POSTGRADUATE

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2021

Foundations for a better you

Amidst the uncertainties in the present economy,
building on current knowledge today is your
pathway to eventual success.
2 Postgraduate
THE economic impacts of the Covid-19
pandemic have been significant across the
globe. Stock markets have been in a
significant state of flux with the FTSE, Dow
Jones Industrial Average and the Nikkei all
seeing significant volatility, unemployment
rates have increased across major
economies and many countries in the world
are in recession.
Recent reports, however, show there is a
case for optimism as vaccination
programmes become more widespread.
There have been a number of projections of
rebound for the economy of Malaysia for
example with growth of between 6.5% and
7.5% in 2021. Also of significance are further
projections of an expansion in the
Malaysian construction industry of around
13% in 2021 as large infrastructure and
affordable housing projects are restarted
and accelerated.
This optimism for growth is not only local,
with many other countries reporting
expectations for growth in 2021 and beyond.
This has many important implications for
the economy and one such area is jobs.
Growth in any sector will see an increase
in demand for skilled employees and it is
likely that the construction industry will
be no different. It is therefore a great time
to consider a career in the construction
industry and a particular route to this
could be through studying an MSc in
Civil Engineering.
University of Nottingham Malaysia
offers a comprehensive programme of study
across a range of key civil engineering
subject areas, such as environment,
geotechnical engineering, management,
pavement engineering, structural
engineering and transportation.
The blends of academic study and the
development of both practical and
professional skills that the course enables
are an ideal preparation for the future
challenges of working in the global
construction industry and meeting the likely
increased demands for such professionals
over the coming years.
Building for the future
A virtual celebration was recently held to mark the graduation of students from the Faculty
of Arts and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Crucially the courses are also accredited,
allowing learning to count towards meeting
the requirements for further learning from
the Engineering Council. Graduates from
the course are highly sought after and have
gone on to a range of careers in the field of
civil engineering.
This month it is not just civil
engineering and the construction sector
which is “building for the future” but
also the graduates from our February
graduation ceremony.
This year due to the pandemic, we are not
able to have physical ceremonies so we had
a virtual celebration to mark the graduation
of our students on Feb 24.
We have a total of 178 graduands this
February from undergraduate and
postgraduate levels from the Faculty of Arts
and Social Sciences and the Faculty of
Science and Engineering. These students will
be invited for a physical ceremony on
campus when it is feasible for us to hold one.
The virtual celebration began with a video
message from the University of Nottingham
Chancellor Baroness Young of Hornsey and
Vice-Chancellor Prof Shearer West. This was
followed by a message by myself with other
congratulatory messages from the respective
deans and heads of school of the graduating
THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2021
By
PROF
SAMUEL
KINGMAN
class and speeches from students
representing each faculty from the
graduating cohort.
We also celebrated winners of the
Nottingham Advantage Award, which is
designed to give formal recognition to
student involvement in activities outside
their academic programme, and is intended
to increase their employability and add
value to their overall experience at The
University of Nottingham. Our Lord Dearing
Awards were also presented and these are
prestigious award conferred to staff who
have shown high levels of dedication
towards enhancing the student learning
experience. Finally, we awarded the Vice-
Chancellor’s Medal, which recognises those
who have delivered the most exceptional
achievement or made the most outstanding
contribution to our university community.
These above awards, including the
Alumni Laureate Award, are regularly
bestowed, highlighting the university’s
belief in acknowledging its most
influential individuals.
I would like to pass many congratulations
to all graduands and award winners and
look forward to welcoming you all back on
our campus very soon.
n Prof Sam Kingman is interim provost and
chief executive officer of University of
Nottingham Malaysia and pro-vice
chancellor of University of Nottingham, UK
THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2021 3
4 Postgraduate
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
HERE’S a little-known fact about higher
education. The very first scholarship was
awarded 378 years ago by Lady Ann
Radcliffe Mowlson of London, who in 1643
gave £100 (equivalent to about £12,000 in
today’s currency) for poor students to gain
admission into Harvard College. This
generous act was centuries ahead of its time;
established at Oxford University, the famous
Rhodes Scholarship only came about 259
years later in 1902.
The provision of financial aid for students
has now become a way for higher education
institutions to recognise academic success, as
well as showcase charity and social
Financial aids enable
worry-free study
responsibility. For those wanting to obtain a
university degree but lack the necessary
resources, scholarships can even be the make-
or-break factor in achieving their dreams.
At Open University Malaysia (OUM), we
strive to make education accessible to
everyone, no matter what their situation
may be. With our motto of “University for
All”, we aim to become the practical choice
for learners of all backgrounds, and hope
to make higher education a possibility even
for those facing hardships in life.
Since 2007, OUM has awarded almost
RM5mil in the form of bursaries and
scholarships to learners who excel
academically as well as those facing
financial difficulties. Last year, the
university disbursed close to RM890,000 in
aid, mostly benefiting the latter category.
Disbursed every January, May and
September, the academic excellence
scholarship is awarded to high-achieving
diploma and bachelor’s degree learners
with a GPA of at least 3.75, and master’s
degree learners with a GPA of at least 3.85.
Their excellent performance earns them a
tuition fee waiver in the subsequent
semester of their studies.
A financial aid bursary is also given every
semester to the diploma and bachelor’s
degree learners who are short of funds and
need a little bit of extra support in paying
for their education. If their applications are
successful and they can maintain a
minimum GPA of 2.50, recipients of this
bursary can breathe easy with a tuition fee
waiver for three consecutive semesters in
their respective programmes.
Since 2007, OUM has awarded RM5mil in the form of bursaries and scholarships to learners
who excel academically as well as those facing financial difficulties.
Having what it takes
AS a postgraduate who is preparing to
enter the workforce or change jobs, it is
important to know what interviewers look
for in a candidate.
In today’s job market, soft skills are
valuable. Your interviewer would likely be
evaluating your soft skills throughout the
entire process by not only listening to your
answers but also through your body
language, mannerism and overall disposition
throughout the process.
According to LinkedIn, the soft skills in
demand are time management, adaptability,
collaboration, persuasion and creativity.
Equally important skills to have that cannot
be taught are empathy and integrity.
Demonstrate these skills by incorporating
them into your answers. Speak about your
soft skills by explaining how they have
helped you succeed in your studies or
previous workplace.
Employers are also keen to know if you
would be able to gel well in the company.
Even if you may have all the right paper
qualifications, it does not mean a guaranteed
place within the company. Technical skills
will make you eligible for a job, but
interpersonal skills help you land the job.
Chances are the hiring manager is looking
for someone who will not only fit the team,
but the company as well. Interviewers would
like to know if you are able to hold a
THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2021
This year, OUM is also offering a special
RM1mil scholarship for new learners.
Available beginning this May semester,
this scholarship is open to new
undergraduate learners on a first-come,
first-served basis and subject to availability,
terms and conditions.
Just as we believe that anyone can learn
at different ages or stages in life, so too do
we believe that no one should have to
shelve their education dreams because of
financial constraints. By helping our
learners financially, we aspire to produce
quality graduates who can bear the OUM
name with pride and ultimately contribute
to a better society.
The May intake is open for registration.
For more information on programmes and
scholarships, call or WhatsApp 012-303 9935
/ 019-357 9074, email enquiries@oum.edu.
my or visit www.oum.edu.my
n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is president
and vice-chancellor of OUM.
conversation while smiling and positively
interact with other members of the team.
The best way to show this is by talking
about a difficult situation where you had to
adopt to make a situation work – it could
have been with your studies or at your
previous job.
Willingness to improve
The workplace is always changing,
especially with technological advancements.
A willingness to learn is another very
in-demand attribute. Your employer would
want to know what you, as a postgraduate,
can bring to the table. Other than that, if you
were to be hired, the initiatives you would
take to improve yourself and your team.
You can demonstrate this trait by
describing instances you have used tools
to help you improve at work, such as that
time you improved workflow in the office
by introducing a collaboration tool. You
can also talk about your enjoyment at
being challenged and work it into an
answer where you have been asked about
your achievements.
Keep in mind that your interviewer
would most probably not be asking these
things directly. So, its up to you to creatively
find ways to address them as you answer
your questions.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2021
Wonder woman’s lifelong journey
DR Desak Nyoman Sithi, a retired
police colonel, lecturer and
surveyor in Jakarta with a
staggering 24 years of experience,
is a Management and Science
University (MSU) alumna.
She established the learning
ecosystem of a pivotal and
demanding nursing programme
at Universitas Pembangunan
Nasional (UPN) “Veteran” Jakarta.
Dr Desak is a hardworking
woman who worked a double job
as a police officer and an educator
at the nursing school during the
prime years of her career. Wanting
to establish a strong pedestal in
her career, she fought off fatigue
and sluggishness and decided to
become a game-changer. As a
reward, she was promoted to
Director of the School of Nursing
at UPN in 2001.
She has a solid expertise in the
dual roles she played. She was also
the dean of Health Science Faculty
for the second time in the
university, and the head of nursing
committee at the Police Hospital
she worked at.
“Upon gaining much experience,
I joined MSU to further my studies
in a PhD programme in
management/business under
the Graduate School of
Management (GSM).
“All of these achievements in my
life were possible only through my
hard work. I worked smart and
deep down from my heart.
Collaboration, teamwork and
positive thinking with the right
attitude brought me thus far,”
she said.
“As a policewoman, I serve and
protect people in terms of security,
especially women, from human
trafficking. I also educate women
on their rights.
“As a healthcare provider in the
hospital, I serve and protect
patients and their families with
safe-care and ensure their safety at
all costs. I educate them on their
Dr Desak (left)
aspires to educate
people on their
rights and help
them grow with
self-confidence.
Postgraduate 5
rights, too,” she said.
With three important jobs at the
same time, Dr Desak was not just
good at multitasking but
inspirational to many.
Through her job as a surveyor,
she wanted to enhance hospital
standards and competencies based
on the fundamental concept of
building a professional healthcare
system in Indonesia.
She translated all her knowledge
and experience into her job scope,
especially at the university, to
implement a more future-ready
education institution that
understands the importance of an
inclusive learning ecosystem.
“All of my postgraduate lecturers
were very helpful. They always
guided me through in my studies.
However, my unforgettable bad
experience would be during the
VIVA examination where one of Dr Desak (third from left, front row) completed her education in a whole-
the examiners was from the UK some learning ecosystem at MSU.
and I could not understand his
accent. However, I was so grateful cultivate leadership and a real Education, Counselling and
to one of the other examiners who research contribution that Guidance, Computer Science,
translated it for me in the way that addresses industrial hands-on Food Service Technology,
I could understand,” she said. challenges at the highest Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences,
In a class of her own in all her management level. Information Technology, Clinical
endeavours, Dr Desak is not too far Postgraduate studies at MSU Pharmacy, Engineering, Pharmacy,
from a noble personality, capable offer advanced degrees in MBA, Applied Science, Design and
of inspiring many while paving a MSc and PhD levels covering wide Medical Physiology.
path of her own. areas, including Business These programmes are offered
“My only tip for success is Administration, Accounting/ under the School of Graduate
positive thinking. Always work Finance, Management, Studies (SGS) and the Graduate
hard and smart, while seeking Educational Management and School of Management (GSM).
more room for improvement on Leadership, Education (Teaching
your soft skills. Never fail to English as Second Language), n For more information on the
expand your network as much as International Business, Master in postgraduate programmes offered
you can,” she said. Fashion Business, International at MSU, call 603-5521 6868, email
The postgraduate programmes at Hospitality and Tourism enquiry@msu.edu.my or visit
MSU are carefully crafted to Management, Early Childhood www.msu.edu.my.
6 Postgraduate
Scholarship a dream come
true for passionate learner
IN today’s tough economic times, a
scholarship can make a big difference in
easing learners’ financial burden. It may
also help boost their success by giving them
time and energy to focus on studies without
worrying about costly tuition fees.
Open University Malaysia (OUM) is
committed to assisting its learners
financially by granting scholarships
and bursaries to high-achieving
learners as well as those struggling with
financial difficulties.
“Receiving a scholarship has helped me
greatly. It has given me peace of mind and
allowed me to continue pursuing my
educational dreams without having to stress
myself out over tuition fees,” says Nurul
Salwa Baharom, 36, who was one of the
university’s academic excellence
scholarship recipients in 2020.
Offered every semester in January, May
and September, the academic excellence
scholarship is awarded to qualified learners
who score a minimum GPA of 3.75 at
undergraduate level, or 3.85 and above at
master’s degree level.
The university awards academic excellence scholarships every semester to qualified
learners, boosting their chances for career success.
Improve your skills in prosthodontics
PROSTHODONTICS is the dental specialty in
the diagnosis, treatment planning,
rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral
function, comfort, appearance, and health
of patients with clinical conditions
associated with missing or deficient teeth
and maxillofacial tissues by using
biocompatible substitutes.
Different types of prosthodontic
treatments are available – removable, fixed,
maxillofacial or implant prosthesis.
Prosthodontics refers to replacement of
missing teeth or related structures by
artificial means.
Gaining additional training in this branch
of dentistry will give candidates the
knowledge and skills of managing
prosthodontic cases and complications based
upon the nature and complexity of the
edentulous span.
IMU’s School of Dentistry will be offering
a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in
Prosthodontics (PGDPros) programme,
which will have its first intake in June. It
will provide training in prosthodontics for
general dental practitioners and give them
the opportunity to enhance their knowledge
and skills in providing patient-centred
prosthodontic treatment. This programme
aims to produce graduates who are able to
coordinate a multidisciplinary
approach in managing oral healthcare and
provide accessible and affordable
prosthodontic care.
The training emphasises the provision of
care based on current evidence and best
practices utilising appropriate technologies
and specialised techniques with students
having the opportunity to use IMU’s digital
The one-semester tuition
fee waiver is a huge relief
because it allows me to focus
only on my studies. I am
extremely grateful for OUM’s
generosity. With the extra
money saved, I had enough
to buy reference books and
other learning materials.
Nurul Salwa Baharom
Coming from a poor family, Nurul had no
choice but to enter the workforce right after
completing her diploma. In 2019, after 13
years of leaving the world of education, she
finally had the chance to be a learner once
again, this time in the Bachelor of
Human Resource Management
(BHRM) programme at OUM.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Prosthodontics programme is supervised by highly qualified
and experienced local and international prosthodontics.
dentistry facilities including Cone Beam
Computed Tomography (CBCT) and
Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided
Manufacturing (CAD-CAM).
The programme covers knowledge
acquisition through face-to-face and online
lectures, case-based discussion, skills
development through hands-on training in
the simulation lab, and clinical experience
through patient care at the IMU Oral Health
Centre and at the student’s own workplace.
It is delivered and supervised by highly
qualified and experienced local and
international prosthodontists. The full-time
and adjunct faculty members are involved in
The one-semester tuition fee waiver is a huge relief for Nurul as it allows her to focus on her
studies.
“It has always been my dream to pursue
a bachelor’s degree but financial hardship
and family commitments, especially to my
young children, hindered me from doing
so. In my first year of study, I had to use
my own savings to pay for the fees. But I
did not have much, so that forced me to
withdraw from my Employees Provident
Fund (EPF) account.”
She adds, “I vowed to excel in my studies
and finally managed to score a GPA of 4.0
to receive the scholarship. The one-
semester tuition fee waiver is a huge relief
because it allows me to focus only on my
studies. I am extremely grateful for OUM’s
generosity. With the extra money saved, I
had enough to buy reference books and
other learning materials.”
The scholarship is a safety net for Nurul
and encourages her to do her absolute best
as a BHRM learner.
“I am now even more motivated to do
delivering different aspects of treatments
based on one’s expertise.
Experienced faculty involved in this
programme include Prof Toh Chooi Gait, Prof
Seow Liang Lin, Dr Pravinkumar G Patil, Dr
Mandakini Mohan, Dr Rohit Menon and
other members at the School of Dentistry.
The programme is designed for full-time
and part-time students with flexible options.
This programme includes six modules in two
semesters with a total of 30 credit hours to
be delivered over a year.
Duration of each module is approximately
six weeks including one week of compulsory
on-site activities. The first cohort will be
THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2021
well every semester. It gives me the strength
to continue and I’m striving to complete the
programme on time.”
As an accounts executive, wife, mother to
three daughters, and a learner, her
responsibilities may seem like a lot. But she
says, “I am happy to be a learner again
because I love to gain knowledge. I want to
be an inspiration to my daughters so that
they will also love learning. I hope they can
even be better versions of me one day.”
By awarding this scholarship to deserving
learners, OUM hopes that the initiative will
encourage anyone to turn their educational
dreams into a reality.
OUM’s May intake is currently open for
registration.
n For more information on programmes and
scholarships, call or WhatsApp 012-303 9935
/ 019-357 9074, email enquiries@oum.edu.
my or visit www.oum.edu.my
Gaining additional training
in this branch of dentistry
will give candidates the
knowledge and skills of
managing prosthodontic
cases and complications
based upon the nature
and complexity of the
edentulous span.
starting in June and the candidates of this
first intake can enjoy a bursary of RM5,000.
IMU offers postgraduate programmes
including Master in Science programmes in
Public Health, Analytical and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry, Molecular Medicine, Acupuncture
and Pharmacy Practice; Master of
Counselling; Postgraduate Diplomas in
Diabetes Management and Education,
Implant Dentistry, Endodontics and
Prosthodontics; postgraduate programmes in
Health Professions Education, Health
Informatics and Analytics and Business
Administration in Healthcare Management
as well as MSc and PhD in Medical and
Health Sciences.
n For more information about this or other
postgraduate programmes, call 03-2731 7272,
email postgraduate@imu.edu.my or visit
www.imu.edu.my