RAFFLES BUSINESS UPDATES

Biomedical Science Sector to grow in Singapore!

In a recent article in Today, Singapore was identified as the top destination of choice for Biomedical Science professionals in the region. The demand for Biomedical Science graduates will be increasing and the Economic Development Board (EDB) is expecting a growth of 5 to 10 percent this year for this sector. Therefore, it is an opportune time for applicants interested in Biomedical Science to embark on their studies with us (equipped with a Biomedical Lab) and be ready for the growing industry in Singapore.

Sunway University graduate won the First Place and Watts Prize

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) April 2010 student from Sunway University (Sunway), An Li Fong clinched the First Place and Watts Prize recently. An Li Fong, a 22 year old full time staff for PricewaterhouseCoopers was awarded his certificate in the presence of The Chancellor and Founder of Sunway University and Chairman of Sunway Group, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO by the Chief Executive Officer of ICAEW, Mr. Michael Izza during his visit to Sunway University.

An Li Fong who topped the world to bag the First Place and the Watts Prize for the Audit and Assurance paper which he completed in June 2010, will be presented with a plaque and return air-ticket to London by Sunway-TES, the professional financial courses division of Sunway University. He will be attending the ICAEW Annual Awards Ceremony in London on the 19 May 2011 in recognition of his outstanding achievement.

Mr. Lee Weng Keng, Chief Executive Officer of the Education and Healthcare Division of Sunway Group said “ We are proud to be the only ICAEW Partner in learning in Malaysia and providing an accelerated pathway to the ICAEW qualification’ in his address.

Mr. Michael Izza presenting the award to An Li Fong while a proud Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah applauded.

The ICAEW programme was first launched in 2004 with a first cohort of 24 scholars in October 2004. 75 students have graduated since with an 81 % overall high pass rate that is on par with the world’s overall average pass rate.

Sunway has had six prize winners in the last six years, three obtaining the First Place and Watts Prize for Audit and Assurance paper, one for First Place and Little Prize for the Taxation paper, one for the Stephens Prize and one for Casselton-Elliott Prize in the ICAEW programme.

An Li Fong (center) esthetic after receiving his award from Mr. Michael Izza (left) and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah (right).

Mr. Michael Izza who was greeted with an exhilarating applaud upon arriving expressed his deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality. He said “We are here to celebrate your success as you are the star today”, in his speech to the Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) students.

Also present were Mr. Mark Protherough, Executive Director, Learning and Professional Development, ICAEW; Mr. Mark Billington, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, ICAEW; Ms. Loh Wei Yuen, Head of Business Development, ICAEW Malaysia; Ms. Joyce Chao, Chief Representative, ICAEW China; Dato’ Gan Ah Tee, Chairman of ICAEW Malaysia City Group; Professor Robert Bignall, Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University, Ms. Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director, Sunway University; Mr. Teo Ee Sing, Executive Director, Sunway-TES; and Professor Leong Yin Ching, Academic Director, Sunway-TES.

UCSI UNIVERSITY AND NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS IN SMART PARTNERSHIP

Kuala Lumpur, 21 December, 2010 - UCSI University’s engineering students are set to be more industry-relevant in a smart collaboration with National Instruments (NI). The two parties today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a bid to introduce more industry-relevant instruments at UCSI University’s engineering laboratories and to enhance the University’s engineering curriculum to be more industry-driven. The MoU was signed by UCSI University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Dr Lee Chai Buan, and Mr James Lai, Area Sales Manager for NI.

UCSI University students can also expect to attend classes in a brand new laboratory, outfitted with the latest equipment from NI. The NI Virtual Instrumentation Laboratory is especially designed to enable students bring to life their ideas into workable prototypes.

This collaborative partnership provides UCSI University students access to high quality industrial tools, enabling them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world settings. According to the Dean for the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Built Environment, Engr. Dr. Jimmy Mok Vee Hoong, this is essential for UCSI University to create more employable graduates. “Most employers today seek graduates who are technically savvy with NI instruments, particularly, the LabVIEW series as it is widely used across a variety of platforms.”

National Instruments devices are used by more than 30,000 companies around the world, including 90 percent of Fortune 500 manufacturing companies. According to Lai, this creates a strong network which UCSI University students could benefit from. “NI tools also enable students to bring to life what they have learned theoretically in the classrooms, to apply them to today’s environment to improve the quality of life in the world.”

In the long run, this UCSI-NI smart collaboration would also benefit the School of Engineering teaching staff by exposing them to the most relevant industry practices, since the University would be among the first to test run their latest products. The academic staff will also undergo stringent examinations to enable them to teach using NI tools, which would consequently enable them to conduct professional courses on NI’s behalf later.

After the signing ceremony, UCSI University’s engineering student, Lee Thean Chai, and his advisor, Engr. Rodney Tan Hean Gay were presented with certificates and trophies for having won the coveted award for Best Innovation in Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Applications in a recent competition by NI. Lee’s invention, the Cool/Heat Therapy Strap, had overcome the shortcomings of the traditional cold and warm compress to beat 16 other participants from around the region.

By handing six other submissions to the competition, it also earned UCSI University special recognition from NI as Best LabVIEW Advocate

Source : UCSI University media

KDU University College @ Study German

Guten tag!

That’s “Good Day” in German. Fancy learning more from native speakers?
Just join us at KDU!

If you want to save on tuition fees, Germany’s the place to go. But first, learn the language!

These short course classes are very interactive, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

What is the course duration?
12 weeks, held twice a week (3 hours per week).

Time?
6pm – 9pm

What are the levels available?
A1/1 , A1/2 , A2/1 , A2/2 , B1/1 , B1/2

When is the next intake?
January 2011

For more details:
Call/SMS : 017-4851700

KDU Campus life

KDU-Swiss Cultural Exchange

by: Ann Teoh

KDU College co-hosted a seminar together with Tourism Malaysia for Swiss students from the Lucerne School of Tourism, University of Applied Sciences & Arts, on 14th April. The seminar provided some 50 students and six lecturers an opportunity to know Malaysia as a tourist destination as well as being a focal point for cultural and tourism exchange between Switzerland and Malaysia. Meeting their counterparts were Ms Kitty Lee, Head of the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts, Datin Puteri Juliana (Lecturer,Events Management) and the academia staff and students.

Campus Tour

Enjoying the traditional dance performances.

The Swiss students are from the tour and travel industry and they study part-time at the university. Accompanied by Mr. Manfred Ritschard (Head of Seminar) and other lecturers, namely: Mr. Furrer Werner, Mr. Rudolf Wey, Ms Rebekka Mehr and Mr. Daniel Peter, they had visited Borneo before arriving at Kuala Lumpur. At KDU College, they shared their personal impressions about tourism in Borneo, its impact on the Ibans in Sarawak and the importance of tourism in supporting wild life sanctuaries.

Their presentations were succint, informative and interesting - in dialogue form, interviews or formal presentations. Some of the interview questions were, "How would you design your marketing strategy for tight budget travellers who wish to visit Sarawak?" or, "What are the unique selling propositions of Sarawak?"

Presenting their views about their eco-tourism in Borneo.

A question "Would you recommend Sarawak as a family destination?" was posed to Sabrina Kurmann and Cornelia Meister. They both gave their opinions that while the long journey could be exhausting and the weather could be hot for children, Sarawak could be a family destination for children above ten years old, as hotels do organise river cruises, visits to the Sepiluk Orang Utan sanctuary and the long houses, which are all unforgettable experiences.

Ever heard of the Rainforest Music Festival? Well, Francesa Drosi, who has never been to one, was impressed with the 3-days Music Festival held at Damai. A large gathering of musicians from the world which included Russia, Peru, Japan and many others, played to a strong audience of 24,000, of which 70% were Malaysians. She felt this was well organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in promoting Malaysian culture which has fanned media interest.

Imagine taking a 45-minute boat ride to meet an Iban Chieftain and 29 families who live together in a long house! What an amazing experience for Stephanie and her friends. She felt that such a homestay is enriching for both parties as the tourists could learn more about the Ibans' strong beliefs and values, and the Ibans could make a living from selling their creative and well-made handicrafts.

A visit to the Matang Wildlife Centre and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary was an eye opener for Eliane Keller and Rebekka Frick where they admired not only the beauty of the rainforests but also the effort of the two centres in protecting endangered species of animals.

Said the emcee for the day, Bim, "Although I've never been to Borneo, listening to their sharing today made me feel that I've been there."

Emcee Bim (right): "Show me how to joget!"

Puan Noor Aine Ismail, the Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia (International Marketing Division) was pleased to note that the Swiss students' observation about the lifestyles of the Sarawak people, the impact of tourism on protected and non-protected areas were well-researched, with very positive recommendations and conclusions about Malaysia.

KDU students showcased traditional Chinese, Indian and Malay dances. In the end, everyone took to the floor doing the Joget (Malay traditional dance) and having fun playing Malaysian traditional games.

A Chinese fan dance by: Yu Dan, Li Jia Wen,
Li Yu Jiao and Ma Ping (Class BA1A)

Indian traditional dancers: Musyarrafah, Lilawathy, Nor Naquiah and Puspaneela (from class BA2D)

"This is how you joget, Bim!"

This is how we play Malaysian childhood games.

The awesome trip to Borneo was arranged by Mr Andy Kuhn (info@malaysia-direkt.ch), and the seminar was organised with various representatives from the Embassy of Switzerland (Mr. Frank Eggmann, Counsellor & Deputy Head of Mission), Ms Lyn Loh (Malaysian Representative, Switzerland Tourism), Cik Noor Aine Ismail (Tourism Malaysia, Deputy Director), Datin Puteri Juliana and Ms Kitty Lee (School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts, KDU College) and Mr. Manfred Ritschard.

Mr. Frank Eggmann with Ms Kitty Lee.

Many thanks go to the students majoring in Events Management and chef students (CULA 5) under the guidance of Chef Yahaya, who had spent many hours preparing the wonderful Malaysian buffet for the guests. These included appetisers such as kerabu mangga, kerabu perut; main course of murtabak ayam, otak-otak, roti jala, curry laksa and a variety of dessert: kueh sri muka, kueh koci, bubur cha-cha and a lot more. If you think dining with chopsticks was going to be a problem with the Swiss guests, it certainly was not the case.

Chopsticks? Not a problem!

Cula 5 Students with one of the dancers.

Chef Yahaya took time to say "Hello" to his guests.

Mr Allan Le Bras in traditional baju Melayu, enjoying satay.

While our Swiss guests enjoy our rich cultural diversity, warm hospitality and traditional cuisine, the SHTCA students were enriched by their presence and their excellent presentations. As Ms Lyn Loh said, "It's an excellent platform for cultural exchange, for the foreign students as well as KDUvers. For hospitality students, it is definitely a good experience to practise hands-on managing a real event."

source : KDU Campus life