THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

special

COURSE FOCUS
BUSINESS, ACCOUNTING & FINANCE

Plan your career

in commerce

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

2 course focus

ISLAMIC finance is a financial

system that operates widely in the
Muslim world based on syariah
principles of law. It includes types
of investments that are permissible
under this form of law.
Similar to the conventional
financial systems, Islamic finance
is part of banking systems, capital
markets, fund management,
investment and insurance
companies all over the world.
The major differences between
Islamic finance and conventional
banking are the four elements that
are forbidden in syariah riba
(interest), gharar (uncertainty),
maysir (gambling) and zulm
(injustice).

Why study it?

Islamic finance is now reaching
the pinnacle of its growth in the
banking and finance markets.
The economic maturity of
Islamic countries in the Middle
East and South-East Asia has
helped this growth and created a
rich market for professionals who
are well-versed in the intricacies
of Islamic finance.
Currently, Malaysia is the
third largest Islamic finance
hub in the world after the
United Kingdom and United
Arab Emirates.
Therefore, there are many
opportunities in the country for
graduates, especially those who
go on to specialise in this study
area after obtaining their
bachelors degree.

Great opportunities
in Islamic finance
What to know?

One of the biggest

misconceptions about Islamic
finance is that it is only for
Muslims.
Just as anyone can trust
their investments to the syariah
system, anyone can become an
expert in it.
After graduating with a
bachelors degree, you can
obtain a professional qualification
from one of a few bodies such
as the Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants or the
International Centre for Education
in Islamic Finance (INCEIF).
Private institution

Where to study?

Asia Pacific University (APU)

LimKokWing University
Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)
UCSI University

A number of private and public

institutions in Malaysia offer
bachelors degree programmes in
Islamic finance.

Job prospects
Based on a report by the Finance
Accreditation Agency (FAA) in the
Talent Development Survey 2014,
79% of people who are currently

working in the Islamic finance

industry claim that the existing
workforce is unable to meet the
needs of the industry.
Therefore, there is an urgency to
increase the supply in the market
across a range of careers.

Public institution

Course offered
Bachelor in Islamic Banking and Finance (Hons)
Bachelor (Hons) in Islamic Finance and Banking
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Islamic Finance
BBA (Hons) Islamic Banking and Finance
Course(s) offered

International Islamic University

Malaysia (IIUM)

Bachelor of Science (Islamic Finance) (Hons)

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

Bachelor of Islamic Finance and Banking with Honours

BIFB (Hons) with Professional Qualification

Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin

Bachelor of Business Administration

(Risk Management & Takaful) (Hons)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Islamic Finance) (Hons)

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 3

Grooming business leaders

LAST month, Advance Tertiary
College (ATC) School of Business
and Management organised a twoday, one-night leadership and
team-building camp at Nur Eco
Resort to enhance the overall study
experience of ATC Business School
students.
The challenges and teambuilding activities organised for the
students of the Business Schools
certificate and diploma
programmes were specifically
designed to groom potential
business leaders to be mentally
and physically resilient.
The group of 26 students took on
various outdoor and indoor
challenges with great success,
enhancing their survival,
communication, networking, time
management and personal
leadership skills.
The students also completed
obstacle challenges, treasure hunts,
wall climbing, repelling, and
participated in night performances
and multiple group contests.
Through the various reflective
thinking exercises conducted,
students learnt to overcome many
of their fears.
These exercises also taught them
how to be selfless and to work as a
team. More importantly, the
experience created a deeper bond
with their peers and lecturers.

Upon graduating,
students at Advance
Tertiary College are
equipped with the
necessary practical
skills to face the
challenges of the
business world.

ATCs School of Business and

Management offers widely
recognised and comprehensive
business programmes that equip
students with the necessary
practical tools and skills that
enable them to face the challenges

of the business world.

ATCs team of experienced and
dedicated educational experts
strive to provide a stimulating
learning environment and
experiences that go beyond the
traditional classroom and

academic spheres.
Its unwavering philosophy is to
produce industry-ready graduates
who are able to apply their
knowledge and skills with
confidence and to prepare them to
make significant transformations,

both professionally and personally.

ATCs School of Business and
Management offers various
programmes, including the
Certificate in Business Studies,
Diploma in Management, Diploma
in Marketing and Degree in
Management Studies.
These programmes are made
available to working professionals
and those who are interested in
pursuing a career in business.
As part of ATCs dedication to
expose students to real-world
experiences, each student is
required to undergo an internship
programme at an established
company.
This allows students to gain
business experience and enhance
what they have learnt in their
course.
ATC will be conducting previews
of its Diploma in Business
Administration programme on
Aug 15 at its Penang Campus.
Previews of its Diploma in
Management and Diploma in
Marketing programmes will be
held on Aug 22 at its Kuala Lumpur
campus.

n For more information,

call 1800 889 292 or 04-229 9266
(Penang campus) or e-mail
enquiries@atc2u.com or
visit www.atc2u.com

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

4 course focus

Students
who wish
to pursue a
career in
accounting
and finance
are well
equipped for
the workforce
through QIUP
programmes.

Equipped for
the workforce
STUDENTS planning to pursue a course in
accounting or finance will find good options
at Quest International University Perak
(QIUP) in Ipoh, which is fast gaining
recognition for its quality programmes.
The accountancy programme is offered at
diploma and degree levels.
Graduates of the four-year Bachelor of
Accountancy (Hons) programme may apply
for exemption from seven Chartered
Institute of Management Accountants
professional examination papers.
Therefore, students will receive dual
benefits from pursuing a bachelors degree
with QIUP.
Not only will they receive a quality
bachelors degree qualification, they will
also be able to fast track their career in the
field of accountancy, having the benefit of
being exempted from some CIMA papers.
This exemption is a result of a vigorous
evaluation of QIUPs Bachelor of
Accountancy (Hons) programme syllabus,
which identified it as being on par with the
international standards set by CIMA.
Besides exemptions, the QIUP
accountancy programme is unique in that it
focuses on the application of the theoretical
framework of accountancy rather than the
framework itself.
This creates graduates who are job-ready
and who can meet the industrys need for
technically competent and multi-capable
accounting graduates.

Comprehensive programmes
The three-year Bachelor of Finance (Hons)
programme equips students with the
knowledge required to excel in the field of
finance.
They are exposed to financial concepts
and strategies and acquire leadership skills
that are required for the financial services
industry.
Students are taught how to make complex
and difficult decisions using modern
finance, accounting, investment and
management analysis methods.
Case studies are emphasised
as they allow students to apply their
knowledge to real-world situations, which
better equips them for the workforce.
In their third year, students have the
opportunity to major in banking, Islamic
finance or financial planning.
The Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) and
Bachelor of Finance (Hons) programmes are
offered under the Faculty of Business,
Management and Social Sciences, which has
attracted some of the best academicians
from the nation.

Quality lecturers and staff

QIUP lecturers and deans are passionate,
industry-savvy, highly acclaimed and
intelligent educators with knowledge,
experience and extensive networks, from
whom students can benefit.
One of them is Prof Dr Huam Hon Tat,
dean of the Faculty of Business,
Management and Social Sciences, who has
more than 18 years of hands-on experience
as a business practitioner and is a certified
Registered Financial Planning (RFP)
programme trainer for the Malaysian
Financial Planning Council (MFPC).
Another notable figure is Prof Dr Charles
Cheah Yuen Jen, deputy dean of the Faculty
of Business, Management and Social
Sciences Prof Dr Cheah holds a PhD from

the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(USA) and has 18 years of industry
experience in the areas of oil and gas,
finance and construction.
Having taught in Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore, Prof Charles has work
with many reputable organizations,
including British Petroleum in Singapore
and Esso Singapore.
Then there is Prof Dr Ilias Mamat, adjunct
professor of the Faculty of Business,
Management & Social Science and former
chief executive officer of PNB Investment
Institute Sdn Bhd.
With more than 37 years of teaching and
industry experience, Prof Ilias brings with
him a wealth of knowledge to the classroom
that will benefit students.
There are three faculties and two centres
at QIUP: Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of
Integrative Sciences & Technology, Faculty
of Business Management & Social Sciences,
Centre for Foundation Studies and Centre
for Graduate Research.
QIUP offers programmes at foundation,
diploma, degree and postgraduate levels.
Foundation programmes:
Foundation in Business
Foundation in Science
Diploma programmes:
Diploma in Hotel Management
Diploma in Business
Management
Diploma in Tourism
Management
Diploma in Information
Technology
Diploma in Accountancy
Degree programmes:
Bachelor of Science (Hons)
in Biotechnology
Bachelor of Engineering
(Hons) Electronics and
Communications Engineering
Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) TESL
Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons)
Bachelor of Finance (Hons)
Bachelor of Business
Administration (Hons) in
Hospitality and Tourism
Management
Bachelor of Business
Administration (Hons)
Bachelor of Corporate
Communication (Hons)
Bachelor of Information
Technology
Bachelor of Mass
Communication (Hons)
Journalism
Bachelor of Mass
Communication (Hons)
Advertising
Bachelor of Medicine and
Bachelor of Surgery.
Postgraduate programmes:
Master of Business
Administration
Master of Science
Registration is open for the September
and October intakes.

n For more information,

call 1800 88 QIUP (7487) or
e-mail enquiries@qiup.edu.my
or visit www.qiup.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 5

BAC managing director Raja Singham and director of Challenges Media

Mary Chen believe that events such as the BACChallenges Buddy Day
can bring a positive impact to people.

Run for a
good cause
BRICKFIELDS Asia College (BAC),
in collaboration with Challenges
Media, organised an inaugural
event held in conjunction with
International Friendship Day on
Aug 2 at Dataran Dewan
Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.
Using music and movement,
the BACChallenges Buddy Day
was an inclusive day out in
Kuala Lumpur that brought the
public and members of the
special needs community
together.
Events of the day included the
3km Buddy Day Fun Walk, 7km
Buddy Run and Buddy Carnival.
The Buddy Run began at 8am
while the Buddy Day Fun Walk
started five minutes after.
The carnival was held from
9am to 1pm with guests being
entertained by music, puppet
shows, fun games and lemang
and dodol making sessions,
among other activities.
BAC managing director Raja
Singham says that this event is
part of the BAC Gives Back
banner, which organises various
education-based initiatives to
bring a positive impact to people.
BAC Gives Back provides
volunteering opportunities to
BAC students as part of its
wholesome education
experience offering.
Also unique to the college
is the BAC Experience, an allencompassing curriculum that
includes activities inside and
outside the classroom.
BAC Experience and BAC Gives
Back provide a holistic
representation of the students
complete education, which
in turn enhances students
academic and career prospects.
This same principle applies to
academics at BAC as observed in
its programmes, which are
developed to prepare students
for a broad range of career
prospects.
One of these programmes is
the UK Transfer (UKT) degree
programme in business.
The UKT Degree Programme
(Business) offers students a
choice of degrees, including
those in business management
and logistics, and supply chain
management from more than 10
prestigious partner universities
in the United Kingdom.
These top-notch universities
include the University of

Hertfordshire, Northumbria
University, Southampton Solent
University, University of Central
Lancashire, Birmingham City
University, University of South
Wales, Keele University, De
Montfort University, Kingston
University and Pembrokeshire
College.
Students in this programme
can take up modules in areas
such as economics, accounting,
management, marketing and
communications.
This programme allows
students to complete up to
two years of a three-year,
internationally recognised
business degree in Malaysia,
which can potentially help them
save up to RM150,000.
Since 2013, BAC has invested
more than RM110mil in its new
Petaling Jaya campus, which
includes a comprehensive
library and research centre,
computer laboratories, moot
court, the BACteria food court,
TWS Caf, Rock Academy music
school and the Monster Fit
health and wellness centre.
These facilities provide an
engaging experience for students
looking to find a balance
between studying and having a
fun student life.
The BAC campus in Kuala
Lumpur comprises three
buildings that are within
walking distance of one another
and equipped with state-of-theart facilities for teaching and
learning.
The BAC 2 building has an
impressive law library, lecture
halls, state-of-the-art computer
laboratories, a gymnasium,
dance studio, moot court,
cafeteria and the Sky Garden
rooftop cafe.
To cater to outstation students,
BAC operates three luxurious
but reasonably priced student
accommodation centres with
The Mansion being the latest
addition.
These high-end condominiums
come with swimming pools,
gymnasiums and barbecue areas
and can house close to 1,000
students.
The September intake is in
progress.

n For more information,

call 03-2274 4165 or visit
www.bac.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

6 course focus

THE marketing landscape is

rapidly changing, both locally and
globally.
As the market and regulatory
environment changes, markets
mature, competition becomes more
intense and margins get tighter.
Despite these challenges, the basic
fundamental concepts and practice
of marketing delivering
sustainable and competitive value
to the customer remains the
same, says Assoc Prof Brian Low,
head of Discipline (Marketing), at
Monash University Malaysias
School of Business.
What has changed are the
emergence of new challenges, rules
and market dynamics, which come
with new business and marketing
opportunities.
Dr Low joined Monash
University Malaysia in 2013, having
previously served on the faculty at
the University of Western Sydney,
Australia.
His research interests lie in
business-to-business (B2B)
marketing, customer relationship
management, industrial networks
and marketing in emerging
economies.
The future of marketing will be
shaped by advances in technology.
Its an indispensable part of
business and consumption to
sellers and buyers operating in

Beyond marketing skills

business-to-consumer (B2C) and
B2B markets, says Dr Low.
What that means is that
someone who is trained in
marketing has to gain knowledge
beyond marketing and be well
equipped with knowledge in other
areas such as economics,
psychology and politics.
For Malaysia, engagement with
regional and global market
communities such as the TPPA
(Trans-Pacific Partnership
Agreement) and the AEC (Asian
Economic Community) means that
Malaysian businesses need to
compete on a regional and global
platform and not remain content
with the local market.
The future is exciting because
people in the field will have to
deal with individuals with crossborder experiences, who are
knowledgeable and capable of
making decisions quickly through
technology empowerment, says
Dr Low.
Future professionals will have
to deal with markets that are
constantly changing. The markets

regulated now are increasingly

being liberated and privatised.
As a result, corporations
expectations of marketing experts
will change and existing marketing
practices will come under the
microscope. This will lead to a
need for new and relevant
marketing knowledge.
With these exciting changes and
challenges on the horizon, it is
important that Monash University
Malaysia produces graduates who
can think analytically, strategically
and creatively beyond the
traditional boundaries and
practices of marketing.
According to Dr Low, the
industry is looking for graduates
who are not only good with
numbers but who can also
communicate ideas and strategies
well.
Employers want graduates who
appreciate the importance of
business relationships, have good
insights into consumer behaviours,
are innovative, not risk averse and
who appreciate the importance of
making use of data to retain and

acquire new customers.

Your ability to stay in a job
depends largely on your ability to
think critically, rationalise and
capture things that other people
dont see, says Dr Low.
He believes the key to teaching
and research excellence is finding
the right people to impart
knowledge, not just from books,
but also from industry
experience
complemented by
familiarity with the
latest research
findings and
developments in
academia.

n For more
information on the
programmes
offered at the
School of
Business,
Monash
University
Malaysia, visit
www.buseco.
monash.edu.my

Assoc Prof Brian Low,

head of Discipline
(Marketing), at Monash
University Malaysias
School of Business.

Quality varsity experience

MY experience at Nilai University has
changed me into a more mature and
confident person, says Kavithaa
Mahendran, final year BA (Hons) in
Accounting and Finance student, who
has been active in several extracurricular
activities.
Kavithaa is currently the student emcee of
choice, having first showed her abilities at
Christian Fellowship club events.
Since then, she has grown accustomed to
speaking to large crowds at university
functions.
Providing unique and diverse
opportunities for students to broaden their
horizons is part of Nilai Us plans to deliver a
total student experience.
This is where a students varsity
experience is measured not just by what
they learn in the classroom but other factors
as well, including facilities and the
opportunities to learn new skills.
Aside from her involvement in the Nilai
University Christian Fellowship club and
emceeing, Kavithaa is also a member of the
FUN club (Foundation Union Nilai club),
event manager for the Indian Cultural
Society and committee member on the
Students Representative Council. Each
provides the 20-year-old with new
challenges and responsibilities.
Meeting and working with different
people has taught me to view the world
differently and make me more broadminded, says Kavithaa.
Despite her active involvement, Kavithaa
has not neglected her studies. She makes it a
point to revise her lessons daily to keep up
with her course.
The BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance
programme at Nilai U gives up to eight
subject exemptions to examinations from
professional organisations such as ACCA
(Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants) and ICAEW
(Institute of Chartered Accountants in
England and Wales).
Kavithaa has decided to pursue a career in
the finance sector.

Kavithaa Mahendran, accounting and finance

degree student at Nilai University, found she
received a total student experience from being
involved in extracurricular activities.

She says, One of the main reasons I chose

Nilai Us programme is to major in both
accounting and finance. My education in
finance will then allow me to apply for a job
in the banking sector.
Kavithaa believes that young people
should take full advantage of being a student
at Nilai U.
Make new friends and try new things.
There are many clubs, societies and
university events and functions that you can
volunteer at to help build an impressive CV.
It will be worth your while, she says.

n For more information, call 06-8502308 or

07-2262336 or visit www.nilai.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

SUNWAY University now offers

two new programmes BSc
(Hons) Financial Analysis (BFA)
and BSc (Hons) Financial
Economics (BFE) which
commenced this month.
Prof Dr Ho Chee Kit, head of
Academic of Sunway University
Business Schools Department of
Financial Mathematics and
Statistics, and his team designed
the new programmes to meet the
increasing demand for quality
skills and expertise in the
financial services industry.

course focus 7

Industry-linked
finance programmes
Prof Ho says that the BFA
and BFE programmes incorporate
teaching methodologies that are
geared to the 4Is model in-depth,
improve, innovate and inventive.
The programmes prioritise
students learning inside and
outside the classroom to give them
wider industrial exposure.
Leveraging on Sunway
Universitys industry linkages,
students in these programmes
are encouraged to participate

Master quantitative
aspects
The BFA focuses on the
quantitative aspects of finance.
It educates students on equity,
fixed-income and derivatives
markets and teaches them how
to apply mathematical and
statistical knowledge to the
fields of investment, risk
management and financial
services.
In collaboration with Sunway
TES Centre for Accountancy
Excellence, the BFA programme
is also designed as a fast track to
the Chartered Financial Analysis
(CFA), an internationally
recognised professional
qualification in investment.
It prepares students for the
quantitative aspects of the three
levels of the CFA professional
examinations, where students
can complete the CFA
examinations within one or two
years after graduating from the
BFA programme.

Going beyond the

industry
The BFE programme, on the
other hand, focuses on financial
mathematics, statistics and
economics for a wider range of
careers, both within and outside
the financial services industry.
It provides more flexibility for
students to move into diverse
fields such as financial planning,
banking and finance,

Prof Dr Ho Chee Kit, head of

Academic of Sunway University
Business Schools Department of
Financial Mathematics and
Statistics.

macroeconomic and financial

forecasting, trading, financial and
economic research as well as risk
and asset management.
The BFE programme prepares
students for professional
certifications that are recognised
by Bank Negara Malaysia and
Securities Commission Malaysia,
including the Certified Financial
Planner (CFP), the Registered
Financial Planner (RFP) and the
Securities Commission Licensing
Examination modules.
This allows students to remain
competitive in an increasingly
complex financial ecosystem as
they pick up highly sought-after
skills to make insightful financial
judgements without losing sight
of the larger global economy.

At Sunway University, students can pick up sought-after skills that are

required to make good financial decisions in the future.

in industry-relevant in-house
workshops.
In addition, the academic team
has two highly qualified actuaries
Nicholas Yeo Chee Lek, who
graduated from London Cass
Business School with working
experience in Bermuda, and Seow
Fan Chong, who has more than 20
years of industry experience in
Singapore and Malaysia.
I hope that my experience and
expertise can help the department in

raising the programmes delivery

standards and improve students
learning experience, says Yeo.
BFA and BFE programmes are
for students who are interested
in furthering their studies in
mathematics, finance, statistics
and economics.

n For more information,

call 03-7491 8622, e-mail
info@sunway.edu.my or visit
www.sunway.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

8 course focus

(From left) Chong Kim Sin, Chan Min Zhou and Teoh Wei Jing are from different batches of UCSI Universitys actuarial
science programme and their successes have inspired each other.

Excelling in
actuarial science
THE Society of Actuaries (SoA)
is a leading global professional
organisation for actuaries. It
provides continuing education for
students and practising actuaries,
maintains the standards of the
profession and conducts research
on actuarial trends and public
policy issues.
Thus, it is noteworthy that UCSI
University is the first private
university in Malaysia approved by
the SoA to be listed among its
Universities and Colleges with
Actuarial Programmes (UCAP) list.
Other UCAP institutions include
the University of California, Los
Angeles (US) and the University of
Toronto (Canada).
The former was ranked 12th on
the Times Higher Education
University Rankings 2013-2014
while the latter was ranked at a
respectable 109th place.
As part of the requirements to be
listed as a UCAP, the educational
institution must maintain course
coverage for at least two actuarial
examinations and have approved
course(s) for at least one Validated
by Educational Experience (VEE)
topic.
UCSI has exceeded the minimum
requirements as it provides course
coverage for five examinations
probability, financial mathematics,
models for financial economics,
models for life contingencies as well
as construction and evaluation.
It also has approved courses for
three VEE topics economics,
corporate finance and applied
statistics.
Being endorsed by SoA as an
institution providing adequate
preparation for students to sit for
actuarial professional papers was a
deliberate move by UCSIs Faculty of
Business and Information Science
(FoBIS) as a measure of standard
and quality assurance.

FoBIS also ensures that the

students are ready for the industry
through annual field attachments
while in the programme.

A track record of success

FoBIS focus on preparing
students for professional SoA
examinations has paid off for the
faculty and students.
FoBIS students are known for
passing many SoA examinations
while still in their undergraduate
years and many attribute their
success to the culture of excellence
and standards set by their seniors.
Among these students are Chan
Min Zhou, Chong Kim Sin and Teoh
Wei Jing, who pursued the BSc
(Hons) Actuarial Science degree.
Each passed at least four of
the five SoA papers available to
undergraduate students.
As a senior, Chan set a high
standard when he passed the
professional papers in under three
years of undergraduate study.
Today, he is a junior actuarial
executive at the Malaysian arm of a
London Stock Exchange-listed
global insurance company.
He attributes much of his success
to UCSIs FoBIS in helping him
prepare for his career.
What I appreciate the most is
the experienced and professional
senior actuary who was our
lecturer.
And although engaging senior
actuaries was not easy due to their
busy schedules, I learnt a lot from
the knowledge and experience that
they shared, says Chan.
His success inspired his junior
Chong who is graduating this
year, having passed five SoA
examinations before entering his
third year of study.
I asked Chan many questions
about my studies and he helped me

a lot, says Chong.

This kind of camaraderie and
mutual support is facilitated by the
UCSIs Actuarial Science Student
Association, which works to ensure
that juniors and seniors get to know
and help each other.
Another bright student is Teoh,
who is currently in his final year
and has passed five SoA
professional examinations within
three years of study.
He also spoke highly of the
lecturers, particularly Assoc Prof
Dr Ngerng Miang Hong, the deputy
dean who was the previous head of
actuarial studies.
Dr Ngerng was his final year
project supervisor who had guided
him well.
He was very knowledgable
about my project, which focused on
the WiKi model of insurance
business, he says.
Teoh learnt to develop his
confidence in communicating to
an audience while gaining the
educational knowledge that he
needed to pursue a fulfilling career
as an actuary.
These three students are
representative of the supportive
university community found
at UCSI.
While they had different
motivations to pursue a career
in actuarial science, they shared
a common fondness for their
university life at UCSI, leaving
behind a legacy of excellence for
future students.
UCSI will be hosting its
Professional Career Day on Aug 8,
where you can find out more
about the career pathways and
professional requirements of
actuaries.

n For more information,

call 03-9101 8882 or visit
www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 9

Options for aspiring leaders

International University of Malaya-Wales campus is a picture of

tranquillity in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Quality,
relevant
degrees
THE business and accountancy
programmes of International
University of Malaya-Wales
(IUMW) are popular among
students.
The programmes can be
summed up in three words
variety, experience and
relevance.
The programmes are also
recognised for their quality.
IUMW offers a wide variety of
business and accountancy
programmes at the bachelors,
masters and doctoral levels.
School-leavers may begin their
education at the university by
pursuing the Foundation in Arts
before progressing to degree
programmes.
IUMWs range of
undergraduate programmes
include areas in business
administration, international
business, finance,
entrepreneurship, marketing,
accounting, human resource
management and Islamic
finance.
IUMWs Bachelor of
Accounting (Hons) graduates are
given exemption accreditations
for nine Association of Chartered
Certified Accountants (ACCA)
examination papers the
maximum number of exemptions
awarded to any institution of
higher learning worldwide.
IUMW employs the best
teaching professionals with
industry and teaching experience
to provide students with a highquality education.
Being industry-driven, IUMW
understands that employers are
becoming more demanding of
the quality of graduates.
Thus, IUMW has included a
professional and personal

development programme for

students to develop the necessary
soft skills to complement the
knowledge and skills acquired
during their academic studies.
Apart from that, IUMW
continuously endeavours
to increase its graduates
employability and industrial
attachment opportunities.
Another advantage of studying
at IUMW is the facilities made
available to students.
Students are able to make use
of the University of Malayas
facilities and resources, including
its library, which boasts thinktank rooms, electronic resources
and a broadband Wi-Fi
environment.
The programmes are approved
by the Education Ministry and
recognised by the Malaysian
Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Besides the core subjects for
each stream, students at IUMW
are taught study skills.
They are also required to sit
for IUMW English Placement
Test.
Students who have completed
a foundation, STPM,
matriculation or diploma
programme with suitable grades
can further their studies in any of
IUMWs degree programmes.
IUMWs courses are open
to both Malaysian and
international students for
enrolment, providing them with
a wide variety of cultural
exposure and educational
experiences at the campus.

n For more information,

call 1700 814 869 or
03-2617 3000 or e-mail
enquiry@iumw.edu.my or
visit www.iumw.edu.my

ONE of Malaysias leading education

providers, SEGi University and
Colleges, offers several business
and accounting programmes at
undergraduate and postgraduate
levels to groom future professionals
in the industry.
The programmes available at SEGi
are designed to provide industryrelevant and innovative knowledge
that adapts to the ever-changing
business world.
Diploma programmes offered by
SEGi University and Colleges are:
Executive Diploma in Business
Administration
Executive Diploma in Marketing
Executive Diploma in Accountancy
Executive Diploma in Human
Capital Management
Diploma in Human Resource
Management
Diploma in Accounting
Diploma in Marketing
Diploma in Business
Administration
For SEGis bachelors degree,
masters and doctorate progammes
in business and accounting, students
can choose to pursue a local,
overseas or dual degree.
SEGi offers a variety of degree

SEGi offers a wide range of programmes in partnership with top-notch UK

universities for aspiring business leaders.

programmes in partnership with

international universities in the
United Kingdom.
Students are equipped with the
knowledge and ability to excel in an
increasingly competitive business
environment, making them soughtafter employees.
Aspiring business leaders can
pursue any of the programmes at
any SEGi campus.

n For more information, call

03-2070 2078 or 1800 888 028
(SEGi College Kuala Lumpur),
03-6145 1777 or 1800 887 344
(SEGi University Kota Damansara),
03-8600 1888 or 1800 888 622
(SEGi College Subang Jaya), 04-263
3888 (SEGi College Penang) or
082-252 566 (SEGi College Sarawak)
or e-mail askme@segi.edu.my
or visit www.segi.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

10 course focus

Developing
talents
UTPs MBA
in Energy
Management
programme
nurtures
business
minds to
become
leaders of
sustainability
and global
green energy
managements.

IN the next decade, Malaysias

oil and gas industry, identified as
a National Key Economic Area
under the Governments
Economic Transformation
Programme, will witness a rise
in the size of its workforce.
It is estimated that 52,300 jobs
will be created in the oil, gas and
energy industry.
Although many roles will
require technical background
and skills, energy companies are
increasingly acknowledging the
importance of having leaders
equipped with the expertise
required to sustainably manage
global businesses.
The increasing complexity
of the industry due to factors
such as regulatory challenges,
geopolitical pressures and
environmental issues have
driven energy companies to
seek the leadership talents
they require to meet the
present and future demands of
the industry.
In a landscape characterised
by new regulations, cutting-edge
technology and emerging threats
and opportunities, energy
companies cannot afford to pour
resources into a generalised
talent programme that does not
produce the leaders they need to
sustainably drive the business
forward.
Energy companies have
acknowledged that the business
aptitude of masters of business
administration (MBA) graduates
make them ideal for positions in
corporate finance and business
development to sustainably
manage global businesses.
In recognition of the
importance of the MBA and as
one of Petronas four learning
institutions spearheading the
organisations aspiration for
human capital development,
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
(UTP), through its Management
and Humanities Department, is
offering the MBA in Energy
Management (MBA-EM).
The programme aims to
develop leaders who are
competent in driving and
sustaining the global energy
business.
Graduates are trained to
analyse current and emerging
trends in the global energy
sector, develop and implement
effective energy management
strategies, evaluate business
decisions to ensure efficient and
sustainable management of
resources, and integrate
management, leadership,
business principles and
technology to carry out strategic
roles.
The MBA curriculum is
designed based on internal
reviews, expert panel
workshops and industry
stakeholder engagements to
ensure that it is comprehensive
and relevant to the oil and gas

industry.
Dr Lai Fong Woon,
programme manager for the
MBA-EM at UTP, says that the
programme is suitable for
business executives and
professionals in the technical
line who are entering
management roles and feel the
need to sharpen their business
acumen and managerial
capabilities.
He adds that the MBA-EM
programme aims to attract top
talents from the energy sector as
well as other professionals
serving the sector such as
bankers, lawyers and regulators.
The learning process is
supported by qualified and
experienced academics coupled
with strong linkages to industry
experts from the energy sector.
We emphasise case studies
and analyses to enhance the
teaching and learning process,
say Dr Lai.
The 50 credit hours
(completed over a course of 20
months) cover nine core
business subjects and five
energy management
specialisation modules, which
are energy value chain, energy
management, energy technology
and innovation, low carbon
economy and sustainability,
and energy regulations and
policies.
The MBA-EM programme also
incorporates modules on
business research
methodologies, consultancy
management and a capstone
consultancy project.
UTP also collaborates with the
Renewable and Sustainable
Energy Institute (Rasei) of the
University of Colorado in
Boulder, the United States, to
conduct the course.
Through this collaboration,
five energy management
specialisation modules will be
delivered by professors from
Rasei, led by Prof Dr Paul
Komor, who shared the Nobel
Peace Prize with former US vicepresident Al Gore and the
Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change in 2007.
Classes at its Bandar Seri
Iskandar, Perak, campus are
conducted over the weekends
for the convenience of working
professionals, except for some
energy management
specialisation modules, which
are conducted on weekdays.
Students come from various
backgrounds, including
engineering, legal, marine,
banking, accounting and
commerce, with an average
working experience of 10 years.
The September intake is open
for applications.

n For more information,

e-mail Dr Lai Fong Woon at
laifongwoon@petronas.com.my
or visit www.utp.edu.my/MBA

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

course focus 11

Students of IUKL can

choose from a variety of
business programmes that
are adaptable to a wide
range of industries.

Business study to
suit current needs
INFRASTRUCTURE University Kuala
Lumpur (IUKL), through its Faculty
of Business and Accounting (FBA),
offers programmes in a wide range
of industries.
Business administration is one
of the core business programmes
offered at IUKL and is among the
most well-known fields of study
favoured by students.
Business administration
programmes focus on how
organisations operate in terms of
methods, strategies, management
styles and others.
The Bachelor of Business
Administration (Hons) is unique
in its approach to management,
leadership and entrepreneurship
in the business profession.
In addition to this, IUKLs Diploma
in Business Administration offers
insights into the world of business
administration, covering a
wide range of topics, including
management and information
technology.
Accounting is another major
that can be linked to a successful
business career.
IUKLs Bachelor of Accountancy
(Hons) offers specific knowledge
of accounting, finance, taxation,
auditing, costing, management and
economics.
The aims of these programmes
are to produce competent and
dedicated accountants who possess
the attributes and skills required
in an accounting profession and
help them develop a holistic
understanding of business
operations, particularly in all
functional areas of accounting.
The programme is recognised by
professional bodies such as ACCA

(Association of Chartered Certified

Accountants), CIMA (Chartered
Institute of Management
Accountants), and MICPA (Michigan
Association of Certified Public
Accountants).
IUKL also offers the Diploma in
Accounting programme, which
gives students the opportunity to
acquire knowledge and skills in
accounting studies.
The programme aims to equip
students with the ability to adopt
and apply learnt knowledge in
real-life situations to meet the
demands and challenges in the
global economy.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons)
in Economics and Finance is a
programme developed to provide
substantial knowledge in economics
and finance in a unique, dynamic
and strategic way.
Students gain the quantitative
and qualitative skills required to
deal with various economic and
industrial sectors, especially those
related to capital, financial and
investment markets within the
global economic environment.
Students also analyse the
behaviour of consumers, firms,
labour markets, price changes
and international trading.
If you are up for the challenges
of retail businesses and strategic
decision-making, the Bachelor of
Science (Hons) in Logistics and
Supply Chain Management is the
right course for you to gain the
skills required for many types of
businesses, both local and global.
This programme prepares
students to work in the challenging
and dynamic field of logistics, which
demands fast, efficient and accurate

strategic business decisions.

Students are exposed to multiple
logistics activities and applications
such as inbound and outbound
logistics, aviation and land transport
systems, which include rail, road
and off-road transport.
In addition, they learn about the
various aspects of logistics operation
management, including the design,
implementation and management
of systems for efficient deployment
of personnel, physical facilities, raw
materials, in-process inventories,
finished goods and related
information and services.
Students also learn directly from
renowned logistics companies
through frequent academic visits,
seminars and industrial training.
IUKL has been in the education
industry for more than 15 years
and has been providing quality
education and excellent professional
services in various fields.
The university was rated as an
Excellent (Tier 5) full-fledged
university in the 2011 & 2013 MQA
Rating System for Malaysian Higher
Education Institutions (Setara).
IUKL is placed among the topranking universities and is the
only infrastructure university in
Malaysia.
The September-October intake
is in progress.
Scholarships and a tuition fee
waiver of up to 60% are offered
to students who excel in their
studies. Study loans from PTPTN,
Mara and Yayasan Negeri are
also available.

n For more information,

call 1800 88 STUDY (78839) or
visit www.IUKL.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2015

12 course focus

THE University of Nottingham

Malaysia Campus (UNMC) won
the 7th Nottingham Tri Campus
Games hosted by the University of
Nottingham, UK, from June 21 to
26, making it a first-time win for
UNMC.
The UNMC team won the
competition, defeating teams from
the University of Nottingham
campuses in the UK and China.
A unique event within the
higher education sporting
calendar, the Tri Campus Games
brings together students from the
universitys three international
campuses in the UK, China and
Malaysia annually.
Winning was a euphoric
experience as everyone jumped to
their feet and each award was
received with a roaring cheer
from participants of all three
campuses. We made history by
bringing home the trophy for the
first time, says Muhammadh
Aqeel Shums Deen, president of
UNMCs Student Association.
We are very proud of this
outstanding achievement by our
students who are returning home
with the trophy after competing
against some excellent athletes
from the UK and China
campuses, said Prof Christine
Ennew, chief executive officer and
provost of UNMC, at the closing of
the games.
Today, our students have
demonstrated great team spirit, a
healthy attitude to competition
and have focused their energy
and skills on sporting success.

Sweet campus victory

This year, The

University of
Nottingham
Malaysia Campus
team won the
Nottingham Tri
Campus Games.

They have done so in a way

that is consistent with the motto of
the games friendship through
sport, said Prof Ennew.
The games involved teams
competing in football, basketball,
volleyball, badminton, squash,
tennis, table tennis and Frisbee.
It attracted nearly 200 students
from more than 20 nations
competing in three international

campus-based teams.
The categories in which the
Malaysian team won gold medals
were mens and womens tennis,
mens and womens squash,
mens badminton, mens football,
womens squash and mixed
volleyball.
The team was led by UNMC
team manager and sports officer
Maheswaran Ganesan, assistant

team manager Intan Liyana Idris

and director of student experience
Mavis Tsang.
UNMC hosted the Tri Games in
2010 and 2013 and will be hosting
the games next year.
The event is hosted on a rotation
basis among the University of
Nottingham campuses in Malaysia,
the UK and China.
UNMC confers exactly the same

degrees as those in the UK and all

courses are taught in English.
It combines a high-quality living
environment with state-of-the-art
learning, teaching and research
facilities.
According to independent
market research company High
Fliers Research, The University
of Nottingham is one of the top
choices for graduate recruitment
among UK employers.
Research by the company
showed that the university came
second in its list of universities
targeted by the largest number of
top employers in 2014-2015.
The University of Nottingham
encourages and supports students
to ensure they have a wellrounded experience while
studying, which includes
participating in work placements.
This includes the Nottingham
Advantage Award, which enables
students to take extracurricular
modules alongside their academic
studies, building skills and
experience.
UNMC will be hosting
Information Day on Aug 15 from
9.30am to 3.30pm at the main
campus in Semenyih.

n For more information, e-mail

study@nottingham.edu.my or visit
www.nottingham.edu.my