THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019

POSTGRADUATE

Making continuous progress

Enrolling in the right courses is key in helping you reach your career goals.
2 Postgraduate
Reputable, recognised courses
STUDENTS who aspire to satisfy their hunger
for education excellence and have a vision to
climb their career ladders may be interested
in the postgraduate programmes at First City
University College (First City UC).
Students have the liberty to choose their
preferred mode of study for all postgraduate
programmes, be it full-time or part-time,
allowing them to still earn a living while
studying.
Business-minded graduates are welcome
to further spread their wings in the business
world by enrolling in the Master of Business
Administration programme (MBA), which is
offered by First City UC’s Faculty of Business,
Hospitality and Communication Studies. The
programme is recognised and validated by
the institution’s long-term partner in the
United Kingdom – Anglia Ruskin University
(ARU).
The programme is designed to equip
learners with broad business knowledge and
various management skills in preparation
for managerial roles. Students are exposed
to real-life business issues and solutions.
Subjects in the MBA programme syllabus
prepare students with knowledge and tips to
handle and salvage managerial issues. The
Faculty of Business, Hospitality and
Communication Studies is active in inviting
industry experts as guest speakers to share
their experiences on various business,
entrepreneurship, economics and
management topics.
Meanwhile, the Master of Design
Management programme at First City UC
may be attractive to designers and graduates
with interests in design and management. It
is the first and only programme in Malaysia
that combines academic study with creative
and professional practice in a project-led
curriculum.
The programme is designed to support
employability and employer engagement by
First City UC’s postgraduate programmes let students enhance their skills and relevance in their
chosen fields while working.
developing transferable, industry-specific
and high-level skills. It contributes to a
balance of practical, theoretical and
enterprise-oriented design practices and
exposes students to current design contexts
through issue-based design research.
The Faculty of Engineering and
Computing at First City UC offers two new
postgraduate programmes – the Master of
Software Engineering and Master of
Engineering Management – to catch up to
the Fourth Industrial Revolution and
beyond.
In line with the aspirations of the
Education Ministry to encourage
multidisciplinary syllabi and courses,
students enrolled in the Master of Software
Engineering and Master of Engineering
Management programmes will have access
to blended learning facilities.
This provides the students with the
opportunity to interact with students from
different backgrounds, broadening their
horizons and expanding their networks,
which are beneficial for them if they wish
to take their careers a step further.
Students enrolled in First City UC have
a major advantage because they learn
from a line-up of highly qualified lecturers
with strong industry experience at
undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Interestingly, postgraduate students receive
Connecting with
the right people
APART from helping you develop your
business skills, a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) also offers you the
unique opportunity to build a network of
contacts. According to many MBA alumni,
one of the most fulfilling experiences of
pursuing this degree is the networking
opportunities it creates.
Networking is the process of connecting
you with individuals known to the people
you know. When done in an organised way,
these links can become strong resources in
your career. The connections you build over
the years can come in handy not only in
terms of gaining industry input, but in
situations where you may be looking for a
new challenge in your career.
However, many people wishing to pursue
an MBA make the mistake of waiting until
they enrol in the course before building their
network. Even on campus, many students
forgo the opportunity to network and
instead spend time with friends and people
they already know.
For an MBA graduate, the importance of a
good contact network cannot be emphasised
enough. The best way to go about it is to start
building your network immediately. The
following are a few tips on how to start.
l If you are working prior to enrolling in
an MBA course, make sure you have strong
relationships with your colleagues.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
Students have the liberty
to choose their preferred
mode of study for all
postgraduate programmes,
be it full-time or part-time,
allowing them to still earn
a living while studying.
an extra edge as First City UC’s three
faculties have guest lecturers with
outstanding portfolios and qualifications.
First City UC strives to provide an
environment that is conducive to effective
learning and teaching. Its eco-friendly
urban campus is well equipped with state-
of-the-art facilities, including a wide array
of recreational and learning facilities.
For instance, the university’s Centre for
Postgraduate Studies is a space exclusively
for postgraduate students, comprising
modern lecture halls, classrooms, a lounge
and spacious discussion areas.
Postgraduate students find the modern
and comprehensive IT labs, design
workshops and engineering labs to be of
great help in supporting their learning
experience.
First City UC opens every day in January
for registration. Its January intake is in
progress for foundation, diploma,
bachelor’s and postgraduate programmes.
n For more information on other
programmes as well as scholarships
and incentives offered by First City UC,
call 03-7727 3200 or visit the campus or
www.firstcity.edu.my
l Socialise professionally and start
collecting contact details of everyone you
meet. Even people who are not directly
connected to your job field may prove to
be great resources.
l When you start your course, maintain
good relationships with your fellow
candidates as they may well be future
leaders of different industries. Make sure
to attend inter-college meets and seminars
so you can add MBA students from other
institutions to your contact network.
l Your professors can introduce you to
established personnel from various
industries who were their former
students.
l Exploring extracurricular activities is
another way to network if you are
pursuing an MBA full-time. Joining several
clubs and organisations on campus allows
you to find like-minded people and build
relationships outside the classroom.
The trick to networking is to let go of
your fears and take the initiative to talk to
strangers. As an MBA student, you are
striving to take up leadership roles in your
career, which require good people skills.
Your student years offer a great
opportunity to start your journey, where
you must be open to building fruitful links
and opportunities.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019 3
4 Postgraduate
Leadership and
governance
THE Higher Education Institution Leadership
and Governance Conference that was held
on Dec 18 and Dec 19 last year was an
excellent event, co-organised by the
Education Ministry, Higher Education
Leadership Academy (AKEPT) and University
of Malaya.
The conference focused on the leadership
and governance challenges that are being
faced by the higher education sector in
Malaysia and across the world.
One of the highlights of the conference
was the talk given by Higher Education
Department director-general Datin Paduka
Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, who spoke openly
about the challenges and opportunities
ahead of Malaysia.
Following the talk, and in conversation
with others at the conference, it was
apparent that the ministry’s plans and vision
resonate with those in the sector. I believe I
can speak for everybody when I say that we
wish Dr Siti Hamisah, the wider ministry
and other stakeholders our best wishes and
full support in further transforming the
higher education landscape in Malaysia.
It is not good enough to stand still. We
must keep changing and adapting to keep up
with the rest of the world. This is best
summed up by the so-called Red Queen
effect – which is derived from Lewis Carroll’s
Through the Looking Glass – that you have to
run just to stand still.
At the conference, I was delighted to share
a platform with Putra Business School
president and chief executive officer Prof Dr
Zulkornain Yusop on a panel that was
chaired by University of Malaya vice-
chancellor Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim.
As panel members, we were invited to
present our views of leadership and
governance within the higher education
sector, which was followed by a question-
and-answer session. We were asked to be
slightly controversial to promote a vibrant
discussion.
I tried to tease out the differences between
the public and private sectors with emphasis
on the fact that foreign branch campuses
(those that have a full campus in Malaysia
but degree-awarding powers in another
country) are different from other education
providers in Malaysia.
I was surprised to find that my views were
well received. At least the audience members
understood some of the unique challenges
that foreign branch campuses face, even if
they did not fully empathise as they each
face their own set of challenges.
It was surprising to me that both the
public and private sectors face many of the
same challenges. Dr Siti Hamisah said that
the Education Ministry is planning to merge
(From left) Dr Abdul Rahim, Prof Kendall and Prof Zulkornain.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
The conference focused
on the leadership and
governance challenges that
are being faced by the higher
education sector in Malaysia
and across the world.
Prof Graham Kendall
the two acts of parliament as private and
public institutions are governed under
different acts.
It emerged that there are advantages and
disadvantages in both acts, and having all
higher education institutions governed by a
common act will level the playing field.
I think that everybody at the conference
felt that the higher education sector is a
quickly changing environment, and that the
speed of change is only going to increase.
Over the past 20 years, Malaysia has
established itself as a higher education hub
with progressive and far-reaching policies.
However, it cannot rest on its laurels.
If anything, it must work even harder as
other countries have similar aspirations
and technology is enabling previously
unimagined market penetration. I would
encourage the Education Ministry to work
to be even more agile, quickly react to
changes that are happening around the
world and draw on all its stakeholders to
realise their vision.
I hope I speak for all providers in
Malaysia when I say that we would
welcome the opportunity to work with the
ministry in helping it take the next step in
realising its ambition to cement Malaysia as
an educational hub not only in Asia but also
across the world.
n Prof Graham Kendall is the chief
executive officer, provost and pro-vice-
chancellor of the University of Nottingham
Malaysia.
Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019 Postgraduate 5

New platform for

OPEN University Malaysia (OUM) is proud
to announce that its newest programme –
the Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences
(BMHS) – is now being offered at six

assistant medical officers

learning centres nationwide.
First offered at its Petaling Jaya Learning
Centre in September last year, the
programme is now open for registration in
Alor Setar, Melaka, Kota Baru, Kota
Kinabalu and Kuching.
Specially developed with input from
the Medical Assistant Board (MAB), this
new offering is designed to help assistant
medical officers (AMOs) enhance their
professional skills. It also offers an Learners gain insight
opportunity for healthcare managers,
supervisors, educators and practitioners across a wide spectrum
to boost their career prospects in the field. of medical and health-
The introduction of this programme is in
support of the blueprint for AMOs known as related disciplines, which
the 2016-2030 Assistant Medical Officer are congruent with current
Profession Development Plan (6P). The
blueprint was introduced by MAB to widen
health practices and meet
AMOs’ access to quality education by the dynamic needs of
adopting lifelong learning approaches at
competitive costs.
medical and healthcare
As the leading open and distance learning services in Malaysia and
(ODL) institution in Malaysia, OUM
prioritises quality, accessibility, affordability
globally.
and flexibility as key features of studying at
the university. Mispan Mangon
BMHS programme director Mispan
Mangon says that offering the programme
at six locations will provide opportunities their careers on hold.
for more AMOs across Malaysia to The upskilling of AMOs is OUM’s new focus with its Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences Those interested can call OUM’s learning
further their studies. OUM’s blended programme. centres as listed below.
learning approach will allow them to l Petaling Jaya Learning Centre:
study for a degree while continuing to He elaborates that the programme will at all six learning centres. These tutors 03-7954 0546/0634
work full-time. produce graduates who are competent, well comprise those involved in the field, some l Alor Setar Learning Centre: 04-720 1000
This programme provides in-depth informed about human health and with more than 20 years of experience.” l Melaka Learning Centre: 06-292 1852
knowledge in medical and health sciences medicine, and well equipped to embark on All BMHS tutors possess a minimum of a l Kota Bharu Learning Centre:
as well as skills that are highly transferable a wide range of career opportunities and master’s degree, and some are specialist 09-741 8606
across all areas of healthcare service. advancement in the medical and healthcare medical officers and lecturers at other l Kota Kinabalu Learning Centre:
“Learners will gain insight across a wide sectors. higher education institutions. 088-71 2652
spectrum of medical and health-related As part of OUM’s efforts in quality With experienced academics, industry l Kuching Learning Centre: 082-45 8602
disciplines, which are congruent with assurance, the university has hired experts, an environment conducive to
current health practices and meet the experienced academics to ensure an learning and a flexible learning approach, n For more information on the BMHS
dynamic needs of medical and healthcare enriching learning experience for learners. OUM offers AMOs a well-supported teaching programme, call 03-2773 2121, email
services in Malaysia and globally,” Mispan says, “We have 20 part-time tutors and learning experience where they can enquiries@oum.edu.my or visit
Mispan says. who begin teaching the January 2019 intake pursue higher studies without having to put www.oum.edu.my
6 Postgraduate
Taking lead in
the digital frontier
THE Online Master of Education (MEd)
programme offered at AeU was designed for
individuals wishing to enhance their
expertise in the rapidly growing education
sector. This programme helps you work
around your busy schedule and you are in
charge of when and where you want to
study using your computer, laptop or
smartphone.
The programme is accredited by the
Malaysian Qualifications Agency, is
recognised by the Public Service Department
(JPA) and can be completed in 18 months,
with intakes in January, May and September.
About 900 students have graduated with
the MEd, which is recognised as equal to
the on-campus programmes offered by
other public and private universities. All
learning materials are provided online and
there is no need to purchase any other
material.
The learning materials have been written
in a way that is simple, but not simpler, and
feature many short video clips and
podcasts to enhance your understanding of
the key concepts and principles.
Additionally, you have access to the online
library, which is stocked with thousands of
journal articles, books and dissertations on a
variety of subjects.
Areas of concentration include educational
management, early childhood education and
educational psychology. The research project
provides you with the opportunity for
in-depth study in your area of interest that
you can apply to your work or vocation.
Assessment is examination- and
coursework-based. Examinations will be
conducted at a centre near your place of
residence, while your coursework will
require using your work environment to
carry out assignments components such as
surveys, observations and mini-projects. The
coursework seeks to encourage you to
consolidate your understanding of the
educational issues discussed.
AeU at a glance
AeU is a leading open and distance
learning (ODL) university in Malaysia and
Future-relevant
programmes
UNIVERSITI Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR)
Faculty of Accountancy and Management
(FAM) recently held the Postgraduate
Colloquium 2018 at UTAR Sungai Long
Campus.
“The idea behind a colloquium is to meet
and discuss existing knowledge. I hope this
colloquium is rewarding to postgraduate
students as they share their work and
knowledge with one another. I think today’s
topics are extremely relevant to the Fourth
Industrial Revolution,” says FAM dean Dr Sia
Bee Chuan.
Co-organiser of the colloquium and FAM
deputy dean (R&D and Postgraduate
Programmes) Dr Pok Wei Fong adds, “This
colloquium allows Master of Business
Administration (MBA) students to have more
exposure to research. Besides that, students
can use this opportunity to network and get
research ideas for their research projects.”
Programme head of FAM’s MBA and MBA
(Corporate Governance) programmes Dr Ng
Kar Yee says, “The MBA programme is
designed to help students develop business
and leadership skills as well as an
appreciation of good management practices
in today’s challenging, turbulent and
globalised environment.
“Our MBA (Corporate Governance), on the
other hand, aims to acquaint candidates with
reporting, legal and regulatory frameworks,
relevant codes of corporate governance, the
behaviour and performance of an
organisation, and the formulation of long-
term strategies to address issues in corporate
governance.”
Dr Ng adds that candidates who
successfully complete the MBA (Corporate
Governance) programme will be admitted as
members of the Malaysian Institute of
Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
(MAICSA) upon their fulfilment of MAICSA’s
membership requirements.
MBA (Building Management) programme
head Amalina Azmi explains, “Such unique
integration allows students to gain well-
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
premier ODL institution in Asia. AeU
believes that innovation and technology
have the power to make education truly
democratised, personalised and borderless.
AeU prides itself on developing career-
ready graduates who are innovative,
resilient and well prepared for rapidly
changing workforce needs. Almost 1,000
students worldwide have graduated with
AeU’s MEd.
Admission for AeU’s master’s programmes
is accessible through regular or flexible
entry via Accreditation of Prior Experiential
Learning for Malaysian candidates who are
lacking paper qualification requirements.
Apply now for the Online MEd
programme to enjoy a Festive Special all-
inclusive fee of RM11,880. Offer ends Feb 28.
n For enquiries, call or send a WhatsApp
message to 010-769 9903, email
onlinemed@aeu.edu.my or apply online
at onlinemed.aeu.edu.my
rounded knowledge and understanding in
business and building management.
“Therefore, students will learn how to
manage a building or property to maximise
or maintain its value. Students will also be
given opportunities to research, review and
analyse best practice cases in all aspects of
this profession and discuss strategies with
industry leaders.”
Describing the MBA programme as a boost
to his career in the oil and gas industry,
graduate Steven Young Wei Loong says,
“With the additional skill sets I obtained
from my MBA study at UTAR, I am able to
analyse and perform diagnostic procedures
to identify areas of the business that can be
strengthened to boost efficiency.
Recollecting the guidance and assistance
he had been receiving from FAM’s academics
since his enrolment, current MBA (Corporate
Governance) student Chong Kwai Yoong felt
supported despite having to work full-time
and travel frequently from Ipoh to UTAR
Sungai Long Campus for classes.
Chong reveals, “One of my long-term goals
is to be recognised for my capability and
potential in my company and develop
myself. Achieving these goals will open up
opportunities for me to transfer to other
companies around the world, which will
allow me to receive international exposure.”
MBA (Building Management) student
Choong Shuet Ee describes her learning
experience as fun and enriching.
“Academically, this programme has
expanded my knowledge on building
management. We were constantly driven to
think out of the box and generate new ideas
and opinions,” explains Choong, who aims to
be a high-flying business leader.
UTAR FAM’s MBA programmes are
available in full-time (one year) and part-
time (two years) modes.
n For more information, call 05-468 8888
(Kampar Campus)/03-9086 0288 (Sungai
Long Campus) or visit www.utar.edu.my
UTAR's FAM
Postgraduate
Colloquium 2018 is one
of the regular academic
events it holds to
expose its academics
and students to
cutting-edge research,
continually broadening
their minds.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
MANAGEMENT and Science University
(MSU) is a top international university. A
known name in higher education, MSU
promotes excellence and advances quality
education with industry- and
entrepreneurship-embedded ecosystems,
research, innovation and technology within
the high-performance culture of the
university.
MSU prioritises quality education and
incorporates 21st century learning in its
teaching delivery, which is focused on
producing holistic graduates. The
incorporation of global mobility
programmes and extensive industrial
training components into students’ learning
experiences ensure the highest standards of
impactful innovation, employability and
industrial relevancy of MSU graduates.
Real-world scenarios are adopted in the
classroom learning experience. Strategic
thinking and thought-provoking case
studies equip students with a higher level of
practical problem-solving abilities. All
modules are rigorously designed with
strategic industrial and corporate input,
serving as an opening vignette to major
events and real-world issues around the
globe.
MSU’s professors hail from diverse,
multicultural backgrounds and the finest
industry players that are engaged in
cutting-edge research, the pursuit of
unparalleled academic excellence and
scientific innovation. They have conducted
high-impact research and published
thought-provoking academic papers across
a broad range of business, industrial and
professional areas.
These professors have worked in and
taught at all levels of professional and
industry platforms. Their contributions
have made meaningful, concrete impact in
the global community at large, both at
home and abroad. They have also taught
university-level business courses in diverse
countries, thus bringing their rich
multicultural perspectives to our country.
The postgraduate programmes at MSU
are carefully crafted to cultivate leadership
Promoting excellence
across the board
MSU’s postgraduate degrees aim to develop well-rounded, competent professionals who are
equipped to contribute to improving the local and global community.
and real research contributions that address
hands-on industrial challenges at the
highest management level.
The tremendous exciting state of flux
within the business and management
communities results in top management
personnel needing to adapt rapidly to stay
competitive, relevant and strategically
positioned to tackle global trends by
pursuing relevant postgraduate
qualifications.
MSU is proud to recommend Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) and master’s programmes
that emphasise and recognise innovative
research, scientific knowledge and
industrial application on domestic and
international platforms. A PhD is the
highest degree awarded by MSU. It signifies
the pinnacle of academic and professional
standing.
Doctoral training involves forming close
working relationships with leading faculty
members on projects of key interest and
industrial and scientific focus. With
advanced facilities and technical support,
MSU provides an excellent academic
climate for postgraduate engagements with
faculty members.
MSU faculty members are highly active
in top-level research and involved in
Postgraduate 7
leading projects in a wide range of areas
and interests that require innovative
approaches to push the boundaries of
interdisciplinary research.
MSU's School of Graduate Studies and
Graduate School of Management offer
advanced postgraduate degrees across a
wide scope of disciplines, including:
l Educational management and
leadership
l Education (Teaching English as Second
Language)
l International business
l Fashion business
l International hospitality and tourism
management
l Early childhood education
l Counselling and guidance
l Pharmacy and clinical pharmacy
l Engineering
l Applied science,
l Design
l Medical physiology
MSU’s award-winning programmes
meet stringent standards set by local and
international bodies, including the
Malaysian Qualifications Agency, the
United Kingdom’s Accreditation Service
for International Schools, Colleges &
Universities, and Japan’s Alliance on
Business Education and Scholarship for
Tomorrow.
n For more information on the
postgraduate programmes offered at
MSU, call 03-5521 6868, email enquiry@
msu.edu.my or visit www.msu.edu.my
8 Postgraduate
Flexible curriculum for
aspiring diabetes educators
TO help patients manage diabetes better,
some healthcare professionals act as
diabetes educators. Diabetes educators come
from various clinical backgrounds and
positions such as registered nurses, assistant
medical officers, dietitians, podiatrists,
pharmacists, doctors, clinical psychologists
and physiotherapists.
In Malaysia, the ratio of diabetes educators
to people with diabetes is low because
training opportunities are insufficient.
Furthermore, there is a lack of training
centres that offer diabetes educator training
at the degree level.
International Medical University’s (IMU)
Diabetes Management and Education
postgraduate diploma programme provides
training to healthcare professionals who are
involved in diabetes care. This programme is
the highest qualification of its kind in the
region and modelled against international
curriculum.
This programme’s flexible curriculum was
designed to fit the working adult’s lifestyle.
Students can choose to complete the
programme within one year as a full-time
student or a maximum period of three years
as a part-time student.
This course uses a blended learning model
that incorporates online learning, clinical
practicum at the student’s place of work and
a maximum of one week per semester spent
learning at the university campus.
This delivery allows the student to
maximise learning anywhere, anytime.
There is no end-of-semester examination
because students are assessed based entirely
on their performance in in-course activities,
which include individual assignments, group
activities and face-to-face assessments.
The programme’s six modules cover the
necessary competencies for a healthcare
professional to develop a career in diabetes
care.
The course takes a holistic approach to
managing diabetes, including educating
students on clinical and behavioural aspects
of different types of diabetes and different
populations including children, adolescents,
adults, the elderly and pregnant women.
Students will learn how to develop
teaching plans, implement quality diabetes
education for patients and their caregivers
and evaluate the effectiveness of their
education sessions. Besides that, they will
also learn how to conceptualise the research
process and apply critical thinking skills to
improving diabetes care.
Students in this programme will learn
skills to provide personalised education,
support and solutions for people with
diabetes and their caregivers. Programme
graduates will be able to help the community
they engage with through the coordination
and advocacy of diabetes care.
Teaching and learning is delivered and
supervised by highly qualified and
experienced local and international
specialists from the multidisciplinary areas
of diabetes care and extends beyond the
provision of education to include theory,
research and the educator role into
professional practice to generate
individualised self-management
solutions for people with diabetes.
Some prominent experts who
teach in this programme are senior
consultant endocrinologist Prof Datuk
Dr Mafauzy Mohamed, credentialed
diabetes educators Prof Trisha
Dunning and Dr Tan Ming Yeong,
senior consultant paediatric
endocrinologist Prof Dr Wu Loo
Ling, obstetrician and
gynaecologist Prof Datuk Dr
Sivalingam Nalliah, and
IMU’s Diabetes
Management and
Education programme
graduates will be
equipped with relevant
knowledge to improve
local diabetes care.
New offerings to
meet high demand
CURTIN University Malaysia (Curtin
Malaysia) is introducing two new
postgraduate courses this year – Curtin
University’s Master of International Business
and Master of Commerce (Marketing).
The Master of International Business and
Master of Commerce (Marketing) will
commence in February and July respectively.
Admissions for both courses are already
underway and more information can be
found at courses.curtin.edu.my/courses-and-
study/postgrad/.
The Master of International Business
provides a highly practical perspective on
one of the most demanding business issues
today – how to lead in a multifaceted,
international and multicultural global
environment.
Candidates will be equipped with skill sets
that enable them to critically analyse
international business issues and create
solutions. The course also helps experienced
managers and entrepreneurs stay abreast of
the latest international business strategies,
especially in light of globalisation.
Graduates of the Master of International
Business generally find employment as
business development managers, heads of
operations, talent managers, countrywide
directors, chief executive officers, university
and higher education institution lecturers,
branch managers and business analysts.
Meanwhile, the Master of Commerce
(Marketing) is industry-focused, with an
emphasis on topics relevant to the marketing
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
dietitian Prof Winnie Chee Siew Swee.
The inaugural intake for this programme
is in March. All students who register for this
intake will receive a 10% tuition fee bursary.
n For more information about this or other
postgraduate programmes offered by IMU,
call 03-2731 7272, email postgraduate@
imu.edu.my or visit www.imu.edu.my
profession. Ranked second in Australia in the
2017 Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking, the
course covers aspects of marketing
communication, digital marketing and the
application of marketing in certain
manufacturing and service industries.
Its curriculum features comprehensive,
in-depth coverage of the principles of
marketing management and strategy, buyer
behaviour and marketing research as well as
key topics relevant to contemporary
marketing theory and practice.
Graduates can find employment in a wide
range of roles, including as brand managers,
business development managers, marketing
consultants, relationship managers, directors
of sales and marketing, chief executive
officers, international business managers,
tertiary education lecturers, digital
marketing managers and marketing
analysts.
“A postgraduate course deepens
knowledge and perspective while expanding
an individual’s options for advancement.
Employers seek to hire the best, especially
for mid-level and senior roles, so demand is
shifting to candidates who bring
postgraduate qualifications and work
experience to the table,” comments Prof Jim
Mienczakowski, pro-vice-chancellor,
president and chief executive of Curtin
Malaysia.
Curtin Malaysia offers postgraduate
qualifications by coursework or research.
For a master’s programme, enrolment is
usually for a minimum of one year or
maximum of two years of
equivalent full-time study.
n For more information
on Curtin Malaysia, visit
www.curtin.edu.my
Curtin University’s Master
of International Business
and Master of Commerce
(Marketing) are the latest
postgraduate offerings at
Curtin Malaysia.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
ONLINE shopping has taken the world by
storm. People are shopping online because
of the convenience, certified reviews and
secure payment options. However, have you
ever wondered how a product you ordered
online reaches you? It’s not as easy as click,
pay and ship.
Berjaya University College (Berjaya UC), a
premier institution in Kuala Lumpur, is
offering a new programme through the
Berjaya Business School – the Master of
Science in Logistics and Supply Chain
Management. This programme is
strategically designed to meet industry needs
as well as the demand of graduates for
China’s One Belt One Road initiative.
The supply chain starts from raw material
acquisition, production, inventory
management, logistics and distribution and
finally to the customers. Supply chain
management encompasses a range of
planning and execution of processes
required to optimise the flow of products, in
the most cost-effective and streamlined way
possible.
Communication and risk management
among all parties involved is important.
With green economy coming into play,
supply chain sustainability is another factor
to consider in terms of environmental and
legal issues.
While logistics can sometimes be
misconstrued as supply chain, logistics is
only one component of the whole process,
which involves packaging, transportation,
distribution, warehousing and delivery.
Emeritus Prof Walter Wong, vice-
chancellor and chief executive of Berjaya UC,
says, “The programme consists of several
core subjects – Research Methodology and
Analysis, Global Information and
Communication Technology Management,
Strategic Procurement Management, Supply
Chain Management, Logistics and
Transportation Management and Strategic
Management.
“Berjaya UC has appointed Assoc Prof Lai
Ving Kam as the head of this programme. He
has more than 45 years of experience in
cross-border global management and has
A step higher in
business education
(From left) Head of occupational health, safety and environment Prame Kumar Nair, Berjaya
Higher Education executive director and chief executive officer Mae Ho, Emeritus Prof Wong,
and academic registrar Patricia Ong.
managed supply chain operations in many
countries, including Malaysia, China,
Germany, the United States and the United
Kingdom.
“Being a manufacturing system engineer
by profession, I see the whole process as a
connected web rather than a linear chain.
We are living in a world where people are
engaged in business that crosses
international boundaries.
“With the global nature of business, the
programme was designed to implement
innovative strategies with the understanding
that every product that comes to the market
is a result of the efforts of various
organisations. It is a complex chain of big
data analytics, technology, robotics,
distribution channels, risk management and
sustainability.
“Students who are equipped with the right
skills and knowledge to deal with the
turbulent global business environment and
Postgraduate 9
cope with ever-changing trends and
disruptions are needed in this highly
competitive industry.
“By enrolling in the Master of Science in
Logistics and Supply Chain Management,
current industry professionals would add
value to their skills by understanding new
frameworks to manage risk, deliver
superior managerial performance and
align core processes for operational
excellence on a global scale.”
In December last year, Berjaya UC was
the only Malaysian higher learning
institution to be awarded two international
certifications – the OHSAS 18001:
Occupational Health and Safety
Management Certification and ISO 14001
(developed by the International
Organization for Standardization).
The OHSAS 18001 recognises that
Berjaya UC has rigorous health and safety
policies for employees, students and the
public in place, and adopted international
best practices in risk management.
The ISO 14001 is an international
standard that specifies requirements for
an effective environmental management
system and provides a framework that
Berjaya UC follows to minimise its
environmental footprint, diminish the risk
of pollution accidents, provide operational
improvements, ensure compliance with
relevant environmental legislations and
develop the business in a sustainable
manner.
n For more information on Berjaya UC,
visit www.berjaya.edu.my
10 Postgraduate
Choosing your
MBA specialisation
THE Master of Business Administration
(MBA) is a common go-to for people who are
looking to enhance their professional skills,
obtain an increase in salary or gain a good
foundation to start their entrepreneurial
journeys. Some fresh graduates also choose
to pursue an MBA to broaden their job scope
after earning their degree.
While these are all legitimate reasons to
pursue an MBA, it is crucial that adequate
research is done to ensure that the MBA
course taken equips and enhances you with
the specialised skills you want.
l Marketing – One of the more popular
MBAs, an MBA in marketing exposes
students to the different aspects of running a
business.
This course is extremely versatile and
helps students develop relevant skills in any
field, including mathematics,
communications, analytics and
management. Therefore, a marketing MBA
graduate can be a jack of all trades of the
business industry, opening various job
opportunities for her in the market.
l Human resources – If you love working
with people, an MBA in human resources
(HR) can be the way to go.
An MBA focuses primarily on finance,
while a HR degree focuses mainly on
people management, creating a gap of
understanding between these two elements
of business. An MBA in HR can help narrow
this gap in knowledge.
With this MBA, a graduate is equipped
with business management skills while also
understanding the viewpoints of the people
working within that business.
l Finance – Balancing mathematical
rigour with management classes, an MBA in
finance is a good way to develop your career
towards C-Suite jobs in the financial sector.
The MBA in finance prepares graduates
for senior-level and management jobs, in
contrast to a master’s degree in finance,
which is targeted at people seeking to
specialise in operational functions.
l Information systems – Because the
world is evolving with the Fourth Industrial
Revolution, it is no longer a place where
people can be ignorant of how information
systems work.
An MBA in information systems equips
learners with financial, human resources,
marketing, management and leadership
concepts in addition to advanced skills in
software and hardware, network
administration and database systems. Job
scopes for graduates include being a systems
consultant, corporate manager and IT
strategist.
l Consulting – There are always
businesses that need help in various aspects
such as management, human resources, and
marketing. As someone with an MBA in
consulting, you can utilise your knowledge
in your chosen area of expertise to advise
these businesses on bettering their modus
operandi.
Specific consulting skills you can develop
by undergoing this MBA are problem
solving, communication across industries,
platforms, media and departments, analysis
of business situations and issues, presenting,
and corporate strategy.
l Entrepreneurship – For people looking
to start their own businesses, the MBA in
entrepreneurship will train them to channel
their creativity into effective business
Flying high in the
aerospace industry
THE aerospace industry is a hi-tech activity
hub that is expected to be one of Malaysia’s
main engines of growth in the next decade,
as indicated in the Malaysian Aerospace
Industry Blueprint 2015-2030. As of today,
the industry has contributed RM11.2bil to the
country’s gross domestic product. In 2013,
the sector created 19,500 job opportunities.
The blueprint’s vision is to create 32,000 job
opportunities by 2030.
The aerospace industry encompasses a
global complex of manufacturers who
produce aircraft, helicopters, military
aircraft, missiles, rockets, spacecraft and
satellites. International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) projections show that
the commercial aircraft fleet is expected to
increase to about 47,500 by 2036, of which
more than 44,000 or 94% will be new-
generation technology, according to the ICAO
Environmental Report 2010.
Aerospace engineering is divided into two
– aeronautical engineering and astronautical
engineering. Aeronautical engineering deals
with aircraft that fly within the Earth’s
atmosphere while astronautical engineering
focuses on spacecrafts that fly outside the
atmosphere.
By observing the trends and realising the
potential of this industry towards
contributing high-income growth in
Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)
thought it imperative to develop the Doctor
of Philosophy (Aerospace) and Master in
Engineering Technology (Aerospace)
programmes.
These postgraduate programmes will be
conducted at the new UniKL Malaysian
Institute of Aviation Technology (MIAT)
campus in Subang. This campus will have
enhanced facilities and is part of the
university’s long-term plans to launch the
new postgraduate programme.
The aerospace industry is vast and
expanding, and UniKL MIAT wants to
position itself as a contributor to the
development of high-performance aircraft
and spacecraft systems. The Doctor of
Philosophy (Aerospace) and Master of
Engineering Technology (Aerospace) aim to
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
strategy. While some may see this MBA as a
waste of resources that could be better used
to invest in a new business, it has proven
beneficial to budding entrepreneurs in the
long run.
It provides them with a strong foundation
in building professional networks, seeking
venture capital and building successful
start-ups. More importantly, it also offers a
chance for new entrepreneurs to learn and
fail in a safe environment.
l Operations management – If
increasing productivity and efficiency gives
you pleasure, an MBA in operations
management can be a suitable choice for
you. Planning, organising and supervising
in the contexts of production,
manufacturing or provision of services are
common tasks carried out by graduates of
this course.
Skills learnt in this MBA primarily
concern the areas of supply chain
management and logistics, which will
enhance your understanding of client
demands and cost-effectiveness, which are
crucial in this era of fewer resources and
increasing client expectations.
develop graduates who are:
l Knowledgeable, competent, and
innovative in the field of aerospace
engineering technology at national and
international levels.
l Effective leaders with teamwork skills
as well as verbal and nonverbal
interpersonal skills who manage and
communicate effectively to lead and engage
multidisciplinary teams in solving
engineering problems at national and
international levels.
l Committed to the importance of lifelong
learning and continuous improvement in the
field of aerospace engineering technology at
national and international levels.
l Aerospace engineering technologists
who use engineering knowledge and skills to
explore and embark on technopreneurial
opportunities with novel and innovative
research activities at national and
international levels in their field.
l Aerospace engineering technologists
who integrate ethical, social and professional
responsibilities in their field. – By Dr Mohd
Amzar Azizan, postgraduate coordinator
at UniKL
n For more information, email azahar@
unikl.edu.my or visit www.unikl.edu.my
UniKL MIAT aims to be a major player in the
aerospace industry.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
Quality
degrees made
affordable
ACROSS the country, rising living costs,
increasing taxes and a competitive job
market cause constant worry among
Malaysians. In fact, a study conducted by a
local university last year found that living
costs, career opportunities and
unemployment are considered among the
top five concerns for the people of this
country.
While the start of the new year is certainly
cause for celebration, we must prepare
ourselves for challenging times ahead.
According to the Malaysian Institute of
Economic Research, the job market is still
grappling with many persistent issues
involving low productivity and low skill
levels within the labour force.
Clearly, upgrading skills and competencies
will open doors to better job opportunities
and career progression in an ever-
competitive economy.
However, pursuing higher education can
be expensive. For those attending
conventional brick-and-mortar institutions,
this not only involves tuition fees, but also
travel costs and living expenses.
The good news is that obtaining
affordable, quality and career-relevant
higher education is not impossible.
Malaysians from all backgrounds can now
realise their full potential because there are
alternative pathways to an affordable
university degree.
At Open University Malaysia (OUM),
affordability is one of the cornerstones of
our educational philosophy as we consider it
a way to contribute towards the
democratisation of education.
It is also key to OUM’s open and distance
learning approach. Through our e-learning
platform and online applications,
operational costs can be maintained within
reasonable limits. This is our continuous
effort in providing economical, quality
programmes that can fulfil career needs and
industry demands.
We strive to maintain tuition fees that are
comparable to those of other private
institutions, with diplomas costing between
RM10,000 and RM12,000, bachelor’s degrees
between RM21,000 and RM29,000, master’s
degrees between RM15,000 and RM29,000,
and doctorate programmes between
RM26,000 and RM44,000.
We also provide bursaries and discounts
for eligible learners, which currently include
the following.
Postgraduate 11
Affordable, quality and
career-advancing are just a
few descriptors of the
postgraduate programmes
offered by OUM, whose aim
is to contribute towards the
democratisation of
education.
By PROF
DATUK
DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
l Ten per cent discount for the first
semester for all programmes
l Fifty per cent discount for the entire
programme for senior citizens and the
disabled
l Thirty per cent discount for the first
semester of the Diploma in Early Childhood
Education programme
l Free first semester of the Diploma in
Islamic Studies programme, only for Kelas
Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (KAFA) and Pusat
Asuhan Tunas Islam (PASTI) teachers
l Fifty per cent discount for the first
semester of the Bachelor of Islamic Studies
programme, only for KAFA and PASTI
teachers
l RM200 discount per person for those
enrolling from the same family
l Five per cent discount for the entire
programme for alumni
Additionally, learners can withdraw from
the Employees Provident Fund or apply for
loans under the National Higher Education
Fund. Eligible employees or companies can
also claim reimbursement from the Human
Resources Development Fund.
Alumni who return to OUM have often
cited affordability as a main reason for
coming back to enrol in other programmes.
One such example is Dr Zabedah Othman,
who was valedictorian at our 22nd
convocation last September. She is one of
many who have signed up at OUM more
than once. Having previously graduated
with a Master of Human Resource
Management, Dr Zabedah later returned to
obtain her PhD (Business Administration).
Success stories such as Dr Zabedah’s are
not unusual. Our alumni have proven that it
is possible to reap success time and again,
and I hope this will inspire all Malaysians to
invest in education and work towards a
brighter future.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is the
president and vice-chancellor of OUM.
12 Postgraduate
Upgrade with changing demands
By SRIMAYEE SEN SARMA
IS a Master of Business Administration (MBA)
overhyped or does it still hold value in the
present market scenario? While there is
news floating around about the possibility of
an MBA glut, as written by Ruth Simon in the
article titled For Newly Minted M.B.A.s, a
Smaller Paycheck Awaits published in The
Wall Street Journal, the possible mismatch
between demand and supply is more likely
caused by the lack of understanding about
what this course offers to prospective
students.
The MBA is one of the most highly coveted
postgraduate programmes as many people
believe that pursuing it will open doors to
better career opportunities. Hence, this
qualification is often perceived as a quick
way to attain success in one’s career, and
many people take this course with the aim of
earning a higher income.
Alas, students who are thinking about
pursuing an MBA to see an exponential
increase in their monthly pay cheque will be
in for a rude shock.
According to Jobstreet Education general
manager Simran Kaur, the difference in
salaries between a fresh graduate and a fresh
MBA graduate is minimal. She says, “If
someone is keen on pursuing an MBA, there
are several factors that she needs to consider,
but earning a high salary is not one of them.”
Instead, factors to consider include the
career pathway that the student wants to
embark on, her past job experiences and
prior education. For instance, enrolling in an
MBA after graduating with a degree in
finance might not help you reap the most
rewards because the coursework is largely
similar.
However, if someone with a degree in
mass communication opts to get an MBA
with the goal of broadening the scope of her
career, she would be able to better her
prospects after the completion of the course.
This is the reason professionals advise that
you gain work experience first before
deciding on pursuing an MBA to understand
the direction of the career that you want to
pursue and how the course can provide a
push in that direction.
“I would recommend that an MBA aspirant
first decide on an MBA specialisation and
ensure that this complements her career
goals,” says Lee Yu Chuan, Country People &
Organization director at DKSH Malaysia.
The need of the moment
Simran points out that MBA graduates may
have difficulty landing the jobs they desire.
“Many prospective candidates lack certain
necessary expertise, which are essential for a
business management job, hence creating a
supply-demand gap.”
One example that she provides is the lack
of soft skills among candidates rallying for
management jobs. People wishing to pursue
this career path need to understand the
People pursuing an MBA must be open to learning about, working with and being comfortable
with technology.
It is important to stand out from the immense crowd of MBA graduates by choosing a specialty and broadening your career scope.
The MBA is one of the most
highly coveted postgraduate
programmes as many people
believe that pursuing it will
open doors to better career
opportunities.
importance of people skills, business
etiquette and networking to handle a
business. Anyone lacking these basic skills,
regardless of the level of education she has,
will not be considered a good prospect by
any company.
Yet another area that Malaysian MBA
degree holders are lacking in and thus
causing a probable MBA glut situation is lack
of awareness about technology.
At a time when artificial intelligence is
threatening to take over the manual labour
market, being ignorant about the latest
technological trends is akin to committing
career suicide.
Simran shares, “Business managers need
to keep abreast with the changing demands
of their respective industries.
“Currently, technology is the talk of the
town, but the good news is that there will
always be a need for people since technology
is driven by people and machines need
supervisors. Business is one such field that
would always require human brains for
strategising, planning and managing.”
However, to stay afloat in the tidal wave of
the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is
imperative that business managers embrace
technology and update themselves about
how to use it to their businesses’ advantage,
which is one area many Malaysian MBA
holders have yet to explore.
Simran shares that the top four in demand
jobs in the Malaysian market right now are
in technology-driven fields – information
technology, data science, digital technology
and cybersecurity.
The only non-technical field that has high
demand for candidates is sales and
marketing. However, even with high
demand for and availability of marketing
professionals with MBAs, many such fields
are not filled due to the lack of skills
mentioned above.
Staying relevant
Lee emphasises, “A degree provides you
Managerial perspective
Lee Yu Chuan, Country People &
Organization director at DKSH Malaysia,
provides insider input on what it is that
sets a job applicant with a Master of
Business Administration (MBA) apart
from others in the eyes of a recruiter.
“An MBA qualification coupled with
work experience is the ideal hiring
preference. Experienced MBA holders
will often stand out from other
applicants as they have been exposed to
the holistic view of management and
business, and can understand the bigger
picture of the business.
“Having some related work
experience prior to pursuing the MBA is
an added advantage as this makes a
candidate well equipped to handle real
business situations and provides her
with opportunities to use more
meaningful, real-life data that results in
powerful analytics and applicability,
thus further elevating her MBA
qualification.
“Additionally, having work experience
THE STAR, TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2019
with specialised knowledge to perform in a
role. With the role of managers evolving to
include the full spectrum of business,
ranging from strategic management,
accounting and finance to operations
management and people management,
especially in a market expansion services
environment, the demand for MBAs will
become increasingly important.”
Hence, although it is true that there is an
MBA glut, it is also true that this glut is not
caused by the lack of demand for MBA
holders.
Simran advises, “What needs to be done is
to update our management courses to focus
on the present business environment and
include soft-skills training as a mandatory
part of these courses.
“Even if the courses do not have the
capacity to cover these aspects, students
should take it upon themselves to find ways
to upgrade their skills according to the
changing demands of the industry they wish
to work in.”
She, along with many other experts,
continue to believe that the demand for MBA
holders among recruiters will only rise. In
saying so, graduates must continuously keep
up with the ever-changing business
environment.
after getting an MBA gives the candidate
an added advantage of having put into
practice what has been learnt during the
MBA. Actual situations and challenges at
work require different applications of
the principles, methodologies and
insights gained during MBA study and
allow the candidates to demonstrate
their agility as well as how much they
have evolved in the role.”
However, according to Lee, jobseekers
should highlight their educational
qualifications and experience in their
résumés as both are equally important.
One highlights the investment of their
time in obtaining professional
certification while the other highlights
the application of the certification to
their daily function in an organisation.
“Recruiters often specifically look for
people who enjoy a world of learning
and development, own their careers and
take business responsibility, and such
capabilities can often be found in MBA
graduates,” he says.