Post Graduate - 16 June 2015

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THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

special

Explorations
beyond the
conventional

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

2 postgraduate

Independent learning at OUM
OPEN University Malaysia (OUM) is
a rich advocate of flexible learning.
Its open and distance learning
mode, coupled with the university’s
impressive variety of postgraduate
programmes, provides learners
with a holistic learning package.
The blend of learning adopted
at OUM comprises self-managed
learning, online learning and
face-to-face interaction.
With only 753 students in August
2001, the university has since
grown and produced more than
57,000 graduates – and the number
of student enrolment is increasing
yearly.
On top of that, each of OUM’s six
fully functional full-time faculties
offers postgraduate programmes of
its own.
In providing various learning
technologies, OUM continues to
offer optimal learning and teaching
support. In line with this, the
university provides a learnercentred environment via the use of
various technology-based channels
to deliver instruction.
In the process, the ICT
(information communication
technology) and learning skills that
learners acquire will better
prepare them for lifelong learning
in a knowledge-based society.
Alongside the facilitation of
learning by tutors, learners are
also encouraged to learn
collaboratively through virtual
discussion forums.
This is to ensure that the
delivery system is learner-centred
every step of the way.

Fully online programmes
Adding a feather to its cap is
OUM’s offering of fully online
programmes, which are made
available locally and to any
potential learner around the world.
Learning materials and modes:
• Homegrown modules
• Access to digital library
• Face-to-face teaching
• Personal tutoring
• Virtual learning environment
(MyVLE)
• Notes in PDF format
• Access to discussion forums
• E-tutorials
• Videos
• Study materials available on
the OUM App

OUM’s flexible learning mode makes education accessible.

For individuals who are
pursuing the programme locally,
they only have to go to any of
OUM’s 34 learning centres
nationwide for assessment
purposes. For international
students, assessment is arranged
to be conducted in the respective
embassies.
As the effectiveness and prestige
of OUM grew in the international
educational arena, many potential
international learners had
expressed interest in taking up
OUM courses.
To cater to the international
market, it seemed only apt for
OUM to provide a fully online
learning experience for its
learners.

Flexible entry system
The flexible entry system is an

alternative pathway that allows
individuals with prior practical
experience to enrol in diploma,
bachelor’s and master’s
programmes.
It is a way around stringent
entry requirements otherwise
imposed on learners who enrol
through the conventional
entryway.
With this system being endorsed
by the Education Ministry, OUM
was the first university to be
granted approval to accept
students based on the Flexible
Entry Admission criteria.
Generally, the process involves
assessing prior experiential
learning acquired through formal/
informal/non-formal training, life
or work experience and
compensates for the lack in
academic qualifications.
Most of OUM’s programmes are

Extracurricular
activities

9

Active interest 8
in a particular
area
Hobbies 7

Prior
experiential
learning

Volunteer 6
work

Formal
qualification

2

Work
experience

3 Free online
courses

4 Skills
Abilities 5

Criteria evaluated under the flexible entry system.

open for flexible admission.
Currently, 30% of its semester
intake comprises these learners.
Since 2006, more than 13,000
learners have enrolled through
this system.

Ideal learning

Students of various academic backgrounds and qualifications stand a chance to further their studies at OUM.

1

Having the right blend of
ingredients – blended mode of
learning, online support and
programmes as well as flexible
entry approaches – is what makes
OUM an ideal learning institution.
This is especially true for those
who lack proper academic
qualifications but want to have a
competitive edge in the job market.
Pushing OUM comparatively is
its focus on the important aspects
of higher education, namely
accreditation, research capability,
quality assurance and enhanced

The fully online courses offered
at OUM are:
• Master of Business
Administration
• Master of Management
• Doctor of Philosophy
(Business Administration)
• Master in Instructional Design
and Technology
• Bachelor of Tourism
Management with Honours
scholastic development.
By ensuring the quality and
effective delivery of all its
programmes, OUM strives to
complement the government in its
efforts to transform Malaysia into a
centre of academic excellence and
contribute to the development of
its human capital.

n For more information, visit
www.oum.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

3

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

4 postgraduate

Islamic finance in education
THE global banking industry has
had a torrid time over the past
eight years with high-profile
failures, deteriorating financial
performance and sustained public
opprobrium.
Many would say that this is
thoroughly deserved. The global
financial crises and the resulting
recession that has dogged so much
of the developed world were owed
much to the greed and hubris of
bankers and the institutions that
employed them.
For business schools, of which
postgraduate programmes in
particular provided much of the
talent pipeline for the financial
sector, the past eight years or so
have required a careful reappraisal
of programmes of study and course
content.
The growth, development and
increasing popularity of Islamic
finance sits in sharp contrast to the
challenging times faced by
conventional financial services
providers.
Although a relatively young
industry, Islamic finance is
developing rapidly and this has
important implications for higher
education institutions, particularly
business schools.
One of the many responsibilities
of universities is to ensure that we
help society develop the kind of

work force it needs – one equipped
with the right knowledge, skills
and capabilities.
That is a broad responsibility
and touches on many elements of
education, but for now, I would like
to touch on the importance of the
subjects we teach and how our
teaching plays an important role in
supporting the growth and
development of industries such as
Islamic finance.
Many countries aspire to
establish themselves as leading
centres of Islamic finance.
Recently, The Economist
described Malaysia as probably the
world’s most important Islamicfinance centre, with close to 25% of
the banking system being syariah
compliant.
Malaysia played a key role in the
early stages of the development of
Islamic finance in the 1980s and
has a global reputation for its
capability to innovate.
For example, the first sukuk
(Islamic bonds) were issued from
Malaysia in 2000 with other
countries soon following suit.
Increasingly, with its globally
recognised standard-setting bodies,
educational and research
institutions and supportive central
bank, Malaysia is viewed by many
as the intellectual leader for
developments in Islamic finance.

By PROF
CHRISTINE
ENNEW
However, the United Arab
Emirates, particularly Dubai, has
established itself as a regional
leader for Islamic finance for the
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council – a
regional political organisation
consisting of all Arab states of the
Persian Gulf except for Iraq) and
with the United Kingdom’s recent
announcement of a £200mil
(RM1.15bil) sukuk and the groundbreaking creation of a new Islamic
index on the London Stock
Exchange last year, London has
now staked its claim as an Islamic
finance superpower.
Of these three centres, Malaysia
leads with respect to the market
penetration of Islamic banking and
its capital markets are more
developed than those of competing
countries.
The regulatory environment is
also more advanced and tailored to
the needs of the sector.
But alongside performance to
date and regulatory infrastructure,
we also need to consider the
underpinning human resource.
In relation to education, the UK

seems to be leading the pack with
more than 60 institutions offering
Islamic finance courses and 22
universities offering degree
programmes specialising in Islamic
finance.
In terms of volume, Malaysia
and UAE are followers. Malaysia
has 50 course providers and 18
universities offering degree
programmes in Islamic finance
while the UAE has 31 course
providers and nine universities
offering degree programmes.
But when it comes to research
output in Islamic finance, Malaysia
has more of a lead with 169
research papers, of which 101 were
peer reviewed in the last three
years.
The UK follows with 111
research papers (56 peer reviewed)
whereas UAE has no recorded
information on research papers
available.
Malaysia is clearly in a strong
position with regard to this
increasingly important industry.
But the evidence relating to
educational provision suggests that
there is more that the sector can do
to support the nation’s ambitions.
Bank Negara estimates that
alongside the growing numbers of
Malaysians opting to study this
subject, students from more than
80 countries have chosen Malaysia

as the place to learn more about
the principles and practice of
Islamic finance.
However, the country must
address the challenges associated
with the supply of high-quality
human capital for course
provisions.
According to Malaysia’s Financial
Sector Blueprint 2011-20, up to
56,000 new finance industry
positions will be introduced in the
next 10 years, including up to
40,000 Islamic finance industry
jobs.
But poor scores in PISA (the
Programme of International
Student Assessment of the
Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development),
alleged declining English language
capabilities and persistent
concerns about the employability
of graduates do not augur well.
However, Malaysia has the
potential to carve a niche in
Islamic finance education once the
kinks are ironed out.
When that happens, the country
will be a major supplier of Islamic
finance graduates that will be
capable of leading the industry.

n Prof Christine Ennew is the chief
executive officer and provost of The
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Campus.

Returning to the best
SINCE its inception in 2006, Wawasan Open
University (WOU) has had the honour of
facilitating and witnessing the graduation
of more than 1,200 students from the
university’s 45 undergraduate and
postgraduate programmes.
Many of the alumni have returned to
continue their studies with WOU and among
them are Pandian Saranganbanly and Edwin
Lim Chii Wei.
“The availability of digital devices such as
handphones, tablets and laptops allows me
to easily study and review my course
materials,” says Pandian, a finance executive
at Maybank who graduated in 2013 with the
Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management.
“With WOU, I can study anytime,
anywhere. Thanks to WOU’s recognition and
programme accreditation, I have also
received the MyBrain15 scholarship to
pursue my master’s studies.”
Now in his third semester as a
Commonwealth Executive Master of
Business Administration (CeMBA) student
at the university, Pandian shares that all
the subjects learnt in the programme are
related to his career.
“This master’s programme covers all
aspects of higher management, such as
human resources, risk management and
customer service. It has further enhanced
my thinking skills, added value and
structure to the operations I am involved in,
and taught me how to eliminate unnecessary
processes that don’t add value,” he says.
Edwin Lim, a graduate of the Bachelor of
Arts (Hons) in Liberal Studies, has found his
calling as an educator and left the sales
profession to serve in the Prince of Wales
Island International School.
“I’ve always had an interest in this
particular area because with education,
you can change a community or make a
difference in an individual’s life,” he says.
“The liberal studies programme suited my
needs and I am thankful for the tutors who

Edwin Lim Chii Wei.

Pandian
Saranganbanly.

took the initiative to provide useful
resources and information that enhanced
the quality of my assignments and writing,
which is important to my work.
“That’s why I have chosen to continue my
studies with WOU by pursuing the Master of
Education.”
Besides the CeMBA and the Master of
Education programmes, WOU also offers
three other industry-relevant master’s
programmes for working professionals who
want to enhance their tertiary qualifications
and career prospects.
These programmes are the Master of
Business Administration in Construction
Management, the Master of Business
Administration in Manufacturing and
Production Management, and the
Commonwealth Executive Master of
Public Administration.
Enrolment for the July intake is ongoing.
Interested individuals who register by June
21 have the opportunity to benefit from the
Return to Study Allowance and other
attractive tuition fee rebates.

n For more information, call 1300 888 968
or visit wou.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

5

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

6 postgraduate

Develop management skills
THE Management & Science
University (MSU) is one of the best
teaching and learning universities
in Malaysia. MSU focuses strongly
on in-demand areas of studies,
which encompass medicine,
pharmacy, health and life sciences,
nursing, business, management,
accounting, hospitality, information
sciences and engineering.
MSU has received much
recognition from Malaysian and
international independent bodies.
It has been rated twice as an
Excellent Status University by the
former Higher Education Ministry
through a rating system for
universities in Malaysia.
MSU is also accredited by the
Accreditation Services for
International Colleges (ASIC),
United Kingdom and the Alliance
on Business Education and
Scholarship for Tomorrow
(ABEST21), Japan.
MSU’s Graduate School of
Management (GSM) recognises that
today’s global companies require
managers with a broader outlook.
The university attracts
top students through its
internationalisation effort of
employing faculty members with
overseas experience and forming
effective links with businesses.
The Master in Business
Administration by MSU (MSU-MBA)
offers students an experiential

MSU’s Master in Business Administration programme equips individuals with
strong skills in entrepreneurship, strategic management and decision
making.

learning opportunity in crosscultural communications, building
a global network and possibly
creating a future international
career.
In addition, students are able to
develop management skills and
techniques, obtain strategic
orientation and implement the
strategies formulated.
The MSU-MBA helps students
develop skills in leadership,
entrepreneurship, strategic
management and decision making
so that they become successful

leaders in the most competitive
markets.
The programme is aimed at
building on the foundations
of work experience and, by
equipping them with new skills
and knowledge, enabling students
to make a smooth transition to a
higher level of responsibility.
The MSU-MBA provides
sufficient knowledge for students
to understand the various facets of
an organisation so as to formulate
successful strategies. It also instils
confidence in them.

The MSU-MBA is popular with
employers as it is a recognised
“currency” in the human resources
marketplace. Employers know the
value of the qualification and what
they can expect from an MBA
graduate.
They also recognise the
commitment shown by MSU-MBA
students in investing heavily in
their careers. Such candidates are
likely to be dynamic self-starters
who will be an asset to any
organisation.
There is a multitude of reasons
so many students now consider an
MSU-MBA to be an integral step in
their career pathway. Having an
MSU-MBA can be the determinant
in getting a high-paying and highpowered job.
Active learning exercises within
the programme act as a basis for
verbal analysis and discussion,
allowing for a rich learning
environment by integrating the
classroom with the real world.
These exercises broaden
students’ understanding of issues
by inviting them to think beyond
the text material.
New terms and concepts are
defined in the margins to facilitate
learning.
GSM has established
collaborative educational links
with a number of top overseas
universities, including in the

United Kingdom, the United States,
Australia, New Zealand, South
Korea, Japan, Germany, Russia and
China.
The Global Mobility Programme
is a means to provide MSU
postgraduate students with
international exposure.
Through this programme,
students have the opportunity
to develop an awareness and
appreciation of other cultures,
political and economic
environments, and approaches
of doing business.
Professors of the MSU-MBA are
accomplished teachers who have
made significant contributions to
the business world, both as
academics and working
professionals.
They have conducted research
and published articles across a
broad range of business and
professional areas.
They have also taught universitylevel business courses abroad, thus
bringing their rich multi-cultural
heritage to Malaysia.
Professors at MSU are selected
worldwide from among the best
consultants and professionals in
their fields.

n For more information,
call 03-2273 6410 or e-mail
[email protected] or visit
www.msu.edu.my

Ready for business world
THE University of Strathclyde’s MBA
programme is designed for ambitious,
talented and well-qualified individuals
with business experience.
The approach is based on collaborative
learning where work experience,
knowledge, understanding and applicable
skills are shared and assessed.
Placed in the top 10 universities in Europe
and 5th in the United Kingdom in The
Economist’s Executive MBA Ranking 2015,
the programme is also ranked in the top 100
by The Financial Times.
The Strathclyde Business School’s MBA
can be studied in the United Kingdom or via
international centres in the United Arab
Emirates, Bahrain, Greece, Hong Kong,
Oman, Singapore, Switzerland and Malaysia.
The University of Strathclyde’s MBA
programme has been run in Malaysia for
25 years and since 1999, has been run in
partnership with the CDC Management
Development (M) Sdn Bhd.
Participants need to be at least 24 years
old with at least three years of relevant
work experience. They are offered the
flexibility to switch between different modes
of study depending on their location and
lifestyles.
The integrated programme comprises
compulsory modules supported by a
selection of optional in-depth functions,
allowing students to tailor their MBA to suit
their career aspirations.
What makes the Strathclyde MBA unique
is its strong focus on strategic analysis and
thinking, leadership and scenario planning.
These are central to the programme with
a particular emphasis on strategic
management, which focuses on strategy
developments in the organisation.
Students spend time working on and
building a corporate strategy as well as
reflect on the international business
environment in which they have to operate.

The Strathclyde Business School’s MBA
programme is offered in different modes of
study to suit students’ location and lifestyle.

Key modules are exploring the
international business environment,
strategy analysis and evaluation and
making strategies.
The final subject, strategic consulting in
practice, provides students the opportunity
to work with a large-scale organisational
issue in conjunction with an actual
organisation.
The programme seeks to help students
develop ways of dealing with problems in
management as reflective, open-thinking
and adaptive learners.
The teamwork approach fostered at
Strathclyde is an important aspect of the
course and ensures that the extensive range
of people from different backgrounds are
brought together to learn within a diverse
environment.
Thus far, more than 1,000 students of
various nationalities have graduated from
the campus in Malaysia.
The next intake for the Strathclyde
Business School is in October.

n For enquiries, call 03-7660 8950
or visit www.cdc.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

THE International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM)
Graduate School of Management
(GSM) is focused on meeting the
need for well-balanced and holistic
approaches to management.
Formerly known as the
Management Centre of the
Kulliyyah of Economics and
Management Sciences, it has
developed smart partnerships and
strategic alliances to complement
its roles and generate mutually
beneficial activities with
educational counterparts in Asean
and beyond.
Here are some postgraduate
programmes offered by the school:

postgraduate 7

Architects of change

l Doctor of Business
Administration

By integrating both Islamic and
conventional perspectives, the
Doctor of Business Administration
is an executive programme based
on scientific and applied research
activities. It is aimed at improving
students’ business and managerial
practices and focuses on
developing competencies of senior
level management and leadership.
Before beginning applied
research to complete a doctoral
thesis, the one-year coursework
programme includes exposure to
several contemporary issues of
business management as well as a
real-life consultancy project led by
experienced academic faculty
members and selected industry
leaders.

l Master of Business
Administration

The success of the part-time

Staff of the International Islamic University Malaysia at the International Symposium on Human Capital Development
for Global Business with Kyoto University.

Master of Business Administration
(MBA) programme spurred the
introduction of a full-time
programme for potential managers
and executives.
The programme currently offers
four areas of specialisation –
Islamic banking and finance,
strategic management, finance and
general management.
Designed to match the quality of
an international MBA, it equips
students with ethical and moral
perspectives as well as a
foundation of the concepts,
principles and techniques of
modern business management.
The convenient modular format
provides mid-career professionals

with the opportunity for career
advancement and corporate
networking.

l Master of Management

Created to develop managerial
skills in those beginning their
career in management, the Master
of Management programme
is essentially an advanced
specialised degree with emphasis
on providing the latest know-how
in management.
Available in full-time and parttime modes, students are trained
to think critically, analyse business
issues and develop analytical,
interpersonal and behavioural
skills.

International
collaborations
IIUM was awarded the ABEST21
(Alliance on Business Education
and Scholarship for Tomorrow)
accreditation on March 8 last year.
IIUM-GSM is the first public
university in Malaysia to receive
this distinguished international
recognition. GSM is also a member
of the Association of Asia-Pacific
Business Schools (AAPBS).
IIUM-GSM has signed
memorandums of agreement with
Kyoto University Graduate School
of Management (KU-GSM) of Japan,
University of Illinois at Urbana
Champagne (UIUC) and the

University of Minnesota (UMN) in
the United States.
The Global Business Leader
(GBL) is a current project between
IIUM-GSM and KU-GSM to develop
effective networking relationships
with top business schools and
public and private organisations in
the Asian region.
The collaboration with US
Research-1 universities (UIUC and
UMN) and Japan includes faculty
and student exchanges, industrial
internships, organisation of joint
activities, online courses, certificate
programmes, and research and
consultancy.

Future directions
IIUM-GSM has achieved
significant progress in the past
22 years by creating thoughtful
leadership and lifelong
partnerships.
To encourage the alumni’s
return to campus, the school also
continues to hold interesting
programmes such as family days
and chief executive officer forums.
The school will continue
providing quality training
programmes to corporate clients
and the public – from local SMEs
to international organisations.

n For more information, visit
www.iium.edu.my/gsm

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

8 postgraduate

Islamic arts take to the stage
By TINA CARMILLIA
WHEN it comes to postgraduate
programmes in Islamic studies, the
most common ones that come to
mind are religious studies, syariah
law or Islamic finance.
That is no surprise as Malaysia is
one of the leading countries for
Islamic studies, especially for
Islamic finance and halal research
and training.
Malaysia, after all, leads the
global market share in Islamic
finance. According to a published
report and analysis by Moody’s
Investors Service, Malaysia has at
least 16 full-fledged syariahcompliant financial institutions
and more than 60% of the global
sukuk market worth US$164bil

(RM617.4bil) as of the first half of
last year.
Similarly, Malaysia has been one
of the pioneers in the development
of halal standards for key
industries, including food,
cosmetics and personal care,
pharmaceuticals, banking and
logistics.
Malaysia’s Halal Industry
Development Corporation is the
only government-mandated
company in the world tasked with
coordinating and developing the
national halal industry and paves
the way in transforming the nation
into a halal hub.
The efforts by the government to
boost the nation’s status as a key
player in the world’s Islamic
finance industry have given the

nation a good track record and
made Malaysia a popular
destination for students who are
interested to learn more about the
principles and practices of Islamic
studies and in particular, Islamic
finance.
On the other hand, for those who
are not interested in pursuing a
scholarly or economic-based
career, there is still another option
of taking up Islamic arts-based
programmes at the postgraduate
level.
Islamic art is a broad field that is
not restricted to a specific place,
time or medium. It does not even
have to be restricted to religious
arts and can simply be made up of
Islamic elements that influence, for
example, building architecture and

textile designs.
Besides architecture and visual
arts such as calligraphy, painting,
ceramics and textiles, Islamic arts
also encompasses literature and, by
extension, the performance arts.
One of the best known pieces of
literature from the Islamic world is
The Book of One Thousand and One
Nights, which is a compilation of
folk tales from the Islamic Golden
Age that has been translated into
various languages worldwide.
In fact, it was during the Islamic
Golden Age that Arabic and Islamic
writings rose to prominence, both
in prose and poetry. Today, prose
and poetry still retain an important
status in the Arab world and they
continue to make their way into
the mainstream literary world

through contemporary print
publications and arts events.
For example, the Cairo Trilogy,
which depicts the struggles of a
modern Cairene family across
three generations, won author
Naguib Mahfuz the Nobel Prize for
literature in 1988 – the first Arabic
writer to achieve such a feat.
Similarly, a strong tradition in
Islam is the use of poetry and
spoken word to explore issues of
faith and beliefs.
This practice continues to this
day with the increase in the
presence of Muslim poets who
grace the stages of spoken word
and poetry slam events in both the
Western and Asian platforms.

SEE PAGE 10 >

(From left) Jamal Al Jesmi, general manager of Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial
Studies, Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Razak and Binary University executive chairman Datuk
Prof Joseph Adaikalam at the ceremony of exchanging memorandum of agreement at the World
Islamic Economic Forum Dubai 2014.

Explore a growing field
THE MSc in Islamic Banking and Finance
(MSc in IBF) is one of the master’s by
research programmes offered by the Binary
Graduate School (BGS) of Binary University.
It is led by experienced academic
researchers and qualified practitioners of
Islamic banking and finance.
Through the programme, students can
enhance their knowledge and gain industry
experience in the Islamic banking and
finance field.
The Binary MSc in IBF is the world’s first
Islamic qualification to incorporate both
academic and professional certification
within an Islamic banking and finance field
through the university’s partnership with
Islamic Banking and Finance Institute of
Malaysia (IBFIM).
“The Islamic finance industry has grown
rapidly as more of the world’s current 1.6
billion Muslims seek investment that comply
with their religious belief.
“Today, Islamic finance has moved beyond
borders and religion and is growing 50%
faster than the traditional banking sector,”
says Datuk Prof Joseph Adaikalam, founder
and chairman of Binary University.
“The global Islamic banking assets, which
stood at US$1.3 trillion (RM4.8 trillion) in
2011, are expected to reach US$2 trillion
(RM7.5 trillion) by 2014 and have registered
an average annual growth of 19% over the
last four years.”
Individuals interested in Islamic banking
and finance can explore careers in risk
management, revenue assurance, retail

banking, liquidity management, investment
management, syariah governance and
Islamic finance product development.
Binary University also offers the PhD and
Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)
programmes.
“Binary’s PhD students are required to be
attached to one of its five research centres.
Each student comes under the purview of
the head of the research centre and is
assisted by experienced supervisors and
external experts,” says Prof Dr Sulochana
Nair, vice-chancellor of Binary University.
“Unlike the PhD, the DBA is an applied
management programme that helps one
develop contemporary management and
research skills to assist organisations in
achieving strategic goals at a faster rate. The
DBA is a practical-oriented professional
doctoral degree,” says Prof Adaikalam.
The master’s by research programmes can
be completed in 18 months through the
Binary Milestone Model (BMM) approach,
which offers a personalised study plan to
cater for individual needs.
The next intake for the part-time MBA
and research master’s programmes is on
July 11. The intake for the DBA is on Nov 23
while the intake for PhD and full-time
MBA/master’s by research programmes is
on Oct 28.

n For more information, call K. Selva
at 013-3644 921/8070 6590 or e-mail
[email protected] or visit
www.binary.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

postgraduate 9

Students should
recognise the
increasing
importance of big
data in software
development.

Equipped for
the future
SOFTWARE development
companies are increasing their
business portfolios to meet the
demands of their clients. As a
result, those with previous
experience in SAP (systems,
applications and products in data
processing) modules are in
demand.
The SAP skills required for
end-to-end implementations
include employee self-service,
management supporting system
and quality management.
“Big data”, which is defined by
sheer large volume, velocity and
variety of data, generated by
these systems can provide
insights that help companies
uncover new facts.
Business intelligence is not
about how one acquires
information but rather how
information is used in making
business decisions.
Therefore, discerning
companies committed to datadriven decision making are
seeking business intelligence (BI)
and business analytics (BA)
solutions to get ahead of the
competition.
There are some key differences
between BI and BA.
Data-driven companies use BI
solutions to answer what, who,
when and how questions
whereas BA solutions are used to
answer why questions, predict
when something will happen
again and uncover what else the
data shows.
BA is used to gain insights that
inform business decisions and
can be used to automate and
optimise business processes.
Successful business analytics
depend on data quality and the
competence of skilled analysts
who understand the technologies
and the business and have an
organisational commitment to
data-driven decision making.

The simple input-processoutput model can be used to
explain BA.
Starting with a business goal
(final output), an analysis
methodology (process) is decided
and is then supported by
business data (input).
Data that comes from one or
more business systems requires
cleansing and integration into a
single database.
The analysis is typically
performed against a smaller
sample set of data.
Analytic tools range from
spreadsheets with statistical
functions to complex data
mining and predictive modelling
applications.
The initial output (results of
analysis) may show patterns and
relationships in the data but
these are verified through more
data processing till a point where
no new patterns are found or
when new data input causes no
significant differences to the
already uncovered patterns.
At this point, the business goal
of the analysis is considered to
be satisfied.
In the near future, many firms
will depend on big data in
making business decisions.
However, it is not sufficient to
only possess BI or BA skills
without the necessary business
knowledge to stay on top of
competitors.
The Victoria University MBA
programme aims to supply
talents to data-driven companies
that treat their data as a
corporate asset and to leverage
on it to develop a competitive
advantage.
Trial MBA classes at Victoria
University are available upon
request.

n For more information, e-mail
[email protected]

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

10 postgraduate

FROM PAGE 8 >
MODERN Muslim pioneers who
have used the stage to speak about
their faith and belief include
Suheir Hammad.
Her piece, First Writing Since, a
poem that describes her reaction to
the September 11 attacks, became
one of the most watched spoken
word performances on YouTube. It
was recorded on Russell Simmons’
Def Poetry Jam on HBO, a spoken
word poetry television series in the
early 2000s.
In Malaysia, visibility of Muslimcentric content in contemporary
performance arts continues to
grow, especially with more
platforms for the performers to
showcase themselves.
The growing number of arts
festivals such as Urbanscapes,
Festival Belia and Georgetown
Literature Festival allow the
performers to reach a wide
audience who will otherwise not
have the opportunity to appreciate
the arts and more precisely the
contents and messages in the arts.
One seasoned local performer,
Nabila Najwa, who has been
performing in the local
performance arts scene and whose
writings have been published in
neighbouring countries, writes and
performs about almost everything
under the sun.
“A lot of poets talk about selfidentity – nationality, body image,
name, religion, health issues, you
name it. I talk about these things,
too. It seems we can’t avoid
exploring our own selves in order

Visibility in arts scene

Nabila Najwa
performs in a
local poetry slam.

to make sense of the world,” she
explains.
She adds that if one lives in
Malaysia, it is hard not to find
many interesting talking points
when it comes to faith, especially
Islam.
Some of her poems talk about
the Malay tradition versus religion
(Pong Pang Bunyi Kompang), while
another poem, Purity, touches on
the decision to wear the hijab as
part of a journey of self-discovery.
Performers and organisers of
poetry events have no qualms with

Nabila’s performances or content
as she does not use her poems as a
preaching medium.
Audience response so far has
also been positive and sometimes
individuals will go up to her to talk
about how the poems resonate
with them.
“I’ve had people suggest that I
read more sufi poems and I wish to
explore that in the future. Muslim
performers have always been
visible and my hope is that we
focus more on content rather than
the image of the poets or Muslim

est. 1984

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performers,” she says.
She adds that as performance
art, the content of spoken word
poetry should be less preachy – this
role should be left to the qualified
religious teachers – and should
instead be focused on human
connections, environmental issues,
travel and neighbourly love.
“Islam, after all, is not just about
connection to God but a way of
life,” she says.
“I think that is what is most
important about faith – that we
respect everyone’s individuality

and journey and talk about it in an
open and respectful manner.”
For many, Islamic studies at the
postgraduate level mean religious
education, syariah law, Islamic
economics or something along
those lines.
However, for those who prefer
to learn, practise and share the
knowledge of Islam in a different,
more artistic way, several
postgraduate programmes are
available in Malaysia.
These programmes include
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris’
Master of Arts in Islamic Literature
and Universiti Sultan Zainal
Abidin’s Master of Islamic
Contemporary Studies.
In fact, the trend is catching on
abroad – Oxford University also
offers the MPhil in Islamic Art and
Archaeology that combines
comprehensive training in the
history of Islamic art, architecture
and archaeology, research and
language instructions.
Malaysia is certainly at the
forefront of the Islamic economics
industry but with a blooming local
arts scene that welcomes faithbased content to a multicultural
audience, it will be no surprise if
the nation also becomes known as
one of the best locations to
promote, appreciate and empower
Islamic arts outside of the Arabic
region.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

postgraduate 11

Cindy Lim, one of
AeU’s Master of
Education students
and presenter at
AeU Students
Research Seminar.

Platform for
sharing of
knowledge
ON May 17, Asia e University (AeU)
organised AeU Students Research Seminar
at the university’s main campus in Kuala
Lumpur.
The educational and informative research
seminar was open not only to AeU students
but also the general public to share their
research findings with the student
community.
About 150 AeU students came from all
over Malaysia to attend the seminar.
Overall, 28 papers were presented on that
day.
The participants included presenters from
other higher learning institutions, such as
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti
Selangor, Nilai University and Tunku Abdul
Rahman University College.
One of the presenters, Chow Chee Keong,
an engineer by profession and an owner of
a pre-school in Penang, is a student of AeU’s
Master of Education (MEd).
Chow presented his paper titled A
qualitative study on the teaching and learning
of mathematics through socio-dramatic play
by 5-year-old children in an authentic setting.
During his presentation, Chow
demonstrated how teacher-engineered
socio-dramatic play is effective in promoting
mathematical learning among children,
especially in the area of logical mathematical processing.
Another MEd student, Kalavathy Raman,
presented her research paper Engaging and
enhancing the communicative ability of the
academically challenged youth, which
focused on the study of cognitive load theory
versus the traditional teaching and learning
method in boosting youth self-esteem when
learning.
The event’s participants found the
seminar interesting and beneficial in
enriching their knowledge.
Ang Kwang Teo, a former senior lecturer
at Universiti Selangor and a student of AeU’s
Doctor of Administration (DBA) programme,
says, “The research seminar was a
refreshing experience for DBA students to
share their progress and provisional
findings in their respective fields of
research.
“The seminar, in which I presented my
provisional chapters on Analysis of Factors
Influencing Klang Valley Residential Property
Investment in Malaysia, gave me added

impetus to complete my thesis in the
shortest timeframe possible.
“This type of seminar benefits three
parties; the supervisors can assess the
progress of the students under their charge,
the students get to experience sharing their
provisional findings with peers, and juniors
are encouraged to undertake their own
research,” adds Ang.
Cindy Lim Suan Choo, who presented her
research paper The creative methods to
develop good writers in preschool, is an MEd
student with a specialisation in early
childhood education.
“AeU Students Research Seminar brings
students together in one venue to share,
encourage and learn from one another.
This helps to inculcate a research culture
among us,” says Lim, who is also the
principal of Tadika Methodist Jelutong,
Penang.
Another participant of the seminar, Sally
Ng Chit Peng, is an AeU MEd student and
senior principal of JET Kinderland, Penang.
She says, “AeU Students Research
Seminar provides a platform for students to
present their research findings in public.
“I am happy that I received the
opportunity to explore so many techniques
and types of research in education. The
seminar was a day well spent at AeU.”
AeU is a collaborative multinational
university established under the auspices of
the 33 Asia Cooperation Dialogue Countries
(ACD).
All academic programmes are
internationally benchmarked, approved by
the Education Ministry and accredited by
the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
Established in 2007, AeU has grown to
become one of the leading providers of
open and distance learning in Asia, with
focus on providing accessible and
affordable higher education for all.
Apart from its main campus, AeU has
established a strong network of learning
centres located strategically in major cities,
towns and rural areas throughout Malaysia.
While the intakes for most programmes
are in January, May and September,
registration for postgraduate (by research)
programmes is open throughout the year.

n For more information, call 1300 300 238
or visit www.aeu.edu.my

msu
management &
science university

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Because you
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Specialization in :
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Graduate School of Management (GSM),
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Tel : 03 - 2273 6410
Email : [email protected]
Web : www.msu.edu.my

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THE STAR, TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

12 postgraduate

Future in
Islamic
banking
CPA Australia members Tasha Farhan (left) and Anil S. Gill (middle).

Get qualified

TASHA Farhan, CPA Australia (Certified
Practising Accountants) member, says, “The
CPA Program gave me the skills and
confidence that I needed to succeed in a
global organisation.”
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Whether you are still studying or are a
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l The GetQualified! Fund is designed to
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graduates. Employers can now claim up to
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to successful Malaysian graduates who have
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CPA Program enrolments for semester
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n For more information, call 03-2267 3388 or
e-mail [email protected] or visit
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LINCOLN University College’s Master of
Business Administration (MBA) in Islamic
Banking is designed to prepare prospective
students for a career in business and
financial administration.
It provides students with the opportunity
to study the structure of the Islamic banking
and finance industry, including its
theoretical foundations, products,
performances, Islamic financial instruments
and risk management issues.
As a result of globalisation, the demand
for Islamic banking services has increased
in many countries in recent years.
The MBA in Islamic Banking programme
offers professionals an understanding of the
latest changes in the field of Islamic banking.
This allows them to find success in the
corporate field and create their own niche in
the rapidly growing area of Islamic banking.
The programme is aimed at providing
integrated and relevant knowledge in the
business and management fields related to
Islamic banking.
It equips professionals with the skills and
training necessary to carry out vital Islamic
financial operations.
This programme is divided into four
semesters, which are spread over 18 months.
Throughout the course, students are
exposed to specialised knowledge in areas of
Islamic banking management such as
Islamic insurance, fiqh muamalat, Islamic

Students of the MBA in Islamic Banking
programme will be equipped with thorough
knowledge and understanding of the field.

financing and banking, Islamic economics,
business and finance, sukuk and mutual
funds, Islamic accounting and Islamic
financial systems.
At the end of the course, they will write a
project report on Islamic banking.
After completion of the MBA programme,
students are expected to explore career
opportunities in Islamic banks, security
firms, financial institutions, investment
companies, international business
consultancy firms and export/import
companies.

n For more information,
visit www.lincoln.edu.my

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