THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 EDUCATION GUIDE

Passport to the future

Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today so start your education journey now with this pullout. 2 Education Guide THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 Creating future doctors and dentists

THE study of medicine and dentist- ry requires a strong academic foundation. As linguistically challenging fields of study – where Latin termi- nology peppers students’ vocabu- lary – the educational journey of a doctor or dentist is not easy. In 2020, Manipal University College (MUCM), formerly known as Melaka-Manipal Medical College (MMMC), introduced the MMMC scholarship awards to honour high-calibre future doctors and dentists. This award is aimed at students in pursuit of their Bachelor of Medicine-Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme. A total value of RM1.5mil in Dental students at MUCM can equip themselves with excellent clinical tuition fee scholarships awaits hands-on skills by working with patients at the on-site dental clinic. FIS students striking their best pose during a mentor-mentee interactive Malaysians who wish to pursue session. their MBBS or BDS with the college. tion and I will obtain the know- MUCM. It has also made me realise “It is a recognition of the how of the dentistry world and and appreciate the value of educa- their careers as doctors and student’s achievements, academic gain first-hand experience through tion more.” dentists,” said Dr Jaspal. and non-academic, prior to the interaction with the patients and The Serembanite who is also a For Selangorean P’ng Xiu Hui, “I hope to be start of their degree,” said MUCM staff,” she said. student from the Foundation in claiming the coveted College vice- Prof Dr Jaspal A specially convened panel was Science programme added that Scholar award strengthens her exemplary in all Singh. tasked with the gruelling selection “the scholarship is not the end but goals and dreams of one day Twenty-seven MBBS and BDS process of scholars. just the beginning”. becoming an outstanding surgeon. that I do and in-coming students were awarded While academic prowess was “Receiving the scholarship is not “I hope to be exemplary in all with scholarships ranging from part of the eligibility criterion, just receiving money for me; it tells that I do and contribute to the com- contribute to the RM10,000 to RM172,500. these scholars had to also demon- me I have the potential to deliver munity and society in the future,” For Joanne Francis Xavier of strate that they are indeed much for the future of our society.” she said. community and , winning the BDS College all-rounders in their academics Tharmaraj’s sentiments of the The MUCM Degree Scholarship Scholar award is a blessing and co-curricular activities. future echo the ambitions of the is available yearly for MBBS and society in the towards financing her degree and They also impressed the panel MUCM Scholarship. BDS programmes. The scholarship obtaining the education necessary with their skills as eloquent com- “MUCM scholars are expected to application closes three months future.” to improve the lives of the people municators and lateral thinkers. be the best of the best for their prior to intake commencement. she will work on as a dentist in the MBBS college scholar Tharmaraj intake. With that, comes the expec- future. Vallaiathamlingam said: “This pro- tations that they will continue to ■ For more information, call P’ng Xiu Hui “MUCM is consistently recog- vides me with a greater incentive shine in their journey as an under- 1700 811 662 or visit nised for its excellence in educa- to excel in my medical studies at graduate student and beyond in www.manipal.edu.my THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 3 4 Education Guide THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021

Adapting to Benefits of biotechnology the new

THE International Medical a few games for students to enjoy normal University (IMU) virtual Medical themselves, while learning. Biotechnology Day 2021 (MB Day Some 15 lucky participants THE Covid-19 pandemic has 2021), was commemorated with both national and international, impacted economies worldwide the theme Biotechnology walked away as winners for the and shined a spotlight on careers Innovation for Diseases featuring game prizes, where they gained that will be added and lost. an e-poster competition, game knowledge of everyday applica- The nursing profession has sessions and a talk on April 24, tions and amazing advancement always played a major role in times 2021. of medical biotechnology. of crises, providing care to those Students from IMU’s Foundation At the IMU, the curriculum of its affected. The stability of the job in Science (FIS) programme and medical biotechnology (MB) degree continues to be the pull factor to external students – both national is developed to meet international join this profession. and international – were invited standards and is accepted by a Being on the front lines, nurses to participate in the e-poster renowned international partner make a lot of sacrifices to ensure competition, where five finalists university, the University of the health and well-being of their were selected to compete for the Newcastle, Australia for credit patients. At IMU, the top three prizes. transfer into relevant programmes. The International Medical The MB Day 2021 emphasised curriculum of Students would also be able to College (IMC) is currently recruit- the application of innovative bio- its medical complete the entire degree at IMU. ing students for its July 2021 technology tools to prevent, diag- biotechnology IMU Medical Biotechnology intake. nose and treat current diseases. degree is graduates also have the opportuni- IMC’s Diploma in Nursing is After a steep competition, the developed ty to gain direct entry into the approved by the Higher Education first-place winners for MB Day to meet Strathclyde MSc Industrial Ministry (MOHE) and the 2021 were from the IMU FIS 220 international Biotechnology or MSc Forensic Malaysian Nursing Board (MNB). on their project entitled Magnetic standards. Science, where they would spend It is also accredited by the Nanoparticles (MNPs) in Drug a year in Strathclyde to complete Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Delivery. their Master’s degree. ensuring that quality learning is in Their presentation demonstrated conventional cancer treatment. Current Development of Economy The commencement of this line with the requirements set for how biocompatible magnetic Meanwhile, the third-place win- and Healthcare. programme is in July and higher education institutions. nanoparticles could be utilised to ners were from the IMU FIS 120 He also consults both the govern- September. IMC stays abreast with the latest deliver therapeutic agents to target team on Monoclonal Antibodies. ment and private sectors on health- Those with pre-university quali- developments and guidelines, tumour sites with minimal side They presented the technology of care bio-industry, vaccines, medical fications and have an interest in including teaching and learning effects. This novel technology how monoclonal antibodies can be technology and industry hub devel- medical biotechnology, could apply methods for its students. may bring good news to all cancer prepared and applied in the treat- opment. online. It adopted e-learning at the start patients. ment of cancer, AIDS, Covid-19, With over 25 years of experience However, students who have just of the pandemic and its teaching Second place was won by arbovirus and fungal infection. within the healthcare and bio-in- completed their SPM and do not faculty effectively transitioned another team from IMU FIS 220, Aside from the competition, dustry, Padasian shared with the have a pre-university qualification from the classroom to online for on Nanotechnology in Cancer Drug another highlight of the virtual day audience an extensive future per- could enrol in the one-year IMU the safety of all involved so that Delivery. was a talk by guest speaker spective of how biotechnology FIS programme. student nurses could continue This team highlighted the Solution Biologics Sdn Bhd and affects the world and economy – a with their learning during the benefit of nanotechnology in diag- NuDawn Medihealth Sdn Bhd game-changer with mind-boggling ■ For more information, visit movement control order. nosing and treating cancer and the director Jay Padasian on the inventions for healthcare. www.imu.edu.my or email start@ advantages of this innovation over Impact of Biotechnology in the Finally, the virtual day organised imu.edu.my or call 03-2731 7272. > SEE NEXT PAGE THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 Education Guide 5 Graphic designing for creative minds

GRAPHIC design can be defined as the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experi- ences with visual and textual con- tent. It visually communicates ideas and messages, be it visuals for artistic advertisements, eye-grabbing websites or stunning spreads in magazines. As one of the most wide-ranging of creative disciplines, graphic design is also one of the fastest- growing sectors and always in IMC stays abreast with the latest developments and guidelines, high-demand. including teaching and learning methods for its students. Realising the potential of the craft in the job market, Management and Science University (MSU) College through An extra edge for students its School of Sciences and Technology (SST) offers a Diploma MSU’s Diploma in Graphic Design offers various subjects that have been in Graphic Design for students to chosen thoroughly to prepare students to be an industry-ready graduate. > FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Parents and students are encour- explore and develop skills in aged to find out more about the graphic design. communication skills, advertising diploma programme requires a The human touch aspect of available full sponsorship with It is aimed at the new generation design and interactive multimedia. pass in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia nursing continued after MOHE guaranteed employment offered to produce a highly skilled creative Those who complete the course (SPM) or its equivalent, with three and MNB allowed the resumption to students of the three-year and innovative workforce for the will have the opportunity to credits in any subject, or an MSU of clinical practice, ensuring the programme. future. become technical illustrators, lay- College certificate in a relevant students do not fall behind in their The PTPTN loan is also The programme is a comprehen- out artists, creative directors and field with passes in all subjects. skills. available for those who wish sive course designed towards pro- graphic designers in numerous Once students have completed What sets IMC apart from to pursue the profession at viding relevant skills in acquiring commercial positions across both their diploma, they can opt for others is the clinical exposure their choice of employment knowledge, research and applying print and digital media. credit transfer, which is available that students gain at both Pantai upon successfully passing the them to design solutions for indus- Daily tasks of these professionals to those who choose to pursue a Gleneagles Hospitals and govern- programme. try-related projects. may include or have tie-ins with second-year bachelor’s degree ment hospitals, which contribute to IMC is now accepting The course offers various sub- areas such as advertising and programme at MSU through the their competence in providing applications for the July 2021 jects that have been picked specifi- promotion, art direction, branding, Faculty of Information Sciences good patient care. intake in Ayer Keroh, Melaka. cally to prepare students to be corporate identity, instructional and Engineering (FISE). Additional lectures from industry-ready when they gradu- design, packaging, signage, mobile International Medical University ■ For more details, visit the ate. apps, software interfaces and ■ For more information, look out doctors and sessions from industri- college on an appointment basis This includes nurturing students website layouts. for the advertisement in this al leaders provide an edge for or submit applications online to visual communication, typography, This two-and-a-half-year StarSpecial. students. www.imc.edu.my/apply-now 6 Education Guide THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 An achievement of success

DEPARTMENT of Finance and Banking, Prof Simon Leunig, remarked that the two consecutive years, in 2019 and 2020. Faculty of Business at Curtin University campus – Curtin University’s largest global Dr Badeeb has also had has more than 14 Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) head, senior campus – was proud to have Dr Badeeb as years of industrial and academic research lecturer Dr Ramez Abubakr Badeeb was an exemplary member of its teaching and experience and had research papers pub- recently presented Curtin University’s 2020 research staff. lished in several WoS-indexed and ABDC- Faculty of Business and Law, Teaching According to Prof Leunig, in addition to ranked journals. His research focus is in the Excellence – University Associate Award. heading the Department of Finance and fields of energy economics and finance with In congratulating Dr Badeeb on his Banking, Dr Badeeb is a highly respected and a special focus on the instability of the oil achievement, Prof Sonia Dickinson, Learning committed senior lecturer who joined Curtin market and its impact on financial systems. and Teaching dean of the Faculty of Business Malaysia in 2017 and currently teaches His research career has seen him win a and Law, said the judging panel commended courses in international finance, financial number of awards for outstanding research, Dr Badeeb for his commitment to providing markets and econometrics. including the Sanggar Sanjung Award grant- students authentic and engaging learning Dr Badeeb said the storytelling teaching ed by the vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains experiences. method is a hallmark of his teaching style as Malaysia (USM) for research excellence in The panel also cited his methods of he considers it one of the most powerful 2016 and 2017. One of his research papers teaching as inclusive, connected with tools in the education process. It allows him was also recognised by the chancellor of Dr Badeeb said the storytelling teaching practice, and using innovative techniques to engage students dynamically and enthusi- USM with the Raja Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin method is a hallmark of his teaching style such as storytelling. astically while encouraging them to develop Putra Jamalullail Award. as he considers it one of the most powerful Meanwhile, Curtin Malaysia pro vice- a higher order of thinking and reflection. tools in the education process. chancellor, president and chief executive At Curtin Malaysia, Dr Badeeb has a prov- ■ For more details on Curtin Malaysia, visit en track record of excellence in teaching, curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on being awarded the Student’s Choice Award Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or for outstanding teaching performance for LinkedIn. Uplands introduces new attractive fee structure

Uplands Primary School understands that learning is inseparable from its social and cultural context.

THE International School of Penang creativity, ability to think critically about (Uplands) has approved a new fee structure information and ideas, and their for its primary school students to remain metacognitive ability (that is, their ability competitive and continue to attract students to think about their own thinking). despite the challenging circumstances Uplands teachers encourage such thinking brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. when they design tasks and opportunities It modified the fees each year of the that require students to critically evaluate primary school as well as reduced the the material they use and consider the entrance fee by RM5,000 per child. purposes for which it was originally created. Uplands Primary School students also get They stimulate student curiosity by requir- reduced school fees in years seven and eight ing them to search for relevant information as they transition into its secondary school and ideas, and challenging them to use or which is on the same campus. apply what they discover in new contexts or Uplands Primary School understands that in new ways. learning is inseparable from its social and Teachers look for opportunities to involve cultural context. students directly in decisions relating to their It opined that students learn best when own learning and to set learning goals in they feel accepted, enjoy positive relation- each area of the curriculum. ships with their fellow students and teachers Ongoing and regular assessment will take and when they are able to be active, visible place during the teaching and learning pro- members of the learning community. cess using a variety of methods to inform Driving every decision is its motto teachers and learners about the progress of “Respect for Self. Respect for Others”. learning. The international school believes that its Formative assessment and learning are purpose is to create self-directed learners directly linked and provide feedback to who know what makes them unique, what teachers and learners that is responsive to they are good at, what they need to work on learner needs and informs teaching practice. and what steps they need to take to get Students would learn to self-assess, there. peer-assess and improve their performance It uses a range of assessment tools to with the aid of each teacher’s timely, detailed involve students in their own learning so and meaningful feedback. they can identify their own individual goals At Uplands Primary School, lessons are and areas of growth. delivered by highly trained, subject-specific Uplands extols a balanced curriculum teachers who have a passion for, and exper- where students are grown academically as tise in, their specialist curriculum area. well as in the Arts, Physical Education, These Specialist teachers – Art, Drama, Sport and Technology fields, under the Physical Education, Technology and Music – International Baccalaureate Primary Years work alongside classroom teachers to inte- Programme (IBPYP). grate the inquiry concepts where authentic The IBPYP framework incorporates connections can be made. local and global issues into the curriculum, They co-teach with classroom teachers to asking students to look at six related, aid the inquiry process, providing support transdisciplinary themes and to consider to both teachers and students during the the links between them. learning journey. The themes include who we are, where we are in place and time and how the world ■ For more details, visit www.uplands.org or works. email [email protected] to arrange a Over time, students develop their time to visit Uplands Primary School. THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 Education Guide 7 Pathway to international recognition

THE Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we learn and with the current travel restrictions, many high school graduates are currently at home. While many might hold on to the belief of living overseas to gain and develop an international mindset, the pandemic has introduced a need to shift this mindset. Learning to develop an interna- tional mindset and gain recogni- tion locally could be the way for- ward. Established in 1978, Fairview is one of the first schools in Malaysia to offer a continuum education with International Baccalaureate (IB) education. Recently, the school received recognition as a Top 50 Global IB Fairview students from the diploma programme have successfully World School by ib-schools.com for entered many top universities like Imperial College London, King’s its very high class average score of College London, New York University, University of Edinburgh, University 37.3 points out of 45 in the diploma of Queensland and National University of Singapore. Fairview won an international award in 2021 for the creation of a skill programme, which is equivalent development programme called the ToolBox@FIS that covers a to 4A* in the A-Levels, according to international understanding. year, using high-quality models comprehensive scope of 142 skills. the UCAS tariff tables. IBDP graduates would be able to like Toulmin’s model of argument Furthermore, students from the cope with demanding workloads, construction, the six dimensions of education. Along with its The UCF, however, is recognised diploma programme have success- managing their time and meeting culture and Edward De Bono’s Six international campus in the by the IB Organisation as one of fully entered many top universities expectations. Thinking Hats. United Kingdom and its sister com- the only three universities in Asia such as Imperial College London, Meanwhile, Fairview has also “These were then applied across panies, the Asia Arts Academy and to train IB teachers and as a centre King’s College London, New York received other international every year group and subject. University College Fairview (UCF). of excellence to offer the IB educa- University, University of recognitions including the Fairview students learn the skills In Malaysia, Fairview has tor certificates. Edinburgh, University of Teaching and Learning ATL Award in a systematic, age-appropriate campuses in , Ipoh, It currently offers bachelor’s Queensland and the National by The International School way that’s monitored and assessed Subang, Johor Bahru and Penang, degree, master’s and doctorate in University of Singapore. Awards (ISA) 2021 for the creation from six till 18 years of age,” said an educational resort in Port education and music. On top of that, some 70% of of a skill development programme Fairview principal Dr Vincent Dickson as well as an overseas Fairview students also benefited called the ToolBox@FIS that covers Chian, who recently received the campus at Bridge of Allan, ■ For more information, visit from full or partial scholarships. a comprehensive scope of 142 skills Lifetime Achievement Awards for Scotland. Besides a continuum www.fairview.edu.my. Fairview is The IB Diploma Programme across domains such as emotional Educational Excellence conferred education in IB education from pri- open for August 2021 intake now. (IBDP) is a vigorous two-year management, organisational skills by KSI Strategic Institute for mary to diploma level, it also offers For more details on IBDP, visit pre-university programme that and critical thinking skills. Asia-Pacific. an affordable short 15-month www.ibo.org and those interested provides students with a balanced “At Fairview, we assembled a Currently, Fairview offers A-Level programme and 12-month in UCF are encouraged to visit education while promoting team that built the ToolBox over a primary, secondary and tertiary foundation in music. www.ucf.edu.my 8 Education Guide THE STAR, THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 Much gratitude for alma mater

A FULLY registered community pharmacist next generation of graduates at MSU through with a Type A licence who owns his very exclusive alumni sharing sessions curated by own brand – Zas Healthcare or better known the university’s alumni department. as Farmasi Falah – Management and Science His future endeavour is rather practical University (MSU)’s alumnus Muhammad Sufi and implementable with continuous hard Zainon Abidin Shah shares: and smart work, “I want to increase Farmasi “My business career began in 2020, right Falah’s branches all over the country that after I finished the PRP (Provisional prioritise patients’ safety, medication Registered Pharmacy). The name of my safety and efficacy rather than just as a pharmacy was taken from my son’s name. product-based pharmacy.” The premises located near Hospital Sungai A young entrepreneur-cum-pharmacist, Buloh, Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Buloh and Sufi is a forward-looking MSUrian who is all three schools is what I consider a strategic about helping others through his career. He location. is inspired by MSU’s culture of giving and is My business is a clinical-based concept grateful to give back to the community in all rather than product-based. We have a lot possible ways. of services for health screening – blood MSU prioritises student development to pressure checking, blood glucose test, HBA1C enhance graduate employability. With 98.7% test, lipid test, cholesterol test, uric acid and of its graduates successfully securing even Covid-19 test. employment within six months of gradua- Customers have the opportunity to meet tion, MSU is ranked by the Ministry of the pharmacists and ask anything about Higher Education (MOHE) as Malaysia’s their problems. I provide one-to-one No.1 for graduate employability. counselling sessions with patients to solve Sufi is a great example that anything is Blending technical vocational education their problems and give the best treatments possible if you set your heart to it. and training (TVET) with traditional academ- in terms of minor ailments.” ic curricula, MSU enhances competencies As far as starting up a new pharmacy is boosts entrepreneurial spirit among the with industry internship, community and concerned, it is inevitably challenging to MSU alumnus Muhammad Sufi Zainon students,” he commented. creative entrepreneurship, as well as global establish a good rapport and attract custom- Abidin Shah. Programmes such as the Jumpstart exposure – empowering MSU graduates ers at first. It takes time for the public to and Jumpshop by the MSU Business and with the well-roundedness desired and trust the pharmacy before they invest in His dream of becoming a pharmacist Enterprise Development (BED) Department sought after by employers. buying their services or products. To top it began during his tertiary education at MSU creates a platform for students in their Various skills enhancement programmes off, it could only get out of hand, especially where his degree prepared him to excel in entrepreneurial ventures. MSU believes that to improve students competitiveness are during a pandemic. his career. the right way to excel in businesses is to start offered. The Graduate Employability However, Sufi is a great example that any- “The lectures and method of teaching early and expose one’s self in its syntax as Skills (GEmS) and Personal Enrichment thing is possible if you set your heart to it. deserve their high rank and good much as possible. Competencies (PEC) programme at MSU “First, the challenge was to get the licence reputation. During the Personal Enrichment It is impressive that MSU has produced serves to improve the students’ soft skills. – there were so many procedures. Also, it Competency (PEC) classes, lecturers pushed significant personalities who are hitting the was quite challenging for a new pharmacy to us beyond our capabilities. Their holistic ground running in the entrepreneurship ■ For further information regarding the stand out in the beginning. I am so grateful method of teaching was different from other setting in Malaysia. Pharmacy programme offered at MSU, as the number of customers did increase in universities. Sufi is skilled and well equipped in what contact the Engagement and Enrolment time. My pharmacy tends to get repeat and “I chose MSU because this university helps he does. He says this is because of his Department at 03-5521 6868. new customers and I became busier than students to excel in both curriculum and unquenchable passion towards pharmacy. Additional information can also be before,” he said. academic. Its five-star environment also He generously shares his knowledge to the obtained at www.msu.edu.my