THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019
COURSE FOCUS
Understanding Libra cryptocurrency
FACEBOOK revealed on June 18
that it is working on a
cryptocurrency called Libra.
This news seems to have
implications on both the
cryptocurrency market as well
as the traditional currency (fiat)
market. Although Libra also uses
blockchain distributed ledger
technology, it has been designed to
behave like a government-issued
fiat rather than a cryptocurrency.
Part of Libra’s intention is to
address the shortcomings of using
cryptocurrency as a regular
everyday currency.
Cryptocurrencies are
too volatile
One issue when using Bitcoin
(BTC) or any other cryptocurrency
is that their value fluctuates greatly
over a short period of time.
Imagine that you are buying a car
on July 16 that was offered at
BTC3.00, when the exchange rate
between BTC and US dollar is
around US$10,854 (RM45,673) to
one BTC.
While you are going through the
motions of making the purchase –
signing the sales and purchase
agreement and deciding on add-
ons with your family – the price of
BTC dropped to US$9,380
(RM39,470). To maintain the same
dollar value, the price of the car
has to increase to BTC3.47. In just
12 hours or less, the value of
Bitcoin had devalued by 15%.
Facebook Libra plans to achieve
fungibility by pegging it against a
basket of fiat currencies, and hence
achieve stability in its value by
treating Facebook Libra as an asset
that can be easily interchanged
with major world currencies.
Cryptocurrency
transactions are too slow
A typical cryptocurrency is only
able to achieve about 10 (usually
less) transactions per second,
compared with a Visa or
Mastercard system that can
achieve thousands of transactions
per second. This is because of the
way the blockchain system is
designed.
Using Bitcoin as an example,
it needs 51% of all servers that
are validating the transaction to
come to a consensus. As it is a
decentralised system, there can
be thousands, if not millions, of Facebook Libra is not limited, to have access to the data can be
servers worldwide communicating but is instead minted when an beneficial for the members. It is
with each other on every single equivalent fiat enters the system or also a possible avenue for the
transaction. Hence, it is a slow the equivalent Libra is destroyed millions of unbanked worldwide to
process. This makes it unusable as when it is withdrawn as a fiat. This access financial instruments in the
a daily currency. Imagine trying to ensures it can grow and stabilises future. – By Dr Ian K.T. Tan,
purchase a cup of coffee and Libra’s value. This is called the senior lecturer at the School of
having to wait 10 minutes or more Libra Reserves. Information Technology at
for your transaction to be Facebook Libra plans to be a Monash University Malaysia,
approved. world monetary authority (or and Reza Ismail, chief executive
Facebook intends to limit the central bank) through the Libra officer Syscode Sdn Bhd
number of servers to achieve Association using a private
consensus through membership blockchain system. It understands n For more information on
with the Libra Association. The that access to financial transaction programmes offered at the School
Libra Association has 28 initial data is a powerful tool and only of Information Technology,
members but this will likely grow. allowing members of Monash University Malaysia, visit
The members will use private the Libra Association www.monash.edu.my/it
blockchain mechanisms to
validate the transactions, greatly
speeding up the process.
Limited circulation
Bitcoin has a limit to the
number of units that can be
created – just slightly shy of
21 million BTCs. Other
cryptocurrencies also have limits.
The cryptocurrency is minted as
a reward for the miner that finds
the mathematical solution, and
at the time of writing, about 5/6
of the 21 million Bitcoins are
in circulation.
2 Computing, Technology, Arts & Design
Creating IR4.0-ready grads
“WE are surrounded by many
amazing IR4.0 innovations. For
example, Singapore recently
launched a driverless taxi system,
while in Ipoh, we have a restaurant
that uses robot waitresses,” says
First City University College (First
City UC) Faculty of Engineering and
Computing (FEC) dean Assoc Prof
Dr Christine Lee.
Prof Lee says First City UC
(formerly known as KBU
International College) has a long
and excellent track record of
producing students who have
actively contributed towards the
development of science and
technology.
One of these students is Chris
Leong, a BEng (Hons) Electronics
and Computing programme
graduate who has gone on to
establish a leading financial
technology (fintech) company
offering a variety of payment
solutions. Founded in 2012, Leong’s
company has gone on to play a key
role within the Asia-Pacific region,
where more than 20 financial
institutions in 10 countries have
adopted the payment solutions.
Building and refining
students’ scientific
interests
FEC enjoys several advantages
such as up-to-date course materials
as well as cutting edge equipment
due to the various memoranda of
understanding signed with
companies such as NEM and
Iconix.
During their final year, students
are given the opportunity to
attempt projects and present them
during the faculty’s annual
Innovation Day event. Students
might have the chance to interact
directly with representatives of the
faculty’s industry partners. Should
their project impress these
representatives, they may even go
on to secure jobs before
graduation.
Those hoping to work as a
mechanical engineer, technical
support engineer, test engineer,
design engineer, project engineer
or research engineer can do so by
signing up for the Bachelor of
Mechanical Engineering with
Honours programme.
During the course of this
four-year programme,
students will learn how to
apply mathematical,
scientific and engineering
knowledge to solve
complex engineering
problems. Students will
also be able to comprehend
engineering and
management principles and put
them in practice.
> SEE NEXT PAGE
Student chapter
in running for
global award
THE Institution of Chemical
Engineers (IChemE) student
chapter of Curtin University
Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has
been named a finalist for Best
Student Chapter at the
prestigious IChemE Malaysia
Awards 2019.
The Student Chapter Award
is presented to universities
that emphasise professional
development and networking
opportunities for their chemical
engineering students. The
winner of the award will be
announced on Oct 14 at the
annual IChemE Malaysia Awards
dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
Winners of the IChemE
Malaysia Awards will be entered
into the corresponding
categories of the IChemE Global
Awards in the United Kingdom.
Academic advisor to the
Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student
Chapter, Dr Bridgid Chin, says
the student chapter is deserving
of the recognition as it has done
excellent work in organising
industrial talks, industrial site
visits, community outreach
programmes and training
workshops and seminars related
to chemical engineering. It has
also been actively involved in
promoting IChemE student
membership and organising
team-building activities for its
members.
“Last year, it was recognised
Curtin Malaysia IChemE student chapter committee members.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019
Nicholas Teng with his
final-year project, a
ladder-climbing robot.
as a highly commended IChemE
student chapter. Winning the
award this year would be a huge
achievement,” she says, adding
that Curtin Malaysia has a
strong association with
IChemE in the areas of course
accreditation, student activities
and professional membership,
and collaborated with the world
body on hosting the 29th
Symposium of Malaysian
Chemical Engineers in Miri in
2016.
The Curtin Malaysia IChemE
student chapter serves as a
platform to promote awareness
among engineering students at
Curtin Malaysia on the latest
developments in the field of
chemical engineering, as well as
create opportunities for them to
expand their professional
networks.
IChemE is the global
professional engineering
institution for chemical,
biochemical and process
engineers and other related
professionals worldwide with
over 44,000 members in over
120 countries. Its mission is to
build and support a community
and network of professionals
involved in all facets of the
chemical engineering discipline.
n For more information
on Curtin Malaysia, visit
www.curtin.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
The Bachelor of Electronic
Engineering with Honours
programme will acquaint future
electronic engineers with
concepts such as circuitry,
control systems, signal
processing and electronic system
design. During this four-year
programme, students will also
learn to keep abreast with
technological advancements in
fields including robotics and
embedded systems.
Students looking for entry into
information technology or
computing may consider the
Bachelor of Computer Science
(Intelligent Systems) (Hons),
Bachelor of Information Systems
(Hons) in Business Management,
Bachelor of Information
Technology (Networking and
Security) (Hons) or Bachelor of
Software Engineering (Hons)
programmes.
These three-year programmes
will equip students with the
fundamental knowledge and
skills related to artificial
intelligence, cybersecurity,
Johnson Chin (left) in a discussion with his Cashierbook team
members.
Familiarise yourself
with innovation
TUNKU Abdul Rahman
University College (TAR UC) has
taken the step to embrace
technological innovation
through the establishment of its
Integrated Innovation Hub (I2
Hub), which was launched on
August 1 last year. The I2 Hub
will help TAR UC synergise
the latest developments in
technology towards enhancing
the education and learning
experience. By integrating
relevant expertise from different
faculties in TAR UC, the hub acts
as a catalyst where creative
innovations and groundbreaking
applications are discovered,
especially in its four areas of
focus – Smart Campus for
Education 4.0, Industry 4.0,
Agriculture 4.0 and corporate
social responsibility.
Through the hub, TAR UC
students have the opportunity to
work hand in hand with their
lecturers in real-world industry
and research projects that
expose them to the latest trends
and developments taking place
in the workplace today.
Cashierbook is a project under
the I2 Hub and involves the
participation of TAR UC students.
It is an app that utilises social
media analytics and blockchain
technology to enable fast and
secure e-commerce transactions.
TAR UC Bachelor of Computer
Science (Hons) student Johnson
Chin See How is part of the
team currently managing the
Cashierbook app, which went
live in August last year.
Computing, Technology, Arts & Design 3
Be at the forefront in your field
Research Excellence and Innovation
(CERI) plays a pivotal role in
spearheading and advancing a
These three-year rigorous research, development and
programmes will commercialisation programme. One
of the key events observed by CERI
equip students with is its annual Research Day, which is
the fundamental meant to allow fellow researchers
to share their key research findings
knowledge and and discoveries.
skills related to Under CERI is the Research
Management Centre (RMC), headed
artificial intelligence, by Dr Tong Dong Ling, who says his
cybersecurity, team’s research is very much
connected to IR 4.0.
Internet of Things, “Most of our team’s research
big data and cloud touches on areas such as the
Internet of Things and embedded
computing. systems. One of our projects
involves testing the efficiency of an
image processor programme by Students at FCUC are equipped with fundamental knowledge in IR4.0.
Internet of Things, big data and running it on two different types of
cloud computing. embedded systems,” explains Dr up for its engineering and computing qualify for 50% off their tuition fee.
Tong. bachelor and diploma programmes
Active in research First City UC invites students with
inquisitive minds for science and
during the upcoming September and
October intakes. Students are
n For more information, call
03-7727 3200 or visit www.firstcity.
First City UC’s Centre for mathematics-related topics to sign encouraged to sign up immediately to edu.my
“I am gaining valuable
experience by helping manage
and troubleshoot an actual
mobile app. Although I have
prior experience in developing
apps through my coursework
assignments, it is not the same
as actually managing an app
that has gone live. People are
using the app and there is a lot
of expectation in ensuring the
app is constantly functioning
well. The demands are high but
I believe my fellow team
members and I are well guided
by our lecturer, Dr Tang Tiong
Yew, who is the main lead for
Cashierbook.”
TAR UC’s I2 Hub has also
paved the way for it to provide
consultancy services to
industries in implementing real-
time Industry 4.0 solutions.
Through the collaboration of
expertise from different TAR UC
faculties, the area of focus is in
creating and utilising Industry
4.0 solutions, including
machine-to-machine
communication, big data
analytics and incorporating
artificial intelligence into the
decision-making processes in
businesses.
TAR UC’s September and
October intakes are still open
for application. Attractive
scholarships are available on
the basis of academic merit and
sibling discount for qualified
students.
n For more information, visit
www.tarc.edu.my
4 Computing, Technology, Arts & Design
“IMAGINATION is the beginning of
creation. You imagine what you
desire, you will what you imagine,
and at last, you create what you
will,” wrote George Bernard Shaw,
an Irish playwright, critic,
polemicist and political activist. His
influence on western theatre,
culture and politics extended
beyond his active years in the
1880s, even after death.
If this quote means something to
you, and creativity burns in your
soul, waiting to be unleashed, why
not design your own career path
and make it big in the field? Marry
your creativity with digitalisation
and design and become a creative
designer.
In today’s media-driven world,
the field of creative design is one of
the most exciting, inspiring and
fast-evolving industries. Creative
designers are in unique positions
to shape companies’ or brands’
Design a successful
career in the creative field
images and how they are
perceived, ultimately influencing
their visibility, productivity and
performance and bringing them
into the digital era.
In line with the increasing
demand for strategic-level thinkers,
skilful communicators and
excellent creative designers,
SEGi University’s Faculty of
Communication and Creative
Design (FoCCD) aims to
revolutionise the communication
and creative design landscape and
develop leaders with innovative
and strategic-thinking attributes.
FoCCD creates an engaging
environment for the exchange of
knowledge between industry and
academia, shaping its students into
industry professionals who will
emerge successful in the
communication and creative
design field. To this end, it holds its
triannual art and design exhibition,
The Creative Design Graduate
Showcase.
The exhibit features the diverse
range of creative artwork
produced by SEGi’s talented
multimedia design and visual
communication design graduates.
This event not only showcases the
masterpieces that are the final-year
projects of these graduates, but
also promotes awareness,
understanding and appreciation
of art and design to all
communities.
Through this exhibit, students
are exposed to event
management and have the
opportunity to work hand in
hand with a real-life
organisation by handling live
projects. The objectives of the
showcase include featuring
and highlighting the graduates’
creative talents, sense of
innovation and hard work,
serve as a networking
THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019
platform that connects graduates to
prospective employers, and
publicise the creative design
programmes of SEGi University.
FoCCD dean Assoc Prof Dr
Mohammad Firdaus Low Abdullah
shares, “The faculty consistently
develops excellence in
communication and creative
design skills in its students with its
Malaysian Qualifications Agency-
accredited programmes. SEGi
University graduates are equipped
with the technical and soft skills
they need to be industry-relevant
and -ready upon graduation. Assoc Prof Dr Mohammad Firdaus
“The FoCCD offers an experience Low Abdullah.
that employs interactivity,
progressive techniques and real- communication. The FoCCD has
world applications to hone and also forged strong links with world-
perfect the skills of our students, class industry players such as
shaping them into excellent Telekom Malaysia Berhad,
communicators and creative Petronas, Astro, Media Prima
designers who create impact and Berhad, Sime Darby Plantation
shape the industry.” Berhad, Axiata Group Berhad,
The FoCCD offers the Foundation Malayan Banking Berhad
in Arts, Diploma in Mass (Maybank) and CIMB Group
Communication, bachelor’s degrees Berhad to provide students and
in English and public relations, staff with invaluable exposure to
corporate communication, mass the latest developments and
communication, multimedia design cutting-edge practices in the field
and visual communication design, of communication and creative
and the Master of Arts in Corporate design.
Communications.
In addition, the faculty’s strong n For more information, call SEGi
partnership with University of University Kota Damansara at
Central Lancashire (UClan) allows 03-6145 1777 or visit segiuniversity.
it to offer a double degree in mass edu.my