THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017

Economy builders
It takes qualified architects to identify the
challenges in building new projects and to come up
with the best solutions. Turn the page to learn
what it takes to succeed.
2 Postgraduate
Sketches of
national pride
By IAN JEROME LEONG
STANDING at 451.9m, the
88-storey Petronas Twin Towers
is a symbol of Malaysias global
ambitions and aspirations.
This glimmering mega
structure encased in steel and
glass has been featured
numerous times in Hollywood
blockbuster films, documentaries,
postcards and a wide range of
souvenirs, making it synonymous
with the nations capital, just as
the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or the
Tower Bridge to London.
The overall design elements
include Islamic geometric forms,
traditional Malaysian handicraft
such as the songket, hardwood
carvings from the countrys east
coast, intricate pandan weaving
patterns and bertam palm wall
matting.
Yet, this beloved icon that
represents unity, harmony,
stability and rationality of the
nation was designed by
Argentine-American architect
Cesar Pelli.
How far has the nation
progressed in the field of
architecture over the years?
Are Malaysian architects capable
of designing such distinguished
monuments?
Two decades since the
completion of the twin towers,
has the country produced a
number of top international
architects? What international
projects have Malaysian
architects been involved in?
Delving deeper into the issue,
do Malaysian architects strive to
inject innovation and individual
creativity into their designs?
Do they incorporate a sense of
national identity into their
projects or instead choose to
conform to international design
conventions and fulfil only what
is required, as part of the job?
Downward spiral in
creativity?
In his book, Malaysian
Architecture: Crisis Within, Prof
Dr Mohamad Tajuddin Rasdi
claims the architect of the
modern Malaysia is not even a
shadow of its former self.
He laments how architects
have come to avoid innovation,
individuality and morality, and
instead resort to convenience to
fulfil the basic demands of
architectural projects.
Among his examples are what
he calls energy-active architecture,
whereby there is heavy use of air-
conditioning and electric lights to
overcome ventilation issues and
dark spaces a far cry from more
traditional solutions that include
raised platforms, numerous
verandahs, full-length windows
with ventilation grilles and high
roofs that were common features
in old Malay houses, shophouses
and mosques.
He goes on to comment that an
architect has to be responsible to
the public while also fulfilling the
requirements of clients. It is the job
of the architect to educate the
client as to the best design
solutions.
Architecture is a public art and
the public must be made to
understand the dangers of
architectural designs that can
literally destroy the social fabric of
the community.
Architects are only too happy to
receive their commission and most
do not bother doing what is right.
The architects perception of what
is right seems to be merely giving
the client what he wants.
Matter of preference?
Looking at Kuala Lumpur today,
it would seem that Malaysia has
constantly favoured glamorous
international architects for large
commercial projects.
Within the vicinity of the twin
towers alone, there is the Kuala
Lumpur Convention Centre that
was designed in collaboration with
Cox Architects & Partners from
Australia, The Troika condominium
blocks and ILHAM Tower by
London-based firm Foster +
Partners, Maxis Tower and Grand
Hyatt Kuala Lumpur by American
firms Roche-Dinkeloo and Bilkey
Llinas Design respectively, as well
as Starhill Gallery by international
design studio SPARK.
Kuala Lumpur International
Airport and Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
in addition, were designed by the
late Dr Kisho Kurokawa.
The real problem, however, may
not be the available talent in
Malaysia but rather the lack of
opportunity for local architects to
ply their craft and showcase their
skills at the international level.
Why is it that clients choose
foreign architects when there are
firms such as Hijjas Kasturi
Associates Sdn that designed
Menara Maybank, Menara TM
and the Putrajaya International
Convention Centre or GDP
Architects that worked on projects
including Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,
Straits Quay in Penang as well as
countless international projects?
Should big-spending local clients
continue to hire international
architecture firms, how then will
Malaysian architects obtain high-
profile or global exposure?
The eventual outcome would be
the decrease of architecture
graduates, as they come to realise
that since their hopes of designing
grand skyscrapers are dashed, the
most likely scenario is that their
job scope would be limited to
designing residential lots or small-
scale projects that will not only
limit them to a tighter budget but
cripple their creative freedom.
Exposure to international
projects will thus only happen if
they manage to find themselves in
an established firm with
international relations.
Standing tall
This is however beginning to
change. There are individuals who
are making their presence felt on
the international stage, serving as
role models for up and coming
architecture graduates.
Ken Yeang, for one, has amassed
a list of awards internationally
including the Lynn S. Beedle
Lifetime Achievement Award from
the Council on Tall Buildings and
Urban Habitat in the United States,
the Auguste Perret Prize from the
International Union of Architects,
the Liang Sicheng Architecture
Prize from the Architectural
Society of China and was named by
The Guardian newspaper of the
United Kingdom as one of the 50
people who can save the planet.
As one of the pioneers of
sustainable architecture in the
world, Yeang shared in an
interview with share-architects.
com, Green design is a must-have.
Its an obligation for us to conserve
the natural environment.
We have to design for the future
of the planet. The problem with a
lot of architects is that they came
into sustainable design a bit late in
their architectural life, so many do
not have an adequate background
in ecology.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
If you have a background in
ecology you realise that designing
ecologically is complex and there
are lots of factors to address.
Another prominent individual
is Tan Sri Esa Mohamed who is
the current and first Malaysian
president of the International
Union of Architects, a union that
comprises more than 120
member countries representing
1.3 million architects worldwide.
Sharing his goals in a 2015
interview with The Star, My
interest is to see how to promote
cross-border practice, making
sure that the market is not just
domestic. Architecture is not a
monopoly by one country but
should be global.
I would like to establish a
framework so that when our
architects go abroad or foreign
architects come into our country,
they have a certain framework
and guidelines to follow.
We do not want architects
from emerging countries to be
marginalised or miss out on these
opportunities, so we need to
encourage local architects to go
abroad, he said.
Esa commented that while he
has seen Malaysian architects
rise up to the challenge in terms
of design and quality over the
past 40 years, he regrets that
many local talents do not get
promoted or recognised
internationally.
Firm foundation
Esa also felt strongly about
commercial interests that often
become more important than
public interest, such as when
heritage sites are demolished to
make way for commercial
development.
He thus believes there is great
importance in educating and
highlighting the relevance of
architecture in society.
He said, Architecture is
actually a very important part of
human life. Design and
architecture are part of our
culture.
People see design and
architecture as a luxury; to me, it
is a right. If we lose our culture
and heritage, we lose our
identity. When we appreciate
culture and design, we appreciate
life.
> TURN TO PAGE 4
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017 3
4 Postgraduate
Personal and structural integrity
> FROM PAGE 2
Mohammad Tajuddin explains further in
his book that the way forward for
Malaysian architects will depend on the
decisions of three main actors the
countrys leadership, universities and the
Malaysian Institute of Architects whereby
a drastic change in the attitude or a
definitive stand by either one of these
actors will bring changes in the
architectural identity.
While it is true that these three parties
will generally dictate the growth direction
of Malaysias architecture, it is down to all
architects to stand up for what they believe
in and produce designs that not only fulfil
the functional requirements of projects but
showcase ideas that are innovative and
revolutionary.
Believing in ones own ambitions and
designs is, after all, how the National Mosque
came to be what it is today.
When Datuk Dr Baharuddin Abu Kassim
helped designed the mosque more than 50
years ago, he was determined not to build it
with a round dome or feature Mughal
designs that were made famous during the
colonial era.
He instead stood his ground when he
presented his idea to then Prime Minister the
late Tunku Abdul Rahman and eventually
got the approval to proceed building what
was an unconventional design with straight
edges, inspired by the payung kertas as it
provided a more practical solution to shelter.
Building it up
For Malaysian architects, the opportunities
are definitely out there but they have to stay
true to some core principles.
Yeang said in his interview with share-
architects.com, A work of architecture has
to address the following factors: the first is
function it has to work, and work well,
otherwise it is useless. Second, it must meet
the usual criteria meet government
building requirements, address clients costs
and budget, be delivered on time and be of
quality construction, including being green.
Third, it must be beautiful and the fourth
factor is the most important one to me the
happiness factor. Architecture must make
people happy.
It must be said that Malaysian universities
are on the right track in producing skilled
architecture graduates and there are reasons
to be optimistic about what Malaysia can
achieve within this field.
In this years QS World University
Rankings by Subject, Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia, University of
Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia
and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
are in the top 100 list
Constructing modernity
MALAYSIA has seen some of the most iconic
skyscrapers to grace Kuala Lumpurs
skyline, but did you know we also have
some of Asias most innovative architects?
These architects are responsible for
drawing inspiration from local culture and
global influences to create buildings that
represent modern Malaysia.
Here are eight local architects whose
projects reflect their creativity in not only
expressing local culture but also in
reinventing it.
l Ken Yeang
Prioritising being an ecologist over being
an architect, Yeang focuses his efforts on
sustainable design and is the countrys most
influential ecodesigner.
He has received numerous awards for his
eco-architecture, including the Aga Khan
Award for Architecture, Prince Claus Award,
Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Gold
Medal and Malaysias Merdeka Award.
l Eleena Jamil
A society-minded architect, Eleena was
educated in the United Kingdom and has
worked on a wide range of large- and
small-scale projects in the country.
One of her most innovative projects won
first prize at a flood-design housing
competition in 2008, which challenged
architects to design housing on flood plains
in a liveable, insurable way.
She continues to work on diverse local
projects and her unique design style tends to
combine aesthetic beauty and practicality in
a sustainable manner.
l Hijjas Kasturi
With an interest in industrial design
aesthetics, this Singapore-born architect has
been involved in designing the most striking
buildings on the city skyline, including
Menara TM.
Having received praise from fellow
architect Lim Teng Ngiom, Hijjas has
many awards to his name including
Malaysias highest architectural accolade
the PAM Gold Medal.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
for their architecture and built
environment courses, while Universiti
Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi
MARA are also not too far behind, listed
among the top 150 institutions.
With all things considered, the presence
of top architectural courses in Malaysia
plus the many beautiful and prestigious
buildings that dot KLs skyline are positive
indicators of the future the production of
more skilled professional Malaysian
architects who have been exposed to
world-class architectural marvels that
should, in essence, be inspired to turn their
dreams into grand designs that benefit the
wider community.
l Ng Sek San
From bicycle lanes to offices, Ngs aim is to
make KL a more liveable and cohesive city.
His strength and focus in landscape
architecture has the ultimate aim of striking
a balance between the natural and built
environment.
l Boon Che Wee
An influential voice in the Malaysian
architecture scene and the president of PAM,
Boon is a green architecture specialist who
believes that buildings should be
constructed responsibly and sustainably to
conserve the environment for future
generations.
l Kamil Merican
A founder of the countrys top
contemporary architecture firm, Kamil is a
powerful influence in the countrys built
environment design scene.
Under him, his firm GDP Architects has
won a range of awards including the Aga
Khan Award for Architecture in 2007 for the
design of Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
l Kenneth Yeh
With practices in Sydney and KL,
Yeh designs sustainable modern buildings
inspired by principles of Malaysian
traditional architecture.
Known to take a hands-on approach in
his work, Yeh often works directly with
his craftsmen and builders to be involved
in the construction process from start to
finish.
l David Mizan Hashim
Upon graduating from Harvard
University, Hashim launched his own firm at
the age of 25. Today, the Veritas Design
Group operates in seven locations across the
globe, including in KL.
Davids sense of business and his aim to
be the best and biggest multidisciplinary
design group led the firm to what it is today,
boasting high-profile clientele such as
American International Group and the
British government.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
Exploring knowledge in healthcare
DR KURUBARAN Ganasegeran
from Kuala Lumpur has been a
medical doctor with the Health
Ministry since 2014. He is currently
attached to Hospital Seberang Jaya
as a doctor and researcher.
He joined the Royal College of
Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
Penang Medical College (PMC)
Master of Science in Health
Research part-time postgraduate
programme in 2015 during his
final housemanship year at
Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah
Klang (HTAR), Selangor.
The programme is structured for
working healthcare professionals
through part-time learning
modules. He managed his tight
schedule to attend weekend classes
and complete assignments and his
dissertation.
His supervisor, Datuk Prof
Dr Abdul Rashid Khan, mentored,
advised, supervised, taught and
always emphasised transfer of
skills to mould a research
candidate.
At PMCs recent conferring
ceremony, Dr Kurubaran was
awarded the first-in-class for PMCs
masters in health research
programme.
Being one of the top medical
colleges in the country, I was
interested to pursue this
programme as a knowledge
exploration by being part of the
PMC family.
I thank PMC for giving me the
opportunity to further my studies
and being part of a professional
team of experts to impart the
Dr Kurubaran Ganasegeran receiving his first prize award from Prof Hannah
McGee, dean of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI.
necessary knowledge, says
Dr Kurubaran.
I sincerely appreciate the
teachings and coaching of Prof
Rashid that allowed me to achieve
this success. In addition, the high
support and encouragement from
my parents was a motivating factor
towards achieving this success.
Lifestyle diseases
Dr Kurubaran observed and
wondered why people with good
knowledge about a disease have
the disease, reasons behind risky
health behaviours and attitudes in
communities or patients and the
influencing factors despite massive
awareness campaigns and advice,
among other areas. His first
mentor was his undergraduate
supervisor Prof Dr Sami Abdo
Radman Al-Dubai.
We want to know why people
are not adhering to healthy
lifestyle habits and what are the
factors causing these changes
leading to serious public health
concerns, says Dr Kurubaran.
His research concluded that
peoples sufferings are elevated as
social support collapses, triggering
multiple psychological stressors
Being one of the
top medical colleges
in the country, I was
interested to pursue
this programme
as a knowledge
exploration by being
part of the PMC
family.
Dr Kurubaran Ganasegeran
that catalyse poor coping skills,
leading to poor health outcomes
for survival.
He validated the first non-
English Confusion, Hubbub, and
Order Scale (CHAOS) in Malaysia
through his dissertation. Soon to be
available for Malaysians, this tool
focuses on how human health is
affected by the environment we
live in.
He also carried out a nationwide
e-cigarette study using health
informatics concept with
Prof Rashid and faculty lecturer at
PMC Dr Surajudeen Abiola Abdul
Rahman to characterise Malaysian
vapers perspective towards
e-cigarette use, their psycho-
behavioral attributes and
perspectives on health policy
implementations, in line with the
Postgraduate 5
Health Ministrys efforts to find the
best possible solution on its
regulation to achieve a smoke-free
nation status.
Research achievements
His efforts with Prof Rashid,
highlighting the magnitude of the
vaping problem and its possible
implications, were well received at
an international level.
The results were published in
the most prestigious specialised
journal The Lancet Respiratory
Medicine.
He hopes the findings will be
used to improve Malaysias
healthcare, reduce the burden of
diseases caused by risky health
behaviours and as input for health
policies towards Malaysias
aspirations in achieving the best
health outcomes as envisioned in
the 2050 National Transformation
plan.
Apart from research, I intend to
delve into academia and be part of
public health medicine. The next
step would be to explore
opportunities in PhD programmes
subject specialisation, a PhD in
public health or other similar
generic doctorate programmes,
says Dr Kurubaran.
The part-time MSc in Health
Research by the RCSI and PMC has
limited seats available for the
September intake this year.
n For more information e-mail
enquiry@pmc.edu.my or visit
www.pmc.edu.my.
6 Postgraduate
Advance in project
management
CURTIN University, Malaysia (Curtin
Malaysia) offers a range of distinctive
postgraduate programmes by both
coursework and research, among which are
the popular Curtin Graduate Certificate in
Project Management, Graduate Diploma in
Project Management and Master of Science
(Project Management).
Conducted by Curtin Malaysias Faculty of
Business, the courses are identical in all
aspects to those offered at Curtins main
campus in Perth, Western Australia.
The courses adopt a generic approach to
project management, making them
applicable to a variety of industries,
including construction, engineering,
education, health, commerce, information
technology, and research and development.
At the graduate certificate level, students
will undertake four units Project
Management Overview, Project and People,
Project Cost Management and Project Time
Management.
The graduate diploma level consists of the
graduate certificate units in addition to
Project Procurement Management, Project
Quality Management, Project Risk
Management, and Programme and Portfolio
Management.
The masters level covers the graduate
diploma units and other advanced units
Contemporary Issues in International
Human Resource Management, Project
Management Capstone, Project Management
Research 1 and Project Management
An intensive
course
FOUR years ago, I was 27 years old with a
bachelors degree in physics majoring in
controls and instrumentations from
University Putra Malaysia, Serdang. I was
already a junior manager in a multinational
company then and a frequent business
traveller around the region.
One may say that I have a career already,
however, I constantly felt dissatisfied and
wanted more. That was when I started
exploring the idea of having a postgraduate
degree in business.
I am glad that I enrolled in the University
of Strathclydes master of business
administration (MBA) programme with CDC
Management Development in Malaysia. The
course is intensive despite being a part-time
course for working individuals. There is
always a generous amount of group work,
which I think is the best part of the
programme.
As most of the members come from
different levels in their respective careers as
well as from different companies and
cultures, working with them in group
assignments has given me greater exposure
and understanding. The differences in
thinking taught me how to handle meetings
as well as discussions with the executive
management.
When I started the first semester of the
programme, my wedding date was in six
months. I had to travel constantly for work
and having to juggle between work, studies
and personal life was not easy.
There are some extraordinary students
who completed the programme within two
and half years but my suggestion would be
to take your time to actually enjoy the
learning. The programme has varied courses
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
Research 2.
All courses are accredited by the Project
Management Institute (PMI) and endorsed
by the Australian Institute of Project
Management, giving them worldwide
recognition.
The qualifications are awarded under the
Australian Qualifications Framework.
Therefore, they are accredited by the
Australian government and recognised
throughout Australia.
By virtue of Curtin Malaysias self-
accreditation status granted by the
Malaysian Qualifications Agency, they are
also recognised by the Malaysian
Government.
Besides the benefit of learning from highly
experienced teaching staff and professionals
from the industry, students undergoing the
courses can enhance their careers without
having to take a career break as all units are
conducted during the weekend.
This allows for flexibility in balancing
their study, work and life with support from
a dedicated team, a chance to build a global
network of professional contacts, and
increased confidence in overcoming broader
management issues.
Curtin Malaysias August 2017 trimester
intake is in progress.
n For more information on Curtin Malaysias
postgraduate programmes, call 085-443 939,
e-mail enquiries@curtin.edu.my or visit
www.curtin.edu.my.
that cover different departments of an actual
organisation.
To give you a great example, I did a
financial review assignment on a United
Kingdom company for the financial and
management accounting course during my
third semester.
The assignment gave me such a great
understanding of the company that when I
coincidentally met the companys
representatives at an exhibition, they were
so impressed that I was later called in for a
job interview. It has been three years since I
joined them.
Looking ahead, my experience from the
MBA programme has not only given me new
friends but also a new set of skills that can
be used in any level of my career as well as
any company I would potentially be in. By
Patrick Ho Jia Hun, MBA graduate,
University of Strathclyde
n For more information, call 03-7660 8950
or visit www.cdc.edu.my.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
Reverse
innovation
HISTORICALLY, it is logical that
innovations flow downhill from
the developed world to the
developing world. It has always
been the rich consumers who
can afford the latest
technologies.
However, as the cost of new
technologies go down and
incomes in the developing world
rise, these innovations trickle
down to the poorer consumers.
To meet the burgeoning
demand, many producers have
practised glocalisation (a
portmanteau of globalisation
and localisation).
The products of the developed
market are glocalised to
conform with local laws,
customs or consumer
preferences to accommodate the
developing markets.
Obviously, buyers in poor
countries demand innovations
on an entirely different price-
performance curve.
For example, global
e-commerce juggernauts such as
Amazon.com and ebay.com
have customised their online
shopfront services for
consumers outside of the United
States.
Yahoo! markets a portal that is
viewed worldwide and offers
different versions of its website
and related services for different
users in some 25 countries,
including China, Russia and
Canada.
Inversely, there are products
and services created ab initio
elsewhere that have found their
way to the developed markets,
such as Indian chicken tikka
masala that has become the
No.1 food in the United Kingdom
and a slew of other popular
products such as yoga, wushu
and Nestles Maggi instant
noodles.
Any innovation that is
adopted first in an emerging
market and then spread to
developed markets is termed as
reverse innovation, according to
Vijay Govindarajan, the Coxe
Distinguished Professor at
Dartmouth Colleges Tuck School
of Business and a Marvin Bower
Fellow at Harvard Business
School.
While glocalisation is
innovation that is first offered to
customers in the developed
world, reverse innovation is
innovation to meet the needs of
customers in poor countries.
Reverse innovation is a stark
contrast to the conventional
trickle-down flow of innovation
from developed to emerging
economies over time.
Since growth in developed
countries has slowed down,
much of growth is now taking
place in developing countries.
Local companies in the
emerging markets have a better
understanding of local
consumer problems.
Consumers in the developing
world have an insatiable
demand for hi-tech solutions
with ultra-low costs and good
enough quality.
Increasingly, companies in
China, India and other
developing countries are
developing new viable offerings.
Their untiring building of global
Postgraduate 7
brands and distribution
capabilities have earned them
the due attention and respect of
multinationals.
In 1980, Japan replaced the US
as the worlds leading carmaker.
Through innovation called lean
manufacturing to produce new
models quickly, the Japanese
beat the Americans on both
price and reliability.
In early 2009, Logitech, maker products to develop and how to programmes Master of Innovation now
of computer peripherals make, sell and service them. Business Administration and trickles from
especially keyboards and mice, Once tested and proven locally, Master of Business (Enterprise developing
was caught off-guard by Rapoo, the developed products must then Resource Planning Systems) countries into
a local computer mouse maker. be taken to the global stage and developed ones,
Rapoo knew that Chinese even used to cannibalise existing n For more information about causing a need for
customers use the mouse higher-margin products. By Dr the Victoria University
evolution of the
differently. Millions of Chinese Hendry Ng, director of Victoria postgraduate programmes, e-mail
consumers who found satellite hendryng@sunway.edu.my. global market.
University postgraduate
or cable television
entertainment too pricey would
connect their computers to their
televisions and surf Internet
video sites.
Rapoos mouse, embedded
with a 2.4GHz chip, is a cheaper
offering than Logitechs as it is
both a mouse and a remote
control.
In 2010, Levi Strauss & Co
launched its dENiZEN brand of
jeans in China. This was the
companys first brand launched
outside of the US.
With success, the brand
quickly spread to Indian, South
Korean, Singaporean and
Pakistani markets. In July 2011,
the brand began selling in the
US in Target stores.
When Wal-Mart opened its
stores in Mexico, it discovered
that Mexican shoppers
preferred smaller stores.
By 2012, more than half of its
stores in Mexico were small
stores (Bodega Aurrera stores).
Wal-Mart then opened similar
small-format stores in the US
and Latin America.
Recently, Alibaba launched an
online loyalty programme called
LiveUp to customers of Lazada,
Uber and Netflix in Singapore.
The S$28 (RM88.15) annual
fee entitles subscribers to six
months of Netflix streaming,
discounts on Uber rides and free
delivery of Taobao and Lazada
purchases.
Alibaba and its partners hope
to ride the increasing trend of
online retail that accounts for
4.8% of total retail in Singapore
last year. If successful, it is likely
that this innovation will be
replicated in the US, UK, Europe
and other developed countries.
To overcome this emerging
threat, the onus is upon
multinationals to adopt a bold
organisational mindset.
Customers in the developing
world cannot simply be
differentiated from rich-world
customers because they have
generally less money. They also
have unique needs. To win in
emerging markets,
multinationals have to
understand those needs and
innovate to meet them.
Apart from finding ways to
protect their competitive
position in home markets,
multinationals require a
decentralised and market focus
on the local talent and
resources.
Their local teams ought to be
authorised to decide on which
8 Postgraduate
Professors at Management & Science University are selected worldwide from among the best
consultants and their contributions have made a meaningful and concrete impact on the global
community.
Only the best
for students
MANAGEMENT & Science University (MSU)
is a premier university in Malaysia and is
among the top institutions in South-East
Asia.
It offers programmes at the postgraduate
and undergraduate levels in the areas of
business, management, medicine, health
sciences, information sciences, engineering,
education and hospitality.
MSU prioritises quality education and
incorporates 21st century learning in the
teaching delivery focused on producing
holistic graduates.
The incorporation of global mobility
programmes and extensive industrial
training components into students
learning experiences ensures the highest
standards of impactful innovation,
employability and industrial relevancy of
MSU graduates.
MSU integrates the global best in
educational innovations. Real-world
scenarios are adopted into the classroom
learning experience. Exposure to strategic
thinking and thought provoking case
studies equips students with a higher level
of practical problem-solving abilities.
All modules are designed with strategic
industrial and corporate input, an opening
vignette to major events and real-world
issues around the globe.
MSU professors are accomplished
educators from multicultural backgrounds
who have conducted high-impact research
and published academic papers across a
broad range of business and professional
areas. Their contributions have made
meaningful and concrete impact on the
global community.
They have also taught university-level
business courses abroad, thus bringing
their rich multicultural experience to
Malaysia. Professors at MSU are selected
worldwide from among the best
consultants and professionals in their
respective fields and disciplines.
The postgraduate programmes at MSU
are carefully crafted to cultivate leadership
and a real research contribution that
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
address industrial hands-on challenges at
the highest management level.
Due to the tremendous and exciting state
of flux within business and management
communities, top management must adapt
rapidly to stay competitive, relevant and
strategically positioned to tackle global
trends by possessing the relevant
postgraduate qualifications.
MSU recommends PhD, masters in
business administration (MBA) and
masters programmes that emphasise and
recognise innovative research, scientific
knowledge and industrial application at
both domestic and international platforms.
The highest degree awarded by MSU is
the PhD. A PhD signifies the pinnacle of
academic and professional standing.
Doctoral training involves working with
leading faculty members on projects of key
interest with industrial and scientific focus.
With advanced facilities and technical
support, MSU provides an excellent
academic climate for postgraduate
engagements with faculty members.
MSU faculty members are active in top-
level research, with leading projects in a
wide range of areas and interests that
require innovative approaches to push the
boundaries of interdisciplinary research.
MSU offers advanced degrees at the
MBA, Master of Science and PhD levels
covering wide areas of management,
business, accounting, finance, educational
management and leadership, education
(Teaching English as a Second Language),
computer science, information and
communication technology, food service
technology, biomedicine, engineering,
applied science, biomedical sciences,
information technology, pharmacy and
clinical pharmacy.
These programmes are offered under the
School of Graduate Studies and Graduate
School of Management.
n For more information, call 03-5521 6868,
e-mail enquiry@msu.edu.my or visit
www.msu.edu.my.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
VC COLUMN
IT is hard to believe that The
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Campus has been in Malaysia for
almost 18 years. It has been an
exciting and enjoyable journey
sometimes challenging, sometimes
frustrating but ultimately
rewarding.
As we approach our 18th year in
Malaysia, we recently celebrated
our 10,000th graduate. Our
graduates join an alumni
community. They are ambassadors,
colleagues and friends.
We also encourage our alumni to
try and give back to the university.
It is often assumed that this means
we are asking for money. That is
not the case. There are many ways
that former students can
contribute to their alma mater.
At our graduation ceremonies,
we often suggest how our
graduates can give. Here are some
of the ideas that we shared.
l Mentoring Most of our
current students benefit from
being mentored either face-to-face
or by e-mentoring.
Every student has a personal
tutor but it is not quite the same as
having someone, who has
experience in his career or has
studied for the same degree, that
the student can turn to.
l Internships Companies are
often looking for interns while
students seek opportunities to
work in a company during their
studies. Since alumni are able to
help with placing interns, they can
approach the university and
request to be put in touch with
possible interns.
They can also persuade their
companies that an internship
Postgraduate 9
Small steps to big things
By PROF
GRAHAM
KENDALL
programme would be a good
idea either to carry out small,
self-contained projects or for
long-term initiatives, which could
lead to full-time employment
opportunities.
We have dedicated careers
service that would like to work
with our alumni to discuss
internship opportunities.
l Company recruitment We
like to think that our graduates are
highly employable. Indeed, this is
supported by the standard metric
that shows that about 90% of our The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus recently celebrated its 10,000th graduate.
graduates are employed within six
months of graduating or further As our alumni, you are able to welcome any help that our former over the world. In July, we ran an
their education. gain access to the university more students can give. event in Singapore and on Sept 23
We hold an annual careers fair, easily than companies. Indeed, it is we will hold one in Kuala Lumpur.
where most of Malaysias leading noticeable at our careers fairs that l Guest lectures Our alumni We run many of these events
companies are represented. They some of the staff manning the are well placed to give an ourselves but we would also
are keen to talk to our students as stands are often former students. occasional guest lecture at a special welcome help from our alumni.
they recognise the students will be event or as a lecturer on one of our We hope that they would get as
technically competent in the l Student recruitment It is a degree programmes. It is valuable much from it as we do.
relevant discipline and have the continual challenge to recruit for our current students to hear
necessary soft skills. high-quality students to our degree from those who now work in their n Prof Graham Kendall is the
Most of the students will also programmes. Our alumni can help studies-related area. chief executive officer, provost
have an international element to by being ambassadors for the and pro-vice-chancellor of
their studies, which is welcomed university. l Running events The University of Nottingham
by companies, especially those that Word of mouth is a powerful Nottingham, along with other Malaysia Campus.
operate across the globe. recruitment mechanism and we universities, run alumni events all Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
10 Postgraduate THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017

Accelerate your career

LIFELONG learning is important. Learning
does not stop the moment you secure a job.
It is not only essential for personal or
professional growth but to the survival of
the country.
SEGi University & Colleges understands
the value of continuous learning and,
therefore, developed the Professional and
Continuing Education (PACE) for busy adults
who would like to pursue new knowledge
while working, without having to
compromise their work commitments and
family responsibilities.
PACE has developed a flexible learning
environment. It works closely with a
consortium of global universities, which are
University of Sunderland (UOS) and
University of Greenwich (UOG) in the United
Kingdom and University of Southern
Queensland (USQ), Australia, to offer quality
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
programmes to students.
The MBA offered by UOG is designed for
individuals who would like to gain an
advanced knowledge of international
business and develop careers in professional
management areas.
Meanwhile, the MBA by UOS is catered to
global business professionals who prefer
coursework-based assessments to meet the
needs of this fast-paced business world.
Those who are looking forward to better
handle the managerial demands of modern
business practice can enrol in the MBA
programme by USQ.
This programme offers six
specialisations, which are strategic human
resource management, project
management, strategic marketing, finance,
digital transformation and general
management.
SEGi University also offers two
homegrown MBA programmes in general
management and global business. The MBA
in general management covers a wide
range of disciplines including economics,
marketing, information system, statistics,
human resource management and law.
Meanwhile, the MBA in global business
is designed to expand your theoretical
understanding and critical awareness in
todays global business.
Graduates will be equipped with more
than just theoretical knowledge as all the
programmes are designed for enterprising
minds seeking to holistically combine their
expertise and enhance other skills such as
problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Another highlight of the programme is
the flexible payment modes. There are
many financial options for students,
including a flexible loan plan with 0%
interest, PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung
Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional) loan or fund
withdrawal from their Employees
Provident Fund, making it easily accessible
to all.

n For more information, call

SEGi University Kota Damansara With the lack of sustainability experts in Malaysia, Monashs Master of Advanced Engineering
(03-6145 1777/011-1210 6389), SEGi College gives graduates the opportunity to pursue a bright future as experts in sustainable
engineering.

Catapulting
Kuala Lumpur (03-2070 2078/018-211 8653),
SEGi College Subang Jaya (03-8600 1777/
016-212 9154) or SEGi College Penang
(04-263 3888/013-629 4880) or visit
www.pace.edu.my.

into the future

THE message from the World Economic
Forum earlier this year was loud and clear:
The fourth industrial revolution is upon us
and it is about to unleash wholesale
changes, the likes of which we have never
experienced.
Driverless cars and the increased role of
robots in society are just some of the
changes that we would be ushering in.
However, the dawn of the fourth
industrial revolution must strictly comply
with other initiatives that are being
pursued now, such as sustainability, in line
with climate change agreements.
The challenge of balancing the onslaught
of advancements in technology has to be
juggled with proper management of energy
that ensures sustainable growth as well as
profitability.
With these, the roles of engineers are
also expected to evolve at an exponential
rate. It was with all these in mind that
Monash University Malaysias Master of
Advanced Engineering (MAE) was crafted.
MAEs programme coordinator Assoc
Prof Dr Hung Yew Mun accentuates the
benefits of taking up this course.
Sustainability is still at its infancy in
Malaysia. The Government encourages the
adoption of the ISO 50001 framework to
improve organisations energy
management, he says.
The target is to have at least 100
companies be ISO 50001-certified
companies in Malaysia by the end of this
year. The requirement is for businesses to
establish and implement a sustainable
energy management system.
As is the case with any new initiative, the
lack of qualified manpower in the field to
execute these goals is a problem.
We have a lack of expertise in areas
related to sustainability in Malaysia. This is
a genuine opportunity for graduates as
there is a bright future in this field, says
Assoc Prof Hung.
This programme consists of two core
units, four specialisation units and two
elective units to equip students in the area
of energy and sustainability with the ability
to develop solutions to complex
engineering problems.
Students are given guidance on
engineering entrepreneurship where they
learn how to construct a business plan that
balances technicality with soft skills.
The goal of this programme is to impart
an evidence-based methodology for those
who wish to build start-ups or start their
own businesses. However, the knowledge is
also applicable for those working in an
organisation, adds Hung.
As a programme that involves the
participation of teaching staff from
different disciplines of engineering, MAE
students have the opportunity to get
personal guidance from lecturers in an
intellectually stimulating environment, thus
pushing them out of their comfort zones to
come up with original ideas.
Students have a taste of real-life working
experience as Monash collaborates with
countless organisations to provide industry
engagement.
Among the companies collaborating
with Monash are Intel, Gamuda, Petronas,
Maxis, Western Digital, Shell, Cargill,
Sunway Construction, Favelle Favco,
ABB, CCM Pharmaceuticals and Bacfree.
The MAE programme is targeted at all
engineering graduates with a bachelors
degree in engineering from a recognised
tertiary institution, with a minimum
average grade of 70% or the equivalent of a
second-class (upper) grade.
This one-year programme consists of two
semesters, with four subjects each
semester.
The duration of the programme for
part-time students is two years, with two
subjects each semester.
n For more information, visit
www.monash.edu.my.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
Preethi Raghavan.
Knowledge
progression
in pharmacy
practice
THE professional roles of
pharmacists are continuously
evolving and this has resulted in
many pharmacists seeking to
further their studies to
postgraduate. They seek a
programme that can better
equip them with the
fundamental knowledge and
skills to enhance their career
opportunities as clinical or
consultant pharmacists.
For those interested in
pharmacy practice, the Master
of Pharmacy Practice (MPP)
from International Medical
University (IMU) may be their
choice.
With its launch in January this
year, this programme brings
together working pharmacists
from a variety of professional
areas. It provides an opportunity
for professionals to extend their
academic experience to related
fields of specialisation such as
clinical pharmacy, social and
administrative pharmacy or
pharmacy management.
Lim Xinyu, a student in the
inaugural intake, was attracted
to the programme designed for
working adults with a mixture
of business and pharmacy in its
curriculum. She decided to
pursue the MPP at IMU after
gaining three and a half years of
working experience in hospitals
and pharmaceutical industries.
By studying this programme,
she is able to gain better insight
into the pharmaceutical industry
and improve herself as she
strongly believes in lifelong
learning, a concept she learnt
from IMU as an undergraduate
student.
Lim
Xinyu.
Postgraduate 11
Tong Yee Sheun.
I started my career as a
hospital pharmacist then
changed my pathway into the
pharmaceutical industry. After
being in the profession for
almost four years, I decided to do
my masters to aim for a higher
position in a pharmaceutical
company, says Lim.
Preethi Raghavan, a clinical
pharmacist, has seven years of
working experience in
government hospitals. While
continuing her job, she chose to
study MPP on a part-time mode.
This option gives her the
flexibility to achieve her dreams
by furthering her studies to
enhance her clinical knowledge
and research skills.
With this knowledge, she is
aiming to develop a sub-
specialisation in the pharmacy
profession focusing on infectious
and retroviral diseases. She also
wants to be an educator and
policymaker in setting guidelines
for better pharmaceutical care.
Her aim is to uplift the stature of
pharmacists in the healthcare
system.
I am delighted that IMU is
able to provide a platform for
working individuals to study
their masters part-time with
online and weekend lectures
fully equipped with resources for
my studies and very
approachable lecturers, says
Preethi.
Tong Yee Sheun, who is a
pharmacist in a community
clinic says, As an IMU alumna, it
is a great option to pursue my
masters at IMU. In todays
competitive world, it is
increasingly important to stand
out and I felt a postgraduate
qualification can be a way of
increasing my skills and
knowledge in pharmacy
practice.
The masters programme is
offered in a blended mode,
which means working
pharmacists can undertake much
of the studies online with some
weekend on-campus sessions
that include face-to-face teaching
and learning.
n For more information, call
03-2731 7272, e-mail
postgraduate@imu.edu.my or
visit www.imu.edu.my.
12 Postgraduate
Stepping up in research focus
IN the Taylors University 2017-
2022 Strategic Plan, research and
enterprise is an important pillar
that supports the universitys
ambitions towards balanced
excellence.
This emphasis on research is
crucial in taking Taylors
University to new heights and
will enable it to break new
ground internationally.
Taylors vice-chancellor and
president Prof Michael J. Driscoll
says that research, particularly in
high-impact areas, is central to
the new five-year mission.
As part of our strategic plan,
we will be appointing 100
successful research-active
academics who will be able to
engage in research opportunities
both locally and internationally,
says Prof Driscoll.
This is the first step Taylors
University is taking to strengthen
the universitys standing and
ranking locally and
internationally in terms of
research, in line with our
aspiration to be in the top 100
universities in Asia by 2022.
These efforts will be
undertaken in parallel with
maintaining our quality of
teaching and student experience.
Prof Driscoll shares that the
Department of Research &
Enterprise, led by Taylors
Universitys pro-vice-chancellor
of research and enterprise
Dr Anthony Ho, will spearhead
several initiatives to drive
research and enterprise efforts
to serve the needs of the
community and improve Taylors
standing in international league
tables.
According to Dr Ho, the
renewed focus on research has
resulted in the establishment of
30 research groups across the five
faculties at Taylors University as
well as the awarding of 100 Fully
Funded PhD Scholarships for those
looking to further their studies.
The 100 Fully Funded PhD
Scholarships scheme is a
prestigious postgraduate funding
programme awarded by Taylors
University to academically
outstanding applicants who are
passionate about research and
demonstrate all-round capabilities
such as leadership and positive
personal attributes, he says.
This scholarship is open to local
and international applicants
registered as full-time students in
research programmes offered
within Taylors University only.
Under the tutelage of their
supervisor, Taylors PhD
Scholarship recipients will be
trained in academic writing and
publishing to enable them to be
effective researchers.
As part of this renewed focus,
the university is also funding four
multidisciplinary research
programmes that are aligned with
the nations needs and address
global concerns.
We believe that our mission is
to shape the future through
research and enterprise at Taylors.
As such, we have chosen areas that
will generate clear and tangible
benefits with long-term benefits,
says Dr Ho, adding that the
research leads are academics with
a strong background in their
respective fields.
Emeritus Prof Dr Mohamed
Ismail Mohamed Noor, who will
lead the research in environmental
and individual perspectives on
obesity, has extensive experience
in the field of nutrition.
He is currently involved in
projects such as the Joint
International Laboratory Project
(LIA) CNRS on Food, Culture and
Health projects, cultural and
economic drivers of protein
Taylor's vice-chancellor and
president Prof Michael J. Driscoll is
optimistic about the university's
international presence.
transition, body composition in
children and adolescents, and food
environment policy index (EPI) in
combating obesity as well as
improving healthy energy balance
and obesity-related behaviours,
especially among preschoolers in
Malaysia.
The lead researcher of the
second programme, Ageing and
Quality of Life, is Emeritus
Prof P.T. Thomas, who is the
executive dean of the Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences,
Taylors University.
His areas of expertise and
research interests are quality use
of medicines, cost of medicines, use
of medicines by/in the elderly and
pharmacy practice.
He has received numerous
research grants from the
Government as well as the private
sector and is a well-respected
figure among pharmacy
practitioners.
This programme will study the
changing demographics of
Malaysias ageing population and
the challenges faced by the elderly,
including health, social, economic
This is the
first step Taylors
University is taking
to strengthen the
universitys standing
and ranking locally
and internationally
in terms of research,
in line with our
aspiration to be in
the top 100
universities in Asia
by 2022.
Prof Michael J. Driscoll
and personal stressors, to define
and promote healthy ageing.
The third programme concerns
the conditions of livability within
cities, an area that will be led by
Ir Assoc Prof Dr Satesh
Namasivayam, head of school of
the School of Engineering and
technical and general management
professional with experience in the
academic, consulting and industrial
sectors.
His research interests are
engineering education, energy
efficiency and green technology,
and safety, health and the
environment.
The project will explore avenues
to develop innovative technologies
and produce an integrated
sustainable framework to address
environmental, economic, health
and social challenges in the
planning, designing and
maintaining of Asian cities.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017
The fourth programme,
covering data analytics, modelling
and visualisation, is led by Assoc
Prof Dr David Asirvatham, head
of school for the School of
Computing & IT who has expertise
in web technologies, digital
content development,
instructional design, digital neural
networks and local area network.
There is tremendous potential
for businesses and organisations
that collect, store, analyse and
visualise data to make better
business decisions as well as
predict trends and sentiments of
customers.
This programme will address
the design and development of
new machine-learning techniques,
next-generation analytics, new
storage management technologies,
new data access tools and
processes, automatic tagging as
well as the ability to deal with
real-time data.
Dr Ho says that these research
programmes and other initiatives
to be launched by Taylors
University will be supported by
the Department of Research &
Enterprise, which is committed to
enhancing support mechanisms
for research, postgraduate
students and commercialisation
activities as well as working with
various stakeholders to make the
outputs useful to the community
and society.
The three centres that facilitate
the activities of this department
are the Centre for Higher Degrees
by Research, Centre for Research
Management and Centre for
Knowledge Transfer and
Commercialisation, he adds.
n For more information about
research and the 100 Fully
Funded PhD Scholarships, call
03-5629 5000 or visit www.taylors.
edu.my/research.