UCSI University Launches the Praxis-Industry-Compliance Programme

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Kuala Lumpur, 13th September, 2012  - UCSI University together with Siemens Malaysia officially sealed an agreement this morning to jointly develop and value innovate the future of the University's students as well as industrial practitioners aligned with the current and future industry needs and compliance especially in the areas of Engineering and Instrumentation. Namely the Praxis-Industry-Compliance (PIC) Programme, this innovative programme provides the opportunity for students, lecturers and industrial participants to learn and gain latest and practical industrial knowledge in the areas of Engineering and Instrumentation using Siemens' technology. With this collaboration, UCSI University has engaged UCSI Extension, a wholly owned subsidiary of UCSI Group Sdn. Bhd. with the credentials in providing  ‘life-long learning' as the managing partner to manage the programme with Nectar Consortium. Nectar Consortium is the system integrator of Siemens who will be conducting the technical learning engagement of the programme courses while Siemens is to provide the support in terms of technology. "This partnership with UCSI University's Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment and Nectar Consortium is yet another significant milestone, as this development can indeed be considered as part of UCSI University's track record at industry-academia collaboration," said Professor Emeritus Dr Lim Koon Ong, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Research at UCSI University. "Via this, UCSI University staff and students as well as the public will be able to keep abreast of the latest developments. This will enhance the University's commitment to Professional Boards," he added. Nectar Consortium is set to provide and install the equipment, software and consumables to conduct the training for the relevant courses. Students opting to undertake the course will be charged a special fee and the programme duration will supplement a portion of the University's Co-Operative placement programme. Staff of UCSI University's engineering faculty will also receive free training to keep themselves relevant in teaching the trade. The course is also extended to other Higher Learning Institutions and companies alike to participate and acquire the practical know-how.   "This joint venture between UCSI University and Siemens Malaysia is indeed a true reflection of Siemens' capacity in providing practical technical training that meets the industrial aggressive standards going forward," said Mr Leong Seng Tuck, Director, Nectar Training Centre Sdn Bhd. This two-way engagement with NECTAR CONSORTIUM also improves the quality of the University's curriculum and this goes a long way in maintaining UCSI University's strong standing as a university of choice for employers and industries in Malaysia as well as in the global arena as the University aims towards globalization. This bodes well with UCSI University's Praxis approach – an approach that blends academia and industrial exposure in an ingenious fashion. Apart from extensive in-house training at our many Praxis Centres – profitable business entities under the UCSI Group umbrella – the University seeks to partner with the best companies in the industry such as Nectar Consortium, a company that is very much into industrial based practical learning. EduSpiral Consultant Services- Your Personal Online Education Advisor Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling on courses and  universities in Malaysia. EduSpiral Consultant Services also represents Northampton University, UK, MDIS Singapore and Hong 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 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. Whatsapp: +601111408838 Wechat/Line: EduSpiral88 Instagram: www.instagram.com/eduspiral Foursquare: www.foursquare.com/eduspiral Youtube: www.youtube.com/eduspiral Follow EduSpiral: www.twitter.com/eduspiral Be my friend: www.facebook.com/eduspiral1 Like EduSpiral: www.facebook.com/eduspiralcs Message me: info@eduspiral.com Website: www.eduspiral.com

Global English Learning at UCSI University

Kuala Terengganu, 11 September, 2012 - Twenty selected candidates from the Military Industrial Corporation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived yesterday evening at Kuala Terengganu to begin a month-long Intensive English Programme at our campus at Marang, before they set off to the Kuala Lumpur campus to pursue a three-month industrial exposure training programme in various engineering disciplines.  Looking fresh and enthusiastic despite some connected and long flights to Kuala Terengganu, the students looked forward to participating in a host of programmes lined up for them by the teaching team.  Ms Margaret Soo, Head of UCSI English Academy called for the students to stay healthy and enthusiastic, as the month-long programme promises to be both fun and challenging.  Students will be assessed before and after the programme to ensure that they improve by at least one level in their English pursuit, while at the same time be taken to various weekend outings to appreciate the natural beauty of Terengganu that few tourists get to see.   "Learning English Globally" is the theme of the programme which emphasizes on the need to use English effectively in a global setting.  "English is no longer a language owned by the Englishmen; it is a universal communications tool every global manager or student needs to have," said Ms Soo in her welcome message. The UCSI English Academy conducts Edu-Tourism through short and medium term mobility programmes such as this at the East-coast of Malaysia. About EduSpiral Consultant Services -Your Personal Online Education Advisor EduSpiral Consultant Services is a full-service educational counseling & planning firm. Established in 2009, to provide higher education options for school leavers to various reputable private colleges & universities in Malaysia & Ireland that are of high quality and affordable. EduSpiral is an official representative of UCSI University to provide information for their courses. Please contact us for more information. Follow EduSpiral: www.twitter.com/eduspiral Be my friend: www.facebook.com/eduspiral1 Like EduSpiral: www.facebook.com/eduspiralcs Message me: info@eduspiral.com.my Welcome to my home: www.eduspiral.com.my

Making robotics, science and engineering fun for the future generation

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The creation of functional robots has long been relegated to the laboratories of meticulous scientists, who spend years researching and developing new technologies, materials, and methods of robotic construction. However the experts at UCSI University invited a team of high-school students to take part in a robot-building session, eschewing traditional materials and tools to peek their interest in Mechatronic Engineering. Incorporating light, audio, and motion sensors that responds to programmable software, the students' creativity were indeed aroused. UCSI University's Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment had successfully organised this Lego Robotic Competition together with SMK St. Columba in Miri, Sarawak from the 10th to 11th July 2012. A total of 14 groups from 10 schools around the region participated in the event. Besides efforts to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics irresistibly fun for the next generation, other aims of the event was to nurture the students' interest within the field of Mechatronics, to develop and strengthen the students' critical thinking skills such as problem solving skills, creative thinking skills, interpersonal communication skills and collaborative teamwork skills and also to help students build a solid foundation in mathematics, science, technology, design and ICT through hands-on experience. "This workshop has provided a powerful learning platform to develop and strengthen critical and creative thinking and social skills within the students, which is essential pre-requisites for success in further studies and their future careers. These skills include problem-solving, creative thinking, interpersonal communication and collaborative teamwork skills," said En Muhammad bin Ismail the teacher in charge from SM Sains Miri, whose group won the competition. "Through this workshop we expect the students to develop logical, critical and systematic thinking, enhance their creativity in problem solving and raise their awareness of many possible ways to achieve the desired outcome. I also hope that this will become an annual programme," he added. To kick-off the competition, the students were given an introduction about Mechatronic Engineering, explaining to them the processes of making simple models such as humanoids, and animals which only use less complicated sensors. The students were then given the task to create their own robots within their teams before programming their creations to function.  "Before this, we did not have much understanding of the mechatronics programme but now we realise that this discipline includes mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, software development, motor and system innovation as well as information technology," said one of the participating students. "We were very interested to learn more about this programme as all this while we did not fully understand what it entailed. Now that we are aware, we recognize that mechatronic engineering has good prospects and high potential in Malaysia," concurred yet another student. This programme marks the initiative and effort of UCSI University and the government schools in promoting technology, innovation and robotics to the students even before they enter into the higher education sector. EduSpiral Consultant Services- Your Personal Online Education Advisor Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling on courses and  universities in Malaysia. EduSpiral Consultant Services also represents Northampton University, UK, MDIS Singapore and Hong 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 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. Whatsapp: +601111408838 Wechat/Line: EduSpiral88 Instagram: www.instagram.com/eduspiral Foursquare: www.foursquare.com/eduspiral Youtube: www.youtube.com/eduspiral Follow EduSpiral: www.twitter.com/eduspiral Be my friend: www.facebook.com/eduspiral1 Like EduSpiral: www.facebook.com/eduspiralcs Message me: info@eduspiral.com Website: www.eduspiral.com

The best in music education at UCSI University

IF the age-old adage that a tree should be judged by its fruit is anything to go by, a music school must be measured by the quality of its graduates.
And when a school can count talented vocalist Tracy Wong Wei Wen, acclaimed music director Onn San and renowned violinist Joanne Yeoh, among others, as its alumni, aspiring musicians need look no further.
Educating tomorrow's virtuosos since 1990, UCSI University's School of Music holds the distinction of being one of Malaysia's foremost musical education providers. And with a cohort of around 350 students – a 50-50 split between classical and contemporary inclinations – UCSI is the largest private tertiary music education provider by some distance.
The School's success, says Head of School Prof Dr P'ng Tean Hwa, is attributed to its sound commitment to bring out the best in its students.
"At UCSI's School of Music, we continuously seek to raise the standards of our students," opines Prof P'ng without inflection. "A lot of alignment goes on behind the scenes to suit our students' needs."
By alignment, Prof P'ng is referring to one-to-one sessions, meticulous curriculum reviews and the provision of avenues to showcase one's talent.
The key idea, he opines, is to adopt a holistic approach to education, equipping students with a solid foundation to maximise their potential.
And far more often than not, UCSI students have always delivered on their promise, pleasantly surprising audiences – and sometimes themselves – on the big stage.
One such individual is Tracy who is highly regarded in the local and regional music scene as a soprano and a conductor. Blessed with a voice rich in timbre, Tracy is known for her expressive veracity and this was evinced by her nomination at the 2011 Malaysian Music Industry Awards for the Best Vocal Group Performance category.
Part of the Capifruta Vocal Quartet – named after a Brazilian cocktail – Tracy enrolled at UCSI in 2003 and she credits the University for moulding her into an all-rounder.
"I had a very rewarding and enriching UCSI experience," she enthuses. "The subjects and electives I took allowed me to be challenged intellectually and I was able to graduate with the knowledge and confidence I needed to survive in the music industry.
"I learned a lot there and the most important lesson centres on the importance of focus and clarity – the subjects and selfless academics are there but it is up to me to make the most of my studies; to stay hungry and curious, constantly figuring out how I can use the acquired knowledge to become the musician I want to be."
Tracy's account is best exemplified when she made the decision to switch her minor from the violin to singing – she majored in piano – midway through her course. The decision hinged on her desire to build on her choral singing background and the University facilitated the switch without attempting to foist anything on her.
"The faculty never confined me to a particular specification and I was under no pressure to conform to stereotypes," she continues.
"I always wanted to share music with the community. My idea is that singing is the easiest way to bring people together to appreciate music as they are already born with that instrument. All they need to do is learn how to develop and use it."
True to her affinities, Tracy is now inspiring others to hone their talent. Working with the Young KL singers – an adult community choir of non-professionals – and the Kuala Lumpur Children's Choir, Tracy runs her own youth chamber choir and conducts workshopsfor primary and secondary schools around the country.
More significantly, Tracy is introducing Malaysian choral music to the global community. She has brought choirs overseas for the last four years, exposing young talents to international standards.

The UCSI tradition
Tracy's story adds weight to UCSI's track record of excellence – a record that has become synonymous with the School of Music.
It must be noted that the alumni are not the only ones who do the faculty proud and existing students have recorded their fair share of moments.
The University's Concert Choir recently bagged the gold medal at the 11^th China International Choral Festival and the International Federation for Choir Music's World Choral Summit in Beijing, besting international competition along the way.
Taking stock of the monumental success, Prof P'ng said that the School had delivered on its promise once again.
"The continuous success of our students and alumni in international events and competitions – from ensemble performances to the contemporarybands– speak volumes about their quality and we are gratified to help them succeed," he said.
"The UCSI University choir is something we can really be proud of as it has grown from strength to strength in recent years. Winning against world class competition is no easy task and they have really done us proud by delivering in Beijing."
While the many accolades certainly make the school look good, Prof P'ng opines that the teaching staff prefer to keep their feet on the ground to concentrate on what they do best: Grooming the next generation of classical and contemporary maestros.
Although the University's participation in international competitions provides invaluable opportunities for students to showcase their talent, Prof P'ng opines that one must not overlook "more prosaic" avenues.
"Our students showcase their talent on the big stage but one should not forget that talent is honed over hours of performance projects, class work, volunteerism and one-to-one sessions," he said.
"There is no substitute for dedication and we are happy that our students have fulfilled their potential. The whole story is really about them and we (the teaching staff) are happy to make an impact on their lives."
Prof P'ng's modesty is intertwined with the faculty's commitment to instil the right values among its staff and students. Values like professionalism, a commitment to excellence, humility, integrity and congeniality.
And as far as Tracy is concerned, the grounding has certainly helped her along the way.
"Looking back, values have played a vital role, not only for career advancement but also for self-improvement," she mulls.
"There is always a need for respect forpeers, colleagues, fellow musicians and also, to the craft itself – so as not to sell out. I believe that if I am committed to a certain project, the quality of my work should show in my efforts as it mirrors the person I choose to be."
Urging aspiring musicians to pursue their passions, Tracy adds that there are good prospects for musicians in Malaysia. The market is certainly there and the only question is how far students are willing to go to fulfill their ambitions.
And if the answer is "further", UCSI is an ideal place to be.

EduSpiral Consultant Services is an official representative of UCSI University to provide information and advise on their courses. For more information, please email us at info@eduspiral.com.my

Excellent Heaith Science Education at MAHSA University College

Medical laboratory technicians learn from the best in the health care industry

The healthcare industry in Malaysia is growing and there are more private hospitals opening up each year. These hospitals will need well trained health care professionals from medical lab technicians to pharmacists to nurses to doctors. If you are a kind, caring, patient and intelligent person with a love for biology, physics and chemistry, then a career in the health care industry is the answer for you. Choosing the right university can be confusing with so many institutions around. MAHSA University College is a specialist university offering programmes in the field of health care.

MAHSA University College is one of the leading medical and healthcare institutions with a wide range of postgraduate degrees, undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificate programmes.

As a testimony to its commitment to education excellence, MAHSA was conferred the prestigious Education Excellence Award 2006 (Medium Size) by National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) and again in 2008.

Furthermore, in 2010, MAHSA was awarded the Education Excellence Award (Large Size) by Napei and in 2009, MASHA was awarded the most popular institution to offer nursing programmes in Malaysia, by GTI Media Asia.

MAHSA University College has also received the must sought after ISO 9001:2000 certification for meeting international standards in quality Management Systems. MAHSA is the first allied health sciences institution in the country to be awarded with such distinguished accolades.

MAHSA: The Health Care Education Specialist

The university has over 7,000 students graduated from its various faculties. The advantages of studying at MAHSA would be that it provides an integrated and flexible curriculum, use of modern technology in course delivery, collaborative partnerships with international universities, highly qualified and experienced lecturers with highly competent clinical instructors.

Technologically Advanced Learning: MAHSA students learn to use medical imaging technology in class

Students will acquire more than theoretical knowledge of their academic subjects as MAHSA will equip students with job-ready skills that will give them a head start when they start work. The uniqueness lies in the ability to integrate classroom learning with hands-on training in clinical settings and practical placements supported by participating government hospitals.

MAHSA University College is located at two campuses; Pusat Bandar Damansara and Jalan Universiti. The Jalan University campus has been upgraded to include facilities such as a state-of-the-art auditorium, gym, swimming pool, recreation centre and a modern study area.

In both campuses, students will have access to an impressive range of resources to support their studies including an outstanding academic library and some of the best computing resources. The campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities with ultra modern clinical and science laboratories.

Accommodation is provided for students from outstation or overseas.

The new campus will be designed to be a predominantly modern and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The campus offers state-of-the-art resources and facilities which include library, sports centre, hostel, hospital, shopping arcade and cinema.

Courses offered at MAHSA

MAHSA offers a wide range of postgraduate degrees, undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificate programmes.

• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Allied Health Science
• Faculty of Businessss
• Postgraduate Studies Centre
• Pre-University Studies

For more information on MAHSA's courses, please email info@eduspiral.com.my. You may also obtain more information from my websie at www.eduspiral.com.my 

UCSI University Nurtures Actuarial Professionals

The wake of the financial crisis has brought to light the significance of risk migration and management, which has been intensely scrutinised, of late. To meet increasing demand for Actuarial Science professionals in the industry, UCSI University has designed and successfully launched a three-year Actuarial Science degree programme in 2010 under its Faculty of Business & Information Science. As such, the University has become one of the only two private universities in Malaysia to offer such a course in this niche field. Founded by Faculty Dean Associate Professor Dr Toh Kian Kok, the programme has enrolled a total of 195 students, and May 2013 is set to witness its first cohort of graduates. Lim Fang Ching, Head of the Actuarial Science and Applied Statistics Department under the Faculty, describes the programme as "very comprehensive" and "hands-on", solidly grounded in actuarial science as opposed to other programmes offering a blend of hybrid subjects. Unlike conventional courses, where lectures are only conducted by statisticians or mathematicians, the University's Actuarial Science programme is infused with the industry experience of two actuaries and dedicated lecturers well-versed in economics, mathematics and statistics. The Department has exerted much effort to tie-in its curriculum with the University's praxis concept – an academic approach of applying theory to practice. The University has made collaborative arrangements with several insurance companies, agents and consultancy firms, among others, through co-operative placements that allow students to experience the real actuarial work environment. Industry partners have also reciprocated the students' commitment with positive feedback on their performance. Elaborating further on the implementation of the praxis concept, Lim said: "Our aim is to not only generate academically-trained graduates but to also enable them to be savvy in industrial practices and to be capable of conducting independent research." As part of their graduation project, he elaborated, final year students are required to conduct independent research on financial or actual modelling and apply the model to financial and insurance-related issues. He added: "To be qualified as an actuary, students are required to undergo a series of actuarial examinations before they become credentialled, and the programme is designed to prepare students for this purpose, as its core modules comply with examination syllabus by actuarial professional bodies such as the Society of Actuaries (SOA)." Students preparing for exams are also supported through activities like additional one-to-one tuition classes, industrial visits and talks by industry practitioners such as actuaries and adjunct senior lecturers. Notably, the University's Actuarial Science Student Association (ASSA) – just newly formed in May 2011 – plays an important role in nurturing a passion for Actuarial Science. Encompassing more than 100 student members, ASSA is committed to furnishing its members with exposure to real-world practices in the actuarial profession and fostering the growth of soft skills and knowledge in the field – by organising relevant campaigns and sharing sessions with industry practitioners, among others. Recently, ASSA organised the Actuarial Science Student Colloquium on 21st July this year. Many Actuarial Science undergraduates gathered at this unique event, where Mr Raymond Lai, the International Ambassador and Past President of the Actuarial Society of Malaysia (ASM), among other prominent speakers, spoke on future demand in the industry and other relevant issues. Apart from that, the association has also joined efforts with various parties – such as the University's Accounting and Finance Student Association (AFSA) and the Student Affairs division – on numerous projects. In joint collaboration with AFSA, the SIDC Capital Market Modules – a campaign sponsored by Securities Commission Malaysia that enlisted several finance professionals as speakers – was created. ASSA also teamed up with the Student Affairs division to establish a ‘buddy system' for programme takers. ASSA's President Ho Phui Phui agreed that she had learned much from the campaigns, and said: "As (ASSA's) current president, I learned to multi-task and juggle time between supervising tasks for committee members; maintaining good relationships between members, non-members and the public; and maintaining good grades." The association also provided me with numerous opportunities to hone my public speaking skills, she added, which is a plus as my language background is Chinese. Aside from ASSA, the Department is taking other steps to fully enhance industry learning for its students. There have been discussions for students to collaborate with insurance companies on several projects, Lim said, which will be supervised by the Department's course lecturers. The projects will provide them with much-needed practical experience, he elucidated, giving them an infallible head start in their careers. Deliberations to develop programmes with leading universities in the United Kingdom are also taking place – for example, credit transfer programmes. Once it is launched, doors will open to more study options for students, especially those who excel academically or have been recognised as leaders among their peers. Rather than sitting for professional papers upon completion of their degree, students may opt to further their Master's degree in the United Kingdom. The fact that actuaries are essential to the insurance sector has always been indisputable. Explaining recent trends in actuarial science, Lim said: "The common public misconception is that actuaries are able to find employment only with insurance companies. However, due to the recent financial crisis, many companies have recognised the importance of risk management." He added that unlike earlier days, the actuarial field has now expanded to embrace risk management for investment banks, financial derivatives and financial engineering, among others. As demand continues to escalate for more actuarial professionals in the country, it is anticipated that Malaysia will witness the bloom of the actuarial industry in the near future, as there are still many areas with growth potential.

APIIT-UCTI is now a university! Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (A.P.U) is amongst Malaysia’s Premier Private Universities, and is where a unique fusion of technology, innovation and creativity works effectively towards preparing graduates for significant roles in business and society globally. A.P.U has earned an enviable reputation as an award-winning University through its achievements in winning a host of prestigious awards at national and international levels.

Originally established as the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) in 1993 and Asia Pacific University College of Technology & Innovation (UCTI) in 2004, A.P.U’s sound approach to nurturing school leavers into qualified professionals has resulted in our graduates being highly sought after by employers. With an international student community from more than 90 countries studying in its Malaysian campus, A.P.U offers a truly cosmopolitan learning environment which prepares students well for the global challenges which lie ahead. A.P.U offers a wide range of degrees with Technology as a common core. It is A.P.U’s aim to nurture and encourage innovation through our programmes of study, with the intention of producing individuals who will learn, adapt and think differently in new and better ways.

The Asia Pacific University has and always will, continue to develop and deliver its academic programmes through unique and well-established international partnerships, particularly with Staffordshire University UK but also with other partners throughout the world. This formidable combination of Malaysian homegrown programmes fortified with international benchmarking, provides our students with the assurance that the qualifications gained from A.P.U truly meet international quality standards. In addition, A.P.U’s academic programmes are all approved by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia and the qualifications are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
A.P.U’s achievements bear testimony to our commitment to excellence in higher education and training, as well as innovative research and development and commercialization. A.P.U (via APIIT) is Malaysia’s first Institution to achieve Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Company Status. Through our network of APIIT Education Group branch campuses established in Sri Lanka and India, A.P.U also reaches out to young aspiring professionals in these countries, providing them with a unique opportunity of experiencing international best practices in higher education using curricula, processes, resources and systems which have been developed in Malaysia. A.P.U’s academic programmes are all approved by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia and the qualifications are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Winner for the Android Smartphone Challenge 2012.

It was a moment of joy for Richard Lim Kee Wei- a SPM student from SMK Methodist (ACS) Klang who emerged as the winner for the Android Smartphone Challenge 2012.

The student who created ABC Learning Apps using MIT App Inventor after just two hours of training by KBU lecturers was overjoyed to receive Samsung Galaxy S3- which was the grand prize of the challenge.

Students Ngoh Kai Heong from SMK Tinggi St David and Tan Yi Hao from SMJK Jit Sin walked away with Samsung Galaxy Note and Samsung Galaxy Y for creating Android apps on MyWallet and Emergency Call respectively.

The event which was organised by KBU’s School of Engineering and Computing aimed at giving a glimpse of fun aspects related to the engineering and computing field to the 2012 SPM and UEC students.

The event was organised in conjunction with KBU’s Open Day had attracted participation from students around the nation.

“The Android Smartphone Challenge- is one of our initiatives to promote the fun part of engineering and computing,” said School of Engineering and Computing Head Lye Boon Han.

He added that the field of engineering and computing is often misinterpreted as tough and too technical.

“Recognising the matter we would like to promote fun-learning environment which involves latest equipments and hands-on training that would shape the engineers of tomorrow,” he added.

The event which was filled with fun activities, also saw the launching of KBU App Inventor Malaysia facebook group, aimed to create a platform for technology lovers to come and learn how to create Smartphone apps.

The Facebook group was launched by KBU Principal Dr See Hoon Peow, encouraged students to participate in the Facebook group and learn more on creating Smartphone apps.

During the Android Smartphone Challenge, students were briefed on the Android Smartphone apps and went through a simple test on Smartphone knowledge. Then, top 27 students were selected to take part in the Android Smartphone Challenge while the others went through an exciting training on how to create cool Smartphone apps.  

KBU’s School of Engineering and Computing collaborates with UK universities such as Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to provide quality programmes such as BSc (Hons) Computer & Network Engineering (3+0), BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering (3+0), Foundation in Engineering, Science and Technology, Diploma in Electronic Engineering, Diploma in Mechatronics, BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (3+0) and  BSc (Hons) Information & Communications Technology (3+0).

KBU graduates have a track record of being headhunted to exciting and rewarding careers in diverse fields ranging from engineering to computing, graphic design to interior architecture & design, all within a short timeframe and in many instances, immediately upon their graduation.

 The winners with KBU Principal Dr See Hoon Peow (far left), and from the right, Mr Lye Boon Han, Head, School of Engineering and Computing, and Mr Vince Tan (one of the judges).

 The trainers

UPU Results out on Friday the 13th!

The status of applications to public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) for those who have completed their STPM or other equivalents for the academic year 2012/13 will be announced Friday.
Applicants could begin checking their status from 12pm on the day. Candidates may check their status through three main channels, which are the ministry website, helpline or hotline, and through the short messaging system (SMS).
Applicants may check their status through the ministry website, the hotline at 03-8870 6767 or Helpline at 03-8870 6777, or by sending an SMS ‘UPU RESULT (IC No)’ to 15888.

Logistics Management the Praxis way at UCSI University

The increasing growth of external trade and foreign direct investments in Malaysia has resulted in an expansion of its logistics industry, which is expected to grow by 10.3 percent to RM129.93 billion this year in comparison to an estimated RM117.8 billion one year ago.
With such dramatic changes taking place, the need to attain greater competitiveness in an increasingly globalised world has become a matter of national importance and demand to adopt a total supply chain management approach has never been greater.

As part of its efforts to cater to industry needs, UCSI University incorporates solid, hands-on grounding in its Logistics Management programmes under the Faculty of Business and Information Science, by encouraging students to participate in competitions and industry trips, among other activities.

This is very much in line with the University's Praxis model – an academic approach that advocates the application of theory to practice – as students are constantly entrenched in industrial practices.

The University's Praxis centres – profitable in-house business entities – assist students in finding suitable logistics corporations for their co-operative placements.
"Students are not only attached to local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), but also to multinational corporations (MNCs) such as DHL, FedEX and Tiong Nam, to name a few," said Dr. Dazmin Daud, a lecturer from the Faculty.
This way, students are able to learn (logistics) from a global perspective, internalise and apply what they have learned to local supply chain processes, he elucidated.
Through the University's Logistics Student Association (LSA), logistics students – and even some hailing from other fields – are brought together to build on theoretical and practical applications of strategic distribution management, material management and operations research, among others.
Siti Norida Wahab, Head of the Logistics department under the Faculty, commented: "We (the University) actively organise educational trips and industrial visits, approximately 2-3 industrial trips per semester."

Thus, students are able to experience warehouse operations and processes, she said, simply by observing how they function in real life.
She added that these trips provide very good exposure on industrial practices and the real working environment in both local and multinational corporations.
Dr. Dazmin said: "We train students to become future leaders. Through LSA, they learn to organise meetings and trips – similar to events management, which is also an essential component in logistics."

Commenting further, he said: "(LSA) members do not necessarily learn about logistics but instead, they are furnished with skills that are pertinent to their professional development such as leadership qualities and supervisory skills - it is not just knowledge in the field of logistics that is important."
To date, the association has successfully organised student visits to many well-established organisations such as PKT Logistics, North Port, Tongee Sdn Bhd, Kao (M) Sdn Bhd and MASkargo.

Competitions have also long been acknowledged by the University as an excellent avenue to nurture emotional and psychological growth for its young learners.
Take for example the recently held "Kamu Dipecat!" online reality competition organised by the PKT Logistics Group, similar to The Apprentice show, which provides students with an opportunity to try their hands at running a company.

A group of five students from the Faculty joined the competition, competing against other participants from more than five universities.
The ongoing inter-varsity competition necessitates its participants to create proposals to turnaround a new subsidiary company with RM50,000 as investment, which should be utilised in the best possible way.

Participants will communicate with PKT board directors cum judges through Skype's teleconference service and the teams with the best proposals will be able to save their seats in the virtual boardroom.
Winners will be rewarded with cash prizes, and some will also be offered jobs at PKT Logistics with double promotions.
Apart from competitions, the Faculty keeps its programmes relevant to the latest developments in local and global industries by extending invitations to prominent practitioners in the logistics sector to conduct lectures, tea talks and workshops for the students.

According to Dr. Dazmin, Faculty lecturers are also active industry practitioners and are members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the international professional body for all sectors of the transport industry.
CILT members are those who have completed the CILT International Certificate or accredited equivalent, and have a minimum of 3 years experience in a relevant junior management position.
Internationally, the institute has approximately 33,000 members with about half the number residing mostly in Commonwealth countries.
In short, in order to teach logistics subjects, he said, lecturers need to be attached to this professional body – although many other universities are lacking in this respect.
Students are also encouraged to conduct original research as part of their education at the University, and one key example is Hoo Lien Yee, a student from the Faculty.
She combined efforts with Dr. Dazmin to write a journal on "Measuring Customer Satisfaction in the Parcel Service Delivery: A Pilot Study in Malaysia".
It was successfully published in November last year in the Business and Economic Research (BER), an internationally refereed journal which has been published online by Macrothink Institute in the United States.

In today's competitive commercial environment, it is without a doubt that the ideal learning environment should be nurtured through a practical, comprehensive curriculum that will cultivate critical and creative thinking in students.
By endorsing the new Praxis approach, the University is the best platform for students to immerse themselves in actual industrial practice even before graduation.

Other than its existing Logistics Management programmes – available at various levels, from diploma to master's degree – the University is also set to launch the new BA (Hons) Supply Chain Operations Management programme in 2013, the first of its kind in Malaysia.

To find out more about UCSI University's Logistics Management courses, please contact EduSpiral Consultant Services at info@eduspiral.com.my. UCSI University will be having its  Open Day from 21^th to 22^th July 2012 (between 9.00am – 6.00pm), please feel free to contact EduSpiral for more details.

HELP University students’ short film wins Jury Award

 Two HELP University students, Ibtisem Ben Nassib and Sidney Chan Kwok Wah,coming from 2 different faculties of the university - the American Degree Program and the Psychology Department, came together to make a short film entitled Colours. The two collaborated to create a short film about the relationship between Asia and Europe and its interactions through culture, the arts, environment, education or individual relationships.

The duo earned praises when their collaboration in the short film titled Colours was chosen as one of the Jury Award winners of the Asia-Europe Short Films Contest.


This contest had over 300 young filmmakers from about 30 countries submit their short films. It was organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), which highlights civil society concerns for deliberation in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) forum.

UCTI is the Champion of Malaysian Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012

Microsoft Corporation organises an annual competition entitled The Imagine Cup, involving tertiary student teams representing nations all around the world. In this year's competition, two teams from UCTI competed in the National Level Competition, which was organized jointly by Microsoft Malaysia and the Ministry of Higher Education, on an even much grander scale than before. We were extremely pleased that BOTH UCTI TEAMS made it into the shortlist to compete in the Final Rounds involving 30 teams from Public and Private Institutions from all over the country.

The Final Rounds were held in Kota Kinabalu from 16th to 18th May 2012, and after the first elimination rounds, once again BOTH our teams made it to the Final Six teams who completed in the Finals which were held on Thursday night. When the results were announced, UCTI’s Teams made us proud yet again, when:
- Team "The Rhapsody" Won the Overall Championship and were also chosen to receive the "Special Innovation Award", for their project entitled "WizBoard". They were awarded RM11,000 in Cash Prize, and will now be Representing Malaysia In the World Championship of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 in Sydney, Australia from 6th - 10th July 2012!
- Team "Drinking Water" also from UCTI, won the Consolation prize in this competition and walked away with RM 1000 in cash, for their project entitled "ENWIRO (Environmental Waste Interceptor and Organization)"

This is the 3rd consecutive time that UCTI has won the Championship of the Imagine Cup in Malaysia – A TRULY IMPRESSIVE HATTRICK INDEED!.
The Theme of the Imagine Cup competition this year is "Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems". Participating teams competed to develop the most innovative solution using (primarily) Microsoft technologies, with an emphasis on achieving maximum possible impact in addressing a range of global issues as defined within the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/). In this regard, all our teams acquitted themselves admirably and truly deserve the awards which they received from Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah on Thursday night.
Details of team members and the UCTI staff who mentored them are as follows:

Team "The Rhapsody"	Team "Drinking Water"
PROJECT : WizBoard	PROJECT : ENWIRO (Environmental Waste Interceptor and Organization)
Tan Jit Ren	Alexander Wong Tuck Meng
Chan Wai Lun	Amir Masoud Haghi
Ker Jia Chiun	Tew Sheau Wei
Wong Mun Choong	Chen Yujiang
Mentor : Muhammad Anis Ur Rehman	Mentor : Kalai Anand Ratnam

Team "The Rhapsody" will now prepare for the World Championship in Sydney in July 2012

Team "The Rhapsody" will represent the Nation in the World Championship in Sydney in July 2011.

11th UCSI University Annual Public Health Campaign 2012

UCSI University will be organising the 11th UCSI University Annual Public Health Campaign 2012. This campaign is a prestigious event offered free to the community and is held annually at various venues in our efforts to promote health awareness to the society regarding disease prevention. For the upcoming event, the students of the UCSI University Pharmacy Student Society (UCSIUPSA) from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences will be carrying out our health campaign themed ‘Fit for Life, Let’s Prevent Cancer’.

The 11th UCSI University Annual Public Health Campaign will be held as follows:
Date : 21st & 22nd July 2012
Time : 9.00am-5.00pm
Venue : UCSI University South Wing,Cheras(1st Floor,Block A)

Up Close and Personal with Prof Datuk Dr Russell Strong

An interesting article by Thean Lee Cheng taken from the Star newspaper on June 2, 2012 on the work of Professor Datuk Dr. Russell Strong on liver transplant at an event organised by MAHSA University College.


WHEN asked what motivates him, Datuk Dr Russell Strong, an illustrious surgeon from Brisbane, Australia who pioneered several liver transplant methodologies, paused a few seconds.
“I know what annoys me. Mediocrity. Most people are mediocre because of certain reasons but people who accept mediocrity (sigh, shoulders droop a little).
“You may not always achieve. You may aim for something, and generally, as with most of us, you may not go as far as you wish in the end. But you must aspire to do your best. That is how you derive satisfaction from what you do. That is what you are striving for!

“I also don't like politicians who cannot stop telling lies or twisting the truth. They annoy me. They have so much power and it is acceptable!”

Semi-retired, Strong was in Kuala Lumpur to give a talk on Evolution of Liver Transplantation organised by MAHSA University College's chancellery office.
Because of the mismatch between demand and supply for deceased donor organs, Strong pioneered various methodologies of liver tranplants including reduced-size grafts for children in 1987. He also pioneered split-liver transplant where one liver is split between two recipients to overcome organ shortage. He performed the world's first successful living-related liver transplant in 1989.

Despite huge opposition and skepticism about transplants among children and concerns about “stunted growth,” Strong says he used adult liver in children because “there will never be sufficient children's organs.”
His youngest patient is a 24-day old baby. Many of his young patients move on to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives today.
“When I consider my masters, the surgeons I had learned from, the view then was the liver was sacrosant and it must not be touched. But when you have injuries or a diseased liver, and when you gradually get around the technicalities, you do it.”

Challenging transplant
Based on his experience and ground-breaking work in surgery methodologies and the setting up of what is today a world renowned liver centre in Brisbane, Strong was invited to guide in the setting up of liver surgery and transplant centres. Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia are three countries in Asia that sought his help.

He was awarded a datukship in 2010 for his work in Malaysia by the king. Strong was in Malaysia in 2004 and 2005 to help set up the liver centre at the Selayang Hospital.
“My wife loved it here and actually took six months to settle down when we returned to Australia. I settled down back home very quickly.
“The biggest obstacle (in Malaysia) is the lack of donors. There is a lot of death trauma (as a result of road accidents) so there should be a lot more organs. Is this lack due to religion? Or is it culture? There is no clear reason from a religious point of view, I think. So a lot of it has to do with culture.

“The Japanese have very few deceased-organ donors too. I was told that there are many reasons for this, so I was surprised when a Japanese tourist who died in Australia became a donor. This means it is not the public, but the doctors (themselves).”
While the lack of donors is an issue, there are other issues that need to be overcome in order to support transplantation as a form of treatment. The lack of intensive care beds is one. Other forms of support are necessary as transplantation work involves many disciplines. It is a team effort.

“Transplantation in Malaysia will evolve over time, but it has a very long way to go.”
Strong is known to have “inspired a whole generation of surgeons” having trained more than 80 in hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgery, including eight from Malaysia.
Strong's career path is not as straight forward as it seems.
When he was young, his mother read out his report card. The results were not good.
“I still remember the details of the report but I don't know exactly when it occurred. The report came and I remember mum reading it out to me: This boy will never get anywhere he's too interested in sports.'”
That incident changed him.
“It made me determined to work hard and to try and achieve something.”
The second in a family of four children, Strong says his family was not well-to-do.
“My mother sacrificed a lot to enable me to go to school. She wanted me to go to university. So I had to qualify for a scholarship.”
He won one. At high school, he won a bursary which helped him.

Path less travelled
When he eventually entered university, the family had to scrap through in order for him to go. Strong took up dentistry.
There were various professionals who went to talk about their work and the dentist impressed him the most. Secondly, it was a four-year course and that attracted him.
“If you do medicine, it is six years and you had to go to Sydney. I used to hitch-hike a lot. Before I finished dentistry, I decided I wanted to be more expansive, not in terms of space but I wanted challenges.”
He thought about going into facial surgery.
“(But) many ideas don't transpire. I learned that you could earn a pretty reasonable income in UK's National Health Service and I thought that is where I needed to go.”
He fell in love with his wife, Judith, and they went to UK for their honeymoon.
“Not everybody gets a three-year honeymoon. I had two children there, a lot of degrees and no money. What a honeymoon!”
Judith worked as a pharmacist and Strong worked with some of UK's famous surgeons. Still in Britain, he wondered how he was going to get appointed for anything on his return to Australia.
He landed work at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, a teaching hospital. It was a busy job. There were many emergencies as a result of road accidents. He stayed on for 30 years and it was during his time there that the tide changed for him.
“We had a lot of blood trauma (accidents). One night, we lost two members of the same family and I had to relate the bad news to the family. It struck me that we didn't deal with this (high fatality rate as a result of road accidents) as we should. A quarter of the blood passes through the liver.
“I decided to learn anatomy better. For six weeks, I visited trauma centres to see how they managed and it was no better. I set out on a mission to improve the results. Over the next few years we had the best results in the world. All these were part of the evolution of the progress with liver.”
Having saved the lives of thousands, Strong says one of the most moving of his many encounters with patients involved a lad. It was on a Saturday morning in 1997, at about 9am. He received a phone call from a hospital about 25km away from Brisbane.
“It said: Can you come quickly? We have a car crash, five boys. They stole a car in the wee hours of the morning, and three of them have to be operated on.'”
“I jumped into my car and drove there. I remember walking down the corridor. A woman was there, looking anxious. I wondered: Is this the mother?'
“I go into the theater and there was a lot of blood. I began to scrub.”
One of the boys was very badly injured. We transferred him by helicopter to another hospital. That night, Strong had another call.
“The hospital said : He is bleeding again.'”

Unconditional service
“I went in. He was in the intensive care unit for three weeks. When he came around, he would not look at me in the eye. He never responded and never said a thing.”
“One morning, he said: You've had a hair cut.' I said, Yes, what do you think?' Not much!'
Bit by bit, we became friends. I was not there to be judge and jury. We still had a lot to go through.”
When his patient was on the mend, Strong had a chat with him.
“I said: You've got to turn your life around. I want you to turn your life around.' He recovered. When he was discharged from the hospital, he came to see me. So this is where you work?'
“I told him: You are to contact me on every anniversary of your accident.' When he did not, I rang him. You promised me you will ring.' I didn't hear from him but three years later I got a card from Europe. He was representing the Australian under-18 soccer team. It was very emotional for me, to think that here he was, near death, and now he was representing the country.
“He went on to become a social worker.”
Strong has not heard from the young man since.
That encounter still moves him today. “We are not here to be judge and jury. Whatever the race, religion, or colour, it is your job to do the maximum, as if he were the king, or the prime minister. He is an individual.
“When treating someone who has self-inflicted himself, you still do it because you are not God, judge or jury.”
Looking back on all that he has achieved, Strong defines success as a journey, not a destination and is best measured by the obstacles that have been overcome.
“That is your obligation. You don't always succeed and that is tough. But you try. Sometimes, I think I am mediocre. What worries me is people tend to accept the lower standard than is normal. If you do that, then you are a failure in medicine.
“You don't know the background or the circumstances of everything. But, you can do the things you can do and you do your best with what you have and that is important. When I look back in retrospect, I may wish I had done better but I don't think I was negligent in the sense that I was not doing my best.”
Born: Lismore, new South Wales, Australia in 1938
Personal: Married with two daughters, 47 and 45
Favourite Food: enjoy most food but loves a banana in his cereal every morning Favourite Place: I love Brisbane. Subtropical and relatively safe. I have lived here for 40 years now.
Favourite Sport: Golf for 25 years I was not able to golf. now that I am sort of semiretired, I am trying to look like a golfer. But I will never be a Tiger Woods.
Values: you may have high standards and it may not be possible to attain all your ambitions. But you should try. If you don't try, that is mediocrity for me.
What I hold dear: My family. My wife has been an enormous support. I would not have achieved all that I have achieved if not for her. My children. I could never give them the time they deserved because I was so busy. Once, my younger daughter, then 12, went away for a few days for some school thing. When she came back, I said I missed you.' She looked at me and said, dad, I miss you everyday.' That hurt. now I give more time to my grandchildren.
Inspiration: As a surgeon, I try to give people a better quality of life. A lot of things I did, I did because I was in a position to do so.