StudyMalaysia
May & June 2010 (Volume 9, Issue 5 & 6)

Malaysian Education Events


Taylor’s University College Organises 12th MFA Conference 2010

In the wake of the recent financial crisis, many pertinent issues have been raised. The need for a pro-active approach in policy-making has been identified as a strategy for economies to withstand other financial challenges in the future.

The 12th MFA Conference 2010 is a platform where both academics and industrialists come together to discuss the relevant issues, exchange ideas and promote better understanding of finance-related topics pertinent to the conference theme.

Themed, "Re-engineering the Financial System towards a Global Innovation Economy", this conference will focus on the need to re-engineer the current financial system in order to face the challenges of an innovation economy. This year’s conference is being co-organised and hosted by Taylor’s University College, the first time for a private higher educational institution to do so.

"Apart from encouraging and promoting research and discussion on finance related issues, the Conference also aims to play a supporting role in promoting Kuala Lumpur as the regional financial centre. We hope that conferences like this will stimulate public interest in finance-related studies and issues, especially in Malaysia," said Prof. Dr. Balachandran Shanmugam, Professor of Finance at Taylor’s University College and Advisor to the 12th MFA Conference 2010.

Featuring a host of well-known members of the finance and banking industries, the 12th MFA Conference 2010 will include two industrial forums on "Malaysian Capital Market: Does Liberalisation Need Re-regulation?" moderated by Prof. Obiyathullah Ismath Bacha (Head of Department of Graduate Studies, INCEIF); and "Unlocking the potential of the banking system for a sustainable economy", moderated by Prof. Dr. Balachandran Shanmugam.
Keynote speakers at the Conference are Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad; Minister of International Trade & Industry Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mustapha bin Mohamed; and Mr David Vicary Abdullah, Global Islamic Finance Leader, Deloitte.

Other big names involved in the Conference include Dato Dr. Nik Ramlah Mahmood (Managing Director, Securities Commission Malaysia), Dato’ Yusli Mohamed Yusoff (CEO, Bursa Malaysia Berhad), Mr Abdul Rasheed Ghafur (Director of Financial Sector Development, Bank Negara Malaysia), Ms Christina Foo (Director of the Board, CPA Australia Malaysia Division), Dr Chen Chaw Min (Senior Principal Assistant Secretary, Minister of Finance, Malaysia) and Encik Badlisyah Abdul Ghani (CEO, CIMB Islamic).

The 12th MFA Conference 2010 is jointly organised by The Malaysian Finance Association (MFA) and Taylor’s University College. For more details on the Conference or to register, call 603 5629 5000 (ext 5727), email mfa2010@taylors.edu.my or visit www.taylors.edu.my/MFA-conference/


Sunway ADTP students score US scholarships

The American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) at Sunway University College (Sunway) held a Dean’s List and Completion Award presentation ceremony for the August to December 2009 semester students at the poolside area on campus recently.

Thirty-six students received their Dean’s List certificates and will be transferring to the U.S. in the summer or fall of 2010. Thirteen students achieved Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 3.9 to 4.0). For the first time, 12 Sunway ADTP students secured the Western Michigan University Haenicke Scholarship. Each student received varying amounts ranging from USD 2,000 to USD 14,000 per year based on their CGPA to transfer for further studies in WMU. Other students Tan Pei Song, John New and Andrew Adudu were offered UMKC Community College Scholarships to University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) valued at USD 10,370. Andrew Adudu also secured a scholarship to the Florida Institute of Technology together with Omer Altuncu. Ricky received a scholarship from University of Central Oklahoma and another student, Amanda Lee was accorded the Presidential Award for International Transfer excellence for Fall 2010 worth USD 7,000 per annum from Iowa State University.

John Siah Say Yeong received a scholarship from Illinois Institute of Technology to pursue a major in Chemical Engineering. The scholarship is valued at USD12, 000. John said "The Sunway ADTP is not just about studying. I learnt how to be more confident and how to approach other individuals and how to do things as a group which helped me prepare to face the future. Besides that, the lecturers are friendly and helpful. Their creative teaching skills had enhanced my understanding towards subjects."

The Sunway ADTP program is widely recognized and students have the flexibility to transfer their credit hours to other top U.S. universities should they decide not to have the benefits of twinning with Western Michigan University.


Honouring the Father of Innovation in Creative Education

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Lim Kok Wing given just recognition for his contributions and achievements over the past 30 years

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Founder and President of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Lim Kok Wing, was honoured at a gala event organised by The Leaders magazine in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Y.B. Tuan Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof.

The event was in celebration of his pioneering efforts in the field of tertiary education in Malaysia as well as his various contributions towards nation-building over the past 30 years.

Among the luminaries present included the President of the SME Association of Malaysia, Chua Tiam Wee; the Honorary President of World Federation of Lims, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Gait Tong; and the President of the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce, YBhg Dato’ Syed Amin Aljeffri.

Tan Sri Dr. Lim Kok Wing’s impressive contributions in education were put into perspective by Y.B. Tuan Haji Fadillah. He said, "If not for the pioneering endeavours of Tan Sri Lim, employers, not only in Malaysia but also in many countries of the developing world, will have difficulty in sourcing the calibre of human capital they need to face enormous challenges created by technology advancement and new trends in managing business."

The Deputy Minister also praised Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s contributions beyond the field of education, adding, "In working with the Malaysian government for over more than 30 decades, his imprint can be seen through campaigns that have addressed many socio-economic issues," and referencing the Rakan Muda, Tak Nak and Malaysia Boleh campaigns, as well as the books Hidden Agenda and Malaysia Incorporated to back up his statement.

The title of ‘Father of Innovation in Creative Education’ was first bestowed upon Tan Sri Dr. Lim by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Y.B. Datuk Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, during his official visit to the Limkokwing University campus in August of last year.

During his speech, Tan Sri Dr. Lim called it the most memorable appreciation he has received thus far. He said, "Of all the recognitions that I have received over the years, this one must mean the most because it has something to do with what I’ve been doing my lifetime."

Having worked tirelessly to promote innovation in the country, he is no stranger to the stumbling blocks one often encounters when trying to bring about change to traditional systems. A vocal advocate for innovation, he stayed true to form last night, rallying the audience to follow in his footsteps and persevere in the face of adversity, saying, "To bring about change has never been easy. But we also know that change has never been more pressing for the country. What is also true is the most people who are managing the bureaucracy are old school and prefer to maintain status quo. Working to bring about change immediately means challenging the status quo. Immediately it means challenging the norm. So often it is a battle that cannot be won.

"So for someone who has been fighting for 40 years, that has not changed. You still fight every day to bring about change. But we also know that it is a battle that the country cannot afford to lose so the struggle continues."


NAPEI 29th Malaysian Education Fair 2010

NAPEI (National Association of Private Educational Institutions) 29th Malaysian Education Fair was honoured to have the Deputy Higher Education Minister YB Saifuddin Abdullah to open the 2-day fair at the PWTC on 5th June 2010.

YB also presented the NAPEI Academic Excellence Award to the following three winners:

  • Pre-school category: Smart Reader Worldwide
  • Private school category: Sekolah Seri Suria
  • University & university college category: Masterskill University College of Health Sciences

The fair has successfully concluded attracting close to 10,000 visitors.


The Best of Both Worlds with Malaysia’s First Swiss Design in Hollywood World Tour & Exhibition

The Swiss Design in Hollywood World Tour Exhibition will be held from 18 to 20 June, 2010.

Taking one notch up and a step ahead in the rising creative industry today, Malaysia’s leading art & design tertiary education institution The One Academy and The Swiss Embassy has collaborated to launch the Swiss Design in Hollywood World Tour Exhibition and Seminar, that feature the best Swiss designers and their works in major Hollywood productions.

"I am delighted that The One Academy was prepared to host this exhibition and seminar since it will help Malaysians to discover a new aspect of Switzerland. The event will contribute to the discovery of the innovative and artistic dimension of Switzerland," said Ambassador of Switzerland, Dr. Urs Stemmler in his welcoming speech during a recent launching event.

Organised by Swiss Arts Council, Pro Helvetia, and supported by Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), the event initiative is expected to uplift Malaysian government’s effort in providing an ideal platform for local artists to master the animation skills and techniques that are set to meet the international industry demands. It also presented an invaluable opportunity for aspiring animators and digital artists to learn from some of the world’s best professionals in the animation and film industry.

"The Swiss Design in Hollywood presented an interesting creative platform where both local and international artists converge to discuss and exchange creative ideas," said Tan Chin Wee, Joint General Manager of The One Academy.

Christian Scheurer delivering his seminar to the audience at Royale Bintang Hotel, Mutiara Damansara.

The Swiss Design in Hollywood exhibition held on 18 - 20 June 2010 at Centre Atrium, e@Curve presented an array of impressive printed digital artworks produced for many blockbuster hits such as The Lord of The Rings, Hellboy, Ratatouille and Flushed Away, among others, including an impressive award-winning show reel on the process behind the works. The 3-day exhibition emphasized the works on the aesthetics of film production, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes video by the artists themselves on how the outstanding animations were conceived and created.

The artworks on display formed the main element of the exhibition, presenting artists and work in the areas of cinema and video game production such as H. R. Giger, John Howe, Christian L. Scheurer, Deak Ferrand, Natasha Devaud, Nicolas Imhof, Brigitte Wuest, Silvio Aebischer, Simon Christen, Nadja Bonacina, Simon Otto and Alex Ongaro.

The traveling exhibition was accompanied by a 1-day international design seminar by two notable Swiss digital artists; Nicolas Imhof and Christian Scheurer, held on the 18th June 2010 (Friday) at Royale Bintang Hotel, Mutiara Damansara.

Some 200 participants, consists of students, teachers and public audience attended the 1-day seminar and were intrigued by the works shown by the leading Swiss designers.

The two Swiss designers also came for an exclusive visit to The One Academy to give sharing
to the students and preview a day before their seminar. Both Nicolas Imhof and Christian Scheurer shared their intriguing career experience in the industry. During their preview, the speakers focused on case studies & sample works, technical directions and examples of matte painting from conceptual art. The speakers also emphasize on creating an impressive portfolio to land a good job and giving tips on how to be outstanding in the industry. This insight allowed students to know what to expect as the speakers would highlight in depth on case studies on the day of the seminar.

The seminar audience listens intently as Swiss designer Nicolas Imhof presented his works during his talk. Christian Scheurer and Ambassador of Switzerland H.E. Dr Urs Stemmler admiring the artworks on display while The One Academy Principal Tatsun Hoi looks on with interest.

Those attended enjoyed the seminar and was fascinated by the sample works of the two speakers. 19 years old, Amanda from Petaling Jaya said the seminar was captivating, especially when Christian Scheurer talked about how long it took for him to finish up his artwork. "It was inspiring to hear their history of how they became successful designers. I envy their art very much, and I hope to follow their footsteps someday." The seminar was entertaining as well as the speakers captivated the audience with their talk.

(From left): Christian Lorenz Scheurer, Nicolas Imhof, The One Academy Principal Tatsun Hoi, Ambassador of Switzerland H.E. Dr Urs Stemmler, Manager of Multimedia Department of Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), and Loke Va Nee, organising chairman of The One Academy at the launching of Swiss Design in Hollywood World Tour Exhibition and Seminar.

According to Hasnul Hadi Samsudin, Manager of the Department of Multimedia development of Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) said, "The One Academy has always been there to produce excellent graduates. It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with The One Academy as we always source for young minds of the new generation to join the animation industry and The One Academy has been very professional in providing us talented graduates."

The One Academy has always geared up with its proactive collaboration to welcome the future creative generation. "As one of Malaysia’s leading role in providing top creative design education, The One Academy is delighted to be a part of this world class collaboration event," added Tan Chin Wee.

The One Academy of Communication Design was established in 1991 with the aim of promoting the region as the world’s center of creative reference. Strategically located in the thriving creative hub of Bandar Sunway, Selangor, the Academy is today one of Asia’s top institutions in art, design and creative multimedia, renowned with graduates who steer successful careers in creative capitals worldwide. The courses offered in The One Academy are Multimedia Design, Digital Animation with Game Development, Illustration with Comic, Advertising & Graphic Design and Interior Design. Interested youths can obtain more information about the courses by calling 603-56375510, faxing 603-56211716, e-mailing enquiry@toa.edu.my or by visiting http://www.toa.edu.my


MAHSA University College Celebrates Nurses’ Day

MAHSA University College held its fifth Nurses’ Day celebrations on 27 May 2010 at Hilton Hotel Petaling Jaya.

Guests were treated to a choral presentation by MAHSA students before the official launch by the Pro-Chancellor of MAHSA University College, YBhg Prof Datuk Dr Hj Mohamed Haniffa.

This was followed by a multimedia show and a nursing forum entitled "Memorable Journeys of Tokoh Jururawat". Later, Puan Hajah Ramziah, President of the Malaysian Nurses Association, gave a talk to commemorate the occasion.

Assoc Prof Zahrah bt Saad, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing said that this year’s theme connects nursing care with the preparation of qualified nurses to fulfil the needs of the patient with complex and challenging situations.

Every year, Nurses’ Day is celebrated internationally on 12 May 2010. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Chronic Care’.


SEQUENCE 10 - Graduation showcase by KBU design students

SEQUENCE 2010 – a graduation showcase by The School of Design, KBU International College was held at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre, from 2 – 4 July 2010.

The graduation showcase is an event dedicated to the graduating students of KBU School of Design, who have just completed their BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design, conducted at KBU in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, UK - a university that has more than 150 years of impressive track record and history for design education.

En. Mohamad Faisal Ghazali, President, Malaysian Society of Interior Designers (MSID), officiated the launch of SEQUENCE 10 on the 1 July 2010. Also present was YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Teo Soo Cheng, Chairman of KBU Board of Governors, and YBhg Prof Dato’ (Dr) Teo Chiang Liang, KBU Chief Executive.

Organised for the seventh year in a row, SEQUENCE is a platform for the graduating students of KBU School of Design to showcase their talent, skills and creativity in the fields of art and design. SEQUENCE has since, become a brand that is synonymous with KBU’s School of Design.

YBhg Prof Dato’ (Dr) Teo Chiang Liang, Chief Executive, KBU International College commented that, "The exhibition showcases the work of our students and shows what they are capable of. It allows KBU students to market their skills and capabilities before graduation". He also added that the exhibited designs, which combined the students’ creative talents with the practical skills and knowledge acquired in the classrooms, were made with a high level of creativity and innovation.

SEQUENCE had successfully uplifted the level of awareness among the visitors of the event as well as the general public on the whole art and design business in the past and is set to do the same this year.

Prospective employers have used SEQUENCE in the past, as hunting ground for their recruitment exercise. The recognition given by these prospective employers is a testimony to the high quality as well as the marketability and employability of all KBU design graduates.

All the graduating students of KBU School of Design will receive their degree awards on 29 August 2010 at the Nottingham Trent University Awards Ceremony, to be held at One World Hotel.

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