THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019

POSTGRADUATE

Winds of change
Energy consumption is at an all-time high, exacerbating the need for professionals to seek
new ways to harness natural resources and expand the renewable energy sector.
2 Postgraduate
Harnessing the power of nature
By NGEH CHEE YEN
IN March this year, Environment Minister
Yeo Bee Yin announced that the Government
is looking into peer-to-peer (P2P) energy
trading schemes and virtual net metering to
expand solar energy uptake in Malaysia.
pv magazine, an international publication
focused on the global photovoltaics (PV)
community, published an article in March
titled Malaysia mulls P2P energy trading and
renewable energy certificates. It reported that
the Government is currently working on a
Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap
through 2035 that will include strategies and
action plans to reach its renewable energy
target of 20% by 2025.
With the abundance of renewable energy
sources in the country such as solar,
biomass, biogas, solid waste and mini
hydropower, things are looking promising
that Malaysia will reach this goal. However,
are we adequately prepared to go for and
sustain this form of energy harnessing for
the long term?
Breaking barriers
Malaysia’s location is advantageous to
harness renewable energy, but there are
several reasons preventing the country from
using this energy to its full potential. Efforts
by the Government to encourage the use of
solar energy in Malaysia have increased
significantly over the past decade, with the
introduction of capital subsidies through the
SURIA 1000 Programme, feed-in tariff and
progression of solar PV from the feed-in
tariff to large-scale solar, net energy
metering and self-consumption programmes.
However, there is still need for greater
commitment from companies towards
environmental, social, and governance
values as corporate organisations are driving
the growth of renewable energy, especially
variable ones such as solar and wind power.
Other obstacles include the higher cost of
electricity sourced from renewable energy
and the lack of ability to handle potential
technical issues.
Prof Lim Yun Seng, Centre for Power
Systems & Electricity chairperson at Tunku
Abdul Rahman University, says, “Currently,
Tenaga Nasional Berhad still produces
cheaper electricity through established
means. Besides that, the integration of PV
systems with the distribution networks can
create a number of technical issues such as
voltage rise, imbalance and stability. Existing
power systems are not equipped with the
facilities to solve technical issues created by
the penetration of renewable energy
sources.”
Nevertheless, some issues can be resolved
and renewable energy is starting to gain
traction.
On the education front, universities are
starting to incorporate sustainability and
renewable energy studies into their courses
to equip a new generation of researchers
and engineers.
The pursuit of renewable energy could still negatively impact the environment, thus the need
to develop experts in the field who can ensure the nation is heading down the right path.
Advancing the renewable energy ecosystem should start from the grassroots at schools and universities, in the form of subjects and courses
targeted at instilling awareness of the need for sustainable energy generation.
Students should learn
techniques to control the
operation of renewable
energy sources for the
protection and stability of
the power systems. Any
emerging technologies
should be included in the
syllabus to facilitate the
penetration of renewable
energy sources of up to
20% or more of total energy
generation.
Integrating new knowledge
As Malaysia shifts towards a more
sustainable future, new technologies and
policies need to be incorporated into
postgraduate syllabi to develop experts of
the future.
Prof Dr Nasrudin Abdul Rahim from
University of Malaya’s Power Energy
Dedicated Advanced Centre says the
Government and universities are already
working together to achieve the Renewable
Energy Transition Roadmap target.
As the Government works to stabilise the
policy side of the spectrum, universities can
contribute to the renewable energy
ecosystem by offering courses, training
programmes and workshops. At the
postgraduate level, there is dire need for
extensive research on this industry to
provide students with comprehensive
knowledge and experience on renewable
energy.
Prof Nasrudin is hopeful that the possible
research and application of the results in
the field of renewable energies can
introduce renewable applications, solve
current issues, improve efficiency, analyse
economic feasibility and reduce
environmental impact.
He says, “Universities can be the inner
source of producing research ideas and
funding. These funds can be distributed to
postgraduate students for their independent
research projects in hopes of achieving the
renewable energy target in Malaysia.”
Prof Lim opines that postgraduate syllabi
need to include more technical subjects on
integrating renewable energy sources into
the power grid as well as the regulatory
and commercial aspects of trading
renewable energy.
He elaborates, “Students should learn
techniques to control the operation of
renewable energy sources for the
protection and stability of the power
systems. Any emerging technologies should
be included in the syllabus to facilitate the
penetration of renewable energy sources of
up to 20% or more of total energy
generation.”
What lies ahead
The contribution of postgraduates is
crucial to the long-term success of the
renewable energy industry.
Being a sunrise industry, postgraduates
can contribute in direct and indirect
sectors. There is a need for widespread
support from engineers, researchers,
bankers, legal advisors, energy economists,
energy policy, digital services (for the
digitalisation of the electricity sector),
investors and educational institutions.
However, challenges are bound to arise
when implementing something new. Prof
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
Nasrudin lists the challenges faced by
universities in training engineers in the
sustainability and renewable energy field:
l Adapting to changing cultures and
innovation
l Preparing for a technology-enabled
future
l Transforming educational institutions
for a technology-assisted future
l Combining teaching methods of online
courses and traditional in-classroom
instruction modes
l Customising students’ education based
on interests and job market
Prof Lim looks forward to the
implementation of the smart grid as he
believes it is the future of all power grids.
He says many universities are already
familiar with the teaching of the
conventional power systems such as power
electronics, power system analysis and
electrical machines, so it should not be too
difficult for them to adapt to this change.
Nevertheless, he says, “Universities have
not been involved much in the development
of cloud computing and home automation,
among other new technologies. This can be
a challenge universities face in training
engineers in the areas of smart grid and
Industry 4.0.”
A balance of economics and
resources
The Government’s goal of having 20% of
the total national energy output sourced
from renewable energy may feel too lofty.
However, with the right changes and
cooperation from all parties, it can be done.
We can see encouragement in the form of
the Energy Transition Index released
recently by World Economic Forum, which
listed Malaysia as a leading country among
developing and emerging Asian countries
for improvements towards universal access
to electricity.
It is quite exciting to see what the
Government, renewable energy industry
and higher learning institutions have in
store for all of us in building a healthier,
greener and more efficient Malaysia. For
engineers who are passionate about climate
change, a postgraduate engineering degree
in renewable energy can be a good start to
making the world a better place.
> SEE ALSO PAGE 5
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019 3
4 Postgraduate
Leader in power
energy research
DESPITE its humble beginning as a small
research laboratory, UM Power Energy
Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC) rose
through the ranks to emerge as a nationally
acclaimed Higher Institution Centre of
Excellence in Engineering Research Cluster
in 2009.
Realising the importance of power energy
research as a catalyst of growth for the
nation, UMPEDAC has set power energy as
its main niche with the long-term goal of
empowering Malaysia with the capability to
become a leader in power energy nationally
and regionally. Founded by Prof Dr Nasrudin
Abd Rahim, UMPEDAC maintains its core
focus in human capital development by
offering postgraduate programmes,
continuous professional development
courses in engineering skills, and specialised
facilities for research in solar energy.
The Master of Renewable Energy was
designed to produce experts in the field of
renewable energy among local and
international students. This programme
provides professionals and graduate
students with advanced understanding in
various core applications in renewable
energy technology and management.
The Master of Renewable Energy is a
complementary programme for the Master
of Energy Science offered with Kyoto
University, Japan, under the University of
Malaya-Kyoto University Double Degree
Memorandum of Agreement that was
officiated on Aug 16, 2008.
Besides that, UMPEDAC also offers the
Master of Power System Engineering
programme. This programme was designed
to develop professionals who are highly
competent in creating new ideas and
solutions, making sound decisions,
advancing knowledge through research and
becoming leaders in the electrical power
industry.
Under this programme, students will be
exposed to the latest equipment, tools and
technologies to help them build a strong
understanding of the principles and
techniques of electrical power engineering.
In addition, students are given opportunities
to observe real-world applications and best
practices during industry-relevant field trips
to various advanced institutions and
establishments around the world.
Other than that, University of Malaya
offers the Doctor of Philosophy and Master
of Research programmes, which cover
renewable energy, smart power conversion
systems, smart grid systems, energy-efficient
systems, smart transportation systems,
power quality and system protection as well
as automation and control.
n For more information, call 03-2246 3246,
email umpedac@um.edu.my or visit www.
umpedac.um.edu.my
Global perspective
on public health
THE field of public health constantly evolves
to better cater to the increasing need for
better health promotion and disease
prevention. Explosive growth in commerce,
development and the global population
carries with it heightened risk through the
rapid dissemination of infectious diseases
and contaminated products. Public health
has never been more important, as the
world seeks solutions to prevent disease and
ensure people lead long and healthy lives.
RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC)
remains committed to its vision to be a
health and well-being focused, globally
recognised education and research centre.
The university’s mission is to contribute to
society through excellence in education,
learning and research. The university is
aware of the indispensability of postgraduate
and medical research and currently offers a
postgraduate programme in public health.
“Challenges in major public health issues
are similar in many jurisdictions with
lifestyle-related diseases, infectious diseases
and appropriate preventive strategies. This
programme benefits from the experiences in
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
developing and developed countries. As
an international programme, it attracts
students from all over the world,” says
Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rashid Khan, MSc in
Public Health programme director and
RUMC Public Health Department head.
The programme offers multidisciplinary
training and development and emphasises
the knowledge and tools to analyse the
factors that influence public health in an
international environment. It also offers
study and experience field work within
the same country and supervisors are
chosen based on the student’s research
area of choice.
Upon completing the programme, the
career progression pathways available to
graduates include positions in the local
public health service or global agencies
such as the World Health Organization
and similar non-governmental bodies
involved in health improvement
initiatives, entry qualification for the
United States’ Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention’s Epidemic Investigation
Service and similar field epidemiology
programmes or research and academic
public health careers (DrPH or PhD).
In addition to the MSc in Public Health
programme, RUMC also offers the MSc in
Health Research. Both programmes are in
collaboration with University College
Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in
Ireland, respectively, and are accredited
and awarded by the National University of
Ireland. The programmes are also
recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications
Agency and Education Ministry.
n For enquiries about RUMC’s
programmes, call 04-217 1888 or email
study@rcsiucd.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
Solutions and
improvements
RENEWABLE energy has always
been marketed as the best choice
against climate change. However,
each resource comes with its own
challenges:
l Biogas – Most potential biogas
sites are located away from the
grid, making it uneconomical for
grid-connection.
l Biomass – There is risk in
procuring a steady supply of
feedstock (e.g. paddy husk) at a
reasonable price. Remote location
of renewable energy plants and
local-level issues also contribute to
grid connection issues.
l Small hydro – These sites are
usually located in remote areas
with dense jungle, causing the
working environment to be
challenging and tough. Delays are
also caused when obtaining
financing from banks and permits
from state governments and other
environmental agencies, as the
industry is still in its infancy.
l Solar PV – There is currently
no specific financing model for
smaller solar PV developers. Solar
programmes such as net energy
metering or self-consumption are
also not widely known.
While financing takes the
crown for the issues of all these
resources, solutions to other
concerns such as connectivity,
technical issues and working
environments can be improved
with the right engineering
expertise and efforts in research.
Combining the efforts of the
Government, corporate players,
researchers and engineers, the
goal of having renewable energy
as 20% of the country’s power
source may no longer be a pipe
dream.
Get a leg up on
the competition
CARVING out a career in the 21st
century promises to be tough. This
is especially true in the business
world, where the use of
information technology (IT) is no
longer separate, but
interdependent.
Cognisant of this, Monash
University Malaysia’s Master of
Business Information System
(MBIS) programme has been
designed to integrate niche
business and IT areas for students
with or without an IT background.
In an increasingly competitive
world, it is essential for students to
become multidisciplinary experts
who possess knowledge in
different domains, including the
business and IT sectors.
Multidisciplinary experts can
conquer blind spots that cannot be
resolved by single-domain experts.
The Monash MBIS course
prepares students to use IT to
tackle business problems and work
in areas such as business
information research, project
management and consultancy.
Candidates without an IT
background can enrol in
fundamental units such as
Introduction to Business
Information Systems and
Foundations of Programming
before moving on to more
advanced materials.
The MBIS programme has two
tracks and students have the
option of branching into the
research stream or the industry
experience stream, depending on
their areas of interest. They can
also choose to enrol in a full-time
(two years) or part-time (four
years) course. For students with an
IT background, the MBIS
programme can be completed in
1.5 years.
Previous students have
embarked on the programme for
different reasons, including to
Postgraduate 5
enhance their knowledge for
career progression, while those
who are keen on research
continue on to pursue their PhD
after completing their MBIS.
Career opportunities for MBIS
graduates abound. The
programme can be viewed as a
stepping stone for students to
work in various industries,
either locally or abroad, as the
skills and knowledge acquired
are in high demand.
Some of the fields they can
enter include cloud data, human
resource analysis and trend
analysis, depending on the
graduates’ area of interest.
A study done by Kelly Services
showed that the salary range for
high-demand jobs such as lead
software developer and
software development manager
with between five and 12 years
of experience can range from
RM9,000 to RM15,000 and
RM12,000 to RM18,000 per
month, respectively.
Project directors or SAP team
leads with over eight years of
experience can pocket minimum
salaries of around RM15,000 or
RM18,000, respectively.
n For more information on the
MBIS programme at Monash
Malaysia, visit www.monash.edu.
my/it
6 Postgraduate
Training quality engineering grads
MANY professionals in quality
engineering (QE), from engineers to
managers, are looking to upgrade
and enhance their knowledge and
career development. Right now, the
platforms on which they can do so
are limited. Available platforms
include Chartered Quality Institute
(CQI) and the Certified Quality
Manager Certificate by Federation
of Malaysian Manufacturers, which
focuses more on
professional
certification/
membership rather than
enhancing the academic content.
In order to provide a holistic
career development platform,
Universiti Kuala Lumpur’s
(UniKL) Master of Quality
Engineering and Management
(MQEM) programme is designed
by blending both academic
content and professional QE
certification, including CQI and
Lean Center of Excellence. This
programme embeds professional
certification from various
professional certification
bodies such as CQI and
Lean Center of Excellence
(MLCoE).
UniKL’s MQEM is aimed at
providing a comprehensive,
internationally recognised master’s
programme in QE that produces
professionals with leadership skills
who are knowledgeable and
competent in the discipline and
technopreneurial activities. Those
who graduate with the MQEM will
be equipped with knowledge of
advanced theory and application
of QE, particularly in Total Quality
Management, with an optional
certification either from CQI or
MLCoE’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
(LSSGB).
It is expected that MQEM
graduates will serve as competent
QE professionals and quality
managers in the job market. This
course was designed to attract both
domestic and overseas
participants. The programme
allows engineering graduates and
relevant technical personnel from
manufacturing and service
industries to specialise in QE, and
is expected to enhance students’
knowledge and understanding of
all aspects of advance
manufacturing, inspection and
quality improvement
methodology (which they may not
be familiar with).
This programme is unique in
that no other instiution in
Malaysia, whether public or
private, offers something similar.
UniKL’s MQEM is the first in
Malaysia to embed CQI
membership and award an LSSGB
to its graduates, ultimately adding
the value of international
recognition to graduates’ résumés.
Graduates can expect to find
employment as executives and
managers in the following
positions.
l Lead auditor
l Quality management
Leading the way
PLACED among the world’s top
300 universities according to the
CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019,
Curtin University Malaysia
(Curtin Malaysia) is at the
forefront of globally ranked
tertiary institutions in Borneo. It
is in 284th place, up 35 spots
from the previous iteration of
the ranking, which measures
university performance based
on scientific impact and
collaboration across almost 1,000
major universities worldwide.
Curtin Malaysia pro-vice-
chancellor, president and
chief executive Prof Jim
Mienczakowksi says that the
institution is proud of this
significant achievement, being a
key contributor to Curtin
University’s strong research
performance as its largest
international campus and global
hub in Asia.
“We are proud to be able to
play a key role in expanding
Curtin’s global reputation and
educational and research
footprint in the region,
particularly here in Sarawak,
where our research activities
and collaborations are making a
significant impact on local
industries and the community,”
shares Prof Mienczakowski.
Curtin University vice-
chancellor Prof Deborah Terry
expresses delight in the ranking,
saying, “It is an outstanding
result and demonstrates the
university’s commitment to
scientific collaboration, making
an impact through scientific
research that makes a real
difference in people’s lives.”
CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
representative
l Process improvement expert
l Lean manager
l Metrology and calibration
expert
l Testing and inspection expert
l Quality manager
l Business excellence manager
l Project manager
l Researcher/academician
Furthermore, MQEM is a
comprehensive, constructive and
established course that serves a
wide range of industries. It suits
the competitiveness among QE
professionals in pursuit of career
path enhancement. Quality is
everywhere. – By Fairul Anwar
Abu Bakar, quality engineering
section lecturer at UniKL -
Malaysian Institute of Industrial
Technology
n For details, call 07-381 2400 or
email fairulanwar@unikl.edu.my
evaluates institutions’ research
impact and collaboration
according to their publication
output from 2014 to 2017. The
global ranking is based on data
from Web of Science and
compiled by Clarivate Analytics.
In November, Curtin was
placed among the top 250
universities globally in
University Ranking by Academic
Performance 2018-2019, which
identifies the world’s top 2,500
universities. The institution is in
249th place, up from 272nd
place in 2017, and has remained
the ninth top university in
Australia for five years
consecutively.
Curtin is among the top 1% of
universities in the Academic
Ranking of World Universities
2018 and has risen to 250th
place in the QS World University
Rankings 2019. It is also ranked
20th globally in the QS Top 50
Under 50 2019 and received a
score of five stars overall in the
QS Stars Rating System.
Students of Curtin Malaysia
receive the same education and
learning experiences as their
counterparts at the main
campus in Perth, Australia. They
can choose to study part of their
courses, complete their
undergraduate degrees or
undertake further study at
another Curtin campus. Upon
graduation, they will join an
active network of more than
230,000 Curtin alumni spread
across the world.
n For more information on
Curtin Malaysia, visit www.
curtin.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019 Postgraduate 7

Public health programme

THE practice of public health
in the 21st century needs
collaborative contributions from
a multidisciplinary team of
professionals and healthcare

for healthcare professionals

workers. With this in mind,
International Medical University
(IMU) has developed a unique
programme – the Master of
Science in Public Health
(MScPH) – to cater to healthcare
professionals from all walks of
life.
The hands-on experience and
real-life scenarios that students
attain under this programme
equip them with a repertoire of
knowledge and skills so they can
work in different
sectors of public health. Job
readiness is one of the many
outstanding attributes with
which the MScPH programme
awards its students. Many of the
programme’s alumni are currently
employed in various subsectors of
public health.
Below is what several MScPH
alumni have to say about the
programme.
l Obinna Francis Onunkwor
(Nigeria), a 2015 graduate, is a
monitoring and supervision
consultant at i+solutions in
Nigeria. He says, “IMU’s MScPH is
accepted and recognised globally.
A key aspect that gave me an edge
in a competitive and high-surplus
workforce in Nigeria was the
chance to undergo my internship
at the United Nations High
Commission for Refugees in Kuala
Lumpur. It provided me with the
experience I needed to launch my
career in a sector that hardly
employs inexperienced graduates.”
l Ng Ai Kah (Malaysia), a 2013
graduate, is a lecturer at IMU. She
says, “The programme is good
because it provides comprehensive
scopes of learning of health systems
and organisations, management and
health economics. I must say that I
truly enjoyed my lessons and my
lecturers were extremely helpful,
dedicated and experienced. I am
grateful to have been a part of this
programme and appreciate how it
has facilitated my professional
development as well as my current
PhD project, which is related to
public health nutrition among
adolescents.”
l Wong Yi Kai (Malaysia), Dauda
Bukar Dauda (Nigeria) and Galila
Esamamawi (Yemen), all 2017
graduates, say they appreciated the
electives offered under the
programme. They say, “We were
given opportunities to present at an
international health promotion
event, international conference and
non-govermental organisation-led
health camp. These proved to be
good collaborative and
interprofessional learning
experiences that allowed us to share
values and gain respect for the roles
of other healthcare professionals
and communities, as well as
improve our cultural competence in
practice.”
All five of these graduates agreed
that their successes would not have
been possible without guidance
from the IMU Community Medicine
Department faculty. If you are
interested in this area of studies for
your postgraduate degree, you can
apply to the MScPH online.
IMU also offers taught Master in
Science (MSc) programmes in
molecular medicine, analytical and
pharmaceutical chemistry and
pharmacy practice, the Postgraduate
Diploma in Implant Dentistry,
postgraduate programmes in health
professions education and MSc and
PhD programmes by research.
n For more information, call 03-2731
7272, email postgraduate@imu.edu.
my or visit www.imu.edu.my

Lending a
helping hand
THERE is a plethora of
qualifications out there. In this
ever-changing and ever-more-
demanding job market, having a
higher education qualification is
of utmost importance if you
want to keep up.
The evolution of job markets
and in-demand skills are shifting
at a staggering rate, as reported
by the World Economic Forum’s
2016 Global Challenges Insight
Report titled The Future of Jobs.
Professional versatility and
agility have become imperative.
In other words, skills that are
distinctively human will be
among the most valuable in a
future ruled by automation and
artificial intelligence. Skills such
as leadership, cross-cultural
communication, problem-
solving and teamwork are
highly sought after by
employers, and they can be
enriched through postgraduate
study.
Postgraduate study should be
seen as a means for self-
improvement and as a gateway
to opportunities, as the field of
study at the postgraduate level is
certainly more advanced and
specialised compared with
undergraduate study. A
postgraduate degree can aid you
exponentially, whether you are
seeking work, hoping to be
promoted in your role or
upgrade your skills through a
higher qualification in your
field. There are also some fields
in which a postgraduate
qualification is required to gain
professional registration, such
as architecture and psychology.
You could also build networks
that cross national borders as
you will be studying and
cooperating with people from
all over the globe.
One critical component of
postgraduate study is the
research project, which usually
revolves around one’s topic of
interest. Postgraduate
assignments and theses are
crucial aspects that will help you
develop high-level analytical,
problem-solving and decision-
making skills, all of which are in
demand. Through these projects,
students will contribute to their
field of study, society and even
the world by discovering new
findings and implications and
helping them gain industry
relevance.
Most master’s degree students
should already have a few topics
in mind when they commence
their study, so that they can
discuss and finalise their
research focus, methodology
and theoretical framework. A
PhD, however, requires students
to already have a research
proposal prior to commencing
their PhD application. In
addition, prospective PhD
students should personally seek
a supervisor from their desired
universities by contacting and
discussing their research with
an academic in a relevant field.
Interested in pursuing a
postgraduate degree but having
trouble preparing for your
application, or not sure where
and when to study? JM
Education Group can assist you
by providing counseling on field
of study, university, scholarship
options, documentation and visa
applications.
n Visit your nearest JM
Education Group centre or call
03-5633 4732 to arrange a
consultation.
8 Postgraduate
Sirim credentials with MQM
LEARNERS who sign up for the Master of
Quality Management (MQM) programme at
Open University Malaysia (OUM) will stand
to gain additional credentials upon
completion of the programme following a
collaboration between the university and
Sirim STS Sdn Bhd.
At the end of their studies, learners will
earn credentials for Certified Quality
Manager, Certified Quality Professional, ISO
9001 Lead Auditor and Total Quality Fast
Track Model, subject to them passing the
relevant Sirim assessment.
These credentials will add value to those
in managerial positions, such as officers
responsible for executing quality-related
tasks and individuals involved in the
design and implementation of quality
management systems (QMS), internal QMS
audits and contractor assessments.
Offered by the Cluster of Applied Sciences
(CAS), the two-year programme is
developed in collaboration with Sirim Bhd
and is fully accredited by the Malaysian
Qualifications Agency.
Programme director Dr Raziana Che Aziz
says, “OUM academics have collaborated
with qualified personnel from Sirim STS
Sdn Bhd to develop the curriculum and
learning materials, to ensure that the
programme will produce competent
graduates who are sought after by
employers.”
The OUM-Sirim collaboration is timely
and significant as it is OUM’s goal to realise
the nation’s vision of creating a specialised
and technology-driven workforce. It will
also fulfil the needs of industries by
These credentials will add
value to those in managerial
positions, such as officers
responsible for executing
quality-related tasks and
individuals involved in the
design and implementation
of quality management
systems (QMS), internal
QMS audits and contractor
assessments.
producing globally competitive graduates
who can navigate and thrive in highly
skilled work environments.
As a senior member at CAS, Dr Raziana
has vast experience in quality management.
She is an internal auditor for the Malaysian
Association of Distance Education, member
of the MQM Board of Studies, head of CAS’
Quality Improvement Committee and OUM
internal auditor.
Dr Raziana says, “The programme
comprises 12 modules and provides
learners with a thorough grounding in the
theory and application of the various
concepts that form the basis of Total Quality
Management (TQM).”
She adds that this programme is unlike
any other as it is developed based on
knowledge related to quality management,
encompassing areas of TQM and Quality
Improvement Tools and Methods that use
the updated standards of ISO 9001: 2015
Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:
2004 Environmental Management Systems
and ISO 18001: 2007 Occupational Health
and Safety Assessment Series.
She says certification for the credentials
use updated Sirim standards. Sirim
consultants and experts are on hand to
evaluate learners’ master’s projects and
conduct training required for the four
credentials.
A master’s degree in quality
management, especially one that also
provides the added
advantage of Sirim
Career paths for engineers
THE Ir designation used by engineers in
Malaysia is an abbreviation of the French
term ingenieur, and it identifies individuals
who meet the highest professional
engineering standards.
Upon obtaining your bachelor’s degree in
engineering, you first need to register as a
Graduate Engineer with the Board of
Engineering Malaysia (BEM). You then have
three routes to professional recognition to
choose from – Route 1: Professional
Assessment Examination (PAE), Route 2:
Corporate Member of the Institute of
Engineers Malaysia (IEM) or Route 3: Route
for a Professional Engineer from an
Overseas Regulatory Body).
Graduate engineer with BEM
Ensuring you have a degree that is
recognised by BEM is the very first step. The
Engineering Accreditation Council of
Malaysia has a list of accredited engineering
programmes offered by institutions in
Malaysia, including Universiti Teknologi
Petronas, University of Nottingham Malaysia,
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and
Universiti Teknologi MARA.
It is mandatory for a university graduate
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
certification, is ideal for individuals
working in various sectors, including
quality and service assurance managers,
occupational health and safety specialists,
internal and external auditors,
management consultants as well as
compliance officers.
“The MQM programme will enhance
learners’ generic and transferable skills that
are applicable in various industries. These
skills will help them measure, analyse and
improve quality management and
improvement plans in their respective
organisations,” Dr Raziana concludes.
n For more information on MQM and other
programmes, call the OUM speedline at
03-2773 2121, email enquiries@oum.edu.
my or visit www.oum.edu.my
to register as a Graduate Engineer if he
wants to take up employment that requires
him to perform professional engineering
duties.
To be entitled to register as a Professional
Engineer with a Practising Certificate, you
have to fulfil certain criteria:
l Be registered as a Graduate Engineer
and obtain the practical experience
determined by BEM
l Comply with the requirements
determined by BEM
l Pass the PAE conducted by BEM and
hold a professional qualification that the
BEM considers to be equivalent to the
professional examination or be a Corporate
Member of IEM
Route 1: Professional Assessment
Examination
In this route, you need three years of
practical experience – at least two years of
general training that will provide you with
sound basis in professional development,
and at least one year of professional career
> SEE NEXT PAGE
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
Grooming research
experts for IR4.0
EVERYONE is talking about Industry 4.0,
which has transformed not only industries
and businesses, but also higher education
systems worldwide because it has impacted
students’ needs, society’s expectations and
employers’ skill requirements, as well as
driving technology to rapidly evolve.
Economists observe that Malaysia needs to
build a culture of continuous learning and
constant upskilling before it can participate
in Industry 4.0. Former international trade
and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz
said the old education format can no longer
cope with the demands of Industry 4.0.
“A revolution in education is needed for us
to be in line with marketplace dynamics
domestically, regionally and globally.
Education is the lynchpin to Malaysia
moving forward successfully in the highly
competitive operating environment. Failure
to revolutionise the education system,
structure, software and content will render
Malaysia unable to meet new demands and
imperatives,” said Rafidah.
Always on the ball of what the industry
requires, SEGi University has launched its
first Research & Development Blueprint
(2016-2020), focusing on three main phases.
The blueprint allows SEGi University to drive
successful research and innovation strategies
with impactful outcomes for the community.
Through its Research & Innovation
Management Centre (RIMC) and Institute of
Graduate Research (IGS), SEGi University is
committed to developing its own capabilities
to achieve the targeted R&D rooting and
indigenisation of the whole activity.
The institution also aims to nurture a
pipeline of scholars, groom global leaders in
research and contribute productively
towards industries, as well as foster
collaboration, mutual understanding and
trust to enable the whole system to grow and
prosper. Some examples of high-impact
research and industry collaboration SEGi
University has undertaken include the
launch of the SEGi–Mimos Centre of
Three
routes to
success
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
development training, providing you with
wide exposure to the various managerial
and technical skills employed in engineering
practice.
At least one year of your training must be
obtained in Malaysia under the supervision
of a Professional Engineer in the same
branch of engineering. After gaining work
experience, you have to pass a PAE
conducted by the BEM.
The PAE consists of two parts: the
Professional Assessment Interview and
written essays. The first essay assesses your
training and experience and the second is on
the Code of Ethics.
Route 2: Corporate Member of
IEM
The second route to becoming a
professional engineer requires you to be a
Corporate Member of IEM and comply with
requirements determined by BEM, which are
that you have to obtain three years of
Postgraduate 9
Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and its
collaboration with Health Sciences
University of Hokkaido, Japan.
“At SEGi University, our aim is not merely
to create, preserve and disseminate
knowledge, but also passionately groom staff
and students to partake in research
endeavours. We help promote
multidisciplinary and collaborative research,
foster industry linkages and encourage (Front row, from left) SEGi University vice-chancellor Prof Patrick Kee, SEGi International
global outlooks. We also highly regard Berhad group chief executive officer and executive director Hew Moi Lan, Mimos interim
ethical and responsible research for president and chief executive officer Emelia Matrahah and Mimos chief technology officer
professional consultancy development. In Thillai Raj at the formalisation of SEGi University and Mimos’ collaborative research in artificial
short, through R&D, we help turn ideas and intelligence (AI).
creativity into innovative products for
commercialisation prospects and as highly
competitive, genuine businesses,” says Dr
Mahadevan Supramaniam, director of RIMC
and IGS.
He adds, “Apart from establishing
connections and spearheading research
collaborations, SEGi University is going one
step further. It will be holding the
International Conference and Exhibition on
Industry 4.0: A Global Revolution in
Business, Technology and Productivity from
Sept 5 to 7 with a keynote address by Prime
Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. This
event will bring together stakeholders,
government agencies, businesses,
professionals and experts from all over the
world to meet and share experiences,
products and services to roll out Industry 4.0
processes more effectively in Malaysia.”
If you are a working professional who is
seeking to elevate your career and research
expertise and be a part of Industry 4.0, book
an information session and campus visit
today to learn how SEGi University can assist
you in achieving your career goals.
n For details, call 03-6145 1777, WhatsApp
011-1210 6389 or visit www.segi.edu.my.
Alternatively speak to SEGi University’s
counsellors to learn more about the courses,
workshops and research opportunities it
provides.
practical experience according to the same
criteria as Route 1.
Route 3: Route for a Professional
Engineer from an Overseas
Regulatory Body
This third route involves you having to
comply with the requirements determined
by BEM and pass the Code of Conduct
Assessment based on the Registration of
Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015).
You must submit a latest Professional
Engineer Certificate issued by the regulatory
body of the other country to BEM, as well as
the summary of your practical experiences
and certification by a Professional Engineer
in the same branch of engineering.
The Professional Engineer’s status will be
verified to ensure that it is equivalent to
BEM’s professional engineer qualifications
eligibility. However, you may be disqualified
from receiving Professional Engineer status
if there are circumstances prior to
registration that would have the disciplinary
committee cancel your registration.
10 Postgraduate
ACCORDING to a 2018 LinkedIn study, the
biggest challenge in talent development is
ensuring that employees make time for
learning. Juggling busy work schedules and
personal commitments means most people
simply don’t have the time to commit to
studying.
However, many companies do realise that
staying ahead of the curve means not only
hiring the best talent, but also investing in
professional development so that their
employees have the chance to upgrade their
knowledge and pick up new skills.
In an increasingly competitive
employment landscape, one of the ways
companies can provide learning
opportunities is through technology-enabled
approaches, such as online learning.
Online learning offers many
advantages to both
companies and their
Are you ready to be
an online learner?
employees, as it allows people to study
without putting their careers on hold.
At Open University Malaysia (OUM),
online learning has been the mainstay of
our open and distance learning (ODL)
approach. For the past 18 years, we have
leveraged online learning, along with self-
managed study and face-to-face interaction,
as key elements in our blended learning
approach.
However, in approaching our 20th year,
we realise that it is not enough to simply
remain with the tried and true. While the
blended approach has proven effective
for the 74,000 individuals who have
successfully graduated from this
university, OUM is now looking
to set a new direction and
make learning even more
engaging, enriching and
relevant.
Thus, OUM is
prioritising
initiatives to
further
Online learning offers
many advantages to both
companies and their
employees, as it allows
people to study without
putting their careers on
hold.
enhance online learning across all
programmes. In the near future, we expect
online learning to play a major role, whether
for a new or higher qualification or for
professional development.
As reflected in the LinkedIn report, a
majority of employees prefer to learn at
work, at their own pace and when they need
to. Online learning can accommodate these
needs as learning can take place anytime
and anywhere using web-based resources,
learning materials and applications.
OUM’s recent introduction of two online
programmes delivered via a “beyond
blended” mode is our response to this
evolving landscape. By capitalising on the
online revolution, even those with hectic
lifestyles can obtain a higher degree in the
discipline of their choice.
In addition to the Master of Islamic
Studies and Master of Early Childhood
Education programmes that are offered via
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
the “beyond blended” mode at the
beginning of the May 2019 semester, other
postgraduate and undergraduate
programmes will also be offered in the
same fully online mode in the near future,
thus making it possible for people to earn a
degree without ever stepping into a physical
classroom.
Leveraging the blended approach as well
as online learning will give learners the
best of both worlds and demonstrate that
ODL is a viable option for those looking to
further their studies, no matter where they
are in their lives or careers.
In addition to our online learning
initiatives, OUM will also be introducing
technical and vocational education and
training (TVET) elements into our
programmes. Beginning last month,
learners enrolled in six basic courses will
be assessed through continuous assessment
such as presentations and quizzes, rather
than through a format that heavily depends
on final examinations.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is the
president and vice-chancellor of OUM.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019 Postgraduate 11

Modern education
THERE is no doubt that 21st century
economic dynamics have changed the
landscape of business at home and abroad.
Global organisations and establishments at
all levels of management in corporate and

for global success

industrial sectors are seeking cost-effective
ways to stay afloat in the red ocean. One
vital question remains: Is the current human
capital or talent resource able to adopt and
adapt to the megatrends of disruptive
changes?
The combined approaches Management &
Science University (MSU) takes with 21st
century learning and industry-driven
education have built strong traditions that
enhance current and future pools of human
capital assets to address the challenges of the
21st century knowledge economy. Global
companies in Malaysia, the Asean Economic
Community and the Asia-Pacific region are
constantly on the lookout for innovative
approaches to talent enhancement in
sustaining business leadership beyond
national boundaries.
MSU’s Master of Business Administration
(MBA), centred on its Graduate School of
Management (GSM), is geared towards
providing only the most critical skills for
talent creation in the business and
management marketplace. The MSU MBA
remains high on the priority list for
professionals and leaders in generating
business-centric skills to meet human capital
demands for new business perspectives Participants of MSU CEO Talks with Johan Mohamed Ishak (fifth from right), chief executive officer of Media Prima Television Networks.
around the globe.
Adopting global standards of industry best developing top-tier management skills and personal with leading CEOs on cross- with a variety of study modes, be they
practices, the MSU MBA modules pioneer encompassing entrepreneurial leadership, sectional approaches across the business and weekday, weekend, evening or virtual
new directions in building capacity and strategic management, Islamic finance, management spectrum. learning classes, which are conducted via
enhancing key abilities for all levels across project management and key business and Besides the MBA programme, the GSM video conference and supported with
the management spectrum – in business management knowledge for the 21st century also offers PhD and master’s programmes in online discussion.
innovation, strategy and decision-making market. management/business, accounting/finance, Lifelong learning is vital for everybody,
skills – and entrepreneurial, managerial, The MSU MBA’s combination of affordable management, educational management and not just the insatiably curious. Make
financial, ICT, governance and human fees, world-class teaching and leading leadership, education (Teaching English as a lifelong learning a part of yourself, advance
resource spectra. industry collaborations has enabled the Second Language), international business, in your professional life and gain immense
The MSU MBA seeks to transform real- creation of a sustainable network of counselling and guidance, fashion business, personal fulfilment.
world practice into classrooms for an graduates and managers who are well international hospitality and tourism
immersive 360° experiential learning that prepared to meet the demands of today’s management and early childhood education. n For more information on the
excites. Advocating the United Nations business world. The MSU series of CEO Talks These programmes are offered as postgraduate programmes offered at MSU,
Sustainable Development Goals, the MSU and Entrepreneur Talks provide MBA weekend or weekday classes, in flexible call 03-5521 6868, email enquiry@msu.edu.
MBA incorporates practical dimensions in students with the opportunity to be up close timeframes and for all management levels my or visit www.msu.edu.my
12 Postgraduate
YOU may be thinking about continuing your
education by enrolling in a postgraduate
course, with the Master of Business
Administration (MBA) being a popular
choice. Typically, you need industrial
experience before you can start an MBA. My
own institution, University of Nottingham
Malaysia, is no exception. We ask for
industrial experience as the Nottingham
MBA is aimed at those seeking to improve
their managerial skills and develop their
potential to provide leadership in an
environment that is becoming ever more
dynamic and complex.
One benefit of studying for an MBA is that
it brings together diverse ideas and
perspectives so that you are able to learn
from others, share best practices and see
problems/opportunities that are common
across industries and those that are specific
to your workplace or sector. An MBA, such
as the one at Nottingham, may also consider
areas such as sustainability, innovation and
ethics, which are important, but you may not
regularly have to deal with such issues.
Of course, there are many types of MBA –
some general, some tied to specific industries
and some that focus on specific topics – so
how do you find an MBA that is suitable for
you? There are the obvious questions, such
as do you want to do it full time, part time or
online? These options all have their
advantages and disadvantages, and what is
right for someone else may not be right for
you. Cost is an important factor and you
should consider the return on investment
you can expect. You should be looking for
value for money rather than the cheapest
option.
If you can access the alumni of the
university you are considering, they can be a
great source of information. Not only to ask
what they thought of the course itself, but
also generally about the experience they had
at the university. It can also be interesting to
hear what they have gone on to do, or, if
they remained at the same company, if
getting an MBA has enhanced their career
either in terms of promotion, wider
Soaring high in the industry
CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest
accounting bodies, with a global
membership of more than 164,000
members working in 150 countries.
The CPA designation denotes a person as
a professional in the finance, accounting
and business fields. It is a mark of high
professional competence as would-be
members have to showcase a soundness in
the depth, breadth and quality of their
accounting knowledge to obtain such a
designation.
Highly regarded by employers and
members, CPA Australia provides members
with an internationally recognised
designation and professional development
to further their technical and leadership
knowledge with a blend of programmes
and events. To become a CPA Australia
member, you must complete:
l A degree or postgraduate award
recognised by CPA Australia
l The CPA Program and fulfil 36 months
of relevant experience
At its core, CPA Australia provides its
members with education, training,
technical support and advocacy, and
collaborates with local and international
bodies to represent the views and concerns
of the profession to governmental bodies,
regulators, industries, academia and the
general public.
Catering to different needs
With CPA Australia’s flexible study
options, you can choose to complete the
CPA Program through distance learning,
full-time study or through a combined
postgraduate degree. Distance learning
provides you with the ability to:
l Learn online with interactive study
tools
l Study from anywhere in the world
l Pursue self-directed study
l Complete the programme at your own
pace
Finding the right MBA
If you can access the alumni
of the university you are
considering, they can be a
great source of information.
Not only to ask what they
thought of the course itself,
but also generally about the
experience they had at the
university.
responsibility or making them more
confident in the tasks they have been
assigned.
You may also want to look at the skills
and experience of the staff that will be
teaching you, whether they are research-
active and publishing in areas they will
teach and have had real-world experience
that might enhance their teaching.
A further source of information is the
accreditations that the MBA programme
has been awarded. The three most
common accrediting bodies are
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business, Association of MBAs and
European Quality Improvement System.
Being accredited by one or more of these
bodies can be a good indication of the
quality of the programme, but some
institutions that offer excellent MBA
programmes have decided not to apply to
be recognised by the agencies as they
may impose constraints these
institutions may not be comfortable
with.
Ho Mei Shuen.
l Complement studies with online or
face-to-face tuition
CPA Australia has set up an exclusive
full-time study option that is available only
in Malaysia and Singapore. This option lets
you complete the CPA Program in just 12
months, resulting in a career on the fast
track to success.
Ho Mei Shuen, who completed the CPA
Program through full-time study, believes
the study option allowed her to focus her
efforts fully on studying and completing the
programme in a shorter period.
Besides that, she says the time spent face-
to-face with lecturers helped her excel in
her studies. “The lecturers helped me
understand the syllabus better with study
guides, useful tips and advice to pass my
exams with flying colours. They gave
proper guidance on which parts to focus on
and supplied extra notes that were easier
THE STAR, TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2019
A further data point is the quality of the
institution, with the most common measure
being its position in the QS World
University Rankings. Not only does it rank
institutions, it also ranks institutions at
subject level, so you may find that a
university’s business school is highly
ranked even though the parent institution
is not, and vice versa.
When choosing an MBA, there is
certainly of a lot of information out there,
possibly too much. It may be difficult to
n Prof Graham Kendall is chief executive
officer, provost and pro-vice-chancellor of
compare across all the various facets and University of Nottingham Malaysia.
come up with a definitive answer. My
advice would be to look at the content of
Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
the MBA and quality of the staff, research
activity and institution, and ask to be put in
touch with the institution’s alumni. Finally,
talk to the business school in question.
We would welcome the opportunity to
talk to you.
to understand and helpful for the exam.”
Farah Hanis, another full-time option CPA
Program graduate, first found out about CPA
Australia while studying at University of
Queensland. As it is a professional
qualification recognised in many countries
by one of the world’s largest accounting
bodies, deciding to enrol in the CPA Program
was easy, she says.
Farah shares, “The papers have helped me
a lot in my career as they exposed me to the
real-world accounting industry and were
useful in increasing my skill and expertise
level.”
Beyond education
The benefits of the CPA Program
do not end at learning. Through the
CPA Australia network, students
and graduates can be the first to
hear about graduate and
internship opportunities,
career events and campus
activities, and have the chance to
obtain career advice from senior
members.
In addition, the CPA Australia
Ambassador Program provides
access to a network of more than
164,000 members and over
400 recognised employer
partners worldwide, as
well as exclusive career
guidance and training.
Register by July 23
for this year’s Semester
2 intake. Applicants who
register by July 10 are eligible for early-bird
subject fees. Registrations for next year’s
Semester 1 is from this October to the end of
next January. Early enrolment will allow you
access to study materials (subject to
availability) so you can review the course
content in advance.
n For more information, call 03-2267 3388 or Farah Hanis.
email kl@cpaaustralia.com.au