADUATE study is one of theeducational pathways that can bepursued by those who want toimprove their career prospects or job satisfaction, seek to bechallenged intellectually and wishto explore their interests further.

The Management & ScienceUniversity (MSU) has designed itscourses to offer flexibility so thatyou can pursue graduate studies ina way that works best for you.

MSU’s School of Graduate Studies(SGS) offers advanced degrees atmaster’s and PhD levels inmanagement, business, computerscience, accounting, finance,information and communicationstechnology, food servicetechnology, biomedicine,educational management andleadership, biomedical sciences,engineering, pharmacy and clinicalpharmacy.

PhD education focuses ontraining in original andindependent study, while master’sdegree programmes are availablein full research mode andcoursework mode. Theseprogrammes prepare graduatestudents for careers in public orprivate sectors and professionalpractice.

The graduate programmes ofstudy at MSU emphasise a numberof distinctive and desirablefeatures, such as a high level ofengagement between local as wellas international faculties andgraduates. This creates an

environment that fosters a globalcommunity of scholars.

All of the programmes offeredare supported and complementedby a wide range ofinterdisciplinary units and thisresults in the promotion ofintellectual activities and researchacross the university.

MSU’s SGS provides support tograduates throughout theirlearning experience whileproviding creative and innovativeteaching and delivery,a global leadership programme

and social facilities.Working with all faculties and

non-academic departments,including the industry and otherinstitutions to enhance graduateexperience, SGS is committed todelivering a quality serviceexclusive to its growingpostgraduate community.

The PhD and master’sprogrammes are research-baseddegrees awarded by MSU on thesuccessful completion of a thesis.PhD students are assessed for theirthesis and research while master’s

degree students are assessed viaassignments and writtenexaminations.

As one of Malaysia’s bestteaching and learning university,MSU gives priority to qualityeducation creative teachingmethodologies to produce qualityand holistic graduates.

Besides incorporatinginternational exposure in students’learning experience, extensiveindustrial training components andpersonal enrichment competencyelements are also blended into the

The Management& ScienceUniversity’sSchool ofGraduate Studiesoffers a widerange of coursesat the master’sand PhD levels.

programme of study to ensurehigh employability.

The programmes offered by MSUmeet the stringent standards set bylocal and international bodies.

MSU’s award-winninghomegrown programmes areamong the best in the region. Theseprogrammes are meticulouslycrafted to enhance the graduates’potential.

The university has receivednumerous accreditations fromMalaysian and internationalaccreditation bodies.

Besides the MalaysianQualifications Agency (MQA), MSUis accredited by the Accreditation

Services for International Colleges(ASIC), United Kingdom, and theAlliance on Business Educationand Scholarship for Tomorrow(ABEST21), Japan.

It is rated twice as a SetaraTier 5: Excellent university by theHigher Education Ministry andselected as the 2015 finalist forthe Entrepreneurship University-Private University Category.

n For more information onpostgraduate studies at MSU,call 03-5521 6868 or [email protected] or visitwww.msu.edu.my.


6/16



Boost yourcareerpotentialWORKING professionals andstudents planning to pursue amaster’s in businessadministration (MBA), master’sin science (MSc) or PhD inscience can now enrol in Quest

International University Perak(QIUP) in Ipoh, which isexpanding its presence in thegrowing postgraduate market.

These programmes are idealfor those seeking to boost theircareer potential with apostgraduate qualification thatoffers flexibility in learningand excellent support fromexperienced academic staff.

The MBA programme is bycoursework while the MSc andPhD programmes are byresearch.

The MBA programme offersflexibility by allowing studentsto take courses/subjects at theirown pace. Students can take

two to four subjects persemester and complete thewhole programme in 18months.

Classes are conducted duringweekday evenings andweekends to enable workingadults to pursue theprogramme.

The minimum duration forfull-time study is 24 months forthe MSc and 36 months for thePhD.

For the part-time mode, theMSc takes a minimum of 36months while the PhD takes atleast 48 months to complete.

These are ideal for graduatesand working professionals who

are motivated to upgrade theirqualifications, knowledgeand employability but arenot able to pursue full-timeprogrammes.

QIUP is confident that itsdedicated academic team, andtheir industry experience offerall students an exceptionalexperience, raise their academicand professional profiles, andmake them a better-skilledworkforce.

“Due to strenuous lifestylesand competing priorities, peoplefind it difficult to upgrade theirskills conveniently andefficiently.

“Our programmes are aimed

at equipping students with therequired managerial andtechnical tools that will preparethem to take up new challengesand excel at work,” says QIUP’schief operating officer NicholasGoh.

Prof Dr Abdul Latif Salleh,acting dean of Faculty ofBusiness, Management andSocial Sciences, firmly believesthat the QIUP MBA programme

is designed for high-achievingprofessionals with the drive andambition to move into senior

leadership roles.Assoc Prof Dr Vilasini Pillai,

director of Centre for GraduateStudies and Research and headof biotechnology, is confidentthat the MSc and PhDprogrammes, which can beundertaken in any principalareas of scientific research, willopen up opportunities forgraduates to find employment in jobs related to research, scientificanalysis, tertiary level education,consultation and productdevelopment.

QIUP is home to excellentacademicians who have strongcredentials and are experts intheir fields.

Throughout their time at QIUP,candidates are exposed toimpactful research work andwork ethics from brilliant andpassionate staff.

There are four faculties andtwo centres at QIUP – Centre forFoundation Studies, Centre forGraduate Studies and Research,Faculty of Medicine, Faculty ofIntegrative Sciences andTechnology, Faculty of Business,Management and Social Sciences,and Faculty of Pharmacy –offering programmes atfoundation, diploma, degree andpostgraduate levels.

Should you desire a qualitystudent life and interaction with

the best academicians, QIUP canbe your choice.The April/May intake for the

university’s postgraduateprogrammes is open forregistration.

n For more information on theprogrammes, call 1800 88QIUP (7487), [email protected] orvisit www.qiup.edu.my.

Our programmesare aimedat equippingstudents withthe requiredmanagerial andtechnical toolsthat will preparethem to take upnew challengesand excel at work.Nicholas Goh

est International University Perak’s brilliant staff exposes students to impactful research work and work ethics.


7/16


postgraduate 7

Counsellorsin the

making “THE fabric of society ischanging and we see a lot ofpeople facing difficulties in theirdaily, professional and sociallife,” says Assoc Prof ShamsulHaque, head of discipline(psychology) of the Jeffrey CheahSchool of Medicine and HealthSciences, Monash UniversityMalaysia.

“We can see that the demandfor psychological services isincreasing, because as peopleface more difficulties, they areunable to cope and need

professional help.”Assoc Prof Shamsul also

shares that society isacknowledging that a deeperunderstanding of humanbehaviour and basic cognitiveprocesses is crucial in mostaspects of work life and spansacross the different industries.

The Master of ProfessionalCounselling is offered at MonashUniversity Malaysia. Areas ofstudy include human growthand lifespan development;mental health issuessurrounding grief, trauma andsubstance abuse; counsellingchildren, adolescents, individualsand couples; cognitive behaviour

therapy; group psychotherapy;career development counselling;and counselling research design,among others.

The course is broad-basedwith students taught to counselin various areas such asorganisational counselling,mental health and relationships.

“One unique feature of thiscourse is that it also equipsstudents to understand andconduct research in the field ofcounselling,” says Dr Tam CaiLian, course coordinator of themaster’s programme.

These skills may be used topursue further academicresearch study and enable

evidence-based counsellingpractices.She adds that the course aims

to be accredited by threedifferent bodies – the MalaysianBoard of Counsellors, theAustralian CounsellingAssociation and thePsychotherapy and CounsellingFederation of Australia.

The various accreditations willopen up opportunities for

Dr Tam Cai Lianis coursecoordinator ofthe Master of

ProfessionalCounsellingprogramme atMonash UniversityMalaysia.

graduates to practise in Malaysiaas well as Australia.

The course incorporates 504hours of clinical placements ingovernment agencies andprivate organisations, of which192 hours would involve direct,face-to-face contact with clients.

Dr Tam says that the course isopen to anyone with a bachelor’sdegree in any field, whether theyare recent graduates or workingprofessionals seeking to knowmore about counselling.

“Students need to have a

passion and desire to knowmore about human beings andthe problems they face and beinterested in helping themselvesand the people around them,”she says.

With a degree in mathematics,Dr Tam chose to pursuecounselling as a way to help thecommunity and address thevarious mental illnesses andfamily problems she saw aroundher.

Students will benefit greatlyfrom a diverse team of highlyexperienced and accreditedacademics and psychologists.

They will also have access toworld-class laboratories and

facilities.These include group and

individual counselling roomsequipped with two-way mirrors,observation side rooms andrecording devices.

Assoc Prof Shamsul says thatcounsellors can promote mentalhealth at both the organisationaland the community level.

“In an organisation, they canhelp improve relationshipsbetween co-workers, contributeto crisis management, managework stress and also play amajor role in reducing jobdissatisfaction and improving job performance,” he says.

“At the community level,

counsellors can deal withrelationship problems throughmarriage or couple counsellingas well as help manage personalgrief, trauma and other mentalhealth issues. At schools, theycan help modify students’academic behaviour and addresspeer-relation problems.”

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


8/16



Supporting dynamic researchPURSUING a postgraduatedegree is a rewarding journeythat enhances your knowledgeand skills within your area ofinterest as well as contributesto building professionalexperience and personalgrowth to broaden your careerprospects.

Curtin University, SarawakMalaysia (Curtin Sarawak),Curtin University’s largestinternational campus, offersdifferent levels of postgraduatestudy and industry-alignedprogrammes by coursework orresearch under its Faculty of

Engineering and Science,Faculty of Business, andFaculty of Humanities incollaboration with its GraduateSchool.

Established last year, theCurtin Sarawak GraduateSchool advances and promotespostgraduate educationthrough both taught andresearch programmes.

tgraduate programmes at Curtin Sarawak are identical to those offered attin University’s main campus in Perth, Australia.

In the research programmes,it aims to provide high-qualitysupport and research trainingto students and supervisors aswell as assist in the growth of avibrant research culture.

Postgraduate programmes atCurtin Sarawak are identical tothose at Curtin’s main campusin Perth and, as a result, degreesearned at the Sarawak campusare conferred directly by CurtinPerth.

Master’s programmes offeredinclude Master of Science inProject Management, Masterof Engineering Science

(Electrical Engineering) andMaster of PetroleumEngineering, all by coursework,in addition to the Higher Degreeby Research (HDR) programmesleading to Master of Philosophy(MPhil) and Doctor ofPhilosophy (PhD) qualificationsin various engineering, science,business and humanitiesdisciplines.

Graduate certificates andgraduate diplomas are alsooffered in project managementleading to the Master of Sciencein Project Management.

Those interested in pursuingmaster’s degrees may beaccepted into programmes at

the Faculty of Business orFaculty of Engineering andScience provided they holdappropriate qualifications asdecided by the respectivefaculty deans. Some master’sdegrees also have a workexperience component.

A HDR differs from otherpostgraduate degrees in that atleast two-thirds of the studyprogramme must involveresearch.

Although candidates arerequired to complete somecoursework units, the main partof the work involves writing athesis under the guidance of asupervisor.

The main research areasunder the Faculty ofEngineering and Science areenergy and environment,intelligent systems, design andcontrol, materials andstructures, and bio-processtechnologies.

The Faculty of Businessfocuses on accounting, businesslaw and taxation, economicsand finance, informationsystems, management,marketing, and public relations.

The current main thrusts ofthe Faculty of Humanities are ineducation, English language,tourism, culture and masscommunication.

Through the years, CurtinSarawak has established athriving community of staff andstudents engaged in researchand, especially with theestablishing of the CurtinSarawak Graduate School, thenumber of HDR students hasincreased substantially over thepast two years. At present, thereare 120 HDR students.

As Curtin Sarawak is

committed to supporting andnurturing postgraduateresearchers within a dynamicresearch environment, it offersPhD and MPhil researchscholarships for eligiblecandidates to join the vibrantresearch communities at theuniversity and conductadvanced research study basedon their chosen research areas.

These scholarships arenormally offered at the end ofeach calendar year to highlyqualified applicants.

“Our HDR programmes helpcandidates become highly

employable and graduates withdoctorates tend to command topsalaries.

“There is a high demandfrom employers for HDRholders because of theirexpertise and also because theyare known to have excellentmanagement skills, are able towork independently and usecritical thinking skills tosolve problems,” says ProfMarcus Lee, dean of GraduateSchool.

He adds that those who areachievement-oriented, seekchallenges and aim to broadentheir horizons through higher-level study are ideal candidates

for such programmes.Postgraduate study is a

growing area at Curtin Sarawakand holds a huge potential forfuture growth given the largenumber of graduates in variousindustries in Sarawak and thehigh industry demand forhighly skilled professionals andexperts.

While studying at CurtinSarawak ensures students aquality Curtin degree and thepractical experience required tofurther their careers, they canalso be assured that theirqualifications are widelyaccepted globally.

In addition, students can

benefit from learning fromhighly experienced academicstaff members who work closelywith their counterparts in Perthin teaching and research toensure that the quality ofprovision reaches the samehigh standards.

Curtin Sarawak continues tocreate new learning spacesequipped with the latesttechnological advances inteaching and learning, includingdistributed learning technology,which is aimed at increasingstudent engagement, fosteringcollaboration between staff andstudents, and providing flexible,technology-rich environments.

The completion of a new four-storey Faculty of Engineeringand Science building this yearwill see the addition of evenmore innovative learningfacilities.

n For more information onCurtin Sarawak’s postgraduateprogrammes, call 08-544 3939 ore-mail [email protected] visit www.curtin.edu.my.


9/16


postgraduate 9

Running for a causeTHE students of Diploma in EventsManagement, Berjaya UniversityCollege of Hospitality successfullyorganised a 4km charity run incollaboration with the TurtleConservation Society of Malaysia(TCS).

This event was held on March 27from 6.30am to noon at thePutrajaya Challenge Park.

The park was filled with afamily-fun atmosphere with foodand mini games stalls set up aswell as a merchandise booth ranby TCS.

As part of students’ courseworkfulfilment in the event projectwork course, students wererequired to organise an event witha cause or purpose such as a social,fundraising or awarenesscampaign.

This particular event wasorganised to raise funds to helpTCS in their pursuit to recoverdepleting populations of wildturtles in Malaysia, namely

freshwater turtles.It is only through organising

such events that students learnabout teamwork, team synergy,

effective communication, planning,managing and the practical aspectsof running an actual event.

This learning methodologyallows the students of BerjayaUniversity College of Hospitality toexperience the real-world practicesof the events industry and beimmersed in the field of theirstudies to translate the theoriesthey have learnt in the classroominto practical exposure.

Running enthusiasts from allover the Klang Valley took partin this meaningful run.

During the run, participantswere given a mission to protect a

special “egg” throughout the 4kmcourse, which included overcomingobstacles.

Props were creatively used to

create obstacles such as rivers,large waves, sandy beaches andmore to make the run challengingand exciting.

Participants had to ensure thatthe “egg” arrived safely at thefinishing line. They were eachgiven an exclusive T-shirt andmedal upon completion ofthe run.

This fun and exciting event wasyet another success for theDiploma in Events Managementstudents.

n For more information,visit www.berjaya.edu.my.

About Berjaya University College of Hospitality

Berjaya University College of

Hospitality is arguablyMalaysia’s premier universitycollege in the fields ofhospitality, culinary arts,tourism and eventmanagement, situated in theGolden Triangle of KualaLumpur.

Located on the 11th and14th floors of Berjaya TimesSquare, it is conceptuallydesigned with a five-star hotelambiance equipped with themost comprehensive andadvanced facilities thatmirrors real-world settings.

Berjaya also offers courses in

business and liberal arts.Berjaya aims to make higher

education more accessible,affordable and attainable foreveryone.

The PTPTN educationfinancing scheme is availablefor Malaysian students and itsaffiliation with the BerjayaCorporation Group ofCompanies also allows it tohost several bursary schemesand education scholarships,which are made available toboth local and internationalstudents.

Left: BerjayaUniversity ofHospitality’sDiploma in EventsManagementstudents organiseda charity run withthe TurtleConservation

Society ofMalaysia.

Right: The charityrun attractedparticipants fromall over the KlangValley.


10/16

0 postgraduateTHE STAR,


IT industryreadyINFORMATION and communicationstechnology (ICT) and computing havebecome key contributing factors to therise of economies across the globe.

The technology enables industries and

companies to maximise efficiency interms of productivity, work flow,marketing strategy, time and resources.

However, the continuousmodernisation of established anddeveloping countries can only takeplace if the current crop of industryprofessionals have the required skills andknowledge to create, introduce and take

advantage of new ICT technologies intheir workplace.

In addition to postgraduate courses,working adults can enrol in short onlinecourses to upskill themselves and gain

valuable knowledge.The emergence of massive open online

courses that are often accredited by topinternational universities further ensuresquality education for all students.

Listed here are some technicallyadvanced online courses that are growingin popularity with individuals acrossindustries.

PHP programmingPHP: Hypertext Preprocessor

(PHP) programming is a server-sidescripting language for dynamic webdevelopment.

Easily integrated with HTML (astandardised system for tagging textfiles on the web) and SQL (structuredquery language for managing data),PHP is often used to process thecontents of a Web page as it is moresecure and reliable than JavaScript.

Students in such courses will learnhow PHP programming works in theWeb environment and the effects ofdifferent commands and coding lineson client-side machines.

Such courses are useful for peoplewho would like to learn more aboutusing PHP and MySQL to integratedatabase functions into websites.

Other web development programsinclude JavaScript, jQuery and AJAX.

Google Android and iPhoneapp development

Mobile devices are widely usedaround the world with many users

regularly downloading or purchasingnew applications (apps) onto theirAndroid or iPhone devices.

Courses on android appdevelopment cover topics such asarchitecture overview, applicationlifecycle, Android applicationprogram interfaces (APIs), appdevelopment tools and Android UserInterface.

People who complete the coursewill understand key principles andprocesses underlying Androidapplications and be able to achievesmooth integration with differentAndroid components.

Similarly, iPhone app developmentstudents will learn the Objective-Cprogramming language that is usedto program iPhone apps, and otherrelated features such as the Core OS,

Core Services, Media and CocoaTouch levels.

Individuals will also be able toprogramme for single-touch andmulti-touch functionalities anddevelop iPhone apps that use built-inaccelerators.

Web and app development

Google AnalyticsUnderstanding web traffic

data can greatly affect businessesand provide important clues toformulating the best marketingstrategies.

Google Analytics provides anabundance of data, includingknowledge of where your webvisitors are coming from, whichcontent is popular among site visitorsand whether the website is workingwell for you.

People who take the course willunderstand the dynamics of onlinemarketing, the importance of

statistical information, be able toidentify the conversion rates of paidkeywords, identify key markets,measure bounce rates and trackproduct sales, revenue and returnon investments.

Computer scienceA comprehensive programme

such as the Intensive Introduction toComputer Science Open LearningCourse offered by Harvard Universitycovers a wide range of study areas incomputation and its manyapplications.

This particular course, which istaught by the university’s lecturers,includes the study of algorithms(design, implementation andanalysis), software development(abstraction, encapsulation, datastructures, debugging and testing),architecture of computers (low-level

data representation and instructionprocessing), computer systems(programming languages, compilers,operating systems and databases),and computers in the real world(networks, websites, security,forensics and cryptography).

Business, management and marketing

Google SketchUp for 3Dmodelling

Google SketchUp is a useful tool forarchitects, civil and mechanical

engineers, graphic artists and gamedevelopers.

Individuals who enrol in thecourse will be introduced to thedifferent navigation tools to orbit,pan and zoom in on their modelprojects.

With the multitude of drawing,offset, modification and painttools available in the program,students will be able to createdigitally detailed models andseparate them into numerous partsor components.

3D graphics for webdevelopers

Web graphics library (WebGL) is a JavaScript API for rendering

interactive 3D computer graphicswithin any compatible web browserwithout the use of plug-ins.

Web developers who have priorknowledge of JavaScript will learnWebGL theories and practices tostart programming 3D graphicapplications for the web.

Students will learn the concepts oftransformations and materials in theWebGLStudio web tool to createsimple scenes before finally addingmeshes, textures, lights and objects totheir creations.

Design

1

1

1

2

2

2


11/16


postgraduate 11

From left: SunwayUniversity’s seniorlecturer and MBAprogramme chairMichael Dent,Sunway UniversityBusiness School’sdean Prof SteveWilliams andLancasterUniversity’sdirector ofpartnership anddevelopment DrThomasThornborrow.

SUNWAY University, a leadingprivate university in Malaysia, isrenowned for its internationalpartnerships.

It has sealed strongpartnerships and affiliationswith top world institutions such

as University of Cambridge,University of Oxford, HarvardUniversity, Lancaster University,Le Cordon Bleu and more.

For the dual-award premierMaster of BusinessAdministration (MBA), SunwayUniversity partners with theLancaster MBA, a world-leadingMBA programme.

Climbing the ranks

In the Financial Times (FT)Global MBA Ranking 2016, theLancaster MBA recorded aconsistent growth, jumping 15places to 35th in the world from50th last year and 77th place in

2014.Besides that, the Lancaster

MBA also rose from ninth tofourth place in the UK this year.

The FT Global MBA Ranking 2016 also ranked the LancasterMBA first in the world forcorporate strategy (for thesecond year running), ahead ofHarvard University, and first inthe UK for salary increase aswell as general management.

Other achievements by theLancaster MBA in the latest FTranking include sixth in theworld for value for money,eighth in the world for generalmanagement and fifth in theworld for international business.

Prof Angus Laing, dean ofLancaster UniversityManagement School (LUMS),congratulates the class of 2012on their career success, which isbehind Lancaster’s rise in therankings.

“This result follows ourexcellent performance in the

Research Excellence Framework 2014, in which LUMS wasranked first for research power.

“Our improvement in the FTranking is due to an exceptionalMBA programme that attractsexcellent students and isdelivered by a world-leadingfaculty.

“It confirms our position as a

leading global business school,”says Prof Laing.Dr Peter Lenney, director of

the Lancaster full-time MBA,says, “Our rise in the table is aresult of the success of ouralumni in their careers, thequality of the programme wedeliver at Lancaster and thecontinuous improvement in allaspects of the school over theyears.

“We are very grateful to all thealumni who were surveyed forthis ranking.

“They have obviously donereally well in their careers,” hecontinues.

Learning from experts

Sunway University is also

proud of its partner university’snotable achievements in the FTGlobal Ranking 2016.

This is a confirmation toSunway University’s currentMBA students that they aremaking the right choice inpursuing Malaysia’s premierMBA.

They are able to have a world-class learning experience from afaculty of among the bestmanagement consultants,educators and research scholarsin the world.

This includes academicianssuch as Sunway University’ssenior lecturer and MBAprogramme chair Michael Dent,

Sunway University BusinessSchool’s dean Prof SteveWilliams as well as LancasterUniversity’s director ofpartnership and development DrThomas Thornborrow.

Upon completion of SunwayUniversity’s MBA programme,students are awarded two scrolls – one from Sunway Universityand one from LancasterUniversity.

While Sunway University is arenowned provider of businesseducation within Malaysia,Lancaster University is ranked inthe top 1% of universities in theworld.

If you are interested in

pursuing Sunway University’sdual-award premier MBA, youcan attend a preview session onApril 20 or May 11 at 6.30pm atSunway University GraduateCentre.

n For more information aboutthe programme or to reserve aplace at the preview, call 03-74918701 or visit www.sunway.edu.my/university/MBA.

Partneringwith theUK’s best

Upon completion ofSunway University'sMBA programme,students are

awarded two scrolls– one from SunwayUniversity and onefrom LancasterUniversity.


12/16



The Universityof NottinghamMalaysiaCampus is partof an importantcollaboration tocreate a moresustainablefuture for theaviationindustry.

Lessons frompostgraduate school

RSUING a postgraduate degreeers a unique experience, bothdemically and personally.king the choice to further yourdies not only signifies you areious about your field of study orrk, but also proves you aredy to make solid commitments

your future.The primary benefits ofaining a postgraduate

alification involve advancingur career, venturing intodemic research or improving

ur knowledge and skills withinarea of expertise.

By the end of your studies,ugh, you may have learnt manyer life lessons; it is safe to say

u will leave postgraduate schoolh more than an academicalification.

esilience, diligence,rseverancet is common knowledge that

nducting and reporting research be difficult and daunting.ny people find that they areable to cope, but those who dok it out come out stronger andomplished.

Therefore, completing atgraduate degree requires

entless effort and greatdication that can only be

ported by a “never give up”tude.

Being able to bounce backfrom disappointments, stressfulmoments or setbacks teaches thatyou can conquer any mountain,no matter how high.

Responsibility andownership

Working on something that youcan truly call your own is not onlypersonally rewarding, it alsoproves responsibility to see yourtasks to completion.

This includes acceptingdrawbacks and failures and beingable to grow from them.

important people in your lifeteaches you to appreciate themmore, especially as they continueto offer love and support throughthick and thin.

This time could also be useful toidentify other things you value –whether they are sports, hobbiesor even social work, you learn theimportance of creating a healthybalance in life.

Time managementand discipline

Classes, assignments, field orlaboratory work, presentations,

research, discussions andexaminations – these are some ofthe many aspects of a postgraduatestudent’s life.

The postgraduate experiencehighlights the importance ofprioritising while multitasking.Many students juggle otherresponsibilities along withpostgraduate school, includingholding down a part-time job orcaring for a family.

You learn to manage your time

and therefore develop a sense ofdiscipline to get the job donewithout excuses.

Matching your actions with yourgoals will give you that extra pushyou need to drive your effortsforward productively.

Communication andpeople skills

Presentations and group workhelp you communicate andconnect with people, whileinteraction with your lecturers,supervisors and course matestrains you to work well with othersfor the best possible outcome.

If you are progressing

immediately from anundergraduate degree, this willbe a great platform for you tofirst meet individuals in theindustry you are looking to breakinto.

Mutual inspiration andmotivation is also something youpick up from those with similarinterests as you learn that twoheads are, more often than not,better than one.

Not only will your work reflectyour ability to take charge, youwill also learn how to stick withdecisions and control your life. Ontop of that, it will become clear that

achievements are direct productsof your effort and dedication.

Valuing what matters

It is during these busy and oftenchallenging times that studentsrealise what matters most to them.To many, this includes a strongsupport system consisting offriends and family.

Spending time away from the

Postgraduate study offers more than academic knowledge.

From macro-algae to jet fuelE aviation community has

mmitted itself to form a moretainable aviation world byting down on its emissions,proving fuel efficiency anducing its carbon footprint.

The recent memorandum ofeement (MoA) on offshoretivation of tropical macro-algaethe production of aviation jetl is part of this sustainabilityve, focusing on the developmentalternative sources of feedstockfuel.

This research and technologyaboration involves Aerospacelaysia Innovation Centre

MIC), Airbus Group, University of

laya, University Malaysiaengganu, The University ofttingham Malaysia Campus

NMC) and Universiti Kebangsaanlaysia for a project titledshore Cultivation of Tropicalcro-Algae for the Production ofation Jet Fuel.

This collaboration is aligned withIC’s commitment to sustainableation and seeks to catalyse the

velopment of sustainable bio-jetl in Malaysia.

AMIC’s sustainable aviationivities are part of Airbus andbus Group’s worldwide actionsustainable aviation.

Currently, the aviation industryntributes between 2% and 3% of

global manmade CO2 emissions

(705 million tonnes).The aviation industry is targeting

a carbon neutral growth status by2020, having a solid track record sofar in reducing its emission.

This status will be achievedthrough four pillars of innovation –product technology, operations, airtraffic management andsustainable fuel.

AMIC is leading the way insustainable aviation jet fuelresearch in the region.

Macro-algae, more commonlyknown as seaweed, are a knownpotential source of feedstock forbioenergy and biofuel.

Harnessing the expertise fromfour reputable universities inMalaysia, this project seeks to laythe foundations for a pioneeringindustry as part of the fuel supplyvalue chain.

University of Malaya will use itsexpertise, firstly in macro-algae,ocean environment, physical andchemical processes and analysis;and secondly, in nanotechnology,catalysis, fuel processing andconversion as well as biofuelanalysis.

University Malaysia Terengganuwill focus on the design,engineering and deployment of anoffshore cultivation system for thetropical macro-algae.

UNMC will leverage on itsproven track record of design andmodelling of techno-economics andthe assessment of scenarios.

Meanwhile, UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia will assessthe social-environmental impactof the development of such anindustry in the country.

AMIC, together with AirbusGroup, will ensure the research isin line with aviation standards andrequirements and assess theoverall commercial viability of

the technology.The signing of this MoA will

mark the start of an 18-monthcollaboration journey for the entireconsortium, with a project deliveryof next year to customer AirbusGroup.

UNMC, in particular, will beconducting a techno-economicevaluation of the production ofbio-diesel from macro-algae.

“We are ideally positioned tocontribute our expertise andexperience in groundbreaking

research in the area of aerospaceand are looking forward toworking closely with suchoutstanding partners. This projectfits well with our aim to use ourresearch expertise to addressglobal challenges in the area ofenvironmental sustainability,” saysProf Christine Ennew, chiefexecutive officer and provost ofUNMC.

n For more information,visit www.nottingham.edu.my.


13/16


postgraduate 13

Impacting fourgenerationsIT was a significant moment in historywhen four generations of professionalswho are also PhD graduates from differentinstitutions met Dr Oo Yu Hock, whosupervised all four previous students, forthe first time in Asia e University (AeU).

Dr Oo is currently the consultant for AeU’sSchool of Management.

Mooi Wah Kian, who last served asundersecretary in the Science, Technologyand Innovation Ministry (Mosti), is anoptional retiree of the Malaysian CivilService from 2014.

Having just gone through balancing hiswork, study and family obligations, Mooisuccessfully completed his viva voce inNovember last year and was recentlyconferred the Doctor of Philosophy by theSenate of AeU early in March this year.

Dr Mooi’s obtainment of his PhD (BA) is areflection of his service for more than fourdecades as a dedicated civil servant and hisrelentless pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Dr Mooi’s recurring thoughts todayresound of his unique experience at AeU,

where in the context of university lifelongeducation and blended learning, he says, “Itcan only happen at AeU.”

AeU is proud of its trilogy of sharedhuman-institution achievements, namelythe success of students’ commitment in thepursuit of knowledge and degrees, itsworkable philosophy in blended e-learningand continuous effort in providing online-onsite facilitated learning with cross-institutional support.

Dr Mooi’s achievement clearly reflectsthe commitment AeU has towards itsworking adult students who pursue furtherstudies, the institution’s belief in lifelonglearning and delivery of knowledge throughblended learning as well as the offering ofthe management learning system myPLS(My Personalised Learning Space) that

facilitates learning online anytime,anywhere.“I am very proud and honoured to be a

part of a history-in-the-making event as aPhD graduate supervised by this iconicacademic supervisor in AeU. With theguidance and advice from Dr Oo Yu Hock, Isuccessfully completed and passed my PhD(BA) degree,” says Dr Mooi.

Dr Mooi became the fourth-generationcivil service student under Dr Oo’ssupervision. Dr Mooi discovered that his

reviewers comprised the three generationsof PhD academicians who were previouslyDr Oo’s students at the Faculty of Economics& Administration, University of Malaya.

“I don’t think I will see this happenanywhere else where one academic

supervisor can gather with four generationsof professionals to reflect on theirexperiences, share knowledge and enrichtheir professions through the lifelonglearning at AeU,” says Dr Mooi.

n For more information, visitwww.aeu.edu.my or call 1300 300 238.

About AeU

AeU is a collaborative multinationaluniversity established under theauspices of the 33 Asia CooperationDialogue Countries (ACD).

All academic programmes areinternationally benchmarked,

approved by the Education Ministryand accredited by the MalaysianQualifications Agency.

Established in April 2007, AeU hasspread its wings to ACD (AsiaCooperation Dialogue) membersBahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China,India, Indonesia, Iran, Myanmar,Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, SriLanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates,Vietnam as well as non-membercountries Denmark, Hong Kong, Iraq,Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia,New Zealand, Nigeria, Sweden,Somalia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Today, AeU has an enrolment ofmore than 22,000 students from 65countries and more than 7,000

graduates.As one of Malaysia’s leadingproviders of open and distancelearning, AeU has a diverse andinternational community of more than1,000 fellow doctoral students from 46countries who are making a differencearound the world.

Intakes for postgraduate researchprogrammes are open throughout theyear.

Fourth from left: Dr Oo Yu Hock from AeU was the supervisor to (from left) Dr Mooi Wah Kianfrom AeU, Prof Dr Ahmad Atory Hussain from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Assoc Prof Dr AliBoerhannoeddin from University of Malaya and Assoc Prof Dr Hardev Kaur from UniversitiTeknologi Mara.


14/16



Preventingdisease andsaving livesPENANG Medical College (PMC) is whollyowned by the Royal College of Surgeons inIreland (RCSI) and University College Dublin(UCD), two world-renowned universities inIreland.

In expanding its postgraduate offerings,

PMC offers the UCD MSc in Public Health(MPH International) in its upcomingSeptember intake.

As we seek to prevent disease and ensurecitizens have long and healthy lives, publichealth has never been more important.

Public health is about looking after thehealth of individuals and the population asdistinct from dealing directly with theconsequences of illness and treating sickindividuals.

The emphasis is on the prevention ofdisease and tackling factors that contributeto illnesses, such as environmental andbehavioural factors.

Challenges in major public health issuesare similar in many jurisdictions, includinglifestyle-related diseases, infectious diseasesand implementing appropriate preventive

strategies.

Multidisciplinary course

The UCD MPH is an internationalprogramme that attracts students from allover the world. It is a multidisciplinaryprogramme with students from manydifferent professional backgrounds,including medicine.

Tackling public health issues is a multi-disciplinary task. While the initial stagesof the course might be easier for medicaldoctors and allied health professionals,those with other qualifications will equallybenefit from and enjoy the course.

Prior work experience in the communityhealth setting is ideal but any work relatedto improving living conditions or quality of

life of a country’s citizens is beneficial.Students without work experience will

benefit from case studies, field trips and anopportunity to do work placements so thatthey gain practical experience.

One of the benefits of the course is the

broad nature of the subject areas covered.Most students become excited about aparticular area of study, thus triggering alifetime interest.

The multidisciplinary nature of theparticipants allows for great sharing of

knowledge and experiences and a mutualrespect for people with other competencies.

Because of the interactive nature ofteaching and group work, lifetimefriendships are often formed.

Students have been published inrespected international journals and alsopresented their research on their MPHthesis at scientific conferences.

Career progression

Many graduates with an MPH take uppositions in their country’s public healthservice or with global agencies such as theWorld Health Organization, Food andAgricultural Organization or other non-governmental organisations engaged inhealth improvement initiatives around the

world.The MPH is a suitable entry qualification

for the US Centers for Disease Control’sEpidemiology Investigation Service andsimilar field epidemiology programmes inother jurisdictions.

An MPH is a good foundation forcandidates who are considering becominginvolved in research and/or academic publichealth.

UCD also has an active PhD programmeand the MPH provides a good grounding inresearch methods and public health sciencesto amply prepare a candidate interested inpursuing this route in UCD or in any otherinstitution. An honours degree is aprerequisite for most institutions.

MPH graduates in Malaysia are requiredby the Health Ministry to pursue a three-

year Doctor of Public Health or PhDprogramme to be recognised as a specialist.

n For more information, [email protected] or visitwww.pmc.edu.my/postgraduate-programmes.

ang Medical College believes in the importance of maintaining quality public health through

ease prevention.

PMC’S UCD MsC in Public Health students will have the opportunity to experience case studiesand field trips as part of their course.


15/16


postgraduate 15

Binary University has a large PhD candidacy. The university recentlyconferred the Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Entrepreneurshipto (from left) Tan Sri A. K. Nathan, Tan Sri Michael Chen Wing Sum andTan Sri Halim Mohammad for their contributions in business andentrepreneurship to the nation.

Be an entrepreneur

BINARY University’s Master’sof Business Administration(MBA), Doctorate in BusinessAdministration (DBA) and PhDprogrammes have grown by leapsand bounds with a global alumniacross Europe, Middle East, Africa,South-East Asia, Indiansubcontinent and Central Asia.

“As Malaysia’s first university tospecialise in entrepreneurship,Binary University has beenequipping graduates withentrepreneurial skills, supportedby a comprehensiveentrepreneurial ecosystem andtwo dedicated research centres inentrepreneurship – Centre forSocial Entrepreneurship (CSE)and the Asia Centre forEntrepreneurship (ACE), whichhelp our graduates stand out fromothers,” says Datuk Prof JosephAdaikalam, founder chairman of

Binary University, member of theNational Higher Education Counciland chief executive officer of theFaculty of the Higher EducationMinistry.

Binary University strives toprovide a platform to showcasestudents’ talents.

Through its homegrown peer-reviewed journal, the International Journal for Management &Entrepreneurship (IJME), whichwas introduced in 2005,postgraduate students are giventhe opportunity to hone theirpublishing skills and carry outmeaningful research.

Through the ISP Centre ofExcellence, Binary University

creates Industry Special

Professional graduates or ISPs.The Binary MBA is the only

industry specialist MBA in Asia and

along with the MSc in Information

Technology Management, issupported by the ISP Centre ofExcellence.

The ISP equips graduates with

the “walk and talk” of the industry,thus giving employers theconfidence in its graduates.

“As a pioneer in offeringpostgraduate courses since 1994,The Binary Graduate School (BGS)has become a respected providerof high-quality education. The BGSoffers more than 20 postgraduatecourses, including its flagship MBA,PhD and DBA that are fullyaccredited by MQA.

“As a specialist university, weare able to provide personalisedattention and help studentsrealise their personal goals,” saysDr Sulochana Nair, vice-chancellorof Binary University.

The BGS offers unique deliverystructures that meet the needs ofboth working adults and full-timestudents.

For working adults, the blockrelease mode (BRM) deliverslearning to them in a way that doesnot require them to leave their jobsto pursue their education.

Full-time students pursuingthe master’s by research ortaught master’s programmesperform research that matters toemployers, which increases theiremployability.

Students can pursue the MScby Research in human resourcemanagement, internationalmarketing, quality management,

public sector management,

entrepreneurship and innovation,accounting and finance, real estatemanagement, Islamic banking andfinance, social entrepreneurship,environmental management,among others.

“The Binary MBA is a world-classprogramme delivered by a goodmix of experienced practitionersand highly qualified academics andis the only industry specialist MBAin Asean,” says Dr Nair.

Under the revised Budget 2016,the MyBrain15 grant is beingextended to benefit all Malaysiansthrough the MyMaster and MyPhDprogrammes.

This year, a total of RM300mil

has been allocated by the PrimeMinister to aid 15,000 My Masterand 5,000 PhD candidates.

The next intake for the PhD,MBA and MSc by Research are onApril 27 and the intake for the DBAis on May 23.

Postgraduate applicants mayapply for the MyMaster andMyPhD grants through the BGSprovided by the Higher EducationMinistry to qualified candidates.

The closing date for the nextMyBrain application is on April 30.

n For more information, callThina at 012-288 8500 orKumar at 017-254 7125 to get apersonal counselling session or

visit www.binary.edu.my.

Time, financial stability and personal commitments are key factors to consider when choosing the bestpostgraduate course.

DECIDING to pursue postgraduatestudy is a big step in itself, but oncethe decision has been made, thereare many options to choose from.

Postgraduate courses can bestudied in flexible ways. Besidesfactors such as where and how tostudy – at a local university orthrough a distance learningprogramme – you will have tothink about how much time youcan spend on your studies and

when you want to complete them.Here are some things you should

consider when deciding onwhether to pursue a full-time orpart-time course.

l Commitment Just as you would commit your

time during the day to your job, afull-time postgraduate programmerequires all your “working” hours.

Though you may not have nine-to-five classes, a full-time coursewill still mean that you spend mostof your daylight hours (and someof your nights) studying.

If you are unwilling or unable toinvest so much effort into yourstudies, a part-time programme

may be more desirable. You should also take intoconsideration other factors such aswork commitments and how longit has been since you left school.

If you plan to work whilestudying or it has been a whilesince you have been back to school,easing into your classes is a goodidea.

Take one or two classes a weekat first to gauge how much you can

handle and then decide on howmuch you can commit to yourstudies.

l MoneyThough a lot of universities

offer their full-time and part-timecourses at the same fees, manypeople find the loss of incomefrom stopping work to study fulltime unsustainable.

This is especially so if you

have a family to support orother obligations that require asteady income.

Many universities do makefinancial aid available forpostgraduates, but it may beaffected by your part-time/full-timestatus.

Part-time students usuallyqualify for less financial aid (asthey often have a higher incomebecause they work while pursuing

their degree).It is a good idea to take stockof your financial situation beforedeciding which study modeto go for.

Discuss the options and findthe right balance between cost,financial aid and time spent onstudies.

l TimeWeekly time commitments have

to be factored into your decisionon what kind of programme topursue.

Even if you do not work (orwork part time) familial and otherobligations during the day mayprevent complete investmentof your time into your studies,making a full-time programmeout of the question.

This factor has to be balancedwith the bigger picture – theoverall time the postgraduatedegree will take.

Depending in how many classesyou sign up for, part-time study

may take up to four years tocomplete, while a full-timeprogramme may only take upto one year.

If you simply do not have thetime to take more than two yearsto obtain your postgraduate degree – for example, if this timeline doesnot fit into your existing careerand life plans – a full-time or morestrenuous part-time programmemay be more beneficial to you.

If you are unwillingor unable to investso much focus andefort into yourstudies, a part-time programmemay be moredesirable.

Full time or part time?


16/16

Post Graduate - 19 April 2016

Documents

Transcript of Post Graduate - 19 April 2016