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Star Special THE STAR Tuesday 22 April 2014 The best pathway to study abroad > 7 Overseas learning now more affordable > 11 International education made accessible COURSE FOCUS: FOREIGN DEGREES AND BRANCH CAMPUSES

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Page 1: CF - April 22, 2014

StarSpecialTHE STAR Tuesday 22 April 2014

The best pathway to study abroad > 7 Overseas learning now more affordable > 11

International education made

accessible

COURSE FOCUS:FOREIGN DEGREESAND BRANCH CAMPUSES

Page 2: CF - April 22, 2014

2 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014

For bookings and further information, contact your advertising agency or the following:

MOTORING

StarSpecialTHE STAR Sunday 9 February 2014

Your first car guide

We lay down the options for your first set of wheels.

The supermini that is out to impress > 4

When two worlds collide > 6-7

POSTGRADUATE

StarSpecialTHE STAR Tuesday 21 January 2014

Choice and diversity > 3An MBA at your own PACE > 8

Engineering your future > 10

Be the chosen one

The right MBA will help to

boost your career.

StarSpecialTHE STAR Tuesday 4 February 2014

Knowing your body weight status > 3Quality, affordable international education > 5

Unlocking

your potential

BRIGHT KIDS

Buying new or used? > 8Lifestyle options > 10

The right time to buy > 6-7

MOTORING

StarSpecialTHE STAR Sunday 12 January 2014

Chinese New Year

motoring guideThe best offers in town and the hottest cars available this year.

SOUTHERNPROPERTYStarSpecial

THE STAR Thursday 30 January 2014

Quality developments, prime locations > 10 The new pulse of Johor Baru > 22

Rise ofthe south

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> TURN TO PAGE 12

The University of Nottingham was the first British institution to set up a branch campus outside the UK with the opening of The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) in 2000. Today, it continues to deliver world-class education and ground breaking research.

The Malaysia Campus is a full and integral part of The University of Nottingham, UK, and offers students the Nottingham experience in an Asian setting. It is part of a global institution serving an international community of students and yet is firmly rooted in all that is distinctive about British education – innovative teaching and assessment methods, independent, creative and critical thinking and an emphasis on the development of a range of inter-personal skills.

Its quality standards are also among the best in the world. At the same time, it is a Malaysian institution and is fully integrated and engaged with the higher education community in Malaysia.

More than 90% of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. It is also one of the most popular universities among graduate employers, one of the world’s greenest universities, and winner of the Times Higher Education Award for “Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development”. It is also ranked in the World’s Top 75 universities by the QS World University Rankings.

The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

Established in January last year, the Malaysian branch campus enables students to experience the University of Southampton’s world-class education at 60% of the cost of obtaining the same degree in the UK.

The university first offered mechanical engineering courses that allowed students to specialise in advanced materials, aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, engine management, naval engineering, mechatronics and sustainable energy systems.

Later that year, its electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) programme received full approval from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

The EEE programme features a variety of innovative teaching methods and assessments, including coursework, group work and exams. Future graduates are required to complete a four-year study with their first two years at the Malaysia Campus and the final two years at the UK campus in Southampton.

University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

Heriot-Watt University opened its second overseas campus with a new campus in Malaysia in January last year. The campus, based in Putrajaya, offers degrees in business and postgraduate studies in renewable energy, engineering and surveying. Putrajaya is the university’s fifth campus and joins facilities in Edinburgh, the Borders and Orkney in Scotland, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The university has an established reputation for world-class teaching and practical, cutting-edge research that has made the university one of the top UK universities for business and petroleum engineering. Currently, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers tailored pathways into its undergraduate programmes through the foundation in sciences and foundation in business and design.

The programmes offered in Malaysia are identical to the ones offered in the UAE and Scotland.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

The University of Reading Malaysia began its Foundation in Business programme in Iskandar Malaysia in September last year. It is the first time the university has offered this programme outside the UK and it is also the first time that this programme has been designed for students without an A-Levels qualification.

For its April intake, the university has offered a special deal for foundation students – upon successful completition of the foundation in business programme, students are guaranteed progression onto their BSc Finance & Business Management programme, including the Henley Business school courses.

The university’s brand new campus in Iskandar Malaysia is expected to be fully completed in September this year.

Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are also being developed to include programmes in quantity surveying, real estate, psychology, business and management, English language, law, pharmacy and finance.

University of Reading Malaysia

A major hubfor globaleducationSIX years from now, Malaysia is

expected to become a major destination for higher education, with

the government aiming to attract 200,000 international students by 2020.

To attract more foreign students, the government has invited some of the world’s leading universities to set up branch campuses in Malaysia.

At the moment, the country has 11

branch campuses with three more set to open in the coming years.

At a foreign branch campus in Malaysia, local and foreign students get the opportunity to discover the Asian region and its people while receiving top-notch global education.

In addition, courses taught by these branch campuses are exactly the same standard and quality as those offered in

their respective home countries.An overseas education or an

international degree can be extremely valuable and give students a worldview as well as skills that are internationally needed and demanded.

Whether it be pursuing an entire degree in a local institution that can award an international degree or through a twinning programme, students will benefit in many

ways (see page 15). In order to pursue an overseas education, students will need to make a few preparations. These include taking up the right pre-university programme and preparing the relevant documents for their stay overseas, so do prepare ahead of time.

Here is a look at the branch campuses in the country and the education facilities they offer.

Page 3: CF - April 22, 2014

StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 3

Monash University Malaysia’s student body comprises 30% students from various parts of the world.

MONASH University Malaysia was the first foreign university to

set up a branch campus in Malaysia at the invitation of the Malaysian government in 1998. From just a few hundred students, the student population now stands at 6,000. The purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus was completed in 2007.

“Monash University Malaysia is a comprehensive campus, with seven out of Monash University’s 10 faculties represented. This means that through our programmes, which include engineering, IT, science, medicine, pharmacy, business, and arts and social sciences, we prepare graduates who have the potential to contribute to the many aspects of society and ultimately become future leaders.

“Unlike many of the other international branch campuses that may only offer one or two disciplines, we have established a broad base. We don’t see ourselves as a campus that’s just importing programmes from Australia. Our courses are contextualised for the country and the region to ensure they are locally relevant, while also taking a global perspective,” says Prof Helen Bartlett, pro vice-chancellor and president of Monash University Malaysia.

Thirty per cent of the student body consists of international students from Australia, China, Sri Lanka, Africa, South Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Maldives and many more. Coupled with academics from the world over, Monash University Malaysia is an ideal destination for an international study experience.

Excellence in education

Providing tertiary education of the highest order, Monash University Malaysia also values research and intellectual inquiry. Students are encouraged and taught to contribute ideas, create impact and change lives. As part of its efforts to ensure the curriculum remains relevant to the real needs of the country and beyond, the university maintains close relationships

with leading industry players through each of its school’s Industry Advisory Panels.

“Our curriculum benefits from the input of top industry leaders, and we strive to create an active dialogue with them that is mutually satisfying and bears real results,” shares Prof Bartlett.

Courses at Monash University Malaysia are accredited in both Malaysia and Australia. This ensures an education that is locally relevant and internationally recognised. The university aims to create graduates who are able to lead and contribute in their regional and local communities.

Top-notch facilities

The campus is equipped with world-class facilities, including:• 24 engineering laboratories dedicated to selected specialisations, including robotics and mechatronics.• State-of-the-art television and radio studios.• A live cell imaging microscope and single-cell imaging microscope. • A library and learning commons that encourage learning through inquiry, collaboration, discussion and consultation. It also integrates IT facilities and library services in a user-friendly environment. Students have access to more than 315,000 e-books, 60,000 e-journals, and 1,000 electronic databases as well as online lectures, reading lists and past exam papers. • A canopy walkway, which will provide a secure link to the Sunway Pyramid shopping centre via Sunway University.• The Sunway-Monash Residence, which can accommodate 2,000 students and connects directly to the campus via a double-decker bridge. • The virtual practice environment for the training of pharmacy students.• The Neurobusiness Laboratory to study how consumers make decisions.• A stock trading room for business students.

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

Well-equipped international campus

Page 4: CF - April 22, 2014

4 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014

Mission to help save lives

Lim (third from left) with his fellow MBBS students from Sabah and Sarawak, (from left) Chong Yan Mei, Yii Yann Fen, Tracy Tan Sii Yin and Fiona Ting Ee Hie.

WHEN one of Sarawak’s most promising future doctors decided he

wanted to study medicine at a foreign university, he did not have to look any further than Peninsular Malaysia.

Just a short trip across the South China Sea, Joshua Joel Lim Yung Chern was able to find everything he wanted for his higher education.

Besides having the opportunity to study at a leading university, he also learned to be independent while building his career as a doctor.

Lim has been studying at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) in Johor since 2012. The state-of-the-art branch campus offers undergraduate degrees in medicine (MBBS) and biomedical sciences (BSc). It was established by Newcastle University in 2009, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious universities.

Lim speaks positively about his experience at the university and expects to graduate with an internationally recognised degree that will make him eligible for provisional registration as a doctor with the UK’s General Medical Council.

When Lim graduates, he intends to head back to Sarawak, where he plans to dedicate his life to caring for patients and saving lives.

Why NUMed?

NUMed had always been on the top of Lim’s list as a branch campus of Newcastle University UK, one of the top medical schools in UK. He wanted to experience the world-class training standards and curriculum of the university, which has been contextualised to Malaysian circumstances and cultural differences.

“As I am from Sarawak, studying at NUMed in Johor is my first venture out of my hometown and comfort zone. This is a great opportunity for me to learn to be independent without being too far away from my family,” he says.

Lim adds that he loves how his lecturers at NUMed adopt a patient-centred approach. While medical knowledge is paramount to saving lives, students are taught to

place equal emphasis on the psychological well-being of patients. He believes that this holistic approach sets NUMed students apart and puts them on track to be successful doctors.

On becoming a doctor

His mother was a nurse and Lim grew up listening to her stories of her experiences at the local hospital. Although he was awed by her work at that time, Lim was determined not to pursue a career in medicine as it seemed like hard work and the hours were long and gruelling.

He only changed his mind about the medical profession as he was completing his secondary school education.

“Saving lives and helping others to regain their health to continue living fulfilling lives is incredibly meaningful and I want to make that happen for others. Perhaps my mother’s stories were already long ingrained in my mind. Medicine, after all, is a stable and respectable profession. It will also be a useful application of my interest in biology,” says Lim.

Plans after graduation

Lim says his long-term goal has always been to practice in his hometown, Sarawak.

“Sabah and Sarawak face a chronic shortage of medical facilities and expertise. I hope to complete my housemanship in Sarawak and continue working there.”

Sarawak is covered by large swathes of jungle. Access to health care in rural areas is very limited so people often have to endure arduous conditions when they make their long journey to the nearest hospital.

“I’ve heard stories that doctors sometimes travel by boat to remote areas in order to visit patients but they are few and far between. When people do have access to medical care, they often face long waiting times at public hospitals. The availability of doctors and medical facilities is the biggest challenge for medical care in Sabah and Sarawak. I hope that my training at NUMed will allow me to help change this for the good of all East Malaysians,” says Lim.

NEWCASTLE University UK, has established an international branch campus in Johor, Malaysia, to provide its undergraduate degrees in medicine (MBBS) and biomedical sciences (BSc) as well as opportunities for postgraduate study.

The programmes are equivalent to those of Newcastle’s UK-based provision and lead to the award of the same degrees.

By choosing to study at NUMed Malaysia, students will obtain a reputable UK qualification from an internationally recognised university. The cost of the programmes is also significantly lower than studying in the UK.

The bachelor of medicine/bachelor of surgery (MBBS) degree was launched in 2009 and the degree programmes in biomedical sciences were launched earlier this year. Both programmes offer opportunities for periods of study in the UK.

About NUMed

Page 5: CF - April 22, 2014

Choice ofaeronautics, astronautics

The MEng in Aeronautics and Astronautics will provide students with the opportunity to apply their skills across a broad range of disciplines in the field of aerospace engineering.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 5

THE University of Southampton will expand its portfolio of leading

programmes in Malaysia with the introduction of its MEng in Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The university is waiting final approval from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency for the four-year degree programme with plans to offer it for the first time at the Educity@Iskandar, Nusajaya campus this year.

A highly rated university

The Complete University Guide rated Southampton as the top university in the United Kingdom for aerospace and manufacturing engineering.

This year, the university comes in second in The Times, Sunday Times University Guide and Guardian University Guides.

Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in the UK, Southampton’s aeronautics programme is the preferred course for BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company.

The university is also the preferred academic supplier to aircraft manufacturer Airbus and an academic partner of helicopter company Agusta Westland.

Southampton also benefits from the UK’s particular strengths in aerodynamics, propulsion, aerostructures and advanced systems.

Opportunity to apply skills

The MEng in Aeronautics and

Astronautics provides students with the opportunity to apply their skills across a broad range of disciplines in the field of aerospace engineering.

Students will explore the

specification, design and construction of airframes, engines, satellites and other spacecraft as the degree explores aspects of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, materials, propulsion and structures as well as aircraft and spacecraft systems.

Undergraduates will benefit from the expertise of innovative researchers as well as the university’s excellent links with major aerospace companies and successful graduates who work for leading organisations around the world.

World-class facilities

Students will also have the opportunity to use the university’s world-class facilities, which provide the foundations for research, education and enterprise activities.

These facilities are home to Southampton’s performance sports, engineering laboratory, which was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its innovation and world-leading expertise.

The Prize, awarded with approval of Queen Elizabeth II and the UK Parliament, recognises the major influence of the university in competitive sailing, high performance motor racing, cycling and winter sports, including the skeleton bobsleigh.

The laboratory has helped to ensure the best performance and preparation of British athletes, including gold medal winners at the Summer Olympics in Beijing (2008) and London (2012) and the Winter Olympics in Vancouver (2010) and Sochi (2014).

n For more information, call 07-560 2560 or visitwww.southampton.ac.uk

Page 6: CF - April 22, 2014

6 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014

The University of Reading Malaysia’s business degrees will be launched this September.

Offering thebest inall aspectsTHE University of Reading Malaysia is

expanding and growing in the delivery of its world-class programmes in

Malaysia. Having delivered its Foundation in Business for a year now, the University of Reading Malaysia is launching its first undergraduate programme this September – the BSc in Finance and Business Management, a double major delivered through its world-renowned and prestigious Henley Business School.

This new BSc is a keystone from the university’s top-ranked Henley Business School. It combines both the leadership and management studies of the banking and investment industry, which Henley is famous for.

The University of Reading is renowned for its innovative research-led teaching, a friendly and supportive environment and an excellent graduate employability record. Students at its new Malaysia campus will benefit from the same world-class student experience that is offered in the United Kingdom.

The cost of studying at the University of Reading Malaysia is significantly lower than the cost of studying the same programme at the UK campus and yet the opportunities for learning are as diverse.The University of Reading Malaysia has scholarship opportunities and awards for high-achieving students throughout their studies.

As a pre-cursor to its EduCity campus, the University of Reading Malaysia opened its first teaching centre in Johor Baru, marking an important step for the university.

Since opening in June 2012, the university has been delivering executive education programmes to international companies in Malaysia and English language (including IELTS training and testing) and foundation in business programmes.

The first year of the BSc in Finance and Business Management will be conducted in a high-tech, purpose-built teaching centre and continued at the main campus in EduCity, Iskandar, when the campus is completed.

The University of Reading Malaysia’s brand new campus at EduCity brings together the best of the UK campus

experience with the natural and cultural environment in Malaysia.

The main campus opens in September next year and will cater for up to 2,500 students. It will offer programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in three thematic subject areas: business and law, science (including pharmacy and psychology) and built environment.

A range of new research collaborations is also being explored with Malaysian and international partners to further embed the university’s research excellence in the region.

The University of Reading’s vice-chancellor Sir David Bell says the university is delighted to be part of the EduCity initiative and to meet the growing demand for its brand of quality education.

“We have around 3,000 graduates from the University of Reading in Malaysia and Singapore, the majority of whom travelled to the UK to experience our unique offering, first-class resources and world-class teaching. We are therefore proud and excited to have the opportunity to deliver the same experience to students in the Asia-Pacific region at EduCity. We are consciously and proactively developing this campus to offer the best experience to students, from the infrastructure of our facilities to the education delivered,” says Sir Bell.

Ranked among the top 40 business schools in the world and operating globally, Henley is one of only 57 business schools in the world to hold a triple-accredited status from Association of MBAs, the European Quality Improvement Systems and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – top accreditation bodies across the UK, Europe and the US.

As one of the world’s top 200 universities, the University of Reading has attracted international students to its campus in the UK for more than 100 years and has a long association with Malaysia.

Having received its first Malaysian student in 1934, the university now has more than 1,400 alumni from Malaysia with 114 Malaysian students graduating in the last two years in the fields of law, finance and quantity surveying.

n For more information, call 07-295 5001 or visit www.reading.edu.my

Page 7: CF - April 22, 2014

StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 7

INTEC has established itself as a college that successfully shapes excellent students.

The best pathway to study abroadINTERNATIONAL Education

College (INTEC) prepares its students to study abroad and

it has the credibility to produce outstanding students. This is why I chose INTEC to pursue my studies. I knew I would meet people from different backgrounds, each with their own perspectives and opinions. This would allow me to be open to creative and innovative ideas, which is essential to help me mature and grow,” says Kamal Suria Asri Raja when asked why he chose INTEC to further his tertiary education.

Kamal chose to study actuarial science in INTEC in the American Degree Foundation programme. The first year of this programme is known as the American Credit Transfer programme.

The subjects taught at INTEC are all similar to the ones offered at universities in the United States, ensuring that the curriculum is on par with the American education system.

“I am planning to study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign because UIUC is one of the 12 universities known for its Centres of Actuarial Excellence. It is the perfect university for me to further my studies in actuarial science.”

To gain entry to the university of his choice, Kamal had to obtain a TOEFL score of between 95 and 105 out of 120 and also obtain

a CGPA of 3. Kamal met these requirements and secured himself a place in the university. He will be flying to the US to further his studies this August as a transfer student.

INTEC also hosts a number of cultural events, sports events, inter-programme sports competitions and patriotic events.

“I try to participate in as many events as I can so that I will be

able to gain skills, knowledge, experience and also expand my circle of friends. At the same time, by participating in these events, I will be able to gain additional soft skills and social skills,” says Kamal.

The activities conducted by INTEC ensure that its students are prepared to become more well-rounded individuals.

“INTEC organises a number of exciting events for its students.

We have had a wide variety of events, including sports events and talent shows. Through a recent talent show called Show Me Your Art, I managed to form a special bond with my classmates, which I will cherish forever. It is because of such events that I feel INTEC is a memorable place to study at,” says Kamal.

INTEC is a well-known name in Malaysia and since the 1980s, it has established itself as a college that successfully shapes excellent students. INTEC has sent numerous students across the world to pursue their studies.

“To my fellow juniors, I would say come to INTEC and show off your abilities. You will meet a variety of interesting people and gain valuable experience and skills. Do not waste this wonderful opportunity and apply soon,” says Kamal.

INTEC has knowledgeable and helpful counsellors to assist students planning to go to the US.

“I like this system and it has helped me obtain a placement in my university of choice with ease. INTEC has definitely helped me in furthering my studies at UIUC. I am confident that the system INTEC uses for students who are planning to go to other countries is equally efficient,” says Kamal.

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

I am planning to study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is the perfect university for me to further my studies in actuarial science.

— Kamal Suria Asri Raja

Page 8: CF - April 22, 2014

8 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014

The appeal of a British education

Prof Robert Craik, chief executive officer and provost of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, poses with a model of the university’s new lakeside campus in Putrajaya.

AN education from the United Kingdom has proven to be a solid investment in terms

of employability, earning power and career advancement. The academic excellence of the UK education system is recognised internationally, with one of its strongest platforms being the production of students who are proficient in the English language.

It enables students to improve and enhance their English language skills and get ahead of competitors in the international job market.

The UK education system employs a student-centred approach to learning, which means students can develop independence, self-discipline and analytical skills that are most sought after by employers.

According to a news report last October, Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Datuk Seri Zakaria Sulong, said that there were 14,500 Malaysian tertiary-level students in the UK.

This makes Malaysians one of the largest overseas student groups in the UK, and makes the UK the country with the second highest number of Malaysian students.

There is also a forecast increase of the Malaysian student market share from 27.5% in 2006 to almost 30% by next year, according to a report commissioned by

the British Council. The report explains that universities in the UK will maintain or even increase their number of Malaysian students even in the face of growing international competition.

Students have the option to study at UK university branch campuses that offer the same high-quality education in Malaysia. Branch campuses are direct extensions of international

universities and governed by the institution themselves so that the same education standards are maintained across the board. Students have access to the same syllabus as the main campus but enjoy a local fee structure that is relevant to the local market.

Heriot-Watt University established a branch campus in Malaysia early last year. The university’s new campus in Putrajaya is a state-of-the-art,

purpose-built green campus that has a 4,000-student capacity.

Heriot-Watt is Scotland’s international university and one of the UK’s top five universities in terms of international presence and number of international students.

Programmes developed at Heriot-Watt University are relevant to the actual industries they specialises in to ensure they provide career applicable skill sets

and foster an environment for future industry leaders.

More than 94% of the university’s graduates are in full-time employment or further their studies within six months of graduation. As such, many students choose Heriot-Watt University because of its high-employability rate.

Heriot-Watt University is one of the most culturally diverse institutions, with campuses in the UK, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia. The university has the largest international student cohort of any Scottish University and an unsurpassed international in-country presence, delivering degree programmes to 11,800 students in 150 countries around the world.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes in disciplines such as actuarial science, construction project management, quantity surveying, petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, business, finance and psychology.

Students who register for the September bachelor’s degree intake at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia will be awarded with an inaugural scholarship of RM3,000.

n For more information, call 03-8881 0918, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.hw.edu.my

Page 9: CF - April 22, 2014

StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 9

Choong Wei Li won the first prize and RM10,000 with his futuristic design at the 2013 PAM-Lafarge Architecture Competition.

Winning design for homes of the futureTHERE is a pressing need for

affordable housing brought on by the global population

growth.While addressing this

vacuum, there are those who are convinced that low-cost houses can be built to quality standards.

As such, Redefining Affordable Housing was the theme of the 2013 PAM-Lafarge Architecture Competition that challenged students to design affordable homes for the future, which the Malaysian government has identified as a key development goal.

Choong Wei Li, an architecture student at Limkokwing University, won the first prize and RM10,000 for his futuristic design.

Calling it the 55.5% home, he defined his design as one where the resident buys what he can afford, then expands it to 100%, depending on the needs of the occupants.

It is a design that promotes construction efficiency for an environmentally friendly, energy efficient and durable house suited to the number of occupants.

Choong’s unique vision was to create a housing design along a grid system where users can purchase what they currently need and expand it later as the

number of family members grow.

The student, who is doing Limkokwing’s 3+0 architecture programme, even carried out site visits to Jelatek, Kuala Lumpur, to determine the needs of the residents, ensuring that his eventual design could be applied to solve real-world housing problems.

His dedication to affordable housing is inspired by his own travails of looking for an affordable first home as a bachelor. The room for the expansion of the house is a big draw.

“As time passes, when people get married and have children, they will not need to purchase a new house as the unit can be expanded by up to three bedrooms,” he says.

The jury was impressed by the flexibility and practicality of the design and noted that the living spaces evoked a traditional Malay house where the building is elevated. The 55.5% design is an innovation reflective of the creativity that is instilled into graduates at Limkokwing, who are bound to change the world with their creations.

n For more information, call 03-8317 8652 or visitwww.limkokwing.net/university

LIMKOKWING University is an international university with a global presence across three continents. The university has more than 30,000 students from more than 150 countries studying in its 12 campuses in Botswana, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lesotho, Malaysia, Swaziland and the United Kingdom. The university has established worldwide recognition through its innovative brand of creative education, merging the best of east and west education.

About Limkokwing University Of Creative Technology

An artist’s impression of Choong’s 55.5% home.

Page 10: CF - April 22, 2014

10 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014

Collaborations that benefit studentsFOR more than two decades,

KBU International College has had an excellent track record

in conducting 3+0 programmes. Renowned for its quality education, the college will add another feather to its cap when it is upgraded to a university college by the end of this year, on the invitation of the Ministry of Education.

“We take pride in our 3+0 degrees, which are offered at KBU in collaboration with our partners the Nottingham Trent University, Sheffield Hallam University and Anglia Ruskin University,” says Dr Chee Choong Kooi, KBU’s newly appointed principal.

He adds that the college also maintains strong links with industry players to train students to face challenges that they may come across in the corporate world.

“Through the strong links with industry players, students are able to make connections between the

Cross-cultural experienceCURTIN University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) is a good option for international students because of the relatively low cost of studying and living in Miri.

At Curtin Sarawak, students can choose from an extensive range of pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering, science, technology, business and the arts, and customise them to suit their needs.

While studying at Curtin Sarawak, students can gain valuable work experience by interacting with industry professionals and learning from lecturers with real industry experience. They will also be able to experience a unique international and cross-cultural learning environment as the university has students from more than 40 countries.

All the courses offered at Curtin Sarawak are endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Malaysian Public Services Department (JPA), and almost all are accredited by professional bodies locally and internationally.

Curtin Sarawak offers an exciting range of double major combinations in its Bachelor of Commerce programme. The programme provides students with a more applicable education experience, allows them to choose the course that suits their needs and offers

more opportunities to gain industry experience.

The campus provides students with all the teaching, learning and research tools they may require for their studies, including 14 computer laboratories, and terminals located in the library that provide access to the university’s online databases of study resources.

There are also several discipline-specific technological facilities. Science and engineering students have access to several modern laboratory facilities while film and television students will be able to make use of the latest filmmaking equipment and software in their custom-made film laboratory and editing suite.

To cater to its ever-growing student body, Curtin Sarawak’s facilities have been enhanced significantly in recent years. This includes the addition of its Hornbill Precinct, new hostel buildings to house more students as well as new sports and recreational facilities.

Curtin Sarawak’s partnerships and strong links with renowned industries and businesses further enrich students’ learning experiences and ensure their skills and expertise are aligned with the changing demands of employers.

n For more information on Curtin Sarawak, visitwww.curtin.edu.my

abstract concepts in their studies and the reality of working in the discipline,” Dr Chee says.

The School of Design, which works closely with Nottingham Trent University, adopts the curriculum of the partner university in its teaching and learning methods. As such, the school is well-known for

incorporating design briefs into its teaching syllabus. It also works closely with the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers, plastic bottle manufacturer and supplier BROS, and luxury brand names like Ralph Lauren to incorporate competition briefs into its teaching syllabus.

The design students at KBU have made the college proud

by clinching numerous accolades in competitions such as the Bristol Student Design Competition 2013, the MIFF Furniture Design Competition, the Nippon Paint Young Design Competition and the Philips Lightover Challenge.

The School of Engineering and Computing, which collaborates with Sheffield Hallam University, has proven that its students have an added edge.

Every year, the school invites industry players and professionals to participate in its Innovation Day where students display their final year projects. This event allows students to meet with the professionals from the industry and also prospective employers.

The School of Business,

Hospitality and Tourism Management partners with leading universities such as the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, Switzerland, and HTMi and Anglia Ruskin University, UK, to provide business and tourism management-related subjects to students. The school also conducts live lectures via video conferencing by lecturers from the UK, enabling students to experience a more globalised education.

The college is now offering 10 franchised 3+0 programmes from three well-known UK universities. The programmes offered are in the fields of engineering, computing, business, management, accounting, and arts and design.

n For more information, call 03-7727 3200 or visitwww.kbu.edu.my

KBU collaborates with three well-known UK universities – the Nottingham Trent University, Sheffield Hallam University and Anglia Ruskin University – in offering its 3+0 programmes.

Curtin Sarawak is Curtin University’s largest international campus.

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At UCSI, the International University Collaboration Centre opens doors to a global learning experience and prepares students for university life both locally and abroad.

Overseaslearning now more affordable

MANY students dream of studying abroad – to travel, experience new cultures and be exposed to the

educational environment of other countries. However, the rising cost of higher education overseas can be a hindrance to many.

At UCSI University, the International University Collaboration Centre (IUCC) allows students to experience a tertiary education life both in Malaysia and abroad and to obtain degrees from universities across the world through its International Degree Pathway (IDP) programme.

By partnering with more than 20 universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, IUCC is committed to making international experience a priority.

Prof Dr Teoh Kok Soo, deputy vice-chancellor (academic affairs) at UCSI and IUCC director, says that the university’s IDP programme is unique, affordable and flexible.

“With more than 200 fields to choose from, the IDP programme enables students to spend their first few years at UCSI and complete their remaining years of study at their chosen partner university overseas. This means that our students can experience living and studying in two countries at a more affordable cost,” he says.

The IDP’s flexibility allows students to change their transfer plans to accommodate their needs and financial status at any time. For example, if a student suddenly finds himself without the financial means to study abroad as planned, he may opt to complete his studies at UCSI.

Alternatively, students may also apply for a scholarship under UCSI’s partner universities such as Deakin University and The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia, which offer full scholarships to UCSI students.

What the students say

Known for its unwavering commitment to excellence, UCSI has successfully placed many students in renowned universities around the world.

Alireza Shirazi is one example. He is currently in the bachelor’s degree programme in engineering with a major in civil engineering at the University of Manitoba in Canada.

He says that choosing the University of Manitoba was one of the best decisions he

has made for his education.“The quality of education and facilities

here are excellent. I’m grateful to UCSI for providing me with the opportunity to experience a study life in such a well-established university overseas.”

Woon Hang Leow, who is one of six UCSI students who were awarded the Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement by UQ, is another example.

She is grateful to UCSI for not only giving her the opportunity to experience life as a student studying abroad in Brisbane but for also equipping her with the necessary skills to shine.

Practice makes perfect

Nina Jalaluddin, head of development from Northumbria University, UK, says that most UCSI students she has encountered have a strong academic foundation.

UCSI’s qualifications are internationally recognised and this is one of the reasons UCSI students are able to confidently pursue higher education in foreign universities.

This is made possible through the university’s Praxis concept that advocates the application of theory to practice in its curriculum.

UCSI was the first university in South-East Asia to make the co-op programme a mandatory requirement for students.

Under this programme, students must complete at least two months of compulsory internship at the end of each academic year, regardless of their discipline.

With more than 1,200 global corporate partners, UCSI has the largest industrial placement programme in Malaysia.

The university’s Praxis centres, which are in-house business entities under the UCSI Group such as a consultancy firm, a boutique hotel, a restaurant, and a skin science and wellness centre, also ensure students gain exposure to a real-life working environment, even before they graduate.

With such programmes and facilities, it is without a doubt that UCSI nurtures well-rounded learners who are equipped with the necessary skills and experiences to bring with them wherever they choose to go.

n For more information,call 03-9101 8882 or visit www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/onlineenquiry

Page 12: CF - April 22, 2014

Monash University Malaysia

Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak

Curtin University Sarawak

Newcastle University Medicine (NuMED)

Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology

Manipal International University

Raffles University Iskandar

12 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014

> FROM PAGE 2

Prime choices of universities

EARLY last year, Malaysia was chosen as the venue for Xiamen’s first overseas branch campus for China’s Xiamen University. Last March, the president of Xiamen University, Prof Zhu Chongshi, visited Malaysia to monitor the progress of the new Malaysian campus.

Located in Salak Tinggi, the branch campus will have five faculties – electrical biology engineering and chemical engineering, medical study centre, information and communication technology (ICT), business and economy, and Chinese language and literature.

This September, Al-Azhar University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University will see their first intake of students. Al-Azhar University is known as the centre of Islamic learning with emphasis on the Quran and Islamic law. Its permanent international campus will be established in Rembau, Negri Sembilan and will accommodate 10,000 students. The university will offer programmes in usuluddin (Islamic studies), syariah (Islamic law) and Arabic courses.

Shanghai Jiao Tong’s branch campus in Malaysia is expected to be fully completed in 2018.

Located in Bandar Sunway, Monash University Malaysia provides world-class education and research. It has seven schools that offer a comprehensive range of courses from bachelor’s to PhD programmes that are designed to prepare students to be excellent scholars and professionals in their chosen fields.

To help produce path-breaking research in the field of neuroscience, the campus established the Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway (BRIMS), an internationally recognised neuroscience research institute in the region. BRIMS focuses on neurological disease and identifying drug targets using natural plants that are indigenous to the region. At the moment, the campus has a student population of around 6,000 with one-third of them being international students coming from 80 countries.

Recognised as one of the region’s finest institutions for world-class scientific research, Swinburne University of Technology opened its branch campus in Malaysia in 2000 in Kuching, Sarawak. In 2009, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency awarded the university a Tier 5 Excellent rating.

The university ensures that its courses are not only relevant to the needs of the industry but meet its standards. Recently, it partnered with the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) to develop mobile apps for smartphones, table computers and other portable devices. Swinburne offers foundation, diploma and degree courses in disciplines such as business and commerce, design, engineering, science and information and communication technology.

The Sarawak Campus is Curtin University Western Australia’s first overseas campus. Curtin is located on a 300-acre campus in the suburb of Senadin to the north of the Miri. The campus currently has 14 computer laboratories with more than 400 computers for students to use in addition to terminals located in the library that provide access to the library’s online database. Furthermore, students and staff have access to online resources of Curtin’s main campus in Perth. The university is renowned for the practical and applied nature of its courses, which are at par with those offered at the Perth campus. Curtin offers foundation, diploma and degree programmes in the areas of commerce, arts, engineering and science, and media, culture and communication.

The Newcastle University Medicine (NuMED) commenced its operations in Malaysia in November 2011. Located in Iskandar Malaysia, the university is backed by its high-quality teaching and research opportunities available to students.

NuMED offers the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and biomedical sciences programmes to undergraduates. In the future, it plans to offer foundation programmes in medicine and science.

In addition, the branch campus offers a range of postgraduate programmes from its home campus in the UK through e-learning with some optional face-to-face teaching in Malaysia.

The Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT) plays a significant role in nurturing Malaysia’s maritime industry. The institute aims to supply a steady flow of well-trained maritime professionals to meet the increasing demand for industry experts.

Classes at NMIT commenced in May 2011 with about 240 students. NMIT plans to increase its student intake to 1,620 by next year. Its city campus is currently at the Kotaraya Office Tower in Johor Baru and its permanent campus is being constructed at Educity@Iskandar. NMIT currently offers diploma programmes in maritime transport management, transport management and shipping management.

Manipal International University (MIU) is a multi-disciplinary institution that focuses on offering foundation and degree programmes in the fields of engineering, business and life sciences. In the pipeline are plans to introduce programmes in humanities, design, law, hospitality, education, and media and communication.

Last year, MIU moved from its campus in Kelana Jaya to its new campus in Nilai.

The new campus is located on a 140-acre (56.6ha) property surrounded by green hills and is adjacent to a picturesque lake. The campus is built to adhere to LEED Platinum accreditation from the United States.

The campus’ buildings showcase state-of-the-art integration of green technology, designed to provide an environment for students to excel.

Formally approved in 2011 by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, Raffles University Iskandar (RUI) is a joint venture between Singapore’s Raffle Education Corporation Ltd and Education@Iskandar Sdn Bhd. Raffles Education runs 33 colleges in 31 cities across Asia.

RUI is presently operating from its temporary campus at Menara Kotarajaya in Johor Baru. Its new 65-acre (26.3ha) campus in Iskandar is expected to be built in phases. Currently, RUI offers foundation, degree and postgraduate programmes in fashion, design (jewellery, graphic, fashion, product, interior and multimedia), business administration and accountancy.

Upcoming branch campuses

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StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 13

MSU aims to produce good medical doctors who are academically excellent as well as possess soft skills.

Nurturingcaring doctorsTHE Management & Science University

(MSU), rated twice as an “Excellent University” in Malaysia, focuses on

the critical areas of studies that encompass medicine, pharmacy, health and life sciences, nursing, business, management, accounting, hospitality, information sciences and engineering.

MSU’s involvement in the various fields of medical science is an initiative to complement the nation’s need for qualified medical personnel in Malaysia and across the region.

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme is offered through the International Medical School (IMS) at the MSU main campus in Shah Alam and its overseas campus in Bangalore, India. Other programmes offered by International Medical School at the main campus are bachelor’s and diploma programmes in the field of medical sciences.

With the IMS in Bangalore being the first overseas medical school to receive a five-year accreditation from the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), MSU is set to be a major provider of medical education in Malaysia.

The MBBS programme is MSU’s effort at achieving the 1:600 doctor-patient ratio by 2020. According to the statistics by Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2012, the doctor-ratio per population in Malaysia is currently at 1:791.

At present there are 36,607 doctors, including specialists. By the year 2020, based on the estimated population of 34 million, 85,000 doctors would be needed to attain the standard ratio of 1:400.

The MBBS at MSU is a five-year programme that is divided into three phases with each phase varying in terms of length, subjects and activities involved. The MBBS curriculum is built according to guidelines from MMC and is approved by the council.

In the early years of study, the basic

medical sciences are taught with an emphasis on patient care. Later in the course, clinical teaching builds and reinforces this strong scientific foundation. A focus on clinical communication skills and early clinical contact through visits to medical practices, community care facilities and hospitals, is an important feature of MSU’s MBBS course.

The teaching and learning approach includes teaching small groups, self-directed learning, case-based learning, bedside teaching, continuous medical education, clinico-pathological conferences, seminars, lectures and tutorials.

MSU aims to produce good medical doctors who are not only excellent in academics but also in their soft skills. MBBS students at MSU are also encouraged to get involved in various community projects as a way of giving back to society.

Upon completion of the five-year programme, students have to register with the Public Service Department and complete a two-year housemanship programme at selected public hospitals under the supervision of the Ministry of Health of Malaysia.

The programmes offered at MSU meet the stringent standards set by both local and international bodies. MSU’s award-winning home-grown programmes are among the best in the region. These programmes are meticulously designed to enhance a graduate’s worth.

The university aspires to provide education that will enhance the employability of its graduates and at the same time, enrich their learning experience with ethical and moral values.

Intakes for MBBS programme are in May and October and qualified students must sit for the Medical Entrance Test (MET) to determine their aptitude for the MBBS programme.

n For more information, call 03-5521 6868 or visit www.msu.edu.my

Page 14: CF - April 22, 2014

14 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014

‘The Mikado’comes to Malaysia

Popular comic opera The Mikado was produced by the students and staff of The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

THE premier performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera The Mikado was produced in Malaysia by The

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC).

The performance was in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre and Penang Performing Arts Centre. It was developed by a dedicated and passionate team of students and staff and is supported by the School of English and the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.

“The Mikado was an extremely impressive first production from the University of Nottingham, given that we do not yet have an official drama or music programme here. The students, dedicated production crew, administration and stage crew, design team, marketing team, choir, orchestra, and the lead cast was absolutely amazing,” says Dr Derek Irwin, head of UNMC’s School of English.

“A production of this scale has more than 100 people involved in it, and the remarkable coordination of these people is largely due to the efforts of the direction team of Sergio Camacho and Luis Ortega. I should also point out that the technical design of The Mikado was extremely well-done, largely thanks to the work of UNMC’s Patrick O’Reilly.

“Of course, it would not have gone forward at all without strong institutional support from UNMC, which was garnered by my fellow head of school, Dr Sean

Matthews,” continues Dr Irwin.“My own contributions were as head

of the School of English and faculty coordinator for the drama club, and also in the role of Pooh-Bah, a haughty and exclusive person of nearly unimaginable nobility, albeit totally corrupt.

“While I am a trained actor, having completed my undergraduate degree in theatre in Canada, it has been nearly 20 years since I have appeared on stage. The opportunity to do so among such a group of talented and dedicated young actors and singers was truly the experience of a lifetime, and one I will be eternally grateful for,” Dr Irwin says.

The Mikado production proved that UNMC has the talent and dedication and is able to put on a play of high standards on one of the largest stages in Malaysia.

UNMC plans to carry this forward in the coming years both through on-campus and semi-professional productions.

In particular, the School of English is looking forward to bringing some of the work of its own creative writing students to the stage and further developing its programmes to include components of drama and theatre.

The School of English offers two high-quality undergraduate degrees as well as research degrees for postgraduates.

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

Foundation forsuccessful transition

Swinburne Sarawak is the only international branch campus of Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne.

THE one-year foundation studies at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus helps SPM graduates make a successful transition from secondary school to university. The teaching mode, tutorials, assignments and projects give them a feel of what they will experience in their undergraduate studies. They learn teamwork, leadership, time management, culture sharing and how to manage their time.

It is a period of self-discovery and orientation, of adjusting academically, socially, mentally and physically to living and studying at university. More importantly, the foundation courses in business, design, engineering and science, and information technology and multimedia let them discover the undergraduate discipline that best suits them.

Besides preparing them for life at university, the key advantage of a Swinburne foundation programme is that it is a direct pathway to a host of degree courses in engineering, science, business, computing and design. These undergraduate courses may be completed either at Swinburne Sarawak or at its campuses in Melbourne.

Affordable Australian quality education

The cost of tertiary education at Swinburne Sarawak is affordable as it is only about a third of the cost of studying in Australia. This makes it within reach for many students.

As the courses can be completed entirely on campus, this translates to more savings. The lower cost of living in Kuching makes pursuing tertiary education at the campus another attractive feature.

The courses offered are identical to those offered at the Melbourne campus. When Swinburne Sarawak students graduate, they are awarded the same internationally recognised Australian

parchment by the home campus in Melbourne. A Swinburne qualification is therefore highly regarded by industries.

Although Swinburne Sarawak undergraduates have the opportunity to complete their studies in Kuching, they may also choose to transfer to Swinburne’s campuses in Melbourne to complete their studies as the syllabus is the same.

Many students choose to complete their final year at Melbourne, allowing them to have the international experience of studying abroad, as well as to save on cost.

About 20% of the university’s 4,000 students are international students while its academic staff is made up of highly experienced lecturers from Australia, Germany, India, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States. The cultural diversity on campus gives Swinburne Sarawak an international environment.

Well-equipped campus

Swinburne Sarawak was custom-designed to accommodate learning, teaching, research and recreation. For example, its lecture theatre seats 350 people while its 750-capacity library provides learning resources and services to support the university’s teaching, learning and research programmes.

Laboratories for engineering, research and tutorial rooms are equipped with cutting-edge equipment worth more than RM10mil. The university also has the latest computers with multimedia applications in its computer labs, allowing students to create professional video productions such as short films, commercials and music videos. There are also two fully-furnished hostels on campus that provide all the conveniences of home.

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

Page 15: CF - April 22, 2014

Preparing tostudy abroad

StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 April 2014 COURSE FOCUS 15

STUDYING abroad is a great and exciting adventure and most of the time, a big eye-opener to how people in other countries live.

Malaysians may find it easier getting used to different cultures because of its multi-racial and multi-national mix.

Before you embark on your tertiary studies abroad, there are a few important things you need to do.

Preparing documents

Check that your passport has not expired or if you do not have a passport, apply for one at the nearest National Registration Department. Once you have sorted out your passport, find out whether or not you will need a visa to enter the country you will be studying in.

If the country requires you to have one, then proceed to find out what type of visa you need. This information can be obtained from the country’s immigration website, embassy or consulate.

Your college and university counsellors will also be able to help you with this information. Visas can take a few months to process so it is best to start the application as soon as possible.

Reading up

Even if you have many friends from all over the world, living in a foreign country will be a totally different ball game. Educate yourself by going online and learning about the dos and don’ts of that particular country.

Also read up as much as you can on its cultural practices, social norms and local delicacies.

There is no such thing as knowing too much. It is also a good idea to find out

Foreign degrees made a differenceFROM pre-univeristy

programmes in local private institutions to twinning

programmes, these individuals speak about their experiences studying abroad.

Gaining exposure

Before obtaining his Bachelor of Communication with a major in public relations at Murdoch University in Perth, Jackie Underwood spent two years in KDU University College undertaking a diploma in mass communications.

“At that time, KDU University College had a partnership with Murdoch University and I decided that it would be a good experience to pursue my degree in Australia,” says Underwood.

He says that being overseas and far away from his loved ones was tough at times. However, it also awarded him with plenty of benefits.

He confesses to having been homesick every now and then but says that the bond he has with his family was strengthened because of the distance.

“I loved the fact that I was challenged to be more independent with my studies,

Jackie Underwood. Christy Lim. Naomi Kasimir.

time and expenses,” says Underwood.

Underwood highly recommends pursuing an overseas education, especially in Australia.

He believes there is a vast difference in the way that the lectures and tutorials are conducted.

“The lecturers expect the students to take responsibility for their work by carrying out their own research and to also be creative in going about their assignments – something that many Malaysia students are not used to,” he says.

Exploring the world

Christy Lim completed her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in media and communication, and psychology at the University of Melbourne, Victoria.

“I chose to study in Melbourne because it is known as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Plus it is only an eight-hour plane ride from Kuala Lumpur,” she says.

Lim completed her foundation studies in International Canadian Pre-University (ICPU) programme at Taylor’s University College.

She says that the method of teaching at the University of Melbourne was not very different from the way she was taught in ICPU, though at first the study culture was a bit of a challenge for her.

“The lecturers ensured we received relevant and sufficient knowledge of the topic that was being taught.

“From then onwards it was up to us entirely to carry out our research and complete the assignments,” says Lim.

She says that living abroad affords students plenty of freedom

but this also means that they have more responsibilities.

“If you get the chance to pursue a degree overseas, go for it. The world is bigger than you think so go ahead and explore it.”

Learning to be independent

After completing her GCE A-Levels in KDU University College, Naomi Kasimir went on to the University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth to obtain her Bachelor of Economics.

“If I had to compare my experience in KDU University College to my experience in UWA, I would say there is a lot more emphasis on independent working and networking in UWA,” she says.

Kasimir says that she had to learn how to juggle her time between her assignments, exams and friends effectively.

She says that her living abroad experience has also taught her to become a more independent individual.

“I rented an apartment with a friend so I had to cook and clean up after myself. Living with a roommate taught me to tolerate people’s flaws,” says Kasimir.

where the bus stops and train stations are if you will be commuting via public transport. Being far away from your home and family can be tough, so make friends with the locals and other international students to keep homesickness at bay.

Packing

It is always best to pack light. Most things like toiletries and bed sheets can be bought when you reach your destination. It is a good idea not to pack perishables as most countries will not allow you to bring them in.

If you are bringing electronics, remember to pack international adapters to keep your communication devices charged and to use for your other electrical appliances.

Pre-U courses tokick off overseas studiesIF you are considering studying abroad, then you need to take a pre-university programme that will allow you to further your studies overseas.

Here is a look at some internationally recognised programmes:

SAM/AUSMAT

The South Australian Matriculation programme (SAM) is a Year 12 pre-university Australian secondary school course. It is accredited by the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and regulated by the South Australian government.

The Australian Matriculation programme (AUSMAT) is regulated by the West Australian government and just like SAM, it is also a Year 12 pre-university secondary school course. Both these programmes are available in private universities here.

Both the SAM and AUSMAT programmes allow you to enrol into any Australian university.

To qualify for these programmes, students have to obtain five credits, including one in English, in the SPM examinations.

ADP/ADTP

The American Degree Programme (ADP) and American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) require students to go through a four-year degree course. The student completes two years of the degree in Malaysia and the earned credits are then transferred to a degree course of his choice in either the United States or Canada. The advantage of the ADP/ADTP is that it is recognised worldwide and not just in the United States and Canada.

A-Levels

The A-Levels is the most popular private pre-university programme in Malaysia. Considered to be the equivalent of Form 6 in the United Kingdom, an A-Levels foundation allows students to undertake any course anywhere in the world.

It is one of the world’s most recognised pre-university programmes, especially in Commonwealth countries.

In order to be eligible for entry into an A-Levels programme, students need to obtain at least five credits in the SPM examinations, including one for English.

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