THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018

The changing game

The face of engineering has evolved tremendously over the centuries,
prompting universities to adapt to the constant change.
2 Postgraduate
Biomimicry and
sustainability
BIOMIMICRY is the art of
mimicking or deriving
inspiration from nature in
seeking sustainable solutions to
problems.
An early example of
biomimicry is the initial design
of planes, where the wings were
designed to emulate those of an
eagle during flight, when taking
off and landing.
How it all started
Engineers have always looked
to nature for ideas when
working on projects where the
aspired results have been
achieved in the natural world.
For example, the way green
leaves absorb sunlight for
photosynthesis was emulated to
create solar panels that could
absorb the same energy to be
converted to electrical energy.
Many trials and errors were
involved in the preliminary
stages of engineering, more so in
biomimicry as it involves
principles of engineering and
biology – two fields that rarely
crossed paths successfully until
recently.
Nowadays, some high schools
in the United States are
incorporating biomimetic studies
in their syllabus to engage
students – especially those who
are not into theoretical
memorisation and regurgitation
– to think outside the box and
come up with solutions to
everyday challenges, whether
big or small.
It is a known fact that children
and teenagers have more
neurons that can actively create
new connections compared to
adults.
As such, kids can usually
acquire a new language, learn a
new computer game, understand
the dynamics behind a sport,
dissect complex algorithms or
absorb elaborate principles in a
fraction of the time it takes
adults to do so.
As nature is quite the teacher,
biomimicry has contributed
Many trials
and errors were
involved in the
preliminary stages
of engineering, more
so in biomimicry as
it involves principles
of engineering and
biology – two fields
that rarely crossed
paths successfully
until recently.
tremendously to the advancement
of engineering.
See, nature has been around for
much longer than we could
fathom, improving processes,
innovating elements and perfecting
systems that have led to the natural
ecosystem we live in today.
Naturally, it makes sense to find
inspiration in the same
developmental process when it
comes to engineering and even
education.
In school, design exercises that
involve biomimicry provide a
more practical and participative
structure in solving problems and
completing tasks that require
students to explore and expand
their cognitive functions.
Also known as design challenges,
such exercises encourage students
to pay attention to how the natural
world developed certain systems
or approaches to meet specific
needs. Subsequently, they can
apply the new knowledge in
response to a similar challenge
faced by humans.
A collaborative art
The study of biomimicry usually
goes hand in hand with that of
sustainability, considering that
both aim towards a well-
balanced and well-maintained
ecosystem.
Todays, architects and
engineers are increasingly
working hand in hand to ensure
that building designs are not
only aesthetically pleasing but
eco-friendly as well.
Sustainability in engineering,
more commonly phrased as
sustainable development, is
defined as an economic
development that is conducted
without depleting natural
resources.
One way of implementing
sustainability in engineering is
through innovation.
Innovation comes in many
forms, be it storing energy via
solar panels to generate
electricity at a later time,
designing an underground
motorway that doubles as a flood
irrigation system in the event of
heavy rain, or using the science
behind heat loss prevention in
animals to improve insulation in
human homes.
To cater to individuals
interested in dipping their feet in
this field of knowledge, many
universities offer courses related
to sustainable development up to
the postgraduate level.
For example, the Sustainable
Design MA course offered by the
University of Brighton equips
students to rethink the
parameters of good design in an
unsustainable age.
Students learn to work
alongside experts in ecology,
psychology, design and business
towards becoming an effective
agent of change.
Utrecht University offers the
Bio Inspired Innovation (MSc)
programme, which is aimed at
students with a bachelor’s degree
in science who want to innovate
services, products and
production systems using
biologically inspired design and
science.
These courses focus on
cultivating innovators who take
their lessons from nature.
How far
we’ve come
THERE are various applications
in the world today that were
inspired by biomimicry. Below
are a few in use or being
developed in our biosphere thus
far.
l Quiet like a kingfisher –
When the Japanese high-speed
bullet trains were first
introduced, the trains created
loud noises that sometimes
caused structural damage to the
surroundings, especially when
entering tunnels.
Realising that the rather blunt
rounded nose of the trains was
the cause of the problem,
engineers designed a new nose
that was inspired by the beak of
a kingfisher, which dives into
water creating minimal splash.
l Generating greater energy
– Wind turbines that are
modelled after the bumpy
tubercle fins of humpback
whales generate the same
amount of power at 10 miles
(16.1km) per hour that
conventional turbines generate
at 17 miles (27.4km) per hour.
l Antimicrobial film
mimicking shark skin – The
microscopic dermal denticles
that appear on sharks’ skin help
them fend off microorganisms.
This inspired the US Navy to
develop Sharklet, a material
based on sharks’ skin pattern to
help inhibit marine growth on
ships. Similarly, many hospitals
are using biomimetic shark skin
film to combat cross-
contamination.
l Harvesting water like a
Stenocara beetle – Despite
residing in one of the harshest
environments on the planet – the
African Namib desert – this
beetle has managed to stay
hydrated thanks to a pattern of
nodes along its back that enable
the critter to collect moisture
from the morning fog.
The droplets slide off bumps
into small channels leading to
the beetle’s mouth.
Scholars are currently
studying this beetle to create
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
biomimetic patterns that harvest
water in a similar manner.
l Absorbing shock like a
woodpecker – Researchers at
the University of California,
Berkeley have discovered, with
the help of video footage and CT
scans, that the bird has an
ingenious system in place to
absorb the otherwise skull-
crushing impact and vibration of
pecking on trees.
A semi-elastic beak, an area of
spongy bone material behind the
skull and cerebrospinal fluid
that work in unison to inhibit
vibration and the possibility of
concussion.
With this knowledge, the
researchers are working on a
variety of applications, including
creating more shock-resistant
black boxes and
micrometeoroid-resistant
spaceships.
l The science of blending in
– Squids can camouflage
themselves from predators
thanks to a complex behaviour
produced by a network of
specialised skin cells and
muscles.
Researchers at the University
of Houston have developed a
device based on the same
mechanics, using a flexible
pixelated grid with actuators,
light sensors and reflectors. This
simulated skin could have both
military and commercial
applications in the long run.
l Ventilation systems based
on the architectural prowess
of termites – Even in some of
the hottest places on earth,
termite mounds remain
unrealistically cool inside thanks
to an intricate network of
intentionally created air pockets,
which produce a natural
ventilation system through
convection.
Arup, an engineering firm,
built an entire shopping centre
in Zimbabwe based on this
system, using 10% less energy
than a traditional air-
conditioned facility.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018 3
4 Postgraduate
From economics
to health research
TINA Sidhu, 25, recently graduated
with an MSc Health Research from
the Royal College of Surgeons in
Ireland (RCSI) and Penang Medical
College (PMC), awarded by the
National University of Ireland
(NUI).
Now in Malaysia, she spent the
majority of her years in Auckland,
New Zealand, where she completed
her primary, secondary and initial
tertiary education. She graduated
in 2013 with a Bachelor of
Commerce (Management &
Marketing).
As the only student in her class
from a non-medical/health
background, she chose to study the
RCSI-PMC MSc in Health Research
to switch to a new career.
“Upon returning to Malaysia to
gain exposure and experience, I got
my first job at Philip Morris and
then moved to Millward Brown.
Embarking on my research
associate role at Millward Brown, I
discovered my great passion for
research and analytics,” says Tina.
“It wasn’t long before I decided
that I wanted to hone my skills in
an industry that I personally felt
made an impact – healthcare.
“I think everything fell into place
at the right time because that was
when I came across the MSc Health
Research degree offered by PMC.
That was the beginning of a brand-
new chapter for me.”
I truly believe that
if you find something
you are passionate
about, you will
invest yourself,
your time and effort
wholeheartedly.
Tina Sidhu
She adds, “I truly believe that if
you find something you are
passionate about, you will invest
yourself, your time and effort
wholeheartedly.
“The course did come with its
challenges (which are inevitable in
all cases), but I was excited every
step of the way because I knew it
was leading me to my goal – one
step at a time.
“As the only one from a
different background, I am
fortunate and blessed to have had
the opportunity to study alongside
patient and understanding
classmates. Research requires team
effort and one of the highlights to
me was working cohesively with
my peers.”
As individuals, we are constantly
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
growing and learning more about
ourselves. In the process, our
career preferences may alter as
well.
Tina says to never settle if you
believe you are tailored for
something else – get out there and
carve your own path if you have
to.
Research in child
vaccination
“My main research focus at PMC
was on the influence of the halal
factor on child vaccination in the
Muslim community in northern
Malaysia. Vaccine refusal is
currently a hot topic in Malaysia
and a very important subject
matter because it affects the lives
of our future generations,” Tina Sidhu (right) with her
continues Tina. classmate Dr Ng Yin Ping.
“Although the media may
have portrayed that those in
rural communities are refusing
vaccines, it was quite the contrary
in my study. The prevalence of media/social media. Research is a part-time programme
child vaccination was around 95% “I think that joining this course open to Malaysians looking to
in the community surveyed and was the best decision I have made further their research capabilities
they had positive attitudes towards thus far because it has led me one or switch to a career in academics,
vaccines. step closer to achieving my career health or research. The fifth
“Learning from this study, I goals. It opened doors to a myriad annual intake is open with very
believe that a follow-up study of opportunities within the limited seats available.
should be done on the urban pharmaceutical, medical device
population in Malaysia, as they and research industry.” n For more information, visit
have a higher exposure to The RCSI-PMC MSc in Health www.pmc.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
Discussing
healthcare
advancement
THE quest to provide healthcare
as a basic human right is often
beset by myriad challenges such
as the issue of affordability,
increasing efficiency and
productivity, and finding ways to
reduce waiting time.
Efforts are being made all
over the world to address these
issues and, to a certain extent,
alleviate the problems faced by
the healthcare industry.
The inaugural Healthcare
Conference 2017, titled
“Improving Health and Social
Care Management in Malaysia:
Learning from Global
Experience”, was held at
Monash University Malaysia.
The conference brought
together the brightest minds in
their respective fields to speak
and network with each other in
hopes of creating synergies that
would help the healthcare
industry.
In his welcoming remarks,
Healthcare Conference 2017’s
chair Prof Amrik Sohal of
Monash University lauded the
speakers for their presence to
deliver ideas and experiences.
“We have picked the best.
These are speakers who have
been engaged in research,
looking at the health sectors in
the United Kingdom, Australia
and other parts of the world.
“They have been leading
major research projects, so
they have considerable
knowledge and experience to
share with us today. We have
held this type of events in
Melbourne and other parts of
the world,” he said.
Prof Amrik set the scene for
the day, laying out the agenda
for the conference and briefly
sharing some statistics of
healthcare expenditure around
the world.
“Practitioners and
policymakers will dig deep into
what the challenges are for
health systems around the world
today. There are unique
differences between the public
and private sectors, but we do
share common challenges.
“Providing good healthcare
costs a lot of money and we
cannot keep pumping more
money into the health system. In
Malaysia, healthcare
expenditure is 4.8% of the GDP,
Postgraduate 5
compared with 9% to 10% in
Australia and 16% in the United
States. Funding healthcare at a
high cost is a humongous
challenge,” he explained.
Prof John Benson, head of
school of the School of Business
at Monash University Malaysia,
lamented the vagaries of
industrialisation.
“We know that as countries
industrialise, demands for the
latest healthcare technology,
drugs and medical treatment
will increase dramatically. We
also know that as countries
industrialise, the population
ages.
“As people live longer, they
demand more from healthcare
services. This coupled with the
increased cost of healthcare and
lack of skills in the field leads to
pricing stress.”
Prof Benson shared his
concerns about financing the
healthcare sector as costs
skyrocket.
“How does a society pay for
healthcare and what
contribution will be expected
from individuals such as the
younger generation? Are they
going to carry the cost of
financing these expenses?” he
asked.
The advent of the
technological age has brought
about significant improvements
in healthcare services, with
better drugs and equipment.
However, these are not without
any challenges.
“How will patients adapt to
new technology and will they
have inflated expectations? As
an economist, I am always
worried about how society can
have access to quality healthcare
system,” he added.
Tan Sri Datuk Dr Abu Bakar
Suleiman, chairman of IHH
Healthcare Bhd and president
of IMU Group, stressed the
importance of having healthcare
be seen as not just the
responsibility of the government
or healthcare providers.
He said it is absolutely
imperative that people start
practising a healthy lifestyle and
take charge of their health.
n For more information on the
various areas of research, visit
www.monash.edu.my/research
6 Postgraduate
IMU's Master of Science in Molecular Medicine equips graduates for careers in medically focused
biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Understanding
molecular medicine
INTERNATIONAL Medical University’s (IMU)
Master of Science in Molecular Medicine
programme caters to medical or basic
sciences graduates seeking advanced
training in cellular and molecular biology,
genetics, and drug development and
treatment.
The programme prepares students for
career opportunities in medically focused
biopharmaceutical and biotechnology
industries. It equips them with enhanced
skills to carry out research at a higher level
in related fields.
The coursework is conducted in an
engaging environment to stimulate learning.
Comprehensive laboratory-based training is
also provided in the form of a hypothesis-
driven and disease-oriented research
project.
Additionally, flexible delivery in the form
of online learning and weekend classes gives
adult students the opportunity for career
progression through skills upgrade and
knowledge update.
Since its inauguration in 2012, the
programme has attracted students from
diverse backgrounds, including medical
practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, research
and development scientists, laboratory
technologists and dietitians.
Among them is Mohd Fadzly Shaharuddin,
a scientific officer at the histopathology
laboratory of Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s
Department of Pathology who recently
graduated with distinction from the
programme.
“Molecular testing for solid tumour is a
new service in my laboratory. We started
with in-situ hybridisation (ISH) testing for
breast cancer biopsy in 2010 and will soon
be focusing on other types of solid tumour
such as neuroblastoma, lung cancer, soft
tissue tumour, brain tumour and
lymphoma,” he says.
“Currently, the histopathology laboratory
in Hospital Kuala Lumpur is the only centre
under the Health Ministry to offer ISH
testing for solid tumours. The management
is planning to embark on more molecular
testing, including genetic biomarker testing
for colorectal and lung cancer.
“As a scientific officer, I think it is
imperative for me to gain more insight into
the molecular basis of cancer and stay
abreast of the latest advancement in the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Both are
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
important for me to appreciate my job and
improve current practices and services
offered by the laboratory.”
Mohd Fadzly’s general role is overseeing
the daily operations of the laboratory – both
instrument and certified laboratory testing.
Specifically, he performs quality control
on histopathology slides, troubleshoots for
error in instruments, carries out
immunohistochemistry testing for all types
of solid tumour, and conducts molecular
testing such as ISH for HER2 gene in breast
cancer patients and EBER RNA for Epstein-
Barr virus infection.
In addition, he is involved in the external
quality assessment for technical evaluation
of the laboratory test.
“Overall, I think the curriculum of the
programme is well designed. In particular,
the student-centred learning approach
allowed me to be more independent and
helped build my confidence.
“Besides that, the online session, which
enables students to discuss and
communicate with peers and lecturer
without the restriction of venue and time, is
very useful, especially for a working adult
like me,” says Mohd Fadzly.
He adds, “Having a higher degree would
definitely help in career progression. Aside
from that, I have learnt a lot from this
programme. For instance, I now have a
better understanding of the molecular basis
of diseases and the molecular pathway
involved in cancer.
“In addition, I am aware of the current
development in stem cell technology and the
application of the approach in disease
management and treatment.
“Only after joining this programme did I
start to appreciate the contribution of
individual variability in lifestyle, genes and
environment to diseases. As such, I strongly
believe that precision medicine is the future
of healthcare.”
IMU offers other postgraduate
programmes, including taught MSc in Public
Health, MSc in Analytical & Pharmaceutical
Chemistry, Master of Pharmacy Practice,
Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry,
Master of Health Professions Education, and
MSc and PhD by research programmes.
n For more information, call 03-2731 7272,
e-mail postgraduate@imu.edu.my or visit
www.imu.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
Making safety
a career
THE demand for individuals
certified in occupational health
and safety (OHS) is growing
steadily to ensure a safe and
healthy working environment
involving 570,000 employers and
a workforce of 14.7 million.
However, many individuals who
want to get certified in this field
cannot do so as they are not at
liberty to pursue a full-time course
due to other obligations and
responsibilities.
In this aspect, those who enrol in
the Master of Occupational Safety
and Health Risk Management
(MOSHRM) offered at Open
University Malaysia (OUM) will be
pleased with the course structure.
MOSHRM’s programme director
Suhaila Abdul Hamid says that the
course is flexible yet robust, which
is most appealing to working adults
who want to advance their
academic qualifications without
taking time away from their
careers or families.
“Our master’s programme is
designed in a way that I would call
unique. We are integrating
occupational safety and health
with risk management,” she says.
MOSHRM includes
comprehensive study in the areas
of management systems, risk
management, OSH legislations, six
sigma, occupational safety,
occupational health, occupational
hygiene, ergonomics and security
management.
The capstone for the master’s
programme is a work-related
research project at the end of the
study.
Tackling ignorance
“Every day, we face uncertainty
in our personal and professional
lives. Risk management helps us
break down potentially risky
instances through analytical
assessment,” says Suhaila.
In addition, risk management
plays a significant role in
determining the success and
failure of an organisation. It is a
key component to sustain robust
economic growth.
The Malaysian Government –
through its Occupational Safety
and Health Master Plan (OSHMP)
2016-2020 – aims to inculcate a safe
and healthy work culture at
workplaces through OSH
ownership, self-regulation and a
preventative culture.
The OSHMP 2016-2020 has set
targets to reduce the accident rate
Khairul
Asman.
Postgraduate 7
his capacity as an expert OSH safety and health field, the tools with global changes for successful
practitioner. to solve complex OSH problems career advancement through
and the means to conduct lifelong learning.”
Producing capable research that adheres to legal,
ethical and professional codes of
The MOSHRM programme at
OUM is fully accredited by the
professionals practice. Malaysian Qualifications Agency
“They will also be able to and recognised by the Public Service
Suhaila Abdul Hamid. According to Suhaila, “The demonstrate leadership qualities Department.
programme’s educational objectives through communicating and
are to provide students with an working effectively with peers and n For more information, visit
The OSHMP
in-depth understanding of the stakeholders and keep up to date www.oum.edu.my
2016-2020
is expected
to support
the National
Transformation
Programme
and Eleventh
Malaysia
Plan, which
ultimately leads
to a risk-free,
economically
sound
Malaysia.
to 2.51 per 1,000 workers and
the fatal accident rate to 4.53
per 100,000 workers.
Last year, Malaysia was
rated 76 on a scale of zero to
100, 100 being the best, in the
UL Safety Index by
Underwriters Laboratories, a
global independent safety
science company. The score
shows that Malaysia is on the
right track in upholding a
safe and healthy work
culture.
“The master plan is
expected to support the
National Transformation
Programme and Eleventh
Malaysia Plan, which
ultimately leads to a risk-free,
economically sound
Malaysia,” adds Suhaila.
Shifting perspectives
Khairul Asman, a MOSHRM
student at OUM, expresses his
support for the programme in
promoting a culture of safety
and health among
Malaysians.
“Take the simple example
of requiring people to fasten
their seatbelts in vehicles.
Do they wear them for their
own safety or to avoid
being fined by authorities?
“This is an attitude I
would be fully committed
to changing as I believe
once it changes, we will
begin to see real progress,”
says Khairul, who aspires
to be a safety consultant
and a lecturer in the field in
8 Postgraduate
Opportunities abound for graduates
AN MBA is a much sought-after programme
by many who wish to take their career to the
next level. Factors such as economic
globalisation and a challenging economic
environment have contributed substantially
to its increasing significance.
While working experience offers essential
skills and knowledge, an MBA programme
relevant to one’s industry sharpens
managerial and soft skills necessary at the
management level.
A university of educational excellence
with transformative societal impact,
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR)
Faculty of Accountancy and Management
(FAM) offers the Master of Business
Administration, Master of Business
Administration (Building Management) and
Master of Business Administration
(Corporate Governance).
The faculty focuses on preparing
graduates for professional practice with a
balance between theoretical and practical
education.
According to head of programme Dr Pok
Wei Fong, UTAR FAM’s MBA programmes
equip students with specialised knowledge,
techniques and practices in many areas of
today’s global business environment,
including a wide range of management
issues.
“As part of the university’s vision and
mission, the programmes provide candidates
with a balance of theoretical and
experiential learning, enabling them to
develop business and leadership skills and
an appreciation of good management
practices in a challenging and turbulent
globalised world,” she says.
Yuan Bing, a UTAR MBA graduate from
China, enthuses, “Case studies,
business presentations and other
aspects of the curriculum in
UTAR’s MBA programme helped
me develop critical and
analytical thinking. These
skills are essential in
managing business issues
and decision-making.”
For students from
non-business
backgrounds, earning
an MBA degree
increases practical
knowledge in
business
administration.
The skills acquired
are transferable to
other roles, as
evidenced by the MBA’s
strong representation in
other sectors such as fast-paced consumer
goods, healthcare, the public sector, finance
and consulting.
The skill sets taught in an MBA
programme provide you with hands-on
training for dealing with real business
problems. In addition, it enhances soft
skills such as leadership, cross-cultural
understanding and teamwork, which are
important characteristics in business
leaders.
FAM’s programmes are recognised and
accredited by the Malaysian Government,
professional bodies and supported by the
industry.
To safeguard the programmes’ quality and
excellence, external examiners from
renowned universities overseas are roped in
to ensure the examination questions are on
par with those of the universities.
External examiners also review all aspects
of programmes to ensure they are kept
abreast of latest trends and developments in
the industry.
An MBA is ideal for those who are looking
Putting green
energy to good use
MALAYSIA is truly a blessed country that has
an abundance of natural resources. The bad
news is that we depend heavily on non-
renewable natural resources such as
petroleum and coal for everything from
generating electricity to sustaining
industries.
In addition, the usage of these resources
produces harmful gases that pollute the
environment and contribute to global
warming and health problems.
This is where renewable, clean energy
such as biomass, solar and hydropower
energy come into play.
Renewable energy sources are usually
cost-effective in the long run, independent of
non-renewable resources and generate
minimal, non-pollutant waste.
With the Earth’s polar ice caps melting
and sea levels rising at an alarming rate,
humans should consider these signs a
wake-up call from nature.
Combating global warming and pollution
is a worldwide effort. As a developing
country, where does Malaysia stand in green
energy development and application?
Power from plants
Many countries, including Malaysia,
regard the oil palm as their main economic
plant. Malaysia is the world’s second largest
manufacturer and exporter of palm oil,
having contributed 32.6% of the total global
supply in 2016.
Malaysia is a country with myriad
agricultural activities, generating plenty of
biomass feedstock in return and making our
country one of the best candidates to
promote the use of biomass energy sources
in.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
UTAR FAM’s MBA programmes
provide students with hands-on
training to deal with real business
problems.
forward to improve themselves in handling
the myriad challenges of holding leadership
positions and seeking strategic solutions. All
MBA programmes in UTAR are available in
either full-time or part-time mode.
UTAR was awarded self-accreditation
status by the Malaysian Qualifications
Agency last year and is ranked 501th-600th
in the Times Higher Education World
University Rankings 2018.
UTAR’s Open Day will be held on March 24
and 25 at the Sungai Long campus and
March 24 and 25 at the Kampar Campus. It is
offering extended counselling hours at both
campuses daily from 9am to 5pm (excluding
public holidays).
Additionally, its Postgraduate and
Professional Development Day (PPDD) will
be held on March 24 (Sungai Long campus)
and March 31 (Kampar campus) from 9am
to 5pm.
n For more information on PPDD,
visit study.utar.edu.my
Although its potential is not yet optimised
(energy generation from biomass involves
combustion, which releases pollutants into
the environment if unregulated), an
intensive use of biomass energy to replace
that of non-renewable natural resources can
significantly improve the condition of the
environment.
Biomass as a renewable energy source
will be able to serve as a better alternative
and help decrease dependency on non-
renewable energy.
However, to make the most of biomass
energy, it will require more advanced
research and technological development to
produce biofuel of better, more sustainable
quality.
Letting clean energy shine
Solar power is an ideal alternative energy
source for a tropical country like Malaysia
located in the equatorial region.
Our country is the third largest producer
of photovoltaic cells and modules used for
solar panels after China and Taiwan.
Malaysia is also the largest supplier of solar
cells and modules to the United States.
This renewable energy is not only almost
waste-free but is also able to help the
country economically.
This almost waste-free renewable energy
source has recently inspired increased
interest and acceptance among the
Malaysian public, with the Government
taking various steps to educate, encourage
and urge the public on usage and advantages
of solar power such as establishing the Feed-
in Tariff programme.
> TURN TO PAGE 10
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
(From left) Prof Graham Kendall, UPM’s vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Aini Ideris, Sultan of
Selangor Sharafuddin Idris Shah, University of Nottingham’s vice-chancellor Prof Shearer West
and University of Nottingham’s pro-vice-chancellor for global engagement Prof Nick Miles.
More than a walk
across the stage
GRADUATION is a significant event for any
university student. As you walk across the
stage, it symbolises the transition from
graduand to graduate.
We all recognise the hard work invested
that gives graduands the right to make that
short walk, shake the vice-chancellor’s hand
and receive their scroll.
The walk may take less than 20 seconds,
but it is the culmination of years of hard
work and, in many cases, stress, worry and
fear that this day would never arrive.
A degree from one of the world’s leading
institutions provides an excellent platform
for graduates to kick-start their career and
ambitions. Indeed, a common feature of
speeches delivered at our graduation
ceremonies is about how education can
transform lives.
Having not started my studies until I was
35 years old and now being in the privileged
position of leading the University of
Nottingham Malaysia, I am a testament to
that, and not a day goes by when I do not
reflect on how education transformed my
life and career.
However, graduation ceremonies are not
just about handing over certificates, they
also enable a university to do many other
things.
Not least of all, the university is able to
present itself in a more formal way. The
academic staff dress in robes representing
the institution that awarded their highest
degree. Our professional services staff also
wear robes to add to the grandeur of the
occasion.
The people leading the ceremony, typically
the vice-chancellor, provost and pro-vice
chancellors, wear black and gold to signify
the leading role they play.
Graduation also provides the opportunity
for words of advice to be given to the new
graduates. These are often given by those
leading the ceremony but, at Nottingham, we
also ask a member of our alumni or one of
the fresh graduates to address the
congregation.
We encourage them to speak openly and
honestly but offer words of gratitude where
they are warranted.
At our February graduation ceremonies,
we were delighted that Wong Ee Phin and
Ng Zheng Yu were gracious enough to
address the congregation on behalf of all
who were graduating.
Postgraduate 9
We are always surprised that our chosen
speakers invariably deliver their speeches
with passion and aplomb, and Ng and Wong
were no exception. Both are to be
congratulated on delivering speeches that
will remain in the memory of the
congregation for a long time.
At graduation ceremonies, we also offer
honorary awards to luminaries we wish to
honour for having served the university,
higher education sector or wider community.
The nomination and selection for these
significant awards undergo a robust
university process to ensure that the person
is “eminently worthy” – as we say in the
oration when presenting the honorary
recipient to the congregation – of an
honorary doctorate from the University of
Nottingham.
At the February graduation ceremony, we
were delighted that His Royal Highness
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni
Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz
Shah Alhaj of Selangor accepted an honorary
doctorate.
Nottingham has been operating in
Malaysia for almost 20 years and we are
located in the state over which the Sultan
rules. The university wanted to recognise
this as well as the 60th anniversary of the
country’s independence from the United
Kingdom last year.
It was a privilege to have the Sultan visit
our campus. We were also delighted to
welcome Universiti Putra Malaysia’s vice-
chancellor Prof Datin Paduka Datuk Dr Aini
Ideris, who was invited by the Sultan.
Graduation ceremonies are primarily
about celebrating the success of our
graduates, but they also offer the
opportunity for the university to show off a
little, and we enjoy doing that.
n Prof Graham Kendall is the chief executive
officer, provost and pro-vice-chancellor of
the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
10 Postgraduate
Invest in flexible learning
ASIA e University (AeU), understands that
having to balance work, life and study can
be a stressful and perplexing predicament.
The thought of studying while managing the
demands of work and family can appear
daunting but AeU has made it possible for
the masses who aspire to pursue higher
education.
That is why AeU has developed an online
learning platform that fits your study plan
around you and your lifestyle. You can
invest in the future of flexible learning at
AeU in the most cost-effective way.
Ho Ken Fatt, who graduated from AeU’s
Master of Business Administration
programme last year and received three
prestigious awards of excellence from AeU
(Chairman’s Award, Mahani Zainal Abidin
Award and Best Student in the School of
Management Award), knows the truth of this
valuable experience all too well.
Juggling act
Ho, managing director of Infinity Power
Resources and founder of eMarketingTrain.
com, has run a diversified portfolio of
businesses since 1997. He currently owns an
online business dealing in Internet purchase
platforms.
His first position was at CNI Enterprise as
a network marketer and distribution centre
operator. From 2010 to 2014, he was
involved in a multitude of businesses in
wealth planning, restaurant management
and furniture trading. With varied work and
family commitments, he was amazed he
could still resolve his many challenges and
graduate with an MBA degree.
Ho paced himself and engaged with AeU’s
online community. When he was considering
his postgraduate study options, flexibility of
the course and extensive learning resources
were important criteria.
“In January 2016, after having achieved a
Google Adwords certification, I decided to
enrol in AeU’s MBA course and chose
entrepreneurship as my specialisation,
mainly to strengthen my business knowledge
and repertoire of essential skills to
supplement real-life business experiences.
“AeU was my preferred university because
of its affordability, the quality of its
programmes and its internationally
benchmarked standards that are approved
and recognised by the Higher Education
Ministry.
“I enjoyed AeU’s flexible mode of learning,
which gave me the opportunity to complete
subjects at my own pace and allowed me to
study anywhere and at any time without
giving up my own business and quality time
with my family,” says Ho.
Overcoming challenges
Proper time management and
prioritisation played a crucial role in helping
Ho successfully juggle his commitments.
“AeU’s mode of learning using the My
Personalised Learning Space online platform
was interesting, applicable and gave me
valuable learning experience. Effective time
management helped me strike a balance
between my expectations and learning
outcomes. Having my children fall sick,
taking time off work to bring them to the
doctor and caring for them would result in
me returning to an increased accumulated
workload at the office. Sometimes, it affected
my ability to catch up on study requirements
for the week.
“It was difficult at first. Managing work-
related matters and family obligations while
studying was a real challenge but I
eventually learnt to prioritise, plan and
complete my assignments while making sure
that I spent time with my family.
“My supportive wife, Cheong Pei Leng,
was able to help me manage my business
and take care of our children during my
MBA programme, allowing me to focus on
my studies. I am thankful to her for being
my pillar of strength and motivating me
during my course of study,” he says.
Alternative energy sources
> FROM PAGE 8
However, one of the factors hindering the
mass usage of solar panels is the high
installation cost. Putting a solar panel on
your roof will set you back at least RM30,000
despite our country being one of the biggest
producers of solar panel in the world.
For now, the privilege of using solar
energy is reserved for large companies and
upper- and upper-middle-class families
who can afford it. The mass usage and
availability of solar energy cannot be
realised until there is sufficient demand
and subsequent cost reductions.
Let the river run
Our country has dipped its toes into the
hydropower industry long ago with our first
dam having been constructed in 1939 – the
Chenderoh Power Station in Perak.
Although development of local
hydropower generation was slow due to the
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
AeU was my preferred
university because of
its affordability, the
quality of its programmes
and its internationally
benchmarked standards
that are approved and
recognised by the Higher
Education Ministry.
Ho Ken Fatt
Realising goals and dreams
“My dream came true when I managed to
graduate after just two years of study. I was
happy and honoured to bag three awards at
AeU’s convocation last year. My dream
would not have become a reality without the
encouragement of my family who were very
supportive of my academic endeavor.
“I sometimes have this nagging feeling
that I may have neglected them but their
reassurance and constant support put me at
ease. I would like to express my sincere
thanks to AeU for giving me the opportunity
to succeed and providing professional
facilitators such as Dr Oo Yu Hock who
motivated me to be resolute in completing
my MBA. His professional guidance will be
remembered always,” says Ho.
AeU was rated 4 Star: Very Good in last
year’s Rating for Higher Education
Institutions in Malaysia. It emerged as the
top institution among other Open and
Distance Learning universities.
Today, AeU has a diverse and robust
international community of more than
29,000 students from 84 countries and
alumni about 15,000 strong.
Admission into AeU’s postgraduate
programmes is through regular registration
or the more flexible Accreditation of Prior
Experiential Learning (APEL) entry, which
accepts candidates who wish to pursue
tertiary education even when they do not
meet the minimum education level
stipulated in regular entry requirements.
APEL candidates are assessed based on
prior learning experience acquired through
formal or informal training and work
experience that compensates for lack of
paper qualification.
Registration for AeU’s May intake
is now open. You can apply online at
www.aeu.edu.my.
n For more information, call 1300 300 238
or e-mail enquiries@aeu.edu.my
Second World War and the drop in oil prices
until the mid-1970s, many more dams were
built as the Government realised the
importance of alternative clean energy.
Constructing dams could be expensive
depending on size but it is extremely
enduring and advantageous in the long run.
This is because it requires a considerably
smaller operating cost than conventional
electricity generation means and does not
release harmful gases into the environment.
Our current progress
As a developing country, there is still room
for improvement, but we must also
acknowledge that Malaysia is one of the
leading countries in South-East Asia in green
energy development and application.
Rome was not built in a day. To completely
switch to using renewable energy will take a
lot of time, energy and effort from every
stakeholder, but it is an endeavour that is
not impossible.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
Stay ahead of
the competition
GETTING recognition for on-the-job learning
to gain entry to university is nothing new in
developed countries such as the United
States, Canada, the United Kingdom and
Australia.
It is common for the youth in these
countries to enter the job market right after
high school. Many of them, however, later
pursue university qualifications using the
knowledge and skills acquired at the
workplace.
Malaysia is no exception. An increasing
number of people without tertiary
education, particularly working adults, are
returning to school to earn university
credentials to climb the corporate ladder, get
promotions or simply for self-satisfaction.
This is largely due to the accreditation of
prior experiential learning that serves as an
incentive for working adults to keep
learning.
Working adults in Malaysia now have the
option of going to university and earning a
degree very much later in life.
This is the beauty of lifelong learning,
where a person can pursue higher education
at any point of their life, at their own pace.
As an approved Accreditation of Prior
Learning (APEL) Assessment Centre, Open
University Malaysia (OUM) conducts
assessment for both admission and credit
transfer, which go by the acronyms APEL (A)
and APEL (C) respectively.
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency
promotes APEL as an alternative pathway
for working people to earn degrees by
validating their prior learning or work
experience.
Those who are working can now use their
workplace knowledge to pursue
programmes related to what they are doing
and shorten their study period through
credit transfer.
As an incentive, those who sit for the APEL
assessment for the first time at OUM are
given fee waiver provided they pursue their
studies at the university. Normally,
candidates pay RM370 for the assessment.
Besides flexibility in terms of entry
requirements, OUM adopts a blended
approach to learning that combines
traditional face-to-face interactions with
online learning.
This provides learners with the best of
both worlds – guidance in an actual
classroom and the flexibility of self-paced
learning through online learning methods.
In a way, it gives learners choices in how,
where and when they want to study.
The only way for people to remain
With Accreditation of Prior Learning, working adults have the opportunity to pursue tertiary
education to advance their careers.
Postgraduate 11
PROF
DATUK
DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
Besides flexibility
in terms of entry
requirements, OUM adopts
a blended approach to
learning that combines
traditional face-to-face
interactions with online
learning.
competitive in the ever-changing world of
business is through lifelong learning.
Learning allows one to stay current on
trends and new knowledge. The market and
economy are changing at a fast pace, which
means that those interested in career
development need to be able to keep up.
This is especially important because job
requirements are constantly changing due to
the emergence of new technology.
It is predicted that by 2020, more than 60%
of jobs will require post-secondary
education. This means that people without
degrees will have a tough time getting a job.
Even professionals are beginning to realise
that having a bachelor’s degree is no longer
sufficient. This is because the knowledge
gained while studying may be obsolete by
the time they begin their career.
The only way to move forward is to
continue educating yourself throughout your
career. Besides equipping you with the
necessary skills and knowledge, lifelong
learning helps keep you ahead of the
competition.
As Malaysia moves towards becoming a
high-income nation, beefing up the skills of
the local workforce is truly important and
this can be achieved when everyone
embraces the culture of lifelong learning.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is the
president and vice-chancellor of OUM.
12 Postgraduate
MANAGEMENT & Science
University (MSU) is one of
Malaysia’s top universities, with a
focus on developing and delivering
quality human capital in the areas
of business management, health
sciences, pharmacy, information
sciences, engineering, education
and social sciences.
MSU prioritises quality
education and creative teaching
methodologies to produce quality
and holistic graduates.
Its Graduate School of
Management (GSM) recognises that
today’s global companies require
managers with a broader outlook.
Therefore, the university attracts
top students through its
internationalisation effort of
employing faculty members with
overseas experience and forming
effective links with businesses.
The Master in Business
Administration by MSU (MSU-MBA)
offers students an experiential
learning opportunity in cross-
cultural communications, building
a global network and the
possibility of an international
career.
In addition, students have the
opportunities to develop
management skills and techniques,
obtain strategic orientation and
implement the strategies
formulated.
The MSU-MBA programme helps
students develop skills in
leadership, entrepreneurship,
strategic management and
decision-making so that they
become successful leaders in their
area and entrepreneurial thinkers
in the most competitive markets.
The programme provides
sufficient knowledge for students
to understand the various facets of
an organisation to formulate
successful strategies. It also instils
confidence in them.
Active learning exercises within
the programme act as a basis for
verbal analysis and discussion,
Generating funding for new start-ups
EVERY entrepreneur’s journey
starts at ground zero. As Lao Tzu
said, “A journey of a thousand
miles begins with a single step”.
As an entrepreneur is essentially
a problem-solver, problem-solving
skills are vital in starting a
business. By always looking for
fresh perspectives to traditional
problems – often through the
experiences of others – start-ups
are making inroads into existing
businesses.
Besides problem-solving,
obtaining funding is also a critical
aspect of starting a small business.
In fact, many businesses failed to
take off due to lack of capital.
A start-up may progress through
a few stages of funding: Seed,
Series A, Series B, Series C and
initial public offering (IPO).
The success of getting funding
depends largely on the business
plan, the company’s track record
and its founders’ drive. A pitch to
investors includes a solid business
plan with scalability and growth
projections.
Bootstrapping entrepreneurs
need to scale the growth ladder
cautiously. This is because the
more capital raised, the more
equities are given away.
The Seed stage is when a
founder receives some funding
from friends or family members.
At this stage, investors are taking
the risk of putting their money into
projects that may not yield profits
in the near future.
Series A is when the start-up has
its first substantial round of
funding. When the investor is a
Building human capital
At MSU, the combined approaches of 21st century learning and industry-driven education have built strong
traditions that enhance current and future pools of human capital.
allowing for a rich learning
environment through the
integration of the classroom with
real-world experiences.
These exercises broaden
students’ understanding of
issues by inviting them to think
beyond their text materials.
New terms and concepts are
defined in the margins to facilitate
learning.
Professors of the MSU-MBA are
accomplished educators who have
made significant contributions to
venture capital firm, funds may be
provided in an agreed exchange
for equity or a combination of
equity and convertible debt.
At Series B, the company’s
product or service has already
entered the market and the
company is earning a stable profit.
It signifies an increase in valuation
as well as access to different
sources of funding due to
heightened overall interest in the
start-up. Funding is used for
scaling up and capturing market
shares.
By Series C funding, the
significantly mature and
the business world, both as
academics and working
professionals.
They conduct research and have
published articles across a broad
range of business and professional
areas.
They have also taught university-
level business courses abroad, thus
bringing their rich multicultural
experience to Malaysia.
Apart from the MBA programme,
GSM offers PhD and master’s
programmes in a variety of fields,
sustainable company has to
convince investors that funding
will be needed to make the
business appealing for acquisition
or to support an IPO.
A company reaches the IPO stage
when it has transitioned from a
private entity to a public one by
selling shares to the public. It is a
means to raise large sums of
money in a short time.
Another funding medium is
crowdfunding, where investors
part with relatively low amounts
of capital. Rewards-based
crowdfunding is a growing
trend of obtaining funding
including management/business,
accounting/finance, management,
educational management
and leadership, education
(Teaching English as Second
Language), international business,
fashion business, international
hospitality and tourism
management and early childhood
education.
These programmes are offered
as weekend or weekday classes
with flexible time frames.
MSU has been rated twice as an
The growing
presence of
start-ups
proves the
need for a new
breed of
entrepreneurs.
via the Internet.
For example, Kickstarter and
Indiegogo are platforms that allow
small-scale investors to contribute
to a cause or innovation and
receive a promised reward later –
more often than not the product
they funded itself.
The founders of the Pebble
smartwatch have used Kickstarter
to market their product to the
masses, successfully leveraging
bloggers and a media partner to
spread the word of their venture.
On the other hand, equity
crowdfunding involves investors
contributing larger amounts of
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
MSU prioritises
quality education
and creative teaching
methodologies to
produce quality and
holistic graduates.
Excellent-status university in the
Rating for Higher Education
Institutions in Malaysia (Setara)
and the most entrepreneurial
university of 2016 by the Higher
Education Ministry.
The QS World University
Rankings 2016 awarded the
university five stars for its
teaching, graduate employability,
facilities, social responsibility and
inclusiveness.
In the QS Asia University
Rankings, MSU is ranked 217th and
among the top 1.8% of universities
in the rankings.
The award-winning home-grown
study programmes of the
university meet stringent
standards set by both local and
international bodies.
Accreditors include the
Malaysian Qualifications Agency,
the United Kingdom’s Accreditation
Services for International Colleges,
and Japan’s Alliance on Business
Education and Scholarship for
Tomorrow.
n For more information, call
03-2718 4302/4300/4301, e-mail
gsm@msu.edu.my or visit
www.msu.edu.my
funds towards business ideas in
return for equity in the business
itself.
According to a recent Reuters
report, start-ups with connections
have a much higher chance of
being funded as investors are less
willing to invest in a stranger.
Still, start-ups require both
connections and talent to keep
them afloat. A business with an
authentic purpose energises start-
up founders and executives to
persist in seeing a project or
business through.
As technology has significantly
transformed the practices and
perimeters of our industry, we can
imagine the phenomenal impact
business analytics, blockchain-
powered cryptocurrency, artificial
intelligence, sharing economy and
other advances will undoubtedly
have on future businesses.
The landscape of the Internet
has changed so much that many
business models may no longer
work.
At the same time, this has
created countless possibilities for
start-ups, and students of Victoria
University (VU) master’s
programmes at Sunway College KL
are privileged to use the Sunway
iLabs to develop their student start-
ups. – By Dr Hendry Ng, director
of VU postgraduate programmes
– Master of Business
Administration and Master of
Business (Enterprise Resource
Planning Systems)
n For more information, e-mail
hendryng@sunway.edu.my