THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019

COURSE FOCUS

The best of both worlds

With the opportunity to obtain an international degree at a fraction of the cost, and while still
being near to home, school-leavers have nothing to lose when it comes to studying in Malaysia.
2 Foreign Degrees & Branch Campuses
First step towards excellence
THE path towards an undergraduate
degree in medicine is known to be
distinctively challenging. Many new
medical students find it difficult to adjust to
the demands of medical school.
Fortunately, Newcastle University
Medicine (NUMed) Malaysia’s Foundation
in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
programme ensures students will gain
fundamental knowledge and skills they
require to thrive and excel in their journey.
The foundation programme is designed
to complement and subsequently prepare
students for a smooth transition into the
university’s prestigious Bachelor of
Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (BMS)
degree programmes. It mirrors the
foundation programme delivered at its
parent campus – Newcastle University in
the United Kingdom – a world-class civic
university with a distinguished history of
research and academic excellence.
This gives NUMed’s foundation students
the option of pursuing their undergraduate
studies at Newcastle University, UK, where
they will be able to choose from a wide
range of degrees in areas such as
biochemistry, physiological sciences,
pharmacology, sports and exercise, food
and human nutrition, psychology, animal
science, environmental science and marine
biology.
NUMed’s Foundation in Biological and
Biomedical Sciences draws its strength
from its principle of constructive
alignment, where all teaching, learning
tasks and assessments are intrinsically
linked to produce exceptional learning
outcomes. Through lectures, practical
laboratory sessions, reading, seminar
discussions and tutorials, foundation
students will gain firm knowledge and
understanding of the key concepts of
NUMed's foundation students have the option of pursuing their undergraduate studies at
Newcastle University, UK, where they can choose from a wide range of degrees.
biological and biomedical sciences.
At NUMed, students will not just advance
academically, but also develop socially and
intellectually. The foundation programme
produces critical thinkers, creative problem-
solvers and diligent scholars ready to tackle
the demands of higher education in the UK.
Students will learn eight modules across
three semesters. The Biology I, Biology II,
Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics,
Physics and Medical Studies modules equip
students with the essential scientific and
medical knowledge and practical laboratory
skills to thrive in a medicine or science
undergraduate degree programme.
The English for Academic Purposes
module enhances students’ use and
understanding of spoken English in
academic and social contexts, writing
techniques for academic study and reading
comprehension of challenging academic
texts. In addition, the Study Skills and ICT for
A key contributor in
Miri and Sarawak
CURTIN University Malaysia (Curtin
Malaysia) has contributed immensely to Miri
and Sarawak since its establishment 20 years
ago, and the media has played a huge role in
publicising its achievements and raising its
profile.
That was the message conveyed by Curtin
Malaysia pro-chancellor Tan Sri Datuk
Patinggi Dr George Chan Hong Nam, board
of directors chair Datu Ose Murang and
deputy pro-vice-chancellor Prof Beena
Giridharan at the university’s 2019 Media
Appreciation Night. Held in conjunction with
Curtin Malaysia’s 20th anniversary this year,
the event was attended by more than 70
members of the media in Miri.
Present at the dinner were Piasau
assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Curtin
Malaysia management board chair and
Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and
Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Curtin Malaysia
chief operating officer Pieter Willem Pottas,
and Northern Sarawak Journalists
Association president Andy Jong and deputy
president Chai Chon Chin.
Dr Chan thanked the local community in
Miri and the media for its contributions and
commitment in making Curtin Malaysia
what it is today. He said Curtin Malaysia
looks forward to building meaningful
Representatives from Curtin Malaysia and the media.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019
At NUMed, students will not
just advance academically, but
also develop socially
and intellectually. The
foundation programme
produces critical thinkers,
creative problem-solvers
and diligent scholars.
Science and Medicine module trains students
to develop independent learning skills, adapt
them to higher education culture in the UK
and gain an understanding of information
and communications technology.
By enrolling in NUMed’s Foundation in
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
programme, you will take the first step on a
path of distinction and excellence.
Furthermore, if you achieve academic
distinction in this programme and choose to
progress to one of NUMed’s degree
programmes, you will be eligible for
consideration for the Vice Chancellor’s Merit
Awards. Each award is valid for one year
and equivalent in value to 10% of your
annual fees.
Besides the MBBS and BMS undergraduate
programmes, NUMed also offers
opportunities for postgraduate studies. All
programmes of study lead to the same
degrees as those offered at the university’s
parent campus in the UK.
n To find out more about NUMed’s
programmes, excellent facilities and student
life, visit www.newcastle.edu.my
partnerships with the media and is poised to
produce more future journalists.
Prof Beena shared that Curtin Malaysia
has enjoyed considerable editorial mentions
in various media, both locally and
internationally, reaching millions of print
and online readers over the last 20 years
thanks to the support of the media.
“Nevertheless, we remain perplexed that
many Malaysians have no, or very little,
awareness of Curtin Malaysia. Perhaps our
geographical location or lack of prominence
compared to larger urban centres nationally
is a factor,” she opined.
Prof Beena was nonetheless glad that the
media, particularly in Sarawak, has
continued to support Curtin Malaysia
through the years, stressing that the Media
Appreciation Night was one of the ways to
thank them personally.
Ose said Curtin Malaysia was pivotal in
Miri achieving city status in 2005, and the
university has contributed more than
RM2.2bil to Miri’s local economy to date.
During the event, Dr Chan launched the
university’s 20th anniversary website
(20years.curtin.edu.my).
n For more information on Curtin Malaysia,
visit www.curtin.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019 Foreign Degrees & Branch Campuses 3
International
experience
right at home
UNIVERSITY of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) is
an international branch campus of
University of Reading in the United
Kingdom, which is one of the world’s top 200
universities in the QS World University
Rankings 2019. UoRM is fully owned by
University of Reading.
A key benefit of studying at UoRM is that
students study the same programme and
curriculum as they would if they were on
the UK campus. Academic standards and
quality remain the same. However, students
pay significantly lower fees than if they were
to go to the UK, not to mention the
substantial savings in living costs. Students,
therefore, get the best of both worlds – a
prestigious UK degree at about half the cost
of studying in the UK.
A further benefit of studying at UoRM is
that, should they wish, students have the
opportunity to spend a portion of their
course at the UK campus. The mobility
programme allows for undergraduates to
spend year two of their course at the UK
campus, which is the most advisable time for
them to go to the UK. UoRM students can opt
to attend their graduation ceremony in
either the UK or Malaysia.
Students who are keen on spending all
three years of their undergraduate degree in
the UK should consider enrolling in UoRM’s
International Foundation Programme (IFP).
Students who complete the IFP can progress
to the UK campus and receive a 20%
discount on international student fees for all
three years of study – a substantial amount
saved.
Regardless of whether they study at the
Malaysia or UK campus, students are
exposed to an international, English-
speaking environment. They are put through
the rigours of a UK academic experience,
where they develop into independent
learners who are capable of finding
information and examining issues and are
less dependent on being spoon-fed. In
addition to academic skills, students develop
soft skills such as problem-solving, working
in teams and communication, which are
UoRM students receive the best of a UK education right here in Malaysia, and can opt to
transfer to the UK campus in the middle of their degree programme.
vital for personal development.
Furthermore, the university has forged
strong links with industry and professional
bodies to ensure its graduates have an edge
in the job market. For example, University of
Reading is the first in the world to launch a
partnership with the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
with its Henley-ICAEW Programme. It is not
surprising that many UoRM students secure
job offers through industry placements even
before they graduate.
A key advantage of studying at UoRM is
the environment. Educity is the ideal
location for students to balance serious
academic study with the kind of social life
young adults are expected to lead, but
without the hassle, distraction and costs of
big-city living.
UoRM students enjoy Educity’s world-class
sports facilities, including an Olympic-sized
swimming pool, diving pool, running track,
indoor stadium and fitness centre. Students
also have myriad affordable accommodation
options such as the International Student
Village in Educity or nearby service
apartments.
For shopping and leisure, there’s plenty to
do in Johor and its surrounding areas. In
addition, Singapore is less than 25 minutes
away, and there is a regular bus service from
Johor Baru to the island every day.
UoRM provides students with the benefit
of a prestigious UK degree with strong
employment prospects, lower costs
compared with studying and living in the UK
for three years, and the opportunity to gain
exposure in an international environment.
Its next intake is for September this year
for foundation and undergraduate
programmes.
n To speak to a University of Reading
Malaysia counsellor or arrange a campus
tour, call 07-268 6205, WhatsApp 016-772
5400, email my.enquiry@reading.edu.my or
visit www.reading.edu.my. It is open from
9am to 5pm on Mondays through Fridays
and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
4 Foreign Degrees & Branch Campuses
Stepping stone to
a bright future
MALAYSIA is working towards
becoming an education hub,
leading to a boom in the number
of tertiary education institutions it
hosts. This is prompting students
from all over the world to flock to
the country; me included.
I remember my first time
landing in Malaysia as a fresh
school-leaver ready to take on
university life, nervous about what
this unknown land had in store.
Excitedly, I stepped out of the
airport and immediately felt the
stifling air. My first impression of
Malaysia was how excruciatingly
hot it was. I had been warned of
the extreme temperature before I
left Mauritius, but nothing could
have prepared me for it.
The first week here went by in a
blur of red tape of obtaining my
student visa, getting settled into my
accommodation, and going
through the enrolment process
amid other formalities, at the end
of which a gathering had been
organised for all foreign students
by the university’s international
student club. We were taught the
dos and don’ts of the country, with
special emphasis on its zero-
tolerance policy towards drugs. It
was also an avenue in which to
make friends and join the club.
Before the start of the semester,
an orientation was held, during
which I met my course mates for
the first time. They were mostly
Malaysians with a few
Indonesians, one Japanese, one
Filipina and one Uzbekistani
thrown into the mix, as well as a
fellow Mauritian!
The orientation went smoothly
and the class was quite outspoken,
as expected of communication
students. The nature of our course
compels us to have a good grasp of
the English language and actively
interact with one another, so we
didn’t feel like there was a
language barrier. That day, I had
lunch with a few of them. It is said
that the best way to bond with
others is over food. Throughout my
time in Malaysia, I would realise
just how true that statement is.
> TURN TO PAGE 7
Assoc Prof Lim believes that the strong research culture cultivated at
TAR UC is supported by its facilities, which are more than capable of
simulating realistic scientific research conditions.
Building research
capability
AT Tunku Abdul Rahman
University College (TAR UC), the
need for quality education and
industry-relevant practices is of
utmost priority. TAR UC’s
programmes under the Faculty
of Applied Sciences (FOAS)
echoes the same philosophies.
Assoc Prof Dr Lim Teck Hock
from FOAS’ Department of
Physical Science is a proponent
of strong research culture, even
among undergraduate applied
sciences students, and he is
confident in TAR UC’s state-of-
the-art facilities, which he
believes are more than capable
of simulating realistic scientific
research conditions.
Assoc Prof Lim is the principal
investigator in a research project
funded by Fundamental
Research Grant Scheme
provided by the Education
Ministry and an elected Fellow
Council Member of the Institute
of Materials, Malaysia for the
2018-2019 term. His ongoing
research effort, an investigation
on the potential of core-shell
nanoparticles in photothermal
treatment of melanoma in
collaboration with Universiti
Putra Malaysia, University of
Malaya and University of Tokyo,
has the potential to revolutionise
future cancer treatment
procedures.
“The state-of-the-art chemical
synthesis lab at TAR UC is
extremely helpful for
synthesising, purifying and
characterising nanoparticles
using the latest equipment,
including an Anton Paar
monowave synthesiser and
particle sizer,” says Assoc Prof
Lim.
“I allocate mini projects to our
final-year bachelor’s students so
they can experience what it
means to conduct actual
research through application of
their skills and knowledge. I am
also adopting a research team
culture where students can learn
to work as a team within a
collaborative research setting
managed with industry-standard
project management tools.”
Assoc Prof Lim’s commitment
to providing industry-relevant
exposure has also extended to
the postgraduate level, where he
has recruited two full-time
research master’s students to
work on his nanoparticle
projects.
“Many scientific research
projects are interdisciplinary,
involving applications of
knowledge garnered from the
fields of analytical chemistry,
biology and physics. This work
will lead to satisfying and
THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019
Many scientific
research projects
are interdisciplinary,
involving applications
of knowledge
garnered from the
fields of analytical
chemistry, biology
and physics. This
work will lead to
satisfying and
interesting careers
in which researchers
can help solve real-
world problems.
interesting careers in which
researchers can help solve real-
world problems.”
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia
graduates can opt for the
18-month A-Levels route or one-
year TAR UC Foundation in
Science programme. Both
options will lead to the three-
year Bachelor of Science (Hons)
in Analytical Chemistry, Bachelor
of Science (Hons) in Bioscience
with Chemistry or Bachelor of
Science (Hons) in Applied
Physics.
Those who opt for the two-
year diploma route instead will
be eligible for credit transfer up
to year two into relevant
bachelor’s programmes upon
completion of their diploma.
Second-year bachelor’s
students can choose the dual-
award programme, which is
offered in collaboration with
Campbell University in the
United States. Under this
arrangement, dual-award
programme students will
undergo additional assessments.
Upon successful completion,
they will receive two degrees –
one from TAR UC and one from
Campbell University.
Eligible students are entitled
to attractive academic merit
scholarships and sibling
discounts from TAR UC. To find
out more about the various
applied sciences programmes
offered by FOAS, visit the Open
Day at all TAR UC campuses
nationwide, which is being held
from 9am to 5pm every day until
this Sunday.
n For details, visit www.tarc.edu.
my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019
Similar prospects with a local twist
By NGEH CHEE YEN
IN 2017, the Higher Education
Ministry released a report showing
that 100,528 and 87,249 students
travelled abroad for further study
in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Titled Number of Malaysian
Students Studying Abroad by Types
of Sponsorship, Year 2016-2017, it
also reported that the majority of
these students were self-sponsored.
This ties with the common
perception of the benefits and
attractiveness of foreign degrees in
aiding a person’s future career.
Parents are willing to spend more
to send their children abroad in
hopes of securing better job
prospects.
This perception has also
indirectly shaped the way
employers and society look at
hiring new employees.
Jezz Tan, who enrolled in the
American Degree Program (ADP) at
HELP University before
progressing to University of Idaho
in the United States to complete
her degree, believes employers and
society as a whole have a high
regard for foreign degrees.
“In a society like ours, companies
almost always place more value on
those who hold international
degrees,” she says.
Yap Yong Qi, who completed her
civil engineering degree at
University of Nottingham Malaysia,
is of the same opinion, saying,
“There is the common agreement
that an international degree is
better and holds more value in
many places.
“For example, the United
Kingdom is a first-world country,
so its education system has been
crafted over the years to work
effectively and benefit the
students.”
While there are definite benefits
to obtaining a foreign degree, the
dream of studying abroad is,
unfortunately, often merely a
dream for many students. The
primary factors of cost, a sense of
social responsibility and hesitation
in leaving the nest for faraway
lands right after completing
secondary school deter some
people from taking that step.
However, with the arrival of
branch campuses, foreign degree
programmes and foreign-local
university collaborations, students
who dream of obtaining a foreign
degree can do it at a cheaper cost,
in addition to remaining close to
home.
A global destination
Among the reasons individuals
want to study abroad is to have a
taste of the international student
experience, where their mindsets
are reshaped through new
cultures and lifestyles. Many think
that students who pursue a
foreign degree in Malaysia will
not have any international
exposure.
On the contrary, students who
study locally do not miss out on
the experience. This is because
Malaysia hosts many international
students who are attracted to its
higher education options, which
are comparatively cheaper than
other countries.
As reported by a local
newspaper last year in an article
titled Malaysia still a top higher
learning destination, as of
December 2017, 177,000 foreign
students had been accepted to
pursue their studies at 10
international campuses in
Malaysia.
The article attributes this
Family comes first
For civil engineering graduate
Yap Yong Qi (pic), the reason for
deciding to study at University of
Nottingham Malaysia lies close to
home.
“As both my brothers were
studying abroad, I felt that it was
my responsibility to stay behind
to be near my parents. I wanted
to be here for them should they
need my presence and help,” she
says.
While Yap sheepishly admits
that peer pressure was among
the reasons for choosing her
university, she has no regrets
completing her degree in
Malaysia. She believes she gained
invaluable memories during her
time at university and that her
experience has helped her to be a
better civil engineer in the
Malaysian industry.
“Civil engineering focuses a lot
on the environment where a
particular structure is to be built.
We had to do a group design
Foreign Degrees & Branch Campuses 5
phenomenon to the fact that Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-
degrees in Malaysia are 2025.
recognised by the Malaysian Considering herself lucky to
Qualifications Agency, which have studied at a branch
assures study programmes university, Yap says, “I do not feel
offered are internationally that I missed out on the
recognised. international experience. This is
The ever-increasing number of because at my university, 50% of
international students has put students are international, so I had
Malaysia closer to its goal of a lot of opportunities to form
attracting 250,000 international
students by 2025, as laid out in the > TURN TO PAGE 6
project for one of my
assignments – to research and
design a double-storey house
suited to a specific plot of land.
“Throughout a period of four
to five months, we investigated
the land properties and identified
potential hazards based on the
information given to ensure the
building of a safe structure.”
Yap explains that a similar
project would have been
assigned if she were to study in
the United Kingdom. However,
the land properties and external
effects would have been vastly
different from Malaysia, where
she intends to work. Therefore,
studying about UK land masses
and weather would not have
been very useful for her.
“As I have always planned to
work in Malaysia, I believe that
studying in Malaysia instead of
the UK gave me a head start in
my knowledge of local land
properties.”
6 Foreign Degrees & Branch Campuses
Always consider your learning environment
> FROM PAGE 5
relationships with people of different
cultures.”
While the majority of lecturers at her
university are Malaysians, she opines that
the quality of teaching is on a par with what
is offered in the UK. In addition, the teaching
styles probably suited her better.
“Because most of the lecturers are
Malaysians, I had an easier time coping with
studies as they are more understanding of
the learning and study methods that
Malaysian students are used to, and work to
balance these methods with the UK
methods.”
The precursor to greater
accomplishments
For students looking to further studies or
work abroad, starting the journey locally
offers many benefits. As study methods and
work ethics differ between countries,
experiencing both cultures moulds a person
into a more flexible and adaptable graduate.
Tan has no regrets starting her degree
experience locally before spending time
abroad to complete her degree. While the
ADP syllabus is designed to be similar to
courses taught in the US, she says that there
are differences in expectations and
coursework.
“I had a lot more coursework when I was
studying in the US compared with Malaysia,
but expectations were a lot lower in the US.
“When I was abroad, I felt that not much
was required or expected of me to achieve a
high grade. In Malaysia, the standards were
higher and tests more challenging,” she
says.
Lifestyle as an education
Yap is of the opinion that in addition to
the quality of education, students should
also consider the environment when
deciding on which institution to enrol in.
She says, “I have been fascinated with
libraries since young and spend most of my
free time in them. Therefore, when I found
out that University of Nottingham Malaysia
had a huge library, I was sold.
“Throughout my degree, I learnt Japanese
through the books available in the library, in
Sea of opportunity
Jezz Tan (pic), who chose to enrol in
the American Degree Program (ADP) at
HELP University, spent some time
overseas to complete her degree.
According to her, starting her tertiary
education journey locally has helped her
realise her interests and the course to
major in.
“In all honesty, as with many other
young adults, I had no clue what I
wanted to study but had this unsatisfied
craving to go abroad.
“ADP seemed like the best option at
that time because I had the opportunity
to enrol in different general subject
classes and get a feel for where my
interest lay,” says Tan.
While she did not know which course
to major in at first, she finally found her
calling when she enrolled in Spanish in
the ADP.
“I had zero expectations of what
college as a whole was going to be like.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by
the material that was taught and how
welcoming the lecturers were.”
Tan appreciates the memories made
during her time in the ADP. Her
experience in the United States was
invaluable, but ADP was the foundation
that pushed her to where she is right
now.
Persevering in adversity
I WILL never forget the very first day,
standing in the hallways of the hospital,
overwhelmed, maybe even terrified at the
magnitude and gravity of being a student
doctor. As medical students, we have
collected stories by talking to patients. As
doctors, I hope that we will never forget to
see the human within.
I remember this one gentleman, who, after
having his double prosthetic heart valve
examined by us medical students, shared
quietly, “I don’t have much to give for the
education of young doctors. But I have my
heart condition; this is all I can give.”
I hope that on hard, tough days, our hearts
will beat for patients like him; that in the face
of void and doubt you will choose joy and
meaning; that when people are mean to you,
you will choose not to recycle and rehearse
the insults but look beyond the brokenness.
When you are called to guide those after you,
like our teachers have, you will choose to
share your stories, not with reckless
arrogance, but with humble confidence.
We have moved about in wards, amid life,
death and states in between. I think we know
now more than ever that life does not last
forever. It’s short, precious, and ends. Let’s
not waste this life living others’. Let not the
THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019
addition to reading engineering research
journals for my studies.
“Standards of education among foreign
universities are generally on a par with one
another. Therefore, we should also pay
attention to the culture and lifestyles of the
universities. What is life spent merely
studying without any enjoyment?”
“The most memorable part of my
experience would have to be the bond I
formed with the teachers and other
students, as the ADP department at my
university was rather small. I had the
opportunity to work with everyone on a
closer scale, which was a blast. Could it be
replicated overseas?
Perhaps, but not
on the same scale,
for sure.”
noise of the expectations of others drown out
your own. Stand for what you believe in and
make yours count. As you go around saving
lives, take care and ownership of your own.
Where we are today is the consequence of
our choices, and what happens tomorrow
will be the amplification of our decisions. I
hope for all of us that we will choose to lean
in the direction of kindness and persevere,
but not without faith or hope. – Excerpt of a
graduation speech by Dr Esther Hor Shan
Lin, one of RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus’
(RUMC) top students
Dr Hor was awarded Best All Round
Student in 2018 and won the Penang Medical
Practitioner’s Society’s Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu
book prize.
With the transnational delivery of its
renowned medical degree programme,
RUMC has graduated high-performing
doctors for more than 20 years and continues
to provide quality pre-clinical and clinical
training for its students. The university is
listed as an Irish medical school in the World
Directory of Medical Schools.
n For more information, call 04-217 1999
or email enquiry@rcsiucd.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019 Foreign Degrees & Branch Campuses 7

Food and friends make it all worth it

> FROM PAGE 4
In fact, a friend once joked, “We
Malaysians don’t eat several meals a
day; we only eat one long meal
throughout the day.”
It would be over breakfast, lunch,
teatime, dinner and supper that I
bonded with most of my friends –
but it was not without hiccups. To
prepare for my new adventure, I
had done my due diligence on
researching Malaysia. I knew about
the population, religion, lifestyle and
food, but had failed to take the
Two Monash University Malaysia engineering students proved that distance between places into
the old way is not always the best way with their final-year project. consideration. Hailing from a small
During my second semester, I took
compulsory subjects outside of my
degree curriculum, as is required of
all foreign students at my university.
They were Malay Language for
Communication and Malaysian
Studies, during which I learned some
Bahasa Malaysia and Malaysian
history, respectively, which drew me
closer to understanding the culture.
What started off as jokingly adding
local suffixes to my sentences ended
up becoming a genuine part of my
vocabulary, so much so that I started
using “lah” in appropriate settings. It
was a moment of joy not just for me
but also for my Malaysian friends,
afterwards for the benefit of the
foreign students.
My journey was going well. Then
came monsoon season and its bleak
scenery, and alongside them, my
homesickness. While I was having a
great time here, I could not help but
miss the people back home.
The homesickness was especially
strong during festive seasons when
the people back home in Mauritius
would be celebrating an occasion and
being on the other side of the phone
screen just would not cut it. It has
now been two and a half years since I
moved to Malaysia, but I still feel
homesick occasionally.

Breaking
island, I had not fully comprehended
just how far “far” could be.
As it turns out, with its
geographical diversity, Malaysia had
quite a varied cuisine. Over lunch, I
asked a seemingly innocent
who had been struggling for a long
time to teach me when the suffix
should be used. Full disclosure: I still
cannot explain when it should be
used. I just rely on gut feeling.
There were moments in class I was
But as just the sky always clears up,
so do negative feelings. I did not
know it when I first met them, but my
friends here had become my second
family. They gave me a sense of
belonging that helped me fit in, in

new ground
question, “Should keropok lekor be
crispy or chewy?”, which almost
sparked a war and gave me my first
taste of how seriously Malaysians
take their food.
blur when lecturers inadvertently
switched to BM to explain certain
terms or gave Malaysian examples to
illustrate certain situations. Luckily,
the lecturers took the time to explain
Malaysia. Now, as my journey comes
to an end, I realise that it is with
fondness that I will remember
university life in Malaysia – minus the
hot weather. – By Lamia Abdollah

in quantum
physics
A FINAL-YEAR project has led
two Monash University Malaysia
engineering students, Mehdi
Pourzand and Chu Rui Jian, to a
groundbreaking discovery in
quantum physics.
To study the dynamics of
quantum systems in the non-
relativistic regime, the standard
practice is to use non-relativistic
quantum theory instead of the
more complicated relativistic
version. This is because the
former is conventionally thought
to yield similar results to the
latter.
In their findings published
recently in Results in Physics, the
duo, along with their supervisor
Assoc Prof Lan Boon Leong,
proved that the conventional
expectation is not true in
general.
The surprising conclusion in
the paper was based on a key
mathematical insight. The
corresponding terms in non-
relativistic and relativistic
equations for the time-
dependent wave function (a
fundamental quantity in
quantum theory) differ by a
phase factor, in which the phase
depends on the small difference
between the non-relativistic and
relativistic energies. However,
because the phases grow with
time, the two predictions will
eventually disagree and
breakdown of agreement could
happen quickly.
Results also showed that the
different predictions could be
tested experimentally for the
simplest atom (hydrogen) thus
proving that the more
encompassing relativistic theory
should be empirically correct.
“To study the motion of a
microscopic system at low speed,
the standard scientific practice is
to use non-relativistic quantum
theory, which is mathematically
and computationally less
complicated than the relativistic
version. Our finding implies that
the relativistic theory must be
used instead to correctly predict
the motion after the agreement
between the two theories breaks
down.
“This paradigm shift opens a
new avenue of research in a
wide range of fields, from
atomic to molecular, chemical
and condensed-matter physics,
which could lead to new
understandings and
discoveries,” says Assoc Prof
Lan, who is the Electrical and
Computer Systems Engineering
discipline head at Monash
University Malaysia.
“Our findings also suggest that
some studies in the past, which
were based on non-relativistic
quantum theory, are not entirely
correct. For example, the
puzzling discrepancies between
the non-relativistic quantum
predictions and experimental
measurements for the simplest
chemical reaction, such as the
collision between a hydrogen
atom and deuterium molecule,
might be resolved using
relativistic quantum theory,” he
adds.
For both Pourzand and Chu,
who have graduated, even
though the project took them out
of their comfort zone, they
enjoyed it tremendously. It also
ignited their passion for
research.
“It is rare to have the
opportunity to engage in serious
scientific research at the
undergraduate level. I’m very
happy our group effort led to an
important discovery,” says
Pourzand.
“I learnt a lot about how to
conduct research, but the most
valuable thing I learnt is that we
should always question
conventional wisdom,” says Chu.
Pourzand is currently
applying to a master’s degree in
physics in Canada while Chu is
pursuing a doctorate in signal
and image processing in France.
n To read the full paper,
visit doi.org/10.1016/j.
rinp.2018.11.050
8 Foreign Degrees & Branch Campuses
THE boundless potential of applicable real-
world experience is highly prized among
employers, especially now that jobs are
continuously evolving thanks to the
influence of technological developments.
Recognising that internships are a great
way for university students to obtain real-
world experience, University of
Southampton Malaysia – a foreign branch
campus of University of Southampton in the
United Kingdom – is introducing a new
programme called Industrial Placement
Year.
“Employability is a key driver within the
university’s education strategy,” says Prof
Rebecca Taylor, University of Southampton
Malaysia pro-vice-chancellor (Asean region)
and chief executive officer.
“We strive to ensure that employability is
embedded into all parts of the student
experience. At Southampton Malaysia, we
have a range of clubs and extracurricular
activities, as well as opportunities for
students to gain work experience through
placements, internships and volunteering.
Under the Industrial Placement Year, our
students can develop their employability
and enhance their relationships with the
labour market and employers in the UK,”
she adds.
A recent graduate survey confirmed that
the average length of time for University of
Southampton Malaysia graduates to find
employment after graduation is three
months. Most of its graduates have secured
jobs in leading organisations such as Rolls-
Royce, Intel, BP, Deloitte, General Electric
and Ricardo.
University of Southampton is among the
top 120 in the world for graduate
employability, according to the QS
Employability Ranking 2019.
Top-notch engineering
programmes
University of Southampton Malaysia
offers a range of engineering programmes,
including Engineering Foundation Year,
Gain real-world experience
University of Southampton Malaysia students at Intel. The university's Industrial Placement
Year aims to enhance graduate employability via a year-long paid placement in a UK-based
engineering organisation.
Masters of Engineering (MEng) in
Aeronautics and Astronautics, MEng in
Electrical and Electronic Engineering and
MEng in Mechanical Engineering.
Each programme offers a variety of
specialisations that were designed to meet
the demands of various industries and
trends for future development. These are
offered on a 2+2 arrangement with
students spending the first two years of
their degree at University of Southampton
Malaysia before transitioning to University
of Southampton for the final two years of
their degree.
This new Industrial Placement Year
opportunity is available for full-time MEng
students who have successfully
transitioned from University of Southampton
Malaysia and are between their third and
fourth year at University of Southampton.
The Industrial Placement Year aims to
enhance graduate employability by adding
an additional year-long paid placement in an
engineering organisation based in the UK.
During the Industrial Placement Year,
students will apply the knowledge they have
gained from the taught elements of the
programme, develop a deeper understanding
of technical issues from work-related
projects, understand the commercial and
technical aspects of the sector and reflect on
their developing professional knowledge and
skills.
University of Southampton has a
THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019
The boundless potential
of applicable real-world
experience is highly
prized among employers,
especially now that jobs
are continuously evolving
thanks to the influence
of technological
developments.
dedicated work experience team in its
Careers Centre to help students through the
process. The team provides advice on all
aspects of looking and applying for
placements and is responsible for ensuring
students are supported through their
placement year.
University of Southampton is in the top
1% of universities worldwide and a global
centre for excellence in research and
education. Established in 1952, it is a public
research-intensive university and founding
member of the Russell Group. Through the
years, the university has gained recognition
for its successes and history of world-
changing achievements. To learn more, visit
www.southampton.ac.uk.
Visit University of Southampton Malaysia
in Educity, Iskandar Puteri, on Aug 17 and 24
for its Open Day to find out more about its
Industrial Placement Year, course offerings
and scholarships. Application is free of
charge for all programmes.
n For more information, call 07-560 2560 or
visit www.southampton.edu.my