THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

special

COURSE FOCUSBUSINESS, ACCOUNTING & FINANCE

Plan your career in commerce

2 course focusTHE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

Great opportunities in Islamic finance

ISLAMIC finance is a financial system that operates widely in the Muslim world based on syariah principles of law. It includes types of investments that are permissible under this form of law.

Similar to the conventional financial systems, Islamic finance is part of banking systems, capital markets, fund management, investment and insurance companies all over the world.

The major differences between Islamic finance and conventional banking are the four elements that are forbidden in syariah riba (interest), gharar (uncertainty), maysir (gambling) and zulm (injustice).

Why study it?Islamic finance is now reaching

the pinnacle of its growth in the banking and finance markets.

The economic maturity of Islamic countries in the Middle East and South-East Asia has helped this growth and created a rich market for professionals who are well-versed in the intricacies of Islamic finance.

Currently, Malaysia is the third largest Islamic finance hub in the world after the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

Therefore, there are many opportunities in the country for graduates, especially those who go on to specialise in this study area after obtaining their bachelors degree.

Asia Pacific University (APU) Bachelor in Islamic Banking and Finance (Hons)

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Bachelor of Science (Islamic Finance) (Hons)

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Bachelor of Islamic Finance and Banking with Honours BIFB (Hons) with Professional Qualification

Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Bachelor of Business Administration(Risk Management & Takaful) (Hons)Bachelor of Business Administration (Islamic Finance) (Hons)

LimKokWing University Bachelor (Hons) in Islamic Finance and Banking

Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Islamic Finance

UCSI University BBA (Hons) Islamic Banking and Finance

Private institution Course offered

Public institution Course(s) offered

What to know?One of the biggest

misconceptions about Islamic finance is that it is only for Muslims.

Just as anyone can trust their investments to the syariah system, anyone can become an expert in it.

After graduating with a bachelors degree, you can obtain a professional qualification from one of a few bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF).

Where to study?A number of private and public

institutions in Malaysia offer bachelors degree programmes in Islamic finance.

Job prospectsBased on a report by the Finance

Accreditation Agency (FAA) in the Talent Development Survey 2014, 79% of people who are currently

working in the Islamic finance industry claim that the existing workforce is unable to meet the needs of the industry.

Therefore, there is an urgency to increase the supply in the market across a range of careers.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 3

Grooming business leadersLAST month, Advance Tertiary College (ATC) School of Business and Management organised a two-day, one-night leadership and team-building camp at Nur Eco Resort to enhance the overall study experience of ATC Business School students.

The challenges and team-building activities organised for the students of the Business Schools certificate and diploma programmes were specifically designed to groom potential business leaders to be mentally and physically resilient.

The group of 26 students took on various outdoor and indoor challenges with great success, enhancing their survival, communication, networking, time management and personal leadership skills.

The students also completed obstacle challenges, treasure hunts, wall climbing, repelling, and participated in night performances and multiple group contests.

Through the various reflective thinking exercises conducted, students learnt to overcome many of their fears.

These exercises also taught them how to be selfless and to work as a team. More importantly, the experience created a deeper bond with their peers and lecturers.

Upon graduating, students at Advance Tertiary College are

equipped with the necessary practical

skills to face the challenges of the

business world.

ATCs School of Business and Management offers widely recognised and comprehensive business programmes that equip students with the necessary practical tools and skills that enable them to face the challenges

of the business world. ATCs team of experienced and

dedicated educational experts strive to provide a stimulating learning environment and experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom and

academic spheres. Its unwavering philosophy is to

produce industry-ready graduates who are able to apply their knowledge and skills with confidence and to prepare them to make significant transformations,

both professionally and personally. ATCs School of Business and

Management offers various programmes, including the Certificate in Business Studies, Diploma in Management, Diploma in Marketing and Degree in Management Studies.

These programmes are made available to working professionals and those who are interested in pursuing a career in business.

As part of ATCs dedication to expose students to real-world experiences, each student is required to undergo an internship programme at an established company.

This allows students to gain business experience and enhance what they have learnt in their course.

ATC will be conducting previews of its Diploma in Business Administration programme on Aug 15 at its Penang Campus.Previews of its Diploma in Management and Diploma in Marketing programmes will be held on Aug 22 at its Kuala Lumpur campus.

n For more information,call 1800 889 292 or 04-229 9266 (Penang campus) or e-mail enquiries@atc2u.com or visit www.atc2u.com

4 course focusTHE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

Equipped for the workforce STUDENTS planning to pursue a course in accounting or finance will find good options at Quest International University Perak (QIUP) in Ipoh, which is fast gaining recognition for its quality programmes.

The accountancy programme is offered at diploma and degree levels.

Graduates of the four-year Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) programme may apply for exemption from seven Chartered Institute of Management Accountants professional examination papers.

Therefore, students will receive dual benefits from pursuing a bachelors degree with QIUP.

Not only will they receive a quality bachelors degree qualification, they will also be able to fast track their career in the field of accountancy, having the benefit of being exempted from some CIMA papers.

This exemption is a result of a vigorous evaluation of QIUPs Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) programme syllabus, which identified it as being on par with the international standards set by CIMA.

Besides exemptions, the QIUP accountancy programme is unique in that it focuses on the application of the theoretical framework of accountancy rather than the framework itself.

This creates graduates who are job-ready and who can meet the industrys need for technically competent and multi-capable accounting graduates.

Comprehensive programmesThe three-year Bachelor of Finance (Hons)

programme equips students with the knowledge required to excel in the field of finance.

They are exposed to financial concepts and strategies and acquire leadership skills that are required for the financial services industry.

Students are taught how to make complex and difficult decisions using modern finance, accounting, investment and management analysis methods.

Case studies are emphasised as they allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, which better equips them for the workforce.

In their third year, students have the opportunity to major in banking, Islamic finance or financial planning.

The Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) and Bachelor of Finance (Hons) programmes are offered under the Faculty of Business, Management and Social Sciences, which has attracted some of the best academicians from the nation.

Quality lecturers and staffQIUP lecturers and deans are passionate,

industry-savvy, highly acclaimed and intelligent educators with knowledge, experience and extensive networks, from whom students can benefit.

One of them is Prof Dr Huam Hon Tat, dean of the Faculty of Business, Management and Social Sciences, who has more than 18 years of hands-on experience as a business practitioner and is a certified Registered Financial Planning (RFP) programme trainer for the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC).

Another notable figure is Prof Dr Charles Cheah Yuen Jen, deputy dean of the Faculty of Business, Management and Social Sciences Prof Dr Cheah holds a PhD from

the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) and has 18 years of industry experience in the areas of oil and gas, finance and construction.

Having taught in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Prof Charles has work with many reputable organizations, including British Petroleum in Singapore and Esso Singapore.

Then there is Prof Dr Ilias Mamat, adjunct professor of the Faculty of Business, Management & Social Science and former chief executive officer of PNB Investment Institute Sdn Bhd.

With more than 37 years of teaching and industry experience, Prof Ilias brings with him a wealth of knowledge to the classroom that will benefit students.

There are three faculties and two centres at QIUP: Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Integrative Sciences & Technology, Faculty of Business Management & Social Sciences, Centre for Foundation Studies and Centre for Graduate Research.

QIUP offers programmes at foundation, diploma, degree and postgraduate levels.

Foundation programmes: Foundation in Business Foundation in Science

Diploma programmes: Diploma in Hotel Management Diploma in Business Management Diploma in Tourism Management Diploma in Information Technology Diploma in Accountancy

Degree programmes: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biotechnology Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electronics and Communications Engineering Bachelor of Computer Science Bachelor of Arts (Hons) TESL Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) Bachelor of Finance (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Hospitality and Tourism Management Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Hons) Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) Journalism Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) Advertising Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

Postgraduate programmes: Master of Business Administration Master of Science

Registration is open for the September and October intakes.

n For more information,call 1800 88 QIUP (7487) or e-mail enquiries@qiup.edu.my or visit www.qiup.edu.my

Students who wish

to pursue a career in

accounting and finance

are well equipped for

the workforce through QIUP programmes.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 5

Run for a good causeBRICKFIELDS Asia College (BAC), in collaboration with Challenges Media, organised an inaugural event held in conjunction with International Friendship Day on Aug 2 at Dataran Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.

Using music and movement, the BACChallenges Buddy Day was an inclusive day out in Kuala Lumpur that brought the public and members of the special needs community together.

Events of the day included the 3km Buddy Day Fun Walk, 7km Buddy Run and Buddy Carnival.

The Buddy Run began at 8am while the Buddy Day Fun Walk started five minutes after.

The carnival was held from 9am to 1pm with guests being entertained by music, puppet shows, fun games and lemang and dodol making sessions, among other activities.

BAC managing director Raja Singham says that this event is part of the BAC Gives Back banner, which organises various education-based initiatives to bring a positive impact to people.

BAC Gives Back provides volunteering opportunities to BAC students as part of its wholesome education experience offering.

Also unique to the college is the BAC Experience, an all-encompassing curriculum that includes activities inside and outside the classroom.

BAC Experience and BAC Gives Back provide a holistic representation of the students complete education, which in turn enhances students academic and career prospects.

This same principle applies to academics at BAC as observed in its programmes, which are developed to prepare students for a broad range of career prospects.

One of these programmes is the UK Transfer (UKT) degree programme in business.

The UKT Degree Programme (Business) offers students a choice of degrees, including those in business management and logistics, and supply chain management from more than 10 prestigious partner universities in the United Kingdom.

These top-notch universities include the University of

Hertfordshire, Northumbria University, Southampton Solent University, University of Central Lancashire, Birmingham City University, University of South Wales, Keele University, De Montfort University, Kingston University and Pembrokeshire College.

Students in this programme can take up modules in areas such as economics, accounting, management, marketing and communications.

This programme allows students to complete up to two years of a three-year, internationally recognised business degree in Malaysia, which can potentially help them save up to RM150,000.

Since 2013, BAC has invested more than RM110mil in its new Petaling Jaya campus, which includes a comprehensive library and research centre, computer laboratories, moot court, the BACteria food court, TWS Caf, Rock Academy music school and the Monster Fit health and wellness centre.

These facilities provide an engaging experience for students looking to find a balance between studying and having a fun student life.

The BAC campus in Kuala Lumpur comprises three buildings that are within walking distance of one another and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and learning.

The BAC 2 building has an impressive law library, lecture halls, state-of-the-art computer laboratories, a gymnasium, dance studio, moot court, cafeteria and the Sky Garden rooftop cafe.

To cater to outstation students, BAC operates three luxurious but reasonably priced student accommodation centres with The Mansion being the latest addition.

These high-end condominiums come with swimming pools, gymnasiums and barbecue areas and can house close to 1,000 students.

The September intake is in progress.

n For more information, call 03-2274 4165 or visitwww.bac.edu.my

BAC managing director Raja Singham and director of Challenges Media Mary Chen believe that events such as the BACChallenges Buddy Day can bring a positive impact to people.

6 course focusTHE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

Kavithaa Mahendran, accounting and finance degree student at Nilai University, found she received a total student experience from being involved in extracurricular activities.

Quality varsity experienceMY experience at Nilai University has changed me into a more mature and confident person, says Kavithaa Mahendran, final year BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance student, who has been active in several extracurricular activities.

Kavithaa is currently the student emcee of choice, having first showed her abilities at Christian Fellowship club events.

Since then, she has grown accustomed to speaking to large crowds at university functions.

Providing unique and diverse opportunities for students to broaden their horizons is part of Nilai Us plans to deliver a total student experience.

This is where a students varsity experience is measured not just by what they learn in the classroom but other factors as well, including facilities and the opportunities to learn new skills.

Aside from her involvement in the Nilai University Christian Fellowship club and emceeing, Kavithaa is also a member of the FUN club (Foundation Union Nilai club), event manager for the Indian Cultural Society and committee member on the Students Representative Council. Each provides the 20-year-old with new challenges and responsibilities.

Meeting and working with different people has taught me to view the world differently and make me more broad-minded, says Kavithaa.

Despite her active involvement, Kavithaa has not neglected her studies. She makes it a point to revise her lessons daily to keep up with her course.

The BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance programme at Nilai U gives up to eight subject exemptions to examinations from professional organisations such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).

Kavithaa has decided to pursue a career in the finance sector.

She says, One of the main reasons I chose Nilai Us programme is to major in both accounting and finance. My education in finance will then allow me to apply for a job in the banking sector.

Kavithaa believes that young people should take full advantage of being a student at Nilai U.

Make new friends and try new things. There are many clubs, societies and university events and functions that you can volunteer at to help build an impressive CV. It will be worth your while, she says.

n For more information, call 06-8502308 or 07-2262336 or visit www.nilai.edu.my

Beyond marketing skillsTHE marketing landscape is rapidly changing, both locally and globally. As the market and regulatory environment changes, markets mature, competition becomes more intense and margins get tighter. Despite these challenges, the basic fundamental concepts and practice of marketing delivering sustainable and competitive value to the customer remains the same, says Assoc Prof Brian Low, head of Discipline (Marketing), at Monash University Malaysias School of Business.

What has changed are the emergence of new challenges, rules and market dynamics, which come with new business and marketing opportunities.

Dr Low joined Monash University Malaysia in 2013, having previously served on the faculty at the University of Western Sydney, Australia.

His research interests lie in business-to-business (B2B) marketing, customer relationship management, industrial networks and marketing in emerging economies.

The future of marketing will be shaped by advances in technology. Its an indispensable part of business and consumption to sellers and buyers operating in

business-to-consumer (B2C) and B2B markets, says Dr Low.

What that means is that someone who is trained in marketing has to gain knowledge beyond marketing and be well equipped with knowledge in other areas such as economics, psychology and politics.

For Malaysia, engagement with regional and global market communities such as the TPPA (Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement) and the AEC (Asian Economic Community) means that Malaysian businesses need to compete on a regional and global platform and not remain content with the local market.

The future is exciting because people in the field will have to deal with individuals with cross-border experiences, who are knowledgeable and capable of making decisions quickly through technology empowerment, says Dr Low.

Future professionals will have to deal with markets that are constantly changing. The markets

regulated now are increasingly being liberated and privatised.

As a result, corporations expectations of marketing experts will change and existing marketing practices will come under the microscope. This will lead to a need for new and relevant marketing knowledge.

With these exciting changes and challenges on the horizon, it is important that Monash University Malaysia produces graduates who can think analytically, strategically and creatively beyond the traditional boundaries and practices of marketing.

According to Dr Low, the industry is looking for graduates who are not only good with numbers but who can also communicate ideas and strategies well.

Employers want graduates who appreciate the importance of business relationships, have good insights into consumer behaviours, are innovative, not risk averse and who appreciate the importance of making use of data to retain and

Assoc Prof Brian Low, head of Discipline

(Marketing), at Monash University Malaysias

School of Business.

acquire new customers.Your ability to stay in a job

depends largely on your ability to think critically, rationalise and capture things that other people dont see, says Dr Low.

He believes the key to teaching and research excellence is finding the right people to impart knowledge, not just from books, but also from industry experience complemented by familiarity with the latest research findings and developments in academia.

n For more information on the programmes offered at theSchool of Business, Monash University Malaysia, visitwww.buseco.monash.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 7

Industry-linked finance programmes

SUNWAY University now offers two new programmes BSc (Hons) Financial Analysis (BFA) and BSc (Hons) Financial Economics (BFE) which commenced this month.

Prof Dr Ho Chee Kit, head of Academic of Sunway University Business Schools Department of Financial Mathematics and Statistics, and his team designed the new programmes to meet the increasing demand for quality skills and expertise in the financial services industry.

Master quantitative aspects

The BFA focuses on the quantitative aspects of finance.

It educates students on equity, fixed-income and derivatives markets and teaches them how to apply mathematical and statistical knowledge to the fields of investment, risk management and financial services.

In collaboration with Sunway TES Centre for Accountancy Excellence, the BFA programme is also designed as a fast track to the Chartered Financial Analysis (CFA), an internationally recognised professional qualification in investment.

It prepares students for the quantitative aspects of the three levels of the CFA professional examinations, where students can complete the CFA examinations within one or two years after graduating from the BFA programme.

Going beyond the industry

The BFE programme, on the other hand, focuses on financial mathematics, statistics and economics for a wider range of careers, both within and outside the financial services industry.

It provides more flexibility for students to move into diverse fields such as financial planning, banking and finance,

Prof Ho says that the BFA and BFE programmes incorporate teaching methodologies that are geared to the 4Is model in-depth, improve, innovate and inventive.

The programmes prioritise students learning inside and outside the classroom to give them wider industrial exposure.

Leveraging on Sunway Universitys industry linkages, students in these programmes are encouraged to participate

in industry-relevant in-house workshops.

In addition, the academic team has two highly qualified actuaries Nicholas Yeo Chee Lek, who graduated from London Cass Business School with working experience in Bermuda, and Seow Fan Chong, who has more than 20 years of industry experience in Singapore and Malaysia.

I hope that my experience and expertise can help the department in

raising the programmes delivery standards and improve students learning experience, says Yeo.

BFA and BFE programmes are for students who are interested in furthering their studies in mathematics, finance, statistics and economics.

n For more information,call 03-7491 8622, e-mailinfo@sunway.edu.my or visitwww.sunway.edu.my

Prof Dr Ho Chee Kit, head of Academic of Sunway University Business Schools Department of Financial Mathematics and Statistics.

At Sunway University, students can pick up sought-after skills that are required to make good financial decisions in the future.

macroeconomic and financial forecasting, trading, financial and economic research as well as risk and asset management.

The BFE programme prepares students for professional certifications that are recognised by Bank Negara Malaysia and Securities Commission Malaysia, including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and the Securities Commission Licensing Examination modules.

This allows students to remain competitive in an increasingly complex financial ecosystem as they pick up highly sought-after skills to make insightful financial judgements without losing sight of the larger global economy.

8 course focusTHE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

(From left) Chong Kim Sin, Chan Min Zhou and Teoh Wei Jing are from different batches of UCSI Universitys actuarial science programme and their successes have inspired each other.

Excelling in actuarial science THE Society of Actuaries (SoA) is a leading global professional organisation for actuaries. It provides continuing education for students and practising actuaries, maintains the standards of the profession and conducts research on actuarial trends and public policy issues.

Thus, it is noteworthy that UCSI University is the first private university in Malaysia approved by the SoA to be listed among its Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programmes (UCAP) list.

Other UCAP institutions include the University of California, Los Angeles (US) and the University of Toronto (Canada).

The former was ranked 12th on the Times Higher Education University Rankings 2013-2014 while the latter was ranked at a respectable 109th place.

As part of the requirements to be listed as a UCAP, the educational institution must maintain course coverage for at least two actuarial examinations and have approved course(s) for at least one Validated by Educational Experience (VEE) topic.

UCSI has exceeded the minimum requirements as it provides course coverage for five examinations probability, financial mathematics, models for financial economics, models for life contingencies as well as construction and evaluation.

It also has approved courses for three VEE topics economics, corporate finance and applied statistics.

Being endorsed by SoA as an institution providing adequate preparation for students to sit for actuarial professional papers was a deliberate move by UCSIs Faculty of Business and Information Science (FoBIS) as a measure of standard and quality assurance.

FoBIS also ensures that the students are ready for the industry through annual field attachments while in the programme.

A track record of successFoBIS focus on preparing

students for professional SoA examinations has paid off for the faculty and students.

FoBIS students are known for passing many SoA examinations while still in their undergraduate years and many attribute their success to the culture of excellence and standards set by their seniors.

Among these students are Chan Min Zhou, Chong Kim Sin and Teoh Wei Jing, who pursued the BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science degree.

Each passed at least four of the five SoA papers available to undergraduate students.

As a senior, Chan set a high standard when he passed the professional papers in under three years of undergraduate study.

Today, he is a junior actuarial executive at the Malaysian arm of a London Stock Exchange-listed global insurance company.

He attributes much of his success to UCSIs FoBIS in helping him prepare for his career.

What I appreciate the most is the experienced and professional senior actuary who was our lecturer.

And although engaging senior actuaries was not easy due to their busy schedules, I learnt a lot from the knowledge and experience that they shared, says Chan.

His success inspired his junior Chong who is graduating this year, having passed five SoA examinations before entering his third year of study.

I asked Chan many questions about my studies and he helped me

a lot, says Chong. This kind of camaraderie and

mutual support is facilitated by the UCSIs Actuarial Science Student Association, which works to ensure that juniors and seniors get to know and help each other.

Another bright student is Teoh, who is currently in his final year and has passed five SoA professional examinations within three years of study.

He also spoke highly of the lecturers, particularly Assoc Prof Dr Ngerng Miang Hong, the deputy dean who was the previous head of actuarial studies.

Dr Ngerng was his final year project supervisor who had guided him well.

He was very knowledgable about my project, which focused on the WiKi model of insurance business, he says.

Teoh learnt to develop his confidence in communicating to an audience while gaining the educational knowledge that he needed to pursue a fulfilling career as an actuary.

These three students are representative of the supportive university community found at UCSI.

While they had different motivations to pursue a career in actuarial science, they shared a common fondness for their university life at UCSI, leaving behind a legacy of excellence for future students.

UCSI will be hosting its Professional Career Day on Aug 8, where you can find out more about the career pathways and professional requirements of actuaries.

n For more information,call 03-9101 8882 or visitwww.ucsiuniversity.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 9

Options for aspiring leadersONE of Malaysias leading education providers, SEGi University and Colleges, offers several business and accounting programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to groom future professionals in the industry.

The programmes available at SEGi are designed to provide industry-relevant and innovative knowledge that adapts to the ever-changing business world.

Diploma programmes offered by SEGi University and Colleges are: Executive Diploma in Business Administration Executive Diploma in Marketing Executive Diploma in Accountancy Executive Diploma in Human Capital Management Diploma in Human Resource Management Diploma in Accounting Diploma in Marketing Diploma in Business Administration

For SEGis bachelors degree, masters and doctorate progammes in business and accounting, students can choose to pursue a local, overseas or dual degree.

SEGi offers a variety of degree

programmes in partnership with international universities in the United Kingdom.

Students are equipped with the knowledge and ability to excel in an increasingly competitive business environment, making them sought-after employees.

Aspiring business leaders can pursue any of the programmes at any SEGi campus.

n For more information, call03-2070 2078 or 1800 888 028 (SEGi College Kuala Lumpur), 03-6145 1777 or 1800 887 344 (SEGi University Kota Damansara), 03-8600 1888 or 1800 888 622 (SEGi College Subang Jaya), 04-263 3888 (SEGi College Penang) or 082-252 566 (SEGi College Sarawak) or e-mail askme@segi.edu.my or visit www.segi.edu.my

SEGi offers a wide range of programmes in partnership with top-notch UK universities for aspiring business leaders.

Quality,relevantdegreesTHE business and accountancy programmes of International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) are popular among students.

The programmes can be summed up in three words variety, experience and relevance.

The programmes are also recognised for their quality.

IUMW offers a wide variety of business and accountancy programmes at the bachelors, masters and doctoral levels.

School-leavers may begin their education at the university by pursuing the Foundation in Arts before progressing to degree programmes.

IUMWs range of undergraduate programmes include areas in business administration, international business, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, human resource management and Islamic finance.

IUMWs Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) graduates are given exemption accreditations for nine Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examination papers the maximum number of exemptions awarded to any institution of higher learning worldwide.

IUMW employs the best teaching professionals with industry and teaching experience to provide students with a high-quality education.

Being industry-driven, IUMW understands that employers are becoming more demanding of the quality of graduates.

Thus, IUMW has included a professional and personal

development programme for students to develop the necessary soft skills to complement the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic studies.

Apart from that, IUMW continuously endeavours to increase its graduates employability and industrial attachment opportunities.

Another advantage of studying at IUMW is the facilities made available to students.

Students are able to make use of the University of Malayas facilities and resources, including its library, which boasts think-tank rooms, electronic resources and a broadband Wi-Fi environment.

The programmes are approved by the Education Ministry and recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Besides the core subjects for each stream, students at IUMW are taught study skills.

They are also required to sit for IUMW English Placement Test.

Students who have completed a foundation, STPM, matriculation or diploma programme with suitable grades can further their studies in any of IUMWs degree programmes.

IUMWs courses are open to both Malaysian and international students for enrolment, providing them with a wide variety of cultural exposure and educational experiences at the campus.

n For more information,call 1700 814 869 or03-2617 3000 or e-mailenquiry@iumw.edu.my orvisit www.iumw.edu.my

International University of Malaya-Wales campus is a picture of tranquillity in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

10 course focusTHE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

Developingtalents

IN the next decade, Malaysias oil and gas industry, identified as a National Key Economic Area under the Governments Economic Transformation Programme, will witness a rise in the size of its workforce.

It is estimated that 52,300 jobs will be created in the oil, gas and energy industry.

Although many roles will require technical background and skills, energy companies are increasingly acknowledging the importance of having leaders equipped with the expertise required to sustainably manage global businesses.

The increasing complexity of the industry due to factors such as regulatory challenges, geopolitical pressures and environmental issues have driven energy companies to seek the leadership talents they require to meet the present and future demands of the industry.

In a landscape characterised by new regulations, cutting-edge technology and emerging threats and opportunities, energy companies cannot afford to pour resources into a generalised talent programme that does not produce the leaders they need to sustainably drive the business forward. Energy companies have acknowledged that the business aptitude of masters of business administration (MBA) graduates make them ideal for positions in corporate finance and business development to sustainably manage global businesses.

In recognition of the importance of the MBA and as one of Petronas four learning institutions spearheading the organisations aspiration for human capital development, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), through its Management and Humanities Department, is offering the MBA in Energy Management (MBA-EM).

The programme aims to develop leaders who are competent in driving and sustaining the global energy business.

Graduates are trained to analyse current and emerging trends in the global energy sector, develop and implement effective energy management strategies, evaluate business decisions to ensure efficient and sustainable management of resources, and integrate management, leadership, business principles and technology to carry out strategic roles.

The MBA curriculum is designed based on internal reviews, expert panel workshops and industry stakeholder engagements to ensure that it is comprehensive and relevant to the oil and gas

industry. Dr Lai Fong Woon,

programme manager for the MBA-EM at UTP, says that the programme is suitable for business executives and professionals in the technical line who are entering management roles and feel the need to sharpen their business acumen and managerial capabilities.

He adds that the MBA-EM programme aims to attract top talents from the energy sector as well as other professionals serving the sector such as bankers, lawyers and regulators.

The learning process is supported by qualified and experienced academics coupled with strong linkages to industry experts from the energy sector.

We emphasise case studies and analyses to enhance the teaching and learning process, say Dr Lai.

The 50 credit hours (completed over a course of 20 months) cover nine core business subjects and five energy management specialisation modules, which are energy value chain, energy management, energy technology and innovation, low carbon economy and sustainability, and energy regulations and policies.

The MBA-EM programme also incorporates modules on business research methodologies, consultancy management and a capstone consultancy project.

UTP also collaborates with the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (Rasei) of the University of Colorado in Boulder, the United States, to conduct the course.

Through this collaboration, five energy management specialisation modules will be delivered by professors from Rasei, led by Prof Dr Paul Komor, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with former US vice-president Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007.

Classes at its Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, campus are conducted over the weekends for the convenience of working professionals, except for some energy management specialisation modules, which are conducted on weekdays.

Students come from various backgrounds, including engineering, legal, marine, banking, accounting and commerce, with an average working experience of 10 years.

The September intake is open for applications.

n For more information,e-mail Dr Lai Fong Woon at laifongwoon@petronas.com.myor visit www.utp.edu.my/MBA

UTPs MBA in Energy

Management programme

nurtures business minds to become

leaders of sustainability

and global green energy

managements.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 11

Students of IUKL can choose from a variety of

business programmes that are adaptable to a wide

range of industries.

Business study to suit current needsINFRASTRUCTURE University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), through its Faculty of Business and Accounting (FBA), offers programmes in a wide range of industries.

Business administration is one of the core business programmes offered at IUKL and is among the most well-known fields of study favoured by students.

Business administration programmes focus on how organisations operate in terms of methods, strategies, management styles and others.

The Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) is unique in its approach to management, leadership and entrepreneurship in the business profession.

In addition to this, IUKLs Diploma in Business Administration offers insights into the world of business administration, covering a wide range of topics, including management and information technology.

Accounting is another major that can be linked to a successful business career.

IUKLs Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) offers specific knowledge of accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, costing, management and economics.

The aims of these programmes are to produce competent and dedicated accountants who possess the attributes and skills required in an accounting profession and help them develop a holistic understanding of business operations, particularly in all functional areas of accounting.

The programme is recognised by professional bodies such as ACCA

(Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), and MICPA (Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants).

IUKL also offers the Diploma in Accounting programme, which gives students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in accounting studies.

The programme aims to equip students with the ability to adopt and apply learnt knowledge in real-life situations to meet the demands and challenges in the global economy.

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics and Finance is a programme developed to provide substantial knowledge in economics and finance in a unique, dynamic and strategic way.

Students gain the quantitative and qualitative skills required to deal with various economic and industrial sectors, especially those related to capital, financial and investment markets within the global economic environment.

Students also analyse the behaviour of consumers, firms, labour markets, price changes and international trading.

If you are up for the challenges of retail businesses and strategic decision-making, the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is the right course for you to gain the skills required for many types of businesses, both local and global.

This programme prepares students to work in the challenging and dynamic field of logistics, which demands fast, efficient and accurate

strategic business decisions. Students are exposed to multiple

logistics activities and applications such as inbound and outbound logistics, aviation and land transport systems, which include rail, road and off-road transport.

In addition, they learn about the various aspects of logistics operation management, including the design, implementation and management of systems for efficient deployment of personnel, physical facilities, raw materials, in-process inventories, finished goods and related information and services.

Students also learn directly from renowned logistics companies through frequent academic visits, seminars and industrial training.

IUKL has been in the education industry for more than 15 years and has been providing quality education and excellent professional services in various fields.

The university was rated as an Excellent (Tier 5) full-fledged university in the 2011 & 2013 MQA Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (Setara).

IUKL is placed among the top-ranking universities and is the only infrastructure university in Malaysia.

The September-October intake is in progress.

Scholarships and a tuition fee waiver of up to 60% are offered to students who excel in their studies. Study loans from PTPTN, Mara and Yayasan Negeri are also available.

n For more information,call 1800 88 STUDY (78839) orvisit www.IUKL.edu.my

12 course focusTHE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

THE University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) won the 7th Nottingham Tri Campus Games hosted by the University of Nottingham, UK, from June 21 to 26, making it a first-time win for UNMC.

The UNMC team won the competition, defeating teams from the University of Nottingham campuses in the UK and China.

A unique event within the higher education sporting calendar, the Tri Campus Games brings together students from the universitys three international campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia annually.

Winning was a euphoric experience as everyone jumped to their feet and each award was received with a roaring cheer from participants of all three campuses. We made history by bringing home the trophy for the first time, says Muhammadh Aqeel Shums Deen, president of UNMCs Student Association.

We are very proud of this outstanding achievement by our students who are returning home with the trophy after competing against some excellent athletes from the UK and China campuses, said Prof Christine Ennew, chief executive officer and provost of UNMC, at the closing of the games.

Today, our students have demonstrated great team spirit, a healthy attitude to competition and have focused their energy and skills on sporting success.

They have done so in a way that is consistent with the motto of the games friendship through sport, said Prof Ennew.

The games involved teams competing in football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, squash, tennis, table tennis and Frisbee. It attracted nearly 200 students from more than 20 nations competing in three international

campus-based teams.The categories in which the

Malaysian team won gold medals were mens and womens tennis, mens and womens squash, mens badminton, mens football, womens squash and mixed volleyball.

The team was led by UNMC team manager and sports officer Maheswaran Ganesan, assistant

team manager Intan Liyana Idris and director of student experience Mavis Tsang.

UNMC hosted the Tri Games in 2010 and 2013 and will be hosting the games next year.

The event is hosted on a rotation basis among the University of Nottingham campuses in Malaysia, the UK and China.

UNMC confers exactly the same

degrees as those in the UK and all courses are taught in English.

It combines a high-quality living environment with state-of-the-art learning, teaching and research facilities.

According to independent market research company High Fliers Research, The University of Nottingham is one of the top choices for graduate recruitment among UK employers.

Research by the company showed that the university came second in its list of universities targeted by the largest number of top employers in 2014-2015.

The University of Nottingham encourages and supports students to ensure they have a well-rounded experience while studying, which includes participating in work placements.

This includes the Nottingham Advantage Award, which enables students to take extracurricular modules alongside their academic studies, building skills and experience.

UNMC will be hosting Information Day on Aug 15 from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the main campus in Semenyih.

n For more information, e-mail study@nottingham.edu.my or visit www.nottingham.edu.my

Sweet campus victory

This year, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus team won the Nottingham Tri Campus Games.

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