SUBS’s New Dean Professor Steve Williams To Sir, With Love: Teachers fêted Cheers For Team S.U.C.! Working Together with IBM Jeff rey Cheah Foundation Royal Patron Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, Sultan of the State of and All Its Dependencies

sunway.edu.my/university/publications/blaze Jeff rey Cheah Foundation Trustees Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dr. Jeff rey Cheah, AO 12 Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dr. Lin See Yan Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dr. R. V. Navaratnam Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Razman M. Hashim Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Rainer Althoff Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar Professor Wang Gungwu 17 Professor Richard Graeme Larkins, AO

Editorial Team Associate Professor Dr. Alvin Ng Lai Oon Chan Yee En Katherine Kee Paul Linus Andrew Preeti Nair Sue-Ann Chia

Advisory Board Patrick McVeigh 18 19 22 Professor Harold Thwaites Jerrine Koay

Photographers Chin Chee Ken Chin Seng Choy

Layout & Design The RegRoy Collective

Printer Gloverin VOLUME 10, NO. 34: CONTENTS 19-05, The Pinnacle 3 Actuarial Studies programme achieves historic Triple First Block B, 19th Floor, Jalan Lagoon Timur 4-5 SUBS’s New Dean Professor Steve Williams Bandar Sunway 47500 6 Representing at HYLI 13 in the Philippines Selangor Darul Ehsan 7 In Honour of Our Educators: Teacher Appreciation Day 8 Harold Thwaites, the creative educator Address 9 ICAEW, CIMA regional rounds wins for Sunway 10 Self-Improvement with the Lancaster University CAP 11 Sunway University/IBM collaborate for ICT Talents No. 5, Jalan Universiti 12 The Krokodiloes croon for a good cause Bandar Sunway 47500 13 Preparing for Executive Leadership Selangor Darul Ehsan 14-15 A Musical Odyssey: A Night of Musical Kaleidoscope 16 Happy 4th of July from CAE! 17 Team S.U.C. are the Cheer Champions! 18 The Lancaster Invasion 19 Making a Diff erence with DiD 20-21 Working and Studying in the USA 22-23 Alumni Profi les: Lee Jie Wen, Nafi sa Bello Issa, Sean Lee Jia Ern & Joyce Ng Wan Ru HISTORIC OCCASION (from left): SUBS Dean Professor Steve Williams, SUBS Department of Financial Mathematics & Statistics Head (Academic) 3

Professor Dr. Ho Chee Kit, Sunway University Vice-Chancellor Professor Graeme Wilkinson, FAA CEO Dr. Amat Taap Manshor, FAA Strategic HALLMARKS Corporate Relations Division Director Molly Jagpal, and FAA Director of Corporate Services Theodoras Gkitzos pose for the record. Actuarial Studies programme achieves historic Triple First

Sunway University proudly received full Studies is a complex discipline, and we Professor Steve Williams, FAA Strategic accreditation for its Actuarial Studies are proud to have received the accredita- Corporate Relations Division Director Molly programme from the Finance Accredita- tion from FAA, an agency that adds critical Jagpal, and FAA Director of Corporate tion Agency (FAA). This means that it is the value to academic programmes in the Services Theodoras Gkitzos. fi rst Bachelor’s Degree Programme to be technical fi elds such as this – where quality, accredited by FAA, the fi rst in the disci- precision and industry feedback are of the The FAA team also met with Lee Chun Yuen pline of Actuarial Studies, and the fi rst in utmost importance.” He also thanked FAA and Cuthbert Chong He Bok – two students Malaysia: an extremely unique Triple 1st. It for their input, which was used to further from the Actuarial Studies programme – to is a signifi cant achievement for any insti- enhance the programme. get their insights on the accreditation by tution of higher learning, as it is evidence FAA. Cuthbert said, “I have made a very that the learning programme has been The accreditation serves as a strong ac- good decision, and am very proud that I globally benchmarked against minimum colade and motivation for SUBS Depart- have come to a good university, even before standards and practices. ment of Financial Mathematics & Statistics this accreditation was announced. With this Head (Academic) Professor Dr. Ho Chee accreditation, I am very confi dent of the Sunway University’s Actuarial Studies pro- Kit, who led the programme with his team. programme, and have less worry to about gramme is a three-year programme that “Recently, we have two highly-qualifi ed my future,” said the second year BSc (Hons) prepares students for the actuary profes- actuaries with great industrial experience Actuarial Studies student. Cuthbert is also sion. The programme – off ered through joining the academic team,” he said. “We the recipient of a scholarship. the Department of Financial Mathematics hope to provide the best learning experi- and Statistics in the Sunway University ence for our students.” Accreditation of learning programmes Business School (SUBS) – aims to equip was introduced by FAA in response to the students both with academic and soft FAA Chief Executive Offi cer Dr. Amat recommendations of Malaysian Regula- skills that will help them to be industry- Taap Manshor and his team marked this tors in the Financial Services Industry (FSI), ready upon graduation. achievement by personally presenting to ensure quality learning in the industry the Certifi cate of Accreditation to Profes- and to promote the highest standards in Sunway University Vice-Chancellor Profes- sor Wilkinson at the Sunway campus. Also continuing education and professional sor Graeme Wilkinson said, “Actuarial present at the ceremony were SUBS Dean learning for the FSI. BLAZE The recipe for success New SUBS Dean Professor Steve Williams talks about getting Sunway world-class accreditation

It can safely be said that the Sunway Uni- that enable you to realistically versity Business School (SUBS) is one of move forward as you continue the leading business schools in Malaysia, making your programmes producing new job-market entrants who better and better.” are well-known locally to be of a superior quality. But rather than just being content He said that as part of the with a strong reputation, the new SUBS eff orts to be put into place, Dean, Professor Steve Williams, has a the fi rst step to take is in simple plan: making SUBS into a world- submitting the eligibility ap- class accredited business school. plication. “Typically, it takes between fi ve to seven years “As you probably know, the Sunway Educa- to achieve – and even that is tion Group has aspirations to be a world- not the end of it. Just like any class university,” said the American educator, other form of accreditation who has been a business dean for 15 years. process, the school will face “There are certain things that any world- a new cycle every fi ve years, class business school should have, and I where a continuous improve- think that one of the objectives is to do ment review is carried out. This what we can to move this business school means that you will have to make to be world class. That, of course, will take every eff ort to maintain the accredita- some time – but that is the goal.” tion. Yes, there are some institutions that lose it – but our goal is that within Williams said that one of the mechanisms 5-7 years, we will be able to achieve to achieve this goal is by attaining the cov- AACSB accreditation, and we can eted AACSB accreditation. “The AACSB – or join that exclusive 5% club,” COVER STORY Association to Advance Collegiate Schools Williams said confi dently. 4 of Business – accreditation is the gold standard for business schools; only the top 5% of business schools in the world have it. If you can think of any of the known busi- ness schools that are famous enough to be named, I can guarantee that it is AACSB accredited. I have been involved with AACSB for 20 years – and even though it originated in the United States, it is now fi rmly an internationally-renowned body that runs what I can attest as the most stringent, rigourous professional accreditation at present. Of course, there are also other accreditation bodies the world over, such as EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System, based in Brussels), and the AMBA (The Associa- tion of MBAs, based in London) – but if you can achieve AACSB, you really are in a league of your own.”

Even then, he said, the whole point of the pursuit of the accreditation is not to be a goal in itself. “We want to achieve AACSB accreditation because it is one of the ways in which you could objectively demonstrate that you have reached a threshold of what we could call quality business education,” Williams said. “The whole premise behind it is that you are continually progressing, and that there DYNAMIC DEAN: Williams said is continuous improvement of business that Sunway has many recognised education. It’s never about you reaching experts in the fi eld, and that a key there, it is about ensuring that you have goal is to give them the support in place a series of processes and systems they need to improve. When asked what was the most important accreditation. “For us, now is the time for factor to implement in Sunway in order fi ne tuning. It is possible that there will be to achieve that, the professor had this to some restructuring of our departments, say: “For what we have to do, in almost all and we are constantly tweaking and mak- situations – whether eligibility or mainte- ing incremental changes in order to make nance – the number one factor and concern us more and more like what a world-class is always faculty qualifi cations. That would business school is expected to be like.” be the main thrust we have to undertake – to make sure that there is no question Happily, SUBS has a strong foundation regarding the quality of our staff strength.” upon which to build, and the professor Elaborating on this point, Williams said that intends to take full advantage of this. “We it was of paramount importance that the have very sharp students, who not only individual teacher has knowledge that is shine in the class but also out in the fi eld, relevant, and that they can convey those in many ways. SUBS recently fi elded sev- teachings to the students. eral of their BAF students, who competed in the ICAEW (The Institute of Chartered “Current and up-to-date knowledge is what Accountants in England and ) you need to have, and not just scholarly ac- competition – and they won, despite this tivity. The rationale behind it is that if you are being their maiden trial! I took the team a business instructor, you must be publishing and made them do a presentation for the in your fi eld – and since SUBS advisory board it is peer-reviewed, – and their presenta- other experts will “We want to tion and the way they recognise that what you handled the ensuing are doing is advancing teach our questions resulted in the discpline. In order the board members for them to recognise students how practically tripping that contribution, the over each other to business instructor to be ongoing off er posts to the team clearly needs to be members!” he said with aware of what is going learners; we a laugh. on at the forefront of the business world. want them to Above all, Williams Those are the two wants to ensure that watchwords that we learn to learn.” everyone out there 5 STORY must stand by: relevant knows that SUBS COVER and current.” He added produces candidates of that Sunway has many recognised experts in such calibre; graduates who are techni- the fi eld, and that a key goal is to give them cally brilliant at what they do, who can the support they need to improve. “Now, we not only hit the targets but excel; the kind are primarily building on scholarly output. of employee that the industry needs in Our research activity needs to demonstrate order to function effi ciently. “We want to currency, and some faculty members are try- teach our students how to be ongoing ing to elevate their relevance, and gain their learners; we want them to learn to learn. doctoral degrees.” The reality is that the world of business changes so fast now, so we need to make For the professor, though, that alone is not sure that they have the ability to adapt. As enough. “If, for example, you are trying to such, we need to build a strong support teach about subjects that deal with applied system for the students, to help give them fi elds (such as accounting), you often fi nd that extra polish which will demonstrate that the people down in the fi eld itself are to employers that the graduates will have the best experts to convey that learning to the qualities that the industry captains are the students. As such, it leads to a real juxta- looking for,” he said. position of theory and practise, and Sunway is really good at applying both the theo- It really is an ambitious plan – and one retical aspects and the practical aspects, to that is not going to be easy to either produce business graduates who can hit achieve or to keep up. “Where I come the ground running, who can add value to from, there is a saying: ‘The proof is in the the company that hires them. That is exactly pudding’. In a year from now, you can tell what employers are seeking, and Sunway me if the cake is really good. We’ll see. has got very good name recognition locally And since we are using the kitchen for as far as this is concerned. analogies, I can tell you that I’m excited – because we have all the right ingredients Working together with the industry and chefs. You can say that we have the Williams said that while Sunway can be recipe for success!” BLAZE justly proud to off er the “core” business classes to ensure that the students have strong fundamentals, the main challenge If you enjoy Steve’s Story and the Blaze, is fi nding ways to strengthen them in a please send your comments to way that goes beyond merely attaining [email protected] Representing Malaysia at HYLI 13 in the Philippines

Two Sunway University students were Advisor Mohinder Singh was one of the pre- selected to represent Malaysia at the 13th “I believe that in senters. After the speaker series, they went Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) in Ma- back into their workshop groups to continue nila, Philippines from July 27-30, 2015. HYLI future, we will be working on the fi nal conference presentation is an annual community relations event, for the rest of the day. and a platform to identify and nurture po- able to use this tential Asian leaders. The two students are Up next was a surprise itinerary: a fi eld trip to Thilageswaran Vijayan (25, who is pursuing bond to initiate Gawad Kalinga. This is a community formed the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science) and by the Gawad Kalinga Community Develop- Dzafran Adris Azmir (19, who is pursuing movements to ment Foundation, Inc. (GK), a non-govern- the BA (Hons) in Communication). mental organisation (NGO) whose mission help each other is to end poverty for fi ve million families Bringing together approximately 350 del- by 2024. The participants got to know the egates – including top university academics and make an im- residents of the villages, and learned through and students, high-profi le opinion leaders, a series of interviews how they are aff ected infl uential government offi cials, prominent pact in changing by the present public transportation systems. business leaders, and non-governmental This was followed by a trip to Bonafacio Glob- representatives from Asia – the forum seeks the lives of the al City, one of the Philippines’ fastest growing to discuss regional issues and work out prob- business centres, which exposed the partici- able solutions. The event gives participating citizens of the pants to the state of urban development. student representatives a chance to broaden their outlook on regional and global issues, ASEAN member Finally, the last day of the conference while at the same time promoting Asian saw the groups giving their respective values and cross-cultural understanding. countries.” presentations, followed by a commentary from the mentors and a Q&A session. The This year’s HYLI focused on the Association Thilageswaran, who aspires to become a mo- presentations would later be showcased of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Per- bile application developer and educator, said, in a white paper which was produced after spectives on the Social and Environmental “We spent a total of six days altogether in the the 13th HYLI programme ended. Challenges of Designing and Implementing Philippines, where the conference itself was Public Transportation Systems. The best and a four-day event at the New World Makati Dzafran, who is currently in his fi rst year at HALLMARKS brightest students from the seven HYLI Hotel in Makati, Manila. Each country sent in Sunway University’s Faculty of Arts, said, “I

6 participating countries – , Japan, four delegates – except for Japan, which sent was considerably the youngest amongst Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thai- in three this year.” He added that they were the competing interviewees in the fi nal in- land, and – were selected through then separated into eight diff erent groups, terview for Malaysian representatives. Being a multi-tiered application and assessment where each group had one representative representatives, we are expected to improve process. As a reward for passing the selec- from one participating country. our public speaking, networking and leader- tion process, the students were able to ship skills in HYLI.” The student, who is also attend training sessions in their respective According to Thilageswaran, the fi rst day of very involved in the Sunway Model United countries, as well as a series of workshops the conference saw two main speaker series Nations and Sunway University Kendo Club, and networking sessions in the Philippines sessions, where presenters from a variety also added that because he spent 10 years to learn, draft ideas and solutions to prob- of backgrounds delivered their perspec- growing up in Oman – in a diff erent social, lems related to urbanisation, sustainability tives on this year’s theme. He singled out cultural and academic setting – he felt that and people-centred transportation systems. the sessions by Indonesia Transportation this international background was added Society President Professor Dr. Danang advantage during the event. Parakesit and Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Business Development Director “Being a part of the delegation for the 13th Dr. Somprasong Suttayamully, who were Hitachi Young Leader’s Initiative has been amongst the various experts who spoke an amazing experience,” Thilageswaran during the fi rst and second sessions. said. “First of all, I must say that even though I read a lot, I realised that there are The last event for the day was a workshop so many more things that you learn when series, where each group was placed you meet people from diff erent parts of under two facilitators to discuss about the region. It was an eye-opener, and I can their perspectives on the subject matter, now fi rmly say that I know more about our based on the conference sub-themes. The counterpart ASEAN countries than ever be- workshop was intended to prepare the fore. I believe that in future, we will be able participants for the last day of conference, to use this bond to initiate movements to where they would to present their ideas help each other and make an impact in and solutions in front of an audience changing the lives of the citizens of the consisting of various infl uential people ASEAN member countries.” and guest mentors, who included ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Sunway University is certainly proud to have Elaine Tan from Malaysia. these two representing the university and Malaysia in the international arena. Their The second day saw the fi nal run of involvement serves as testimony of Sunway the speaker series, and Land Transport University’s focus on students’ all-rounded Authority (LTA) Academy of Singapore learning and development. BLAZE EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE: Thilageswaran (left) and Dzafran were proud to be representatives at HYLI. CELEBRATING THE EDUCATORS (clockwise from top left): The Choir performs in perfect harmony; AUSMAT student Shireen in action; and the four international students serenade the source of their inspiration. Thank You, Teachers!

Sunway University recently celebrated a can only do this through you, our teachers the Intensive English Programme of the rainbow-themed Teaching Appreciation and lecturers.” Faculty of Arts. Having served the univer- Day, to commemorate the dedication of sity for over 6 years, Jennifer attributed its academic staff who have contributed Supporting the day were Sunway Group the success of the event to the voluntary towards infl uencing, nurturing and devel- Education and Healthcare Division CEO Dr. eff orts from various departments, and she 7

oping the lives of its students. Lee Weng Keng; Sunway University Deputy called upon her fellow colleagues to sup- HALLMARKS Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Pua port and join SASA. The day involved an awards ceremony Eng Chong; Executive to recognise the 46 academic staff , with Director Teo Ee Sing; Director of Human Re- Chan Wy Yee, a young lecturer who has 20 Outstanding Teaching Performance sources and Facilities Betty Lai; the senior joined the Foundation in Arts for approxi- Award recipients coming from Sunway management of Sunway University and mately two years, was utterly surprised to University, and 16 from Sunway College. Sunway Education Group; and members of receive the award. “I thought it was a prank The recipients were selected based on Sunway Academic Staff Association (SASA). call when I was notifi ed! But I am really recommendations from heads of depart- SASA is deemed as a bridge between the happy to receive this as it helps boost my ments and student evaluation surveys for management and academic employees confi dence in my career,” she said, add- the academic year 2014-2015. of the Sunway Education Group, and was ing that the teaching profession has been formed as an avenue for academic staff to rewarding as she gets to see her students Sunway Education Group and Sunway voice out grievances and provide sugges- grow and graduate. University Senior Executive Director Dr. tions for improvements. Elizabeth Lee thanked Sunway’s lecturers The audience was treated to a variety of and teachers for their contribution, dedica- SASA worked together with both the performances: The Sunway University tion and passion. “Here at Sunway, we don’t Department of Art and Design and the Choir gave a stirring performance of The just educate,” she said. “We mould lives; Human Resources Department for the Best of You in Me by Johnny Rodgers; well- we transform students into individuals creative backdrop of the celebration: a big known and well-loved Malay song Kau who can think and contribute positively to rainbow heart made of coloured paper air- Ilhamku (“You’re My Inspiration”) by Man Bai society. We hope to build relationships, so planes, which the members pasted one by was given a heartfelt airing by a group of that when our students leave here they will one. SASA President Jennifer Rathabai was four international students from Sunway carry more than just textbook knowledge. one of the 46 recipients. “Such appreciation College’s Australian University Programme; We want to create a lasting impression, a events motivate us. I thank the manage- and AUSMAT student Shireen wowed the positive infl uence in our young charges’ ment for acknowledging our eff orts,” said crowd with guzheng performance entitled lives. I hope you share this with me, as we the passionate Senior Teaching Fellow from Battling Against Typhoon. BLAZE Four decades of teaching and research, and still going strong

Being involved with television doesn’t nec- Virtual Systems and Mul- of Arts to grow and essarily entail being an actor; there are a lot timedia (VSMM) – which “I have never expand its research of other roles – both on set and behind the is fi tting, as he served as profi le. “Drawing on scenes – that are equally important. When President of the Interna- stopped teaching my MQA standards you add the dimension of education to the tional Society on Virtual panel background, scope, you get an extra sense of achieve- Systems and Multimedia – either formally I will also be assist- ment that is worthy of praise – and that is (VSMM) from 2003 to ing the Faculty and a statement that can easily apply to Harold 2010. He currently holds in my courses, or staff to develop Thwaites, Professor of Creative Digital Me- the post of Honourary and fi ne-tune new dia and Advisor to the Faculty of Arts (FoA) President – which makes informally with degree programmes for Sunway University. his appointment at Sun- and postgraduate way University an added staff and programmes,” he said, “I taught at Concordia University for 31 boost of credibility for adding that another years, as a tenured member of the Com- the FoA. colleagues at important target is munication Studies Department, up until the establishment of my early retirement in 2008,” said the It’s not just in the the various the fi rst FoA research ever-smiling native of Montreal, Canada. international sphere centre: a Centre for “I have degrees in Communication Arts that Thwaites has made institutions Research Creation in (Communication Studies) and Educational his mark, as he is rather Digital Media. Technology (Concordia University), and active in Malaysia too. “In I have worked in.” was also involved as an Associate Producer Malaysia, I was Dean of The professor is also in children’s television at the Canadian the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) at proving to be a passionate advocate for the Broadcasting Corporation for a decade: , Cyberjaya from 2006 preservation of cultural heritage, as one of 1974-1984.” It is an astonishing revelation, to 2012,” he said, adding that he also served his recent projects has shown. “The Textile given that Thwaites has also served as a as Chair of both the Malaysian Qualifi cation Tales of Pua Kumbu (TTPK) Exhibition was communication consultant for private Agency (MQA) advisory panel for Pro- the culmination of two years of research- companies and government departments gramme Standards of Creative Multimedia creation collaboration with Dr. Welyne Jef- in that same span of time. (2009-2010) as well as of MYREN Multimedia frey Jehom on her High Impact UM funded Applications Group (2009-2012). “From 2012 research project and the 3CDI creative The professor’s areas of specialty in re- to this year, I was Consultant Professor at the team. Pua kumbu refers to the traditional- HALLMARKS search and teaching cover Digital Heritage, (UM), and Director of patterned multicoloured ceremonial cot-

8 Cyberculture Studies, Cinematic & Inter- the Centre for Creative Content and Digital ton cloth used by the Iban tribe in Sarawak, media Arts, audience/user media impact, Innovation (3CDI).” and they are considered to be sacred biocybernetic research, 3-D spatial media, objects to mark lifecycle rituals and special and Digital Humanities. Amongst his many So how did this Canadian creative content events, such as childbirth, coming-of-age other achievements, Thwaites has also guru end up in this neck of the woods? “I celebrations, and even funeral rites.” organised numerous International Confer- was looking for a new environment that ences on 3D Media Technologies as well as is forward thinking and supportive of “From my fi rst meeting with Dr. Welyne in new ideas and March 2013, I knew that we would have initiatives – and a dynamic working relationship sparked Sunway Universi- by her fi rst enthusiastic description of her ty is a vibrant and research project. While participating in this dynamic institu- project, I realised that indigenous knowl- tion that has high edge in Malaysia was endangered, as are aspirations. When many of the animals and other areas cul- CULTURAL WARRIOR: the Vice Chancel- tural heritage. Therefore, I felt that I should Thwaites fi rmly lor and the CEO do all I could to help Dr. Welyne preserve believes in making asked me to join, the intangible and tangible heritage of sure that both the I was happy to the Iban weavers of Sarawak.” The Exhibi- tangible and intangi- answer the call – tion was launched on June 15, 2015 by the ble aspects of cultural and I think that Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Dato’ heritage are protected with the contin- Seri Mohammad Nazri Abdul Aziz, and was from future loss. ued support and a hit with the general public. direction along the path that it When you consider the span of time that has set out, Sun- Thwaites has put into education, you way will become cannot help but be in awe of his com- a truly interna- mitment to developing minds. “As of this tional centre of September, I will have been in a University higher education environment for 41 years. I have never teaching and re- stopped teaching – either formally in my search excellence courses, or informally with staff and col- in Asia,” he said. leagues at the various institutions I have worked in.” That is the sort of dedication Thwaites said that bodes well for Sunway University’s that his goal is to FoA students – and eventually, for the na- help the Faculty tion as a whole. BLAZE Team Sunway scores at ICAEW Regional Business Challenge

Team Sunway emerged as champions at the Institute of Char- tered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Regional Business Challenge 2015, and will be representing Malaysia for the ICAEW-Malaysian Accounting and Finance Society (ICAEW- MACFIS) Business Challenge 2015 in London next year.

The team – comprising team leader Albert Yeoh Yun Wei, Antho- ny Yap Zhen Huang, Muhammad Shahmi bin Shahidan, Yap Tyron and Jeff rey Lee Wen Xiang – did not know each other until they registered themselves for the initial online screening process, as separate individuals. After being selected, Team Sunway com- peted against 25 other teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Indone- sia and Vietnam, in an intense environment which simulated the real work of a chartered accountant. MALAYSIA’S REPRESENTATIVES (from left): Jeff ery Lee Wen Xiang, Yap Tyron, Anthony Yap Zhen Huang, Albert Yeoh Yun Wei and Muham- Muhammad Shahmi – who is in his fi nal year of Sunway University’s mad Shahmi bin Shahidan are proud of their win. BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance, along with Anthony and Tyron – said that the participants were observed and assessed during were equally important, especially in the fi nals. “There were a total of the fi rst hour-and-a-quarter of the competition, during which they 20 questions for the four fi nalist teams to answer – a sort of ‘speed’ analysed a business case and prepared a business presentation with round, where right answers reward you, but wrong answers are di- probable solutions to turn a fi nancially-distressed company around. sastrous. All I can say is, the competition helped boost my confi dence They were then divided into four rooms to present their business in public speaking,” he quipped. The biggest take-away for Jeff rey plans to representatives of the Authorised Training Employers of – who is a fi nal-year student of the Association of Chartered Certifi ed the ICAEW. “It was ultimately great teamwork which helped us win Accountants (ACCA) programme under the Sunway TES Centre for the challenge,” said Tyron, adding that each member had a unique Accountancy Excellence – was an experience of working under pres- role to play without which their victories would not be possible. sure. “I believe the main factor of winning the challenge was keeping Tyron worked mainly on the presentation slides, while Muhammad calm. Albert was good at this – and by keeping our heads clear, we and Anthony were the analysts. Jeff rey was the main presenter and were able to remain analytical in handling various challenges.” Albert – the eldest of the team – took up the leadership role to al- locate the work according to each member’s strength. In addition to a trip to London, the winners were also awarded employment or internship opportunities with one of the Besides teamwork, Albert – who graduated from the BSc (Hons) prestigious ICAEW Authorised Training Employers. The champions

Accounting and Finance, and is currently undertaking a Masters in are looking forward to their trip and hoping to bring more prizes 9 International Business at Monash University – said that strategies home to make the country proud. BLAZE HALLMARKS

To Warsaw for the CIMA Global Business Challenge Finals!

Sunway University’s Team Lcct won the National Finals for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Global Business Challenge (GBC) 2015, and represented Malaysia to compete against 26 other international teams at the Warsaw Intercontinental Hotel from Aug 3-7, 2015. The team – comprising team leader Chee Chia Ling, presenter Joel Thum Wen Jian, and analysts William Tan Soo Yoon and Lim Sze Khai – are all students taking the BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from the Sunway University Business School (SUBS).

The close classmates – who are currently in their second year – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS (from left): Joel Thum Wen Jian, William Tan often work together for university assignments, and their achieve- Soo Yoon, Chee Chia Ling and Lim Sze Khai pose with their trophies. ment far surpassed their expectations. Chee – who is the recipient of a full scholarship from The Star – said, “We just wanted to gain consulting fi rm, and presented their business proposal to a panel exposure during our term break by giving our best to try out in of judges from top O&G companies, including Shell and PETRO- external competitions.” NAS, followed by an intense question and answer session.

Joel said that he found out about the competition through an Lim, who is an aspiring analyst, said, “The BAF (BSc (Hons) in Ac- announcement from Elearn, Sunway University’s internal on- counting and Finance) programme structure – with its various cre- line learning system, while Chee discovered it by surfi ng on the ative assignments and presentations – has been extremely helpful internet. The team leader immediately invited her friends to form in developing our analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and the team, which spent two months to write and submit a business soft skills. I believe these are the contributing factors to our win.” proposal of not more than 3,000 words. It was a case study about Joel added, “We were also very grateful to our lecturers: Wong an oil and gas (O&G) company, with probable solutions to issues Wing Tien, our mentor and coach; Christine Shobana Arthur, who troubling the company. After the proposal was chosen, the team brushed up our communication skills; and Associate Professor had to prepare a group description, CIMA promotional video and Dr. Foo Yin Fah, who participated and contributed constructive presentation slides. During the fi nals, the team took the role of a critiques in our mock practice.” BLAZE Continuous learning with the Lancaster CAP

Five of Sunway University’s lecturers recently concluded their last session of the Postgraduate Certifi cate in Academic Practice (CAP) with a sharing practice event, which saw a good turn-out of aca- demic staff discussing and brainstorming best teaching practices.

The CAP is an in-service programme by Lancaster University, which supports and accredits the educational development of staff who teach at the degree level. It seeks to foster a dynamic, cross-disciplin- ary community of practitioners to share ideas, and to develop a discourse about SERIOUSLY ENJOYABLE (from left): Dr. Ch’ng Sue Inn, Christine Arthur, Ann Rosnida Md. Deni, educational practice in higher education. Annyza Tumar, Susan Armitage, Sunway University Vice-Chancellor Professor Graeme Wilkin- Sharing Practice events are part of this son, Alvin Chan Sian We, Dr. Adelina Tang Lai Toh, Alison Cooper and Associate Professor Dr. community, which extends beyond those Cheah You Sum strike a playful pose at the end of the CAP session. on the taught programme.

There were fi ve presenters of the fi fth Development Adviser Alison M. Cooper. cohort of CAP: Dr. Ch’ng Sue Inn and Dr. The programme was then brought to Adelina Tang Lai Toh, from the Faculty of Sunway as part of the Lancaster Univer- Science and Technology (FST); Associate sity/Sunway University (LU/SU) partner- Professor Dr. Cheah You Sum and Alvin ship in November 2007 by Cooper and Chan Sian We, from the Sunway University Dr. Tony Luxon, who recently retired after Business School (SUBS); and Christine his fi nal week of teaching at Sunway in Arthur from the English for Specifi c Aca- February this year. The CAP has continued demic Purposes (ESAP) Unit of the Faculty since then, with about 15 to 20 of Sunway of Arts (FoA). Altogether, there were 22 University’s academic members joining

HALLMARKS participants in total in this cohort. the programme every year. Lancaster em-

10 ployees fl y in to teach the intensive CAP After participating in the three CAP workshops at Sunway, followed by online modules over the past two years – with and video conference sessions. intensive cross-institutional collaborations and sharing of ideas for teaching, learning For this year, Cooper conducted the ses- and curriculum design – each presenter sions together with her colleague Susan developed and delivered unique topics, Armitage. “CAP is more like a sharing including ways of teaching that were session rather than training,” said the given a trial and evaluated in their classes. lady with more than 30 years of educa- tional and teaching experience. “It gives REFLECTIVE PRACTISE: Dr. Ch’ng Sue Inn was Dr. Ch’ng revealed the use of scaffolding practitioners a framework to challenge the fi rst presenter. activities as reflective practice to better their thinking for new ideas of best assist her students in understanding their teaching practices,” she said, adding preciate very much that this programme study subjects. Dr. Adelina discussed her that Sunway practitioners have been is brought over by our key partner Lan- application of problem-based learning, very engaged, open and honest. caster University, and am grateful for the as well as the different levels of engage- support that Lancaster has given us in this ment she perceived from first- and Cooper said that CAP at Sunway has programme.” final-year Computing students, where grown and developed into a mature and the first-year students were more open stable phase with ESAP Head Annyza Sunway University has always emphasised to new ways of learning. Tumar and ESAP lecturer Ann Rosnida quality teaching, promoting active learn- Md. Deni joined in as co-tutors for the ing among its employees. The CAP is in Associate Professor Dr. Cheah talked delivery of CAP. That being said, more line with this, and is open for Sunway Uni- about how he confronted the challenges teaching and sharing sessions can be versity’s academic employees teaching of teaching law to non-law students, conducted via video conferences be- Lancaster University-partnership degree by using visual aids and story-telling tween Sunway and Lancaster. programmes to apply, via a voluntary techniques. Alvin addressed the balance basis or through recommendations from between summative assessment and Supporting the event were Sunway Uni- heads of departments. formative assessment, while Christine versity Vice-Chancellor Professor Graeme explored the method of “self-regulated Wilkinson and Deputy Vice-Chancellor There is also the Educational Develop- learning” throughout the CAP, which she (Academic) Professor Pua Eng Chong. “We ment Programme, whereby academics could leverage on and apply in class- pride ourselves on being a very strong teaching the Lancaster University- rooms in order to achieve the mission of teaching focused university, and I know partnership programmes are selected to lifelong learning. that from my own career, I never stop spend a week in Lancaster to enhance learning things about teaching,” Professor their teaching experience, and to visit The CAP began in 2005 at Lancaster Uni- Wilkinson said. “So, the CAP programme its departments to meet their Lancaster versity, and was designed by Educational is indeed very important to us, and I ap- University counterparts. BLAZE WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE (from left): Sunway Education Group and Sunway University Senior Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Lee, IBM Malaysia Cloud Ecosystem Development Strategy & Market Development Manager Mandy Teo, IBM Malaysia Managing Director Paul Moung, Sunway Group President Dato’ (Dr.) Chew Chee Kin, Sunway Group Education and Healthcare Division CEO Dr. Lee Weng Keng, Sunway University Vice-Chancellor Professor Graeme Wilkinson, and Sunway University Faculty of Science & Technology Dean and Research and Enter- prise Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Heard pose after the signing ceremony. Sunway University taps IBM to create new ICT talents

IBM Malaysia and Sunway University an- standards-based platform, to rapidly build the Association of Southeast Asian Nations nounced an academic-industry collabo- applications in their coursework for a (ASEAN) by 2020. ration to embed IBM technologies in its duration of 12 months. Information Communications Technology “The objective of partnering with IBM is (ICT) curriculum, to equip its undergradu- The collaboration will also see Sunway to build a generation of students who are ates with skills in important new tech- University’s Faculty of Science & Technol- skilled in analytics, network security and nology areas such as Big Data Analytics ogy leveraging on the IBM Academic Initia- mobile app development,” said Sunway

(BDA), cybersecurity and mobile applica- tive resources, which comprise of training University Centre for Innovation and 11 tion development. materials, curriculum guides, software and Industrial Linkage Head Professor Lim Tong CORPORATE hardware to enhance current teaching Ming. “IBM is an enterprise leader in these The IBM-Sunway University Research content. According to three areas, and we are and Academic Initiative Collaboration Professor Wilkinson, the pleased with the op- Programme was sealed with the signing rapid pace of techno- “The objective of portunity to develop of an Academic Collaboration by IBM logical advancement 21st Century profes- Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (IBM Malaysia) Manag- has led to the creation partnering with sionals with expertise ing Director Paul Moung and Sunway of entirely new roles in these key topics.” University Vice-Chancellor Professor and rewritten old job IBM is to build Graeme Wilkinson. scopes. “We aspire to In line with the col- equip our undergradu- a generation of laboration, Sunway The signing was witnessed by IBM Malaysia ates with skill-sets University introduced Cloud Ecosystem Development Strategy that combine technol- students who are three newly-minted & Market Development Manager Mandy ogy developments undergraduate degree Teo; Sunway University Faculty of Science in analytics, cloud skilled in courses in August. & Technology Dean and Research and En- computing, mobile The subjects taught terprise Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor applications, and data analytics, include web analytics, Peter Heard; Sunway Education Group and security with the spirit data mining, social Sunway University Senior Executive Direc- of entrepreneurship network security media analytics, tor Dr. Elizabeth Lee; and Sunway Group and an understanding BDA, visual analytics, President Dato’ (Dr.) Chew Chee Kin. of future opportuni- and mobile app networking, mobile ties,” he said. “These are security, mobile ap- Sunway University is the fi rst in Malaysia essential in helping us development.” plication development to sign-up for IBM’s Academic Initiative create a high income and entrepreneurship. Cloud Off er. With the increasing aware- nation with successful technology-based Moung said, “Taking advantage of the ness and demand for developments like businesses in the global context.” transformational opportunity presented by the Internet of Things (IoT), BDA, Cogni- analytics and network security has become tive Computing and Mobile, fl exible cloud Global statistics indicated that there were a key priority for organisations around the platforms which can enable innovation 4.4 million jobs created in the fi eld of ana- globe. To embrace this growing opportuni- are key for both faculty members and stu- lytics in 2015. In Malaysia, the Multimedia ty, companies today must hire a workforce dents. Leveraging on the IBM Academic Development Corporation (MDec) aims with a broad range of expertise. IBM is Initiative Cloud Off er, Sunway University to increase the country’s number of data dedicated to partnering with academic in- faculty members and students can now scientists to 1,500 from the current 80, in stitutions and providing students with the enjoy free use of IBM Bluemix, an open its bid to turn Malaysia into a BDA hub in skills needed to make an impact.” BLAZE Harvard Krokodiloes serenade Sunway for Nepal

For the fi rst time in Malaysia, Harvard’s old- Dr. Ramon Navaratnam, Tan Sri Razman developing the est and fi nest a capella group the Harvard Hashim and Tan Sri Rainer Althoff ; Sunway future.” Krokodiloes – or the Kroks, as the group Group Education and Healthcare CEO Dr. The highlight is popularly known – touched hearts with Lee Weng Keng; Sunway Education Group of the dinner their soulful performance at a charity dinner and Sunway University Senior Executive were perfor- and auction on July 3, 2015, benefi tting the Director Dr. Elizabeth Lee, who was also mances by COLLABORATIONS

INTERNATIONAL Nepal Relief Fund of MERCY Malaysia and the Dinner’s Organising Committee Chair. the Kroks the Jeff rey Cheah Community Scholarship of songs 12 through the Jeff rey Cheah Foundation (JCF). Items for the silent auction were donated from the by Zang Toi, Poh Kong, A Cut Above, Kid Great American Made up of 12 tuxedo-clad male under- Chan, Inhesion Industrial, Di Tullio and Songbook. Amongst the many graduate vocalists, the group has per- Sons, Eternal Clinic and Wellness, The Ban- favourites were evergreen hits such as formed around the globe in front of world jaran Hotsprings Retreat and Sunway Le Unchained Melody by the Righteous Broth- leaders at prestigious events, including Cordon Bleu Malaysia. Among the items to ers, Frank Sinatra’s I’ve Got the World on a the United States President Bill Clinton’s be auctioned were an etching by interna- String, and a special rendition of the im- Inaugural Ball celebration and the Hong tionally renowned artist Eng Tay entitled mortal 月亮代表我的心 (Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo Kong Handover to commemoration Safe Haven XVI, as well as a rare porcelain De Xin, or The Moon Represents My Heart) ceremony in 1997. Notable alumni of the Legle Tea Set. A total of RM200,000 was by the late Teresa Teng. Harvard Krokodiloes include philanthropist raised from the table donations for the David Rockefeller Jr. and actor Miles Fisher, dinner and auction. Over and on top of On the next day, July 4, 2015 – which where the latter is well-known for his roles the monies raised, the JCF committed coincided with American Independence in Mad Men and Gossip Girl. RM1 million worth of scholarships to Day – Malaysians of all ages had the direct MERCY Malaysia’s Nepal Relief Fund to pro- chance to experience the musical charm The charity dinner and auction – organised vide students aff ected by the earthquake of the Kroks at a public concert at the by the Sunway Education Group and the the opportunity to take up further studies Sunway International School, where they JCF at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa – at Sunway, as well as another RM1 million were treated to famous songs such as Loch was graced by high profi le and notable to be allocated to the JCF Community Lomond, Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in corporate fi gures, celebrities and socialites. Scholars for 2015. Love, Irish folk song Danny Boy and, in tune Among those present were the Ambas- with the celebrations in the U.S.A., the Star sador of Nepal to Malaysia, His Excellency “MERCY Malaysia and the Jeffrey Cheah Spangled Banner. Dr. Niranjan Man Singh Basnyat; Sunway Foundation – these two entities, are so Group Chairman and Founder Tan Sri Dr. very different yet alike,” said Dr. Eliza- The Kroks would go on to perform in Jeff rey Cheah, AO; JCF Board of Trustees beth Lee in her welcome address. “Both Thailand, , Western Kenya, Turkey, members Tan Sri Dr. Lin See-Yan, Tan Sri concentrate on ‘the basic human needs Germany, Belgium, Italy, France, England approach’, engage in reach- and the Netherlands before heading back ing out, extending a helping to the States. During their short stint in Ma- hand to those in need, to laysia, the Kroks also conducted a Vocals ensure their lives are better Masterclass, on top of a sharing session whether they are recovering with a small crowd at an event entitled Life from a disaster or striving to at Harvard: A Conversation with the Kroks at live and contribute in their Sunway University. All proceeds from the own country. It comes down public concert and Vocals Masterclass were to building human ties, also channelled to both MERCY Malaysia enhancing communities and and the JCF. BLAZE SEG hosts Harvard’s Asia Leadership Trek 2015

The Sunway Education Group (SEG), in af- fi liation with Harvard University’s Asia Cen- ter, concluded the Asia Leadership Summer Trek with the Executive Leadership School (ELS) 2015. Themed Redefi ning Success, the programme ran from July 27-31, 2015, targeting young professionals between the ages of 21- and 30-years old.

The programme was mostly delivered by Harvard-trained facilitators, and included workshops on leadership and innova- tion; lectures; talks highlighting themes on personal leadership and innovative practices; study groups; and networking opportunities with Harvard fellows and leaders from diverse industries.

The Asia Leadership Institute’s Asia Leader- ship Trek (ALT) President Samuel Kim said, “Achieving success also means facing chal- lenges in our lives – personal, professional or communal. We always have the unique opportunity to make a diff erence. We are able to turn downsides into upsides, and UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: ALT President Samuel Kim (left) receiving a contribute towards making our world a bet- round of applause after his speech. ter place.” Among the experts facilitating the programmes included Kim, Rachel Roberts, change in your workplace, and in all that John Lim, Adam Malaty-Uhr, Jaye Buchbind- you do, work to enhance and improve on er, Martin Attiq, Faton Limani and John Lee. the way things get done in our increas- The customised curriculum was developed ingly competitive and challenging world.” by the Centre for Asia Leadership Initiatives (CALI) fellows, based on courses, teaching Prior to the ELS, the ALT fellows also con- 13 and research from the Harvard Kennedy the problem, to fi nding solutions, brain- ducted a fi ve-day residential Asia Leadership INTERNATIONAL School, the Harvard Business School and storming ideas, selecting the right idea, Youth (ALY) Camp hosted by the Sunway In- COLLABORATIONS the Harvard Graduate School of Education. and executing it. I can see what I’ve learnt ternational School, targeted at helping high It covers a diverse range of areas, including here will ensure an immediate eff ect at my school and pre-university students explore personal leadership, network building, com- workplace as I can start their purpose and ex- munication and confi dence building, and is identifying areas to im- “We always have pand their potential for targeted at young leaders in Asia. prove within the com- future success. Aimed at pany. I can motivate my the unique preparing and empow- The Fellows conducted workshops, shared colleagues to come up ering young students inspirational stories and discussed best with fresh ideas and get opportunity to for leadership challeng- practices on leadership, public speaking, plans implemented.” es, the camp would help practical skills with seminars on profession- make a them translate their al development, special talks and network- A highlight of the pro- values into meaningful ing opportunities. In addition to learning gramme was the Pitch diff erence. We actions. through the various workshops, talks and Competition, where discussions, the delegates participated in all the delegates were are able to turn “The theme for the group activities such as Interaction and required to continually Camp Values Into Ac- Sportsmanship, and the Dialogue in the prepare and compete downsides into tion, stems from the Dark (DiD, see also page 19). The DiD ses- through the week-long rationale that every sions were added to expose delegates to a exercise. The fi ve-day upsides, and individual must embark new, brief and exciting experience on com- intensive programme on one’s own learning munication without sight, and help open concluded with a dinner contribute journey that can help up new possibilities to provide fresh new and award ceremony. him or her examine perspectives on a totally diff erent scale. towards making one’s own values,” said “I trust that all of you Kim. “It is only then that “It’s good!” said delegate Sukmahartini Sam- have been enriched, our world a their true character and sudin. “It’s like a mini-Harvard. The contents enlightened and mo- calling can begin to are developed by Harvard fellows, so we get tivated,” said Sunway better place.” emerge.” While this is the to see things diff erently.” The 29-year-old Education Group and fourth time that SEG is Head of Campaign Management for Etiqa Sunway University playing host to the Asia Insurance at Malayan Banking Bhd (May- Senior Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Lee. Leadership fellows – following similar suc- bank) cited Buchbinder’s Designing Your Life “As our aspiring future leaders, I’m sure cessful conferences and camps in 2014 and in session as the best, and said, “She taught us you are now much more confi dent and January 2015 – the ALY Camp marks the fi rst the process of leadership – from identifying infused with great new ideas to innovate high school programme for youths. BLAZE MUSICAL COLOURS: The ensemble played a diverse range of works that well-received by the audience. COLLABORATIONS INTERNATIONAL 14 JCF raises RM70,000 for community scholars

The Jeff rey Cheah Foundation MUSICAL set to receive the (JCF), the largest education- MAESTRO: opportunity of a focused social enterprise Conductor quality tertiary in Malaysia, recently raised Eugene Pook education this RM70,000 to benefi t the Jeff rey in action. year. The scholar- Cheah Foundation Community ship covers full Scholars at a charity recital tuition, accom- presented by the Perak Society modation, living of Performing Arts (PSPA). allowances and Titled A Night of Musical Kalei- books. doscope, the concert attracted close to 800 people, who were The Jeff rey Cheah rewarded with an entrancing Foundation is musical extravaganza specially the fi rst-of-its- designed to take the audi- kind in Malaysia ence on a journey through within the fi eld the breathtaking lens of music of private higher history, ranging from Bach to Yiruma. “We are grateful to the many corporations education, modeled along the lines of Har- and members of the public, who have not vard University. The ownership and equity The PSPA International Ensemble com- only supported the Jeff rey Cheah Commu- rights of the Sunway Education Group’s prised of professional musicians from nity Scholars, but also helped propagate an learning institutions – namely, Sunway Uni- Malaysia, the United States of America, appreciation for music and performance,” versity, Monash University Malaysia, Jeff rey Hong Kong, Singapore, the Netherlands Sunway Education Group and Sunway School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Canada. They were led by renowned University Senior Executive Director Dr. Sunway College, Sunway TES and Sunway conductor Eugene Pook and Hong Kong Elizabeth Lee said at the concert. International School and others – have Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Clarinet, offi cially and legally been transferred to the Andrew Simon. The group were joined by All proceeds from the concert benefi ted Foundation, valued at more than RM720 the Sunway University Ensemble, which the JCF Community Scholars who are from million. For more information about the has gained a name for itself as a communi- homes and orphanages in Malaysia, who Jeff rey Cheah Foundation, and learn about ty ensemble and whose members include would otherwise not have access to qual- its work for quality education, please log on a few recipients of the Jeff rey Cheah Foun- ity education. To-date, JCF has aided 144 to its website (www.jeff reycheahfoundation. dation Talent Scholarship. community scholars, with another 20 more org.my). BLAZE SUNWAY SYMPHONISTS (above): The Sunway University Ensemble are making waves as a community ensemble.

PLAYING AS ONE (left): The poster for the concert.

BREATH-TAKING PERFOR- MANCE (right): American clarinetist Andrew Simon, who was accompanied by pianist Jeremy Samolesky from

Canada, ethralled the audience 15

with his skill and control. INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

TAKE A BOW (below): The PSPA International Ensemble receive a well-deserved round of ap- plause during their curtain call. Happy 4th of July from CAE!

The lecturers, staff and students of Sunway University’s Center for American Education (CAE) celebrated the 4th of July – or Indepen- dence Day for the United States of America – with a big cake decorated in the shape of the American fl ag. The cake was deco- rated following the exact specifi c details of the ac- tual fl ag, complete with 50 stars and 13 stripes. The 50 stars represent the 50 States in the Union, whereas the 13 stripes represent the original 13 British colonies that declared independence enhance students’ learning on a more ADTP because the environment here is from the Kingdom of Great Britain and personal and hands-on approach. “The student friendly.” became the country’s fi rst new states. activities encouraged the students to embrace the American experience, and to CAE communications major Tharmenth- Other than the cake, a backdrop was prepare them for activities that will take aran a/l Mohon, who is currently undergo- decorated with a U.S. theme, and was place when they are in the U.S.,” she said, ing his fi fth semester, said, “I get to meet made available at the CAE academic offi ce adding that the festivities also helped build and hang out with people from diff erent – which is located on the 5th Floor of the a bond between staff and students. cultural backgrounds. It is such a great Sunway Univeristy New Building – during experience, because I have the chance to the week of the 4th of July, so that every- Jenny Loo Jia Yi, a current CAE student, learn more about their ethnicities. I chose one could come and take photographs.Ad- expressed how happy she was with her the Sunway ADTP because I live close by ditionally, the doors for each lecturer and experience in the American Degree Sunway – and the programme provides STUDENT AFFAIRS

16 staff were decorated with three big paper Transfer Programme (ADTP). “It might be a wide range of subjects. I am allowed fl owers: one each in red, white and blue. hectic – but the variety of ways in which to take whatever subjects I want that are the classes are carried out will keep you connected to my major, as well as other Jaime Yap, who was in charge of the on the edge of your seat till the end of subjects. Also, the programme is not fully celebrations, said that these activities help the semester. I chose the Sunway exam based – which is great!” BLAZE WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!: Team S.U.C. have won three major competitions back-to-back – which has earned them the right to call themselves the Triple Crown Team! 17 AFFAIRS STUDENT Team S.U.C. are CHARM Cheerleading Champions again!

Team S.U.C. did Sunway Univer- With this win, Team S.U.C. has a total sity proud when they emerged as of three big triumphs under its wing, Champions in the Medium Coed including as champions of the CHARM Level 5 University Division of the Cheerleading Championship 2014 (Coed CHARM Cheerleading Champioship Level 3 Open Division) and the Asia 2015. It was the second year in a Cheerleading Invitational Championship row that they won at the event, 2015 (Coed Level 4 Open Division). It is where they became Champi- a great win which has earned the team ons in Team Cheer Coed Level the right to call themselves the Triple 3 Open Division during their Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the NUB Crown Team. maiden outing. foyer, where the practice sessions usually last between 3-4 hours.” Dickson said, “The plan right now is Held at the Centre Con- to focus on ourselves and train for the course of The Curve in Mutiara He added that the Tuesday sessions were upcoming competition in the USA: the Damansara, it was the fi rst usually done with the coach. “That’s when he World University Championship 2016 in time that the annual competi- will teach us new stunts, and have us perform Orlando, Florida! That will be in January. tion off ered and offi cial univer- them under his observation. For Wednesday We are undergoing a membership drive, sity division. Additionally, Team practices, the members will be on their own, and – especially as the competition dates S.U.C. was the only team in the polishing skills which they have already get closer – everyone will train hard, but Division who participated at learnt, and perfecting the new skills learned it will still be fun and enjoyable.” the highest Diffi culty Level. with the coach on the previous day”. He added that a full team will be chosen Cheerleading Club President When asked whether most of them to represent SUC in upcoming competi- Dickson Kong said, “The team had any background in cheerleading, Dick- tions. “For the rest of the year, we want members are made up of a son said, “More than half of them actually to have as many people to be exposed to mixture of students from both have at least one year of such experience. cheerleading, and to have fun. We want the University and the College, However, when new members come and to expand Team S.U.C. and make the which was formed about a join the team, they will be guided by the club even more well-known to Malaysia’s year ago. They practise on experienced members, as well as the coach.” whole cheerleading community!” BLAZE The Lancaster Invasion

Every year, Sunway University students travel approximately 11,000 kilometres to a university in the northern part of Eng- land to gain the experience of a lifetime.

The International Cultural Exchange pro- gramme at Lancaster University has been growing in popularity since we launched it in 2011. This year, our 5th year of run- ning the programme, saw the largest ever contingent sent by Sunway University of 137 students.

Lancaster University Students’ Union (LUSU) Involve Manager Sarah Hutchin- son said, “When I found out how many Sunway students were going to join us, I thought: ‘Wow! Will we have enough food to feed them all?! I know how much they all enjoy our English breakfasts!’ The Sun- way students were an absolute pleasure to host, participating fully, smiling always and being brilliant ambassadors for Sun- way University.” During the three weeks spent in Lancaster University, the Sunway students partici- pated in an array of activities which ex- posed them to life in the . Among the highlights of the programme were a trip to the farm to see alpaca and sheep, community projects with local STUDENT AFFAIRS

18 organisations, learning from businesses in Lancaster, and not forgetting an educa- Photo of Lancaster Castle: Wikipedia/Nuttytimmy under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license tional visit to London.

Apart from the activities, the most valu- The ‘International’ part of this programme At the end of the three weeks as the able part of the programme was the op- culminated in an all-day event, aptly programme ran down and came to an end, portunity to interact with students from called Showcase in a Day. It was a ka- it was an emotional goodbye. But since other countries. The International Cultural leidoscope of colours and movements, goodbyes are just a chance to ask “When Exchange involved not just students from where representatives from each coun- can I see you again?”, Nicholas Gabriel Sunway University and Lancaster Univer- try showed off their amazing talents.To summed it up perfectly: “#myLUjour- sity, but also from universities in China, capture all these beautiful memories as ney15 has come to an end. Fell in love with Ghana, Nigeria, India and Pakistan. Mak- they happened, we encouraged Sunway the place, but the thing I would take back ing friends from all over the world and University participants to post up a photo the most are the people I came to make learning to adapt to cross-cultural com- a day using the hashtag #myLUjour- friends with. Memories created with them munication barriers made the programme ney15, which would act as a journal of will always be in my heart.” Here’s looking all the more exciting. their experiences. to #myLUjourney16! BLAZE

HUGE HORDE: For the 137 students, the International Cultural Exchange programme was an experience they would never forget. UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR THE VISUALLY-IMPAIRED: The DiD Board Members pose with the Sunway University Student Council members and the SUBS Students Concilium. Seeing the Light with a Dialogue in the Dark

Sunway University became the first Malaysian educational institution to sup- port Dialogue in the Dark (DiD), a social enterprise that provides the experience of a non-visual world through exhibitions and business workshops. Established in Germany 25 years ago, DiD was brought to Malaysia with the hope of empower- ing the visually-impaired community, whilst also enlightening the public to appreciate light.

DiD Malaysia Founder and CEO Stevens 19 AFFAIRS Chan Kum Fai, who lost his vision due to STUDENT glaucoma in 2007, said, “Dialogue in the Dark is an experience that one should not miss out on! As you learn to see the world MEANINGFUL EXCHANGE: DiD Founder and CEO Stevens Chan Kum Fai (second left) receives through the eyes of the blind, you will cer- a souvenir from Sunway Group Education and Healthcare Division CEO Dr. Lee Weng Keng tainly experience a transformative change (second right) as DiD Chairman Ng Chin Huat (left), Sunway Institute for Social Entrepreneur- of perspective compared to the condition ship & Head (Academic), Department of Accounting, Banking and Finance Director Associate that you see the world you’re in now!” Professor Dr. Foo Yin Fah (centre) and Sunway Education Group and Sunway University Senior Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Lee (right) look on. “Now at Sunway University, we are the highest DiD centre (Level 11), which is School (SUBS) is highly involved with also encourage students to gain greater created with 100% recycled material,” future plans to support DiD. These could exposure and better understanding. he said, adding that it is also the second include incorporating the experiential Through this concept students can expe- centre – after Singapore’s Ngee Ann tour of DiD into a relevant study subject rience beyond sight, learn to empathise Polytechnic – within Southeast Asia to be – specifically, designed to enhance more, along with other skills such as located within a university. students’ empathy and social skills. This communication and leadership.” will also enable further understand- “I would like to thank [DiD Malaysia ing, whilst building an in-depth work- Dr. Foo is also the key person leading board member] Datin Joanne Wong for ing relationship between DiD and the the DiD project at Sunway. Supporting linking us to [Sunway Education Group students who are taking the Community the launch were DiD board members; Dr. and Sunway University Senior Executive Project module. Internship opportunities Elizabeth Lee; Sunway Group Education Director] Dr. Elizabeth Lee and Sunway with the DiD could also be created for and Healthcare Division CEO Dr. Lee University. We are deeply honoured to students from the BSc (Hons) Accounting Weng Keng; SUBS Dean Professor Steve be so warmly welcomed here at the uni- & Finance, BSc (Hons) Business Manage- Williams; as well as senior management versity. They have a dedicated passion to ment, and BSc (Hons) Business Studies. and employees of Sunway University and transform and empower their students to Sunway Education Group. be the future leaders of our society and “This is a unique way for an institute like nation. It has been very exciting for us us (Sunway University) to support such a Dialogue in the Dark is currently op- to be part of a good university as we can valuable social enterprise,” said Sunway erating from Level 11 of the Sunway now play small little role in impacting Institute for Social Entrepreneurship & University New Building. DiD is open to our future generation.” Head (Academic), Department of Ac- the public with the following entry fee counting, Banking and Finance Direc- structure: RM30 for Adults (18 years and In addition to providing exclusive fa- tor Associate Professor Dr. Foo Yin Fah. above); RM25 for Youth (13-17 years); and cilities, the Sunway University Business “While extending our help to them, it will RM20 for Children (7-12 years). BLAZE The American Adventure

For many, going away to college is the first step towards total independence. You have to discipline yourself to get up for your classes, juggle your own finances (often taking up employment at the same time to help your purse strings), and expose yourself to many new and unfamiliar things, which range from faces, places and concepts. It can be scary – but it can definitely be a great op- portunity, not only for personal develop- ment, but to have a great deal of fun and adventure at the same time.

For three of Sunway University’s students – Alicia Ng, Leticia Yeoh, and Ho Sue Ann – it was the best time to take part in a gamble: to take a working holiday to the home of the brave and the land of the free. All three young ladies signed up for a work and travel (WAT) programme to the USA, which proved to be a gamble that paid off. BLAZE managed to speak to them about their experience, and University, she was presented with a ate Trainee programme. “I spend my free what they learned from it. number of challenges and opportunities time catching up on Korean dramas and TV that she believes would not have been shows,” she quipped. “I have a hunger for adventure,” said Alicia, available if she had attended a diff erent who spent three full years at Sunway doing university. “The course subjects were chal- Sue Ann, who graduated with Sunway the Lancaster degree programme. “To be lenging, but they prepared me with the University’s BSc (Hons) Accounting and thrown into the unfamiliar; to indulge in skills necessary for the workplace.” Finance degree in the Lancaster University STUDENT ALUMNI the peculiar – it’s want I always wanted, for programme back in 2013, said. “I am usu- 20 it is only then that we can fi nd ourselves. “I had the opportunity to represent Sun- ally loud, and love artsy-fartsy stuff – fi ne Life is either a daring adventure or noth- way University as a student ambassador to arts, collecting quotes and music. The op- ing,” said the young lady, who graduated Lancaster University, for a cultural exchange portunity to check this out fi rst hand in the with a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and programme,” Letitia continued. “This op- USA was too good a chance to miss!” Finance in July 2014. portunity gave me a glimpse into the life of a student in a diff erent cultural setting and So how is it that they were able to travel to Leticia – who was born in 1992, the interesting diff erences between our cultures. the other side of the world during that time? middle child in a family of 5 – said, “I count My stint as an Academic Relations Offi cers Alicia said that she signed up with an agency myself fortunate to have supportive and for the Sunway University Business School called Out of the Box into the Work and Travel loving parents that allow me to explore (SUBS) Concilium 2013/2014 also gave me USA programme. For Leticia, she wanted to and pursue my interests. After graduat- the chance to develop my skills and create try out the exact same experience that her ing from HELP University College with my lasting friendships.” older sister went on three years earlier, so she Foundation in Arts certifi cate, I decided to signed up for the fi ve-month work and travel pursue a degree in Business Management Her interest in exploring the FMCG industry USA programme, where university students at Sunway University.” She added that led Leticia to join Colgate-Palmolive Malaysia would be given the opportunity to work throughout her three years at Sunway in July 2015, under their Commercial Gradu- for an employer in the USA for up to four months, and travel around USA for 30 days (which is the grace period after the visa ex- pires). Meanwhile, Sue Ann said the decision to go was spur-of-the-moment, but actually planned since the fi rst year of her degree. And because the only time that she could spare fi ve whole months, without deferring her studies would be after she was done with her degree, she only left for Arizona a month after her graduation.

A common factor for all three young ladies was that their families were fully sup- portive of their decision to embark on this American odyssey. Another common thing was the type of work they decided to take on during the programme: the hospitality line – and they all went to work at the same venue. “I was with a hotel called the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon,” Alicia said. “It is about a 15-minute three also managed drive into the Grand to cultivate a new- Canyon National Park found appreciation (South Rim). I was at for housekeepers – an the front desk serving admirable lesson guests from all around to be learnt. the world – I even met a few Malaysians! So what do they have Americans are generally to say to those who extremely aff able, and are thinking of taking my colleagues came up the same oppor- from all walks of life. tunity? Alicia said, Whether from the East “Mark Twain said it or West coasts, there best: ‘Twenty years were white Americans, from now, you will be African Americans, more disappointed by Hispanics, and Natives – the things you didn’t very diverse, but all very do than by the ones welcoming.” you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail “I was a guest room away from the safe assistant – or to put it harbour. Catch the bluntly, a housekeeper,” trade winds in your said Sue Ann. “I was in sails. Explore. Dream. charge of cleaning hotel Discover’. ” rooms, and tending to the needs of guests in a “It is a great opportu- section of the hotel that I nity to immerse your- was assigned to. Some of self in another culture, the guests love to strike and to live outside of conversation – although your comfort zone for the question of ‘Where a short while,” Leticia is Malaysia?’ comes up added. “Through this much too often!” programme, you will have the opportunity Leticia agreed. “We to meet interesting essentially did housekeeping at the Best ported each other and discovered that people from different walks of life, be it 21 ALUMNI Western. While I met several other Malay- focusing on the positive would help your colleagues at work or the people STUDENT sian students on the same programme see them through. For Alicia, one of the you meet during your travels.” there, many of my colleagues were of Native main takes from the programme was in American and Mexican heritage. They were learning to adapt and to become more “By the time I came back from the trip of very welcoming and friendly, despite our independent, which was echoed by both my lifetime, I was almost a whole year communication barrier.” A major bonus of Leticia and Sue Ann. later than my peers in joining the rat their stay was that they all picked up a bit race” Sue Ann said. “But then again, of Spanish, due to the fact a lot of their co- Being in a remote, small area – Sue Ann what’s the rush to join that 9-5 life? Get workers and their clientele spoke it – which joked that Sunway Pyramid was bigger a chance to look at America not just not only consisted of words, but gestures to than the entire town! – meant that they through the television screen, but in emphasise the words too. had to adjust not only their world-view, real life. You will be able to gain life but also expectations. From what they lessons from the most unexpected Even though the experience got a bit say, it seems that they not only man- places.” Sounds like solid encourage- overwhelming at times, the trio sup- aged to fit in, but to thrive as well. All ment to us! BLAZE Let me tell you of how a student became a recruiter for PwC’s powerful recruiter PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC): my story! I used to be a happy-go-lucky person, who always believes that the world Lee Jie Wen is always beautiful. And guess what? I submitted my online BSc (Hons) Psychology application (4 months before the internship start date) after I came back from the Lancaster University Student Exchange Programme – and I got a call from the Intern Recruiter within an unexpected timeline (See! The world is beautiful!). Although phone call woke me up from my sweet dream, it brought me to a beautiful land: PwC. Many wondered: why PwC? Well, PwC has a good reputation, and it’s well known for training fresh graduates in the market. Also, PwC simply has vibrant colours and activities! So, why not PwC?

My PwC internship began with photocopying and printing (small responsibilities), and getting to know more about the industries and Line of Services. Soon, I learned to screen CVs (slightly more responsibilities), and to participate in career fairs (I represented PwC as an intern!). I was amazingly fortunate; there was a resignation in the team during my internship period; an experienced recruiter, she had acquired candidates for the Advisory department. I suppose that they trusted me and that my performance exceeded their expectations – be- cause they off ered me a position in the team! So here I am, the recruiter for Deals Advisory! I take it as an achievement, as it is not something that usually happens in Human Capital. Till today, I’ve recruited more than 50 people at various levels of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate fi nance, fi nancial due diligence, valuation and deals strat- egy, amongst many others. Additionally, I also participate in the PwC Onboarding Programme as an Ambassador. I work closely with the Learning and Development team, to ensure that all new joiners have a pleasant transition

ON THE MOVE ON THE when they come onboard. ALUMNI 22 I’m grateful that I got to shape my presentation skills during my studies at Sunway University. Throughout my time in Sunway University, the tight assignment deadlines were a good train- ing ground, to ensure that I was able to cope with stress and to deliver a good piece of work within a given timeline (I admit, I am a perfectionist!). Time management, per- sonal management and stakeholder management are valuable skills, and these are soft skills that I can bring along no matter where I am. Also, my time in Sunway University has shaped me to be more independent. I appreci- ate my time in Sunway University – especially, the guidance from my lecturers. To me, they are friends and mentors for life, who gave me wise advice for my career and personal development. BLAZE

alone and explore new things at a whole new place. Being the vibrant youths that Following her dreams we are, we have to reach out to the com- munity, to know new things and learn Joyce Ng Wan Ru from people from all walks of life. With this BSc (Hons) Accounting & Finance programme, I had the opportunity to turn passion into a contribution to the society. While most graduates will look for a job tional Association of Students in Economic Painting murals in a rural fi shing village right after graduation – or even before and Commercial Sciences), which was in Taiwan helped develop the area into a that – I decided to join an exchange pro- formerly known as the GCDP (Global Com- tourist attraction, which could result in an gramme organised by AIESEC (Association munity Development Programme). improvement of the local economy. Go Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences experience the world upon graduation: Économiques et Commerciales, or Interna- It has been always my dream to travel believe me, it will change your life! The active IT expert from Nigeria Nafi sa Bello Issa BSc (Hons) Information Systems

My name is Nafi sa, and I come from Nige- I am now currently working in Hilti Asia IT ria, a country in the west of Africa. I joined Services Sdn Bhd, which I joined in Janu- Sunway University in January 2010, where ary as an Intern. Soon, I took the role of I started off with my foundation year, Application Designer SAP BW, where I was then proceeded to my Bachelor’s Degree tasked with BW reporting and working on in Information Systems. I completed this projects in that team. I continued in Hilti degree in March, 2014 after which I gradu- as a full time employee, with the new role ated with First Class Honours. of IT Process Consultant HOL/B2B, where I am in charge of Test Management/Qual- My time in Sunway University is what I can ity Assurance for all Hilti Online releases. I describe as the best years of my life! The com- am also in charge of implementing eB2B/ munity, education, the opportunity to be able eProcurement solutions to all the Hilti Or- to meet and become friends with people – not ganisations in Asia, the Middle East, Turkey with this institution. In line with studying only from Malaysia, but from other countries and Africa, with several successful projects hard for your respective programmes, do as well – made my stay a very memorable one. already live in some countries. not miss out on the opportunity to join There were great extra-curricular activities diff erent clubs and societies. Do take part available, and I joined and took part in dif- At the same time, I am doing a part-time in other activities, as you will be surprised ferent activities, including being an Interna- Masters in Information Sys- at how much you can learn and grow, in so tional Student Ambassador, a member of the tems at Sunway Univer- many aspects of your life. Employers look Golden Key International Honours Society, a sity as well. To Sunway for good grades – but they also look for member of the SCT Student’s Representatives, students/future students, people who have achieved and expe- the SAS Club and many more. For some of I can say that you have rienced other extra-curricular these activities, I held positions of responsibil- defi nitely made the activities. BLAZE ity such as being secretary and vice-president. best choice to school

A Diploma in Per-

The hardworking performer forming Arts is my 23 foundation, and it is ALUMNI ON THE MOVE Sean Lee Jia Ern a steady platform for Diploma in Performing Arts me to progress further in my career. As I began to fi t into the society, I What an exciting journey it has been I am defi nitely became more since I graduated from the Department currently mature and responsible. My of Performing Arts (DPA)! Apart from hav- attached to an advice to all young graduates: ing my own YouTube channel “seanlje” online channel which Don’t give up on your dreams. (do support me by subscribing!), I have will be launching soon, and Work Hard! Dream Big, and Stay also embarked on my acting career. My will be producing the content for Humble! Always allow your par- inaugural TV drama will be released their videos. But producing content for ents and mature friends to speak in over TV3 in October 2015. I have also my own YouTube channel has been most your life, and never lose sight of participated in several TV commercials gratifying. In my channel, there are travel your Creator. My time in Sunway defi nitely and print ads, the most memorable one vlogs, topical vlogs, pranks, and more. The played a part in shaping my character being Road to Ramlee, a 4-episode com- whole idea behind all this content is not today. The importance of having good peo- mercial featuring the Samsung Note 4. only to indulge in fun ideas, but to also give ple skills are so valuable for our generation The knowledge and experience that I simple messages, such as the need to be now. Coupled with a good attitude, I am have gained while studying in DPA has nice to others, and to inspire others to do positive that we can achieve our dreams, definitely helped me in my career. something positive. and be who we want to be! BLAZE

Unexpected surprises turned up ever since work that I did the planning and under- I joined the Procter & Gamble (P&G) fi nance taking company events with the seniors department. Upon working in the SK-II mul- strengthened our relationship. We had a tifunctional team, I was privileged to attend Family Day at the KL Bird Park – where, by various company events that were graced by happy coincidence, my family won fi rst the presence of celebrities such as Angelica place in the Bird Hunt treasure hunt! Lee Sin Jie and Godfrey Gao. From there, I got to see the end-to-end process on how those There is a saying that goes: “Worry never events are organised and handled. robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only saps today of its joy.” As such, listen to your As a new hire in the organisation, I was heart and chase after your dreams. Be elected to be one of the committee mem- courageous, and take on that adventure! bers of the Recreational Club – and all the Cheers! BLAZE