THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019
POSTGRADUATE
Championing
alternative
study methods
PROF Dr Rozhan Mohammed Idrus is the
inaugural holder of the Open University
Malaysia (OUM) Azman Hashim Chair in
e-Learning.
The Penang native has a Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) in Solid State Physics from
the University of Salford in the United
Kingdom and has more than 30 years of
experience as an e-learning technologist,
analyst, consultant, operator and facilitator
of the workshop and has presented 52
keynote addresses in 18 countries and
published 192 scholarly works.
He has been trained in various aspects of
instructional design and planning and
management of ODL in Australia, Canada
and the UK. Prof Rozhan was responsible for
spearheading the first home-grown learning
management system at a local public
university in 2003 and pioneered the use of
instant messaging in the teaching of physics
in 2008 and was awarded the Asia Pacific
Mobile Learning & Edutainment Advisory
Panel (APACMLEAP) Mobile Learning
Initiatives Recognition 2009. He was also
conferred numerous awards and has
provided consultative services at both local
and international levels.
“I have dedicated years of my career to
For the love of learning
CONSUMER Affairs Authority of Sri Lanka
chairman Dr Lalith Senaweera was director-
general of the Sri Lanka Standards
Institution before he retired after 36 years of
service. His fields of interest are certification
and standardisation, as well as management
and human resource management.
Dr Senaweera, who is beginning his
studies for a second PhD, will focus on
sustainable practices and their impact on
business performance. The new
postgraduate student at Management &
Science University’s (MSU) Graduate School
of Management (GSM) says, “The world has
changed so fast and we are faced with
unprecedented diversity.
“We need diversity to develop our
industries. Countries develop through
innovation, which comes from diversity and
creativity. Students in a changing world need
relevance and practicality, which must be
met by the curriculum of our universities.
They should be driven towards innovation
so new products may be developed and
bring in foreign exchange.”
He adds that cross-border research
benefits both sides of the border. “Sri
Lankan culture is entirely different from
Malaysian culture, and vice versa. However,
interactions with the people we come to
know will enlighten us on how the other side
sees things. Research collects and passes
them on. New lines of thinking develop,
along with new collaborations.
“My motivation for a second PhD is that
learning is a never-ending journey. I am a
60-year-old retiree but I will start a new life
through my retirement. As chairman of my
institution, I have more than 500 graduates
under me, all with different perspectives. If I
stop learning, I may not be in a position to
give new input in future. My first PhD
ODL research. This includes studies in
content development, instructional design,
learner profile and characteristics as well as
Internet-based pedagogies,” says Prof
Rozhan.
He coined the term “technogogy” and
defined the concept as the convergence of
learner, content, pedagogy and technology in
the transformative use of technology to foster
learning. The concept has been used as a
framework for the development of
technology-based teaching and learning, and
the metadata input of technogogy elements
paves the way for the tagging and
searchability of the content.
In the context of e-learning, Prof Rozhan is
delighted that OUM has taken a gallant move
in establishing the e-Learning Chair, which is
a first in Malaysia. It is inherent in ODL that
the learners are independent with a high
level of autonomy as they weave their
undertakings as adult learners and family
units. As such, it is crucial to provide quality
content and learning materials to ensure
successful learner motivation and
engagement.
Prof Rozhan says, “Instructional design is
imperative in e-learning. The design of
instruction of a course, termed as didactic,
MSU prioritises quality education, incorporating 21st century learning to produce holistic
graduates
advanced me to director-general before I
reached 50, a good six to 10 years ahead of
the curve.
“My criteria in selecting a university for
my second PhD have been met a hundred
percent by MSU. It is a dynamic and
forward-thinking university. My experience
of quality management and standards at
MSU has been good, and the academic
support I receive has been excellent. MSU is
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times
Higher Education (THE) ranked and its
rankings keep soaring.”
Dr Senaweera says determination,
commitment and dedication are needed for
success. “If you want to be a professional
with something to give to society, pursue
your education. MSU has it all to offer, not
only to the people of Malaysia and Malaysian
students, but also to international students
and the global community.”
e-Learning is very much a part of the higher education sector now, and OUM is taking bold steps
to integrate the study mode into its programmes.
needs to be well researched and designed
with content and activities that are
interactive, relevant and have value-added
features so that learners can experience the
applications of the knowledge-rich.
“Course design has to be the mainstay in
addressing the future of jobs as fixed
curriculum makes way to a resume of
competencies as multinationals no longer
require one to have a degree to get a job. The
openness in ODL has to be fully explored as
the future is a collision of disciplines,
cultures and expertise in the industry.
“The unbundling of courses and multiple
academic exit points are the order of the day.
As such, we need to introduce different
components and features to a basic
curriculum that has the ability to completely
change the quality and relevance of the
programme. In this context, universities
need to learn to be creative as change is the
only constant.
MSU is one of Malaysia’s top universities
and focuses on developing and delivering
quality human capital in medicine, health
sciences, pharmacy, information sciences,
engineering, business management and
professional studies, education and social
sciences, hospitality and culinary and music
and fashion.
MSU prioritises quality education,
incorporating 21st century learning to
produce holistic graduates. Real-world
scenarios are adopted into the classroom
learning experience, while strategic thinking
and thought-provoking case studies exposes
and equips students with a higher level of
practical problem-solving abilities. All
modules are rigorously designed with
strategic industrial and corporate input.
MSU’s postgraduate programmes are
carefully crafted to cultivate leadership and
a real research contribution that addresses
“Content development should embed
elements of critical thinking and
transferable skills to improve learner
experience and engagement. It also needs
to be flexible in a sense that it has to be
continuously updated and responsive to
the current job market and workforce
demands.”
Prof Rozhan’s appointment as the chair
is anticipated to highlight OUM’s e-learning
endeavours to greater heights. He says, “I
hope to boost OUM’s involvement in
research, publications and networking as
we leverage on telecommunications for a
global outreach.”
Perhaps now, the global classroom can
be a reality via ODL, OUM style.
n For more information on OUM’s
programmes, call 03-7801 1800, email
enquiries@oum.edu.my or visit
www.oum.edu.my
Dr Lalith Senaweera, 60, says learning is a
never-ending journey.
industrial hands-on challenges at the highest
management level.
MSU offers advanced degrees at MBA, MSc
and PhD levels, covering areas including
business administration, accounting/finance,
management, educational management and
leadership, education (Teaching English as a
Second Language), international business,
fashion business, international hospitality
and tourism management, early childhood
education, counselling and guidance,
computer science, food service technology,
biomedicine, biomedical sciences,
information technology, clinical pharmacy,
engineering, pharmacy, applied science,
design and medical physiology.
n For more information, call 03-5521 6868,
email enquiry@msu.edu.my or visit msu.
edu.my
2 Postgraduate THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019

Accelerate your certification journey

IN the accounting, banking and finance
industry, having the right qualifications can
take you places in terms of job prospects and
diversity of projects. It helps you get a foot in
the door for bigger, more attractive
opportunities. Whether you have just
graduated with a degree or you are planning
to take a year off work to upskill or earn a
professional qualification in this field, there
is a certification to fit your needs.
There are, however, several drawbacks
to attaining professional accreditations.
Among them are that some professional
certifications require prior work experience
before enrolment and the programme can
take years to complete. This can then incur
both a longer time spent outside the
workforce and higher costs to finance your
living and studies.
Fortunately, with the CPA Program under
CPA Australia, you now have a chance to
accelerate your journey towards attaining an
internationally recognised accounting
qualification.
CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest
accounting bodies, with a global
membership of more than 164,000 members.
Its members work in more than 150
countries and regions around the world. Information session on the CPA Program at Sunway University.
The CPA Program also allows for full- or
part-time study and presents the opportunity Regardless of time availability and your current needs, worry not. Candidates Noesis Exed, Sunway TES, Swinburne
to complete the programme in as few as constraints, you can choose to complete the can choose between flexible study options University of Technology Sarawak and
12 months. The programme also integrates CPA Program according to your own timeline offered by the CPA Program such as UniRazak. If you are based in Singapore, the
education and experience by using within six years and with the level of distance learning or through a combined Kaplan Learning Institute provides you with
contemporary and internationally relevant support you need for full-time or flexible postgraduate degree. tuition services, too.
material to provide you with an study options. Candidates can also opt for online or So, what are you waiting for? If you have a
understanding of dynamic issues facing The full time CPA Program is currently face-to-face tuition to complement the background in accounting, banking and
organisations today. delivered in Malaysia by CPA Australia’s distance learning study option. CPA finance and wish to attain an internationally
tuition providers – Universiti Tun Abdul Australia has partnered with approved recognised CPA designation, fast track your
One course fits all Razak (UniRazak) and Sunway TES Centre
for Accountancy Excellence. International
providers to deliver face-to-face tuition
services for the CPA Program to help
journey with the CPA Program.

If you’re looking to build a career based students are also able to enrol in this students who thrive in a classroom n For details, call the CPA Australia
on professional accounting skills that can programme via UniRazak in the same environment with direct contact to a Malaysia office at 03-2267 3388,
open opportunities to a diverse range of amount of time. facilitator. email kl@cpaaustralia.com.au or visit
roles worldwide, the CPA Program is for you. If the full-time programme does not fit The Malaysian tuition providers are www.cpaaustralia.com.au/bcpa
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019 3
4 Postgraduate
Do your own
cost-benefit analysis
COSTING is an important skill for any
marketeer. This is to enable him to battle
successfully with the company’s chief
financial officer. By understanding which
costs are relevant to any pricing decision, it
becomes easier to introduce price
increases or promotional discounts to
increase profitability.
However, in the 21st century, this is no
longer enough. The marketeer also has to
understand the mechanics, metrics and
magic of e-commerce, digital marketing
and data analytics. As with costing, the skill
set required is not purely mathematical,
but is related to pattern recognition and
trend analysis, coupled with a healthy dose
of customer understanding. So, what is the
most effective way of adding that
competency to your skill set?
There are various short courses,
YouTube videos and self-help books that
can give a good preliminary understanding
of what is involved. However, these are
difficult if taken on your own and there is
no easy way to ask questions if you don’t
understand something.
A second way is to undertake a specialist
postgraduate degree in marketing. It is true
that much of what is learned in such a
degree course will decay rapidly. However,
the pattern recognition and trend analysis
skills will continue to be of great value.
Understanding which new market
segments are emerging and what factors
are driving their growth enables a
marketeer to allocate resources far more
efficiently. A good marketing analyst gets
noticed quickly and can expect a rapid
promotion.
Understanding which
new market segments are
emerging and what factors
are driving their growth
enables a marketeer to
allocate resources far more
efficiently. A good marketing
analyst gets noticed quickly
and can expect a rapid
promotion.
Short-term pain for long-term
gain
What about the cost-benefit analysis of a
second degree? Evidence suggests that a
relevant second degree is a useful
differentiator for most employers, and, in
the longer term, the payoff in salary and
promotion prospects appears strongly
positive.
So, the trade-off is the cost of the degree
and opportunity cost of losing your first year
of salary against the potential upside of
increased future earnings in the long term.
The opportunity cost of a fresh graduate’s
salary, as we all know, is not that high, so
that could be recovered quickly.
A master’s degree from a reputable
institution is not likely to be cheap. Cheaper
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019
Dr Dent says a relevant second degree is a useful differentiator for most employers, and, in the
longer term, the payoff in salary and promotion prospects appears strongly positive.
options are available, but, as with most job with a blue-chip multinational as a
things in life, you pay for what you get. management trainee, I would strongly advise
The idea of a gap year is not a popular one you to take it. If you manage that time
in Malaysia but taking a specialist degree effectively, you can undertake on-the-job
does allow more time for the student to training and ask for specialist short courses
consider career choices together with like- to bring you up to speed.
minded individuals. With increased What you should never do is make any job
possibilities of internships, the master’s decisions based solely on the opening salary
degree project and university career offer. – By Dr Michael M. Dent, Sunway
placements, the opportunity set suddenly University Business School Department of
gets bigger. Marketing head
So, when is a second degree not a good
idea? If academia is not your thing or your n For more information about the Master of
grade point average is not good enough, then Marketing offered at Sunway University, visit
getting out into the job market early makes my.sunwayu.edu.my/postgraduates or call
sense. Also, if you are lucky enough to get a 03-7491 8622.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019
e-Learning is here to stay
THE employment landscape is on the
verge of great change. Researchers from
Coursera estimate that two-thirds of the
global population are falling behind in
critical skills, while a recent survey by
PricewaterhouseCoopers similarly predicts
that the lack of key skills will be one of the
top issues impeding future growth.
These findings are unsurprising,
especially considering the advent of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution and an
increasingly competitive job market.
We at Open University Malaysia (OUM)
concur with Coursera senior vice-
president Leah Belsky, who
asserts that there is one
Cloud computing
makes learning easier
AS a student, there is no way to avoid
group projects. Of course, working on a
group project can cause headaches,
especially when you are the one who has to
compile the report and have to wait for
everyone to email their parts.
However, through cloud computing,
simple tasks, such as compiling an
assignment and sharing notes with each
other, are getting easier. In recent years,
cloud computing is a fast-growing
alternative to data storage and
collaboration problems.
This advancement in the way of storing
and sharing data has led to a number of
benefits that allow people, especially
students, to connect and work collectively
as a team, and in an efficient and
productive manner. Here are five benefits
of cloud collaboration:
Better accessibility
The cloud enables users to access files or
data anytime, anywhere from multiple
devices. This is most useful for students in a
group as group members can access it
whenever they want, wherever they are.
Even if you only have a smartphone with
you, you can still have access to the
documents.
Even in the worst-case scenario, where
you lose or damage your device, the data
will be kept safe and secure.
Real-time updates
Files shared in the cloud will
automatically update and sync any changes
made in the documents or files, so students
can have stress-free collaboration. Through
cloud-based collaboration, things such as
inconsistent file content because of multiple
revisions and duplicates can be avoided.
clear solution to the issues surrounding
higher education and its ability to feed the
needs of a future economy. That solution is
e-learning.
That e-learning has immense potential in
higher education is reflected in a recent
study by UK-based firm Towards Maturity,
which found that of more than 10,000
workers surveyed:
l Ninety-four percent want to learn at
their own pace
l Seventy-eight percent want to use
technology for learning
l Fifty-one percent want to have the
opportunity to learn when they want to
All three are possible via e-learning. By
harnessing online technology, an open and
distance learning (ODL) institution such as
OUM can reach learners from diverse
backgrounds at a truly global scale. Through
online platforms, learners can enjoy a
flexible and accessible approach to
teaching and learning, no matter
where they may be.
ODL is especially useful for
working adults who want to
upgrade their skills and
qualifications but cannot
afford to take time off
their careers to
pursue higher
This advancement in the
way of storing and sharing
data has led to a number of
benefits that allow people,
especially students, to
connect and work collectively
as a team, and in an efficient
and productive manner. Here
are five benefits of cloud
collaboration.
You also no longer need to open a long trail
of emails just to check for update and
revision history.
Better brainstorming
The cloud can become a brainstorming
platform for sharing ideas and holding
productive discussions and is the perfect
platform for effective communication
between group members. With the cloud,
you do not have to be physically present just
to attend a discussion as everything can be
done through the platform.
Improved access to large files
As we all know, most email servers
cannot handle documents larger than a
few megabytes. Cloud computing is the
best solution when email servers cannot
accommodate large audio or video files. You
can easily provide access to large files stored
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
study. Learners can study on a part-time
basis anytime, anywhere and any way, all
through the exciting possibilities afforded
by e-learning.
At OUM, e-learning is part of our blended
learning approach that combines online
studies with face-to-face tutorials and self-
managed studies. We are committed to
taking the necessary steps to further
advance e-learning provision and
strengthen our position as the premier
ODL institution in Malaysia.
Among our recent initiatives include a
collaboration with TM One last month to
offer unifi Mobile plans at competitive
rates to facilitate access to course materials,
discussion forums and online support
services via myINSPIRE, our learning
management system. This smart
partnership aims to make learning truly
accessible, free from worries about Wi-Fi
availability.
The appointment of the Chair in
e-Learning in September is anticipated to
intensify research in the use of e-learning
technologies for teaching and learning.
Towards this end, Prof Dr Rozhan
Mohammed Idrus, as the inaugural holder
of the chair, will work with our academics
to strengthen their research capacity.
Additionally, we also focus on providing
offering value-added academic programmes
such as the Malaysia Board of Technologists
Cloud computing can remove a lot of the hassle of group work. However, finding group
members who can positively contribute is still up to you.
in the cloud. There is no need for you to
manually send the files. Instead, all you need
to provide group members is the link to
those files. Through the cloud, there is no
such thing as file distribution dilemmas.
Cost effective
Many of the cloud collaboration
advantages are linked to its cost-
effectiveness. In comparison with the age-
old, on premise software, you do not have to
invest in pricey infrastructure. Example of
Postgraduate 5
By harnessing online
technology, an open and
distance learning institution
such as OUM can reach
learners from diverse
backgrounds at a truly
global scale. Through online
platforms, learners can enjoy
a flexible and accessible
approach to teaching and
learning, no matter where
they may be.
(MBOT) certification for Diploma in
Information Technology and Bachelor of
Information Technology graduates. These
MBOT certifications will certainly help
information technology graduates elevate
their standing, visibility and recognition.
All these initiatives are part of a
broader institutional emphasis on quality
education. In essence, e-learning is a tool
to ensure that learners, especially working
adults, can pursue tertiary education
without leaving their jobs. At the same
time, we endeavour to complement our
offerings with the relevant soft skills and
competencies, such as critical thinking
and collaborative skills, to give OUM
graduates a competitive edge.
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is
president and vice-chancellor of OUM.
cloud-based collaborative tools includes
Microsoft Office 365 and Skype. The need for
expensive customisation and high level of IT
engagement are also eradicated.
Most higher education institutions are
utilising cloud computing to operate so the
process can be seamless. From student
registration to internal affairs, everything
can be done online. Gone are the days where
record-keeping has to be done manually. As
technology advances, universities and
students are simultaneously finding ways to
adapt and make learning easier.
6 Postgraduate
Win-win
situation
for uni
and alumni
EACH year, around 290,000
students graduate from
Malaysian institutions of higher
learning. Of all those that have
graduated, unfortunately, about
25% remain unemployed.
The University of Nottingham Malaysia is launching an initiative that aims to help both employers and graduates, Against these statistics, it is
to better improve its already stellar graduate employment rates. ironic that employers often
cannot fill vacant positions due
to suitably qualified graduates
not being available; usually
citing lack of technical or soft
skills. More and more
companies now require
expertise in areas such as IR4.0,
data science, machine learning
and analytics and attracting
high-quality graduates with
these skills is ever more
challenging.
Even if employers can attract
graduates, there is an issue of
retention. Graduates will often
move jobs after a short period of
time, seeking better pay or
career advancement. The
employer may have invested in
advertising, training and
professional development, all
costs which must be borne again
when finding a replacement.
Working with the British
Malaysia Chamber of Commerce
(BMCC), the University of
Nottingham Malaysia recently
launched an initiative that aims
to help both employers and
graduates. We are proud of our
graduate employment statistics.
In my May column, I noted that
the University of Nottingham
Malaysia had graduate
employment rates of around
90%, which is among the
highest in the sector.
However, there is still more
that we can do and we must not
rely on past successes.
Instead of looking to recruit
graduates once they are nearing
the completion of their degree,
we are proposing that the
recruitment process be moved
back to before they even start
studying. In its simplest form,
companies provide a
scholarship. This, of course,
helps the student. The company
also works alongside the student
throughout their studies. Some
of the ways that this could be
done, but is certainly not limited
to, include:
l The student works at the
company when they are not
studying. This might include
working during the summer
break or even working with the
company a few hours a week,
ensuring that the rules about
how many hours can be worked
are respected.
l The final-year dissertation
can directly address a problem,
or opportunity, that the
company is facing.
l The student could receive
in-house training, give
presentations to the company as
part of their professional
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019
Graduates will
often move jobs
after a short period of
time, seeking
better pay or career
advancement.
development and could be
mentored and coached to
prepare them for when they
start working full-time in the
company.
l The company can direct
key decisions, such as which
software development
environment and programming
language to use, so that the
graduate’s expertise matches the
requirements of the company.
Once the student has
graduated, they can be offered a
full-time position in the
company. This would have been
done in the knowledge that they
have effectively been through a
three-year interview (or one
year for a master’s student).
Given the relationship that
exists, and has been developing,
the graduate should be able to
make a positive impact almost
immediately.
The company moves their
recruitment costs to provide a
scholarship, which should
provide a better long-term
return on investment. It also
enables the student to work with
a potential employer for a few
years, meaning that the company
gets to know their potential
employee. The company may
even consider bonding the
graduate.
The University of Nottingham
Malaysia, working with the
BMCC, is excited about this pilot
initiative. Such is the initial
interest that we are already
talking to about 10 companies
and we hope to roll this out to
other companies once we have
received feedback from our
initial collaborators. If you are
interested, please get in touch.
n Prof Graham Kendall is
chief executive officer, provost
and pro-vice-chancellor of
University of Nottingham
Malaysia.
Twitter: @Graham_Kendall
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019 Postgraduate 7

Take your career

to the next level
IMU successfully launched its
Master of Business Administration
(MBA) in Healthcare Management
in March. To date, the first cohort
of 10 students has completed their
first semester successfully and are
moving into their second semester.
“The first cohort of students
came from diverse backgrounds,
including nursing, quantitative
surveyor, biochemist, doctors and
management staff. Eight of the
inaugural cohort graduated with
their postgraduate certificate and
will seamlessly progress to the
master’s programme,” says
Healthcare Management
programme director Toh Puan Dr
Safurah Ja’afar.
“The programme is working
adult-friendly and offers flexibility
for those who want to accelerate
their programme and complete the
course in 15 months or stretch it
out by doing part-time. Students
are also able to attend classes
virtually.”
These students joined the
programme with the aim of
developing priceless management
skills, aspiring and aiming for a
higher salary, access to a large
business network, or starting their
own company from scratch.
IMU’s programme offers these
opportunities through, like most
MBA courses accredited by the
Education Ministry, modules on
strategic, human resource,
financial, marketing, operations
and economics as its core.
Other modules include
leadership, clinical governance
quality and safety, ethics business
and health laws, business
research methods and health
system. Electives include health
informatics and business analytics,
negotiation for leaders and
methods in epidemiology. These
are designed to teach strong
business management principles
embedded in the health agenda.
The programme uses a blended
learning model which offers online
study options that are more
flexible for professionals. Students
will be equipped with a well-
rounded understanding of the
subject and surrounding issues,
allowing them to formulate
intervention strategies both in class
simulations or actual industrial
intervention. Classes are enriched
with experienced lecturers and a
wide range of guest lecturers from
Students of IMU’s inaugural MBA in Healthcare Management programme
joined with the aim of developing priceless management skills, aspiring
and aiming for a higher salary or starting their own company from scratch.
relevant industries. analytical and pharmaceutical
With this first group, eight of the chemistry, molecular medicine and
students started with the acupuncture, Master of Pharmacy
Postgraduate Certificate of Business Practice, Postgraduate Diploma in
Administration in Healthcare Diabetes Management and
Management (PGCBM). The Education, Postgraduate Diploma
students started the programme in in Implant Dentistry, postgraduate
March and completed it in August. programmes in health professions
The next intake for the MBA in education and MSc and PhD by
Healthcare Management research.
programme will be in March next
year. n For details about IMU’s
IMU also offers other postgraduate programmes, call
postgraduate programmes, 03-2731 7272, email postgraduate@
including taught Master in Science imu.edu.my or visit www.imu.edu.
programmes in public health, my

Designed to meet
market demand
CURTIN University Malaysia
(Curtin Malaysia) is introducing
two new postgraduate courses –
Curtin University’s Master of
International Business and
Master of Commerce in
Marketing, to complement its
Master of Science in Project
Management, Master of Policy
Sciences, Master of Petroleum
Engineering and Master of
Engineering Management.
The Master of International
Business provides a practical
perspective on one of the most
demanding business issues
today – how to lead in a
multifaceted, international
and multicultural global
environment.
Candidates will be equipped
with skill sets that will enable
them to critically analyse issues
and create solutions.
The Master of Commerce in
Marketing is industry-focused,
with an emphasis on topics of
relevance to the marketing
profession, including marketing
communication, digital
marketing and the application of
marketing in the manufacturing
and service industries.
The Master of Science in
Project Management provides
the opportunity to gain the
understanding, knowledge and
skills necessary for performing
the role of project manager.
The course adopts a generic
approach to project
management and is applicable
to any project in a variety of
industries.
The Master of Policy Sciences
is designed for the local public
sector, with localised content
coupled with international
perspectives. It helps students
acquire a foundation in the core
areas of policy analysis and
management in the public
sector. The course is available in
both on-campus and online
study mode.
The Master of Petroleum
Engineering provides candidates
with a multidisciplinary
education in petroleum
engineering, covering a wide
variety of subjects core to the
petroleum engineering field.
This includes applied geology
and geophysics, drilling and
reservoir engineering,
hydrocarbon phase behaviour,
formation evaluation and
petroleum economics and
project management.
The Master of Engineering
Management enables candidates
to become effective engineering
managers, combining
management expertise with
engineering knowledge. The
course provides a balance
between engineering and
business skills and is jointly
taught by the university’s
Department of Civil Engineering
and Curtin Graduate School of
Business.
“A postgraduate course
deepens knowledge and
perspective while expanding an
individual’s options for
advancement. Employers also
seek to hire the best, so demand
is shifting to candidates who
bring to the table postgraduate
qualifications and working
experience,” says Curtin
Malaysia pro-vice-chancellor,
president and chief executive
Prof Jim Mienczakowski.
Curtin Malaysia also offers
postgraduate qualifications by
research, including Master of
Philosophy in accounting,
economics, finance,
management, engineering,
geology and media, culture and
creative arts. Doctoral degrees
(PhDs) are awarded in
engineering, science and
business.
Candidates may enrol in a
master’s or doctoral programme
either full-time or part-time.
n For more information, visit
www.curtin.edu.my
8 Postgraduate THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019

Unlock your hidden potential

SOME time ago, during a job interview for an
editor’s position, a hiring manager asked Tan
Jyy Wei, “Why did you decide to take up a
Masters of Communications and Media
Studies at Monash Malaysia?”
Her answer was straightforward, along the
lines of “wanting to elevate my career and
professional prospects” and “the university
and degree is recognised worldwide”.
However, the encounter instigated her to
look deeper into her motivation for
completing the master’s programme and
made her realise that there was more than
just career advancement and knowledge. A
Master of Arts is more social-centric and
helps nurture a broad set of personal and
social skills in addition to the theory and
practice of the discipline of choice.
These are some unexpected personal
skills and values you can gain from the
experience.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to make good
decisions and take appropriate action to solve
problems – definitely a skill you need to
develop during your academic journey.
Undergoing a master’s programme –
especially one that integrates theoretical ideas
and practical practices – sharpens one’s
ability to objectively identify issues and solve
problems creatively. It prompts you to unpack
issues from an academic point of view and
provide the tools to work on yourself and
change outmoded values or responses.
Time management and
organisation
Things can get confusing and
overwhelming when you’re dealing with
multiple responsibilities and priorities, such
as academic and work deadlines or
meetings. To successfully navigate and
tackle tasks before you, you have to practise
proper time management and
organisational strategies – and chances are
that by the time you complete your master’s,
you would become pretty good at
implementing these strategies, or at least be
more familiar and understand the value of
these skills.
Resilience and patience
Completing a master’s programme teaches
you resilience in the face of adversity. Yes,
challenges are part and parcel of life, but
undertaking a postgraduate degree comes
with its own set of problems, ranging from
financial responsibilities to submitting
assignments and completing work projects
concurrently. The good news is, the more
you deal with adversity, the better you are at
overcoming them.
Pursuing a postgraduate degree puts you
in an environment when you learn how to
better respond to stress and challenges,
creating the confidence to overcome hurdles
and deal with the things that don’t go your
way.
Personal accomplishment
Obtaining a master’s degree is something
that is viewed as a challenge by many – and
rightfully so. So, while your individual
identity consists of far more than your
education level or career, a postgraduate
degree is definitely an achievement you
should be proud of.
Plus, being able to look back on an
achievement of this magnitude is a great
way to motivate you whenever you get stuck
in a rut. It is a reminder that you are more
than capable of overcoming any task that
you set your mind to. So, it not only gives
you a greater sense of confidence in your
academic prowess, but also in your ability to
handle and overcome large, difficult tasks.
That is a huge reward in and of itself.
n For more information on the Master of
Arts programme, visit monash.edu.my/sass

Building more meaningful

connections
It is no secret that taking up a master’s
programme opens doors to new
relationships. You will gain the opportunity
to network with other scholars as well
as working professionals and build
relationships across your field. However, it
will also give you a better perspective of the
kind of individuals and relationships you
want to invest in and foster.
Tan Jyy Wei.