THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

special

COURSE FOCUS
COMPUTING, TECHNOLOGY, ARTS & DESIGN

Create
your
success

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

2 course focus

Beyond
your
studies
WHAT makes a successful artist?
Is it what they studied in
university? Is it the quality of
work that they do or the brand
that they intend to make for
themselves?
One would argue that a
persons work speaks for itself
but we live in a world where first
impressions determine the
engagement of potential
customers. This is particularly
important for artists with
enterprises.
With a growing number of
emerging artists, branding is key
in standing out and being
relevant in a competitive market.
Branding is a great way to
showcase who you truly are as an
artist and draw potential clients
to your work.
Often confused with marketing,
branding not only helps artists
reach their target customers, it
helps them define their
customers based on a niche
market they cater to.

Build you
A big part of branding is
identifying who you are as an
individual and what makes you
unique. Becoming who you are is
no easy feat. Some individuals
are very aware of who they are,
but for many, discovering their
personality and what they stand
for is a journey.
To build your brand, you need
to identify what makes you what
you are. A particular skill or
talent is a great way to start. But
talent alone is not enough to
build your brand.
Branding begins with selfdiscovery. According to Malaysian
menswear fashion designer and
fashionpreneur Bon Zainal
Harun, the concept of branding
should begin when you decide to
pursue a career in arts and
design.
Bon Zainal, who graduated
from the Fashion Institute of
Design & Merchandising in
Sherman Oaks, California, with a
degree in fashion merchandising,
was already piecing his brand
together in his secondary school
days.
Whether it was drawing
inspiration from menswear
magazines or designing sport kits
for his school, Bon had a vision of
how he wanted the world to see
him in future.
Execute what you do the best.

You must sit down and ask

yourself who are you and
where you want to go from
here. Accept your
weaknesses. Once you accept
them, you will grow and turn
them into your strengths,
says Bon.
You need to upgrade yourself
with skills to be more diverse and
marketable. Though going for
classes and courses to learn new
skills is an investment, Bon
stresses that work experience is a
great way to learn skills and build
character.
Authenticity and individuality
are also major components in
establishing the kind of brand
you want to build for yourself.
Though gathering inspiration
from your idols may come in
useful, imitation is not the right
direction to take in building your
brand.
What you can do is take note
of the branding strategy of
successful companies and see
how you can use that in your
branding efforts.

Plug in
As the advances in connectivity
technology now allow people
to go public at such a large and
connected scale, artists and
designers alike are able to gain
much-needed exposure.
Although websites are
traditional forms of online
branding, the wave of
engagement via social media has

Upgrade yourself with skills and

knowledge to stand out and be
competitive.

To build your brand,

you need to identify
what makes you
what you are. A
particular skill or
talent is a great
way to start. But
talent alone is not
enough to build
your brand.
overturned this convention.
Social media is no longer used to
connect with friends and family
only but has now become a
powerful branding and business
tool used by entrepreneurs,
celebrities and artists alike.
Social networking sites such as
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
are great platforms to connect with
people and get your brand across.
Sites such as Deviant Art,
Dribbble, Pinterest, Fleeber and
Gig Fairy provide a niche following
while allowing you to form
networks with other artists.
These sites provide a
great way to build on

your brand with the same platform

as your peers and collaborate with
them.
However, being connected
through websites and social media
alone is not enough to build your
brand. Online platforms work on
content that reaches your followers
at the right time and impacts them
the way you want them to.

Hence, social media strategy

is a key element in building
your brand through online
platforms.
Radhi Khalid, founder of
Perajin, an artisan wooden
cutlery and crockery
company, believes in the
power of social media content
to expand your business.
This graphic design graduate
from Whanganui School of
Design, New Zealand, decided to
showcase his line of Balineseinspired artisan wooden
cutlery entirely on
Instagram.
Branding through social
media allows your brand
and product to reach the
overseas market. Since running
my business through Instagram,
I have had orders from as far as
Australia. Online platforms
really open your brand to the
global market, he says.
With an e-commerce website
for Perajin in the pipeline,
Radhi states that the power of
product visuals, content and
explanation plays a big role in
commercialising your brand on
an online platform.

> SEE PAGE 10

Creative courses
A CREATIVE person always
looks at things differently
from everyone else.
If you are a creative person
and want to pursue a career
in the arts, design or design
technology, there are various
courses you may excel in.
Those interested in design
should pursue a course in
fashion, graphic, gaming,
interior or user experience
(UX) design.
In fashion design, you have
a plethora of opportunities to
explore. Though the common
go-to is fashion design itself, you
can choose to study a specialised
degree such as 3D effects for
performance and fashion,
fashion jewellery, costume
design, fashion illustration or
fashion photography.
If you are interested in the
industrial element of fashion,
you should pursue a bachelors
degree in fashion media, fashion
merchandising, fashion
management or fashion media.
If your artistic inclination is
paired with your enthusiasm for
technology, then graphic design
is for you. This is one of the most
versatile design degree options
in the job market.
With this degree, you can
venture into various fields such
as animation, production model
designing, advertising, mobile
application and web design,
and digital fine art.
Those inclined to creative
content production should
consider pursuing a course

in film and television

production.
With equipment and
production processes becoming
more digitised and sophisticated,
creative technologists play a big
role in the entertainment
industry.
Courses such as film
production, television
production, music production
and stage production are
currently very popular, merging
both the creative and technology
aspects of creative production.
Fine art courses are excellent
choices if you are a true artist
at heart.
If you are a person who
loves the limelight, then why
not pursue a degree in
performing arts? Performing
arts degrees usually encompass
sub-categories such as dance,
acting and music.
Prior training and experience
will come in handy but a tertiary
education in performing arts
focuses on different techniques
and the history of performing
arts.
A course in performing arts
also offers an insight into the
industry and encourages
students to be more inventive
and innovative in their craft.
If your passion is to express
yourself on a blank canvas, you
should pursue a degree in visual
arts or art history. By taking your
passion to the next level, you are
exposed to the work of popular
art figures and the stories that
they tell with their craft.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

course focus 3

Staying relevant
THE Bachelor of Computer Science
may have been in existence for
many decades but remains a
relevant programme that equips
students with one of the most
highly sought-after job skills in the
world.
Dr Simon Egerton, deputy head
of school (research) of Monash
University Malaysias School of
Information Technology, says that
with technologies so seamlessly
integrated into our daily lives,
computer science is a profession
that would never run out of jobs.
According to Dr Egerton, some
of the worlds largest companies,
including Apple, Google and
Microsoft, rely heavily on
technology to drive the economy.
All these companies need to
design new algorithms to create
software and products that will
solve new problems. If you are a
good computer scientist, you will
be in high demand, he explains.
An algorithm is a procedure
or formula designed to solve a
problem that can then be
implemented as software to
run a computer system.
Dr Egerton says that the schools
key focus is to provide its students
with the most solid foundation for
a lifelong career.
Computer science is a highly

dynamic discipline, where

landscapes can change almost
overnight and technologies and
programming languages can come
and go, he says.
Students graduating with a
degree in computer science could
very well face a different
technological world from when
they first started. A good example
is how Apple transformed the
world of mobile computing almost
overnight in 2007.
He says that all good computer
scientists have a common set of
key skills the ability to break
complex problems down into
simpler, smaller problems.
Other key skills they share are
an ability to think critically and
creatively as well as communicate
their ideas clearly and effectively
in a team setting.
Lastly, they all have an unfailing
enthusiasm and passion for
technology; I think this is the key
driver for all of their other skills,
says Dr Egerton.
One of the unique features of the
Bachelor of Computer Science
programme at Monash Malaysia is
its offering of the introduction to
algorithms in problem-solving unit.
In this unit, we teach students
how to think and solve problems
algorithmically. We build up their

tool box of strategies that will serve

them well for a lifelong career in
this very dynamic subject.
Students learn other
foundational skills in subsequent
units, such as analysing algorithms
for correctness and optimality and
how to implement their algorithms
as programs.
Students build on these core
skills and learn how to develop
complex software and computer
systems from these programs.
Dr Egerton recommends the
Bachelor of Computer Science
programme to those who enjoy
solving puzzles and problems.
Career opportunities are aplenty
for good computer scientists and
graduates will have no trouble
finding jobs in their areas of
interest.
Computer science is
everywhere and our students can
apply their passion in many
different sectors, from finance to
healthcare to aviation and more.
One of the hottest sectors at the
moment is in the area of network
security, he says.
The School of Information
Technology will begin its industrybased learning programme next
semester.
This programme offers students
the opportunity to undertake a

Dr Egerton says that computer science is a highly dynamic discipline suitable

for individuals who enjoy solving puzzles and problems.

22-week full-time placement at

companies at the leading edge
of technology.
For the inaugural group,
top-performing students will be
placed with industry partners
F-Secure and Configura.
They will gain invaluable
real-world experience through
this programme and have the
opportunity to apply their passion
for technology and new ideas to

real-world problems, he says.

The school also runs a 26-week
industrial experience programme,
where students form small
consultancy teams to help
companies solve real issues.

n For more information on the

programmes available at Monash
Malaysias School of Information
Technology, visit www.infotech.
monash.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

4 course focus

Riding the
tech wave
Choose from a variety of information technology programmes to develop your creative abilities at IUKL.

TECHNOLOGY is growing
rapidly, bringing radical changes
and opportunities to society
within the areas of economy,
social life and politics.
With these opportunities
come challenges for
professionals who work in this
field as they need to cope with
the changes and provide the
best services and products.
End users, on the other hand,
experience changes in the media
that they use daily. Hence, the
continuous improvement and
change in the field make it one
of the best areas for students
who are interested in technology
and its growth.
Infrastructure University
Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) through
its Faculty of Creative Media and
Innovative Technology offers a
wide range of programmes that
focuses on principles and
practical skills in information
technology (IT).
The programme aims to
establish a foundation for a
successful career in this field.
IT is a broad field that concerns
the use of computers and
smartphones as well as
development of websites,
social media, digital media and
applications, among others.
There are a variety of majors
available and students may
choose the specialisation that
suits them best.
The Bachelor of Computer
Science (Hons) provides students
with a broad and fundamental
understanding of computer
science, programming and
software engineering.
The Bachelor of Information
Systems (Hons) is designed to
produce competent and
marketable graduates in
managing and developing
information systems in a
business context with added
knowledge in information
management, enterprise
systems, e-commerce and
organisational behaviour.
The Bachelor of Multimedia
(Hons) is designed to produce
graduates in a variety of
fields associated with design,
media, the creative arts and
information and communication
technologies.
Students will be equipped
with strong knowledge in the
authoring process and creative
media production, through a
combination of individual and
practical group projects and
lecture materials.
The Diploma in Visual and
Interactive Media equips
students with the capabilities to
work as visual and interactive
media designers across
traditional media and digital
tools in a wide range of
practices, from creative
publishing to interaction design,
leading projects from the

conceptual stage to publication.

The Bachelor of Information
Technology (Hons) in Network
Technology prepares students
with skills in operating
applications in a broad area
of usage, interfacing between
public and private networks,
and constructing security
resolutions for LANs.
The programme also provides
a pathway to obtain Cisco
Certification for students who
want to be better equipped as
the next generation of skilled
technopreneurs.
The Diploma in Network &
Mobile Technology equips
students with the fundamental
concepts and knowledge of
networking and basic skills of
mobile technology. These basic
skills enrich students with
simple development and
deployment techniques required
for mobile devices and an
understanding of the mobile
communication infrastructure.
The Bachelor of Information
Technology (Hons) in Software
Engineering is designed to
prepare students for a successful
career in the software industry
and IT sector by inducting them
into the breadth and depth of
problem-solving, mathematical
foundations of software
engineering, programming,
software development
methodologies, software
processes and lifecycles,
software quality, testing and
technical documentation.
The Diploma in Software
Engineering programme equips
students with skills needed to
design software that is userfriendly, affordable and easy to
maintain.
Graduates from these courses
will be capable of designing,
constructing and maintaining
computer programs based on
what users need.
The Diploma in Information
Technology provides the
theoretical grounding of
programming, computer
science, networking, software
project management and
databases.
This course also emphasises
the development of key
employability skills such as
communication, collaboration,
problem-solving and selfdirection through its learning
model and hands-on experience.
The June intake for the
programmes is currently in
progress. Scholarships and
tuition fee waivers of up to 60%
are offered to students who
excel in their studies.
Study loans such as PTPTN
and Yayasan Negeri are also
available.

n For more information, call

1800 88 STUDY (78839) or visit
www.IUKL.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

course focus 5

UNITARs holistic teaching and learning methodology brings the

classroom to students anytime, anywhere.

Study
options
aplenty
UNITAR International
University (UNITAR) is known
for its leading and innovative
social sciences programmes.
Learn, work and play at the
Faculty of Architecture &
Design via UNIEC (UNITAR
Education Core) with its 21st
century teaching and learning
methodology that aspires to be
at the forefront of training and
education in the field of built
environment and design.
UNIEC emphasises
excellence, innovation and
entrepreneurship in these
two areas.
UNITAR is committed to
producing a new breed of
professionals who are
technologically equipped and
industry-savvy to propel
various related industries to
greater heights as well as cater
to the growing requirements of
the creative sector.
The range of exposure and
experience offered in the
programme ensures UNITARs
students become well-trained
professionals and all-rounded
independent thinkers who are
prepared, flexible and
competent in embracing
professional working scenarios
of the future.
The assortment of
programmes includes:
l Foundation in Built
Environment
l Diploma in Architectural
Technology
l Diploma in Interior
Architecture
UNITAR also offers the
Higher National Diploma (UK)
programme BTEC Level 3
Diploma in Art and Design
(Graphic Design), BTEC HND
Level 5 Diploma in Graphic
Design and BTEC HND Level 5
Diploma in 3D Design for

students who want to have an

international pathway to 1,000
universities in 100 countries
worldwide.
Each qualification is made
up of core units, which provides
a broad introduction to the
sector and helps students gain
essential knowledge of the
subject and specialist units to
build expertise in specific areas
relevant to students needs.
The main campus is located
in the heart of Kelana Jaya, with
ample facilities that include a
library, language room, student
lounge, computer laboratory,
gym as well as hospitality and
tourism facilities that include a
pastry kitchen, culinary spaces,
housekeeping suite mock-up,
and training restaurant and
cafeteria.
With UNITARs holistic
innovative teaching and
learning methodology, UNIEC
Learning Management System
supports all programmes in
UNITAR.
Accessing the UNIEC virtual
platform via the UNIEC Tab or
tablet device for each student
brings the classroom to them,
anytime, anywhere, allowing
them to connect and engage
with anyone.
UNITAR offers RM2mil
worth of scholarships for its
undergraduate programmes.
Its April intake is open till
April 17.
You can visit the main
campus in Kelana Jaya or any of
its eight independent campuses
nationwide in Alor Setar, Ipoh,
Johor Baru, Kota Baru, Kota
Kinabalu, Kuching, Malacca and
Penang.

n For more information,

visit www.unitar.my or call
03-7627 7200 or e-mail
enquiries@unitar.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

6 course focus

Applicable to
the industry

QIUP prepares students for the IT industry by offering them extensive laboratory practice and intensive industrial training.

STUDENTS looking to venture

into an exciting and rewarding
career in computer science and
information technology (IT) can
pursue the relevant programmes
at Quest International University
Perak (QIUP) in Ipoh.
Computing and technology is
now regarded as a fast-growing
industry that provides a wide
range of career opportunities in
many sectors.
With many programmes in
the market, the key to choosing
the right one is to make sure the
programme prepares you to be
job-ready and offers you the
opportunities to specialise in
areas that are current and
relevant.
These factors can be found
in QIUP programmes and
distinguish QIUP from other
institutions.
The Faculty of Integrative
Sciences and Technology at QIUP
offers the Bachelor of Computer
Science (Hons), Bachelor of
Information Technology (Hons)
and Diploma in Information
Technology programmes.
The Bachelor of Computer
Science (Hons) programme is a
mainstream computing
programme aimed at producing
graduates capable of managing
information and information
systems in a wide range of
information technology
environments and in the field of
application development.
One major highlight of the
Bachelor of Computer Science
(Hons) programme is its
innovative curriculum that
balances theory and application.
Students carry out extensive
laboratory practice of technical
subjects and intensive industrial
training that give them
substantial exposure to the
techniques used in the IT
industry.
The project work in the final
year of study includes problemsolving case studies that
provide undergraduates the
opportunities to apply their
knowledge and skills, which
prepare them for real-world
work scenarios.
The Bachelor of Information
Technology (Hons) programme
aims to expose the
undergraduates to the design,
development and application of
information and communication
technologies that help
organisations thrive in the
challenging business climate.
The programme emphasises
the acquisition of specialised
skills needed for successful and
long-term careers in the IT
industry.
Undergraduates learn how to
integrate advanced computing
theories with extended core
competencies on project
management, cyberpreneurship
and business intelligence, all of

The programme
emphasises
the acquisition
of specialised
skills needed for
successful and
long-term careers
in the IT industry.
which shape industry-ready
graduates for the demanding
IT environment.
Blended with innovative
curriculum, this programme
balances theory and practical
applications in a broad range of
Internet technologies.
In addition, undergraduates
undergo extensive laboratory
practice with intensive industrial
training designed to provide
substantial exposure to the IT
world.
Through this programme, they
develop strong analytical skills
and apply critical thinking
abilities to solve complex
business problems with IT
knowledge, principles and
practical industry applications.
QIUPs quest is to develop
all-rounded graduates who not
only excel in their studies but
also actively participate in
various conferences, educational
competitions and sports during
their study.
The university firmly
believes that participating
in these competitions help
undergraduates develop the
necessary competitive and
leadership skills required for
the working world.
In the past, four
undergraduates of the Bachelor
of Computer Science programme
participated in the national
competition IBM Mobilithon
2013 and were crowned
champions.
The QIUP team also emerged
second runner-up in the 2014
UTP-HAX National Hacking
competition and won the
consolation prize at the 2014
Moto Innocup Competition.
This year, undergraduates will
be participating in the APEX
Business-IT Global Case
Challenge 2016 to be held in
Maya in Singapore.
QIUP offers foundation
programmes, degree
programmes and postgraduate
programmes in a variety of
study areas.
The programmes are open for
registration for the April/May
intake.

n For more information, call

1800 88 QIUP (7487) or e-mail
enquiries@qiup.edu.my or visit
www.qiup.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

course focus 7

From left: Prof Christine Ennew, Prof Graham Kendall, Prof Denny Ng and Prof Chong Mei Fong.

Focus on
palm oil
research
THE University of Nottingham Malaysia
Campus (UNMC) recently launched
theCentre of Sustainable Palm Oil Research
(Cespor), which focuses on improving
various aspects of the palm oil industry.
Located adjacent toHavys Oil Mill
SdnBhd in Palong, Negri Sembilan, the team
at Cespor comprises researchers from the
School of Biosciences, Department of
Chemical & Environmental Engineering and
Department of Mechanical, Materials and
Manufacturing Engineering.
With many developments to be
proud of, including the prevention of
Ganoderma disease that causes plant decay
and the improvement oftechnologies
inconverting palm-based biomass into
biofertiliser, fibre mats, palm pellets, dried
long fibre and biochar, Cespor also
champions the development of Integrated
Anaerobic Aerobic Bioreactor (IAAB), a
novel technology proven to improve the
treatment efficiency of the otherwise highly
toxic discharge known as palm oil mill
effluent (Pome).
The opening of this research facility is a
testimony of multidisciplinary research
from the faculties of science and
engineering and reflects the many
groundbreaking research projects at UNMC
that are both multidisciplinary and a result
of cross-campus exchanges, says Prof
Graham Kendall, vice provost (research and
knowledge transfer) at the opening
ceremony.
Cespor has since collaborated with
numerous industry players such as Eureka
Synergy Sdn Bhd,Havys Oil Mill Sdn Bhd
and Green Plant Organic Fertilizer Sdn Bhd.
To date, Green Plant Organic Fertilizer
Sdn Bhd has secured more than RM8mil in
research grants from both public and
private institutions, in hopes to ultimately
optimise the use of palm-based biomass and
Pome.
I am glad to see that my research on
IAABhas transformed froman initiative in
the laboratory to become the demonstration
plant it is today, says Prof Chong Mei Fong,
creater of IAAB technology.
Prof Chong started developing IABB
technology in 2007 when she saw the great
potential to extract biogas from Pome. At
this time, the industry was still searching for
an efficient solution to treat this waste.
According to the National Biomass

Strategy (NBS) 2020, Malaysia had 83 million

tonnes of dry palm biomass in 2012 at an
estimated value of RM24.9bil.
This is expected to increase to
approximately 100 million tonnes by 2020.
By combining its know-how and capabilities,
Cespor can fully undertake projects of any
size to recover and optimise Malaysias
palm-based biomass into a viable resource.
The centre was officially launched
bychief executive officer and provost of
UNMC Prof Christine Ennew, Prof Kendall,
founding director of Cespor Prof Denny K. S.
Ng, chairman of Havys Oil Mill Sdn Bhd
Datuk Lim Kim Eng, managing director of
Havys Oil Mill Sdn Bhd Datuk Michael Lim
Lian Seng, managing director of Eureka
Synergy Sdn Bhd Dr David Lim, and
executive directors of Havys Oil Mill Sdn
Bhd Raymond Lim Lian Huaand Datuk
Francis Lim.
We are very pleased to work with
researchers from UNMC who have extensive
knowledge and expertise, says Michael.
We aim to develop the means to generate
renewable energy and products through
various strategies that will subsequently
become valuable resources to be used by the
whole nation.
The implementation of more biomass
and biogas projects will ultimately recover
and prevent million tonnes of waste from
being released into the environment,
adds Michael.
By having onsite research offices
equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in
a palm oil mill, all studies can be conducted
in the actual environment.It also can
demonstrate the applications of research in
the industry, says Prof Ng.
All degrees offered by UNMC are official
The University of Nottingham degrees and
are subject to the same quality assurance
processes as those offered in the United
Kingdom.
You will graduate with a degree from The
University of Nottingham, irrespective of the
campus at which you completed your
programme, be it in the United Kingdom,
China or Malaysia.
You will receive a UK-style education and
all the degree programmes and coursework
materials are taught in English.

n For more information, call 03-8924 8686

ore-mail study@nottingham.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

8 course focus

Learn and grow

tech skills
FENNIE Lee Jia Xian, 22, graduated
with the BSc (Hons) in Computer
Science from Sunway University
last year.
The former student of Penang
Chinese Girls High School received
a scholastic award and was also
valedictorian.
She became interested in
computer science in secondary
school, where information and
communication technology (ICT)
was offered as a subject.
Despite people telling her that
information technology (IT) was
a male-dominant field, Lee was
impressed and inspired by one of
her female teachers who created
the library and co-curricular system
at Lees school.
Lee says that during her time
in Sunways BSc (Hons) in Computer
Science programme, she found
problem-solving to be the most
interesting.
A simple or complex problem
requires a combination of
analytical, logical and critical
thinking and the organisation
of different parts or pieces of
a programme to
communicate
to each
other,
she says.
At Sunway
University,
students
are

Fennie Lee Jia Xian.

encouraged to collaborate with the

academic and research team on
various projects.
Hence, Lee had the opportunity
to collaborate with three lecturers
from the Faculty of Science and
Technology.
Their invention A Better Way to
GOTO earned a silver award at the
I.C.T and Multimedia category in
the International Invention,
Innovation and Technology
Exhibition (ITEX) 2015.
I had a week of learning iOS
software development and learnt
enough to perhaps start a simple
project. Yet, with the trust and
advice of my lecturer, I decided
to take a risk and started my
competition prototype using my
newly gained skills, says Lee.
During my preparation, my
lecturers gave me their full support
and encouragement. When I faced
technical difficulties, they got
involved and helped me progress.
It was a different experience
teaming up with lecturers as
they are more experienced.
In the end, the two programming
codes coded by Lee and lecturer
Dr Chia Wai Chong were put
together and functioned well.
While working on the prototype,
I received support from other
lecturers in preparing materials for
the presentation such as posters,
booklets and hardware. The joint
effort earned us a silver medal,
says Lee.
The journey was a valuable
experience. At that time, I had not
taken the examination for the iOS
certification, so it felt like a big
achievement.
Lees time at Sunway
University went beyond just
studying. She was active in
extracurricular activities, being
a member of Sunway
Universitys Toastmasters Club
and Sunway Student
Volunteers, assistant
creativity manager of the
Statistical Analytics Systems
(SAS) Club and senior peer
leader in the Peer Assisted
Learning Program (PALP).

Fennie Lee Jia

Xian (front)
with (from left)
Dr Ch'ng Sue
Inn, Dr Yeong
Lee Seng and
Dr Chia Wai
Chong, winners
of the silver
medal at the
International
Invention,
Innovation and
Technology
Exhibition
(ITEX) 2015 for
their invention
A Better Way
to GOTO.

Lee says that her out-of-classroom

activities helped improve her
leadership, problem-solving and
communication skills, enabling her
to be more effective and productive
when communicating and working
with people from diverse
backgrounds.
She is currently working as a
user interface and user experience
designer at Hilti Asia IT Services
(HAITS), providing global IT
support for Hilti.
Her responsibilities include
performing user behavioural
and usability studies, providing
conceptual ideas on various user
experience topics, designing user
interface and logos as well as
performing front-end web
development.
During the programme, students
will be exposed to various
programming languages and a
development environment focused
on object-oriented design and
experience different subjects
such as artificial intelligence and
computational intelligence, digital
image processing and computer
vision, software engineering and
software architecture, human
computer interaction and other
fundamental subjects such as
computer organisation, database
and computer networks.
The BSc (Hons) in Computer
Science at Sunway University equips
students with important knowledge
and hands-on skills, including
analytical, problem-solving,
algorithmic, modelling, solution
design and development skills.
These skills prepare them for their
future jobs and open up a variety of
career pathways.
The Faculty of Science and
Technology supports and
encourages students to participate
in various competitions, hackathons,
conferences, talks, events and even
provide some the opportunity to be
a research assistant.

n For more information, call

03-7491 8622 or e-mail
info@sunway.edu.my or visit
sunway.edu.my/university/FST.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

WHEN we started in 1984 as a

pioneer specialist college
offering British qualifications in
business and information
technology (IT), it was beyond
our imagination that we would
one day be rated a five-star
university and students from all
over the world would be
pursuing our homegrown PhDs,
masters and bachelors
degrees, says Datuk Prof Joseph
Adaikalam, founder chairman of
Binary University.
Binarys ISP (Industry
Specialist Professional graduate)
and EYE (Empowering Youth
Entrepreneurship) programmes
have gained global recognition
and helped our university stand
out in the global arena, adds
Prof Adaikalam.
Today, Binary University
offers programmes from
foundation to PhD levels in
accounting, business, computing,
entrepreneurship, finance, IT
and marketing.
Many school-leavers are
often confused about their
career choice. Offered since
2005, the Binary Foundation
Degree (BFD) is an excellent
pre-university programme as it
provides the opportunity for
school-leavers to acquire a wide
range of knowledge and skills
and opens multiple career
pathways in accounting,
business, marketing, IT,
finance economics and
entrepreneurship.
This is why the BFD is
branded as a foundation with
multiple pathways, says Binary
registrar Roland Wee.
This fully accredited
foundation is a one-year
programme open to schoolleavers with a minimum of five
credits in SPM.
Upon completion of the BFD,
students can pursue any of the
degrees at Binary University in
the areas of accounting, business
management, marketing,
computer science or
entrepreneurship. All these
degrees are honours degrees
and are fully accredited.
Students who wish to do part
of their degrees in the United
Kingdom or Australia may opt
for the 2+1 degree pathway that
is available at no additional cost.
The reason our graduates
are highly employable is because
we equip our students with
industry-specific skills and
transform them to become ISP
graduates. This empowers our
graduates to walk and talk the
language of the industry, says
Prof Adaikalam.
Whether you do a business,
accounting, marketing, IT or
Binary University
places emphasis
on nurturing
individuals with
entrepreneurial
skills.

course focus 9

Decades of excellence
entrepreneurial degree at Binary
University, you will graduate
with two certificates a fully
accredited honours degree and
an ISP-certified qualification.
Popular courses at Binary
University include the
BA (Hons) Accounting,
BA (Hons) Business
Management, BA (Hons)
Entrepreneurship, BA (Hons)
Marketing and BSc (Hons)
Computer Science.
These courses, which have
been offered for more than 20
years, provide excellent career
prospects as we produce a
differentiated group of
entrepreneurial accountants,
managers and IT professionals,
says Prof Dr Zulkifli Senteri,
dean of the Undergraduate
School.
The School of Technology
Management offers industryrelevant IT qualifications such
as the Diploma in Information
Technology, BSc (Hons)
in Computer Science,
MSc Computer Science (by
Research) and MSc Information
Technology Management.
Equipped with a beautifully
landscaped green park, retail
outlets, food and beverage
outlets, convenience stores and
condominium-styled
accommodation for 2,000
students within its Puchong
campus, Binary University offers
students and parents quality
value-for-money education.
These facilities are all within our
campus ground, says Prof Dr
Sulochana, vice-chancellor of
Binary University.
The Binary Green City Campus
is surrounded by numerous
facilities that include IOI
Shopping Mall, Tesco, Giant,
banks, hospitals and clinics. A
wide range of Malay, Chinese,
Indian and western eateries is
also within reach of students.
From this year, the LRT is
available right at the doorstep
of Binary University and is
accessible to residents of Putra
Heights, Kinrara, Sri Petaling
and Ampang.
Students are encouraged to
visit Binary University to find
out how they can differentiate
themselves by becoming an ISP
graduate in business, IT or
accounting. The next intake is
on April 27.

n For more information,

call 03-8070 6590/96 or
visit www.binary.edu.my.

Binary Universitys campus in Puchong is equipped with a green park, retail stores, food and beverage outlets and student
accommodation for a complete campus experience.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

10 course focus

Obtain the ICT edge

IT is difficult to imagine life before
information and communications
technology (ICT). If you are using
social media, a smartphone or
tablet and spending time on the
Internet, then you are using ICT.
This is an exciting time to enter
an ICT career due to its dynamic
and ever-revolving nature. In
addition, it offers incredible
opportunities for all.
SEGi University and Colleges
offers individuals who want a
promising ICT career the head
start they need at its School of
Technology and Innovation.
There are four programmes
future ICT leaders can pursue:
l Bachelor of Science (Hons)
(3+0) Computing (University of
Greenwich, UK)
Get on the road to be an ICT
specialist by learning to use
technology to solve problems.
Students learn how to write and
programme software, create
applications for mobile devices and
develop network solutions for

anyone needing access to the

Internet.
Graduates will possess the skills
and knowledge to think logically
about a problem and find a way to
solve it.

l Bachelor of Science (Hons)

(3+0) Computing with Digital
Media (University of Greenwich,
UK)
Students understand the
fundamentals of digital media
development, software
development and computer
systems while developing skills in
related technologies such as user
interfaces, graphics and audiovisual production techniques,
graphics, animation and virtual
reality.
The syllabus is tailored to
enable students to critically
analyse and discuss key issues
associated with digital media
and web technologies as well as
communicate effectively with
business, computing and design

professionals upon graduation.

l Bachelor of Science (Hons)

(3+0) Computer Systems and
Networking (University of
Greenwich, UK)
Modern computer systems
require people with technical
knowledge and skills to design,
create, operate and maintain
network infrastructures.
Through this programme,
students learn issues and
concerns involved in network
implementation and management.
They are also supported in
developing personal and
professional skills.
Students take industrial
examinations such as Cisco,
Certified Ethical Hacker, Microsoft
and Java certifications and develop
valuable personal and professional
skills.

l Bachelor of Information
Technology (Hons) (dual degree
from SEGi University and

SEGi University and Colleges School of Technology and Innovation gives

students a head start in pursuing a promising ICT career.

Abertay University, UK)

This programme moulds future
ICT experts to have a higher level
of entrepreneurial and cognitive
skills, with focus on analysis,
synthesis, creativity and evaluation
competency.
The programme is unique
because second-year students can
choose from the following
specialisations to complete their
degree business systems design,
computer networks or software
engineering.
Upon completion of any of the

ICT programmes at SEGi, graduates

possess a sound knowledge and
understanding of the disciplines
and implement ICT solutions in
their selected sphere of study.

n For more information, call SEGi

University (03-6145 1777 or 1800
887 344), SEGi College Subang Jaya
(03-8600 1888 or 1800 888 622),
SEGi College Kuala Lumpur (032070 2078 or 1800 888 028) or SEGi
College Penang (04-2633888) or
e-mail askme@segi.edu.my or
visit www.segi.edu.my.

Expand your brand

> FROM PAGE 2
Getting to know more people is
great not only for expanding
your business but also
developing your brand and
amplifying its reach.
As an artist, knowing the right
people can help you get the
opportunities and exposure that
you need.
Not only will you be able to
increase you customer base but
you can also leverage on the
resources available to you
through your network and
expand your brand that way.
Attending events, gatherings,
courses and showcases are great
ways to build your network.
Sites such as Meetup and
LinkedIn allow you to join social
groups and get invited to events
held at locations near you.
You can also join mutual
interest groups that organise
events to gather like-minded
people together to share their
ideas and enthusiasm.
Majidah Hashim, founder of
Pufferfish Productions, says that
networking opportunities have
helped her develop her brand
and her performing arts
company.
After quitting her corporate
career, this English and literature
graduate from Universiti Putra
Malaysia affirms that getting
opinions from people from all
walks of life is important in her
efforts to launch Malaysias first
inter-production-house
improvisational theatre game
show.
People should not be too
protective of their ideas and
be afraid that people may
steal them.
Take ideas from different
people at networking
opportunities and you may meet

someone who can provide input

to improve your brand further,
she says.
Majidah takes pride in
the fact that she formed her
current team entirely through
networking and is continuing
to recruit more.
The interesting thing about
networking is that you may meet
someone who would not be able
to help you but may know
someone else who can and they
will patch you in with that
person, she adds.
Building a database of people
whom you have met will come in
useful.
Therefore, archive contact
details and business cards of
people you have met.
You may not need to get in
touch with them right away but
they may be able to contribute
to future ventures.

Put it together
Branding is a crucial element
for artists and their business. Not
only does it help put you on the
map of things but it provides you
with an identity that represents
you and is recognised by your
clientele.
As people get more connected,
it is easy to build your brand
upon advances in technology
and connect with people all
around the globe.
Yet you still need a great sense
of responsibility to ensure that
your branding exerts a positive
influence on your target group
and inspires a new generation of
artists.
As Amazon.com founder Jeff
Bezos said, your brand is what
other people say about you when
you are not in the room.

The Star, tuesday 12 April 2016

course focus 11

Carnival showcases
creative talents
The launch of the Creative
Carnival 2016 in March signified
something truly unique to IACT
College (International Advertising,
Communication and Technology
College).
Held at Petaling Jayas City
Centre VSQ Tower, it was organised
within the month of Celebrating
Creativity and highlighted different
creative expressions.
The event was also held in
support of ANGSANAcare where
50% of the profits from event sales
were used to assist the organisation
to support and enrich the lives of
paediatric and palliative patients
and their family members.
The Creative Carnival launch
showcased the many talents of
IACT College through music, art,
design and food within the creative
communication diversities.
The contemporary world is
filled with an upcoming generation

who have groundbreaking,

inventive, intuitive and creative
minds. It is from this viewpoint
that we sought to provide IACT
Colleges young talents the
opportunity to organise this public
event and showcase their
individual skills through creative
expressions, says Chew Sue Ann,
executive chairman of IACT
College.
The carnival had inflatable
games, coffee art, photography
demonstrations, henna painting,
face painting and water colour
painting activities run by IACT
College art and design students.
Attendees also experienced
interactive opportunities through
creative simulations of mass
communication, broadcasting,
advertising and design.
The main stage at the event had
entertaining performances by the
Performing Arts club of IACT

College (PARTS) and Brickfields

Asia Colleges BACPAC as well as
special performances by DJ Ken
aka Master K (one of the top five
Malaysian DJs) and Gigfairy artists
Nick Yungkit and Isaac Ho.
An inspiring talk show was held
to celebrate the successes of IACT
College alumni Jared Lee, Ashley
Chan, Bryan Lim, Therine Goh and
Melissa Ong.
PARTS club co-president and
student in Diploma in Mass
Communication at IACT
CollegeChristopher Sebastian
organised the performances.
He says, This was a great
opportunity for us to showcase our
creativity. We had both IACT and
BAC students showcase their
performances through vocal
performances, mixing music,
beatboxing, designing and others.
Penny Low, senior lecturer and
marketing communication director

The Creative Carnival held by IACT College was filled with fun and
creative activities.

of IACT College, says, In the long

run, we want Creative Carnival to
be synonymous with creativity and
be the starting point of driving
local talent.
At the same time, were keen to
work hand-in-hand with relevant
industry partners to achieve the
ultimate goal raising awareness
of how the creative communication
world is an entertaining and
lucrative industry. As the education
hub for young and talented
Malaysians with a passion for
creativity and ingenuity, IACT
College is proud to be the pioneer
of this cause.

The carnival contributed

RM1,200 to the ANGSANAcare
organisation and attracted many
sponsors.
IACT College offers degree,
diploma, and foundation
programmes in mass
communication, media, marketing,
advertising, broadcasting, graphic
design and creative multimedia.
Come and visit IACT College on
weekdays from 9am to 6pm and
from 10am to 5pm on weekends.

n For more information,

call 03-7954 1909 or visit
www.iact.edu.my.

Protecting
originality
A lot of creative process goes
into building your brand. The
intangible materials used in the
creative process and branding
are known as intellectual
property (IP).
Most higher education
institutions offer subjects or
courses in IP protection for arts
and design students so that you
are aware of your legal rights
over your inventions or work.
As a whole, IP is defined as a
creative product or invention
such as manuscripts, ideas or a
design that belongs to the
individual who created them.
The person then has the right to
apply for a patent, copyright or
trademark on the IP.
Trademarked logos are used
to distinguish the brand of one
company from another. A logo
that has a registered trademark
is legally protected from being
used or modified by someone
else.
A trademark plays an
immense role in advertising
and can be used to license or
franchise your brand. A general
trademark will not be able to
protect your logo, brand or
product from being violated
by other individuals.
A registered trademark under
an IP governing body, however,
provides exclusive rights to the
registered individual to use their
marks in trading. This allows
them to take legal rights against
infringement by other
individuals under the law.
A copyright is the exclusive
right of creative content given to
a person who produced that
content. In Malaysia, a copyright
is granted when the content is
deemed original, made and

Intellectual property protection

knowledge is vital in the creative
industry.

produced locally, and written

down, recorded or reduced to a
material form.
Creative content such as
music, films, broadcast and
literature can be copyrighted.
Even though there is no
registration system for copyright
in Malaysia, creative content is
protected under the Copyright
Act 1987.
If you have an innovative
product, then you should get it
patented for it to be protected.
A patent grants exclusive rights
of an invention to the inventor
and it cannot be replicated or
modified by another person.
An invention that is eligible
for a patent application is based
on a new discovery or method
process and has not been
disclosed in any form, around
the world. The invention must
also be industrially applicable
and can be mass produced.
Logos can be designed as a
symbolic representation or as a
unique font depicting the brand
name itself. Be sure to research
your logo concept before
creating it to check if it has
been trademarked or registered,
locally or internationally.
Trademarks, copyrights and
patents in Malaysia are governed
under the Intellectual Property
of Corporation of Malaysia
(MyIPO). You can find out more
at www.myipo.gov.my.

Binary
20x5

THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

12 course focus

Mastering intelligent electronics

MICROELECTRONICS is a subfield
of electronics that deals with the
design, manufacture and use of
microchips.
It plays a crucial role in modern
day innovations. Without
microelectronics technology, there
would be no satellite television,
GPS, space exploration,
smartphones, laptops, personal
computers and many other
modern and smart electronics/
electrical devices used today.
Smart devices have a constant
demand for better processing
power, sensing and
communication capabilities, which
are made possible through the
miniaturisation brought about by
microelectronics.
Microelectronics enables
embedded systems to be built.
An embedded system is the
combination of computer
hardware and software
designed for a particular function.
Industrial machines, cars, health/
medical equipment, household
appliances, airplanes, vending
machines and even toys are among
the many devices that employ
embedded systems to provide
processing/computing capability
that make them intelligent.
Communication links can be

Students carrying out a practical session using the ALTERA board in the
microelectronics laboratory.

built between devices to collect and

exchange data, creating the
Internet of Things (IoT), which is
emerging and touted to be the next
technology mega trend.
According to the 2014 report of
the Economic Transformation
Programme (ETP) launched by the
Government, embedded systems
are a key building block for IoT
that will provide creative

transformation for industry

development.
Modern devices need to be
increasingly intelligent and this
intelligence resides in embedded
systems tightly integrated
hardware and software designed
to perform dedicated functions.
This entry point project (EPP)
will be the catalyst to this emerging
opportunity and develop the

embedded systems industry as a

new source of growth alongside
the growing global embedded
systems market.
Under the ETP programme, the
electrical and electronics sector has
been listed as one of the EPPs. In
line with the ETP, Tunku Abdul
Rahman University Colleges (TAR
UC) offers the BSc (Hons) in
Microelectronics with Embedded
Technology, which trains students
who are keen to participate in a
growing, challenging and
rewarding career in
microelectronics and embedded
systems.
The programme takes three
years to complete and, unlike a
normal broad-based electronics
programme, it emphasises digital
systems, programmable devices
such as FPGA (field programmable
gate array) and microcontrollers,
integrated circuit design and
embedded systems design.
Students are trained in both
hardware and software
development to build efficient
programs methodically and
systematically.
Automation and embedded
systems go hand in hand. At TAR
UC, students have the opportunity
to learn how to use industrial

grade software tools such as

LabVIEW.
It is a great tool not only for
automation projects but also for
test and measurements. Currently,
companies are seeking to employ
graduates who have knowledge of
LabVIEW.
ETPs emphasis on developing
integrated circuit design firms will
provide job opportunities for
graduates who have in-depth
knowledge in FPGA and integrated
circuit design.
At TAR UC, professional software
design tools such as Mentor
Graphics are used to train students
in this area to ensure they acquire
the necessary industry skills.
All in all, the BSc (Hons) in
Microelectronics with Embedded
Technology programme is designed
to train students competent in both
electronic hardware and software
to meet the requirements of
industries in many areas of
electrical/electronic sectors locally
and internationally.

n For more information, visit TAR

UCs Kuala Lumpur main campus
or any of the branch campuses in
Penang, Perak, Johor and faculty
branches in Pahang and Sabah or
log on to www.tarc.edu.my.