KDN Permit No. PP 14672/10/2012 (030937) HEIGHTS GREATER TO EVEN SUNWAY PROPELLING IN WITH THE WORLD THE WITH IN PLUGGED – HOBSON PERRY PROFESSOR THE SUNWAY MAGAZINE UNIVERSITY BUSTING THE DUST RESEARCHER IS SUNWAY UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES TO MEET COVID-19 LIFESTUDENT EVOLVES ISSUE 54 | JANUARY 2021 ISSUE 54 | JANUARY 2021 | university.sunway.edu.my/blaze
CONTENTS
COVER STORY 04. Propelling Sunway to even greater heights
RESEARCH 16. Sunway University researchers advancing world’s first holistic and comprehensive index on COVID-19 17. Sunway University researcher is busting the dust 18. An infectious passion for finding the HIV cure
HALLMARK 08. Writing your destiny, creating the masterpiece of your life 10. Professor Perry Hobson ‒ Plugged in with the world 13. The new normal in Sunway 20. A board game on environmental education
EDITORIAL TEAM Nichole Kong Alyna Yong Cirami Matsura Drahaman Preeti Nair Celine Tan Professor Matthew Sansom
ADVISORS Patrick McVeigh Joanne Teo 20. Sunway University partners with MyFinB Group 21. Bringing Mathematics to life for young students CONCEPT & DESIGN Branding & Corporate Communications STUDENT AFFAIRS 03. School of Arts students film a rewarding love story For comments or suggestions, 07. Sunway University’s radio station wins award before launch write to us at: 12. Sunway students adapting to the rhythm of change [email protected] 14. Student LIFE evolves to meet COVID-19 challenges Follow us: 19. Inbound student from Lancaster enjoys unusual abroad facebook.com/SunwayUniversity experience amid pandemic twitter.com/SunwayU 22. Student psyched on a broadening experience
Please recycle! IN REMEMBRANCE ADDRESS 23. Jerrine Koay and her dedication to her work Sunway University No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, ALUMNI PROFILE 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan 24. Joy, pride and challenges of running a family business ‒ PRINTING BY Sisters share their ‘next in line’ responsibilities Kuan Press Sdn Bhd No. 1, Jalan Perindustrian PP 7, ALUMNI ON THE MOVE Taman Perindustrian Putra Permai, 43300 Seri Kembangan, 26. Joey Ooi Bee Law Selangor Darul Ehsan 27. Desmond Chong and Eunice Low Tain Yung STUDENT AFFAIRS 3
SCHOOL OF ARTS STUDENTS FILM A REWARDING LOVE STORY
A love letter can be presented in many forms. And so, the Department of Film and Performing Arts did it in their innate way.
A (Hons) Digital Film Production students, Alina Wong, Sheldon Chong, Justin Tan Jing Wen, and Derrek Lee Mun Wei produced a documentary about Datin Elaine BKhaw’s unconditional love for her family. “With Love, Elaine” is the first film highlighting the struggles of Datin Elaine. The students ran across the story on an online Her husband, Datuk Ooi Eow Jin, was diagnosed with news article. Little did they know that it would create a great Alzheimer’s and her son, Raymond, has a brain tumour. impact.
Faced with severe financial hardship due to rising medical The film won the MAS See Films: Students’ Category Jury costs, Elaine decided to sell kuih kapit or “love letters” as a Award at the 16th Mini Film Festival. means of paying for the medical bills. Alina responded, “You have to completely love what you do, “Datin Elaine had been selling kuih kapit to support her family. and in the end, I promise, you’ll make something that you’ll She ends up writing a love letter for her husband to remind him love too.” of everything he has forgotten,” shared Alina, a co-director of the film. Sheldon, who directed the film too, said his takeaway experience was improving his storytelling skills. “We knew it was a timeless story, that with delicate direction and production, we could turn their story into a film that was “It is important to communicate the expectations, to know special,” she added. what you want, in order to achieve a certain vision.” B
The crew with Datin Elaine 4 COVER STORY
PROPELLING SUNWAY TO EVEN GREATER HEIGHTS with the New President Onboard
dual Dutch Canadian citizen, Professor Sibrandes Professor Poppema studied medicine at the University Poppema became aware of Sunway University through of Groningen, where he also performed his PhD thesis on Professor Peh Suat Cheng, who he had supervised the Immunopathology of Hodgkin’s disease and trained Aon her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies at the University of as a pathologist. Following that, he had post-doctoral Groningen many years back. appointments at the University of Kiel in Germany as well as at Harvard University in the States. In 1985, he was appointed First landed in Sunway University in 2017, Professor Poppema as the J.K. de Cock Professor of Immunopathology at the was invited to give a public lecture on “Building a leading University of Groningen. Over the years, he published over 240 university: From regional roots to global significance” in the articles on the topics relevant to Immunology, Haematology Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speakers Series. and Oncology, which were cited more than 18,000 times.
From 2008–2018, he was President of the University of In recognition of his vast scientific achievements, he was Groningen, established in 1614 in the Netherlands and awarded the Knighthood in the Order of the Netherlands Lion currently a global top 100 research-intensive university. by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 2007. Among his greatest achievements were the merger of the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Academic Hospital, He was recently awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of transforming into the University Medical Centre Groningen Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by the President, and the establishment of Healthy Ageing as the main research Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This is to recognise his efforts focus for the Centre. in promoting international cooperation on research and education between Germany and the Netherlands.
Professor Poppema received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit Award, with the presence of (from left) Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Mrs Yoke Poppema and Dr Peter Blomeyer, German Ambassador to Malaysia COVER STORY 5 6 COVER STORY
The Sunway Journey Begins
Having lived and worked in the of the Sunway University Medical School. Sunway University is a private, not-for- Netherlands, Germany, the United The medical school will help ease the profit university and is only ten years States, Canada and now in Malaysia, capacity problem in medical training in old, but has already achieved a top Professor Poppema and his wife enjoy Malaysia by teaching medical students 2% ranking in the QS World University the warm weather and nature of and specialists. The curriculum will Ranking. A recent analysis by Web Malaysia, not forgetting the highly be developed by us together with of Science data shows that Sunway varied food choices available here. the University of Cambridge, and will University is the 10th largest producer of be science-focused, aiming to train scientific papers in Malaysia in 2020 and “What I like about Malaysia is very much physician scientists and specialists only trails Petronas University among the influenced by what I like about Sunway. I that can enhance the medical research private universities. like the fact that Sunway is a sustainable profile in Malaysia.” city. A highlight for me is the elevated To accelerate the international walkways that make it possible to travel “Another important development for development and advancement of the healthy, safe and CO2 neutral,” shared the University is the start of engineering University, Professor Poppema believes Professor Poppema. “The dedication programmes, with electrical engineering that it is important to ensure that all of Sunway University to the United as the first to be offered this year. We Sunwayians are geared towards the same Nations Sustainable Development Goals already have a number of research direction. (UN SDGs) is another major attraction centres in the field of engineering with because I strongly believe that the next top scientists, and Malaysia as a country Professor Poppema who is a life-long generation of leaders should learn in is very strong in the field of engineering,” learner driven by curiosity, excitedly such an environment.” Professor Poppema shared. looks forward to his new role as the President of Sunway University. Joining Sunway University in early 2019, Professor Poppema has also promoted He shared that with the efforts of Professor Poppema took on the role as the collaboration between scientists all staff and student, he hopes to the Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished at Sunway University and partners at help the University to achieve new Professor, and advisor to the Chancellor Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and MIT in heights in education, research, especially on the establishment of the Boston. “It is necessary for us to start societal impact, entrepreneurship and new medical school at Sunway University. up additional concrete projects with our internationalisation. high-level partners Oxford, Cambridge, “What I saw in Sunway was the vision Harvard and MIT in Boston and to With his rich academic and administrative of Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, from an leverage this in collaborations in the experiences, Professor Poppema hopes abandoned tin mine wasteland to a ASEAN region as is currently undertaken are high for the University. Looking smart and sustainable city wonderland. with the formation of consortia.” forward for the continuous growth of the I share his vision that education is by far University in the rankings for the time to the best way to escape poverty,” shared Sunway University’s ongoing come, Professor Poppema shared, “We Professor Poppema. collaborations in medical research must do well together and tell about it. include the establishment of the ASEAN Achievements and reputation combine Currently, Professor Poppema is driving Microbiomics Centre with partners in into a virtuous cycle. When there is a the establishment of Sunway University Singapore; and exploring collaboration rise in reputation for the University, the Medical school. He too, actively with researchers from Harvard Medical ranking will rise too. Whereas a higher promotes scientific and educational School on global health. ranking results in a higher reputation. collaborations with partners at the Through continuous innovation, we can University of Cambridge, Harvard With researchers in the Jeffrey Cheah realise Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah’s dream, University and Massachusetts Institute of Biomedical Institute in Cambridge and which is also our common dream, and Technology in Boston (MIT). Sunway Medical Centre, researchers at is for Sunway University to become the Sunway University performed analysis of Harvard of the East.” B “The new structure of the School the viral sequences of COVID-19 patients of Medical and Life Sciences is an in Malaysia and are developing peptide- important vehicle for the development based vaccines for COVID-19. STUDENT AFFAIRS 7
SUNWAY UNIVERSITY’S RADIO STATION WINS AWARD BEFORE LAUNCH
elay is not denial. This is the With that, Sunway students from dual mode teaching and a brief interview account for the newly launched different departments came together with Professor Bradley Freeman, Head radio station – SunFM, which to produce a one-hour podcast, which of Department of Communication, on an DSunway University School of Arts consisted of several features and a lot of article he wrote on college radio. established in late 2020 with its studios music. positioned in the student lounge on level For the songs, the artists starred were 9 of the university building. These students were Jeannelle Khor as Joey Chua’s Bye, Ty:Del’s No Turning the Program Director, Jeremy Tang as Back, The Sam Willows’ Robot, and Originally planned for launch way earlier, the Music Director, Gabriella Bong as the Crinkle Cut’s Morning Sun. SunFM had to postpone its timeline due Station Manager, Chloe Liew, Amanda to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, Goh, Celine Lee, Tze Wei, Leann Ng, Currently, SunFM is planning to offer two hope came when SunFM joined an essay Valerie Ching and Yin Bei. programming streams in the future. The contest held by a sponsor for World commencement is set to happen once College Radio Day. The features comprised of interviews the music format is decided. Students with local social media influencers that who are interested to join the station The submitted essay described the included Azmyl Yusof, Department of are welcome to visit the SunFM website delays for the station’s launch which Film and Perfoming Arts Senior Lecturer. from the School of Arts main web page touched Sourcefabric to award SunFM Current affairs were also discussed, for (https://university.sunway.edu.my/ with a one-year subscription for web example, students’ sentiments towards sunfm). B streaming with its AirTime software.
SunFM also celebrates airing its maiden broadcast on hundreds of campus radio stations throughout the world with an hour show for a global event called “World College Radio Day”.
The global event inaugurated in 2011 set this year’s theme as ‘Global Solidarity Rocks’, with the spirit to unite everyone during this unprecedented time. 600 radio stations participated in it. Out of which, SunFM was among twenty-four radio stations selected for the global radio marathon. 8 HALLMARK HALLMARK 9
WRITING YOUR DESTINY, CREATING THE MASTERPIECE OF YOUR LIFE
tanding at over five metres tall Knowledge is the key to the intelligence lives and indirectly impacting the society and four metres in width, ‘Destiny’ that helps to differentiate between a we live in,” shared the artist. makes an impressive entrance reaction and a response; in identifying Sstatement at the Sunway University between the logical and the emotional, “Believe that if you follow your heart and foyer. and in deciding between the right and passion, whilst simultaneously allowing wrong. your mind to stay guard, great things Commissioned by Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey are possible to happen; if you believe Cheah AO, Founder and Chancellor of in yourself and work hard, you have the Sunway University, the iconic sculpture power within you to make a difference in will serve as an integral part of the the world.” Sunway family for many years to come and inspire generations of students and Being the tallest sculpture ever built by future nation builders. Infantino, it took him about eight months till completion. Sculpted single-handedly by artist Infantino Fernandes, the message behind The artist also shared the challenges Destiny seeks to portray the relationship he faced while building the sculpture between knowledge, and the ability to including relocating the working space write one’s destiny. from his workshop to the loading bay that is spacious enough to accommodate Infantino hailed from Goa, India had the work. initially studied Mechanical Engineering but decided to pursue a path as a Chef “Since I prefer to work single-handedly, in the hospitality industry. He has with every little detail I added in I completed courses in photography, Infantino Fernandes would have to climb up and down graphic design, web design, 3D the scaffolding to check if it was animation and ceramics, and eventually “The message I wanted to convey aesthetically sound. That means I branched out to be a full-time sculptor. through Destiny is that it is very would have to climb up and down the much possible for one to take charge scaffolding almost 30-40 times a day,” Created by using individual strips of mild of your future. In life, although we shared Infantino. steel, special attention was given to the might find ourselves in unfavourable robe to replicate the organic sway of the circumstances, we still have the power Besides physical challenges, every piece fabric. within us to choose how we respond, and the artist works on comes with a mental knowledge would help us realising the and emotional challenge. “I have come Destiny holds a mortarboard and power,” said Infantino. to understand, deal and learnt from graduation scroll on both hands. these challenges which, I believe it all Through the details on the face and Infantino hopes that Destiny would sums up to teach me lessons that I think body language, the artist attempted encourage students and youngsters in it’s beneficial to my professional and to capture the happiness, satisfaction realising that they have the power to sow personal life.” and triumph that one exudes after an the seeds of transformation in society, achievement. a realisation that can be brought about The metal-sculpting artist has been on with knowledge. board with Sunway Group since 2014 and It stands with a ‘Pen’, which symbolises has since crafted ‘Yang’ in 2015 located the ‘character building’ knowledge “Most often we wait for others in the at Sunway Putra Mall; ‘Victor’ in 2016 at that individuals continue to acquire society to make the change, so we Sunway Velocity Mall; ‘One’ in 2018 at throughout their life. It also represents could just hop on to the bandwagon. Sunway Lagoon; ‘Ibu’ in 2019 at Sunway the ability for an individual to write their We are lacking the courage to make the Medical Centre; and ‘Destiny’ in 2020 at own destiny based on how the character change ourselves because we failed to Sunway University. B helps shape the way they think, feel and understand that if we make the first act. move, we could have control over our 10 HALLMARK Professor Perry Hobson – PLUGGED IN WITH THE WORLD Life may be unpredictable, but he will not be caught off guard by HAILEY CHUNG
satellite on the life of Professor Perry Hobson will find him an ardent traveller and a purposeful reader. There is never a hit-and-miss moment, as he seeks to put life into Acontext, translating his experiences into engaging conversations.
Over the years, Professor Hobson has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Hong Kong, and Australia.
He has been a Visiting Professor for over 10 years at the Management Centre Innsbruck in Austria, an Adjunct Professor at Ton Duc Thang University in Vietnam, and sits on the International Advisory Board of Ostrava University in the Czech Republic.
Professor Hobson and his wife, with their two daughters, moved to Malaysia in 2012. He finds it a joy that his family is in for the adventure with him. “We are a pretty internationally-minded family, after all, my kids each have 3-passports and they grew up here in a fourth country,” he shared.
What attracted Professor Hobson to raising the profile of Sunway University for a semester or a degree is really hard Sunway University was, in his words, “the internationally. work. In many cases, they just don’t opportunity to further internationalise ‘get it’ despite having the money. With this university.” His view is that, “While He pointed out that, while in the midst Malaysians, it’s the opposite. I rarely universities need to be relevant to their of developing plans for a Global Mobility have to explain the benefits, and the local communities, they must, in this day Office, “COVID-19 is giving us the challenge here is more to do with the and age, also have a global perspective.” opportunity to rapidly shift our thinking issues of affordability.” and to pivot from ‘Global Mobility’ to During the COVID-19 pandemic last ‘Global Learning’.” Shocked but Not Lagged year, his role as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement, and Professor of Hospitality “The core challenge prior with global It is not a rare situation that things and Tourism at Sunway University are mobility is the issues of costs, as well as are moving online. For universities, it deeply challenged. the challenges of matching the courses encompasses international engagement, and credits transfer taken overseas.” exchange, conferences and definitely, “It has been quite challenging given my classrooms. role to lead in international engagement,” With global learning, he said, “Being he reflected, “this time last year, it would able to connect students from different Though it seems a ‘Hobson’s choice’ for have been more likely for you to find me universities and countries online is not many, a choice of taking what is available sitting on a plane than in my office.” only much cheaper, but also much better or nothing at all. Sunway University for the environment.” is blessed under Professor Hobson’s Professor Hobson started at Sunway leadership, who was already anticipating University in early 2019. At that time, the However, there are other obvious and preparing for change. world was a very different place. Today, challenges which come with participants his focus and contribution remain the being in different time-zones. But “For many years, I saw that education same, which is developing strategic plans Malaysians have always embraced was due for a ‘disruption’. After all, for both global and local engagements. international education opportunities online booking apps such as Expedia more so than any other country, disrupted travel agencies, while Airbnb, This means engaging with a wide range according to Professor Hobson’s did the same to the hotel industry, and of stakeholders internally and externally, knowledge. e-hailing apps like Uber and Grab, the and appointing an Associate Dean taxi industry,” he said. (International) in each School to focus “Believe me, trying to get British and on the outcomes. He also works hard in Australians to go and study overseas HALLMARK 11
He believes the move to go digital and “The use of learning analytics software online has been slower in the higher can now tell us what students are education, with the 2-hour lecture doing, and whether they are even still being the global ‘industry-wide paying attention. It can track eye standard’. movements and facial reactions. In fact, we potentially could have access to a “We are now dealing with a generation lot more data about what students are of ‘digital natives’ and they will be more doing and feeling than we possibly ever demanding of universities to get a mix of had in the past.” what learning works best online, versus what works best on-campus,” he said. In terms of maintaining online engagement and avoiding online fatigue, Before COVID-19, universities were very Professor Hobson said lectures could much ‘on-campus’ and face-to-face be broken down into 20- to 30-minute focused. When it came to community segments. engagement, it was largely event focused. “Online fatigue is an issue not just for academics but students as well. Just as “Like all institutions, Sunway University I would not stand in a lecture theatre for is feeling our way into this new world, eight hours, one has to get a balance. and we have to adopt new technologies Let’s face it, not all traditional face-to- too. While lectures have quickly face learning was beneficial to everyone The question has inspired him morphed into webinars, this is not the either – such as working adults.” and two colleagues to launch the end game.” weekly ‘30 Minute Talks’ (https:// “Lecturers will need a digital assistant www.30minutetalks.com/) webinar “The quality and production of these will to write, edit, and produce the lecture, series. The series aims to help hospitality have to improve. In fact, I believe that and also all the interactive activities that and tourism students who are studying in a few years’ time, we will look back surround it, while chatbots can be used at home, particularly those struggling at today’s online lecture or webinars in to answer students’ frequently asked with poor content and connectivity. horror. It will be like Netflix looking back questions.” at the old black and white television “We started the weekly webinar series shows from the 1960s.” He also said advances in education on 15 April and at this point, we have technology will start to happen much now completed more than 30 weekly With Sunway University embracing online more quickly. Students can expect webinars.” delivery earlier this year, Professor immersive experiences, in which Sunway Hobson has found that students have University is adopting such as gaming “Along the way, we also established eased into this learning method. technology and virtual reality headsets. a network of ‘Academic Partner’ institutions in the Philippines, Nepal, “Sunway University’s participation “The goal is to make lectures an Macau (SAR-China), the USA, Taiwan, and in the i-Graduate Student Barometer engaging television ‘show’ rather than Australia, which allows students from survey showed that while the global just another talking head academic these institutions to obtain a certificate overall satisfaction rate with shifting webinar. After all, students are getting from attending the webinars.” classes online was 66%, Sunway enough of those already.” students reported a higher than average The Network focusses on a particular satisfaction rate of 76%,” he shared. theme each week, such as ‘Destination Manoeuvring the Recovery’ or ‘GastroTourism’, with Teleportation Season sharing by experts around the world Streaming is the Next on how tourism is doing and recovering Livelihood Typically, Professor Hobson is frequently from COVID-19 in particular locations. invited across the region as keynote The findings aside, Professor Hobson speaker or panellist, at not only tourism The popularity of the ‘30 Minute Talks’ is also amazed by the agility in which and hospitality conferences, but also has since grown. “Some weeks, we have students have responded to the new international education and student had in excess of over 750 registrations on teaching and training installations. mobility events. Zoom. We now stream live on YouTube.”
“Interestingly, in a number of forums In 2019 alone, he checked into 20 Looking at the bigger picture, tertiary I am in, a number of institutions are countries. “This year, I have continued education is not just about learning from suggesting that some students actually to ‘Zoom’ around the world, but have not textbooks, but also about growing up, do much better with dual mode teaching left home.” More recently, he engaged having new experiences, and engaging than they did with more traditional face- in an increasing number of virtual with other people who may not share the to-face learning.” conferences, symposiums, panels, and same views and perspectives. even ‘braindates’. He commented that dual mode teaching While COVID-19 indeed has presented could also fill the gap in personalisation In the midst of his various online universities and individuals with including allowing students to learn engagements, he kept wondering, “How enormous challenges, Professor at their own pace, which is something can we help students remain engaged Hobson’s story is encouraging as hard to accomplish in a lecture of 400 and stay positive during this time?” “It is also presenting us with a lot of students. opportunities!” B 12 STUDENT AFFAIRS
images: Flaticon.com HALLMARK 13
How has Academic Enhancement we invite academic colleagues to share Division (AED) supported academics in their experience as practitioners and managing students and their learning demonstrate how they have achieved during this challenging time? THE NEW success in the online teaching of their subjects. Through various programmes that AED offered to support academics, we In addition to continuous learning, I have encouraged academic colleagues NORMAL think empathy and communicating to ensure that (1) their strategies for empathy, is very important. In this very teaching, learning and assessments are challenging time, everyone is trying clearly and consistently communicated IN SUNWAY to do their best. When we know of to students; (2) their learning materials academics who were not successful in are accessible to all students; (3) their their attempt at implementing something students receive consistent learning I would like to take this opportunitiy they have planned, have some empathy support from them and peers; (4) to thank AED team members ‒ Dr Ann and communicate that. If we are not online assessments are inclusive, Rosnida Md Deni, Anandraj Govindaraj, able to offer constructive suggestions or aligned to learning outcomes and fairly Nurul Ain Nadia Ahmad Tarmidzi and alternatives, the least that we can do is implemented. Ruzaini Ishak ‒ for their dedication to be good listeners. which has enabled AED to support our AED has run multiple info sessions and academic colleagues as much and as It is also crucial to have empathy for our conducted workshops to support our well as we have done. students and the circumstances that academic colleagues. Sessions were all they are in. We will not always know of informed by pedagogy of online teaching How can academic staff prepare the situations that our students face. and focused on supporting academics’ themselves and their students for When students are unable to attend our adoption of appropriate tools and continued uncertainty in the learning live classes, it may be because they are teaching strategies. For departments environment? sharing devices with their siblings, have or individuals with concerns unique to persistent connectivity or other issues. their situations, AED has also provided I think the fundamental key to continuing We need to get their feedback, listen to customised workshops and consultation teaching and supporting students during what they are saying and explore how we sessions. I am happy to say that the this uncertain time is to be flexible and can still support them. feedback that we have received has been the willingness to continue learning. very positive. Many of our academic Inclusive teaching means that we Being flexible, having the colleagues have also informed us that take into consideration our students’ “willingness to continue learning and they received good feedback from their background and existing circumstances having empathy apply to students students and attributed this to their in our teaching and assessment plans. as well. Students may have a set successful implementation of what they of expectations of how they need learned from AED sessions. With the current pandemic and students being in various locations in Malaysia to learn and how teachers need to and around the world, factors that may teach but the situation has changed not have affected us before include so drastically that they need to be time difference, lack of access to supported to learn differently but physical facilities and support, as well still equally successful. as financial hardship. Being flexible ” means a readiness to explore methods, How can academicians plan for what techniques and ways of learning that teaching and learning will look like after support students. We have to face the the pandemic ends? fact that dual mode teaching is different; it is not a lesser way of learning, but it is One thing that the pandemic has taught different. As such, as academics, we have us is that well-planned, online provisions to be prepared to continue learning in can be equally effective as face-to-face order to adapt to the situation. teaching and learning, and more effective in terms of time and physical resources Within Sunway University, there are in some instance. Of course, fully dual many academics who are advanced mode teaching may not suit the needs practitioners of dual mode teaching. of certain programmes. However, the They have considerable experience, pandemic has pushed many of us to have overcome teaching challenges explore different ways of teaching online that others may just be facing and though it is not without challenges, and have commendable student students’ feedback indicate that they achievements as evidence of their have found significant benefits to dual good practice. Learning from mode teaching. Post pandemic when and exchanging ideas with these face-to-face teaching is possible, it is academics would be extremely only beneficial to consider increasing beneficial for many. It is for this blended learning provision so that reason that AED has organised students can derive benefits from both our AED webinar series where face-to-face and dual mode learning. Annyza Tumar, Head of Academic Enhancement 14 STUDENT AFFAIRS
Not forsaking its motivation to connect with students and alumni, Student LIFE has committed to attending to Sunway students’ internal and external needs even during the Movement Control Order (MCO). The Student Leadership and Engagement (SLE) team and the Alumni Relations team provided food for students stuck on campus residences during the MCO. Upon the government’s initiative of allowing students back to their home states, the SLE team then facilitated in getting 116 Sunway students to reunite with their families.
STUDENT LIFE EVOLVES TO MEET COVID-19 CHALLENGES
Catapulting into Digitalisation
nder the social distancing measures, many available physical U services were shifted online. A webpage was created as a one-stop information and resource centre for updates regarding activities and services for students coping with MCO. These activities were made simple and engaging such as home workout videos, dance challenges, reunions and more.
The Counselling and Wellness team Get Hired Virtual Career Fair Speakers also stepped in to provide individual counselling sessions online, as well as mental health tips and workshops for both 100 organisations with over 2000 To bring together the Sunway alumni students and staff. students participating in various community, the Alumni Relations team employer webinar sessions, chat created the 100% Sunway Alumni Podcast “Even though there were many hassles in sessions, and opportunities for Shows, which were hosted by an alumnus conducting online counselling, it did not resume submissions, for internships to discuss hot topics or share life stories affect our relationship with clients. We or full-time positions. with other invited alumni. Besides that, cherished those moments, holding each they did an online talent contest and other together. This shows that nothing can As for the global community, the organised a Virtual Charity Run! break us when human connection, love and Sunway Cultural Exchange (SCE) genuine care are present,” said counsellor, team continued to keep in touch with “It is so heart-warming to see alumni Cassandra Lee. past participants of The Malaysian coming back and being a part of our Experience 2019 from the United programmes and activities, even while Meanwhile, the Scholarship team Kingdom, Australia, and the United some of them are struggling in their own shifted the scholarship submissions States of America. businesses. We love our alumni!” said Sue- and procedures online. Interviews were Ann Chia, Head of Alumni Relations. conducted virtually and a physical option “Being able to connect with them was made available once the campus during this unprecedented period Of course, volunteering did not stop. The reopened. This was in consideration of helped us to understand the Sunway Student Volunteers organised students who may lack the resources for sentiments of social development virtual events to engage the members, video calls. across the globe as we navigated the public, and various non-government through the new normal together,” organisations (NGOs). Several video Furthermore, the Career Services team said Cultural Exchange Coordinator, interviews were done on topics such as took a virtual turn with their annual Get Joey Lim. health, environment, and wildlife. All Hired Career Fair. The venture brought over of these materials were shared on their social media platforms. STUDENT AFFAIRS 15
Orientation with SOPs in place Monash-Sunway Alumni Charity V-Run 2020 presentation to ‘Kakak’
STUDENT LIFE EVOLVES TO MEET COVID-19 CHALLENGES
Bringing Life Back to Campus “C&S Carnival, although a challenge this year, was great - especially with the After the MCO was lifted, Student LIFE student leaders who rode the same ship then utilised technology, innovation and with us, working, and learning together creativity to expand the blended learning along the way,” said Amanda Chong, SLE environment. Senior Executive.
When the new semester began, the Student Extending the concept of student Support team transitioned from online life and friendship, the SLE team orientations to mixed mode orientations, held the Friendship Month 2020 with all following the Standard Operating activities both online and offline. The Procedures (SOPs) of 1-metre physical C&S Carnival Booth month saw expressions of gratitude distancing and digital registration via QR towards friendships, friendly football codes. for students who were on campus. The competitions, and a special forum in Clubs & Societies (C&S) Carnival was collaboration with the Counselling and For international students who were held in September to allow clubs and Wellness team on “Friendship in the Time unable to enter Malaysia, the SCE team societies to recruit new members. of Pandemic”. These initiatives, among conducted the “Sunway: The Virtual many others, continue to strengthen Experience”, a pre-orientation programme Awareness was created among new Sunway as the most happening campus. to help transition students into Malaysian and returning students of many clubs, and Sunway culture before diving straight societies, student leadership bodies, Due to the travel ban, the 2020 Chancellors into e-classrooms. about events and activities on campus. Scholars were unable to experience the The carnival saw various performances 3-week Lancaster Summer Programme Without delay, Student LIFE also brought and showcases which were done with which was part of their scholarship. The back more activities and programmes strict SOPs. SCE team pivoted and created a special first-launch hybrid programme together with the Lancaster Global Experiences Team, called “Lancaster: The Virtual Experience”.
Scholars gathered together on campus to experience Lancaster and its culture through an interactive session with staff and students, through virtual campus and town visits, along with games and food.
Despite the many hardships and uncertainties that COVID-19 has brought, Student LIFE has stepped up in excellence to ensure that the well-being of students and staff are taken care of. B Chancellors Scholars with Lancaster Friends 16 RESEARCH
SUNWAY UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS ADVANCING WORLD’S FIRST HOLISTIC AND COMPREHENSIVE INDEX ON COVID-19
unway University is working on the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI) to consolidate COVID-19 Sdata from verified sources of 184 countries into a comprehensive index which governments, businesses, and communities can refer to.
This GCI is an international collaboration with PEMANDU Associates, and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Malaysia.
With the GCI, countries can compare From left: Professor Peh Suat Cheng, Professor Serge Demindenko and Woody Ang their performances to identify the best health practices and efforts during the Researchers from the School of Medical potentially replacing the latter static pandemic, which is vital as the world and Life Sciences will also look into indicators through our engagements with grapples under the slew of news, data, developing their own research papers the World Health Organisation (WHO).” and opinions. using the data from GCI, and other multivariate statistical analysis, machine As for the Recovery Index, it measures The GCI includes daily updated data on learning, and mathematical modelling how well a country is handling the crisis the rate of recovery, active cases, and data from researchers at the University’s from a health and safety perspective. the number of tests conducted. School of Mathematical Sciences. Professor Serge Demidenko, Dean of the It also considers countries’ previously Ultimately, the GCI encompasses the School of Engineering and Technology at evaluated ability to detect, respond, and Severity Index and the Recovery Index. Sunway University said his researchers treat infections of any epidemic, based have been interested in providing on the publicly available Global Health Woody Ang, Executive Vice President at specialist support in Computer Database Security Index published in October PEMANDU Associates said the Country Technologies and application of Artificial 2019. Severity Index is a measure of how much Intelligence (AI) to Data Analytics. the country is severely impacted from With the help of these data, the GCI the pandemic. The aim, he believed, is not to only can track recoveries in countries analyse past data, but to forecast and to of neighbouring regions to monitor “It takes into consideration the total model future trends. readiness for easing border restrictions. number of confirmed cases and total proportionate death due to COVID-19 “During this COVID-19 time, AI and Professor Peh Suat Cheng, Professor and since the outbreak commenced.” Analytics will allow us to use available Special Adviser on Medical Education data to understand the impact of the Development and Director of Ageing “These contribute 70% of its weightage pandemic better. Thus, assisting in Health and Well-Being Research and behave more like a ‘scarring proposing appropriate solutions.” Centre at Sunway University said that parameter’, which tells us whether the the researchers are currently deriving country is recovering from a lower case/ “Our academics are available to team insightful data from the GCI that can death toll or a higher one. It is not a up with collaborators both locally and help governments and societies identify measure of current ongoing severity,” internationally to explore new recovery emerging trends. Ang explained. solutions for the post COVID-19 world,” said Professor Serge. “For example, we have identified that The Severity Index also takes into countries that have high-ambient consideration the overall Healthcare The GCI has enabled best practice temperatures and low latitudes appear Preparedness by utilising a 30% analysis in the form of the Global to have low COVID-19 case fatality rates. weightage assigned to pre-existing static Pathfinder: Global Lessons in Tackling This can serve to inform policy decisions sub-indicators completed by the Global COVID-19, a 118-page detailed report that and epidemiological research,” Professor Health Security Index (GHS), he added. PEMANDU Associates undertook with the Peh said. UK-Based Delivery Associates. B “We are in the midst of improving and
The report is now available at https://covid19.pemandu.org/insights/global-pathfinder- report-global-lessons-in-tackling-covid-19-now-available-for-download/ RESEARCH 17
SUNWAY UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER IS BUSTING THE DUST
enior Lecturer from the Department of Biological (specifically IgE antibodies). This leads to the activation Sciences has made it her interest to study dust of the system causing downstream symptoms of mites. According to Dr Kavita Reginald, the home allergies such as breathlessness, wheezing, itchy eyes, Senvironment has about 10 common dust mite species. and runny nose.
From her doctoral research, she found that each mite With regards to major allergens which affect the is capable of producing over 30 distinct allergens. She Malaysian population, Dr Kavita characterises and also discovered a new dust mite allergen, subsequently identifies the source (dust mites, pollen, cockroaches, named Der f 22 by the international allergen fungus) as well as the molecular signatures of these nomenclature committee. allergens. She hopes to come up with better diagnostic tools in identifying specific allergens. “Upon further characterisation, this new allergen was found to be an important cause of allergic reactions Dr Kavita did seven years of post-doctoral research in within the local population,” said Dr Kavita, who is Austria and France in the area of immunology research. passionate about understanding the genetic and She believes that research and scientific advancements immunological factors that contribute to allergic have no real meaning or impact unless it is shared and conditions. understood by the masses.
Her other notable works include identifying the bacteria “In this spirit, I bring various aspects of my research, Staphylococcus aureus specifically found on skin lesions news of the latest advancements in the field of of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, a common immunology, and insights from recent scientific type of eczema. publications into the classroom at any possible opportunity,” said Dr Kavita who lectures on Clinical Allergic diseases are a global health problem Chemistry, Pathology and Immunology. which affects up to 25% of the world’s population, representing a heavy burden for both the patients and Since joining Sunway University three years ago, she the health care system. tries to expose her students to diverse laboratory techniques in allergy research, such as allergy diagnosis “Allergic diseases are influenced by both genetic and or to quantify levels of allergens within the dust. environmental factors. My research investigates both these aspects to obtain a holistic understanding of Dr Kavita believes these experiments will help expose allergies and its causes,” said Dr Kavita. students to the practical aspects of her research area. B
An allergic reaction happens when a foreign antigen (or allergen) is recognised by the immune system 18 RESEARCH
rowing up with constant awareness of the deadly Human Immunodeficiency Virus (commonly known as HIV), AN Associate Professor Dr Tommy Tong Yuh Koon, Head of Gthe Department of Biological Sciences at Sunway University, is INFECTIOUS motivated to curb the disease. PASSION FOR With a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Immunology, he has been researching the HIV field for over 15 years, attempting different FINDING THE approaches and evaluating the prototype vaccines in mice and rabbits. HIV CURE “For vaccines, you can have 100 good ideas, but probably only one or two would actually work on mice, and probably none will work on humans. That is a reality of vaccine development, and that is why it’s a big challenge,” shared Dr Tommy.
Malaysia was officially presented with the validation certificate Dr Tommy is interested in observing long-term HIV infected for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission in 2018. It people that do not require antiviral treatment. According to is a landmark with the preventive programme taken place in him, these people may have some strong antibodies, capable Malaysia with guidance from the World Health Organisation of killing HIV virus in their body. Many HIV-1 infected individuals (WHO). develop some degree of cross-creative antibodies in their plasma, which gives them protection from developing AIDS. Even if there is no effective cure or vaccine developed for the deadly virus, HIV is a controllable chronic infection with proper “Looking at these individual will help to better understand why medical care and patient care support. some people develop strong antibody responses and some don’t,” shared Dr Tommy. Dr Tommy is working on two pieces of HIV research – to profile the type of antibodies present in HIV-infected individuals in In Dr Tommy’s word, the information collected will be used to Malaysia, and to understand Malaysia and Asian countries incorporate specific ‘designs’ into future prototype vaccine. perception towards the HIV end-of-life (EOL) research. These research projects are in collaboration with Dr Tee Kok Keng from the University of Malaya on profiling antibodies in HIV individuals in Malaysia; and Dr Elizaveta Berezina from the Department of Psychology at Sunway University on the HIV end- of-life (EOL) research.
These researches are also governed by the Sunway University Research Ethics Committee and have received two internal grants from Sunway University.
Dr Tommy thanked the University for their financial and infrastructure support. These supports enable Dr Tommy to successfully graduate from his first Master’s degree student who worked on “Profiling antibodies in HIV individuals in Malaysia” project.
While conducting his research, Dr Tommy keeps himself up-to- date with local and international literature in the HIV field. He believes that identifying key areas of HIV research in Malaysia is crucial in coming up with better healthcare and support for the patient, and in reducing the number of transmission and disease burdens.
“Research is a never-ending endeavour. It took my post- doctoral supervisor 10 years before seeing the result of his idea come to fruition. The best way to describe research is that it will continue as long as the passion to contribute for the betterment of the community is there,” Dr Tommy shared. B STUDENT AFFAIRS 19
INBOUND STUDENT FROM LANCASTER ENJOYS UNUSUAL ABROAD EXPERIENCE AMID PANDEMIC
student from Lancaster University, Jasmin Platt, embarked on what many considered – a study abroad experience to be remembered. To her, the COVID-19 Apandemic did not interrupt the eight months of her learning experience in Malaysia but has made it even more memorable.
“The best part of the exchange programme was meeting lots of local friends in Sunway who introduced me to so many new foods and taught me about their culture,” Jasmin highlighted. “Lectures here at Sunway were more personal, engaging and longer. At Lancaster, my lectures were generally one “The company I interned at also invited me to their Chinese hour whereas at Sunway they can last for two to three hours. New Year open house for their special celebration meal which Additionally, each module had an element of group work, many was a lovely experience. I loved trying new foods, especially the times with a presentation, which we do not have at Lancaster as Chinese New Year snacks.” everything is mostly individually assessed,” Jasmin said.
Another remarkable moment she raised was the unexpected The teamwork culture is something she found refreshing. One victory in the Sunway Netball Tournament. Jasmin won gold thing she gathered is that Sunway students work collectively in the women’s category and silver in the mixed category. She and socialise by studying together. shared that her women’s category team had only decided to enter at the very last minute, with some of them only meeting “Everyone I met was so helpful and made me feel at home. each other on the day of the tournament. Group work is second nature to me now.”
The BSc (Hons) Psychology student took a total of eight subjects In exploring Malaysia, she visited Cameron Highlands, Genting throughout her three semesters spent at Sunway University. Highlands, and Tioman Island. She particularly enjoyed strawberry picking and visiting the mossy forest at Cameron The subjects were Counselling Psychology, Education Highlands. Psychology, Human Neuropsychology, Community Mental Health, Psychology Seminar, Learning Disabilities, Behaviour Finally, she concurred that the eight months student exchange Modification, and an internship experience at Kairos Resources. programme has helped her grow in more ways than one.
“My favourite subject during my time spent at Sunway was “Studying at Sunway has made me grow as a person, having Human Neuropsychology which used a reverse classroom to adapt to a new culture and way of living has helped my teaching method. At first, I found this challenging, but as the independence and the belief that I can achieve anything I set term progressed, I enjoyed learning from my other classmates.” my mind to.”
“Being in a small class, we knew each other on a personal “Additionally, I have learnt new people skills making new friends level which was nice. I also develop my presentation skills as from many different countries,” said Jasmin. each lecture involved a student presenting a lab report,” said Jasmin. Her advice to other overseas students looking to enrol in this programme: “Take advantage of all the opportunities you have She has also discovered how the teaching and learning methods on offer at the University, eat as much food as you can, and be at Sunway are slightly different from Lancaster. sure to explore Kuala Lumpur.” B 20 HALLMARK A BOARD GAME ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION unway University introduced a board game titled “Are You the Master of Sustainability?” where “The board game will Splayers can learn and play their part certainly be an interesting in preserving the earth’s resources for tool to help spread future generations. awareness and knowledge of the UN SDGs. As with most The multiplayer board game aims to board games, people of all create awareness and understanding ages can play,” he added. of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to a wider Sunway University, under audience. the Sunway Education Group together with Sunway Group, “We are constantly stepping up our has been committed to the efforts to improve current practices SDGs. This board game is a Sunway University’s “Are You the Master of Sustainability?” board game is aimed to create and doing more to protect and preserve commemoration of the 5th awareness and understanding of the 17 UN SDGs our planet,” said Dr Elizabeth Lee, Chief anniversary of the launch Executive Officer of Sunway Education of the UN SDGs, and the University’s planet, now and into the future. Group. milestone and landmark achievement. In 2020, the JSC has been chosen to join Staff from the Jeffrey Sachs Center on The JSC was set up at the end of 2016. New York and Paris as the world’s third Sustainable Development (JSC) and The Center serves as the Southeast United Nations SDSN centre. students of the Master in Sustainable Asia regional hub of the Sustainable Development Management programme Development Solutions Network (SDSN) “Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, our very own played a role in the game’s design and which supports the localisation of SDGs Founder and Chancellor of Sunway the crafting of questions to educate and their implementation. University, is an advocate for the players on the need to find solutions to environment and sustainable some of the most pressing social and It has helped to develop long-term development,” said Dr Lee. environmental issues in Malaysia and the transformation pathways for sustainable world today. development, promote education Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO around Agenda 2030, and launch is Chair of SDSN Malaysia Leadership Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice- solution initiatives. Council and a Member of the UN SDSN Chancellor of Sunway University said, Leadership Council. “The UN SDGs encompass several urgent The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable issues in the world today such as global Development was adopted by all United The first edition of the Sunway Education poverty, access to education, climate Nations Member States in 2015 and Group’s new board game were gifted to change, and the need for responsible provides a shared blueprint for peace various corporate leaders in recognition consumption and production.” and prosperity for people and the of their support for the UN SDGs. B
SUNWAY UNIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH MYFINB GROUP
unway University entered into a empower accountants on harnessing the collaboration with MyFinB Group use of emerging technologies specifically with the signing of a Memorandum of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data SUnderstanding (MoU). Analytics,” she said.
Director of the Centre for Accountability Together, the University and the group and Governance Research (CAGR) at will work on offering short courses, joint Sunway University, Professor Susela Devi research projects and grants advocating K Suppiah said that the partnership will work related to the industry as well as look into having the centre off-campus national issues which will impact Malaysia’s at the Centre of AI Innovation (CE.A.I.) at workforce and SMEs of the future. MyFinB Group in Kuala Lumpur. The CAGR, through CE.A.I. and in “The partnership will also look into the collaboration with Sunway i-Labs, aims development and implementation to assist students on entrepreneurship of a new Accounting Masters through MyFinB centre’s venture building programme which aims to programme. Professor Susela Devi K Suppiah HALLMARK 21
Bringing MATHEMATICS to Life for Young Students A team engaging in a group discussion on a mathematics problem
he School of Mathematical Sciences (SMS) at Sunway University advocates that Tmathematics be taught in a fun, easy- to-understand, and student-centred interactive way.
Professor Ho Chee Kit, Dean of the SMS, initiated the Fun Mathematics Camp to help primary and secondary school children develop an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.
In the two-month programme, participants aged from 11 to 15 indulged in non-traditional and innovative mathematics challenges. Group photo of all the Fun Mathematics Camp participants
“Every participant was allowed to take learning into their own hands as they and Mathematics (STEM) education, as it Each participating team comprised a explored obstacles, brainstormed ideas, enables competitiveness in them to face group of five students. and creatively resolved mathematics- a world of endless possibilities. related problems,” Professor Ho stated. “It is easy for children to learn these There are various project activities days. This is an absolute advantage for According to Professor Ho, developing from Mathemagic, Algebra in Action, them. It caught me by surprise that there the minds of the future generation to Electrifying Calculation Techniques, is so much to learn about mathematics!” embrace mathematics is a key element number tricks, card tricks, mathematical said Evan Tey, a student helper for the in the Science, Technology, Engineering, games, specially-designed mini Camp who is pursuing BSc (Hons) in mathematics competition, demonstration Actuarial Studies. and presentation. Claudia Tia, a student helper from The participants were engaged daily Sunway Actuarial and Financial through online classes and prepared for Excellence (SAFE) club, said she was a competition at the end of the Camp. impressed with the participants’ presentations during the grand finale. “We hope to see these students improve M Nazri Muhd, Founder and CEO their skills in critical thinking, problem- “They invested a lot of effort into their of MyFinB Group (Singapore) was solving, and having an increased interest work. The participants even created appointed as Sunway University’s in learning mathematics. Overall, we an excel spreadsheet that was beyond Adjunct Industry Professor (AI hope to improve their perception of my expectations. They are young yet so Practice). mathematics,” shared Professor Ho. capable of explaining their work to the audience,” she said. He will be contributing to the Sunway Group sponsored two teams University’s academic endeavours in from SMK Bandar Sunway and one team Another student helper of the Camp, Wu the field of AI, big data analytics, and from SJK (C) Chee Wen to join the Camp. Wen Qi, a year-one BSc (Hons) Actuarial data sciences. Studies student, was also moved Nicholas Yeo Chee Lek, an in-house watching these young participants. In his role as the University advisor, actuary at Sunway University, sponsored Nazri will provide advice and guidance another team from the National “It inspired me to truly go and learn pertaining to AI and analytics – in Association for Gifted Children Malaysia other forms or topics related to industry projects, curriculum design (NAGCM) and two teams from Dignity for mathematics instead of what is in the for undergraduate and postgraduate Children Foundation. school syllabus,” Wu said. B programmes, and new business model strategies for Sunway University. B 22 STUDENT AFFAIRS
STUDENT PSYCHED ON A BROADENING EXPERIENCE
aniel Tan Meng Wei from BSc essays and writing, and not application- – riding all sorts of roller coasters, and (Hons) Psychology is convinced based assignments compared to having fish and chips,” said Daniel. that the course complements Sunway,” Daniel shared. Dhim as an individual who enjoys being a He also picked up independence in his listener. Aside from the academic adventure, he time abroad. met his expectations for new cultural When an opportunity arrived to broaden exposures and growing his social circles. “It helped in my personal experience this exposure, the 22-year old student that I could take care of myself without said yes to a full one-year study abroad “The most interesting time was when my having family members around. I am glad programme at Lancaster University. friends and I travelled around the United to have met a few friends that are like Kingdom together to explore urban and role models to me.” B During his time there, Daniel took suburban areas alike. It was great fun, up eight subjects, all relating to his as I got to see so many amazing sights Psychology calling and he appreciated and historical architectures like in Leeds, the different learning experience. Nottingham and Blackpool.”
“Lancaster is more theoretical, in which “Blackpool was amazing as we spent the students engaged more in literature the whole day there in the theme park IN REMEMBRANCE 23
by DR ELIZABETH LEE
Jerrine Koay and Her Dedication to Her Work by DR ELIZABETH LEE
With great sorrow, we at the Sunway Education Group (SEG) bid farewell to Jerrine Koay, with her passing on 2nd October 2020. Jerrine loyally served at SEG for 36 years where she led as Director of Public Relations and as a member of the Executive Committee of SEG.
Jerrine embarked on her career at SEG when she was transferred from the Sunway Group in 1986. As one of our pioneers, she witnessed and contributed to the transformation and growth of our one institution to the 17 institutions today.
Her commitment, professionalism and dedication to her work were exemplary. Although busy with her day-to-day tasks, Jerrine was full of life, even while she was undergoing treatment. She will be fondly remembered for her cheerful and unassuming nature, her selflessness. She was always ready to assist when someone needed help, whether it be advice, guidance or getting the job done. Being one with a big heart, she gave generously and was happy to celebrate small moments and little achievements. Meticulous in her work, she upheld the Sunway values of humility, integrity and excellence throughout her career and life.
She was not only a director but a hands-on mentor, colleague and friend. Her family misses a loving wife and mother. For Jerrine’s dedication and loyalty throughout her years at Sunway, I pay absolute tribute to her. She is truly missed. 24 ALUMNI PROFILE JOY, PRIDE AND CHALLENGES OF RUNNING A FAMILY BUSINESS Sisters share their ‘next in line’ responsibilities ALUMNI PROFILE 25
uat Huat Kouping was founded in 1988 in Muar, Johor, by the parents of alumni Tee Choo Ling, BSc (Hons) in Accounting H and Finance, and Tee Jia Xin, BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies. It started as a baking business in a relative’s backyard that has now grown into a production factory with more than 60 staff.
Choo Ling and Jia Xin have grown up being observers of the family business. Today, they are involved with the decision making and running of the business, while following and developing it from their parents’ footsteps.
Back in 1988, the business offered products such as Teo Chew soft cake, kuih bahulu, braided cookies, and mooncake.
After 32 years of experiments, they have expanded their product line to more than 20 types of pastries. Their signature is the salted green bean From left: Tee Jia Xin, Dr Elizabeth Lee and Tee Choo Ling pastry which is also known as “Tau Shar Piah”.
How and in what way has your the actuarial field, I decided to help my explain, after which we will sit down and journey at Sunway impacted your parents in their business until I manage discuss. life and future? to find my own career path. Jia Xin: I am more sentimental compared Choo Ling: Sunway University What are the challenges you face as to my sister. Working with one’s family can encourages students to be creative a young leader and how did you be difficult as conflicts will occur. But it and brave to share their own ideas with overcome it? helps that our characters are different, we others. This has trained me to work well can complement one another. with superiors, colleagues, and clients Choo Ling: The most important asset of without fear of speaking up. the company is the staff. They are also During this pandemic, what are the the biggest challenge as it is not easy to actions being taken to sustain your Before Huat Huat Kouping, I worked change the mentality especially that of business? with Burger King, Singapore as a Finance the senior staff. Executive. At that time, the company Before the pandemic, selling our products was undergoing restructuring. I had the Though they do not view me as a leader, through online platforms were never taken opportunity to showcase my abilities I am taking this period to understand into consideration. We did not want as they then entrusted me with more their feelings and work methods. In this to have the risk of our products being important tasks in the absence of a way, the discussion process with them damaged during delivery. has also smoothened. manager. This time, we attempted it and it is now Jia Xin: Being a Sunway student was Aside from senior staff, dealing with my a new business opportunity! While the a very fulfilling journey. I met with parents’ mind-set is also not easy. To overall sales may still be lower than usual, people from diverse backgrounds who them, departmental meetings, meeting online orders are picking up and giving us helped me learn their culture, living minutes, and staff trainings are a waste something to work on in this new normal. of time. They feel that I should focus habits, and even their local delicacies. As the second generation for this more on the production of the pastries. This experience assisted in developing business, do you feel pressured by my social skills and understanding Because of this, I must prove to them the elders – especially since different customers’ needs in the business world. that my management skills are workable generations may view things differently? without affecting the factory’s What made you select your current Yes, we do feel pressured as we are no performance. I also look to create a path in life? longer carefree children playing around happy working environment with no the shop and talking to the uncles and Choo Ling: Taking over the family office politics and arguments. aunties. We have a greater responsibility business was not my first choice. I now as we need to ensure the growth of thought the business would be handed How is it like working with family? the business. down from father to son as per the How do you balance work and traditional mind-set. personal or family life? Since we have our own factory, we decided to focus on promoting our brand, After two years in Singapore, my parents Choo Ling: When I was working in mainly via social media. With the new age expanded the business by moving the Singapore, my weekends were usually of promotional methods, we managed to shop to a factory and encouraged us to for rest and yoga classes. Since I started convince our father to make TikTok videos! take over as long as we were willing to working with my family, I do not have Currently, he enjoys doing it because learn. much of a work-life balance because we get to work immediately on any ideas or he has received positive feedback from Knowing I could help my parents, I issues, even on weekends. friends. decided to return to Malaysia and took on the role of Managing Director in Huat I do not mix my personal life with the Have an alumni story to share? Reach out Huat Kouping. job, therefore, my rationality during to the Sunway Alumni Relations team via discussions may sometimes offend my [email protected] as we would Jia Xin: I graduated just as the COVID-19 siblings. I will, however, apologise and love to hear from you! pandemic hit. Unable to secure a job in 26 ALUMNI ON THE MOVE
One day, my music teacher shared JOEY OOI BEE LAW my story with Dr Elizabeth Lee. I was then led to apply for the Jeffrey BA (HONS) DIGITAL FILM PRODUCTION Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship which provided me the opportunity to pursue my Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design.
ue to family complications, Finally, something ‘normal’ I stayed and grew up in happened. I enjoyed my university an orphanage from age 12 life - attending classes, rushing Donwards. I have always felt different assignments, utilising facilities and from my peers. For example, I hanging out with friends. Since then, could not attend mainstream my future was no longer uncertain. schools and had to watch others progress towards higher education After graduating with my diploma, I while I stayed back to work at the yearned to further my studies in film orphanage. making. And that was fulfilled too! I attended an interview and shared my If I could describe what I felt, it was passion. I was the first scholar for ‘directionless’. I enjoyed studying the BA (Hons) Digital Film Production yet I was deprived of it. I anticipated programme. my future but it was so uncertain. So, I lived one day at a time, hoping I am grateful for Sunway’s generosity, for a miracle every day, which was and also the University’s sincerity eventually fulfilled. in looking after the personal needs of each individual. Despite the differences and various backgrounds of the scholars, Sunway has never failed to bring the best out of everyone.
My fondest memory with Sunway was a documentary project where I had to tell my life story. I was afraid but motivated by the goal I had set during my scholarship interview.
Thank you Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah and everyone in Sunway who has touched my life in simple or big ways. I pray that God will continue to bless you bountifully as you have blessed others. ALUMNI ON THE MOVE 27 DESMOND CHONG
BSC (HONS) IN ACTUARIAL STUDIES Senior Actuarial Executive, RHB Insurance Berhad
Math-related subjects excite me. And so, I opted for a profession which applies mathematical knowledge for problem-solving.
Upon receiving my SPM results with flying colours for Maths subjects, my teacher encouraged me to pursue my interests. That was when I decided on an Actuarial Science degree.
Local universities were offering my choice of programme but I was especially attracted to Sunway University, which offered me a 75% tuition fee waiver based on my results.
During my scholarship interview, they acknowledged my eagerness to clinch an extra 25%. And so, I had my scholarship upgraded and became one of three individuals to receive the Sunway Excellence Scholarship.
Currently, I work as a Senior Actuarial Executive with RHB Insurance Bhd, specialising in reserving and valuation. I was promoted to this position in less than two years; learning new responsibilities, applying theoretical knowledge and making sound decisions on crucial processes.
Tertiary education has sharpened my skills and expertise in preparing me for the industry. My soft skills were also cultivated through presentations and participation in events.
I met many great lecturers who were willing to guide me. I am proud to be a Sunway alumnus, and I will continuously honour that with my achievements.
EUNICE LOW TAIN YUNG
AMERICAN DEGREE TRANSFER PROGRAM Marketing Associate, Joey Mattress
I began my tertiary education with hiring me, but I was asked to return Sunway University’s American Degree home when COVID-19 hit. Transfer Program as a Marketing major student with a minor in General I came back early of the year and Business. completed my studies here. Afterwards, I took a few months break to spend time I then transferred to Western Michigan with my family before starting my job University’s (WMU) Howarth College search in mid-June. of Business on my fourth year and graduated in the spring of 2020. I was fortunate to secure a job in a wonderful Malaysian start-up – Joey My experience at these two universities Mattress as a Marketing Associate. It was wonderful. At Sunway, I had a brief has been a blast since I started working stint as an assistant to the head of with them in mid-July. partnerships and student engagement. Sunway University was crucial to my At WMU, I was a Marketing Assistant for development as a working professional WMU’s Auxiliary Enterprises. Believe it or and a functioning member of society! not, I still apply the things I have learned Other than equipping me with at that job to my current position as a knowledge, it has also facilitated my Marketing Associate! soft skills such as networking, time- management, and teamwork. Later, I started looking for jobs in December 2019 after knowing my Would I have gone to a different impending graduation on April 25, 2020. university? No! I am a proud Sunway A few companies were interested in University Alumna!