THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

FOREIGN DEGREES IN MALAYSIA

Borderless education
Earning a foreign degree in Malaysia provides students an internationally
recognised qualification without compromising on quality, cost and
experience. Find out how you can begin your global education journey.

2 Foreign Degrees in Malaysia

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

The best of
both worlds

By IAN JEROME LEONG

WHEN it comes to getting a good

tertiary education, foreign
universities often come to mind.
Large campuses, lively social
settings, extensive co-curricular
activities, specialised research
endeavours, knowledgeable
faculty and widely recognised
credentials are some of the many
factors that influence the
decision of school-leavers when
choosing where to study.
However, the cost to study
abroad is often the deciding
factor for most students.
With tuition fees for
international students being up
to three times more compared to
that of local students, families
find supporting a child studying
overseas a financial burden,
especially when they have other
children to take care of.
Not only do international
students have to allocate enough
money for accommodation,
transportation and food, they
also have to be wary of the
depreciating value of the
Malaysian ringgit against the
British pound or Australian and
American dollar.
Fortunately, the establishment
of branch campuses in Malaysia
as well as countless affiliations
and twinning programmes
available in local colleges offer
students the opportunity to
attain an internationally
recognised qualification at a
fraction of the cost.

A foreign recognition
The Malaysian tertiary
education industry has improved
tremendously over the years and
the country is establishing itself
as a regional education hub.
Since 2000, nine international
universities from the United
Kingdom, Australia and China
have set up branch campuses in
Selangor, Johor and Sarawak
bringing with them proven
standards of education and
experience.
This means that school-leavers
are able to enrol in a three-year
degree programme at the
Malaysian branch of any of these
foreign universities and will be
awarded a foreign degree
qualification upon completion.
This qualification is no
different from what is awarded
at the main campuses as
students would have used the
same course materials,
experienced the same course
structure and sat for the same
examinations as those abroad.
As the majority of courses are
offered at both the local and
international campuses, it allows
for greater flexibility in terms of
study location.
A student will have the
opportunity to decide the
number of semesters he or she
will complete locally and abroad.

Striking a balance
Throughout the country,
numerous colleges have
partnered with foreign
universities, allowing students
to have a transnational tertiary
education experience.
Called an undergraduate 1+2

A foreign degree
qualification
is no different
from what is
awarded at the
main campuses
as students
would have
used the same
course materials,
experienced the
same course
structure and
sat for the same
examinations as
those abroad.
or 2+1 twinning programme,
students will register with both
the local private college and
foreign university. Upon
successful completion of the
required subjects, the student is
guaranteed a place at the foreign
university.
Depending on the course
availability at the selected
college, students will either
complete one year of their
degree in Malaysia and two
years abroad or two years in
Malaysia and one year abroad.
Similar to studying at branch
campuses, students will study
the same course curriculum as
those taught at the twinning
university abroad.
However, what happens if
you intend to study abroad but
the courses you are interested in
are not part of any twinning
programme? What if the
university of your dreams does
not have a twinning programme
in Malaysia?
The good news is that many of
the courses and subjects taught
in Malaysian private higher
education institutions are fully
or partly recognised
internationally.
Hence, students who complete
the minimum amount of credit
hours may qualify to apply for
placements at a foreign
university by transferring the
completed credits.
As these universities are not
bound to any of the colleges,
students need to ensure they
meet the admission
requirements of their intended
university, recognise the credit
transfer processes and apply for
a place on their own.

A local twist
Having a degree awarded by a
reputable foreign university will
give you an edge over other
candidates when you enter the
job market. For this reason,
private universities and colleges
in Malaysia now have options to
obtain a foreign degree fully in
Malaysia at a much lower cost.

> TURN TO PAGE 5

Foreign Degrees in Malaysia 3

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

Musically inclined

ATC will be
celebrating its 30th
anniversary in
January next year,
commemorating 30
years of excellence
in nurturing
extraordinary
lawyers.

A legacy in law
FOUNDED in 1987, Advance Tertiary College
(ATC) has helped fulfil the dreams of many to
receive credible legal qualification by
providing the prestigious 3+0 LLB
(Bachelor of Laws) programme by the
University of London.
Standing proudly on the tradition of
imparting only legal knowledge, ATC has
consistently strived to maintain its students
high standards of academic achievements.
Yearly, ATC attracts individuals from
different backgrounds who choose to study
law for various reasons. The majority of
students embark on this journey determined
to serve the legal profession.
The LLB programme at ATC is uniquely
structured to provide both full- and
part-time classes to cater to the various
needs of its students.
For students to familiarise themselves
with the distinctive features and skills
needed to study law can be rather daunting.
Hence, informative introductory classes are
usually provided at early stages of the course
to help build confidence in students.
ATC has, in its fold, an equal mix of
lecturers from the academic and legal
practice world. ATC not only imparts legal
knowledge but helps shape the minds of the
undergraduates.
The study of LLB demands students to
develop a critical appreciation of the English
common law tradition and, at the same time,
hone their ability to think and write

analytically and argumentatively.

The students also benefit from the
comprehensive sets of law reports and
updated textbooks as well as related
materials available in the Tun Abdul Hamid
Law Resource Centre.
A computer laboratory with Internet
connection is also accessible to encourage
undergraduates to improve their online
research skills.
Besides that, student activities such as
mooting competitions, Sports Day, Law
Careers Fair and Students Night are held
throughout the year to make the LLB
journey a memorable and valuable one
for all the students.
ATC will be celebrating its 30th
anniversary in January next year. This
commemorates ATCs 30 years of excellence,
being the nations only private law school
that has produced 16 first-class graduates
for the University of Londons LLB course
that is under its International Programmes.
Determined to constantly improve and
continue the tradition of producing
world-class graduates, ATC is further
developing its LLB course for the academic
year of 2016/17 by offering interesting
modules such as the Civil and Criminal
Procedure and International Protection of
Human Rights.

n For more information, call 1800 889 292

or e-mail enquiries@atc2u.com.

AMID the plethora of music degree offerings

in Malaysia, ICOMs (International College of
Music) foreign music degrees stand out
prominently, be it for its validated degree
programmes or credit transfer programmes.
The Bachelor of Music (Hons) in
Professional Music (BMUS) is a three-year
undergraduate degree developed by ICOM
that is validated by the University of
Wolverhampton of the United Kingdom. This
means that students complete their studies
entirely at the ICOM campus in Kuala
Lumpur and receive a degree certificate
from the UK university upon successful
completion of their studies.
In Malaysia, this type of degree offering is
commonly known as 3+0, where students
complete all three years of a UK degree in
Malaysia without having to leave the country
to complete any portion of the education.
There are many advantages to a 3+0
foreign degree. Firstly, its saves on the cost of
tuition fees and living expenses. Tuition fees,
including per-credit fees, and living expenses
in Kuala Lumpur are minimal compared to
international students tuition fees and living
costs in western countries.
The ICOM advantage for students who
study the BMUS is tuition fees savings of
more than 40% for the same education they
would receive in the UK.
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education (QAA) of the UK accredits ICOMs
BMUS programme, guaranteeing academic
standards as well as the quality of teaching
and learning.
For students who intend to pursue their
graduate studies overseas, a UK degree
further simplifies their application process,
especially negating the need for
English-language proficiency tests.
The third ICOM advantage is student
engagement with international musicians.
Foreign degrees attract students from
regional and international countries.
Another foreign degree option at ICOM is

ICOM students having a field visit at University

of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom.
the one-year Foundation in Music (FIM)
programme. The FIM acts as a credit transfer
programme for music students who wish to
matriculate into the BMUS or any of the 12
music degree programmes offered by the
Berklee College of Music (Berklee) in Boston,
the United States.
ICOMs exclusive curriculum articulation
agreement with Berklee enables students
who have successfully completed the FIM
at ICOM to transfer all the credits earned
in the FIM to Berklees degree or diploma
programmes.
Students will be exempted from any testout examinations or tests upon admission to
Berklee and will participate in the
declaration of major and registration of
courses at Berklee while studying at ICOM.
The FIM provides two distinct advantages
tuition fees savings of more than 65% and
the completion of the Berklee degree in only
two and a half years. Registration is open
for the January, May and September 2017
semesters.

n For more information, call 03-4023 6000

or e-mail admissions@icom.edu.my.

THE MOST
POWERFUL WORD
IN YOUR CV

At Swinburne, we believe the right

education is about providing students
with a competitive edge when it
comes time to getting ahead in their
chosen career.
Our university rankings and industry
endorsements for our wide range of
degrees mean when companies read
Swinburne on your CV, theyll be
condent youre the right choice.

aPplY AccEpt StaRt

2017 inTakEs

for our Foundation, Degree,

Master & PhD courses.

Higher

Education

Times

swinburne.edu.my

Swinburne is ranked among the top 100

universities in the world under the age of 50.

( +60 82 415353 @ study@swinburne.edu.my

Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

DULN004(Q) KP(JPS)5195/IPTS/1144
05 June 2004 Co. No. 497194-M

Foreign Degrees in Malaysia

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

The Go Global programme allows Fraser Scott (second from left) to

transfer from Heriot-Watt Universitys main campus in Edinburgh to
the Malaysia campus to experience a global education.

Start local,
go global

university.sunway.edu.my

ESTABLISHED in the 1800s,

British university Heriot-Watt
University offers students
myriad programmes at
foundation, undergraduate and
postgraduate levels.
The university has been
recognised time and again for
its excellence, including being
ranked 24th in the United
Kingdom and fourth in Scotland
by the Guardian University
Guide 2017 as well as 34th in the
UK and fourth in Scotland
according to The Complete
University Guide 2017.
In ensuring that students
receive a professionally relevant
education, the university works
hand in hand with industry
professionals to develop and
accredit its curricula.
This practice ensures that
students receive invaluable
practical study experiences,
which will come in handy when
they enter the working world.
Another advantage offered by
Heriot-Watt University is its
intercampus transfer
programme, Go Global. In
todays interconnected,
globalised world, having an
international study experience
has become a highly sought-after
attribute.
With Heriot-Watts strong
presence in the UK, Dubai and
Malaysia, the university is in an
optimum position to offer
students a global education.
Under the Go Global
programme, students can
transfer to their campus of
choice during the course of their
study, so long as their
programme is offered there.
The use of similar curricula at
all of Heriot-Watts campuses
ensures a seamless transfer
process.
This campus transfer option is
open to the universitys students
who have completed their
foundation studies and are
progressing to undergraduate
studies as well as current
undergraduate students.
Many students have taken
advantage of this unique
opportunity and are enjoying the

fruits of the Go Global

programme.
Fraser Scott is a business
student who recently transferred
to Heriot-Watts Malaysia
campus from the Edinburgh
campus in the UK.
The campus transfer to
Malaysia was not something that
I ever dreamt of doing when I
applied to Heriot-Watt
University. We refer to the
campus transfer as a gap year
without the gap, says Scott.
My friends and I wanted to
do a gap year but did not want
to take a break from our
education to do so. The Go
Global programme has allowed
us to gain an international
experience without taking a
break from our education.
Scott believes that the value
gained from the international
transfer will help him stand out
among other candidates when
seeking employment.
The main factors that
influenced my decision to choose
Heriot-Watt University for my
higher education were the
quality of education provided
and the preparation for
real-world scenarios.
All too often, universities
focus on passing examinations.
However, employability is at the
core of all business courses.
It is clear that learning the
syllabus is fundamental to the
success of any student, but I am
not alone in claiming that my
education has pushed me
further than that.
Incorporated into the courses
are tasks that require a high
level of teamwork, presentation
skills and leadership skills, he
adds.
To learn more about the
Go Global programme as well as
the programmes and
scholarships offered at HeriotWatt University Malaysia, visit
its campus in Putrajaya during
its open days on Dec 17 and 18.

n For more information,

call 03-8894 3888, e-mail

hwum@hw.ac.uk or visit
www.hw.edu.my.

Foreign Degrees in Malaysia 5

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

A bright future
RAPID development in Malaysia
has increased the demand for
professional civil engineers,
making graduates from the
discipline highly sought after by
employers.
Prof Khu Soon-Thiam, head of
discipline (civil engineering) at
Monash University Malaysias
School of Engineering, says the job
prospect for civil engineers is very
good in Malaysia.
Malaysia not only has
numerous ongoing infrastructure
and road-building projects, there
are also large-scale maintenance

projects and LRT line expansions.

These require civil engineers, he
says.
With sustainability being the
current buzzword, he says students
today are exposed to a new
dimension of civil engineering to
construct with sustainability in
mind.
This new approach has also
opened up more career options for
graduates as they are now better
trained for the different types of
civil engineering jobs.
Students are exposed to the
latest materials and procedures,
which work towards cost
efficiency, faster construction rates
and minimal environmental
impact.
The shortage of civil engineers in
Malaysia may be caused by the
brain drain phenomenon, which
sees many overseas-trained
Malaysian graduates stay on to
work internationally.
According to Prof Khu, this
problem can be solved by
encouraging students to study and
graduate locally. When students
are educated in Malaysia, they
will gain exposure to the
companies here during their
internships. As they see the
projects these companies
are involved in, there is a
higher likelihood of them
joining these companies,
Prof Khu explains.

Monash University Malaysias

School of Engineering head of
discipline (civil engineering)
Prof Khu Soon-Thiam.

The civil and structural engineering lab at Monash University Malaysia.

Prof Khu shares that good civil
engineers are not afraid to get their
hands dirty. Successful civil
engineers are always curious about
the built environment they live in
and are interested in buildings,
roads, bridges and tunnels. They
must also be serious about wanting
to make a difference to generate a
better environment, he says.
He adds that in the civil
engineering line, it is essential that
engineers be able to communicate
and work with people from myriad
backgrounds.
Overcoming language barriers
is quite the norm as construction
workers whom you work with are
from various parts of the world.
Apart from that, civil engineers are
also the mediators between clients
who are paying for the project and
the architects, he says.
Consequently, it is very
important to be able to strike a

An enriching experience
> FROM PAGE 2
Despite the fact that finances may be the
main factor in influencing your choices,
studying in Malaysia does have its own set
of advantages.
For one, not only will you learn the
general theory and concepts, you will have
the opportunity to understand how it applies
to the foreign and local market. It is not
uncommon for local lecturers to provide
local examples and share their experiences
of how these concepts are put into practice.
Although you are studying in Malaysia, it
does not mean you will not have
international exposure.
Branch campuses and colleges with
twinning programmes occasionally host
visiting lecturers from the main campuses
ensuring the quality and pace of education
provided in Malaysia is consistent with that
of the main campus.
Furthermore, local campuses now boast a
larger international student body, allowing

local students the opportunity to socialise

and learn from students with different
cultural backgrounds and ethnicities.
In addition, universities and colleges in
Malaysia have grown to understand what it
means to provide a fulfilling experience in
education.
Local campuses are offering students a
wider range of extracurricular amenities
along with academic facilities.
Students are also encouraged to join the
various clubs and associations so that they
may have a more balanced social and
communal experience on top of their
studies.
Lastly, if you find it a struggle to let go of
your favourite Malaysian delicacies, it is
comforting to know there is always a mamak
shop open in the wee hours of the morning
if you want to grab a quick bite.
By studying in Malaysia, you will never be
too far from home and have a better chance
at heading back home during the festive
seasons or long weekends.

Universities and colleges in Malaysia are now committed to offering a well-rounded studying
experience.

balance between clients wanting

to reduce costs and meeting the
requirements of the architects.
The civil engineering discipline
in Monash Malaysia not only
prepares students academically,
it also provides them with the soft
skills training to ensure they are
ready for the job market.
For example, students often
have to work on assignments
with peers chosen by the
academicians.
Students are taught group
work in a simulated work
environment where they are
tasked to work with people they
may not be close to or fond of,
Prof Khu says.
Another aspect students have
to learn is the financial side of
managing a project. We need
them to understand finance, or
at least the balance sheet, as they
need to be on site ordering

materials for construction.

If they do not understand the
financial aspect, they may order
too many or too few materials that
will affect the progress of the
construction, he explains.
In their final year, students also
need to study contract law to
understand the legal aspect of how
construction works.
I hope, with the different skill
sets, our graduates will be versatile
enough to deal with various
situations when they enter the
workplace. At Monash Malaysia,
students experience the same
curriculum and are trained the
same way as their counterparts in
Monash University Australia, he
says.

n For more information on the

School of Engineering programmes
in Monash Malaysia, visit
www.eng.monash.edu.my.

6 Foreign Degrees in Malaysia

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

Top-ranked Australian education

BEING ranked among the worlds
top 100 universities under the
age of 50 in the recent QS World
University Rankings confirms
that Swinburne University of
Technology in Melbourne,
Australia, is a university with a
depth of expertise in teaching and
research, both in Australia and
globally.
Its only international campus,
which is in Kuching, Sarawak,
offers the same high-quality
education that emphasises
industry-engaged teaching and
learning.
Since its inception in 2000,
Swinburne University of
Technology Sarawak Campus has
been producing professionally
oriented graduates with skills that
match industry needs by merging
teaching, research and industry
expertise with a supportive
real-world learning environment.
Based on its graduate tracking
records, more than 90% are
absorbed by employers six months
after graduating in the past few
years.
Only four months after receiving
their scrolls in October last year,
for example, 93.53% of graduates
were employed by February this
year. Many are also engaged by
prominent industry players.
Swinburnes business,
computing, design, engineering
and science programmes are
accredited by professional bodies.
As the curriculum is sourced
from its home campus, a
Swinburne Sarawak graduate is
awarded the same Australian

As a university of technology, Swinburne Sarawak features highly advanced teaching and learning facilities.
degree as his peers at the
Melbourne campus.
Although the programmes
may be completed entirely at the
Sarawak campus, undergraduate
students can enrich their
university experience by
transferring to Swinburnes
Melbourne campus to finish their
studies.
Alternatively, they could
complete a semester of their
studies as an exchange student at
the home campus while subject to
the lower Swinburne Sarawak
tuition fees.
Apart from obtaining an

internationally recognised
qualification, the tuition fee at
Swinburne Sarawak is only a
third of the cost of studying at its
Australian campus. Students in
Kuching also enjoy relatively low
living expenditure.
Depending on the course,
students may have the option
to tailor it: highly specialised,
generalist or both. The courses
provide opportunities for
cross-disciplinary study and
engagement.
Students can add units from a
different area of study to their
degree or work with students from

across the university on projects

for clients in the industry.
Its three-year bachelors degrees
generally comprise 24 units of
study that include core units
(subjects), units that form a major
and units from course options.
A major is the primary area of
study in the degree. The units in
the major allow students to deepen
their knowledge in a particular
area and sharpen their career
focus.
The remaining units that make
up the degree are selected from
course options, which they can
use to gain more depth in their

primary areas of study or explore

related or non-related areas of
interest. These options include
co-majors, minors, advanced
minors and elective units.
Students may also be able to
study a second major from a
different discipline, allowing them
to specialise in two areas of study.
To add variety to student life
and help mould students into
well-rounded individuals,
Swinburne Sarawak offers
many extracurricular sports
and recreational club activities.
The student council organises
events and activities that foster
cross-cultural interaction and
understanding among students of
various nationalities on campus.
With about 4,000 students from
more than 60 countries and highly
experienced staff from many parts
of the world, the campus is vibrant,
diverse and colourful.
The multicultural diversity on
campus provides a rich learning
experience and creates a broader
outlook among both students and
staff.
Scholarships and bursaries are
awarded to newly enrolled
students whose public examination
results meet the criteria. Students
who excel in examinations each
semester are also eligible for
financial awards.
Other forms of financial aid
include those provided by public
and private as well as charitable
organisations.

n For more information, visit

www.swinburne.edu.my.

Foreign Degrees in Malaysia 7

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

PSYCHOLOGY is a versatile
subject. It deals with the
human mind and behaviour.
Everywhere you go, you are
bound to be in the company of
another person, causing the
subject to be applied in most
places.
Understanding how people
learn and communicate allows
me to deal with situations when
a problem presents itself, says
22-year-old Nicole Tan Siew Wen
(pic), who recently graduated
with the BSc (Hons) in
Psychology at Sunway
University.
She was elected valedictorian
at the Sunway University
graduation last year.
Tan was first introduced to the
subject when she was doing her
Australian Matriculation
(AUSMAT) programme at
Sunway College where she took
psychology as an extra subject.
As I learnt more about the
subject, I became fascinated. I
was interested in understanding
the underlying reasons for the
way people behave the way they
do.
I was also very fascinated
with mental health and how
certain disorders can severely
distort our reality, causing us to
behave out of the norm. It soon
became one of my best-scoring
subjects. Upon graduating from
AUSMAT, I decided to pursue a
career in psychology, she
explains.
Tan was awarded the
Chancellors Scholarship of
Sunway University and the
University of Lancaster
(Lancaster University) to
study the BSc (Hons) in
Psychology, which she says
was a blessing.
Tan adds, The biggest
challenge for me was learning to
think critically and being able to
look two to three steps beyond
an expected outcome. It is also a
big challenge understanding and
reviewing various journal
articles to be able to properly
use the contents or results
presented.
A lot of people have the
misconception that psychology
is easy and anyone can do it.
I believe that anyone can learn
the subject but only those who
have a keen interest in learning
about human behaviour can
really excel at it.
Oftentimes, people tell me
that what I studied is common
sense but to me it goes
beyond that. The BSc (Hons) in
Psychology trains one to be more
analytical.
Besides studying, Tan was
actively involved in
extracurricular activities, which
included establishing the
TEDxSunwayUniversity, assisting
in the first Asia Leadership Trek
conference in collaboration with
the Harvard University
Asia Center at the end of 2013
and serving as a Sunway
Cultural Exchange ambassador
where she spent two weeks
at Lancaster University last
year with three other
ambassadors.
For her internship, Tan
underwent job training at Oasis
Place in Kuala Lumpur, a
multidisciplinary centre for
individuals with special needs.
It was recommended by my
lecturer and supervisor
Assoc Prof Dr Alvin Ng. I had an
amazing learning experience
there.
I am very thankful to Oasis
Place as it opened doors to the
various areas of allied health.
Through the centre, I learnt
about speech and occupational

Making an impact
A lot of
people have the
misconception
that psychology is
easy and anyone
can do it. I believe
that anyone can
learn the subject
but only those who
have a keen interest
in learning about
human behaviour
can really excel at
it.
Nicole Tan Siew Wen
therapy (OT), she says.
I was so fascinated with OT
that I recently decided to switch
from pursuing clinical psychology
to OT. Not only did Oasis Place
help me understand myself
better, it is also encouraging and
supportive in my journey of
becoming a professional
occupational therapist.
Tan is currently working full
time at Oasis Place as an OT
associate, gaining further
experience before continuing her
masters. She has applied to do
her masters at La Trobe
University in Melbourne,
Australia.
Upon completion of her
masters, she hopes to be a
practising professional
occupational therapist. I hope to
be able to help individuals with
special needs to the best of my
abilities, making an impact in
improving their quality of life. I
also hope to be able to repay and
provide for my parents as they
have sacrificed a lot to put me
through school.
For Tan and students of the BSc
(Hons) in Psychology at Sunway
University, the study of
psychology allows them to gain
an in-depth understanding of
how people learn, think, feel
and adapt to their social
environments.
The programme covers both
normal and abnormal behaviours
as well as deals with the
biological, social and individual
factors that affect human
psychology.
The programme also includes
supervised fieldwork, during
which students will have the
opportunity to apply newly
acquired knowledge and
understanding in a real-world
setting.
Through practical application,
students will acquire the skills
and attributes necessary to
evaluate and understand the
different facets of human
behaviour.
Students undergoing practical
training are taught to observe,
measure, test and analyse people
and to organise their thoughts,
reach conclusions using scientific
methods and learn to present
their ideas in writing and speech.
All the skills are transferable
and will enable students, upon
graduation, to use all they
have learnt for the betterment
of human welfare.

The three-year programme is a

gateway to a variety of exciting
career prospects, from forensic
science to helping businesses
understand their customers and
even helping sportsmen and
sportswomen perform at their full
potential.
The BSc (Hons) in Psychology
under the Faculty of Science and
Technology at Sunway University
is validated by Lancaster
University.
Upon successful completion
of the programme, graduates
are awarded two certificates
one from Sunway University
and another from Lancaster
University.

n For more information, visit

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

8 Foreign Degrees in Malaysia

THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

Follow your American dreams

SEGi University & Colleges has
been helping students pursue their
American dreams for many years.
Being one of the few private
higher institutions in Malaysia to
offer 4+0 programmes in
partnership with Troy University,
students are able to obtain an
American degree without having to
leave Malaysia.
With this exclusive partnership
between SEGi University and Troy
University, Malaysians will not
need to travel across the world to
pursue their American dreams.
Alternatively, students can
choose to experience campus life
in the Troy University main
campus situated in Troy, Alabama,
through the 2+2, 3+1 or 1+3
programmes.
Every semester, American
Degree Program students in
Malaysia will be visited by at least
two adjunct lecturers from Troy
University, who will conduct
lectures at SEGi.
One such lecturer is David Doc
Kirby, a full-time lecturer for the
Hall School of Journalism and
Communication at Troy University.
He received his bachelors
degree in biomedical engineering
and his master of science in
engineering from Troy University
as well as holds 21 semester hours
of additional graduate work in
communications.
Kirby specialises in broadcast
journalism and communication
technology, bringing decades of
real-world broadcast experience
to the classroom.
He is also well known for his

David 'Doc' Kirby (fourth from left), a lecturer for Hall School of Journalism and Communication at Troy University,
enjoyed getting to know SEGi students during his short stint in Kuala Lumpur.
daily book review radio show, his
monthly column in Dixie Living
magazine and his weekly half-hour
interview show on the radio.
Kirby works with the Troy
University jazz programme at
the John M. Long School of Music
in Troy University and is also
the operations/programme
manager for Troy Broadcasting
Corporation.
Hall School of Journalism and
Communication at Troy University
is ranked sixth in the Radio
Television Digital News

Associations Top 20 Journalism

Schools 2014 survey and the
lecturers all have practical
experience in the field, not just
theoretical knowledge, he says.
He believes that a degree from
Troy is invaluable and will provide
American Degree Program
graduates with the opportunity to
work in the United States.
Troy graduates are proficient in
English and a degree from Troy
University will open up job
opportunities in other countries for
the graduates.

According to Kirby, Troy

University has one of the most
caring chancellors, Dr Jack
Hawkins Jr, who strolls around
the campus to get to know the
students, making everyone at
campus feel like they are part
of the family.
The academicians know
students names by heart, creating
a fulfilling environment for
students to study in.
Besides Kirby, three other
visiting instructors were at SEGi to
conduct lessons in communication

and psychology this semester.

They were Hall School of
Journalism and Communications
assistant professor Dr Bridgette
Colaco, Division of Psychologys
associate professor Dr Meg
Milligan and Division of
Psychologys assistant professor
and assistant chair Dr Tom Reiner.
They shared their experiences
with students and gave them tips
on excelling in their subjects.
Troy University is an accredited
member of the Council of Higher
Education Accreditation and the
Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools in the US.
Students can choose from a wide
range of majors and minors under
the SEGi American Degree
Program, including the Bachelor of
Science in Communication Arts
(minor in Promotion), Bachelor of
Science in Communication Arts
(minor in Psychology), Bachelor of
Science in Psychology (minor in
Communication Studies), Bachelor
of Science in Psychology (minor in
Global General Business) and
Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration (major in Global
Business).

n For more information, call

SEGi College Kuala Lumpur

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

Before
taking flight
IF you are enrolled in a twinning
programme or intend to transfer to a sister
university, you will have to move to a new
country midway of your education, which
can be daunting.
Hence, it is important to make necessary
preparations to ensure a smooth transition
into your new campus.
l Passport Ensure your passport is
valid before you begin applying for your
student visa. Although the Immigration
Department of Malaysia can produce
passports within a day, application queues
can be long.
Take some time off and show up early
at the immigration office. It is also
encouraged to get a passport with a longer
duration of validity as a precautionary
measure.

l Insurance Check with your parents

whether your current insurance policy

covers you while you are studying abroad.
This is particularly important in the case of
a medical emergency.
If your existing insurance does not cover
you while you are overseas, consider
finding an alternative insurance plan that
does.
Also, check with your academic
programme coordinator on possible
insurance coverage provided for students
studying abroad.

l Immunisation Get appropriate

immunisation and medication before
travelling out of the country.
It is important to research on the types
of immunisation that are mandatory in the
country you are headed to.
You can also talk to your family doctor
and programme coordinator for more
information.

l Money Budget your personal finances

and living costs before you head abroad.
Discuss with your parents how you can best
spend and save money while you are
studying overseas.
Constantly take note of the exchange rates
and, if your visa permits, consider part-time
employment opportunities to further
supplement your finances.
l Culture and language It is important
for students who are going abroad to
research on the culture and language spoken
in the host country. This will help you
communicate with the locals and befriend
them more easily.
l Packing Although you may be excited
about starting a new life chapter in a new
environment and want to bring along as
many of your personal belongings as
possible, it is important to pack rationally
and moderately.
Take only what you absolutely need such
as some casual and formal clothing, essential
electronic devices and some dried food
products.
Determine what items you need to
purchase here and what you can purchase
in your host country.
It is also important to research on what
the weather is like over there. It is cheaper
to buy seasonal clothing at your host
country, especially during off-season sales.