THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019

POSTGRADUATE

Incorporating wider demand

It takes great knowledge and skills for architecture and design professionals to produce
plans that strike the balance of individual preference and design goals.
2 Postgraduate
Cultivate your
leadership skills
MANAGEMENT & Science University (MSU)
focuses on developing and delivering quality
human capital in national and global critical-
need area. Among these are medicine, health
sciences, pharmacy, information sciences
and engineering, as well as offering degrees
in business management and professional
studies, education and social sciences,
hospitality and culinary, music, and fashion.
MSU’s mission for excellence in human
capital development is benchmarked by
industry employability, entrepreneurship
and community sustainability and
supported by research, lifelong learning
and flexible education.
MSU incorporates 21st century learning in
its teaching delivery and remains focused on
producing holistic graduates. Real-world
scenarios are adopted into the learning
experience. Strategic thinking and thought-
provoking case studies equip MSU students
with a high level of practical problem-solving
abilities and all modules are rigorously
designed with strategic industrial and
corporate input.
MSU’s teaching staff hail from
multicultural backgrounds and are engaged
in cutting-edge research, the pursuit of
academic excellence and scientific
innovation. Many have conducted high-
impact research and published thought-
provoking academic papers across a broad
range of fields and have worked in and
taught at all levels of professional and
industrial platforms.
Their contributions have made
meaningful and concrete impact in the
global community at large and have taught
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019
university-level business courses in many
different countries, thus bringing their rich
multicultural knowledge to our country.
MSU’s postgraduate programmes are
carefully crafted to cultivate leadership and
real research know-how, even for top
management courses. Modern top
management must adapt rapidly to stay
competitive, relevant and strategically
positioned to tackle global trends.
MSU is proud to recommend the degree
of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), MBA and
master’s programmes that emphasise and
recognise innovative research, scientific
knowledge and industrial application.
A PhD is the highest degree awarded by
MSU. It signifies the highest pinnacle of MSU’s postgraduate programmes are carefully crafted to cultivate leadership and real
academic and professional standing. research know-how.
Doctoral training involves working closely
with leading faculty members on projects of engineering, pharmacy, applied science, is also rated five stars under the QS Stars
key interest with an industrial and scientific design and medical physiology. The University Ratings for its teaching staff,
focus. With advanced facilities and programmes are offered under the School of facilities, graduate employability, social
technical support, MSU provides an Graduate Studies and Graduate School of responsibility and inclusiveness.
excellent academic climate for postgraduate Management. MSU is also placed at No.301 overall in the
engagements with faculty members. The university’s award-winning academic Times Higher Education University Impact
MSU offers advanced degrees at master’s programmes meet the stringent standards of Rankings and places in the top 200 for
and doctorate levels covering areas local and international bodies, including the gender equality as well as reduced
including business administration, Malaysian Qualifications Agency, United inequalities. It is also the first in Asia to be
accounting and finance, management, Kingdom’s Accreditation Services for recognised by the Netherlands-based ACEEU
educational management and leadership, International Schools, Colleges & Universities as an Entrepreneurial and Engaged
education (Teaching English as a Second and Japan’s Alliance on Business Education University and was awarded Asia Pacific’s
Language), international business, fashion and Scholarship for Tomorrow. Best Brand in Education for Leadership and
business, international hospitality and MSU is listed on the Quacquarelli Symonds Human Capital Development by
tourism management, early childhood (QS) Top 50 Under 50 Rankings 2020 and BrandLaureate in 2016.
education, counselling and guidance, placed in the top 100. It also placed
computer science, food service technology, 541st-550th on the QS World University n For more information, call 03-5521 6868,
biomedicine, biomedical sciences, Rankings 2020, which places MSU among the email enquiry@msu.edu.my or visit www.
information technology, clinical pharmacy, top 51% of the world’s best universities. MSU msu.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019 3
4 Postgraduate
Beyond the norm
WHEN choosing your postgraduate study
path, it always boils down to the following
questions: Is it worth pursuing? How can it
benefit me?
For the indecisive, majoring in information
technology may be the safest choice. Do the
course work, complete your assignments, and
before you know it, you have a master’s in IT.
However, for those who are more
equipped technically and keen to explore
beyond the ordinary, a more exciting
discipline is computer science. Blockchain
technology, the Internet of Things, Big Data,
cloud computing, analytics and disruptive
technology gives computer science graduates
the opportunity for employment so vast that
job recruiters may struggle to supply their
clients with adequate computer scientists.
As indicated by the Malaysia Digital
Economy Corporation, Malaysia’s digital
economy is growing more than the country’s
overall economy. To meet demand, the
Government aspires to create 20,000 data
professionals by 2020.
Businesses now are increasingly embracing
digital transformation, and digital talent is
highly sought after to help them move and
maintain their business online. Some
potential sectors in which computer science
graduates can impart their skill are analytics
software development, banking and finance,
consultancy (statistics and operations
research), e-commerce, logistics optimisation
(routing and scheduling), infotech, academia
and research.
To furnish students with sufficient
background in the age of new technologies,
Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), through
its unique High Technical and Vocational
Education and Training, offers a two-year
master’s programme for fresh graduates
and working adults.
Students will also have the opportunity to
be guided by experts when completing
practical (dissertation) work. To that end, the
combined expertise from researchers and
industry-experienced instructors ensures
the quality of education is consistently
relevant to current technological trends.
Featuring strong partnerships with
relevant industries coupled with
experienced industry lecturers and
instructors, the Master’s in Computer
Science course offered by UniKL is definitely
the place for students who wish to go
beyond the ordinary. – By Dr Megat F.
Zuhairi, associate professor at UniKL’s
Malaysian Institute of Information
Technology
n For more information, call 03-2175 4000
or email nursalamiah@unikl.edu.my
Get a leg up in your career
FOR five decades, Tunku Abdul Rahman
University College (TAR UC) has established
itself as one of the leading providers of
professional business education with an
impressive track record of producing
in-demand business graduates.
TAR UC’s Faculty of Accountancy, Finance
and Business (FAFB) postgraduate
programmes cater to the professional needs
of business executives and professionals
hoping to advance their careers.
With more than 48 years of delivering top-
notch business education, FAFB has built
strong strategic relationships with renowned
global and national professional bodies such
as the Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants, Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants, Chartered
Institute of Marketing, Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales, CPA
Australia, Institute of Chartered Secretaries
and Administrators, Financial Planning
Association of Malaysia, Chartered Institute
of Logistics and Transport and Finance
Accreditation Agency.
Drawing from the faculty’s sterling
reputation and academic strength, FAFB
currently offers four postgraduate
programmes – Master of Business
Administration (MBA), Master of Investment
Management (MIM), Master of Corporate
Governance (MCG) and Master of Accounting
and Finance (MAF).
TAR UC’s MBA programme takes on a
practical approach with real-world business
projects for students to delve into. By doing
so, they will be able to develop key skills
relating to business strategies, marketing,
accounting and finance and organisational
and strategic management, enabling them to
delve in and experience issues they would
encounter in real world situations.
The MIM programme is designed to focus
on investment-related courses. Apart from
gaining skills and exposure, graduates will
also be equipped with essential
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019
FAFB’s postgraduate programmes offer a
comprehensive range of subjects to further
develop your potential in the business world.
interpersonal and communication skills,
negotiation, leadership, teamwork,
managerial, entrepreneurial, ethical and
problem-solving skills.
Likewise, the MCG programme aims to
equip graduates with solid corporate
governance knowledge and skills in
integrating the efforts of various
stakeholders. Students who successfully
complete the MCG at TAR UC will also be
awarded the MAISCA Grad ICSA award.
For those who wish to pursue a career in
the field of either accounting of finance, the
MAF programme aims to equip graduates
with the ability to analyse financial
information within the context of business
functions for financial decision-making.
In addition, FAFB’s Dual Award academic
collaboration with Edinburgh Napier
University and Coventry University in the
United Kingdom enables students who
successfully complete the MBA and MIM
programme to receive two master’s degree
certificates.
Attractive scholarships are also available
at TAR UC on the basis of academic merit
and sibling discount for qualified students.
n For more information, visit www.tarc.edu.
my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019 Postgraduate 5

One giant leap

IN the year we celebrate the 50th
anniversary of man landing on the moon, it
is not unreasonable to misquote Neil
Armstrong and say that the 801 students
who graduated from University of
Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) last month took
a small walk across the stage, but a giant l Company recruitment – We like to l Student recruitment – It is a continual
leap in their professional development. think that our graduates are highly challenge to recruit high-quality students to
Our new graduates join an alumni employable. Indeed, this is supported by the our degree programmes. Our alumni can
community of about 280,000 people, with standard metric that shows that about 90% really help us. Word of mouth is a powerful
more than 11,000 graduating from our of our graduates are employed within six recruitment mechanism and we welcome
Malaysia campus in the 20 years we have months of graduating or move on to further any help our former students can give.
had a presence in Malaysia. education. We hold an annual career fair l Guest lectures – Our alumni are often
Our new alumni are colleagues, friends where many of Malaysia’s leading well qualified to give guest lectures, either at
and ambassadors for UNM. We would companies are represented. a special event or as a lecturer for one of our
encourage our alumni to try and give back to They are keen to talk to our students as degree programmes. It is valuable for our
the university. It is often assumed that we they recognise that the students will be current students to hear from those who from it as we do.
are asking for money, but this is not the case. technically competent in the relevant now work in the area in which they are
There are many ways that our alumni can discipline and have the necessary soft skills. studying, and we hope it would also be an To all of our new alumni and
contribute to their alma mater. Many students will also have had an enjoyable experience. ambassadors, congratulations on your
Here are some of the ideas that we suggest international element to their studies, l Hosting events – Like other achievement and please stay in touch.
as our students graduate. which is welcomed by companies, universities, we host alumni events all over
l Mentoring – Many of our current especially those that operate across the the world. We run many of these events n Prof Graham Kendall is chief executive
students benefit from being mentored, either globe. ourselves, but we would also welcome help officer, provost and pro-vice-chancellor of
face-to-face or by e-mentoring. Every student Our alumni are able to gain access to the from our alumni. We hope that University of Nottingham Malaysia.
has a personal tutor, but it is not quite the university more easily than companies. they would get as much Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
same as having somebody they can turn to Indeed, it is noticeable at our
who is just a few years ahead of them in career fairs that some of
their career or who has studied the same the staff manning the
topic. Being a mentor is, in itself, rewarding, stands are often
and we hope that the mentor will get as former students.
much from the relationship as the mentee.
l Internships – Companies are often
looking for interns, and students are often
looking for opportunities to spend some time
working during their studies. Alumni are
often well placed to help with placing
interns.
This could be done by approaching the
university and asking to be put in touch with
possible interns, or by persuading the
company that an intern programme would
be a good idea either for carrying out small,
self-contained projects or for longer-term
initiatives, which could lead to full-time
employment opportunities.
Like many universities, we have a
dedicated careers service that would like to
work with our alumni to discuss internship
opportunities.
6 Postgraduate THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019

Are we teaching architects

By NGEH CHEE YEN

AS awareness on climate change and

economic instability grows, more and more

how to go green?
people are looking towards living simpler
and more sustainable lives and opting for
smaller and cheaper houses.
Last year, former Malaysian Green
Building Confederation (malaysiaGBC)
honorary secretary C.K. Tang said
approximately 40% of new buildings in
Malaysia were adopting green building
initiatives by planning and designing
buildings that were more energy-efficient.
With this in mind, all eyes are now on our
new crop of architects, who need to adapt
to the wants and needs of the general
population in addition to designing for a
greener and more sustainable future.

Evolution for the better

Assoc Prof Dr Zalina Shari, acting head of
the Department of Architecture at
Universiti Putra Malaysia, says architecture
is firmly embedded in the country’s
economy, actively contributing to its growth
and reacting in times of crisis. In an age
where people are acutely aware of the
economic slowdown, limited natural
resources, income disparity and ecological
imbalance, it becomes increasingly clear
that highly individualistic architecture, or
architecture that focuses more on aesthetics
rather than sustainability, is no longer
relevant.
She gives an example of how Malaysian
housing design has changed since the 1970s
in response to changing social and
ecological needs. In the 1970s, house Homes with energy-efficient features not only promise better use of resources but can also help reduce utility bills.
designs were based off architecture
common in countries with cooler climates. (pitch roofs with large overhang), balconies increases in the prices of building materials homebuyers see ‘green homes’ as countering
With basic geometric forms, the designs and ample ventilation started becoming the and growing awareness of sustainable the effects of the rising cost of living. Homes
offer little to no shading and have internal norm. practices. with energy-efficient features will not only
spaces that are poorly lit and ventilated. There are many reasons for the changes Prof Zalina attributes Malaysia’s growing promise better use of resources and a
These designs created uncomfortable and in architectural trends. MalaysiaGBC awareness to the introduction of the Green greener environment, but also help reduce
energy-guzzling living environments. vice-president Serina Hijjas and honorary Building Index rating tool by the Malaysian utility bills and promote healthier living,”
However, in the 1990s and 2000s, secretary Michael Ching say some of the Institute of Architects and Association of she says.
responsive design, with moderate openings, reasons affecting architectural decisions Consulting Engineers Malaysia in 2009.
generous shading from the sun and rain both locally and internationally are “Today’s generation of Malaysian > SEE NEXT PAGE
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019 Postgraduate 7
With its focus on aesthetics,
highly individualistic architecture

Designers of the future

is outdated and thus, paves the
way for architecture that focuses
on sustainability.

> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE integrated design process where multiple

To ensure a green and sustainable
future, we will first have to ensure
Malaysia’s new crop of architects are
trained in eco-responsibility. Prof Zalina
says architecture students are required to
respond to sustainability issues. To do that,
she says, universities need to offer courses
highlighting the students’ responsibility as
future architects to design and plan built
structures and spaces that reach an
equilibrium between the needs of humans
and nature.
However, she notes that existing efforts
to address sustainability vary greatly from
institution to institution and discipline to
discipline. Many courses in Malaysian
universities fail to cover green or
sustainable design adequately. Sometimes,
the topic of green and sustainable design is
scattered throughout the programme
instead of a compulsory aspect of the
whole programme.
She also believes that the isolated
character of the sustainability modules,
which do not find their way into the design
studio process, is also not effective in
inculcating environmental responsibility in
each student and emphasises that training
in universities will never trump practical
industry experience.
Prof Zalina opines that current
Malaysian architects who have
professional degrees with accreditation
from the Board of Architects Malaysia have
what it takes to design sustainably –
environmentally, economically and
socially.
When all is said and done, she sees the
knowledge of sustainable development as
multidisciplinary in nature and attributes
the key success factor of a sustainable
building design to the application of an
stakeholders – architects, engineers,
landscape architects, building operators,
client/building users, planners and others
– collaborate early in the design stage.
She says, “This approach emphasises
the development of a holistic design
where all design requirements are
considered simultaneously, rather
than sequentially. By doing this,
architecture students will be
more prepared for teamwork
to satisfy the contemporary
demands of society.”
Opportunity to work globally
Housing affordability in urban areas
continues to be a hot topic in Malaysia
because of the rising cost of living,
stringent lending policies and a
mismatch between the income of the
urban middle class and the cost of
housing.
Because of this, there is a need for
well-designed houses that take cost and
sustainability into consideration.
However, there is a major roadblock –
the hot weather. Architects have to take
into account the tropical weather when
designing homes, which, for many,
means air conditioning.
Malaysian Green Building
Confederation vice-president Serina
Hijjas and honorary secretary Michael
Ching hopes that Malaysians are
becoming more open to passive design
as a way to cool their homes, as opposed
to active design, where the home is
subject to active systems such as air
conditioning and mechanical ventilation,
which takes up unnecessary energy.
Passive design takes advantage of
natural resources such as sunlight and
airflow for lighting, cooling and ventilation,
creating a comfortable indoor living
environment that uses minimal active
energy sources.
They add, “To address climate change,
we also need to consider fossil fuel-free
building operations via embedded energy
networks, which can include water
harvesting apparatus, as well as more
efficient designs to reduce operating and
maintenance costs of buildings.”
Assoc Prof Dr Zalina Shari, acting head
of the Department of Architecture in
Universiti Putra Malaysia, says the
Industrialised Building System (IBS) is
another solution. IBS can be used to
shorten the construction period, which will
save labour costs and reduce wastage of
building materials.
However, she also suggests that
architectural design practices should shift
from conventional IBS, which still needs
substantial manpower, to digital IBS.
Digital IBS leverages on today's digital
design tools and robotic construction for
flexibility in design, fast construction and
superior quality finish.
“For example, instead of using precast
products that only result in boring and
standardised high-rise units, architects
can design with the Building Information
Modelling-integrated digital design
system to provide clients with customised
solutions. During construction, all panels
can be assembled on-site like a huge Lego
structure,” she adds.
Besides the use of IBS to reduce waste,
she says energy conservation should be
the main concern for design
professionals, as designing greener and
more environmentally friendly housing
will benefit lower-income families as
they will be able to afford thermally
comfortable, economical and healthier
living environments.

Aftermath of a landslide
WE Malaysians might be blessed to live in a
land free from major natural disasters, but it
is not surprising that our country suffers an
alarming number of landslides annually.
According to data from the United States
National Aeronautics Space Administration
(Nasa), Malaysia had 171 landslides between
2007 and March 2016, the 10th highest in
frequency of landslides.
The most renowned and notorious case
would of course be the Highland Towers
tragedy. A massive landslide triggered by ten
days’ worth of monsoon rain brought upon
the collapse of the 13-storey condominium,
taking with it the lives of 48 residents and
earning its title as the nation’s worst housing
tragedy.
A recipe for disaster
Located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur
on a hillside in Ulu Klang, the Highland
Towers are borne out of the Bukit
Antarabangsa Development project,
constructed in phases between 1974 and
1982. Made up of three similar 13-storey
buildings, the Towers sat on a steep hill that
had recently undergone land clearance for
said construction. This raised a red flag as it
put the area at a high risk of soil erosion.
During construction, water from a nearby
creek was diverted into an existing pipe
system – another red flag. These pipes
became increasingly clogged over the years
because of wear and tear before eventually
overflowing. Being the monsoon season, it
had been raining continuously for more than
10 days. All these factors turned it into a
recipe for disaster.
At 1.35pm on Dec 11, 1993, 100,000sqm of
mud, akin to the mass of 200 Jumbo Jets, slid
down the hill and completely destroyed the
foundations of Block 1 of Highland Towers,
causing its destruction.
> TURN TO PAGE 8

Many landslides are not caused by merely rain and gravity, but apathy, irresponsibility and a
willingness to cut corners.
8 Postgraduate
Designed to meet industry demands
UNDERSTANDING that many
postgraduate students are already
employed, First City University
College’s (formerly known as
KBU International College) Master
of Business Administration
programme offers the flexibility to
choose either a one-year duration
for full-time students or a two-year
duration for part-time students.
Students will be coached by
lecturers with years of experience
in the corporate sector, with the
goal of developing a critical
awareness of contemporary issues
as well as the ability to apply
advanced theoretical business
concepts. Along the way, students
will be taught how to create and
implement strategic plans as
required when working in an
organisation.
By analysing real-life case
studies, students will be able to
further hone their business
acumen which will help them
navigate the challenging terrain of
the business world. This is usually
done through group discussions,
whereby each student will have to
debate and evaluate each other’s
ideas.
Moreover, this will train students
to demonstrate independent
thinking, which is vital in dealing
with the pressures of mid- to high-
level management positions.
Global outlook
With the understanding that
many companies, both local and
multinational, value employees
with a global business outlook,
First City UC has partnered with
Anglia-Ruskin University (ARU),
United Kingdom, to provide
students with a dual-award
programme. This year, ARU
was placed among the top 350
education institutions by the
Times Higher Education’s World
University Rankings.
Dean of the Faculty of Business,
Hospitality and Communication
Robert Cheong says students stand
to benefit much from the
partnership as it allows First City
UC to provide them with a syllabus
that reflects today’s globalised
corporate scenario.
He adds that two modules,
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
and Ethics and Sustainability
Business Management will give
First City UC students an edge in
the job market.
Alumna Prisca Ang, one of the
first batch of students under the
ARU partnership, shares that the
entrepreneurship module gave her
insight on the right way to run a
business and adds that the MBA’s
small class setting makes it easy
for everyone to participate in
group discussions.
This sentiment was echoed by
Elson Lim, who credits the course
for allowing him to develop
valuable management skills vital
to his current career.
Cheah Wee Leong, who has
worked in the banking
industry for more than 20
years, says First City UC’s
partnership with a reputable
university and well-designed
syllabus smoothened his job
transition into a banking
trainer. The real-life case
studies covered in the classes
prepared him mentally for the
challenges of his new job.
Incentives and facilities
Students are encouraged to
sign up quickly to enjoy 15%
off their tuition fee, while First
City UC alumni who register
will be rewarded with a 25%
programme incentive.
Prospective students will
stand to benefit from a
wholesome and world-class
education as First City UC
comes equipped with a wide
array of teaching facilities,
including a library, IT Centre
and Centre for Postgraduate
Studies.
Lesson learnt?
> FROM PAGE 7
Since the tragedy, the area has
been left abandoned. Run-down
and vandalised – from graffiti to
stolen windowpanes and doors
– Highland Towers has become
a hideout for criminals and
drug addicts. Rumours abound
about it being haunted and it
has a prominent place in
modern folklore.
Late last year, however, the
Housing and Local Government
Ministry announced plans to
repurpose the Highland Towers
area into a park. Its minister,
Zuraida Kamaruddin, said, “The
remaining two towers are used
as drug dens and criminal
hideouts, worrying others
around it. To this end, I will
form a special taskforce to
review the feasibility of
Highland Towers’ land.”
This decision has seen mostly
positive feedback from former
residents, who agreed that this
move would be a respectful way
to honour and preserve the
memory of those who lost their
lives in the tragedy.
Former resident Chan Keng
Fook, 61, however, had mixed
feelings over the decision. “I
remember it like it was
yesterday,” he said. “A lot of
people want to move on as it
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019
By analysing real-life
case studies, students
will be able to further
hone their business
acumen which will
help them navigate
the challenging
terrain of the
business world.
First City UC boasts a proven
track record of producing highly
employable graduates over the
last 30 years. This stellar
achievement is thanks to its
industry-relevant and Malaysian
Qualifications Agency-accredited
curricula.
n For more information, call
03-7727 3200 or visit www.
firstcity.edu.my
was a very painful experience.
They want to put it behind
them. Some remember, some
want to forget,” he said.
“I feel that it is important that
we never forget the events that
happened here,” said Chan.
It seems that local authorities
and developers have begun
being more vigilant when it
comes to geological and
topographical factors affecting
hillside development.
However, Wong Ee Lynn of
the Malaysian Nature Society
pointed out, in October last
year, that while regulations
were satisfactory, authorities
still fell short when it came the
enforcement. This is evident in
how landslide tragedies are still
prevalent today, such as the
recent incident in Bukit Kukus,
Penang, which claimed the lives
of eight people.
All in all, improvements have
been made, but clearly, it is not
enough.
“Blaming a massive
landslide on rainy weather is
irresponsible,” said Wong.
“Clearly, the tragedy was
not caused merely by rain
and gravity, but apathy,
irresponsibility and a
willingness to cut corners
and create wiggle room where
there should be none.”
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019 Postgraduate 9

Realise your ambitions

IN today's competitive workplace,
in-depth knowledge and mastery of
advanced skills are vital in earning a
promotion or staying ahead in your
career.
As more and more ambitious working
adults in Malaysia are seeking to further
empower themselves by going back to
university and enrolling in postgraduate
courses, Curtin University Malaysia
(Curtin Malaysia) has introduced two new
postgraduate courses – Curtin University’s
Master of International Business and
Master of Commerce in Marketing.
The Master of International Business
provides a practical perspective on how to
lead in a multifaceted, international and
multicultural global environment.
Candidates will be equipped with skill
sets that will enable them to critically
analyse international business issues and
create solutions such as capital and raw
materials sourcing and recruiting the
right human capital to build an organised
global workforce. Candidates will also
have the opportunity to plan and
experience an international study tour of
one or more overseas countries.
The Master of Commerce in Marketing is
industry-focused, with an emphasis on
topics of relevance to the marketing
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 the manufacturing and
service industries.
Key to its curriculum is comprehensive
and in-depth coverage of the principles of
marketing management and strategy,
buyer behaviour and marketing research,
as well as key specialist topics relevant
to contemporary marketing theory
and practice.
“A postgraduate course deepens
knowledge and perspective while
expanding an individual’s options for
advancement. Employers also seek to hire
the best, especially for mid-level and
senior roles, so demand is shifting to
candidates who bring to the table
postgraduate qualifications and working
experience,” says Curtin Malaysia pro-
vice-chancellor, president and chief
executive Prof Jim Mienczakowski.
Curtin Malaysia offers postgraduate
qualifications either by coursework or
research. Coursework degrees comprise
Curtin’s Master of Science in Project
Management, Master of Policy Sciences,
Master of Engineering Management
and Master of Petroleum Engineering,
in addition to the new Master of
International Business and Master
of Commerce in Marketing.
Research-based degrees include the
Master of Philosophy (also known as the
Master by Research) in the following fields
of study: accounting, economics and
finance, management, electrical and
computer engineering, mechanical
engineering, civil engineering, chemical
engineering, geology, petroleum
engineering and media, culture and
creative arts. Doctoral degrees (PhDs) are
awarded in the fields of engineering and
science, environmental science and
business.
Candidates may enrol in a master’s or
doctoral programme either full-time or
part-time.
n For more information, visit www.curtin.
edu.my or courses.curtin.edu.my/courses-
and-study/postgrad/

The construction of the HKZM

bridge reflects the need for
proper safety protocols and
ethical engineering and design.

An architectural wonder
LAST year, Jiaozhou Bay bridge passed the
title of longest sea bridge in the world to
compatriot Hong Kong Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
(HZMB). The 55km bridge serpents the Pearl
River Estuary, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai
and Macau.
To put this in perspective, the longest
bridge in Malaysia, Sultan Abdul Halim
Muadzam Shah Bridge at 24km, is less than
half the length of the HZMB. Set to be a
catalyst for economic change in the region,
the bridge allows travellers to zip between
Zhuhai, Macau and Hong Kong. The HZMB
has cut down travel time from Hong Kong
International Airport to Zhuhai more than
five-fold!
Since its conception, the HZMB has been
the subject of conversation globally for its
supersized ambition. The plan seemed
ludicrous not just because of its length, but
also for its proposal of artificial islands, an
underwater tunnel and especially its
eccentric building method that employed
elements manufactured in factories instead
of being made at the site – a feat that could
only be dreamt of without the technology
and knowledge of today. If done traditionally,
a project of this proportion would have
taken much longer.
The HZMB is the fruit of synergy between
technology and civil engineering. Structural
works, environmental mitigation, drainage,
electrical and mechanical works, traffic
control and surveillance systems were a few
of the elements that brought together the
completion of the mega-bridge. Now fully
functional, the HZMB has the durability to
resist the harsh environment of saltine water
and natural disasters. Its massive structure
used as much steel as 60 Eiffel Towers.
As awe-inducing as the project is, the
HZMB is literally the product of blood and
sweat. The glory of the bridge is tainted by
The HZMB is the fruit of
synergy between technology
and civil engineering.
Structural works,
environmental mitigation,
drainage, electrical and
mechanical works, traffic
control and surveillance
systems were a few of
the elements that brought
together the completion of
the mega-bridge.
its poor safety protocols that resulted in the
deaths of at least nine workers, with
hundreds more injured.
The bridge has not affected only humans
as the Pearl River delta, home to the rare
pink dolphin, has seen a drastic decrease in
the number of the marine creatures in the
area. Ecologists continue to slam the project,
though planners maintain that they took
additional measures to minimise damage
to the endangered dolphins. Additionally,
critics have highlighted the constant delays,
budget overruns and non-compliance
to permits.
Despite its controversies, the HZMB
remains a man-made wonder that will
inspire future creations, which will definitely
be bigger and better than it. When will the
next project that dwarfs the HZMB happen?
We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
10 Postgraduate
Embrace the
digital future today
OPEN University Malaysia (OUM) launched
its fully online programmes at a special
event on Aug 14.
The Master of Islamic Studies (MIST) and
Master of Early Childhood Education
(MECHE) are part of the university’s new
“beyond blended” delivery method, which
brings the present face-to-face delivery mode
into an engaging online environment where
learners can interact with facilitators and
peers in real time.
Instead of face-to-face tutorials in the
blended mode, this innovative mode
requires learners to attend live forums every
semester, which are similar to webinars.
Learners also gain access to the e-forum,
which supports asynchronous interaction.
“Because all learning activities are
conducted online, it is very convenient for
learners in terms of time and money spent
as they don’t have to commute or buy
expensive textbooks. The lower cost
translates into lower education expenditure
and more savings,” says MECHE programme
director Dr Aliza Ali.
“Every semester, MECHE learners will
attend 10 live forums or e-classrooms and 10
interactive activities plus one lesson activity
based on a video provided,” adds Dr Aliza.
While online learners do not physically
attend classes or lectures, they have
everything they need to learn independently.
These multimedia-rich resources include
e-modules, video lectures, digital library
resources and discussion forums. As they
study, learners can test their knowledge
through self-assessments.
Learners will be guided via lesson
plans that will ensure coursework and
assignments are submitted on time. Most
importantly, this will ensure that by the time
learners sit for their examinations, they have
thoroughly engaged with the course content.
Pre-selected from a pool of academic and
industry experts, the e-tutors assigned to
learners will ensure they do not encounter
drawbacks in their studies and guide
learners into achieving their learning
outcomes. Ultimately, this will help learners
remain motivated and committed in their
studies.
“The fully online approach offers
customisable learning and e-learning
options,” says MIST programme director Dr
Hamidah Mat. “Learners also have direct
access to their tutors, which means they can
discuss various topics and ask questions at
any time.”
OUM’s e-learning platform, myINSPIRE, is
instrumental as it provides round-the-clock
access to resources and support services. The
system is continuously enhanced to ensure a
learner-friendly and content-rich learning
environment. Through myINSPIRE, learners
can be assured of a truly engaging learning
experience that will allow them to study
without compromising their professional or
personal responsibilities.
“As a working adult and mother of three
young children, this online mode is helping
me achieve my dream of obtaining a
master’s degree,” says Lee Chee Seen, one of
the first learners enrolled in the fully online
mode of MECHE. “I never thought online
OUM's "beyond blended" learning method offers learners a chance to learn at their own
pace while still receiving guidance.
learning could be so easy and convenient.
Everything from learning materials to video
lectures and tutors can be reached just
through the click of a mouse.”
The “beyond blended” method offers
learners a chance to learn at their own pace
while still receiving the necessary guidance.
The method also provides enriched content
that incorporates interactive discussions
with peers and online facilitators, while
activities and tasks are built around that
content. Learners can also easily track their
own progress through self-tests as
Libra: Cryptocurrency or a
multicurrency bank account?
FACEBOOK revealed on June 18 that they
are working on a cryptocurrency called
Libra, along with a wallet named Calibra.
This news seems to have an implications
on both the cryptocurrency market as well
as the traditional currency (fiat) market.
Although Libra also uses blockchain
distributed ledger technology, it has been
designed to behave like a traditional
government-issued currency (fiat) than as
a cryptocurrency. Part of Libra’s intention
is to address the shortcomings of using
cryptocurrency as a regular everyday
currency.
Cryptocurrency is too volatile
One of the issues of using Bitcoin (BTC)
or any other cryptocurrency is that their
value fluctuates greatly over a short period
of time. Imagine that you are buying a car
Dr Tan believes that Facebook entering the blockchain sector and cryptocurrency market will
have interesting implications.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019
everything they need is available on
myINSPIRE.
MIST and MECHE programmes are now
open for registration. Those who choose the
online mode will be entitled to a 10%
discount on existing fees, meaning they will
pay lower fees than those opting for the
blended mode.
n For more information on these and other
programmes, call the speedline at 03-2773
2121, email enquiries@oum.edu.my or visit
www.oum.edu.my
on Juy 16 that was offered at BTC3.00 when
the exchange rate between BTC and US
dollar is around US$10,854 (RM45,430) to
one BTC.
While you are going through the motion
of making the purchase, signing the sales
and purchase agreement and deciding on
add-ons with your family, BTC saw a
sudden drop overnight on July 17 to
US$9,380 (RM39,260). To maintain the same
dollar value, the price of the car has to be
BTC3.47. In just 12 hours or less, the value
of Bitcoin decrease by 15% or more.
Facebook Libra plans to achieve
fungibility by pegging it against a basket of
fiat currencies, and hence achieve stability
in its value by treating Facebook Libra as
an asset that can be easily interchanged
with major world currencies.
> SEE NEXT PAGE
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019 Postgraduate 11

Personal growth with flexibility

SOME people are of the opinion that the
Master of Business Administration (MBA) is
overhyped. They believe that business
acumen cannot be taught and hence a degree
in business management becomes
unnecessary.
However, an MBA provides the necessary
insight, skill and knowledge to help decision
makers better understand the everchanging
business landscape.
Additionally, an MBA is not just meant for
people who wish to start a business. It also
paves the way for people wishing to switch
industries, assume managerial positions and
climb the corporate ladder, because an MBA
equips students with analytical thinking along
with business prowess.
However, it can be quite daunting for
working adults to go back to studying and any
or all of the mentioned benefits of an MBA
can only be achieved if the degree is
conferred by a reputable university that
ensures its programme is constantly updated
and relevant to today’s business landscape.
Unitar International University’s (Unitar)
online MBA programme is not only
recognised by the Education Ministry and
accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications
Agency, but is designed to be accessible as it
takes into consideration the lifestyle demands
of working parents, students and
professionals who work long hours.
Unitar works closely with Malaysia’s top
100 government-linked and multinational
companies to produce course content that is
continuously updated and relevant.
The right place for business
studies
Apart from getting to learn the ins and outs
of business, Unitar students will graduate
with C.A.R.E, which stands for collaborative,
Ease of studying makes Unitar's MBA course popular, especially among working
professionals.
adaptive, reflective and entrepreneurial, thus
ensuring they are future-ready.
The programme also includes immersive
sessions with industry leaders where students
can tap into their hard-won expertise and get
first-hand industry information.
Unitar’s online MBA students will also have
the following benefits:
l Gain access to study materials such as
McGraw-Hill e-books and Ivey Publishing’s
business case studies, which are used by top
international business schools
l Fast-track course completion and save on
fees should they have relevant work
experience via Accreditation of Prior
Experiential Learning (APEL)
l Employees can pay their tuition through
the Employees Provident Fund
l Employers can claim the cost through
the Human Resources Development Fund
Ease of studying is another factor that
makes Unitar’s MBA course much coveted,
especially among working professionals, as
the course is delivered in three modes of
study – classroom, online classes and a
combination of both.
Students of Unitar have the option to
complete the MBA programme within a year,
or fast track their course completion and
save on fees with relevant work experience
via APEL-C.
The courses offered in the programme are
varied and encompasses all that is needed to
equip students to handle business
management responsibilities in today’s
world. Core subjects such as competitive
intelligence are complemented by elective
topics such as organisational development
and change management to ensure students
can effectively navigate the current
challenging business scenario.
Charging ahead in your career
Career prospects after graduating from
Unitar with an online MBA degree are
boundless because students are equipped
with the knowledge and leadership skills that
are required in the business world today.
The criteria for applying to Unitar’s MBA
programme are:
l Bachelor’s degree with a minimum
CGPA of 2.5
l Bachelor’s degree with CGPA less than
2.5 but accompanied by a minimum of five
years of work experience
l STPM/Diploma holders of at least 30
years old with APEL-A
The three intake sessions for the
programme are January, April and
September.
If you feel stuck in your career and are
looking to switch industries or eyeing higher
managerial positions in your company,
consider pursuing an MBA programme from
Unitar to get a leg up.
n For more information, call 03-7627 7200,
email enquiries@unitar.my or visit www.
unitar.my

Fintech will help

overcome challenges
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Transactions are too slow Facebook intends to limit

A typical cryptocurrency is only able to
achieve about 10 (usually less) transactions
per second, compared with a Visa or
Mastercard system that can achieve
thousands of transactions per second. This
is because of the way the blockchain
system is designed. Using Bitcoin as an
example, it needs 51% of all servers that
are validating the transaction to come to a
consensus.
As it is a decentralised system, there can
be thousands, if not millions, of servers
worldwide communicating with each other
on every single transaction. Hence, it is a
slow process. This makes it not usable as a
daily currency. Imagine trying to purchase
a cup of coffee and having to wait 10
minutes or more for your transaction to be
approved.
Facebook intends to limit the number of
servers to achieve the consensus through
the membership of the Libra Association.
The Libra Association has 28 initial
members but this will likely grow. The
members will not mine but process the
transactions using private blockchain
mechanisms to validate the transactions,
greatly speeding up the process.
Limited circulation
There is a limit to the number of Bitcoin
cryptocurrency that can be created – just
slightly shy of 21 million BTCs. Other
cryptocurrencies also have limits. The
cryptocurrency is minted as a reward for
the miner that finds the mathematical
solution, and at the time of writing, about
five-sixths of the 21 million Bitcoins are in
circulation.
the number of servers to
achieve the consensus
through the membership of
the Libra Association. The
Libra Association has 28
initial members but this will
likely grow.
Facebook Libra is not limited, but minted
when an equivalent fiat currency enters
the system or the equivalent Libra is
destroyed when it is withdrawn as a fiat
currency. This ensures that it can grow and
keep the stability of the Libra value. It is
called the Libra Reserves.
Facebook Libra plans to be a world
monetary authority (or central bank)
through the Libra Association using a
private blockchain system. It understands
that access to financial transaction data is a
very powerful tool and only allowing
members of the Libra Association to have
access to the data can be beneficial for the
members.
It is also a possible avenue for the
millions of unbanked worldwide to access
financial instruments in the future. – By Dr
Ian K.T. Tan, senior lecturer at the
School of Information Technology at
Monash University Malaysia
n For more information on programmess
offered at the School of Information
Technology, Monash University Malaysia,
visit www.monash.edu.my/it
12 Postgraduate
AT the recent 2019 Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) Conference
in Putrajaya, Prime Minister Tun Dr
Mahathir Mohamad said TVET would be the
“game changer” to spur human capital
development for the country.
The rationale behind this is
straightforward: national economic growth
will depend on a highly skilled workforce
that can fulfil industry needs.
In a keynote address that was presented at
a recent seminar on flexible education,
Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor
Prof Datuk Dr Asma Ismail also touched on
this topic. She spoke about the importance of
transforming the current education
system to one that is more learner-
centred, flexible and
inclusive. She also
shared something
Expand your career prospects
THE clinical research specialisation of
International Medical University’s (IMU)
Master in Pharmacy Practice will provide the
foundation you need to understand the work
conducted in the field of clinical research.
The clinical research track of the Master in
Pharmacy Practice programme can help
prepare you by providing an in-depth
understanding of the rationale, strategies
and processes involved in clinical research
and develop your research skills.
Key modules include Clinical Research and
Good Clinical Practice, Regulatory Affairs in
Clinical Research and Clinical Trial and
Clinical Data Management, including
regulatory considerations of investigational
new drug applications. The modules have
been developed by experienced clinical
research professionals from IMU with its
partner Clinical Research Malaysia,
established by the Health Ministry in 2012.
This programme also encourages students
with pharmacy degrees to undertake specific
training, including the Good Clinical
Practice certification.
Because of their unique skills derived
from product, patient care and regulatory
knowledge, pharmacists hold key roles in
organisations that develop and investigate
therapeutic products for efficacy and safety.
Increasingly, these products are biologics.
The right training can develop competence
in managing clinical and other valuable data
generated in clinical trials and familiarise
you with key regulatory requirements and
enable your organisation to successfully
navigate these requirements. The
TVET the key to
Malaysia’s future
fundamental: industries are keen to hire
those with competency and skills, not just
those with theoretical knowledge.
As an open and distance learning (ODL)
institution, Open University Malaysia (OUM)
supports the TVET agenda because we
believe that learners not only need to be
taught the relevant theoretical knowledge in
a particular discipline, but also trained to
apply their learning in practical, real-
world situations.
At the same time, we also believe
that TVET is one of the ways we
can introduce a more flexible and
inclusive approach into
the current system.
The link between
ODL and TVET is
crucial to
highlight as
a majority
of our
Real-world training is an important part of IMU's teaching approach, which is reflected in its Master in Pharmacy Practice programme.
attachments in Semesters 1 and 2 provide
you with the opportunity to receive practical
experience in clinical trial management
processes. Assessments are based on written
assignments, reports from attachments and
a Semester 3 research project.
Prof Chu Wan Loy, Dean of IMU’s School of
Postgraduate Studies, says the clinical
research specialisation track will broaden
the career prospects of graduates from the
Master in Pharmacy Practice programme.
The IMU Master in Pharmacy Practice
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
learners are working adults who hold
various positions in many sectors and
industries. Many opt to take up further
studies to earn higher qualifications that will
lead to career advancement. At the same
time, becoming OUM learners also gives
them the chance to upskill and re-skill
themselves in preparation for an ever-
evolving job market.
OUM has embarked on an initiative to
incorporate TVET elements into selected
courses. The objective of this initiative is to
provide learners with the best of both theory
and practice, thus allowing them to develop
skills that they can apply immediately at the
workplace.
Beginning in the May 2019 semester, we
have incorporated TVET elements in the
assessment structure of six core
compulsory courses, namely
Introduction in Communication,
Principles of Management,
Basic Concepts of
Information
programme offers opportunities for both
fresh pharmacy graduates and working
pharmacy professionals to extend their
knowledge, skills and abilities in clinical
research. The programme also offers other
specialisations such as Clinical Pharmacy,
Social and Administrative Pharmacy and
Pharmacy Management. It is run over
three semesters.
IMU also offers other postgraduate
programmes in areas including public
health, analytical and pharmaceutical
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019
As an open and distance
learning (ODL) institution,
Open University Malaysia
(OUM) supports the TVET
agenda because we believe
that learners not only need
to be taught the relevant
theoretical knowledge in a
particular discipline, but also
trained to apply their learning
in practical, real-world
situations.
Technology, Thinking Skills and Problem-
Solving, English for Oral Communication and
English for Workplace Communication.
In general, learners enrolled in these six
courses will be assessed through a continuous
mode of assessment. This mode comprises
several components, such as quizzes, essays,
discussions and presentations. Because these
are compulsory courses for undergraduate
programmes, they equip learners with
practical skills not just upon graduation, but
while they are still studying.
More importantly, these learning activities
and assessment methods encourage
teamwork and collaboration among learners
in preparing video presentations, group
essays and the like.
In the future, we hope to inject this TVET
element into other courses as well, thus
adding value to the qualifications that our
learners will secure upon their graduation.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is president
and vice-chancellor of OUM.
chemistry, molecular medicine and
acupuncture, health professions education,
the Postgraduate Diploma in diabetes
management and education, Postgraduate
Diploma in Implant Dentistry, Master of
Business Administration in Healthcare
Management, and MSc and PhD
by research.
n For more information, call 03–2731 7272,
email postgraduate@imu.edu.my or visit
www.imu.edu.my