Education Malaysia
December 2009 (Volume 8, Issue 12)

2010 Updates - What is New in 2010?

The year 2010 looks promising and exciting for the Malaysian higher education industry. Many private higher educational institutions are geared for expansion and will be introducing new programmes. Here are some institutions that are featured in series 1:

Asia e University - 2010 Updates

A. Direct Marketing Programmes by SPEED

Training programmes in Network Marketing, under the collaborative efforts of Asia Network Marketing Academy and School of Professional and Executive Education (SPEED) of Asia e-University (AeU) was launched on 12 November 2009.

It is estimated that about five million of the population in Malaysia are involved in direct selling or network marketing. It has been reported that the industry generated sales of RM8 billion in 2007 which contributed to 3% of the country’s GDP. The World Federation of Direct Selling acknowledged Malaysia as the 11th largest direct selling / network marketing group in the world.

Even though there are more than 600 direct selling / network marketing companies in Malaysia that are licensed by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, only half are actively operating. Many are reported to have closed down in recent years and it is also said that 90% of the people who join the industry as distributors fail and would quit the industry in the first year.

AeU found that the skills and knowledge of distributors in the industry need further enhancement. With appropriate training and knowledge, the direct selling / network marketing business could be an attractive and viable business alternative for many ordinary persons in this country. The skills and knowledge required to succeed are learnable, and are applicable to most other industries.

For the above reasons, MarkPlus Institute of Marketing and SPEED of Asia e-University are collaborating to combine their expertise and knowledge to assist the network marketing industry by offering relevant training and educational programmes to the players of the industry.

B. Caring Varsity

Asia e University (AeU) is participating in The Star's NiE (Newspaper-in-Education) sponsorship programme. Under the sponsorship, which started in June 2009, 10,000 copies of The Star's NiE pullout were distributed to 20 secondary schools.

The 20 schools benefiting from this are SMK Raja Mahadi, SMK Pandamaran Jaya, SMK Sri Andalas, SMK Abdul Jalil, SMK Engku Husain, SMK Taman KOSAS, SMK Taman Seraya, SMK Perimbun, SMK Tasek Permai, SMK Jalan REKO, SMK Jalan Tiga, SMK Cheras Perdana, SMK Bukit Indah, SMK Cheras Jaya, SMK Saujana Impian, SMK Bandar Baru Ampang, SMK Bandar Baru Sg Long, SMK Bandar Sri Damansara 1 and 2, and SMK Meru Klang.

For more information, please log on to www.aeu.edu.my or call 603 2711 0438

Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus – 2010 Updates
A. New Programme: Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism & Event Management and Marketing) Double Major

This double major is targeted at students who want an overall understanding of the principles and processes of tourism and event management. The course places emphasis on the development and application of marketing to meet the increasing demand within the expanding tourism industry. Students study management of tourism organisations including the transport and travel sectors, hospitality and hotel sectors, events and conventions centers, facilities and operations, tourism sustainability, strategic planning and development. The marketing component of the course prepares graduates to organise and control marketing activities efficiently in a highly competitive and volatile environment.

Graduates are employed in the hospitality and tourism sector as tourism managers, executive officers of local and international tourism companies and transportation and travel consultants. Others are employed to liaise and build close relationships with the media to promote tourism issues. Tourism & Event Management and Marketing graduates also are employed as advertising professionals, brand managers, electronic commerce professionals, direct marketers, event and convention managers, market researchers, product managers and publication officers.

Borneo Studies Electives

Two new Borneo Studies units, ‘Peoples & Cultures of Borneo 101’ and ‘Borneo in Transition – Continuity & Change 102’, will be offered as general electives for the first time in 2010. Enrolment in these two units, each worth 25 credits, is open to all Curtin Sarawak undergraduate students in the School of Business and in the Department of Media, Culture & Communication.

The two units are part of a new Borneo Studies major which will eventually become available as an additional optional major in the Bachelor of Arts programme.

Multi-disciplinary in its approach and through a multiplicity of theoretical perspectives complemented with hands-on field trips, the Borneo Studies major is meant to provoke thought and stimulate interest towards an informed understanding of Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan). It has been designed to enable students to develop insights into various areas of relevance to studying Borneo: culture, communication, history, economics, the environment, natural resources, sustainable development, politics, indigenous issues, linguistics, spirituality, and society.

In combination with other majors, the Borneo Studies major will provide a broad range of skills and knowledge to students who intend to pursue careers – within Borneo and the Asia-Pacific region in particular – pertaining to: the government and public sector, civil society and research organisations, natural resources (utilisation, conservation and management), education and teaching.

B. Commencement of Curtin Sarawak’s Bio-Park Project

Site work for the first phase of the Miri Bio-Park on a 10-acre site at the Curtin Sarawak campus at Senadin here is underway.

Work on the state-of-the-art bio-technology park has commenced and its first phase comprising a research and development complex and support infrastructure is expected to be completed by mid-2011.

The park is set up to facilitate biotechnological research for industrial applications such as bio-fuels and renewable energy production, bio-medicine, pharmaceuticals and food products, as well as environmental biotechnology such as bio-remediation, detoxification and de-nitrification.

Developed by the State Ministry of Industrial Development in partnership with Curtin University of Technology, the park will be the first of its kind in northern Sarawak and is expected to provide a significant boost to R&D, knowledge accumulation and industrial development in Sarawak. It will also contribute to the state government’s vision of making Miri a reputable centre of learning and research in the area of biotechnology.

It will be managed by Curtin Sarawak, which will provide necessary expertise and a critical mass of researchers to conduct research projects funded by the government, Curtin University and other fund-providers, as well as ensure that the outcomes from the biotechnological research activities at the park are relevant to the state’s needs. For more information, please log on to www.curtin.edu.my or call 6085-443 939.

KDU College – 20101 Updates

New Campus at Section 13, Petaling Jaya Selangor

This new Section 13 campus is located a mere 6km away from the Damansara Jaya campus. It is acquired to accommodate KDU’s growing number of students. It will house the Business and Law Faculty as well as the Centre for American Education within the School of Arts and Social Sciences

For more information, please log on to www.kdu.edu.my or call 03-77288123

HELP University College - 2010 Updates

1. New campus – The HELP Group will have three campuses by 2012, making it the largest multi-campus private tertiary institution in Malaysia.

  • HELP University College Subang 2 campus will be opened by 2012. Called the Eco-Campus, this will be the first private tertiary institution in Malaysia to incorporate environmentally-friendly construction elements and is expected to accommodate 18,000 students.
  • HELP International College of Technology (HICT) at Fraser Business Park will be opened by 2010. The campus will be able to accommodate up to 5000 students.
  • HELP Academy (HA) at Damansara – based at its current location in Damansara Heights, HA will house the Edexcel A Level programme and London external programmes.

2. New courses and qualifications

  1. Master of Science in Economic Crime Management
    HELP is the first institution to offer a programme in economic crime management in Asia. The programme covers all the main areas of study required for an understanding of criminology as well as current issues related to economic crime such as white collar crime, business crime and corporate crime. The programme is conducted by HELP’s Centre for Fraud Management.
  2. HELP LLB
    HELP’s home grown LLB programme is the passport to a professional legal qualification. It equips individuals with the knowledge of Malaysian law and provides alternative legal career options in fields like banking, human resource, taxation and insurance. HELP University College will also offer graduates who have completed their LLB (HELP) programme in 3 years an opportunity to undertake a master’s degree programme of their choice provided by the HELP Graduate School.
  3. Co-operative Actuarial Science Programme between HELP’s American Degree Program and University of Waterloo
    The first of its kind in Malaysia, students of this programme earn academic credit for their work experience related to the field of specialisation and a good salary. Graduates of the University of Waterloo, which is based in Ontario, Canada, are eligible to stay in Canada for three years of full time employment under the postgraduate work permit programme upon completion of their degree. Students have to complete at least one year at the American Degree Program Department at HELP University College before transferring to the University of Waterloo for the co-op studies, or two years for the regular actuarial science studies.

3. Scholarships

DEPARTMENT OF AMERICAN DEGREE PROGRAM
American Degree Program - HELP scholarships for new and continuing students

DEPARTMENT OF A-LEVELS
HELP scholarships for new students

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS STUDIES
I. HELP Scholarships

  1. Diploma in Business (Year II) / Bachelor of Business (Year I) - for new and continuing students
  2. Bachelor of Business (Year II & III) - for continuing students

II. External Scholarships

  1. HELP – Griffith University Business School International Undergraduate Scholarships
  2. HELP – University of Queensland Scholarships

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION
Bachelor of Communications (Hons) - HELP scholarships for new students

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS

  1. HELP Bachelor Of Management (Hons)
  2. HELP Bachelor of Economics (Hons)
  3. HELP Bachelor of Banking (Hons)
  4. University of East London - for new and continuing students

DEPARTMENT OF UOL EXTERNAL PROGRAMME

  1. BSC Accounting & Finance (Hons) b) BSC Economics & Management (Hons)

HELP MATRICULATION CENTRE

  1. Foundation in Science / Arts b) Diploma in Business Level 1 c) Diploma in Information Technology Level 1

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - HELP scholarships for new and continuing students

  1. BSc (Hons) Electronic Games & Interactive Media b) BIT (Hons) Business Information Management c) BIT (Hons) Mobile Communications
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
  1. UK Degree Transfer Program (Law) - for new and continuing students
  2. Bachelor of Law (HELP LLB) – for new students
  3. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Abdul Malek Haji Ahmad Award

CENTRE FOR PSYCHOLOGY
HELP scholarships for new and continuing students

CEO’s LIST SCHOLARSHIPS

  1. Sports scholarship
  2. Tan Sri TK Wen scholarship

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

  1. School Achievers Scholarship Awards
  2. NST – MAPCU Scholarships
  3. Principal’s List Award (PLA)
  4. STAR Education Fund
  5. United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (UCSCAM)
  6. Sin Chew Daily Education Fund

For more information, please log on to www.help.edu.my or call 603-2094 2000.

International Medical University – 2010 Updates

Chiropractic degree programme
First intake in February 2010

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that is rapidly expanding throughout the world, including Malaysia. In fact, it is currently the third largest primary healthcare profession after medicine and dentistry. There are, however, very few practising chiropractors in Malaysia (only about 35), while the demand for services is high. With chiropractors typically averaging 100 consultations per week, chiropractic certainly presents itself as a very promising career choice for the future in Malaysia.

Chiropractors are concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the spine, and the effects these disorders have on the nervous system and overall health. Chiropractors correct spinal disorders primarily using manual (by hand) methods, although they also use other natural methods such as physical therapy modalities, rehabilitative exercise, lifestyle modification and nutritional advice.

Chiropractors have many career options and may choose to practise in a private or group setting, or seek employment in a variety of private, educational, and (in some countries) governmental roles. Many chiropractors pursue specialties within the profession, such as orthopaedics, neurology, nutrition, diagnostic imaging, and sports chiropractic.

The chiropractic profession began in the United States in 1895 and has grown to more than 65,000 members who are licensed in all 50 states. Chiropractic is also well- established internationally and is practised in over 70 countries, with about 90,000 chiropractors worldwide.

The International Medical University (IMU) will be offering a Chiropractic programme by February 2010. The university will be offering the first and only complete Chiropractic educational programme in Malaysia, as well as in all of Southeast Asia. Students can graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chiropractic in four years; followed by a one-year housemanship. Graduates are then eligible for registration with Malaysia’s Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division of the Ministry of Health.

Students who are interested in this programme also have the option to transfer to RMIT University in Australia after the successful completion of two years of their studies in IMU. They will enter directly into RMIT’s third year.

The IMU Chiropractic programme is designed to prepare the student for success as a chiropractic physician at an international level, in accordance with the Councils on Chiropractic Education International. Graduates of the programme will become well- versed in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of human conditions, with special emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine.

The IMU Chiropractic programme is positioned within a medical faculty which has many mutual advantages. It allows for an easier sharing of ideas and resources and a greater understanding by staff and students of the contributions made by chiropractic, medicine and other health sciences to a person’s overall well-being.

For more information, please visit www.imu.edu.my or call 603: 8656 7229.

Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College – 2010 Updates

PREMISE UPGRADE
  • New building for the School of Engineering & Technology Infrastructure
  • New building for School of Architecture & Build Environment
  • UNIPARK – Residence and new accommodation for students (Phase I has been completed. Phase II is currently under construction.)
  • Construction work for the university township has begun in stages
FACILITY UPGRADE
  • New premise for the Centre for Postgraduate Studies
  • New architecture studios
  • New gymnasium facilities
  • KLIUC is one of the few universities using the latest version of the Civil Engineering design software known as ‘Esteem 7.5’
  • New stalls at the cafeteria offering local and international cuisine
  • Newly purchased shuttle bus that caters for the increase in student population
SCHOLARSHIPS

KLIUC offers scholarships through various channels:

  • Star Education Fund
  • The Sun – MAPCU Scholarship
  • Sin Chew Education Fund
NEW APPROACH FOR TEACHING-LEARNING

KLIUC has embarked on a new approach in teaching and learning known as Outcome Based Education (OBE). OBE is a new method of assessment required by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and professional bodies to ensure the quality of education.

NEW PROGRAMMES
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (by research) KP/JPS(KA9781)7/14
  • Master in Electronics Engineering (by research) KP/JPS(KA9659)7/14
  • Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Water and Wastewater KP/JPS(KA9046)9/13
  • Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Building & Infrastructure Maintenance KP/JPS(KA9395)2/14
  • Bachelor of Science (Architectural Studies) KP/JPS(KA9318)10/13
  • Bachelor of Architecture KP/JPS(KA9319)10/13
  • Diploma in Architecture KP/JPS(KA9039)8/13
  • Diploma in Software Engineering KP/JPS(KA9429)1/14
  • Diploma in Network and Mobile Technology KP/JPS(KA9430)2/14
  • Diploma in Materials Technology KP/JPS(KA9040)8/13
  • Diploma in Civil Engineering (part-time) KP/JPS(KR9925)4/14
  • Diploma in Corporate Communication (part-time) KP/JPS(KA4346)9/14
  • Intensive Arabic / Japanese KPT(JPS)600-07/48/jld.VI(61)

For more information, please log on to www.kliuc.edu.my or call 603-8926 6993.

MAHSA University College – 2010 Updates

In 2010, Allied Health Sciences will continue to gain popularity among students. The demand for skilled and competent healthcare professionals in the field is ever increasing. as there are many different options and opportunities in this field.

We will continue to offer a variety of courses such as nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical lab technology, medical imaging (radiography) and environmental health. At MAHSA, we ensure that all our students are trained both theoretically as well as clinically in order to prepare them for their careers in the health science industry.

Students who are still contemplating on the opportunities in this field need not worry as the demand for healthcare professionals is high locally as well as internationally. There are many opportunities to work in various countries.

The basic qualities required in this field are determination, a caring nature, helpfulness, patience and hard work. The hours are long and taxing, so an individual should be mild tempered as well as able to deal with various personalities of patients in a pleasant and polite manner at all times. The most valued skill an individual should possess in any profession is the ability to provide helpful communication and assistance to another person when in need.

Currently, the most popular courses are medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy and medical lab technology. Students who want to pursue an MBBS or dentistry degree are advised to enrol in our Foundation in Science course.

The coming January 2010 intake includes the enrolment of students for the Diploma in Dental Technology which is conducted only once a year. The dental technology course in MAHSA covers all aspects of the knowledge a dental technician should possess and allows graduates of this course to have a bright and promising career.

For more information, please log on to www.mahsa.edu.my or call 03 – 2092 9999.

Monash University Sunway Campus – 2010 Updates
Scholarships

Students looking to pursue an academic life at Monash University will have the opportunity to compete for lucrative scholarships provided they have demonstrated academic excellence.

Monash University Sunway campus offers scholarships to outstanding students like Alfred Lim Wai Yen, a Medical Bioscience graduate.

“Thanks to the Entrance and Honours Scholarships from Monash, I was able to study to my fullest ability, balanced with a fun university life, without the financial constraints,” he said.

Future undergraduate and postgraduate students with outstanding academic records like Lim are encouraged to apply for the Monash Entrance Scholarship once they have been accepted to study at Monash University Sunway campus.

The undergraduate Entrance Scholarship awards are divided into three categories: 100% scholarship, 50% scholarship and 20% scholarship. All scholarship applications will be evaluated and shortlisted before being awarded to students who meet the criteria.

While the Entrance Scholarship is extremely competitive, students who are not selected will still have a chance to apply for the Merit Scholarship after two semesters with proven stellar results.

Monash University Sunway campus also awards Honours Scholarships to successful Honours students. Scholarships differ from one School to another, thus future Honours students are advised to contact the Research & Development managers of respective schools.

Scholarships are also available to postgraduate students wishing to undertake a master’s degree or a PhD at Monash. Students eligible for the Full and Partial Postgraduate scholarships must have excellent academic achievements, research experience, and a record of published papers.

The Full Scholarship pays for the school fees while granting a monthly allowance of RM1500 for master’s degree and RM2000 for PhD. Recipients of the postgraduate Partial Scholarship also enjoy the same exemption from school fees but without the monthly stipend.

Apart from Monash Scholarships, there are others offered by government and non-governmental bodies such as Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), Majlis Amanah Rakyat Malaysia (MARA), PETRONAS, Central Bank of Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional and the Sime Darby Foundation.

For more information, please refer to the website http://www.monash.edu.my/finance/scholarships.html or call 603-5514 6000.

Nilai University College – 2010 Updates

Nilai University College continues its expansion with the recent unveiling of a new Science & Technology block at its 105-acre campus. This five-storey building contains cutting edge laboratory facilities, engineering workshops, as well as AV-equipped classrooms and auditoriums. It will be home to the School of Allied Health Sciences and School of Science and Technology.

Nilai UC has also completed work on its hangar and the eagerly-anticipated plane has also arrived. This 13,000sq ft hangar will be the setting for Nilai UC's Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students to hone their skills. This facility along with the attendant European Aviation Safety Agency licence incorporated into the programme places Nilai UC among the premier players in this segment of the aviation industry.

Sandwiched between the hangar and the Science and Technology block is Nilai UC's full-length football pitch. As there are many keen footballers at the institution, the administrators were quick to make sure this sporting facility was available.

On the academic front, the administrators of Nilai UC are busy working on new degree programmes which will be entirely home grown. This is an effort to achieve full 'university' status in the near future. Heading the list of new programmes is the degree in Biotechnology. To ensure that this programme is constantly updated, the administrators formed an Industry Advisory Panel comprising representatives form the biotechnology sector's leaders to make sure the syllabus is up-to-date and in keeping with industry trends.

For more information, please log onto www.nilai.edu.my or call 606-850 2338.

Sunway University College – 2010 Updates
Expansion Plans for 2010 and beyond
Established in 1987, Sunway University College (Sunway) has grown and achieved much in the last 22 years. The quality of education at Sunway is respected both at home and abroad. Its student population is made up of more than 70 different nationalities from around the world and to date, it has over 9,300 students on campus. Sunway has exceptional teaching and administrative staff, each a respected member of the community.

Sunway’s explosive growth in the student population continues with the addition of new graduate programmes and the expansion of the undergraduate programmes. To meet the demands of the healthy growing student population, they have put major expansion plans in place.

The East Building (completed in December 2009)
The university has constructed a new 19-classroom building and it will be furbished for occupancy in January 2010. This new East Building consists of classrooms suited to fit 35 – 60 students. Some of the bigger classrooms have mobile partitions to double up as examination halls. A link bridge connects this block to the existing main campus building.

The International Students Office (ISO) and International Education Centre (IEC) (to be completed in October 2010)

Sunway University College’s steady growth in student population especially in the international arena well justifies for a new and modern 2-storey full glass building to be constructed to house the ISO and IEC services. This piece of modern architecture is an exquisitely designed glass building which is environmentally friendly. It allows refreshing natural lighting to enter the building. An impressive open concept is also adopted to create a sense of luscious spaciousness to better serve the needs of international students in the campus.

The Graduate School (to be completed in June 2011)
As the institution’s vision is to be the “Harvard of the East” and to provide world class learning experiences, plans are also in place to construct a graduate centre a la Harvard concept. The Graduate School hopes to be the focus point for Harvard Alumni to conduct their conferences, programmes and events. This centre will consist of a 150-seat lecture theatre and two auditoriums for 80 people in tiered semi-circle seating formation. There will be a landscaped breakout courtyard, pre-function areas, discussion rooms and lecture rooms. It will also be equipped with up-to-date facilities and sound system.

The 12-storey New Academic Block with Two Basement Levels and a Mezzanine Floor as well as a Two-level Basement Car Park (to be completed by the end of 2013)
One of the foremost driving forces for Sunway University College’s expansion is its goal of substantially increasing the scope and strength of its undergraduate programmes. This is also timely as the Sunway plans to embrace the full-fledged “University” status in 2010.

Plans are on the drawing board to construct a new 12-storey academic block and a two-level basement car park. The 12-storey academic block will house the interdisciplinary undergraduate and new graduate programmes. The 550,000 sq. ft. academic block will accommodate at least another 9,000 student population. The two-level basement car park is constructed below the current soccer field. The basement car park will consist of about 1,000 parking bays. The parking facility will be available to both staff and students.

The design development of this project is on going and the targeted completion date is the end of 2013. Adhering to the government’s call for more environmentally friendly buildings, the 12-storey academic block and multi-level basement car park is going for the Green Mark Singapore and Green Building Index (GBI) Certification. The environmental friendly design and concept in construction incorporates energy and water efficiency. It also includes innovation for good natural lighting and ventilation systems for a sustainable green environment.

The Phase 2 Campus Expansion (2018 and beyond)
With these plans on the way, it is the visionary plan of Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, the founder of Sunway University College to have 30,000 students on board the campus in 20 years. With this vision in mind, land has also been allocated for the Phase 2 expansion development of another new multi-level 3-block academic building situated at the back of the East Building. Planning will take place after 2013 and the targeted completion is by 2018.

The 5,000 Seater Auditorium (to be completed in mid 2014)
The ambitious plans of our distinguished founder, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah also calls for the construction of a 5,000 seater prestigious auditorium equipped with the most modern and premier state-of-the-art facilities and AVA system. This auditorium will be one of the most outstanding in Malaysia, fit to house huge graduation ceremonies, world class theatrical and musical performances, international symposiums and other grand events.

The Multipurpose Sports Complex (to be completed in mid 2014)
A Multipurpose Sports Complex will be built adjoining the 5,000-seat Auditorium. This Sports Complex will be used for indoor sporting facilities, Sunway University exams and other events. The Sports Complex is planned for a seating capacity of 1,000 people.

The new Sunway International School (SIS) (construction to commence end 2011 and completion in 2013)
Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah’s passion for education has also driven him to venture into international secondary school education. The birth and maiden launch of Sunway International School (SIS) at the end of 2007 was a breakthrough in the Sunway Education Group. Sunway is the sole provider of an internationally recognised Canadian secondary education in Malaysia.

Plans are in progress to design a new Sunway International School (SIS) to house a capacity of 2,000 students. This school will have a modern and contemporary design with boarding school facilities. The other facilities available will be a lap pool, multipurpose hall cum gymnasium, cafeteria and library. The construction is targeted to commence at the end of 2011 and its completion in 2013.

Sunway University College is most fortunate to have this 20-year master plan in place to stay ahead to cope with the challenging and volatile changes in the education scene. The growth and progress of this university is attributed to its founder’s vision to bring the university to an even higher level in the world’s education arena.

For more information, please visit www.sunway.edu.my or call 603-7941 8622.

Taylor’s University College – 2010 Updates

New Campus - Taylor’s Lakeside Campus
It started with a hopeful dream and a bold vision. A neglected wasteland was to be transformed into a state-of-the-art university campus, set amidst natural green surroundings including a shimmering lake. A thriving educational haven was the ultimate goal.

The plans to build Taylor’s University College’s RM450 million flagship campus were unveiled in 2007 in response to the nation’s ever-pressing need for knowledgeable human capital. This state-of-the-art modern tropical university campus will play a key role in meeting the needs of students, both locally and internationally, and address the nation’s goal of becoming a regional centre for education excellence.

Located on a 27-acre site, the brand new campus is poised to emerge as the beacon of hope for a new generation of youths. When operational by mid-2010, the campus will house all existing tertiary programmes currently located within Taylor’s campuses in Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya. The completion of the new campus will mark yet another milestone for Taylor’s in attaining full-fledged university status, already renowned for its teaching excellence and distinctive quality of graduates.

Ingeniously built around an inspiring 5.5 acre lake, Taylor’s Lakeside Campus extensively applies many ecologically-sustainable principles, such as natural cooling systems and natural ventilated spaces, making this an “eco-friendly campus” in every sense of the term, and a nucleus for burgeoning young minds.

A quick tour of the campus reveals a multipurpose hall, administration block, student hostels, and an array of service amenities including cafes, banks and convenience stores. An experimental theatre, 600-pax auditorium, 300-pax lecture theatres and outdoor amphitheatre form the much-awaited “Art Precinct” in which plays, recitals and other performances will be staged.

Across the lake from the academic blocks is the fully-furnished 1,000 bed hostel complete with car park facilities and 53 retail podiums designed for potential tenants including F&B outlets, banks, a fitness centre, internet cafes and other essential services for the local student community. Students are also well-secured with the presence of 24-hour security personnel, well-lit walkways and grounds, as well as installation of CCTV cameras in key areas.

The pride of the campus, the library, will be a splendid 4-storey glass edifice that warrants panoramic views of the lake. Its open and contemporary architecture and design is conducive for collaborative learning activities, inviting students to walk-in and utilise its facilities, such as the 24-hour study rooms, discussion rooms, audio visual room, multimedia discussion room, computer room, a green reading area, and an event and exhibition space that can accommodate 62 pax.

Other world-class facilities are incorporated into the campus such as well-equipped and up-to-date laboratories for students of medicine, biomedical sciences, computing, audio and video, multimedia, engineering and research. There is also a moot court for budding lawyers, newsroom, business ‘think tanks’, architecture and design studios, photography studios, drawing rooms, 3D workshop and a gallery. The entire campus is also fitted with the latest ICT facilities and services that aim to provide students with a 21st century learning environment that will enrich their stay at Taylor’s.

The new campus will also be equipped with several themed restaurants and a hotel which will serve as a valuable training ground for the budding restaurateurs and hoteliers of Taylor’s Hospitality and Tourism school. Various signature restaurants such as Pavilion Restaurant, Culinary & Bar Theatre, and Gazebo Restaurant will be housed here. These training facilities closely simulate those found in leading hotels and restaurants, and are fully equipped with high-technology kitchen facilities that cater to real customers. Students will be exposed to various areas of restaurant and hotel management including food preparations, operations, business management, customer service, marketing and sales, thus ensuring that they gain a ‘real world’ study experience at the campus.

Environmentally-conscious structures and state-of-the-art facilities, set against a backdrop of greenery and nature, form the unique façade of this green urban campus. All the right conditions are inter-woven for a vibrant and conducive exchange between academic, commercial, social and leisure activities. More than just a home to its students, it will also serve as the nurturing ground for an energetic and dynamic new community.

For more information on Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, visit www.taylors.edu.my or call 603-5636 2641.
See past issues at www.studyguardian.co

Powered byStudyMalaysia.com