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2016/17
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THE DEFINITION OF
SUCCESS IN A
POSTGRADUATE TALENT
Key Traits of a Well-Rounded
Postgraduate Talent
LEADERS WHO
MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Transforming
Leaders of the
Future
THE SPIRIT
TO SERVE graduan.com
BADLISYAH ABDUL GHANI
President COMPLIMENTARY COPY
Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals {{xx
2016/17
education
We are now four years away from Wawasan 2020, a concept first unveiled by
former prime minister Datuk Seri (now Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1991. The
main thrust of this concept is that the nation should achieve developed country
status in its own mould by the year 2020.
It is safe to say that postgraduate studies in Malaysia have taken on a new wave
and GRADUAN EDUCATION is proud to be a part of this dynamic progress
that is happening in Malaysias higher education sector. As per all our other
titles in the GRADUAN family, our focus is on providing insightful, useful
information that will guide our readers towards making the right decisions
about their education choices.
Malaysias Leading
Research University
26 9 2
Subjects Subjects Subjects
MODERN LANGUAGES
66.9
70.0
51-100
101-150 engineering & technology
OVERALL 2016
SUBJECT
SCORE RANK
COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMS 69.9 51-100
MATHEMATICS
DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
65.3
73.3
101-150
30
SUBJECT
SCORE RANK EDUCATION 72.6 51-100
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 60.0 201-250 ECONOMICS & ECONOMETRICS 61.9 151-200
MEDICINE 69.0 151-200 LAW 55.7 151-200
PHARMACY & PHARMACOLOGY 66.8 101-150 STATISTICS & OPERATIONAL RESEARCH 55.0 151-200
MESSAGE FROM THE
MANAGING DIRECTOR
O
ver the last decade, GRADUAN EDUCATION has always maintained
focus to become a complete resource guide for talent in their quest
of pursuing their postgraduate study. Our team works relentlessly hard
to ensure that everything in our guide is up-to-date, exciting, informative and
most importantly, relevant to Malaysia talent as well as current events.
The way we reach out to potential postgraduate students has also evolved.
Acting on todays reliance on the Internet and social media as a source of
information, we provide multiple online touch points to get closer to our
readers. From regular updates on our social media feed to presenting the
latest information on our website, we strive to provide our readers with easy
access to the information they need in making the right decisions in their
postgraduate journey.
To all those who are on this unique journey of their postgraduate studies, I wish
you all the best. I hope that you will find all the answers to your questions here
with GRADUAN EDUCATION.
Diyana Tahir
Editorial Team education
2016/17
THE DEFINITION OF
Contributors C
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SUCCESS IN A
POSTGRADUATE TALENT
Key Traits of a Well-Rounded
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Postgraduate Talent
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RAISING THE BAR
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Setting the Standards
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ON THE COVER
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Postgraduate Education
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LEADERS WHO
MAKE A
Ima Jamal
Sharina Baharuddin
Printer
Percetakan Osacar Sdn Bhd
No 16, Jalan IDA 1A
Perindustrian Desa Aman
Taman Desa Aman
contents
52200 Kuala Lumpur
CHAPTER 1:
GRADUAN education is published by
BIZ Connexion Sdn Bhd SPECIAL FEATURES
The Corporate Centre
B7-1, Block B, First Floor THE SPIRIT TO SERVE 14
Dataran Palma, Jalan Selaman 1 Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, President of CIIF,
68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia says the professional body helps to enhance
Tel : +603 4270 3270 professional credibility of industry talent and
Fax : +603 4270 3275 promotes continuous learning.
E-mail : editor@graduan.com
Website : www.graduan.com
THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
PP 15998/10/2012(031186) IN A POSTGRADUATE TALENT 18
ISBN 1394-0562 Prof Dato Dr Mohd Amin, Vice Chancellor
of Universiti Malaya, expands on what he
EDITORIAL POLICY believes are the key traits one should possess to
All companies highlighted in GRADUAN education
employ fresh graduates. These companies are be successful in their postgraduate study.
selected by the GRADUAN education team. All
articles are written by GRADUAN education writers
and contributors, unless otherwise indicated by the
word Advertorial. These advertorials are paid for
18 24
by the respective companies. We aim to be the most
trustworthy employment and career resource for
fresh graduates. We pay attention to both accuracy
and independence. We have a high presence of
advertisements because this ensures a high percentage
of FREE books for final year undergraduates. (On a first
come, first serve basis).
148
HOSPITALITY MONASH UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA 146
Mastering International Hospitality 108
Management at Taylors University MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY 147
Course : Master in International Hospitality Programme
University : Taylors University OLYMPIA COLLEGE 148
Pursue Your Dreams 112
Course : Master of Science (Hospitality Management) PUTRA BUSINESS SCHOOL 149
University : UNITAR
SEGi UNIVERSITY 150
ICT
Advancing Your Software Engineering 118 TAYLORS UNIVERSITY 151
Skill and Leadership
Course : Master of Software Engineering THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM 152
University : Universiti Tenaga Nasional
MALAYSIA CAMPUS
MEDICINE
Your Future in Molecular Medicine 122 UNITAR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 153
Starts Here
Course : MSc in Molecular Medicine UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA 154
University : International Medical University
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR 155
OIL & GAS
Energy Management Experts 128 UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA 156
Course : Master of Business Administration in Energy
Management
University : Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG 157
GRADUAN EDUCATION 11
SPECIAL FEATURES
THE
SPIRIT
TO SERVE
Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, President of Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance
Professionals (CIIF), says the professional body helps to enhance professional
credibility of industry talent and promotes continuous learning.
By Alice Yong
B
e of use and serve the country be passionate about the work they do, and
youre living and working in. Find deliver it to the best of their abilities in order
yourself a position to deliver value to succeed.
to someone and someone will see the value in
what you do. Then you will go far in your career. When asked what the challenge for the Islamic
This is the sound advice from Badlisyah Abdul finance industry was in hiring and grooming
Ghani, President of the Chartered Institute of young talent, Badlisyah says it is how many
Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIF), to young of them want to do big things instantly upon
talent entering the workforce. He continues, joining. Fresh graduates presume they are
You want a space where you can be of use, entitled to good pay and high position but
for the betterment of the organisation, yourself they forget they lack the necessary work
and the country youre working in. Young experience and skill set to fit into the work
graduates must have focus and perseverance, environment, says the CIIF President. They
14 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
want to do things their way instead of how On his thought about Gen Z that is currently
the organisation wants it done. Before they entering the workforce, Badlisyah is of the
are entitled to those benefits, they will have opinion that the new generation has a broader
to deal with those shortcomings and balance perspective of the world as they are educated
their perspective with that of the organisation. differently and even more IT-savvy. Gen Z is
pretty down to earth and generally responsible
Another challenge is fresh graduates but they are still new to the job market for us
expect everything such as a room, company to have a good feel about their characteristics.
handphone and other perks to be ready for Meanwhile, Gen Y is very team oriented, have
them when they start work instead of making high expectations and achievement centric
do with what is available. Thats why some but prone to job hopping.
companies give fresh graduates the bare
essentials, to test how they would cope with Badlisyah explains that CIIFs role is to
the bare minimum. set the standards for talent in the Islamic
financial industry. CIIF helps to enhance their
professional credibility and spur continuous
learning on certain industry standards
You will succeed in your throughout their careers. Working closely with
career if you aspire to education providers, trainers and industry
players, CIIF acts as a bridge between the
serve and do things with academia and those in the industry. We
want to produce more professional talent
passion. If you focus and implement best practices for the Islamic
mainly on money, you finance industry. Our scope is also international
as we want to ensure a certain level of parity
tend to be selfish and do in the industry, and enhance it by bringing and
adapting the set standards and best practices
just enough for yourself. to other countries as well.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 15
SPECIAL FEATURES
According to Badlisyah, both the conventional He advises fresh grads to create opportunities
and Islamic finance industries want talent for themselves. Enter the industry and find
with the right attitude. Beyond conventional ways to create and deliver value as part of the
banking and financial systems, you need to new organisation. Whether its Islamic finance
know the shariah but its something you can or whatever you do, you will succeed in your
acquire. As a law graduate, I didnt have the
career if you aspire to serve and do things
necessary shariah knowledge so I worked
with passion. If you focus mainly on money,
quickly to find the key subjects I needed to
you tend to be selfish and do just enough for
know. Then I read, did research and learned
yourself.
about shariah laws from books and those in
the know to enhance my knowledge about
Islamic finance.
16 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
Fresh graduates
presume they are
entitled to good pay
and high position but
they forget they lack
the necessary work
experience and skill
set to fit into the work
environment.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 17
SPECIAL FEATURES
18 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
THE
DEFINITION
OF SUCCESS
IN A POSTGRADUATE TALENT
A well-rounded postgraduate talent is an individual who excels both academically
and non-academically, says Prof Dato Dr Mohd Amin, Vice Chancellor of Universiti
Malaya. In this interview, he expands on what he believes are the key traits one
should possess to be successful in their postgraduate study.
By Mel Sim
K
nowing your subject matter well is experience through volunteerism work or
a strong indication that you have an employment in part-time jobs are important
upper hand when it comes to pursuing avenues for them to enhance their soft skills
a postgraduate programme but hitting the for their future in the working world.
books is not the only criteria when it comes
to excelling. In fact, more and more higher On top of the above, Dr Mohd Amin strongly
education institutions are interested in what advocates for self-learning and critical
they coin as well-rounded postgraduate thinking skills as he says the two will provide
talent. What exactly does this entail? a postgraduate talent with an extra edge over
their peers. These are important in terms of
We pose the question to someone who is possesing knowledge in different fields and
well-versed in this area, Prof Dato Dr Mohd world-view perspectives that will contribute
Amin, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, to to them being well-rounded postgraduate
get his take on it. His answer? A well-rounded students, says Dr Mohd Amin.
postgraduate talent usually possesses both
academic and non-academic knowledge Sticking close to this belief, Universiti Malaya
and skills excellence. Engagement in has taken considerable measures to ensure
classroom learning, research training in lab that their postgraduate students possess
work, participating and presenting papers in the right skills and knowledge. Among them
seminars and conferences are all essential includes making sure that their postgraduate
for postgraduate students to acquire the programmes are framed around the seven
academic experience needed to complete domains of learning outcomes. These are
their studies. However, to complement their knowledge of discipline areas, practical
academic experience, an informal educational skills, social skills and responsibility, values,
GRADUAN EDUCATION 19
SPECIAL FEATURES
20 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
Dr Mohd Amin is encouraged by these efforts, pursuing their masters or PhD education.
saying that in the long run, it will benefit They need to develop transferable skills
the nation as a whole. We have seen the outside the academic environment. Apart
intiative from the Malaysian government from knowledge acquisition, Dr Mohd Amin
to develop a pool of talented, high-calibre says it is also important for a postgraduate
intellectuals in the country with the objective talent to work on their social and community
to spur the growth of research and innovation engagement skills.
with the creation of MyBrain15 sponsorship
programme for postgraduate studies. This We also turned to Dr Mohd Amin for some
programme created under the 10th Malaysia advice that postgraduate talent will find
Plan aims to produce 60,000 PhD holders inspiring in helping them make the right
among the Malaysian citizen by the year 2023. decisions about their postgraduate journey.
His words of wisdom? Embarking in a
Further effort to develop the postgraduate postgraduate journey is a big project. Good
talent by the government is through the planning, continuous progress monitoring and
Industrial PhD programme that focuses benchmarking, and perseverance are the key
on industry-based professionals and ingredients to success.
practitioners with the aim to produce and
enhance competitiveness and innovation
through industry-based research. This A postgraduate talent
programme encourages knowledge-sharing
or technology transfer between the industry
needs to be
and the university in order to produce highly self-motivated,
knowledgeable professionals, says Dr Mohd
Amin. focused and passionate
While the government has incentives and
in pursuing their masters
programmes readily available for potential or PhD education.
postgraduate talent to further their studies,
it is up to the talent themselves to push They need to develop
further to achieve success. With this in mind, transferable skills
Dr Mohd Amin says that postgraduate talent
need to instill in themselves several traits: I outside the academic
believe a postgraduate talent needs to be
self-motivated, focused and passionate in
environment.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 21
SPECIAL FEATURES
POSTGRADUATES
Defined
Vice Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia Prof Datin Paduka Dr Aini Ideris speaks
about what it takes to produce well-rounded postgraduate talent.
By Nicolette Ng
M
any years ago, most undergraduate For the past few years, the government had
students could only dream to come up with MyBrain15, which provides funds
continue their studies in postgraduate for local students who would like to pursue
programmes and only a handful who are born their masters degree or PhD. The sponsorship
with a silver spoon in their mouths may have pays for their fees for masters programme
had the opportunity to do so immediately and includes a monthly allowance, as well as
after graduation. The less lucky ones would other incentives for PhD students, says Prof
have to put their dreams on hold and join the Datin Paduka Dr Aini Ideris, Vice Chancellor of
workforce in order to support themselves, as Universiti Putra Malaysia.
well as their family. But over the years, the
number of postgraduate students in Malaysia With such assistance made available, many
has grown significantly with the help of funds potential postgraduate students have
from the government and private institutions, started planning their postgraduate studies
and this growth is expected to hit a target of even before finishing their undergraduate
60,000 PhD graduates by the year 2023. programme. However, Dr Aini says it is wise
24 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
GRADUAN EDUCATION 25
SPECIAL FEATURES
26 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
programme must know the fundamentals graduation. The unnecessary time spent is not
of virology. So depending on the aspect of only a disadvantage to students, but to the
the particular work, the student will have to university and the nation as well. Effective
know about virology, which means everything time management saves cost and the sooner
about viruses and not just a particular virus. a student graduates, the sooner he is able to
The student must also know how this virus contribute to the society through his acquired
affects other lives and activities. For PhD specialisations and other skills learned at the
students, their careers do not focus on just university.
one particular area. The knowledge that they
have should allow them to go anywhere in a Dr Aini further stresses that those who are
broad sense of the degree that they pursued, thinking of doing a postgraduate study should
says Dr Aini. start thinking and making plans of what
they would like to achieve on their journey.
As reflected in our learning support
It is important for students to consider the
programme, we ensure that our students
university where they will continue their higher
are versatile and independent learners who
degree, whether the university will be able to
are capable to creatively and critically create
assist them in the area they want to pursue.
opportunities through the strengths that
they have developed as highly-educated They should also consider opportunities
individuals, other than gaining skills in their for fundings, co-curricular, cultural and
areas of specialisation, she adds. intellectual activities offered, as well as the
learning support infrastructures the university
Besides making sure their students are well- has, she advises. Potential postgraduate
rounded, UPM also ensures that their students students should also consider the plans
do not spend too much time unnecessarily in they have after graduation, and whether the
completing their programme of study, be it at university will be able to help them further
the masters or PhD level. The university has in their careers, such as the availability of
taken initial steps to ensure their students postdoctoral fellowship positions. These are
graduate on time (GOT), consistent with the the aspects every student should consider, of
Ministry of Higher Educations policy regarding which UPM offers entirely.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 27
SPECIAL FEATURES
WELL-ROUNDED
GLOBAL
CITIZENS
Prof Dr Mazliham Mohd Suud from UniKL talks to us about what it takes to stand out
from the crowd.
By Elaine Dong
A
s the Vice Chancellor of Universiti who can supplement that knowledge and
Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Prof Dr Mazliham expertise. As it is, we are operating in a global
Mohd Suud has seen a vast number of environment, and therefore, we are no longer
graduates go through the rigours of education limited by our borders. Resourcefulness
and career. He feels as a country, we are on is the key. For UniKL, we have teamed up
the right path when it comes to developing with an international renowned German
and nurturing postgraduate talent. More university for sustainable buildings, University
universities are offering applied hands- of Applied Sciences Rosenheim, to provide
on for engineering and technology rather the joined masters programme in Green and
than theory and fundamental research, he Energy Efficient Buildings (MGEEB). This is
says. He feels a more practical approach is the first international green building masters
important as the students need to apply what programme in Malaysia, he says.
they have learnt in the real world. That would
be the ultimate goal as an educator, to equip This is exciting indeed, as itll pave the way for
students with the necessary skills to navigate better community building practices. That is
the areas they are specialised in. how UniKL operates, always finding the best
way to impart knowledge. In ensuring quality
He believes in strategic collaborations to and effective delivery of the programmes,
leverage on each partys strengths. If there UniKL places great emphasis on innovative
are areas where we are lacking as a country, teaching and learning to address various
it is easy enough to reach out to partners learning needs of the digital generation of our
28 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
GRADUAN EDUCATION 29
SPECIAL FEATURES
students. The innovative teaching and learning environment. On a bigger scale, we want to
consist of Teaching Factory, E-learning, Online produce noble citizens who are law-abiding,
Assessments, Experiential Learning, Active loyal, courteous and compassionate.
Learning Problem-Based Learning (PBL),
Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning He believes learning is an ongoing process,
(POPBL) & Cooperative Learning (CL) as well and therefore the university wants to produce
as Blended Learning, he says. lifelong learners who are forward-looking
and will always strive for excellence in their
They are also developing online courses to working environment as well as in their
reach out to more students. Our Massive personal lives. Entrepreneurship is also key to
Open Online Courses, or MOOC, offer learning future success, and as such, the postgraduate
experiences to a large number of participants programmes nurture this quality and cultivate
globally through Internet connection, a creative and optimistic entrepreneurial
regardless of their age, location, income, level mindset among its graduates. He believes
of education and ideology without any pre- these very attributes will differentiate one
requisite or course entrance fees in order to postgraduate talent from another.
have access to high-quality education.
In order to achieve this, postgraduate students
Our campuses are now committed to often need to run a gauntlet of challenges
develop courses where credit transfer can in order to hone the necessary skills. In their
be applied, according to MQAs Guideline on work, they need to demonstrate competency
Credit Transfer for MOOCs. Our target is for and innovativeness. When it comes to
the credit transfer for MOOCs to be applied in teamwork, leadership skills come into play,
2020, he says. as well as communication skills. Not only do
they need to develop verbal communication
Besides educating students with knowledge, skills, but non-verbal ones as well. The true
competency and industry technical ready mark of a leader is one who can inspire the
skills, their talent are also being developed team to greater heights through both words
and nurtured with UniKL attributes in terms and actions.
of spiritual values honesty, courageous,
confidence, humility and with a strong sense To that end, a fierce commitment towards
of integrity and responsibility, he says. We continuous improvement and lifelong learning
want to produce altruistic leaders who are is key. Leaders must also have a high level of
proactive, resilient, visionary, innovative, professionalism; otherwise, the working world
collaborative and supportive of their will be impossible to navigate. Dr Mazliham
30 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
also emphasises the importance of ethics there still needs to be a degree of patience
and a high sense of social responsibility. A and passion because there are always life
leader can never think in isolation; rather, he commitments and issues that will surface.
or she needs to realise the impact of his or
her decisions on the world around them. Only You are now in the driver seat, and you steer
then can best decisions be made. your own path. You need to be self-motivating
when the journey seems tough. Be prepared
We live in a world surrounded by technology. to come out of your comfort zone because
The advances are so vast it is vital that a leader you will be thrown challenges that you may
of tomorrow embraces this and works at not have encountered before. You need
technopreneurial activities, he says. Its really to have an end goal in mind, whether it is
about keeping up a demanding pace, and still career advancement, self-improvement, peer
coming out on top! respect or more. You are working towards skill
enhancement in your area of expertise, and
For those who are considering a postgraduate that will take a lot of determination, he says.
journey, he has words of advice. Get ready
to make lots of sacrifices. Most of you will I believe a well-rounded postgraduate talent
still be holding down a job while pursuing a is a global enterprising researcher who is
postgraduate qualification. So you will need a knowledgeable, skilled and entrepreneurial-
high level of commitment in order to maintain oriented. The talent must also possess a
a study-life balance. Even if you have the towering personality and strong ethics, he
luxury of solely concentrating on the degree, concludes.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 31
SPECIAL FEATURES
DEVELOPING
THE BEST
GRADUATES
Prof Dr Patrick Kee Peng Kong, Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor
for Academics of SEGi University, shares how the nations largest private higher
education provider strives to develop well-rounded talent.
By Alice Yong
SEGi University & Colleges (SEGi) has come Qualifications Agency (MQA) as Malaysias
a long way since its early days as Systematic largest private higher education provider.
College in 1977. With a reputable track record Now we have been licensed to conduct open
spanning nearly four decades, SEGi today distance learning nationwide where students
boasts an impressive 25,000 students across can attend online classes and at our regional
five campuses located in the Klang Valley, education centres in Kuala Lumpur, Skudai,
Penang and Sarawak. and Kota Damansara.
According to Prof Dr Patrick Kee Peng Kong, He highlights in 2011, SEGi began offering DBA
Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice (Doctor of Business Administration), which
Chancellor for Academic, SEGi was one of the comprises a combination of coursework and
earliest to offer postgraduate programmes. dissertation. The DBA programme is pursued
We partnered with the University of Southern by senior executives and top management
Queensland to promote the MBA programme from the corporate sector. We had one DBA
about 15 to 16 years ago at SEGi College graduate in November 2015 and expect a
Subang Jaya. It was so successful that we few more by end 2016. Currently, about 50
have continued to maintain it in addition to students are undertaking the course.
SEGi Colleges diplomas and franchised
degrees. SEGi MBA student recruitment consists of
70 per cent overseas students and 30 per
SEGi University also offers homegrown cent Malaysians. The international student
degrees, including those jointly developed population comes mainly from China, Central
and assessed by SEGis foreign partners. Asia, the African continent, Middle East, South
We are fully accredited by the Malaysian Asia and the Indian Ocean islands.
34 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
IN SEARCH OF ALL-
ROUNDERS
The Vice Chancellor opines
that Malaysia is saturated with
MBA providers especially in
the private education sectors.
Public universities tend to
focus more on postgraduate
programmes. The publication
of research papers help to
promote leadership skills
where else those pursuing
MBA are more well-rounded
to enhance leadership and
management skills. So if
youre after more research
and technical skills, its better
to look at postgraduate
programmes.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 35
SPECIAL FEATURES
work and part dissertation research). Bright, course work, undertaking a 20,000 to 30,000
talented students who are high achievers word dissertation on a project related to their
would choose postgraduate programmes individual work.
by research; their scholarships funded by
the government, universities or companies, The professor says most postgraduate
from their tuition fees to stipend allowances. students generally have mid to slightly higher
These intelligent, high achievers are strongly IQ. Researchers and academicians will go
independent people who work hard with for PhD while those who want to continue
minimal supervision and coaching. They are working will choose the MBA route, focusing
also self-driven, have inquisitive minds and on a specific field of their choice.
adept learning skills; disciplined enough to do
research on their own, delving deeper into the THE MALAYSIAN SCENARIO
subject. In terms of developing postgraduate talent,
Malaysia has a long way to go compared to
MBA students are more matured and may countries like the UK and Australia. Prof Dr
take time to gain momentum. They prefer a Kee says, We are 10 years behind established
mix of research and course work as most universities in the UK and Australia. Established
MBA students tend to be successful mid local universities such as Universiti Malaya
to senior level managers who wish to gain a and Universiti Sains Malaysia have a 50/50
sense of self-satisfaction. They usually do mix, with more postgraduate programmes
course work and an R&D proposal guided now in their bid to score a higher ranking in
by lecturers and supervisors. There are also world ranking systems such as QS Ranking
MBA students who choose to do it fully by and Times Higher Education Ranking.
36 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
Private universities here are more focused on must be able to defend their presentation
undergraduate programmes and are still very confidently as we feel it is necessary to have
new in that area. We need a sizeable faculty, good presentation skills in life.
long history and respected track record. Thats
why selected public universities do better Our well-developed curriculum is reviewed
compared to private university players. periodically by independent players including
academics from business schools and
Still, SEGi has some positive achievements in independent advisers. This is to ensure
this area, which includes producing the first our students remain relevant in the current
DBA graduate last year and several thousand working world.
MBA students. SEGi recently began offering
its franchised MBA to Hanoi Open University DESIRABLE QUALITIES
its first overseas venture with 100 students According to the Vice Chancellor, our
registered. postgraduate students and talent need to
work on acquiring entrepreneurial skills apart
To ensure students graduate with the right from knowledge acquisition. Postgraduate
skills and knowledge for the market and to talent should possess strong analytical and
develop the academic world further, Prof research skills but not many are capable of
Dr Kee says, Students have to do an oral doing R&D, to simplify information and present
presentation based on their written project an in-depth study to convince management.
paper to a panel of accessors, to ascertain Youd have to be very thorough but most
they know the subject well. The panel will people lack training in doing research. It takes
ask each student to do a 15 to 20 minute about a few years to develop reasoning and
presentation then question them, to help analytical skills like those of an engineer.
students build up their self-confidence. Some
foreign students struggle through it but our We are going to invest more in the Institute of
language department help them prepare and Graduate Studies in the long haul. Since 20 per
work on their presentation skills. cent of our faculty staff already obtained their
PhD, we aim to increase that to 30 per cent in
If they are not convincing in the first oral three years time. We also target to have 1,700
assessment, we give them another months to 1,800 MBA students in three years time
time to prepare as a recourse. Students from our current pool of 1,200 students.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 37
SPECIAL FEATURES
RAISING the
BAR
38 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
It is time we fully appreciate the value of a postgraduate education, says Prof Datuk
Seri Dr Md Zabid Abdul Hj Rashid, President and Vice Chancellor of Universiti Tun
Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK). He shares his reasons why and what he is doing to path
the way for this.
By Theresa Manavalan
M
y dream is to create a really hesitate to invest in quality postgrad education.
distinguished business school, They feel they are not likely to be rewarded
says Prof Datuk Seri Dr Md Zabid for it. Worse, when they approach employers,
Abdul Rashid, President and Vice Chancellor some HR people cant even differentiate
of Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK). A postgrad degrees between the many kinds of
school that creates value for Malaysians with business schools.
postgraduate qualifications and can raise their
game as individuals in the global marketplace. An MBA from a top international business
school can cost anything from RM100,000 to
Dr Md Zabid is thinking of a school in the RM300,000 depending on where you go and
tradition of the Harvard Business School or your lifestyle. Thats a hefty investment by any
Kellogg or Wharton, or even the Indian School measure, which a young Malaysian cannot
of Business in Hyderabad but with distinctive recoup at the workplace unless he or she
Malaysian qualities that make such a school inherites a large business or is able to create
valuable to the countrys higher-education an instantly successful one. When you return,
industry. Its a noble vision that recognises can you get a job that pays a salary worthy of
human beings as a national asset but Dr Md your investment? There are very few jobs in
Zabid is acutely conscious of the reality and Malaysia that will, says Dr Md Zabid.
he wants to talk about it.
Its this scenario that spurred the Malaysian
The truth is we are unable to provide great Ministry of Higher Education to start MyBrain15,
salaries to people with postgrad qualifications an incentive programme to encourage
because the industry has not really put a postgrad education. Its targets have been
high value on it. Thats why many Malaysians realistically lowered over time. Given the high
GRADUAN EDUCATION 39
SPECIAL FEATURES
Still, all of this is meaningful only when At the end of the day, what everyone wants
the local industry appreciates the role of a is a well-rounded graduate. And what exactly
postgraduate education and is willing to invest might that be? One who has critical and
in it. Im tired of hearing the industry saying analytical thinking with communication skills
that once theyve educated an employee, that and who is really useful in the industry,
employee will run off to the competitor, says concludes Dr Md Zabid.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 41
SPECIAL FEATURES
42 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
EMPOWERING
TALENT
OF THE
FUTURE
Managing Director of Brickfields Asia College, Raja Singham, dishes out the key
criteria of a well-rounded postgraduate talent.
By Nicolette Ng
A
man of wise words and insightful We may find someone who does a fantastic
vision, Raja Singham set up Brickfields job and excels in the technical aspects within
Asia College, better known as BAC, an organisation, but performance is restricted
at a young age of 24. Today, the institute because he is lacking in other skills. A well-
has established an excellent reputation as a rounded person should have the ability to
provider of quality education with graduates communicate and interact with others, deliver
that are highly sought after by local and a presentation, go out and represent the
international firms. company, as well as represent himself well
within the company and have strong research
With a 99 per cent employment rate amongst skills.
its graduates, BACs strategy in producing
employable graduates is proven to be Like in BAC for example, we run many
effective. Apart from inviting key industry different companies that involve people
players from well-established firms to give going out to gather information and analyse
talks, the institution also introduced additional the information in order to decide if the
curricular activities that are optional to help its entity is worth investing in. We have to do
students hone their soft skills, making them research on the market, the competitors
well-rounded graduates who are ready to and the alternatives, and write a report that
step out and face the real world. sums up the findings of the research before
communicating the findings of the report to
According to Raja Singham, a well-rounded the board. Hence a well-rounded talent is very
postgraduate talent or any graduate much needed, says Raja Singham.
talent for that matter excels in three
major characteristics, which are technical He adds that there is less of a hierarchy in
knowledge, soft skills and attitude. Having the organisations today. Therefore, the talent
right technical knowledge in the field theyre must be able to be team players. Employees
in is a given as it can be acquired through an have to learn to be leaders while management
educational institution, but sometimes this have to learn to listen and be open to ideas
knowledge may not be practical to a talent if from their subordinates as trends change
they lack the necessary soft skills. and business strategies that have worked in
GRADUAN EDUCATION 43
SPECIAL FEATURES
the past may not be applicable for a current education system because things havent
market trend. changed. Even in America, the teaching and
assessment methods have yet to change and
In BAC, our organisational structure is pretty its the same in Malaysia. Today, its no longer
flat. Each of our 15 different companies have a trend where one who has an accounting
a CEO, but most of the time our teams are degree stays as an accountant for the rest
known as product teams or project teams. of his career. People are going to change as
Its very different from the old days. Today, society changes because they need to remain
there are cases where I would go in as a team relevant.
leader, and the are also cases where I would
go in as a team member while someone else We need things to be done quickly, which
is leading the project. Thats where I get to play is why one of the things Im looking at is a
the role of a listener, which is hard for people converted masters. For example, with a law
like us (who are leaders) sometimes but this degree I could study to be an accountant
allows others to show their potential, explains in one year, or to be an English teacher in
Raja Singham. one year. But the problem we have with the
ministry is the set rule where you can do a
With the ample resources that Malaysia has, Masters in Information Technology only if
the country is capable of building a well- you had pursued a bachelors in the same
educated nation with global graduates, but field. This shows that the ministry is ignoring
Raja Singham claims that bureaucracy and the the very fact of whats happening in the
enforcement of rules that are too literal and world today, where a lot of the graduates are
sometimes lack common sense are setting working in fields that arent related to what
the country back. Despite having a great theyve studied, Raja Singham comments.
blueprint for its education system, Malaysia
may not survive the test of time if they do not Futurist and philosopher, Alvin Toffler once
adapt to change. wrote, The illiterate of the 21st century will
not be those who cannot read and write, but
If Rip Van Winkle wakes up after 200 years of those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.
sleep, the only thing he will recognise is the
With vast information available in this age of
technology, people can become redundant
and irrelevant as quickly as things change,
but the willingness to learn separates them
from the rest of the pack. There is a need
There is a need to increase the number of people with that
to increase hunger for knowledge in order to compete
with other nations in the world. But according
the number of people to Raja Singham, Malaysia is not there yet.
44 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
You shouldnt do a postgraduate qualification of things and it would come in handy if they
just for the sake of having a postgraduate have any plans to set up a law firm. I would
qualification. Ask yourself what are your career advise them to do their homework, reflect
aspirations? Find out and understand why and think. Where are they heading, which
you want to do it career prospects, better qualification will help them the most, which
remuneration package, picking up new skill type of teaching structure is most suitable for
sets that are needed. Set your career goals them and how relevant and up-to-date the
and then choose the right one based on your syllabus is. Its important consider all these
requirements, Raja Singham advises. factors.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 45
SPECIAL FEATURES
LEADERS
WHO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Charles Fine, Dean of Asia School of Business, talks to us about the making of
transformative and principled leaders.
By Elaine Dong
A
t the newly set up office in Sasana Financial Services sector, Oil and Gas: When
Kijang, Kuala Lumpur, Charles Fine, these companies hire, will they choose
Dean of Asia School of Business, shares someone with a general MBA or someone
his passion and enthusiasm for the inaugural with a deeply embedded knowledge of the
MBA they are about to roll out. Having taught industry, the customers, the supply chain
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and more? Who will do a better job? It always
(MIT) in the United States for the last 30 years, comes down to general or specialised. For
he has been tasked with setting up Asia example, marketing in the ASEAN region
School of Business in Malaysia. Its an exciting probably comes with its particular skill sets
time in education indeed. We are all about as opposed to marketing in European or
developing transformative and principled American markets.
leaders. We believe the business world needs
this talent, he says.
46 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
GRADUAN EDUCATION 47
SPECIAL FEATURES
We try to prepare people for careers in Our philosophy is that all learning involves
management, especially those interested both thinking and doing. That is how we have
in developing a depth of knowledge. structured our MBA. Our graduates learn
Our curriculum emphasises this depth of and discuss theories in class, and then get
knowledge as well, says Fine. to try out those theories in real companies.
Many educational institutions produce great
It takes 18 months to complete an MBA at Asia thinkers. We want to produce both thinkers
School of Business. It consists of a mixture of and doers, says Fine.
course work and job placements, culminating
in a study tour in the US. Our MBA is very OF CERTAIN STANDARDS
hands-on. We really want our graduates to The qualities that the school looks for in an
develop their many skills as a leader. We MBA graduate is probably what a multinational
have four action learning projects spread over company would look for in a job candidate.
four semesters, which give them real-world Our preferred MBA student profile includes
experiences in different industries. These being energetic, talented, smart and humble,
experiences will be world class, as we have generous and self-aware, leaders and team
roped in corporate partners, or what we call an players, teachable and ethical, curious and
action learning advisory council. These high- thoughtful, entrepreneurial and innovative.
profile companies will host our graduates We want people who make things happen,
during their learning projects. Theres also the says Fine. Well-rounded individuals, but also
possibility of hiring our graduates in the future. with qualities that make them stand out. Talent
is of utmost importance, as well as a strong
On the MIT seal are the words mens et work ethic. We want independent thinkers,
manus, which means Men is Mind and Hand. with both high levels of IQ and EQ, he says.
48 GRADUAN EDUCATION
SPECIAL FEATURES
It sounds like a tall order, but Fine says it is what His advice to those looking to embark on this
they strive to produce as well. We take these challenge? Get some sleep! he says with a
qualities and hopefully mold and refine them laugh. Come with an open mind and come
further, so that when our graduates come with a willingness to learn. You probably have
out into the workforce, they are employable to leave any preconceived notions at the
and become a big contributing factor to any door. Education and learning is about revising
organisation they join, he says. your notions, and were here to support you
in that. Youll also be studying, working and
Asia School of Business is generating a lot of living alongside a diverse mix of talent, so
interest, from Malaysian candidates as well as youll see different ways of thinking and varied
candidates from surrounding regions. We are approaches to a problem. We say thats the
very happy with the quality of candidates we best way to broaden your horizons and take
on new knowledge and experience.
have seen, both from Malaysia and other parts
of the world, says Fine.
Which brings us back to the kind of leaders
we want to produce. A leader who has a
The programme is immersive, with residential
breadth and depth of experience will be able
facilities near the campus. Except for
to transform companies and possibly the
candidates with families and kids, everyone whole industry. Our corporate partners include
is expected to stay at the residence. When social enterprises, big listed companies, start-
you get a group of people taking on this ups and more. With this variety, students get
challenging task, and theyre studying, to see how things are done differently in vastly
working, staying together, it will be very different scenarios. They will then be able
focused. After class, youre discussing your to take that knowledge and apply it in their
lessons with your coursemates. When youre fields. Whether or not it works, they will have
in work placement, you have a support the skills to adapt and apply, or discard and
group. Were hoping itll be a very conducive move on. That is how transformation begins,
environment for learning, he says. concludes Fine.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 49
EDUCATION MATTERS
CHAPTER 2
EDUCATION
MATTERS
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DOING 52
A POSTGRADUATE STUDY
MY POSTGRADUATE EXPERIENCE 62
BONJOUR, FRANCE! 66
NO PRESSURE! 70
GRADUAN EDUCATION 51
EDUCATION MATTERS
10
TO CONSIDER
BEFORE DOING A
THINGS
POSTGRADUATE
STUDY
52 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
Youve decided to pursue a postgraduate degree. Whats next? These are the most
important questions every potential student should ask themselves.
By Vivian Chong
GRADUAN EDUCATION 53
EDUCATION MATTERS
4)06-%*456%:
-0$"--:03 DO I HAVE A SOLID
OVERSEAS? SUPPORT NETWORK?
Aside from obvious differences (such as cost), As committed as you may be, there will be
the real question is the environment that you times or days when you feel as if you simply
will be living in. Locally, everything is familiar, cant go on. What then? How will you pick
and you have family and friends to call on in yourself up or who will be there to push you
times of need. Studying overseas can mean through? Its crucial to surround yourself with
having to start from scratch socially but the people who support your goals and want to
experience and change of pace will enrich see you succeed. Speak to your immediate
you on a personal level. Again, ask yourself family and closest friends prior to embarking
what it is that you truly want to get out of your on your studies to gauge their reactions and
postgraduate study. figure out who you can rely on.
8)"5"3&.:$"3&&313041&$54610/
GRADUATION?
You cant predict the future but you can ask experts in your chosen field for their projections. First
of all, speak to those who are already working in that industry to find out how much employers
value postgraduate qualification. Find out the type of skill or expertise they hope to hire.
54 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
FOUR
ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
EVERY
POSTGRADUATE
STUDENT SHOULD
HAVE
Hone these skills during your postgraduate
studies and youll become more employable
at the end of the day.
By Mel Sim
W
hen you finally graduate from your committing you to an area of focus. It also
postgraduate study, you are armed helps you develop skills that are marketable
with a very important piece of paper and will help you advance in your career.
that adds value to your qualifications. But that
is not the only thing you should leave with. What are the skills you should be focusing
Throughout your time in grad school, you on? Here are four basic ones to nurture while
should take the opportunity to develop some in your postgraduate studies that will not only
concrete skills that are easily transferable to improve your chances of employment but
your working life, making you a more valued also make you a star employee.
employee who is a notch above the rest with
the same qualification as you. CRITICAL THINKING
Lets face it a postgraduate study is a world
Unlike your undergraduate years, your apart from your undergraduate study, which
postgraduate studies focus primarily on may now seem like childs play once youve
developing specialised knowledge, advanced gotten yourself deep into your postgrad
critical thinking and innovative research skills. years! A lot of times you will find yourself
It also involves soft skills like maintaining a being asked for your opinion or analysis on a
professional front and understanding the art certain topic. This requires you to be critical.
of communication. All that said, you will need Make no mistake though, it doesnt mean
to hone skills of all sorts to make you a well- that you are negative or just pointing out
rounded individual who is not only well-versed what is wrong with something. Critical at your
with your speciality but also in tune with those masters level means being fully informed and
around you. A postgraduate study lays the capable of supporting with in-depth analysis
foundation of a career in a specialised manner, and assessment.
56 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
Why is critical thinking important? For one Take your professional persona one step
thing, it affects your academic success as a forward by having mentors who can guide
bulk of your postgraduate studies depends you in your decisions, now and later. Create
on your ability to demonstrate knowledge a professional relationship with your mentor
of your subject and giving opinions (it can be a professor or a more mature
supported by evidence. It also affects your student) and make sure you take advantage
employability: One of the main reasons why of the lessons, feedback and information that
many people undertake postgraduate study you receive. This may very well impress your
is to improve their employment prospects. mentor, who might just be the person to get
Your postgraduate study is ideal in helping you that dream job after all.
you develop your higher-level thinking and
reasoning skills, which can be applied across PUMP UP ON TEAM WORK
many areas of work. Being able to demonstrate Youve heard it many times and you will
this will convince prospective employers that hear it again: Being able to work effectively
you are the right person for the job. with others regardless of the difference in
opinions is a good skill to have, whether
BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL PERSONA you are an undergraduate, a postgrad or
Having a laid-back attitude may be forgiven even in your working life. Many of your
when you are an undergraduate student. But postgraduate courses will require you to
all that changes as a postgrad where you work in teams, whether it is working on case
are expected to adopt a more professional studies or presentations. Team work is a vital
personality. What do we mean by professional? professional skill that you should continue
For starters, ditch the informal wear and dress developing as often times, you will also be
for the professional part you want to play. required to work with others in a team in the
Keeping to your deadlines and commitment work environment. Businesses these days
is also a big part of being professional; it are increasingly encouraging collaborative
demonstrates efficiency and dependability on thinking to derive at the best business
your part. decisions. So start developing your ability to
work and sometimes play well with others
Another huge aspect of being professional? to give you that advantage.
Dont be disrespectful and dont play the petty
game. Regard your fellow postgrad students WORK ON YOUR WRITTEN AND ORAL
as equal peers and treat them with respect. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Gossip, complaining or just being plain rude A piece of paper is only useful if you have the
wont do you any favours. chops to back it up. Being able to articulate
your thoughts and ideas well both on paper
as well as verbally will take you far not only
in your postgraduate studies but also in the
working world. There are many ways to work
A postgraduate study on your written and communication skills
but as with everything else, practice makes
lays the foundation of a perfect. Write often and speak up always.
career in a specialised Learn how to organise and communicate your
thoughts and ideas effectively. Volunteer to
manner, committing you speak during presentations so you can get
over the fear of public speaking quickly as well
to an area of focus. It also as become more comfortable in addressing a
helps you develop skills crowd, regardless of size. Fine tune the way
you explain things be concise and use logic
that are marketable and when persuading others. Finally, learn to listen
will help you advance in before you speak. This way, you not only give
the chance for others to express their views
your career. but also give yourself time to collect your
thoughts so you can present them more
efficiently.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 57
EDUCATION MATTERS
FUNDING
YOUR
POSTGRAD GOALS
If you intend to pursue a postgraduate qualification, either a masters or doctorate,
one of the most important questions is how are you going to fund your studies? We
have the answers for you.
By Hyma Haridas
58 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
T
here are various financial aid options TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS
available for Malaysian students who Teaching assistantships come with full or
are looking to pursue their postgraduate partial tuition benefits as well as a competitive
studies, which vary depending on their needs hourly wage, allowing postgraduate students
and field of study, as well as whether they to earn some money while studying. This
will pursue their postgraduate at a public or arrangement is especially ideal for recipients
private institution. who are interested in teaching or in pursuing a
doctorate, as it is a great way to gain classroom
Students can apply for fellowships, which are experience.
essentially scholarships that will cover either
the partial or full cost of study. The grant is The recipient is usually required to teach
awarded either by the university or external undergraduate courses, grade papers,
institutions and can be used to cover various compile bibliographies, lead discussion
costs such as tuition, housing, books, etc. sessions or tutorials, and supervise laboratory
sessions. On the flipside, this type of work can
Assistantships, on the other hand, are usually be very time-consuming as the recipient is
sponsored by the institution that the student expected to maintain office hours in addition
has chosen to study in. In exchange for the to completing their postgraduate course.
funds, the student is usually required to carry
out work on campus relating to their field of RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS
study. This type of scholarship is usually funded
by supervisors, project leaders or heads of
Some of the more commonly available research within the university. In return for
funding options are as follows: tuition benefits, the recipient is required to
work with the faculty on the research project
UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIPS for which the grant has been awarded,
Many universities award partial or full including publishing research work in
scholarships to students with an excellent academic journals or conducting research
track record or who demonstrate outstanding projects for the institution.
academic potential. These funds are from
the universitys own coffers, donated by
individuals, corporate sponsors, philanthropists
and wealthy alumni members.
Fortunately in Malaysia,
Local research universities, such as University because the government
of Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Sains Malaysia
recognises the growing
(USM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), need for high calibre
award financial assistance to all qualified
Malaysian graduates to further their human capital, obtaining
postgraduate studies, especially those who a scholarship for
are pursuing their PhDs. The award usually
covers tuition fees for the entire duration of the postgraduate studies
masters or PhD programme, plus a monthly
allowance or stipend. The details are available
is relatively easy.
on the respective universitys website.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 59
EDUCATION MATTERS
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
Fortunately in Malaysia, because the
government recognises the growing need
for high calibre human capital, obtaining
a scholarship for postgraduate studies is
relatively easy. The government has set up
various scholarships to encourage and assist
postgraduate students to complete their
masters and PhD programmes, including:
a{
This government sponsorship programme
aims to create 60,000 Malaysian PhD
holders by 2023, and is open to those
studying in both public and private
universities in Malaysia. There are three
different schemes under the programme
MyMaster, MyPhD and Industrial PhD.
c8c8
Introduced by the Ministry of Science, B)X{{c
Technology & Innovation (MOSTI), this The National Government Higher Education
scholarship is awarded to students to Student Loan Scheme (PTPTN) is loaned
pursue full-time postgraduate research- to the scholar for their studies and must
based studies in specific areas related be paid back in full, with interest, once
to science and technology, at local they have completed the programme.
universities or abroad. These areas include The loan offers low interest rates for
biotechnology, IT, marine and aerospace, Malaysian students who are pursuing
agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and so on. their studies locally, and the loan servicing
begins six months upon graduation or
About 400 NSF scholarships are awarded when employment commences. More
each year by MOSTI, and the scholarship information can be obtained at
covers tuition fees and examination fees, www.ptptn.gov.my.
plus a monthly allowance of RM1,560
for masters candidates or RM2,300 for There are also several private organisations
doctorate candidates. For more details, that provide financial aid and scholarships
visit www.mosti.gov.my/en/funds-grants/ for postgraduate education, such as Shell,
science-fund/. PETRONAS, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad,
60 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
Tenaga Nasional, Telekom Malaysia, Astro, various requirements and instructions, as one
and so on. Some options may come attached of the main reasons for scholarship rejection
with a bond, where the recipient will have to is incomplete or incorrectly filled applications.
work for the organisation for a pre-agreed Beyond that, students who feel they may
period upon graduation. be eligible for any of these funds should
not hesitate to apply, as that is the only way
In exploring these options, it is important first they will ever be able to receive any financial
and foremost, to properly understand the assistance.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 61
EDUCATION MATTERS
MY POSTGRADUATE
EXPERIENCE
What is it really like to be a postgraduate student? We get the alumni to share their
story as well as offer tips on how to make the best of it.
By Mel Sim
The most
rewarding part of
the programme? Soon Chee Hung, 48
Director/Consultant of Thompson Innovations Sdn Bhd
Finishing it!
Postgraduate Study : MBA (Information Technology),
Malaysia Institute of Management - Maastricht School of
Management, Part-time course for 18 months.
I decided to embark on my postgraduate and the course. The fact that assessments
studies because I wanted to learn more about were by exams and projects both group and
the business side of things to complement individual meant there was little free time.
my technical experience. When it came Coping was the tough part. My family needed
down to choosing the right course, I based to understand that I would have to have a lot
it on reputation, price, location, duration as of time on my own to complete the projects
well as the type of assessment. I wanted a and studies.
combination of exams and projects, and did
not want my course to be just fully project- The most rewarding part of the programme?
assessed. Finishing it! Especially the finance-related
subjects. There was the feeling of self-
There was a team-building programme at accomplishment. The best lesson I took away
the beginning emphasising that it would help from my experience was definitely having the
if participants worked together during the knowledge of the business aspect of work
programme. There was an introduction to and applying strategies to business.
finance for non-finance participants, giving the
basics of financial calculations, which were in My advice? Choose wisely part-time or
the practice essential to non-finance people. full time. Choose when to start it, whether
We set up study groups that met weekly. My immediately after your undergraduate
course focused on the usual core subjects for studies or after working for a few years. My
an MBA. My personal favourite was Strategic personal choice was after working so that
Management. The IT focus was to do with the it would be easier to understand the MBA
implementation of IT to help with the business subjects with application in real life. But on
aspect. the other hand, taking it immediately after
your undergraduate studies possibly before
Looking back, I think the most challenging starting your working life would mean that
part of the programme was time. There was you have more time but at the cost of not
the need to balance between personal life earning for a while longer!
62 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
Taking on a
postgraduate study can
be a very good experience
and you will gain a lot
Sivakami Subramaniam, 44
as well as learn
Manager, Non-Theatrical Sales
new things.
Postgraduate Study: USQ MBA (Specialisation in Project
Management), SEGi College Subang, Two years
It has always been my dream to take on because of the knowledge I gained as well as
postgraduate studies. It was also mainly due the friends I made.
to my work and the family business. I picked
my course because of its price, reputation Through my experience, I learnt that life
and mainly the location. Moreover, the classes is full of challenges but if we are focused,
were during the weekends. many things can be achieved. Which is how
I approached my postgraduate studies. My
At the beginning, I was struggling; the first advice? Taking on a postgraduate study can
semester was very difficult! But I had an be a very good experience and you will gain a
excellent support team in the college and lot as well as learn new things. Especially if you
we somehow helped each other with our have a good set of classmates from different
assignments. Definitely, being a working adult backgrounds. I had a very interesting doctor,
made it challenging as well, especially where a general practitioner, in my course and we
time was concerned. But it was rewarding learnt a lot from him!
GRADUAN EDUCATION 63
EDUCATION MATTERS
64 GRADUAN EDUCATION
INTERCAMPUS
EUREKA
PITCH
S H O W W H AT YO U V E G OT O N A N Y O F T H E S E S TA G E S !
B E T H E M O S T S O U G H T- A F T E R A M O N G TO P E M P LOY E R S
w w w. e u re ka p i tc h . co m | w w w. c a m p u s j o bfa i r. co m . my
O R G A N I Z E D B Y M A L AY S I A S L A R G E S T I N - C A M P U S J O B FA I R O R G A N I Z E R
EDUCATION MATTERS
BONJOUR,
FRANCE!
Aside from being home to one of the most iconic backdrops for romantic
photographs, France is also known to have one of the most prestigious education
systems in the world. Lets explore the French affair.
By Nicolette Ng
T
his year, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Unlike Australia, the United Kingdom and the
released the QS Best Student Cities United States, France has not aggressively
index that showcases the top urban marketed its education sector in the past
destinations for international students based despite always being recognised as a centre
on a diverse range of indicators grouped of academic excellence. In 1998, the French
into five key categories: University rankings, government introduced a vigorous support
affordability, student mix, desirability and policy to welcome foreign students into
employer activity. Paris tops the overall French educational institutions including
rankings, putting France in the limelight. modifying the policy of visas awarded to
66 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
contribute to its simplification and to give Campus France the French national
priority to all students. agency for the promotion of higher
education, international student services and
So if you want an affordable education in a international mobility claims that the French
high-quality institution, learn the beautiful successes in manufacturing, technology,
language of French, and get to grips with the and science (space, transportation, medicine,
nations famed art de vivre, then get ready to mathematics), and the number of Nobel prizes
say oui to an education in France. and Field medals that French citizens bring
home demonstrate that France is one of the
OVERVIEW worlds most dynamic centres of innovation
France has a dual system for higher education and research.
known as universits and the prestigious
grandes coles (elite schools), which requires Other industries in which France excels in
students to go through a very competitive include teaching, languages, art, history,
selection entry exam. It makes up only five medicine, economics and law; although law is
per cent of the total number of students in the best left for the locals due to the difference in
country. The grandes coles system concerns legal systems. Medicine is also a competitive
mostly science and business studies, and field to pursue in France. Although getting
there are no grandes coles for medical and into a college or university for a first-year
law studies, but universities have developed programme may be a breeze, places in the
selection systems in the course of the studies. following years are highly competitive and
often hard to attain. But students who make
Very few countries invest as much in research it through can be sure to have an amazing
and education nowadays, and France is proud experience.
to be one of them, ensuring its strong academic
and artistic tradition continue in the modern
day. Education is the largest category of the
French governments spending, accounting
for more than 20 per cent of the budget. As As a result,
a result, a total of 41 French universities were
included in the QS World University Rankings a total of 41 French
2015/16 11 sitting within the global top 250.
The cole Normale Suprieure, Paris and
universities were
cole Polytechnique ParisTech lead the pack, included in the
ranking 23rd and 40th respectively.
QS World University
Students attending universities in France have
an option to a full-time or part-time programme
Rankings 2015/16 11
with a number of class schedules and sitting within the
courses available. Although the courses and
times may vary depending on the institution, global top 250.
it is easy for students to find something that
accommodates their schedule and allows
them to go to university in their own time.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 67
EDUCATION MATTERS
Same goes for masters and PhD Students attending university in France are
programmes. The average fees for a masters exposed to amazing French culture in an
and PhD programme average at about 260 interactive environment that brings together
Euros (RM1,189) and 396 Euros (RM1,811) students from all over the globe. Universities
68 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
organise shows and hold conferences, number of museums offering everything from
seminars, parties as well as sporting and other history to modern art and even science that
outdoor activities that is part and parcel of a you can visit regardless of the university you
students lifestyle. While the activities may attend in the country. Many of these museums
differ depending on the university, they are can be accessed for free, which is certainly a
organised with the same objective to allow bonus to college students who are more often
their students to have a good time throughout than not on a tight budget.
the learning process. It is through these
activities where youll be able to broaden your
Your time in France may pass in a blink of an
circle of friends to a diverse group of people,
allowing you to learn and grow as a person. eye and it would be a waste to not indulge
your taste buds on famous French cuisine.
There is never a dull day in the life of a student Dining in a prestigious restaurant might cost
in France, especially with the wide array of more than what your budget allows but there
activities to choose from. Aside from having are quaint cafs and ptisserie serving food
more than 2,000 cinemas scattered across that would be a treat to your palate as well as
the country, France also boasts an impressive your pocket.
GRADUAN EDUCATION 69
EDUCATION MATTERS
NO
PRESSURE!
With deadlines looming and tonnes of reading to catch
up on (not to mention trying to have a life of your own!),
your postgraduate studies can truly be one of your more
stressful period in life. Find out how you can manage the
postgraduate stress before it consumes you.
by Mel Sim
Y
ouve put in hours of research, thinking a list! Having something in black and white
and writing. Youre trying your best to helps you see things clearer and keeps you
catch up on assignments, readings and focused on the task at hand.
group meetings. What may seem like a long
time more to go is now slowly catching up on One thing to remember: You have to be
you and youre still nowhere near completing realistic. Dont take on too much than what
your thesis! The natural reaction is to get you can actually cope with. If even setting a
stressed. Which is not exactly a bad thing task list cant keep you focused on what you
because stress can be a great motivator if you need to do, then perhaps it is because you
need that extra push. But if it starts affecting really have too much on your plate! If that is
the rest of your life, then it is time to get a grip the case, speak to your professor or supervisor
on it before stress overwhelms and consumes to see if you can work something out.
you. We all know the consequences of not
handling stress effectively fatigue, lack of TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
concentration, feeling of hopelessness, and Who has time for rest and relaxation when
the list goes on. So here are five tips on how there are 101 things to do? You thats who.
you can deal with postgraduate stress before Set some time even an hour during the
it gets to you. weekend to unwind and relax. Do something
you enjoy reading a book, listening to music,
HAVE A PLAN getting a spa treatment anything at all to
The one reason you could be stressed? Poor take your mind off your studies for a while.
organisation and bad time management. Not This helps to clear your head and calm those
keeping track on the things you need to do nerves so that you can re-evaluate and focus
or how long you should take to complete your attention on what you need to do.
something will naturally put you in a panic
mode when you start to realise times up EAT WELL
and youve not done anything at all. So first There is some truth in the saying, You are what
things first get a grip on your priorities. Plan you eat. When stressed, we are more likely
accordingly know what you have to do, to reach out to salty, sugary and fatty food
estimate how long it will take, know how long basically junk that will throw your body into a
you have to do it in and plan out a schedule bigger havoc when combined with stressed.
or a timetable so that you can be on top of Youre inclined to snack especially when faced
things. A million and one things to do? Make with mentally draining coursework. Why not
70 GRADUAN EDUCATION
EDUCATION MATTERS
GRADUAN EDUCATION 71
COURSES GUIDE
CHAPTER 3
COURSES
GUIDE
BUSINESS 75
ECONOMICS 87
ENGINEERING 91
FINANCE 101
HOSPITALITY 107
ICT 117
MEDICINE 121
OIL & GAS 127
SOCIAL SCIENCES 131
GRADUAN EDUCATION
GRADUAN EDUCATION 73
73
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