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UP2 or UPP or Uniquely Purposeful Programmes is a quarterly publication that represents a progressive Sunway College. Owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, this leading private institution of higher learning is forging ahead towards the next level of excellence.

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Saying No to Procrastination Wins the DayMOVERS & SHAKERSGenerating the Big Idea @ VU Business Challenge 2016Tracking Through Discovery Day @ MUFY 187 Teams Compete at the Sunway College A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge 2016Building a Pool of Talent for Accountancy in Malaysia More than Just Achievements Celebrated at 50th Commencement CeremonyJoy and Laughter for 150 Upon Graduation FACE TO FACEGiving 100% Effort and DedicationFrom Crunching Numbers to Making People LaughChoosing a Colourful University LifeFuture Game DesignerCreating a Better LifeSwimming Towards SuccessHaving a Cuppa....Headed to IrelandHighlight of the Year

Photos in UP2 are also courtesy of students and staff from the respective departments and programmes

SAYING NO TO PROCRASTINATION WINS THE DAY

Steven Fung of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia. Speakers for the day included Dr Ian Halsall, Emma Davidson and Patrick Helson, also from the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia. Attendees came from twenty-nine secondary schools around the Klang Valley, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Ipoh and Malacca, with one thousand fourth and fifth formers, accompanied by their teachers.

Present to witness the level of oratory skills and confidence of delivery displayed at the competition were Margaret Hall, Chairperson, Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia English Language Event and Mark Disney, President, Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia. Impressed with the fine display of oratory skills at the competition, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University had this to say, “Today, some of you have demonstrated the ability to relate to the audience and deliver messages that struck a chord or two. You have clearly demonstrated the thought process behind words that interpret, analyse and evaluate a message to greatly impact the audience and the judges.”

The first runner-up, Chantal Vaune Augustin of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4), Petaling Jaya won herself a Sunway College bursary worth RM10,000; RM400 cash prize and a Certificate of commendation from the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia. The second runner-up, Umy Marshita Mohamed Azhar of SMK Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam took home a Sunway College bursary worth RM8,000; RM200 cash prize and a Certificate of commendation from the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia.

The consolation prize winners for the event were Chrystal Foo Kai Ying of SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur; Davin Singh Sukhbir Singh of SMK Aminuddin Baki, Kuala Lumpur and Matthew Ernest Paul of SMK Seksyen 1 Bandar Kinrara, Selangor.

16-year old Sri Yamuna Permaloo from SMK Methodist Girls’ School Ipoh charmed the judges of the recent Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia English Language Public Speaking Competition 2016 with her eloquence and delivery of the topic, ‘Identity is Never Static’.

Utilising her own personal experience with procrastinating in her studies as an example, Sri Yamuna highlighted the fact “All of us are masters of change” for identity is never static and can be changed. Her winning delivery won her a full bursary for Sunway College; RM600 cash prize and a Certificate of commendation from the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia. Her school, SMK Methodist Girls’ School Ipoh took home the Challenge Trophy.

The judges for the event were Dr Abhi Veerakumarasivam, Sharifah Bakar Ali and

19-05, The Pinnacle, Block B, 19th Floor, Jalan Lagoon Timur, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor

Sri Yamuna, her father Permaloo Arunasalam with Dr Elizabeth Lee (far left) and Mark Disney (far right)

Winners with the judges and representatives from Sunway College and the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia

MOVERS & SHAKERS FACE TO FACE

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GIVING 100% EFFORT AND DEDICATIONHaving received the Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship based on his SPM results, 19-year old Kamaleshwaran Ganeson from Kuala Lumpur chose to do the Foundation in Science and Technolgy (FIST) programme because he had the option to not do a Mathematics subject. He also liked the idea of trying out something new, and with FIST being a relatively new programme, the small number of students gave him the opportunity to learn in a more focused and concentrated manner from the lecturers in the programme.

Kamaleshwaran highly recommends the FIST programme because the holistic learning he gained came about from choosing to do this foundation programme. FIST helped him to prep himself for university life which to him, is more than just studying and memorising books for examinations. FIST introduced him to Introduction to Psychology, Scientific Revolutions and Professional Development which peaked his interest and insatiable curiosity, and FIST gave him the opportunity to work in small groups with his classmates and be a voice on the Student Committee. The library was a favourite spot, as he felt dwarfed by all the knowledge there and the endless options of deciding where to eat is something he will always remember of his time in FIST.

For Kamaleshwaran, a student’s path to acquire knowledge is never ending and when he discovered he had received the Certificate of Academic Excellence, the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award, the Center for Asia Leadership Scholarship and the Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship, he was elated to have made the right decisions in giving his best at everything he had to do. By taking his studies and assessments seriously, Kamaleshwaran maintained a 4.0 CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) in FIST and was chosen to be the valedictorian of his graduating class.

Having enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychology in Sunway University, Kamaleshwaran is very much looking forward to acquiring new knowledge on various topics and getting his mind blown away discovering things he never knew about himself. He intends to become more involved in co-curricular activities for his undergraduate studies.

He advises future FIST students to always give 100% effort and dedication to the tasks at hand to bring about the best of results, no matter the difficulty or complexity of the task at hand and to be true to themselves.

GENERATING THE BIG IDEA @ VU BUSINESS CHALLENGE 2016Open to students from Chinese Independent Schools across Malaysia, the Victoria University (VU) Business Challenge is designed wholly by the Australian University Programme team at Sunway College to test students on their intellect, logic, problem-solving skills and entrepreneurship.

Each of the 64 teams that initially signed up for the preliminary challenge had to come up with The BIG Idea, a business proposal for a realistic product or service. The proposal had to include business concept, target market, landscape competition, SWOT analysis, and a business idea or strategy.

This was then narrowed down to 20 teams in the semi-final round. At their display booths in the semi-final round, the teams had to create a prototype and give a 3-to-5 minute pitch of their ideas to the judges. The best 8 teams were then shortlisted for the finals where they had to present their ideas to the judges and the public.

Team OneClick comprising Beh Chen Kai, Tan Wei Tee, Ng Wei Yeak and Chuah Yong Chuen of Jit Sin Independent High School Bukit Mertajam, emerged champions of this year’s VU Business Challenge. All four members were rewarded with a bursary worth RM45,000 each to cover tuition fees for the 3-year VU Bachelor of Business programme under the Australian University Programme at Sunway College along with a total cash prize of RM1,000. Pitching a business plan on ESM (Emergency Service Mobile), their mobile application incorporated a multi-language selection and Global Positioning System (GPS) feature to minimise communication barriers between the emergency response team and the caller.

Team eaTsy comprising Chye Chia Run, Liew Tean Liang, Ng Lee Hen and Ng Zi Cheng of Chong Hwa Independent High School Kuala Lumpur came in second place and took home an additional prize, the “Most Innovative Idea.” Winning themselves a bursary of RM30,000 each for the 3-year VU Bachelor of Business programme at Sunway College and a total cash prize of RM800, team EaTsy created a self-heating bento box to cook a variety of frozen food, without the use of a microwave.

Just Cut Salon comprising Loh Jia Wei, Chong Jin Hao, Soo Yinn Shin, and Kok Mandy of Chong Hwa Independent High School Kuala Lumpur came in third and won themselves a bursary of RM24,000 each along with a total cash prize of RM600.

Initiated by the Sunway Marketing Department, staff members and student bodies of the Victoria University Business Club and the Sunway Certified CPA (Certified Practicing Accountant) Australia Student Charter, this yearly event has grown from strength to strength as the students from the Chinese Independent Schools, with the help and support of their teachers had brought out language, delivery, concepts and ideas that amazed the judges and the public in the Victoria University Business Challenge 2016.

Winners of the VU Business Challenge 2016

FACE TO FACE MOVERS & SHAKERS

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FROM CRUNCHING NUMBERS TO MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH

For Juliana and her friends, every Friday would see them conducting “Tension Releasing Exercises” which had them hanging out at Sunway Pyramid doing food tests, karaoke singing and watching movies at the cinema. To excel in their studies and indulge in fun events simultaneously, heightened skills in time management is a definite plus point.

This skill has Juliana squeezing time out of her super hectic work schedule at KLCC Property Holdings Berhad to work on her passion, stand-up comedy. Having made her debut at One Mic Stand in September last year for her solo three-minute performance, Juliana hopes to give joy to the world via her repertoire of funny stories, observational humour, character imitation, musical parody and wordplay jokes. For Juliana, the support of her father and friends for her passion in making people laugh is a joyful way of contributing to society.

From once a month to once a fortnight, Juliana Intends to continue doing more stand-up comedy performances. She hopes to bridge the gap between her day job and her dream job of making people from all walks of life laugh.

“If you want to run far, run together” could pretty much sum up her time at Sunway TES. Extolling future students of Sunway TES to be brave and to be bold, Juliana suggests keeping an open mind to possibilities around you, not to label yourself negatively, be grateful and make the best of everyday, be happy.

Having spent the past five years working with numbers, 25-year old Juliana Heng from Petaling Jaya completed her Sunway-TES certification in 2011. Currently working in KLCC Property Holdings Berhad as a Finance Executive in Management Services, Juliana has made it a point to excel at whatever tasks assigned to her. Every assignment has learning points that has helped her in her personal development, be it at work or in life itself.

A Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship recipient, Juliana believes that the Sunway TES programme gave her a wholesome educational experience and made a whole world of difference in her life. The technical knowledge, inspiring stories and valuable lessons shared by her lecturers gave her the competitive advantage at job interviews.

Team work proved to be a key ingredient for her course mates and herself as they often leveraged on each other’s strength in tackling the examinations. She is also grateful to the support staff for organising the lectures, examinations and keeping everything orderly.

Juliana remembers the classes being very packed, yet there were many fun events taking place all over the Sunway campus at the same time. After watching a street dance competition being performed at the college cafeteria, Juliana picked up street dancing. The skill has helped her get closer to people at social events.

From workshops, talks, presentations and technical demonstrations given by the Monash academics, MUFY students had the opportunity to learn more about their choice of undergraduate studies and to get some hands-on experience interacting with technology, facilities and the lecturers in Monash University.

A day full of fun, discovery and possibilities, the MUFY students are all ready to set their sights on a brighter future and geared to take on the challenging world of learning with Monash University.

Monash academics and Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) students had a field day when they got together on Discovery Day. With career options aplenty and so much information available, the four hundred students who signed up for the one-day event had to choose one path for the day that is Track A, B or C.

Track A was about dissecting Medicine, Pharmacy and Science whereas Track B was all about Engineering and Computing. Track C proved to be a wealth of information on Business, Arts and Psychology in Monash University. All these three tracks led to MUFY students learning more about the potential career options available within their chosen track.

TRACKING THROUGH DISCOVERY DAY @ MUFY

Juliana who went bald at the ‘Jom Botak 2016’ in aid of cancer research

MUFY students enjoying themselves during the Discovery Day MUFY students at the laboratory

FACE TO FACEFACE TO FACE

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CHOOSING A COLOURFUL UNIVERSITY LIFE

Some of her best memories in Victoria University are from the time she spent with the members of the VUBC but they definitely cannot top the excitement Lee Yan had over the opportunity to join the summer exchange programme for Hansung University in South Korea. She came home from Hansung University with the Honour Student Award for being the best student for the Korean Language subject.

When it came time to say goodbye to Victoria University, Lee Yan chose to deliver her farewell in an inspiring speech focused on their time as students and the future as their launching point to the next chapter in their lives. As valedictorian, Lee Yan chose to encourage her fellow graduates to define their success as humans by the following measures: “Our Giving, Our Passion, Our Embracing of Differences and Our Love.”

Lee Yan chose to join Sunway as she is inspired by the leadership qualities of Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah. Thankful for the guidance of her seniors, team lead and managers in Sunway FSSC, Lee Yan maintains her positive views on life by continuing to give her best in her current role and to keep on learning about the ever changing landscape of work.

Currently an Accounts Associate with Sunway FSSC Sdn Bhd, Sunway Group, Victoria University valedictorian Ong Lee Yan for the 2015 cohort continues to unleash her potential and is busy pursuing her five-year goal of becoming a Corporate Strategy Consultant.

A Star Education Fund scholarship recipient, 23-year old Lee Yan chose Victoria University as she wanted an active and colourful university life, with an intense syllabus for developing her critical thinking skills. She chose Accounting, Banking and Finance to broaden her understanding of business from a financial point of view. Amazed by the Sunway campus, she discovered the Victoria University programme has shaped her into an all-rounder as the Professional Development subjects required students to propose a real world business project, including a detailed business plan in Year 3.

Generating business ideas, researching the viability and connecting with a network of peers, lecturers, friends and contacts were essential to helping students like Lee Yan build a viable business project. Through this platform, Lee Yan found her skills in learning, communications and self-development were enhanced by this component of her studies in Victoria University.

Grateful to her lecturers for their expertise, experience and knowledge, Lee Yan chose to look for the interesting bits in her Victoria University routines by adding the Victoria University Business Club (VUBC) to her portfolio of extracurricular activities. From being an Assistant Secretary in the VUBC in 2014, she became the President in 2015 to help other VUBC members tap into their own self-development and unleash their potential.

FUTURE GAME DESIGNER

lecturers for consultation, support and advice with their studies.

By doing the scary thing and embracing a whole new world, Enan thinks picking the right best-four subjects, doing the assignments given and organising his time in AUSMAT has taught him much about creating a balance between study and other activities.

For him, the introduction to the Kangaroo Maths Competition, the Euclid Contest, and the Australian Maths Competition were a lot of fun. Enan appreciates the diversity in Malaysia has introduced to his favourite food, Arabic cuisine. He believes determination can solve a lot of problems and courtesy is always a good friend to have. Make sure to make friends, find folks to hang with indoors, talk to people and have fun as AUSMAT has taught him much.

Having accepted the scholarship offer from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, Enan will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development starting in August. Fascinated by games and always re-imagining games he had played, Enan thinks even video games have a part to play in making the world a better place. Through his fascination with games, he hopes to do what he can to raise awareness about social issues like many others in the media and entertainment industries try to do.

Having led a “sunny” life back at Sunnydale (primary level) and Sunbeams (secondary level) in the city of Dhaka, 19-year old Enan Syed Munzar from Bangladesh chose to pursue college life in sunny Kuala Lumpur in Sunway College.

Asides from the hot weather in Malaysia, Enan discovered the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme to be a fairly nice environment with conveniences like Sunway Pyramid and the Rock Café nearby. Enan recommends the evening fountain shows at KLCC. During his time here in Malaysia, Enan has enjoyed taking a vacation in Langkawi and in some ways, he feels he has never left his home in Dhaka.

Having enrolled in the one-year Australian Matriculation Programme (AUSMAT) at Sunway College, Enan found the programme challenging academically but recommends future students to rely on the approachable and generally nice

Enan and his sister

Enan with Vanitha Satchithanadan, Director of AUSMAT and Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway Education Group and Sunway University at the AUSMAT Awards ceremony last year

FOCUS FOCUS

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JOY AND LAUGHTER FOR 150 UPON GRADUATION

According to Chong Yen Ling, her time in FIA included studying from books, learning communications and presentation skills. Yen Ling received the Certificate of Academic Excellence, the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award for Introduction to Business: World of Finance, and the Jeffery Cheah Continuing Scholarship where she intends to take up the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Sunway University.

Sunway College Foundation in Arts (FIA) and Foundation in Science and Technology (FIST) programmes recently concluded their latest graduation ceremony with much joy and laughter for one hundred and fifty students.

After having spent an entire year filled with homework, assignments, presentations, quizzes and examinations, Kamaleshwaran Ganeson from FIST is happy for the incredible experience of being taught to become a better thinker, learning to conduct research and writing a paper. The learning of the history of science and the study of human nature at this pre-university level has Kamaleshwaran feeling fortunate he enrolled for FIST.

In his speech to the graduating class, Kamaleshwaran mentioned, “No effort is wasted effort, and no knowledge is wasted knowledge. With this in mind, any goal is achievable by just about anyone, given that adequate effort is put in.”

Thanking the amazing and understanding lecturers for their patience and their focus on making us successful individuals, we would not have even been able to make it through semester 1, let alone graduate, according to Kamaleshwaran.

Having achieved a 4.0 CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average), Kamaleshwaran received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Foundation in Science and Technology, a Certificate of Academic Excellence and a full scholarship under the Jeffery Cheah Continuing Scholarship to Sunway University. Kamaleshwaran has decided to pursue further studies in the BSc (Hons) Psychology programme at Sunway University.

Another FIA graduate, Chong Li Yin received the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award for Mathematics and a 75% Jeffery Cheah Continuing Scholarship. She too intends to further her studies in the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Sunway University.

Twelve students from the FIA programme took home the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award with Shashwatha Manisekar receiving 3 awards for Enrichment Electives, Microeconomics: Concept and Models, and Macroeconomics: The Global View, and Nicole Wong Yun Kee with 2 awards for Introduction to Public Relations and Introduction to Travel and Cuisine.

Five graduates from the FIST and FIA programmes were awarded the Asia Leadership Scholarship which involved a 6-day residential leadership workshop under the Center for Asia Leadership mentored by teaching fellows from Harvard University and Stanford University. The five selected were Kamaleshwaran Ganeson, Chong Yen Ling, Chong Li Yin, Sandra Lo Yi Ying and Wong Jia Yi.

CENTER FOR ASIA LEADERSHIP: BUILDING LEADERS FOR THE CONCEPTUAL AGE

Helping to develop the intrinsic motivation of youths in Asia is the Center for Asia Leadership (CAL). Set up in Cambridge Massachusetts in 2014, the vision of CAL is to enable these future leaders to serve and impact their communities.

According to Samuel Kim, President of the Center for Asia Leadership, the shift of the global workforce from a knowledge-based economy to a “conceptual age” requires future leaders who are entrepreneurial; and simultaneously creators and emphathisers.

In this six-day programme, Five Teaching Fellows from Harvard and Stanford University were here in Kuala Lumpur to mentor these youths using leadership frameworks taught at Harvard University. With plenary sessions, interactive workshops, professional development sessions and career mentoring built into the Asia Leadership programme, the youths learned about being self-reliant, their own personal brand plus learn to build and mould their leadership mindset.

Foundation in Science and Technology graduates

Kamaleshwaran Ganeson

Students who achieved high distinctions Students who received the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award

Kamaleshwaran (far right second row) at the 6-day residential workshop

Chong Yen Ling (left) with Chong Li Yin

MOVERS & SHAKERS FACE TO FACE

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187 TEAMS COMPETE AT THE SUNWAY COLLEGE A-LEVEL MATHS AND LOGIC CHALLENGE 2016

worth RM8,000 and or a Sunway University degree bursary worth RM8,000 for studies in Actuarial Studies or Financial Analysis or Financial Economics and a certificate of commendation each.

Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur emerged as champions at the Sunway College A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge this year and won the challenge trophy and RM800 cash. The duo of Takeda Shigenori and Ong Xin Jiong each took home a full Sunway College A-Level bursary worth RM25,000 and or a Sunway University degree bursary worth RM48,000 for studies in Actuarial Studies or Financial Analysis or Financial Economics; an individual trophy each, and a certificate of commendation each.

Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur also took home an additional RM600 cash as the First Runner-Up. Their students, Tan Soon Wei and Foo Shi Quan each won themselves a Sunway College A-Level bursary worth RM16,000 and or a Sunway University degree bursary worth RM36,000 for studies in Actuarial Studies or Financial Analysis or Financial Economics; an individual trophy and a certificate of commendation each.

As the Second Runner-Up, Chung Hua High School, Negeri Sembilan took home RM500 cash. Their students, Ang Jian Hwee and Lee Jia Jun each won themselves a Sunway College A-Level bursary worth RM12,000 and or a Sunway University degree bursary worth RM24,000 for studies in Actuarial Studies or Financial Analysis or Financial Economics; an individual trophy, and a certificate of commendation each.

In her closing speech, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University thanked the students, teachers and representatives from schools in Peninsular Malaysia for their enthusiasm and support in helping to promote excellence in mathematics amongst secondary school students.

The tenth edition of the Sunway College A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge began in April this year. An annual event, the National Challenge preliminary round had students competing as individuals in the first round followed by a ‘two-in-a-team’ effort in the second round.

For the finals of the Sunway College A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge, a total of 187 teams took part in the competition and a total of 27 teams from the states of Kedah, Penang, Perak, Malacca, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur took home prizes. Students from the top three teams in each participating state took home a Sunway College A-Level bursary

CREATING A BETTER LIFE

Continuing Scholarship, Cheng Yee is looking forward to continuing his undergraduate studies in Sunway University as he loves Mathematics.

Having started his classes in January 2016 for the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Actuarial Studies, Cheng Yee has now traded his small FIA classrooms for bigger classes and is looking forward to living in the present to the best and fullest of his abilities. By learning more things and meeting new people, Cheng Yee hopes to find the opportunities to make a better life for himself in the future.

Advising future students to never give up even when life hits rock bottom is Cheng Yee’s way of telling everyone they are born to do great things in this world. According to Cheng Yee, “Disappointments may hit but be ready for the great things that come after.”

A recipient of the Jeffrey Cheah Special Entrance Scholarship, 19-year old Wong Cheng Yee from Kuala Lumpur chose to do his pre-university programme at Sunway College as he believed that would provide him with a student friendly environment and a great tertiary education. He chose the one-year Foundation in Arts (FIA) programme for the balance of coursework and examinations.

Naming his FIA lecturers Ms Nithi, Mr Shatish, Ms Neethasha, Ms Zurina, Ms Dionne, Ms Santhya, Ms Yi Ying, Ms Ann, Ms Muru, Ms Lily and Ms Suba as the best kind of people, Cheng Yee is grateful to them for having made his time in FIA a memorable one in the classroom and beyond it.

His time in FIA exposed him to a completely different and diverse environment. With the variety of coursework for each individual subject, this then challenged him to understand more about the world, as the assignments and projects given in FIA emphasised helping people in need.

For Cheng Yee, the English documentary project, where the members of his team had to select the topic and complete it within the given timeline taught him to be independent. His time in FIA may have come to a close but Cheng Yee does wish the time had gone slower as he missed out on participating more in extra-curricular activities. Get new friends, learn new things, count on your lecturers, do your best and enjoy your time in FIA is Cheng Yee’s advice for those intending to take up FIA as a pre-university programme.

Having received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Mathematics for Actuarial Studies and Enrichment Subjects, a Certificate of Academic Excellence and the Jeffrey Cheah

Champions Ong Xin Jiong (2nd from left) and Takeda Shigenori (3rd from left) of Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur with their teacher Ms Lian Bee Bee (1st from left) and Dr Elizabeth Lee (far right)

Winners of the Sunway College A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge 2016 with Sunway College A-Level teachers and management team

MOVERS & SHAKERS FACE TO FACE

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BUILDING A POOL OF TALENT FOR ACCOUNTANCY IN MALAYSIASunway TES Centre for Accountancy Excellence (CAE) has recently aligned itself with a new initiative. As a Centre for Accountancy Excellence, Sunway TES is working on bringing up the standards of Malaysia’s Polytechnic syllabi to be on par with the international standards of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the professional accountancy certification.

YB Dato’ Seri Haji Idris Jusoh, Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia was present to witness the signing and exchange of the two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). An initiative supported by Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) and Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputra (YPPB), the first MoU was exchanged between Dr Lee Weng Keng, Chief Executive Officer, Education and Healthcare Division, Sunway Group and Tuan Haji Mohd Ghaus Ab Kadir, Deputy Director General, Department of Polytechnic Education, Ministry of Higher Education.

According to Dr Lee Weng Keng, “We are committed to help realise the government’s goal set out in EPP 17 of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), which aims to transform Malaysia into a leading Accountancy hub in the Asia Pacific region.”

“By working together with ACCA Malaysia and Sunway TES CAE to meet the market demand for accounting professionals, we hope our graduates will become globally recognised and well accepted for employment in multinational companies,” said Tuan Haji Mohd Ghaus.

As part of this collaboration, Politeknik Port Dickson (PPD) has been chosen to pilot this initiative. Other initiatives include initiating Train-the-Lecturers programme, Intensive English Programme, preparatory class for ACCA papers of F5 Performance Management and F6 Malaysian Taxation.

A second MoU was exchanged between ACCA represented by Helen Brand OBE, ACCA’s Chief Executive and the Department of Polytechnic Education, Ministry of Higher Education represented by Tuan Haji Mohd Ghaus.

Helen Brand said: “In embarking on this cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, we will provide Malaysia with the training and education needed to develop professional accountants for Malaysia to fulfil its economic aspirations. We will be supporting the first batch of 160 students from polytechnic colleges across Malaysia to study for the ACCA Qualification and we will work on up-skilling the polytechnic lecturers and tutors.”

According to Brand, “ACCA sees this as an opportunity to assess the Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Accountancy programmes offered at polytechnic colleges. The objective is to award the appropriate level of exemptions for the ACCA Qualifications. ACCA will assess several polytechnic colleges under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education, and guide those that meet the specified quality criteria to become an ACCA Approved Learning Partner.”

SWIMMING TOWARDS SUCCESSHaving just recently completed her one-year Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) in June this year, 17-year old Carynn Kay Chan from Klang has represented the state of Selangor in swimming meets since 2008.

Asides from the sleeping, eating, training component of being a serious swim athlete, Carynn finds the library to be the best part of studying in Sunway College. The small weekly tests in MUFY proved to be a challenge for Carynn as she trains up to twelve sessions per week during competition season. With every session timed at two and half hours each, Carynn spends her time being trained by Wong Tuck Kar, her coach and a former Malaysian national swimmer.

Her start in swimming came about because of her asthma. Her parents decided to take her to the swimming pool as they were advised by the doctor that swimming would help Caryn improve her asthmatic condition. During her last schooling year in Regent International School, she participated in her first ASEAN School Games. She loved representing Malaysia, getting to travel in a group with other swimmers and creating memorable moments together at the Games.

Representing Sunway College at Sukan Institut Pengajian Tinggi (SUKIPT) is one of the most memorable occasions for Carynn as she won three gold medals competing against other Malaysian swimmers from higher institutions of learning. On a 100% sports scholarship in Sunway College, Carynn is grateful for the support and understanding of the MUFY teachers as they were there to help her with the academic component of her studies. Carynn thoroughly enjoyed her English classes, which included movie time for her and those who took the classes.

As serious and dedicated as she is about swimming for Malaysia competitively, Carynn has no intention to be a full time athlete at this point in time as she believes academics is her main priority.

For all the ups and downs in her life, her mantra in life is that whenever you fall down, you pick yourself up again and again and again as success is always around the corner for you never know until you try. Carynn hopes to represent Malaysia at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and would like to thank God, her parents, coaches and friends who have been there for her.

(from left) Tengku Azian Shahriman, Teo Ee Sing, Datuk Alexandra Chin, Tuan Haji Mohd Ghaus Ab Kadir, YB Dato’ Seri Haji Idris Jusoh, Helen Brand, Dr Lee Weng Keng and Dr Elizabeth Lee

MOVERS & SHAKERSFACE TO FACE

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HAVING A CUPPA…

Listening attentively to this dialogue, Dr Lee expressed her concern for the students’ well-being and encouraged them to look out for each other. On hand to assist Dr Lee were the administrators and faculty, including Head of Departments of Sunway University and Sunway College who were there to take note of the feedback and suggestions provided by the students on top of providing extensive information with regards to the flexibility and availability of elective subjects for undergraduate students, employability, on campus facilities and gender equality. Dr Lee hopes the students would make full use of the opportunities available in Sunway to broaden their horizons and to participate in the public lectures like the Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speakers Series (JCDSS).

Nur Sakiinah currently President for the Secretariat of Rukun Negara (SRN), a Sunway student leadership club found the “Let’s Have a Cuppa Coffee” to be a good opportunity to interact with Dr Lee and the other staff members. The chat was a good starting point for her to establish and broaden her network with students from other programmes.

At a town hall meeting jointly organised by Sunway Student Services Department and the student leaders of Sunway College and Sunway University, more than one hundred and fifty students and staff members were invited to “Let’s Have a Cuppa Coffee” with Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University.

The chat aimed to provide students and staff a platform to foster closer relationships and work at enhancing students’ experiences in Sunway. Thought-provoking and at times funny, various issues were raised at the chat by students who were eager to present their opinions, provide feedback and suggestions on topics related to their experience on campus.

MORE THAN JUST ACHIEVEMENTS CELEBRATED AT 50TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) was awarded to a total of two hundred and twenty-two graduates at the recent 50th Commencement ceremony for Sunway College’s Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP). Internationally recognised, the OSSD had seventeen students receiving Gold Medals for achieving 90% and above. These seventeen joined seventy-four other CIMP graduates as Ontario Scholars, an honour reserved for those who achieve an overall average of 80% or greater.

More than just academic achievements, the CIMP recognised the students for contributions beyond the walls of the classrooms. With the minimum of ten voluntary hours required of each student, the community service component of the OSSD recognised ten students for contributing more than 100 hours of volunteer work and another sixty-three with Volunteer Certificates of Recognition.

Reminding his peers that success is more than just achievements, valedictorian Bryan Chen Chi-Ern asked his fellow graduates to form friendships, appreciate the offerings of life and respond to future events and challenges. Having received the Subject Award for Mathematics of Data Management, Bryan intends to pursue a degree in design at Keio University, Japan. He encouraged his fellow graduates to make success a more meaningful word rather than just achievements, hierarchy or positions.

Active in various fundraising projects, the graduates help raised an overall contribution of RM5,658 for Refuge for Refugees and UNICEF – Disaster Relief, Women’s Aid Organization, PAWS, SPCA and Second Chance Animal Society, and Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue; with RM3,448 for Dialogue in the Dark. The Multiple Sclerosis Walk 2016 raised awareness for multiple sclerosis while the Environmentalist Entrepreneurship Club donated profits from activities to underprivileged children. The Free Tree Society had CIMP volunteer gardeners and volunteer helpers for the Kechara Soup Kitchen.

For his 572 hours of community service, Lim Tze Sean was bestowed the Community Service Award. A Mathematics tutor, a taekwondo coach and a helping hand with Student Council activities, Tze Sean has learnt to appreciate his life more by giving back to society. This in turn has helped him grow as a person for there were many who helped him before he turned eighteen and this was his opportunity to give back.

Applauding the graduates for their contributions towards community service, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University asked the students to take with them the knowledge, understanding, good values and attitudes imparted to them during their time in Sunway. She hoped they have gained a greater understanding of their role in society and would walk away with the desire to continue giving back to the community by volunteering time for the good of others.

Jennifer Rodrigue, First Secretary and Trade Commissioner of High Commission of Canada graced the event. Also present at the commencement were Puan Sri (Dr) Susan Cheah, EXCO member of the Sunway Group, and Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University.

Dr Elizabeth Lee having a chat with students after the session

Canadian International Matriculation Programme graduates

Bryan Chen Chi-Ern

FACE TO FACEFACE TO FACE

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HEADED TO IRELAND

steering her through her syllabus. Fondly remembering the sincerity and helpfulness of her lecturers, Ying Ling felt her thinking and analytical skills improved and were enhanced by her taking this programme.

Ying Ling is a recipient of the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards for Top in Malaysia in Chemistry. With straight As in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics at the AS level, Ying Ling is very grateful to the four equally great lecturers that is Ms Miki Sung, Mr Sim Hong Vee, Mr Chong Kok Foo and Mr Kingsley Row. She also found time to become a member of the A-Level Student Ambassadors (ALSTAR) and Sunway Student Volunteers, with more than 50 hours volunteered at a variety of events.

As for the next chapter after A-Level, Ying Ling is very much looking forward to experiencing the weather, culture and learning experience of studying overseas in Ireland. Ying Ling hopes to one day set up her own pharmacy in Malaysia after completing her undergraduate then post-graduate degrees overseas followed by a stint serving her scholarship bond in Malaysia.

For future students of A-Level, Ying Ling has this to say, ”You have made the right choice. Make the best out of the one-and-a-half-year and complete it with no regrets.”

For 19-year old Dee Ying Ling, A-Level proved to be the key she needed to get into a prestigious university. Having finished her A-Level in November 2015, Dee Ying Ling who comes from a family of four is making plans to head to University College Dublin, Ireland to complete a 4-year Pharmacology course.

The good facilities (including the canopy walks) and the very awesome hostel in Sunway College proved to be deciding factors in Ying Ling’s decision to do the A-Level. Although the one-and-a-half-year intense syllabus was challenging for Ying Ling, she found the courses meaningful and worthwhile because her lecturers were responsible and experienced in

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Every participant had their own distinct and authentic way of expressing themselves and it was quite intimidating at times. I thought it impossible for a socially awkward person like myself to make it through, but things seemed different this time around and the one thing that kept playing in my mind was that I had to give it my very best shot, and ignore what people had to say about me, and that was exactly what I did.

After being selected as one of the top 12 semifinalists, at the thought of the competition I would start to tense up. Although there was a three months gap from the preliminary rounds to the semifinal and finals, every nerve in my body was tense for I knew how fast the time would fly. I read voraciously on issues occurring around the world and never failed to practice in front of the mirror daily.

Months passed and it was time for the competition. My father drove me all the way from blissful Ipoh, Perak to the lively Kuala Lumpur for the competition. I was pretty down that none of my friends nor my teachers were able to come and support, but having my father by my side was equivalent to having a stadium full of supporters. On the 16th of July, my father and I were the first ones to arrive at the Sunway University foyer and we were ushered by the nicest people in the world, and I’d like to call them the “Sunway Angels”. Slowly, one by one the semifinalists were ushered into the quarantine room and there we all sat. My thoughts shifted from one to another, faster than a Lamborghini.

“Selfie addiction”, was what all twelve of us spoke on for the semifinal impromptu round, and to be honest, it was totally unexpected. Right after the semifinals, Mr Mark Disney and Dr Ian Halsall gave mind-blowing talks and I was wonderstruck. Hours passed, and then the time came for the announcement of the finalists. A huge sigh of relieve and joy was all I felt as I my name was called. We drew lots and I was fated to be the final speaker for the final round. I was ready to feel butterflies fluttering in my stomach, but much to my surprise, not a single butterfly could be felt and my body muscles didn’t tighten up as well. I sat in the quarantine room alone, waiting for my turn to face a crowd of 1,000 students across Malaysia in the Jeffrey Cheah Hall.

“Identity is never static” was the topic for the prepared round, which I had received a month before and the topic is extremely close to my heart. Maybe that’s why I nailed the competition and rose as the champion. That speech was the most enjoyable one I have ever presented for I was able to make a confession to the audience and share with them my notorious procrastinating habits, and how I made a choice to change myself forever. After all, the choice to achieve anything in life is in our hands, and I knew that the choice to win this competition was in my hands as well. But it would be rude and inhuman if I took full credit for winning. It was a masterpiece, a dream which came true thanks to every soul who helped me with the competition and I definitely have to start off by thanking my teacher, Miss Komala for believing in my ideas and helped me polish the script and my presentation, a huge thank you to all my classmates who so willingly watched me present my three minute speech over and over again, my mother for having sacrificed her TV time to watch her sixteen year old present her speech and discussed loads of critical issues occurring across the earth, and fellow public speakers across the country who were kind enough to spend some time advising and assisting me. Most importantly, I would love to thank my father for as long as I live, for being there every single moment I needed him, for sharing his wisdom about life with me every time we drove around the streets of Ipoh and for having believed in me when no one else did.

Being part of this competition and being blessed to win was truly the highlight of the year. But most importantly, the competition helped me believe in myself and though I can be a very socially awkward person in real life and people can be judgemental at times, hopefully this achievement would prove them wrong and remind the haters to never judge a book by its cover. The best part of the event were the hugs and wishes I received from everyone around me and not forgetting, I would like to thank the Sunway committee all the way to the Sun for letting out those huge balloons in the hall to celebrate and mark the end of the event.

Though the year has 365 days in total, and it’s impossible to remember what happened every single day, one specific day would definitely be remembered and cherished for quite a while. No, it is not my sweet sixteen birthday party, but 16th of July 2016 - the day of the semi-final and final rounds of the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia 14th English Language Event: Public Speaking Competition 2016.

Three months prior that day, I stepped foot into Sunway University for the preliminary rounds with a stomach packed with butterflies and my father, the greatest life support system standing tall by my side. Though I am genuinely passionate with public speaking and have been participating in speaking competitions ever since I was 8 years old, I still had doubts and fears.

by Sri Yamuna Permaloo, SMK (P) Methodist, Ipoh

Ying Ling with her parents

Ying Ling with other Sunway College students and teachers at the CIE Awards ceremony last year

Sri Yamuna with Puan Hajah Haslina Abd Rahim, Senior Assistant of SMK (P) Methodist Ipoh and Wong Lei Lei, Director of Marketing, Sunway Education Group