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- FACE TO FACE - PICKING UP LIFE SKILLS CONTENTS

The Sunway Group

Sunway No. 2, Jalan Universiti 47500 Darul Ehsan T: 603-5638 7176 E: [email protected] sunway.edu.my/college

Sunway T: 603-7491 8622 E: [email protected] university.sunway.edu.my

Monash University Malaysia T: 603-5514 6000 E: [email protected] monash.edu.my

Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine Movers & Shakers and Health Sciences 04 ‘Jalur Gemilang’ Reimagined T: 603-5514 6000 07 Innovative Educators E: [email protected] med.monash.edu.my 13 Sending Thanks Virtually Sunway International School 10 Uplifting Communities T: 603-7491 8070 Face To Face E: [email protected] sis.sunway.edu.my 03 Picking Up Life Skills Bahru 06 No Easy Road T: 607-359 6880 08 Dynamics Of Learning E: [email protected] 09 Charting A Brighter Future sunway.edu.my/jb

14 Engaging In Happiness Sunway College 15 Most Rewarding T: 605-545 4398 17 Well-Being Of Others E: [email protected] Tan Guan Yu with Dato’ Roslee Yahaya, Deputy Director of Programme at CIMP 18 To Help And Learn sunway.edu.my/ipoh 19 Driven By Technology Sunway College Wanting to experience a different education system with the potential to bring him to different places, 18-year old Tan T: 6082-451 221 / 573 251 / 573 252 Guan Yu chose to pursue the Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) at Sunway College. A Sunway Social Report E: [email protected] 12 A Heartfelt Gesture swck.edu.my Entrance Scholarship recipient, Guan Yu found Sunway College to be a good fit with its conducive learning environment along with the opportunities to try new things, meet new people and challenge himself in many ways throughout his 16 Magnified Contributions Sunway-TES 3Rs On Electronics Centre for Accountancy Excellence CIMP journey. T: 603-7491 8622 E: [email protected] A programme based on coursework, CIMP was tough for Guan Yu but the kindness and thoughtfulness of his lecturers sunway.edu.my/college/sunwaytes helped him to excel. Performing beyond his own expectations in order to maintain his results, Guan Yu shared he Sunway International Business was stimulated by the charismatic teaching style of Brian Donohue who brought passion, responsiveness, caring and & Management optimism into the classroom whilst teaching a tough subject. T: 603-7493 7023 E: [email protected] Through the volunteering aspect of the programme, Guan Yu picked up valuable lessons not taught in classrooms. His sibm.com.my volunteer portfolio included the Reform Model United Nations (ReformMUN), Sunway Model United Nations (SUNMUN) UP2 or UPP or Uniquely Purposeful Programmes is a quarterly publication that represents a Shanghai Sunway Financial Training Co. Ltd. and the 24-Hour Race events. An international youth-led movement against modern-day slavery, the 24-Hour Race is progressive Sunway College. Owned and governed by the Foundation, this T: 603-7491 8622 a yearly fundraiser that collects funds for anti-slavery work beneficiaries. After participating for 3 consecutive years in leading private institution of higher learning is forging ahead towards the next level E: [email protected] of excellence. sunway.edu.my/college/ssft the 24-Hour Race, Guan Yu was given the role of the Deputy Director of Operations for the first time and he was held responsible for delegating, planning and coordinating the tasks given. Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Advisor : Dr Elizabeth Lee UP2 is published by Sunway College Culinary Arts Learning to plan his time well has been one of the most crucial life skills Guan Yu has learnt from his community service Editorial & : Katherine Kee Should you have any comments, T: 603-5632 1188 Photography Team Nichole Kong kindly contact: E: [email protected] efforts. Having spent ample time planning and organising the events he volunteered in, Guan Yu derives the most Alyna Yong lecordonbleu.com.my enjoyment from the results gained through the events as he can see the payoff of his invested hours. Concept & Design : Writers Ink The Public Relations Department Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia Printer : Kuan Press Sdn Bhd Sunway Education Group Awarded the Community Service Award at the CIMP graduation ceremony for contributing 740 hours of his time, Guan No 9 Jalan SR 3/7, T: 603-7491 8622 T: 603-7491 8622 Taman Serdang Raya, Seksyen 3 E: [email protected] jci.edu.my Yu was thrilled, nervous and proud of having achieved so much as he had never expected volunteering to be such a 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor www.sunway.edu.my/college huge part of his life at CIMP.

Next on his agenda, Guan Yu is preparing himself to take on the challenges of pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at the Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed University of Melbourne. After experiencing the diversity of CIMP subjects offered and feeling confident in securing good or implied in UP2 are those of the authors or grades, Guan Yu would very much like to encourage future CIMP students to work hard, to embrace the challenges contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Sunway Education Group. offered and persevere through the tough times. 03 - MOVERS & SHAKERS - - MOVERS & SHAKERS -

‘JALUR GEMILANG’ REIMAGINED

Showcasing their love for Malaysia on the Sunway campus in September, a group of 40 got together to advocate a future in sustainability and reimagine the (‘Jalur Gemilang’). Fusing together used plastic bags, the 37 students and 3 lecturers initiated this project in their Community Services classes to change the public’s perspective on plastic waste and embrace upcycling.

Triggered by the idea of a simple upcycled plastic bag made by a social enterprise called Reimagine Plastic, lecturers Celine Tan and Chee Lee Yoon listed this enterprise on the recommended Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) list for the Sunway Diploma Studies classes Students with the collection of plastic bags in Community Services. Three groups of student volunteers signed up to work with Reimagine Putting it all together Initiating the used plastic collection campaign through social media in late August, Plastic. the students readied their awareness posters and set-up plastic collection points At this point in time, the number of students stood within the Sunway campus at the General Studies Department, Sunway Diploma at 30 people from Sunway Diploma Studies and Studies, Sun-U Residence Management Office Tower B and with the Sunway grew to include an additional 6 students from Student Volunteers. Outside of the Sunway campus, the collection sites included Sunway TES-CAE plus their lecturer, Md Sairolazmi Pasar Kepong Baru, UM Water Warriors and Zero Waste Campaign Universiti Saparman. Reimagining the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ Malaya, USJ 9 Recycle Centre, Karun Hijau Recycling and Urban Carbon Store. included a campaign to collect used plastic, sort, wash and finally fuse the plastic to form the flag. After picking up the used plastic from various collection points, the plastic bags had to be washed then dried. They were then sorted into the various colours of A Design and Communication student at Sunway the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ comprising blue, yellow, white and red. In the process, the University was asked to oversee the design of the students discovered a lack of blue plastic bags and a social media callout was upcycled ‘Jalur Gemilang’. From outlining the made on Facebook to encourage donations of blue plastic bags. For lecturer Ms design draft to maintaining the correct dimensions Celine, the experience of looking for blue plastic bags in a mountain of recycled and measurements for the components of the items is unforgettable. ‘Jalur Gemilang’, student Low Yu Xiang learnt a lot as a designer. Citing problem- Arjun Varma Perumal of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants solving and communications as key to this project’s Some of the students and lecturers involved in the project with the (ACCA) programme explains the process after cleaning and sorting the plastic success, Yu Xiang found it challenging to work completed ‘Jalur Gemilang’ bags according to colour. “Baking or tracing paper was used to fuse the plastics on the crescent moon and the stars in the ‘Jalur and I learnt that different temperature was required for different plastics. Our Gemilang’. The complex shapes needed to be lecturer Ms Chee guided us every day on the plastic fusing process. Our goal exact and he had to consider the process of was a four metre by two metre flag. The daily objective for two weeks was to fuse putting together or fusing the flag through ironing plastic of at least one metre length in each colour.” would change the sizes of the various shapes. When irons were needed to fuse the plastic together, a callout was made on social media for this resource. As the main student coordinator of ‘Jalur Gemilang’, Howard How Jia Hao from the Diploma in IT programme was given the task of coordinating his fellow team mates and updating the progress of the project to the lecturer-in-charge. Learning to communicate effectively was Howard’s takeaway from the project.

One of the group leaders, Elena How Shyan Chi from Diploma in Accounting programme found it more challenging to communicate online than having face to face conversations. By focusing on getting the work done, Elena maintained a positive mindset throughout this project and her commitment to upcycling plastic carried forward into another project. Elena and her team mate Michelle Ho successfully pitched a grassroots project for a heat compression machine to the Khind Starfish Foundation for the Projects for Happiness grant which addresses the root cause of poverty and poor education.

Finding the process of fusing used plastic bags more difficult than ironing clothes, some of the students stayed back on campus or returned on Saturday to re-work their upcycled plastic. For lecturer Lee Yoon, she relished the unusual opportunity to collaborate with the many organisations focused on reducing plastic waste. Thankful for the approval given by Dr Yazilmiwati Yaacob, Head of General Studies Department for ‘Jalur Gemilang’ and the support of her colleagues who had to bear with the temporary chaos, Lee Yoon was happy the students’ engagement in this project enabled them to exhibit social media marketing skills and learn to develop their leadership, organisation and communications skills. Students at work on the ‘Jalur Gemilang’

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NO EASY ROAD INNOVATIVE EDUCATORS

Paving the way for better learning and outcomes for today’s students, 21 Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme lecturers recently received their certification as With wonderful lecturers and supportive friends helping her push forward in achieving her goals, Chiw Yen Yi from Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Seremban completed A-Levels on a high note of achievement. One of the 24 Sunway College students recognised for Experts. The regional Microsoft their academic achievements in the November 2019 examination series at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards representative identified these (OCLA), Yen Yi was awarded Top in Malaysia for Cambridge International AS Level in Biology and Top in the World for individuals as global visionaries in Cambridge International AS Level. education based on the description Awarded by Cambridge Assessment International Education, Sunway College cemented its position as the nation’s of Microsoft tools used, the level of institution for A-Levels with the highest number of awards at this OCLA ceremony. Having secured a total of 30 awards in innovation utilised, the impact on total, the students of A-Levels at Sunway College took home awards in the following categories: teaching and student learning plus the quality of responses that were • 1 ‘Best Across Four Cambridge International AS Level’; provided in the self-nomination form.

• 17 ‘Top in the World’ for Cambridge International AS and A Level; Striving for a blended and student-centred learning environment, tools such as QR codes, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft • 11 ‘Top in Malaysia’ for Cambridge International AS and A Level; and OneNote Class Notebook, MindMeister, digital inking, video curation and creation tools were used to facilitate student learning. AUSMAT students are now poised to develop higher order thinking skills, effective communication skills and • 1 ‘High Achievement’ for Cambridge International AS Level. adopt the language of technology for the 21st century workspace. After completing her (SPM), Yen Yi chose to pursue the A-Levels as she decided to follow her sister’s footsteps in pursuing further education. Learning there is no easy road towards success, she struggled at the beginning of Over the past three years, AUSMAT lecturers have been slowly but surely incorporating into the semester as a result of carrying a study load of four subjects in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. However, their curriculum delivery. By enriching the students’ learning resources through the use of the Microsoft OneNote Class she soon managed to get the hang of juggling her study load with the help of her lecturers. Notebook platform, online learning materials and collaborative lessons have been built to ensure AUSMAT students are being upskilled for the 21st century. As A-Levels is all about hard work, Yen Yi is grateful for the support and guidance of her family members, lecturers and friends. A recipient of 2019 Sunway College Special Scholarship, Yen Yi’s favourite subject in A-Levels is Biology as she Additionally, over 500 original video lessons have been curated and uploaded online to enable AUSMAT students to enjoyed preparing specimens and conducting experiments in the laboratory. Yen Yi fondly remembers her lecturers learn and revise at their own pace through self-directed learning. The rise of e-learning as a result of the COVID-19 always cheering and motivating her fellow students and herself whenever they saw the need. pandemic has led to the rise of remote teaching on digital platforms. By making all learning materials accessible online and the lecturers trained to conduct collaborative lessons using Microsoft Teams, online formative and summative For students who wish to pursue A-Levels, Yen Yi advises them to work hard and to seek clarifications from the lecturers assessments were also developed to help gauge the students’ level of understanding. and their fellow peers when in doubt. Stating that it is normal to feel stress whilst studying, Yen Yi suggests working on planning your hours well and to allocate some time out to relieve the stress of studying. By moving beyond the traditional classroom platform, the certified MIE lecturers at AUSMAT hope to inspire their lecturing peers to embrace the technology tools that will pave the path of teaching in the 21st century. Having scored straight four A*s for Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in A-Levels, Yen Yi is now at the pursuing her Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS).

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DYNAMICS OF LEARNING CHARTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Intrigued by a senior sharing his Foundation Year (MUFY) experience, Arminder Singh Punn Maninder Singh from Kulim, completed his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and proceeded to do his research. Determined to find the best pre-university programme that would enable him to further his studies at Monash University, Arminder chose to join the MUFY July 2019 intake on a Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) scholarship.

With a format of 70% coursework and 30% final examinations, Arminder was continuously assessed through the semesters. He had to familiarise himself with the new assignment formats and balance studying No stranger to the Victoria University (VU) programme at Sunway College, Dr Jason Cheok Boon Chuan has been with completing assignments. attached to Sunway College for the last 18 years. Lecturing for 17 years on Marketing, International Trade, Marketing and Although stressed by the Services, Distribution Management, Management, Strategic Human Resource Management, Global Marketing, Strategic assignment deadlines and Marketing Planning and Human Resource Management, Dr Cheok was just recently promoted to helm VU at Sunway examinations happening College as the Programme Director. around the same time, Arminder Having completed his doctorate in Philosophy at VU Melbourne, Dr Cheok has always had a passion to learn and also found joy in being in the teach, passing on his hard-earned knowledge to his students. Currently focused on taking the VU at Sunway College classroom as the lecturers were to greater heights for the year 2021, Dr Cheok is working on strategic plans for next year. Better empowered in his role there to guide, to make learning as Programme Director, he believes his lecturing experience has given him a greater insight into both the students’ fun and exciting. and lecturers’ perspectives. For him, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught him the importance of flexibility, agility and Volunteering time selling snacks adaptability in his daily life as well as in education. at the MUFY Sharity Carnival in Having depended a lot on MS Teams, Zoom, e-mail, BB Collaborate and the VU Collaborate to connect with his 2019 was enjoyable for Arminder colleagues here and in Melbourne, Dr Cheok believes these communication tools and online classes will play a and to help orient his fellow significant role in the future of education at VU. “The word to guide our programme forward is “flexibility” for students students to life in MUFY, Arminder and perhaps for staff, within the given parameters. Various areas of the programme will include the introduction of new volunteered for the January aspects and these will be more evident when we step into 2021,” according to Dr Cheok. 2020 orientation as he hoped the new students would have a VU at Sunway College offers students several unique advantages as the flexibility of the programme enables students great time during orientation. to choose to fully complete the programme locally or opt to transfer to VU Australia at any time during their studies or even opt for the Student Exchange Programme which involves one semester spent at VU Australia in the city of Having graduated from MUFY with the highest average score of 99.75% in the June 2020 examination series, Arminder Melbourne. All these options lead to an international degree equivalent in course structure and curricula to the degree was surprised and grateful for this achievement. Advising future MUFY students to manage their time well, Arminder awarded at VU Melbourne. encourages them to prepare as early as possible, before assignments start to pile up, to have fun and to enjoy life in MUFY. For Arminder, his greatest takeaways from MUFY include always being prepared to take up new challenges and VU at Sunway College can also be a pathway to earning a degree in Australia at University of Western Australia, Royal to practice good time management. Melbourne (RMIT), University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, Swinburne University or in New Zealand at the University of Otago. This can be achieved by studying one year at VU at Sunway College and then As someone who loves learning new things, Arminder is continuing his journey as a JPA scholar by pursuing a 5-year degree transfer to one of the six in Australia or New Zealand. programme in Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University, Malaysia Campus. Excited at the prospect of providing future students with a holistic educational experience that will uplift and put them Arminder shared he has always wanted a career which allows him to help as many people as he can, and medicine is the in good stead for life, Dr Cheok and his team are very much looking forward to nurturing and preparing the students to perfect fit. With medicine being a dynamic and always changing field with new treatments and technologies, he finds the be employment ready. Backed by a diverse group of administration and academic staff who bring with them many syllabus interesting. Aspiring to do well in medical school to become a good doctor in the future, he hopes to specialise in years of experience, the VU at Sunway College team have witnessed alumni achieving success on both the local and neurology and get involved in research opportunities at Monash University Malaysia. international platforms. With every student a diamond in the rough, both Dr Cheok and his team are looking forward to charting the future of VU at Sunway College together as “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step (Lao Tzu).”

08 09 - FOCUS - - FOCUS - UPLIFTING COMMUNITIES Tee Chwee Kiat Irene Ang Kim Poh With 35 years of teaching experience, Senior Having retired as a school principal in 1995, Irene Ang Kim Poh intended Lecturer Tee Chwee Kiat joined Sunway her stint in 1996 as Administrator of the Australia / New Zealand University College when it was just starting out as it was an programme at Sunway College to be temporary. She stayed on for the next opportunity for long-term growth. Inspired by his 24 years and she is now the Assistant Director of Programme for the Victoria Mathematics teacher to pursue University (VU) undergraduate programme. his passion for teaching, he made teaching his career path and enjoys the experience of From administration of the VU programme to liaising with the twinning partners, imparting his knowledge in Mathematics to the Irene monitors and reviews the academic performance of students alongside students. dealing with other student related matters. She is kept busy with enquiries, she counsels and recruits prospective students, handles the Overseas Exchange The frequent face-to-face interaction with the students, scholarships plus transfers to Australia. students makes him feel lively and perpetually younger. Therefore, having to teach remotely using Some of the highlights for her include participating in the 25th Anniversary of Blackboard Ultra technology during the COVID-19 the VU Programme and the RE-U with VU at Sunway Alumni Homecoming pandemic was a challenge as he had to keep the which was attended by 170, with 130 alumni from Malaysia and overseas, For students attentive whilst teaching virtually and find Irene, each Graduation Day is filled with nostalgia as she gets to share with effective ways to convey his knowledge. the graduates and their families the walk down memory lane starting from orientation to graduation. Irene looks forward to coming to work each day, as Tee believes the secret to acing his subject is to she believes everyone in VU is always willing to strive hard each day and work constantly encourage and motivate so he does at uplifting communities through VU. his best to make his teachings relatable to the students. He sees the environment in Sunway Dr Benedict Valentine Arulanandam College as an opportunity to flourish and he Having identified academics as his calling after spending 20 years in believes the support of the management and the corporate arena, Dr Benedict Valentine Arulanandam chose to administrative colleagues has played a role in complete his in Management and Finance. Looking motivating him to uplift his teaching mindset for an opportunity to excel and fulfill his personal growth, Dr Benedict for “an average teacher tells, a good teacher joined Victoria University (VU) at Sunway College in August 2015 as a explains, an excellent teacher demonstrates and Senior Lecturer. an outstanding teacher inspires.”

Deriving a deep satisfaction from his interaction with VU students and colleagues, Dr Benedict is grateful for the Teaching Award he received in 2019. As for his achievements, he remembers organising the 1st International Conference on Business Dynamics in 2018, the Sharmila Subramaniam 1st Symposium Business Asia@21 – Innovation, Sustainability, Agility in Sharmila Subramaniam enjoys the working culture 2019 alongside the 25th Anniversary Run to celebrate the successful in Sunway College. Having spent 12 years with the collaboration with VU Australia. Department of Performance and Media at Sunway University before moving out of her comfort zone to join Continuing to pursue excellence by publishing in quality journals and VU at Sunway College, she is now the Senior Executive uplifting the students to achieve excellent results, Dr Benedict hopes to in Administration for the Victoria University (VU) place Sunway College as a hallmark of further . undergraduate programme.

Her administrative duties include preparation of Haslinda Mohd Yunus documentation for audits and MyQuest/MQA; Having gained her start in the academic field with Sunway College, introduction of the internship programme; maintaining Senior Lecturer Haslinda Mohd Yunus has been teaching for the past records for staff meetings; attending to front desk 19 years. Keenly interested in teaching since childhood, Haslinda enquiries and student performance plus assisting Ms enjoys meeting up with all sorts of students and enjoys learning from Irene with day to day tasks. In her 2 years with the VU them as much as they learn from her. undergraduate programme, she witnessed firsthand the special bond between VU Australia and VU at Sunway As an educator, the students’ achievements are her greatest joy and College. The 25th Anniversary celebration held at to have former students relating how they apply theories and concepts Sunway College in 2019 was more meaningful when a learnt to their workplace is music to her ears. Believing in the principle of few of the VU Melbourne staff came down to Malaysia “What you get, you must give back”, Haslinda is motivated to teach as to be part of the celebration. if she is teaching her own kids. For her, online teaching is challenging as she has to get the students to engage more during virtual classes and For Sharmila, the VU staff retreat in Melaka in 2019 was join the consultation sessions. an opportunity to get to know her colleagues better. She looks forward to working with her colleagues to Teaching units such as Introduction to Marketing, Consumer Behavior, further uplift the reputation of VU at Sunway College. Innovation and Entrepreneurship plus Product and Services Innovation, Haslinda plans to uplift her academic journey by writing papers to be published or presented in conferences. 10 11 - SOCIAL REPORT - - MOVERS & SHAKERS -

A HEARTFELT GESTURE SENDING THANKS VIRTUALLY

A proud moment in the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) learning journey, 122 selfless student mentors pre-selected for As part of a project for their their academic performance, positive attitude and willingness to assist their peers in their studies were treated to a video Social Issues and Community presentation where their mentees shared their messages of appreciation in a virtual ceremony. Of these 122, 36 served Engagement (SICE) service- duty as double mentors. They mentored their peers in Physics, Chemistry, Human Biology, Psychology, Mathematics: learning module, Victoria Specialist, Mathematics: Method, English, Economics, Accounting and Finance and, Business Management and Enterprise. University Business Programme (VUBB) student of Sunway Encouraging students to participate in the Mentor-Mentee programme, Vanitha Satchithanadan, Assistant Director for College Wong Min Yi and her Pre-University Studies and Director of the AUSMAT Programme of Sunway College believes the students’ involvement team had initially planned to aid in improving their communication skills, boosting their confidence and motivation whilst reinforcing study skills and host a Talent Show for refugee knowledge in the respective subjects. The other attendees at the virtual ceremony included Dr Cheng Mien Wee, children prior to the COVID-19 Executive Director of Sunway International School and Director of Pre-University Studies of Sunway College; Dr Jessie pandemic. Wong, Head of Programme and Professional Development, Academic Quality of Sunway College; the AUSMAT academic team, students and parents. The COVID-19 pandemic made this original idea an For mentoring over a time of 6 to 7 months, student mentor in Physics and Mathematics: Method, Mandy Chua E impossibility during a time of Wei learnt to be clear and concise. First-time student mentor, Isaac Lee Ning took on this role to strengthen his own social distancing, masking understanding of the topics in Mathematics: Method and was happy when his mentee’s results improved. and safe practices. It then morphed into a digital Daniel Jeevanraj Anthony is grateful for the patience and friendliness of his mentor, Liew Pei Ying who took the time campaign and online to guide and explain concepts and questions provided by the lecturer. Student mentee, Lim Xin Yi is thankful to Mira engagement presence Choong Xi Yen for her guidance in academics whereas mentee Teh Tze Yun appreciates the guidance given by with the outputs to be used mentors Ang Shu Yin and Gan Jian Meng in Economics. by Non-Governmental Tackling two subjects as a novice mentor, Chia Sheng conducted weekly online sessions for Psychology and Organisations (NGOs) or social Mathematics: Method. For him, time management is crucial when trying to communicate and explain concepts purpose organisations. Min effectively through the sessions. An opportunity to help others, mentor Zaana Ahmed Naseem discovered her AUSMAT Yi and her team then began journey was made more meaningful through her double mentoring efforts in English and, Business Management a collection drive to provide and Enterprise. In-depth learning plus understanding the issues faced by her mentees in Mathematics: Method and, groceries and necessities for Accounting and Finance was Claris Lim Jink Nie’s takeaway. 11 struggling refugee families with children.

Reaching out to their own families and friends through digital engagement on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, Min Yi and her team had initially targeted a collection of RM300 to purchase groceries and necessities for those 11 families in Sunway Mentari hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through their efforts on social media and the generosity of their Delivery of groceries and necessities fellow friends and families, the collection grew to RM507.25.

Advised to limit interactions and practice social distancing, Min Yi was encouraged to consider the option of using Grab transport to deliver the rations. Acting above and beyond the project’s expected outputs that only required online campaigns and to raise awareness for the plight of refugee children, Min Yi decided to personally purchase, pack and deliver the rations to these families with the help of her parents.

On hand to greet Min Yi and her parents on the day of delivery was Mangnor, the community spokesperson for the families. Taking delivery of the rations for the families, a masked Mangnor was overjoyed and touched by the heartfelt gesture of kindness and love extended by Malaysians to the 11 refugee families in need.

That 11 May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 11 refugee families received care packages containing rice, flour, eggs, cooking oil, biscuits, onions, packets of meehoon and vegetables, packets of salt and sugar plus cans of baked beans and sardines.

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ENGAGING IN HAPPINESS MOST REWARDING Formerly from SMK Keat Hwa in Kedah, pursuing the Diploma in Accounting at Sunway College Starting her Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) has been the right choice for 19-year old Michelle programme at Sunway College in Septermber Andrea Mugas Ho. This programme which started 2019, Special Merit Award recipient Zaana Ahmed in March 2019 has provided her with a good Naseem’s challenging journey has proven to be studying environment, responsible lecturers and most rewarding for her. Building character and encouraging friends that motivate her to do well in helping her to decide upon a future in social her studies. entrepreneurship, AUSMAT has enriched her life in many ways. Although she is occasionally overwhelmed by presentations, assignments, tutorials and her part- Based on the recommendation of her sister who is time job, Michelle has learnt to prepare earlier and a former Sunway University alumna, Zaana’s visit plan her time well to prepare for examinations. on AUSMAT Open Day assured her the positive Enjoying the fact she is required to speak English, atmosphere and unity between students and Michelle has improved her communications skills lecturers was the Sunway experience that she by interacting with her friends and team mates in wanted. Not only did this experience confirm English. In spite of all the lecturers being very helpful AUSMAT was her perfect fit, but it also enabled and very willing to teach patiently, Michelle still has her to transition smoothly from a high school a favourite lecturer. Although she finds Ms Hayati style of learning to college. The AUSMAT lecturers very strict, she shares that Ms Hayati has taught her made sure students like her understand the topics to be more disciplined and responsible. thoroughly before moving on to the next topic.

Michelle found the grooming class interesting but With a format utilising a 50% school-based the community service class was an eye-opening assessment and 50% external examination, experience. She worked on the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ AUSMAT taught Zaana to increase her level of self- project together with 35 other students and her discipline, as the programme was structured in a classmate, Elena How to upcycle used plastics way which required frequent revision of materials into the Malaysian flag. According to her, plastic for there were a variety of assessments to prep for. bags take a thousand years to decompose and As for her online learning experience during the recycling plastics downgrades its quality so plastic COVID-19 pandemic, Zaana explained AUSMAT upcycling is a better option as it turns plastic into had prepared the students to switch to online something usable. Learning how to give plastics learning. Even when her internet connection a second life through an upcycling process used fluctuated, she could still depend on the recorded in the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ project, Michelle then lessons and reliable lecturers to keep her up to par teamed up with Elena to pitch a 1-minute video with all the materials. on Instagram to the Khind Starfish Foundation for a grassroots initiative called Projects for Happiness An AUSMAT student mentor in the mentor-mentee programme, Zaana is grateful for the opportunity to help others. which focuses on helping B40 communities. Double mentoring in Business Management and Enterprise, and English, Zaana found the mentoring programme an equal exchange opportunity for both mentors and mentees. With her mentees’ resilience a source of aspiration for Having enjoyed the synergy achieved as part of the team that worked on the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ project, Michelle’s her, Zaana was able to tap into her desire to help others and this in turn led her to strengthen her drive to pursue social lead role in the Project for Happiness initiative included her online participation in the interview process. Having entrepreneurship in the future. worked day and night to prepare plus rehearse their presentation, both Elena and Michelle asked their team mates to contribute possible questions the judges might ask. Although very nervous throughout the interview, the outcome Standing up for the rights of women on International Women’s Day celebration through her poetry slam performance was that their team were successful in getting the grant from Khind Foundation to do a Community Plastic Upcycling helped her to build a more meaningful experience in college. Through her participation in the Sunway Pre-U Leadership Workshop. Through this workshop, Michelle and her team mates will work with Hara Makers on a heat compression Conference, Zaana learnt to negotiate and build the necessary communication skills to be an effective leader. The machine and produce flower pot moulds made out of plastic. An additional goal would be to help the B40 Sunway Explore Programme gave her insight into financial planning, time-management and leadership skills. Community to earn extra income by providing hands-on training of plastic upcycling skills and enabling them to sell their handmade products. All these opportunities in AUSMAT have driven Zaana to think about building a foundation career in business first as she feels she needs to learn about the industry before stepping out as a social entrepreneur. Deciding upon business For Michelle, her community service projects has been a very valuable learning process. Her responsibilities included analytics which she believes is needed for the digitalised era, Zaana plans to pursue the three-year degree programme – supervising her team mates, making a Gantt Chart to ensure things go as planned, be the workshop welcoming Bachelor of Business Analytics (Hons) at Sunway University. speaker plus helping out with video editing, social media posting and sharing. Seeing herself expand her horizon beyond her studies and gaining more external experiences through community service has taught Michelle the virtues of selflessness, love and care.

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MAGNIFIED CONTRIBUTIONS WELL-BEING OF OTHERS An examinations-based assessment, A-Levels was selected by 19-year old Kavin Raj Purushottaman formerly from An idea mooted by A-Level Biology lecturer Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan USJ 4 as he believes the 100% assessment base suited his study style. After attending Sharon Kong, the Sunway Education Group many open days and discussing with the lecturers, his parents and Kavin finally decided on Sunway College based on recently donated 15 of their phased-out the outstanding results produced by past students in A-Levels. microscopes. Having invested approximately RM4,000 to RM5,000 per microscope for the Having obtained 9A+ in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Kavin was given a full scholarship by the Public Service four Biology laboratories of the Science and Department (JPA). Starting the programme in January 2019, Kavin shares he has learnt to be well organised as with Engineering Resources (SER), these were mostly classes from 8 in the morning till 5 in the evening meant he had to have a study timetable which emphasises a work-life utilised for the external Cambridge GCE A-Level balance as he was carrying a load of 4 subjects. practical examinations. Currently, the Sunway College science labs have approximately a Not only did his lecturers teach him Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, but they were also Kavin’s source of hundred microscopes which are serviced twice a Mahnum Mohamad, Mohamad Syukri and Ziakiahfrom SMK USJ 13 with motivation as they reminded him that as hard as it gets, the hard work does pay off. Kevin is really thankful for Mr Sim year and replaced when the need arises. Rozainah (SER) In front of the donated microscopes Hong Vee, Mr Chong Kok Foo, Mr Alagarajah and Ms Tan Yen Yoon as they advised him how to handle the difficult topics, which became easy once he understood the concepts. The older KRÜSS and Motic microscope models were given away recently to SMK (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan) USJ 13. Donating these microscopes on behalf of Sunway Education Group, Dr K.A. Sagathevan the Head of Science and With interesting activities organised by the A-Levels Student Council (ALSCO), Kavin did take some time out from long Engineering Resources hopes these reliable diagnostic tools would serve their new users well. hours of study to attend Basic First Aid, CPR and AED Course. He also became a Student Ambassador for the A-Levels Math and Logic Challenge 2019 and he remembers coming in second for the Canadian International Matriculation The pursuit of science through the microscope enables the user to magnify things too small to be seen with the human Programme (CIMP) Superbowl Tug of War Competition 2019. eye as the students now have the opportunity to learn about the variety of life, the properties of light, the mechanics of a diagnostic tool plus the physics of lenses and mirrors. With so many lessons to be learnt with this diagnostic tool, Dr For Kavin, getting good grades requires perseverance and the will-power to move on from the semester or mock Sagathevan was glad Sunway Education Group had the opportunity to share this wealth and give back to the Subang examinations as these help make one stronger and only if one keeps learning from mistakes made. He believes the Jaya community. A-Levels is a programme above the rest as it opens doors to many opportunities ranging from competitive courses to fully funded scholarships.

Kavin completed his A-Levels with 4A* in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in May 2020. Having dreamt of 3Rs ON ELECTRONICS pursuing Medicine since he was 5 years old, he is now at Medicine (NUMed) in Johor pursuing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS Honours). Always concerned about the well-being of others and hoping to treat the sick, Kavin looks forward to studying all aspects of medicine to become a more competent doctor. As the ‘throwaway society’ Having already planned his future pathway, he hopes to head to the USA for a 4-week observership in General Surgery trend becomes the norm, before completing his 2-year compulsory housemanship followed by a bonding of 5.5 years with the Ministry of Health the E-Waste (Electronic (MOH) after graduation. He hopes to be able to pursue his Master of Surgery (Neurosurgery) in the UK during his bond Waste) Disposal Collection and use his hard-earned medical knowledge to treat his future patients. Day was held on 19 August this year to capitalise on this. The campaign was initiated with the placement of a big collection bin at the Sunway University building foyer for 3 days in August to accumulate electrical and electronic items.

An opportunity for students and Sunway staff members Staff from IT Services, Facilities Services, Safety and Health Department and to properly dispose of their members of the Sunway College Student Council with the e-Waste collected e-waste, this campaign is conducted twice in a year and has been building momentum since 2012. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2017, a joint effort by the International Telecommunications Union, the United Nations University and the International Solid Waste Association, the amount of e-waste is growing at an annual rate of 3 to 4 percent globally. In 2016, the global quantity of e-waste generation was around 44.7 million metric tonnes or 6.1kg per inhabitant or the equivalent of 4,500 Eiffel Towers. The Asian continent alone generated 4.2kg of e-waste per inhabitant in 2016.

To encourage proper disposal of e-waste, the IT Services, Facilities Services, Safety and Health Department together with the Sunway College Council (SCC) and supported by Student LIFE have placed e-Waste collection bins in strategic locations on campus and in the hostels all year long. Aiming for a cleaner and greener environment is one of the goals for the campaign.

On Collection Day itself, a total of 2,611kg of e-waste was collected, bringing the total amount of e-waste collected since 2012 equal to 27,929kg/ton. With the next Sunway Campus e-waste Collection Day on 28 January 2021, the organisers hope to encourage more Malaysians to reduce, recycle and re-use electrical and electronic items.

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TO HELP AND LEARN DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY

Having decided on an accounting pathway Currently a student at Sunway as early as in Form 4, 19-year old Elena How College studying for a Diploma in Shyan Chi chose to pursue a Diploma in Information Technology (IT), 18- Accounting at Sunway College on a Jeffrey year old Howard Ho Jia How began Cheah Entrance Scholarship. Both her parents his studies in March of this year. and herself believe Sunway College has a Believing the future will be driven by well-known, well-established business school technology and computers, Howard that provides high quality education. is most interested in the programming subjects. With dedicated and friendly Currently in her second last semester and lecturers to help him with his studies, expecting to complete the programme in Howard has found Sunway College to March 2021, Elena enjoys the fact that she be a place full of opportunities and has been sharing her 2-year studies with the knowledge. same group of students since she started. With each semester lasting 3 months, Elena finds it a Asides from learning about challenge having to complete 5 to 6 subjects technologies and how it aids per semester as the time constraints mean she people’s life in his classes, Howard has to learn to manage her time wisely. was actively involved in the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ project as the main A great place to learn and grow, Elena’s student coordinator in charge of lecturer Ms May Lee is her favourite as she ensuring 36 other student members transfers her knowledge efficiently and is of the team created the deliverables at the same time a wonderful guide who and worked together to deliver on the inspires Elena. Principles of Management tasks assigned. His task also involved taught by lecturer Ms Hayati has proven to updating the lecturer-in-charge of the be very useful and applicable to Elena in her progress on ‘Jalur Gemilang’. studies as it has helped her to develop her leadership skills when working together with ‘Jalur Gemilang’ was a totally new her team members in group assignments and experience for Howard and he was presentations. Learning to plan everything surprised by the amount of plastic ahead to ensure smoothness of tasks and they managed to collect during the leaving ample time to mitigate unforeseen collection phase. To him, this was problems, working in teams in the programme evidence Malaysians still use a lot has also enabled Elena to gain skills in of plastic and are not aware of the PowerPoint design, Video Editing, and basic pollutant effects of plastic. With a Digital design. lot of time spent in class and having differing timetables, Whatsapp and Microsoft Team were tools that the To learn and immerse herself in college life, Elena got involved in the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ project as one of the team students in the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ leaders. Trying to find a balance between her studies and her life as a student, the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ project gave project used most to update each Elena the opportunity to care for the communities around her as it was a good way to raise awareness for the need to recycle plastic. other on the tasks assigned. Doing his best to ensure there was equal distribution of tasks and no overlaps, Howard is a fervent believer in the power of teamwork and learning to be responsible for the work assigned. The sense of purpose she gained through working on the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ project has led Elena and her fellow team mates to come up with a Community Plastic Upcycling Workshop. This idea was proposed to Projects for Happiness, a According to Howard, working as part of a team enables the team members to reduce the possibility of making mistakes grassroots initiative by Khind Starfish Foundation. It had to be pitched in a 1-minute video on Instagram together with a and remind each other of the goals and tasks of the project. With plenty of plastic bags needed to be fused into the written statement describing the project, the expected outcomes and prospects plus a budget. ‘Jalur Gemilang’, a lot of manpower was required to put together a flag of this size.

As the Chairperson of Community Plastic Upcycling Workshop, Elena’s responsibilities included allocating the tasks for the Hanging the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ at the Sunway College main entrance foyer was the most exciting moment for the team committee members and overseeing the entire project. Acting as backup to her team mates occasionally, Elena also of 37 students and 3 lecturers from Sunway College as it was the culmination of weeks of hard work. For Howard, the learnt to manage the Facebook and Instagram accounts for the workshop. Having spent nights editing the videos with opportunity to meet his team members from various other programmes was a memorable experience and he is actively Michelle Ho prior to the submission deadline set by Khind Starfish Foundation, Elena shared that at one point she worked participating in another project to help create awareness of the need for everyone to be an advocate for protecting till 4am in the morning only to wake up at 8am to begin her day again. the planet.

For the Community Plastic Upcycling Workshop, Elena and her team will be collaborating with Hara Makers to Having joined the working committee of Upcycling Community Workshop organised by the Sunway Diploma Studies fabricate a plastic compression machine and organise an exhibition cum workshop to create a circular plastic waste (SDS) students, Howard is hard at work with his team members to crowdfund the workshop. Supported by the management for the community and society. Elena personally thinks her time invested in community service is a Khind Starfish Foundation as part of their Projects for Happiness grant, the students are working together with Non- reminder to not forget her teacher’s report card comment, “Elena How Shyan Chi is a student who loves Governmental Organisation (NGOs) Reimagine Plastic to build a world on upcycled plastic. helping and enjoys learning.”

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