Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
COURSE FOCUS
Pursuing education
TUNKU Abdul Rahman University College
(TAR UC) understands Malaysians’ need for
pursuing quality education and has
endeavoured to make its holistic education
Widening access to
quality STEM education
IN the wake of the Fourth Industrial consequently reduce the gender gap in this
Revolution, demand for professionals in area,” says Noor Shieela Kalib, lecturer from
science, technology, engineering and the School of Engineering and Physical
mathematics (STEM) areas, in particular, has Sciences and WISE Scholarship Coordinator.
been on the rise. Recognising this, Heriot- Applications for the WISE scholarship are
Watt University is dedicated to supporting open to Malaysian women enrolling in either
growing industry needs by nurturing a foundation or undergraduate level. For the
competent pool of industry-relevant, future- former, those looking at either the Foundation
ready graduates in these fields. in Science or Foundation in Business with the
Established in 1821, Heriot-Watt was the intention to pursue science and engineering-
first Mechanics’ Institute in the world and related undergraduate programmes, are
the first in Scotland to enrol women into welcome to apply. The application deadline is
STEM programmes. It is also highly sought- Apr 1 for the university’s April intake.
after in the fields of engineering, science, The Data Futures Scholarship was
mathematics and data science. conceived in support of the country’s
In a bid to widen Malaysians’ access to aspiration to have 20,000 data professionals
quality UK education, Heriot-Watt University by the next decade. Offering 100% and 50% The state-of-the-art campus is located in Precinct 5, Putrajaya, right by the scenic Putrajaya Lake.
Malaysia offers a range of scholarships. scholarship awards, the three-year
Among them, two of these are dedicated to scholarship programme targets high- selection committee. other scholarships offered by Heriot-Watt
STEM areas, namely the Women in Science achieving and deserving students who wish Additionally, the university offers a High University Malaysia, visit its campus in
and Engineering (WISE) scholarship and Data to pursue a BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science Achiever’s Scholarship, which encompasses Putrajaya on its upcoming Open Day this
Futures Scholarship. The WISE scholarship programme with Heriot-Watt. fee waivers ranging from RM6,000 to Saturday and Sunday. Those who apply and
award of 100% or 50% (contingent upon an The Data Futures Scholarship is open to RM10,000 to foundation-level students who pay for their first semester’s tuition fees
interview with university staff) reflects the those who have obtained at least 2As (with attained between 6As and 10As in their SPM, immediately will be entitled to an early-bird
university’s consistent efforts in pioneering an A in Mathematics) and 1B in their A-Levels O-Level, IGCSE or equivalent. Those who waiver worth RM4,500.
education across the globe. or equivalent, who are enrolling for Heriot- enrol in the university’s undergraduate Visit the campus during its consultation
“This scholarship is designed especially for Watt University Malaysia’s September programmes, on the other hand, stand to hours, which are 9am to 5pm on Mondays
women aspiring to pursue a career in the intake. Applications will be assessed based receive discounts between 20% and 35% off through Fridays and 10am to 4pm on
field of science and engineering. The on applicants’ academic achievements, the total tuition fee or fee waivers of up to Saturdays and Sundays.
provision of the scholarship here at Heriot- involvement in extracurricular activities RM12,000, depending on their academic
Watt University Malaysia will make it and leadership roles. They will also be achievements. n For more information, call 03-8894 3888,
possible for Malaysian women to gain access required to include a personal statement To find out more on how to apply for these email hwum@hw.ac.uk or visit www.hw.edu.
to quality teaching and learning and and attend an interview session with the scholarships as well as the programmes and my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 10 MARCH 2020 Course Focus 5
Changing
the hangover
cure game
ALCOHOL consumption is an workplace accidents,
ancient tradition that has absenteeism and medical and
formed an integral part of 21st compensation claims,” says Dr
century living. For instance, Nagashekhara Molugulu, lecturer
archaeologists have dated proof at Monash University Malaysia’s
of alcohol consumption to as School of Pharmacy. Researchers
early as the Neolithic age. add that other effects include
Göbekli Tepe, an archaeological memory loss and poor attention,
site in Turkey, is reportedly as well as impairment in speed
more than 12,000 years old and and coordination.
hosts evidence of beer
production at ancient feasting
sites. It is clear that alcohol is a
Tapping into nature’s
staple across many cultures, and bounty
each nation is robustly proud of
its distinct alcoholic beverage. Hangover remedies have been
around for ages, many with
Down the rabbit hole dubious origins. However, with
drinking being woven so tightly
Indulging in alcoholic into the fabric of society, even in
beverages can make even the Malaysia, the importance of
most inhibited person a spirited hangover remedies takes centre
soul. Still, apart from breaking stage.
down inhibitions, alcohol To prevent or treat hangovers,
changes how we feel as it Hangaway Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian
increases the release of company founded by Monash
dopamine (a neurotransmitter alumni and registered
that plays a role in pleasure, pharmacist Marcus Chew, has
motivation and learning) in the been working with Monash
brain’s reward centre, further Malaysia’s School of Pharmacy to
adding to its appeal. develop a hangover remedy.
However, cautionary tales The product is made from
remind us that too much of a natural ingredients and was
good thing can be bad. Moderate initially manufactured in
consumption of alcohol may powdered form by Dr Molugulu.
leave you feeling a little more He then collaborated with School
boisterous and confident than of Pharmacy head Prof Gan Siew
usual, but excessive drinking Hua and School of Pharmacy
leads to an impairment in senior lecturer Dr Nafees
psychomotor skills and loss of Ahemad to develop a liquid
inhibition. Individuals in this version of the product.
state may say or do things they “This beverage is a herbal
ordinarily would not. product with no side effects. As
Despite being widely available the liver plays a vital role in
and legal across many countries, breaking down alcohol before
excessive alcohol consumption transporting it to the kidneys to
paves the way for veisalgia be flushed out, safeguarding
(medical term for a hangover). liver function becomes crucial.
Hangovers occur when one’s Hangaway contains protective
blood alcohol content ingredients for the liver based on
approaches zero. Individuals a formulation that has been used
will notice mental and physical for more than 50 years. At the
symptoms such as a pounding same time, we (the team)
headache, fatigue and an enhanced the solubility and
inability to concentrate, typically organoleptic properties of the
in the morning after a night of formulation,” explains Molugulu.
heavy drinking. While they When alcohol is consumed, it
eventually go away on their is metabolised into acetaldehyde,
own, hangovers can last up to 24 a compound that is toxic at high
hours, in which time they can levels. One 60ml dosage of
affect the productivity of Hangaway is enough
working individuals. to breakdown
“Numerous studies acetaldehyde for a
show that alcohol and moderate amount of
drug use contribute to alcohol consumed.
Dr Nagashekhara
Molugulu.
6 Course Focus THE STAR, TUESDAY 10 MARCH 2020
graduation ceremony
occasion for those who graduated
as it adopted many of the
traditions from the grand April
convocations held annually at
Shangri-La Hotel for
undergraduate and postgraduate
students.
School-leavers can join these
diploma programmes immediately Malaysian Digital Economy Faculty of Computing and Digital school-leavers an innovative was chosen to be a recipient of
after graduation. HELP University Corporation (MDEC), which is a Technology, says, “We are and challenging pathway to the President’s Award.
offers diploma programmes in recognition that HELP is one of particularly proud of receiving the higher education. The pathway Ong Dong Hong, who just
information technology, business, Malaysia’s leading digital tech PDTU status, which is a testimony helps students mature under completed the Diploma in
early childhood education, focused tertiary institutions. of the strength and relevance of professional and academic Business programme with a
communication, business As part of its drive to become our IT programmes. Our Diploma guidance and mentoring so that 3.5 CGPA, hopes to join the
management and accounting. the Analytics-Driven in IT is a popular programme they may excel at the tertiary Bachelor of Business
These two-year diploma Entrepreneurial University and to recognised by top international level. programme in the upcoming
programmes are popular with prepare students for the future, universities. Students can progress Thus, in celebration of the March intake, majoring in
many students, as they can either HELP University’s Faculty of to the University of Queensland, achievements of its diploma marketing, finance and
choose to join the workforce Computing and Digital Technology University of Technology Sydney, students who continue to excel, international business.
immediately after completion, or is focused on training students in Australian National University or the graduates with the highest Coming from a humble
continue their undergraduate Data Analytics, Internet of Things Beijing Jiaotong University to grades were recognised for their background, Ong confessed to
studies at HELP. (IoT), and Software Development. complete their degrees.” achievements by being selected having a poor command of
HELP University’s Faculty of All HELP University students Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan, vice- for the President’s Award, which English when he joined the
Computing and Digital Technology, are also offered a free Certificate chancellor of HELP University, in entitled them to cash prizes. diploma programme, but sheer
and the Faculty of Business, in Big Data and Business Analytics, his address at the inaugural It was indeed a proud ambition forced him to master
Economics, and Accounting were creating the A*Generation, the convocation said that in Malaysian moment for Denise Lim as she the language.
awarded the Premier Digital Tech Analytics Generation. higher education, diploma and stood at the podium with tears “I had to cover a total of 22
Uni (PDTU) status by the Dr Sien Ven Yu, dean of the foundation programmes offer in her eyes, the recipient of the subjects over two years and
HELP President’s Award for work very hard, but my desire
excellent grades, scoring a CGPA to complete the programme well
of 3.94 in her Diploma in ensured my success,” says Ong.
Communication studies. She felt As Ong was a state basketball
elated with the accolade. player, he managed to secure a
During her speech, Denise partial scholarship for his
shared, “I want to start with a Diploma in Business and during
short story about myself. I have his studies, he worked at a small
never been a bright student; I accommodation business to
was always talkative and partially fund himself.
outgoing, but never really Today, Ong has successfully
bright. I was that kid in class completed his diploma and
who was slow and constantly in awaits entry into the HELP
a blur. Because I knew I had a business degree programme. At
disability of being slow, I used it the same time, Ong has
as an excuse in life. Whenever I developed his own online
did badly, I would blame it on application for property
my disability. It all stopped the management and hopes, upon
day I got my UEC results as it completion of his degree, to run
was the day I faced failure. I his own property management
was rejected by as many as 10 business.
universities. Fortunately, HELP Malaysians and international
accepted me and even granted students who demonstrate
me financial aid throughout the academic excellence, sports
first year of my Diploma in excellence and display
Communication.” leadership qualities are entitled
From a student who had only to apply for scholarships and
passed one subject at UEC level, bursaries. Terms and conditions
Denise worked hard in her apply.
diploma studies, asked her
lecturers questions and made n For more information, call
sure her assignments were done 03-2716 2000 or visit www.help.
well. It all paid off when she edu.my
Jump-start
Being granted Recognised
Teaching Centre status by
the University of London,
AeU is committed to
develop excellence in
your future
respect to teaching,
support to students and
administrative processes.
career
TO be successful in the future, it This IFP is offered in full-time
is important to take the first step and part-time study modes at
today as Mahatma Gandhi once AeU. Flexible and multiple exits
said, “The future depends on pathways are also available.
what you do today.” Currently, AeU is offering pre-
If we want to walk a thousand IFP classes before the official
miles, we need to start by taking IFP begins in April. According
the first step, then the next one. to Swa Lee Lee, AeU’s IPF
Dear high school leavers, your programme coordinator, “The
future and your success could pre-IFP serves as a bridge to our
start with the University of IFP where prospective students
London International are enhanced with life-long
Foundation Programme. learning skills. So far, the
University of London (UoL), feedbacks are positive, and the
established in 1836, is one of the students enjoy our pre-IFP
oldest and most prestigious classes.”
universities in the UK. Consisting When asked about her
of 17 self-governing member experience of joining AeU’s pre-
institutions and several specialist IFP, Nur Dania Aqhtar Ahmad
research institutions. UoL is Tarmizi, 18, shares, “I am very
recognised globally as a world excited for the opportunity
leader in higher education and to join the pre-IFP as this is
regarded as a centre of academic my first campus learning
excellence. An award from UoL experience. I enjoy attending
is a mark of excellence, the classes and among my
respected by employers and favourite subjects is
universities worldwide. Communication Skills where I
Now, the UoL International learn on how to deal with the
Foundation Programme (IFP) complexity of issues, people,
(full-time and part-time) is and the society.”
available at Asia e University Dania further adds, “In the
(AeU) located at SS15, Subang Communication Skills class, we
Jaya. Being granted Recognised learnt how to communicate
Teaching Centre status by the effectively and how to tackle
University of London, AeU is stage fright and public speaking
committed to develop excellence issues. My level of confidence
in respect to teaching, support to and sense of self-belief has
students and administrative increased. I also get to
processes. experience how presentations,
This full-time and part-time group work, and individual
IFP is specifically designed to assignments are conducted in
equip school-leavers with the university learning
fundamental knowledge in environment and it is definitely
academic and social skills to different from my days in the
meet the demands of secondary school.”
undergraduate studies, making it Meanwhile, Aqil Azhan, 18,
a gateway to degree study. shares, “I took the Basic
Students’ learning is supported Financial Planning class and
by a wealth of resources that can enjoyed it. My lecturers are
be accessed via a variety of experienced key players in the
interactive online materials. industry, and I feel honoured to
With the quality of learning be able to learn from these
supported by UoL, students will experts.”
be engaged with contemporary Aqil also shares, “The
issues and real-world examples. pre-IFP prepares me for my
Upon successful completion of bachelor’s degree programme.
IFP, students are guaranteed I learnt more about
entry to several degrees through communication skills, basic
UoL, apart from AeU’s degree financial planning and more.”
pathways. Moreover, with an AeU is a leading multimode
international network of alumni, university that specialises in
you would be able to broaden digital and flexible learning.
your social circles. Today, AeU has a strong,
In addition, IFP students will equitable and high-quality
be offered the International education system with a vibrant
Student Identity Card (ISIC) international focus. The
issued by the ISIC Association university has more than 28,000
free of charge by UoL. Having graduates and nearly 30,000
the ISIC not only allows you to globally connected students
enjoy the international student from 100 different countries.
status, but also many benefits for AeU offers scholarships,
travel, insurance, and various financial assistance, and flexi-
goods to enrich your student life. payment schemes for deserving
According to the head of students. Intakes for
School of Foundation Studies, postgraduate programmes by
Assoc Prof Dr Sheila Cheng research is open throughout the
Chuen, “Apart from the year.
opportunity to experience
interactive and engaging n For more information on
learning in the IFP, students can scholarships or financial
also enjoy the benefits of having assistance, call 03-5022 3451.
UoL’s ISIC and access to the For enquiries, call 03-5022
worldwide alumni network, 3456/013-350 7270, email
these give students a jump start enquiries@aeu.edu.my or apply
to success in life.” online at www.aeu.edu.my
8 Course Focus THE STAR, TUESDAY 10 MARCH 2020