Friday, October 2, 2015

9 tips to Choose the Best Course in Malaysia to Study after SPM, UEC or STPM that fits you

How to choose the Best Course to Study after the SPM, UEC, STPM or A-Levels in Malaysia

EduSpiral takes student to tour HELP Academy to find out more about their A-Level Programme
EduSpiral takes student to tour HELP Academy to find out more about their A-Level Programme
After having counseled thousands of students since working in the education line in 2000, I have come up with 9 tips that will help students after SPM or UEC to help you choose the right course that would fit you.
You can contact us for a free career test to help you understand yourself better so that you are able to make the right decision.
I have students telling me that they have taken personality tests but were not accurate. We must remember that these tests are not 100% accurate and needs to be used together with a counselor.
Furthermore, the tests are designed by westerners who choose their courses based on interests while as Malaysians, we not only have to choose based on interests but have to take into account which course can give us a career that is stable and can make money.
Most great things begin with a plan. Your future career and studies should be no different. A plan will give you something to work towards. It'll also help you make the most of the opportunities that come your way. 
It can be confusing to choose the right course after SPM. You should carefully think about what are the options available to you, look at your results, interests and budget. If you are not sure what to study, do ask a trained counselor and always make decisions based on evidence and facts. The decisions that you make now, can change your life forever.

There are basically 3 reasons to choose a career in Malaysia

When EduSpiral students tour the campus & see the environment for themselves, it helps them to decide whether the university fits them. Pic - Students touring the library at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
When EduSpiral students tour the campus & see the environment for themselves, it helps them to decide whether the university fits them. Pic - Students touring the library at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
1. We have to choose something that we like. If we study something that we do not like, then we will hate our working life for the next 60 years
2. We have to choose a career that we are actually good at. Just because you like something, doesn't mean that you are good at it. For example, some people think that they can sing, but when they open their mouths to sing, people run away. Like the American Idol, we see that some people cannot sing but actually believe that they can.
3. We should choose a career that can give us a good salary. Unless you have rich
parents or just want to work for charity, then you can ignore this. Most of us need money to survive in this world. Especially now for most Malaysians where the cost of living is so high, we need to get a career that can provide for us, our future family as well as to support our parents when they grow old.
So, how do we choose the right course for yourselves? It is not a science, it is a process. Below are the 9 tips to help you narrow down the possible choices for your future career.
9 tips on choosing the right career for you
1. What's your secondary school results?
  • What you got for your actual SPM or UEC can be used as a guide. This is a good measure of whether you are actually capable of doing well in the course or not. 
  • Be realistic. I have had student who did not do well in Maths but want to study accounting or IT, or passed Add Maths and Physics but would like to study engineering. Your results are a measurement on whether you can succeed in the course or not.
  • If you did not meet the entry requirements for a particular course means you should consider other courses that would fit you better.
    After I finished my SPM, I felt confused about my further study. Because of Eduspiral, I am able to pursue my studies at Asia Pacific University. Eduspiral, was so patient to answer all my questions and even brought me to visit the university when I went to KL alone. Jeremy Lee, APU scholarship student
    After I finished my SPM, I felt confused about my further study. Because of Eduspiral, I am able to pursue my studies at Asia Pacific University.
    Eduspiral, was so patient to answer all my questions and even brought me to visit the university when I went to KL alone.
    Jeremy Lee, APU scholarship student
  • If your results show that you are strong in Modern Maths, you can consider Accounting, Finance, Banking or IT.
  • Scoring high for Add Maths and Physics would make engineering courses like Mechanical, Mechatronic, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, or Telecommunications good choices to consider
  • Strong in Chemistry and Add Maths would make Food Science and Nutrition, Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering your top picks.
  • Being a numbers person would mean that you can consider IT, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Accounting and Finance.
  • An outgoing personality with good results in Sejarah, Moral and English would make Mass Communication, Public Relations, Advertising, Teaching, English & Communication, TESOL, Early Childhood Education and Marketing as your choices.
  • We have to look at the subjects and compare with your personality, interests and hobbies as well to see whether it fits you.
2. What interests you? Make lists.
EduSpiral analysed my personality and results, subsequently advised me on choosing the right course as well as the best university that fit me. John Lai Wai Hong, Diploma in Mass Comm at KDU University College
EduSpiral analysed my personality and results, subsequently advised me on choosing the right course as well as the best university that fit me.
John Lai Wai Hong, Diploma in Mass Comm at KDU University College
  • List the fields of study that interest you, and come up with a list of courses you would consider studying based on these interests.
  • Add the topics that you were most interested in during school as well as jobs.
  • Make a list of your hobbies.
  • List down your favorite subjects at school
  • A list of your extra-curricular activities can provide ideas of what type of person you are.
3. Do a thorough Research on the course of interest
  • The internet, newspapers, television and people around you are the best sources of information.
  • Check online about the courses you are interested in and find out about the career prospects and the other info.
  • Find facts and evidence to support the career and job prospects.
  • Starting salaries and how much you can earn eventually.
  • Go to education fairs and Open Days to see the campuses and collect the brochures.
4. Ask the right people about what to study at top universities in Malaysia
  • Speak to professionals in your field of interest and find out what it is like working in that job.
  • People who have completed university courses can give you an insight from a student’s perspective - they can tell you the pros and cons.
  • Listen to people who are experienced in the industry or know what they are talking about. Not just simply listen to Aunties or Friends who don't know what they are talking about.
  • Talk to your school counselor or an experienced career guidance counselor. This is important as you would not ask a Doctor on how to repair your car so you must ask the right person to help you.
  • Ask your parents and friends what type of personality you are and what could fit you however note that some parents may not be objective and want you to choose the course they want for you.
5. Cost of studying a diploma or degree in Malaysia
Being in Sabah made it difficult for me to survey the universities in Peninsula. I found EduSpiral online and they provided detailed information & helped me with my application. They even took me around the university for a tour when I went to visit. Xavier Phang, Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University
Being in Sabah made it difficult for me to survey the universities in Peninsula. I found EduSpiral online and they provided detailed information & helped me with my application. They even took me around the university for a tour when I went to visit.
Xavier Phang, Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University
  • Talk to your parents and find out what is their budget. There is no point going around asking about studies overseas and then find out that you can only afford to study in Malaysia.
  • You need to know the budget for your studies in order to choose the right university that fits you. There is no point to choose a university and then find out that you cannot afford the fees
  • Affordability is another aspect you need to consider while deciding on your course, as well as the additional costs that occur, such as text books, field trips etc.
  • Financial aid available are basically scholarships and the PTPN Loan.
6. Career opportunities.
  • Look at the career prospects of the course before selecting one. Consider various factors such as income, job security, stress, responsibility and other benefits while researching a profession.
  • Look at statistics, evidence and facts. Not just listen to your auntie say that she thinks a particular career is excellent or a university counselor say that the course is good based on their experience.
7. Look at the subjects offered.
  • Read through the course outline of the course(s) you want to apply for. See if the subjects interests you.
  • Have a look at the subjects you must undertake and the types of learning, assignments and examination tasks involved.
8. Quality of the University in Malaysia
  • Compare course outlines and academic facilities between universities to make sure you make the right choice for your educational needs and preferences.
  • If possible, visit the university and their Open Days to get a feeling of what the campus is like.
  • If you choose a university with extremely low fees, then don't be surprised at the low quality of education there. If you pay
    After chatting with EduSpiral on Facebook, I got a clearer picture of which university to choose that would best fit me. Zhi Sheng, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
    After chatting with EduSpiral on Facebook, I got a clearer picture of which university to choose that would best fit me.
    Zhi Sheng, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
    for a Kancil, you will get Kancil power. However, it doesn't mean that you should pay so much until you are just paying for the lake only. Pay what is value for money.
  • Choose a university that promotes the use of the English language.Research by Star newspaper has shown that professionals with good command of the English language has a 25% higher salary and chances of promotion. Some graduates wonder why they can't find a job because they cannot communicate in simple English when they chose a university that has lower fees but with a Mandarin-speaking environment.
  • An overseas education is not better but it will help expose you to a different culture and expand your thinking abilities.Although rankings are a guide but in Malaysia, some universities are ranked high but are low in terms of quality.
  • The SETARA 2013 & 2011 Ranking system by MQA can be used as a guide in choosing the best universities in Malaysia to study at 
9. Choose the Best Course to Study in Malaysia that fits you
  • Choosing a course or career is not a science, it is a process in finding out who you are and what you are good at. Some people find out faster while others take more time.
  • A personality or career test is not magic or science that will show you what your future is. They are just a guide.
  • You can always work in other fields after you graduate as long as it is not a technical field. Engineers and Doctors have switched to Finance or Marketing careers.

Best Degree Programs in Malaysia

  • There are a lot of graduates with diplomas & degrees. In order to be competitive in the job market, you should get at least
    EduSpiral took us to visit APU and UCSI so that we can see the campus facilities and make a better decision about our future. Kian Yong (Mechanical Engineering) at UCSI University and Hong Ann (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University
    EduSpiral took us to visit APU and UCSI so that we can see the campus facilities and make a better decision about our future.
    Kian Yong (Mechanical Engineering) at UCSI University and Hong Ann (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University
    a degree.
  • Starting salaries for Degree holders range from RM2,500 onwards depending on which course you graduate from.
  • Generally, most degrees take up 3 years of studies. Engineering takes 4 years because they need BEM accreditation. Medicine and Dentistry takes 5 years while Pharmacy takes 4 years.
  • You can apply for the PTPN Loan for the Degree course.
  • The starting salary is slightly higher than a diploma holder but if you are good, the promotions come faster.
  • You will learn more and develop more critical thinking skills.
  • Your career upward mobility is faster.
  • There are many degree courses that you can choose to study in Malaysia. If you plan to work in Malaysia, then you should choose degree courses that would be in demand  in Malaysia and has a high salary so that you can support your family.
Engineering and Built Environment
Computing and IT
Applied and Health Sciences in Malaysia
Business Courses in Malaysia
Social Science Courses in Malaysia
Design Courses in Malaysia
Hospitality and Culinary Arts Courses in Malaysia
Education and Music Courses in Malaysia







About the Founder of EduSpiral Consultant Services

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral Consultant Services, has more than 20 years of experience in counseling students and helping them change the world!
Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral Consultant Services, has more than 20 years of experience in counseling students and helping them change the world!
I completed the ADP programme from a local Private Higher Education Institution, I subsequently went to the University of Oklahoma, USA and graduated in communications.  I liked psychology and took a lot of psychology subjects during my university. After graduating, I worked in Wisconsin, USA with young people as a counselor for a few years.
我的个人资料
我在一间高等教育机构完成了我的ADP课程，随后，我进了入美国的俄克拉何马大学，
毕业于传播系。我喜欢心理学，在大学期间也拿了很多关于心理学的科目。毕业后，我在美国威斯康星州，为辅导员数年。
Since 2000, I have worked in Malaysia in the advertising industry and education industries working in student recruitment & marketing communication. Having worked in private higher education, I have a distinct advantage to help students from an insider point of view.
自2000年以来，我曾在马来西亚的广告业和教育工作招生及营销传播的行业。因私人学府工作，我有一个明显的优势，我拥有学院深入的了解，以独自的见解帮助学生。
With the wealth of experience in student recruitment and counseling, I formed EduSpiral Consultant Services to assist students in their educational journey. I saw the need for students to make informed decisions based on facts and evidence, which is lacking. Having worked in the private education industry for more than 10 years, I have counseled thousands of Malaysians and international students in finding the right course to fit their personality and career choice.
有了丰富的经验在招生和辅导，我形成EduSpiral的顾问服务，以协助学生在他们的教
Taking students on a campus tour of UCSI University and finishing off with counseling and registration
育旅程。我看到了学生对根据事实和证据来做出明智的决定的需要。我在私立教育行业工作超过10年，我曾辅导过数千名的马来西亚人和国际学生以便帮助寻找合适的课程，以满足他们的个性和职业选择。
I enjoy helping students find their right place at the college of choice.  I love helping students and their families navigate the college and career search process. With thousands of career options and about 500 private colleges & universities out there, it can be a confusing and stressful process. There are so many different steps involved in applying to college, and I hope to provide clear direction and simplify the process.
我喜欢帮助学生以便他们找到适合的学府。我也爱帮助学生和他们的家人指导高校和职业搜索过程。与数以千计的职业选择及约500名私立学府，它可是个复杂的过程。申请上大学有这么多不同的步骤，我希望能提供明确的方向和简化的过程。
A PRIVATE COLLEGE INDUSTRY INSIDER
I have worked in the private education industry in marketing and
In Kenya for an education exhibition recruiting students for Monash University
In Kenya for an education exhibition recruiting students for Monash University
communications therefore I have garnered knowledge and experience about the many courses and private colleges out there. Having conducted market research, this helps in being able to identify the right college that would fit the student. My work experience includes Monash University, UCSI, SEGi and a few other education institutions.
我曾在职市场营销和传播在私立教育行业，因此，我有许多关于课程和私立学院丰富的知识和经验。在进行市场调研，我能帮助学生找到适合他的学府。我的工作经验包括Monash大学，UCSI，世纪学院和其他的教育机构。
In my job in these institutions, I perform market research, product training for counselors, college admissions, international & local student recruitment, and provide course counseling to students, giving me a solid foundation to assist you through the hundreds of careers available and see through the clutter of the college ads.
我在这些机构中的工作，我进行市场调研，产品培训辅导员，高校招生，国际及本地的招生，向学生提供课程辅导，让我在数百个职业及众多广告中协助你。

EduSpiral Consultant Services- Your Personal Online Education Advisor

Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling
EduSpiral provided us with in-depth information about UCSI University and also took us around for a campus tour and to find accommodation. It really helped us to make a good decision about our future. En Qi, Pharmacy student
EduSpiral provided us with in-depth information about UCSI University and also took us around for a campus tour and to find accommodation. It really helped us to make a good decision about our future.
En Qi, Pharmacy student
on courses and universities in Malaysia, Singapore and Ireland. EduSpiral Consultant Services also represents Northampton University, UK, MDIS Singapore and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
EduSpiral Consultant Services represents the best colleges and universities in Malaysia offering a wide range of choices for students to choose from. These colleges and universities offer value for money in the quality of education and excellent facilities that you get.
These universities and colleges are chosen by EduSpiral because they represent the best in their fields in Malaysia and affordable. EduSpiral provides in-depth information and counseling on their courses so that students are able to make the right choice.
If you are still not sure what to study, please contact us and we will send you a free EduSpiral Career Assessment Form.
Please contact us for more details.




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