Postgraduate - February 2014

POSTGRADUATEStarSpecialTHE STAR Tuesday 18 February 2014

The Malaysian advantage

Private university MBAs meeting local needs.

Big award for research proposals > 8 Postgraduate UK degree in Malaysia > 11

2 POSTGRADUATE StarSpecial, Tuesday 18 February 2014

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ASIA e University (AeU)s Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) is designed especially for the global senior leader who is interested in business innovation and growth. Taught interactively at a dynamic campus in Kuala Lumpur and in selected Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) member countries, AeUs EMBA is a global education programme that brings out the modern leader in you.

AeU has a curriculum designed for immediate impact. Students will focus on subjects unique to the business environment business, political, social and legal issues. The university has overseas trained faculty members as well as scholars from partner institutions that make its programme one of the most comprehensive in Asia. Also available is the Industry Insights workshop and seminar series, which provide timely insights into regional issues and their impact on markets and society.

An innovative programme delivery allows candidates to continue their careers while pursuing their degree. The 12-month duration gives students a reasonable completion period while rapidly expanding their skills set. Classroom activities involve both instructional and project-based learning where students are encouraged to apply knowledge and develop lifelong learning.

AeUs specially designed EMBA is based on:l Leadership and visionl Business acumen and integrityl Global perspectivel Managing change and agilityl Sustainable performancel Resource development

Training Asias business leaders

AeU believes students should learn more than they are taught based on three major steps of the learning process:l Exposure and recognition be exposed to leading theoretical and business practices of this region.l Practice and application learn to apply the latest theories in a business context.l Synthesis, discovery and adaptation learn to synthesise theories and create a knowledge structure that will take the student beyond what he is taught.

The Dean of AeUs School of Management, Prof Datuk Dr Sayed Mushtaq Hussain, invites future students: I believe you will discover that studying at AeU will be a turning point in your life. If you are ready to make a difference in your organisations development and the future of business in Asia, we invite you to enrol in our EMBA programme. We look forward to embarking on this journey towards excellence with you.

Leadership & vision

Resourcedevelopment

Sustainableperformance

Managingchange &

agility

AeUEMBA

Businessacumen &integrity

Globalperspective

The MBA and our changing economyBy GREGORY BASIL

MALAYSIA is experiencing rapid economic development and the evolving industries expect professionals who are not only highly qualified, but also skilled at their jobs. These industries dictate that the personal attributes of those being hired for the available positions must commensurate with the evolving workplace and if you do not meet the standards set by the industry, you will most likely be left out in the cold.As the cost of living increases exponentially, many have come to realise that the best way to cope with the escalating prices of goods and services is to upgrade themselves and increase their earning capacity.

There are many reasons why the popularity of the MBA has increased in recent years but our changing economy and rapid growth would be the most apparent ones, says Prof Dr Abdol Ali Khatibi, Director of the Graduate School of Management at the Management and Science University.

In wanting to give graduates

Highlights of pursuing an MBA at a private university:

l Content is typically localised to Malaysian needs and opportunities.l Enhance a graduates existing career and accelerates their promotion prospects in Malaysian companies.l Students are given the opportunity to meet experts from the industry who are also faculty members and ask pertinent questions in relation to their expectations of the MBA programme on offer.l Students sometimes have the opportunity to complete their programme at an overseas university, giving them the best of two worlds.l Students have the flexibility to study at their own pace and access information through online channels.

a better foothold in a changing economy, private institutions of higher learning are working towards MBAs that are not only affordable but suit Malaysian economic needs. This would nurture graduates that are more desirable.

This allows industry-ready graduates to be absorbed more readily into Malaysian companies with expertise that can warrant better income. Institutions of higher learning like SEGi University have begun to introduce programmes that

are adaptable to suit the varied needs of students from all walks of life hoping to pursue careers in a changing Malaysian economic landscape.

Similarly, other universities are ensuring that their programmes include elements of networking and leveraging on opportunities that are traditionally not found in MBAs. This gives graduates from Malaysian private universities an edge in terms of confidence and resourcefulness.

> TURN TO PAGE 7

There are many reasons why the popularity of the MBA has increased in recent years but our changing economy and rapid growth would be the most apparent ones.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 18 February 2014 POSTGRADUATE 3

POSTGRADUATE education is a significant investment of both time and money for individuals and their employers. Making the right choice of institution and programme is important, but it is also challenging, as is in the case of MBAs.

The number of available programmes has grown dramatically; there are now one and two-year programmes, offline and online options, specialist versus general programmes, standard and executive versions, full-time and part-time study as well as domestic and overseas opportunities.

So what really matters? What factors should you take into consideration when choosing an MBA? Ultimately, you (or your employer) need to think about value what benefits does the programme deliver in relation to its tuition fee and time requirements? A shorter course may appear cheaper but it is not necessarily a better choice. An option like part-time study may divide up the financial costs of an MBA but result in a longer duration of study.

Besides this, students need to consider the impact of the MBA programme on their managerial capabilities and performance. Although a subjective topic to judge, one can assess the MBA based on the chosen institutions reputation, ranking, reported salary enhancement of graduates, accreditation and longevity of the programme.

For example, rankings of the MBA whether specific (like The Economist) or generic (QS, Times Higher Education) are a useful starting point, particularly if you focus on disaggregated information. However, bear in mind that MBA rankings typically only include the top 100

By CHRISTINE ENNEW

programmes and university rankings. This is less than 10% of universities worldwide and may not include institutions that you have considered.

Accreditation is useful information to use as well. The three main accrediting bodies to consider are Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Association of MBAs (AMBA) and European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) that lend confidence to the expected quality levels of MBA programmes.

MBA previews provide valuable opportunities to assess the quality of programmes. You can find out about the staff involved, the number of alumni members and their career success. It is also an opportunity to find out about the number and quality of students since you will be learning from each other in your course.

In many respects, choosing an MBA is like making an important business decision, and a good choice depends on your research, analysis and resourcefulness. The information you find may not be perfect but will at least provide you the foundation to make a good decision among the many MBA options available.

l Professor Christine Ennew is the Provost and CEO of The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

What to consider when choosing an MBA programme


THE Management & Science University (MSU) is among the best teaching and learning university in Malaysia. As a university of choice, MSU focuses on the critical areas of studies that encompass medicine, pharmacy, health and life sciences, nursing, business, management, accounting, hospitality, law, information sciences and engineering.

MSU through the Graduate School of Management (GSM) recognises that todays global companies require managers with a broader outlook. Through its internationalisation efforts, MSU attracts top students, employs faculty members with overseas experience and forms effective links with business.

The MSU-MBA offers its students experiential learning in cross-cultural communication, the opportunity to build a global network and the possibility to create future international career opportunities.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop their management skills and techniques and implement the strategies formulated. The MSU-MBA programme helps student develop skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, strategic management and decision making and trains them to become successful leaders in their areas of specialisation and become entrepreneurial thinkers in the most competitive markets.

During the MBA programme, students will form bonds and meet people from many walks of life. This network will be fruitful throughout their career and even later on in life.

Meeting current needs

MSU-GSM has established collaborative educational links with a number of top universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Russia and China.

GlobalNxt University, Malaysias newest full-fledged university, aims to provide high-quality education with a global perspective to working professionals and mobile executives who are looking for flexibility.

Easy access and flexibility

Students can study at a pace suited to their schedule and obligations. An MBA, for example, can be completed in as quickly as 14 months or be spread over three years.

The universitys unique learning approach includes an interactive and global classroom model which allows students to log in online to global classrooms anywhere and anytime with just an Internet connection. They will have fingertip access to coursework, videos, lecture recordings and e-library access to more than 40,000 journals and 75,000 e-books.

Online communities

Besides easy accessibility, students will experience highly engaging learning experiencesin

GlobalNxt University. They can interact with each other and their professors through discussion boards and virtual webinar sessions, creating a great study community. They will also be able to communicate with students from over 73 different countries as part of a global learning community.

Each global classroom is facilitated by a highly

qualified professor from the universitys pool of more than 50 international faculty members from across the world. Students can contact professors about questions and get support and guidance in their studies.

A stand-out university

GlobalNxt University is one of the few institutions whose

faculty members are all PhD holders with substantial research experience. Seventy per cent of its professors also have industrial experience that can be shared with its students. In addition, the university also has a capable support team of programme executives and technical staff to address any issues or problems that a student may be having.

With its academic

headquarters in KL Sentral, the university began operations in December 2012 but was first established in 2002 in Singapore as the U21Global Graduate School. After 10 years and 7,000 graduates, the institution was invited to re-establish itself as a full-fledged university in Malaysia as part of the countrys vision to be a global education hub.

Future students invited

For a limited period, scholarships of up to 75% of full programme fees are available for students. At present, the university offers an MBA, MSc in Information Technology Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. Plans for a Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) are in the pipeline for this year. A School of Education will be launched next year.

n For more details, please e-mail [email protected] or call 03-2787 0770

High-quality education with flexibility

The MSU-MBA aims to build on the foundations of work experience and provide new skills and knowledge that enable students to make the transition to a higher level of responsibility.

The MSU-MBA provides sufficient knowledge to students to understand the various facets of

an organisation so as to formulate successful strategies. It also instils a sense of confidence in them.

Employers know the value of the MSU-MBA and what they can expect from an MSU-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 are numerous reasons why students consider an MSU-MBA to be an integral step in their career path. Obtaining an MSU-MBA can lead to a high-paying, high-power job.

Active learning exercises act as a basis for verbal analysis and discussion, allowing for a rich learning environment by integrating the real world into the classroom. This broadens the 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.

MSU-GSM has established collaborative educational links with a number of top overseas universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Russia and China. The Postgraduate Student Exchange Programme is a means to provide international exposure to MSUs postgraduate students. Through this programme, students will have the opportunity to develop an awareness and appreciation of other cultures, political and economic environments, and new approaches of doing business.

Professors of the MSU-MBA are accomplished teachers who have also made significant contributions to the business world, both as academicians and working professionals. They conduct research and have published articles across a broad range of areas. They have also taught university-level business courses abroad, bringing their rich multi-cultural heritage to our country. 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 visitwww.msu.edu.my

Dr Wing Lam is the vice-chancellor of GlobalNxt University.


WHILE obtaining an MBA is an excellent way to upgrade yourself, continuing professional development (CPD) programmes are also great alternatives. Regardless of your background, pursuing a CPD will serve as a quick career upgrade. In this issue, we take a look at CPD programmes from the ICT sectors that are available to make sure you stay competent and relevant.

AIX Jumpstart for UNIX professionals

This course is for experienced UNIX administrators to learn about and understand AIX systems, how to set up and install, administrate, and run it in a multiuser POWER partitioned environment. It is for those who wish to make a jump from UNIX to AIX run on POWER processors and POWER (System p) environment. After completion, they will be able to handle the basics of the AIX 7 operating system, use the complicated but powerful vi editor, write basic shell scripts and learn about the basics of the Korn shell.

AIX Network Installation Manager (NIM): Concepts and Configuration

The objective of this course is to provide knowledge of the Network Installation Manager (NIM) facility for the AIX 6 operating system. This course combines theory and a hands-on approach to give students a holistic view of the facility.

Those who are responsible for maintenance and administration of AIX in a multiuser POWER (System p) environment are encouraged to apply.

Linux system administration: Implementation

This course helps students get ready for administration tasks on a Linux server. The covered topics include: installing Linux from a network server, managing the systems tasks, configuration of printers, configuring the X Window System, backups and logging, PCMCIA and

USB configuration, filesystem and Xen management, using scheduling tools and troubleshooting problems.

Korn and Bash shell programming

If you are unfamiliar with the names Korn and Bash, it is because they are used on an operating system that is not mainstream: Linux. This course will help you learn more about the shell environment and to create and use the scripts within. Shell scripts are often used to automate mundane and repetitive tasks, so learning how to create some on the fly will be a useful skill to have as an administrator.

Linux jumpstart for UNIX system administrators

This course bridges the gap between UNIX and a selected amount of Linux distributions, so that administrators can port their knowledge between these two operating systems. It aims to build more Linux knowledge, specifically the RHEL and SUSE Linux systems, and helps students to identify system administration tools, manage software packages, understand block devices, create Linux filesystems, manage users and groups, and to get familiar with Linux memory management utilities.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Students who enrol in this course are encouraged to test and hack their own systems in order to find a way to break through systems. This hands-on approach helps students understand deep knowledge about securities and how to go around scanning and penetrating their own networks. Through this knowledge, students will learn how to prevent attacks from happening. They will also explore other forms of attacks such as DDoS, buffer overflows and virus creation. This course is typically catered to security specialists and network managers.

> TURN TO PAGE 8

Give yourself a quick upgrade


Lifelong learning made accessible

New postgraduate students at AeUs orientation last month.

SINCE its inception, Asia e University (AeU) has stayed true to its mission of providing lifelong learning to both Malaysians and non-Malaysians. Enrolment into lifelong learning programmes, especially postgraduate programmes, can be done via the conventional entry paths or via the open entry paths. Learning opportunities have never been easier or more effortless.

AeU has constantly offered innovative and relevant academic programmes in a wide range of areas management, business, education, ICT and multimedia, arts and humanities, and social sciences. Focusing mainly on the needs of working adults, Schools at AeU have continuously imparted up-to-date knowledge and information while emphasising career advancement and lifelong learning.

AeUs programmes are unique because they cater to both full-time and part-time modes of study through its fully online, blended learning and work-based learning approaches.

Below is a list of some of AeUs popular postgraduate programmes:

l Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administrationl Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educationl Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Artsl Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in ICTl Industrial Doctorate (IndD)l Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) l Master in Information & Communication Technology Management

(Specialisations: project management, open source computing, information security, knowledge management, ICT entrepreneurship, Islamic banking, Islamic insurance and business continuity management)l Master of Business Administration

(Specialisations: international business, entrepreneurship, risk management, Islamic banking and finance)l Executive Master of Business Managementl Master of Human Resources Managementl Executive Master of Master of Strategic Human Resources Managementl Master of Sciences (Management) (by research)l Master in Managementl Master of Knowledge Management l Master of Humanities & Arts (by research)l Master of Social Sciences (by research)l Master of Education

(Specialisations: curriculum and instruction, education psychology, educational management, early childhood education, science education, instructional technology, nursing education, higher education teaching, educational assessment and evaluation, teaching English as a second language) l Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching

Flexible learning

AeU is known for its flexibility and distance learning courses that accommodate a students study and work schedule. AeUs flexible learning offers students the ease of studying online at home or at work. Students can choose between full-time or part-time modes of study depending on their lifestyles. This encourages students to learn in a stress-free environment where they can study, work and at the same time, enjoy their life with family.

What makes AeU unique?

Since it was established in 2007, AeU has grown to become a leading provider of online and distance learning (ODL) in

Malaysia. As an ODL institution, AeUs focus is to provide accessible and affordable higher education for all. The university gave rise to a new approach to tertiary education that allows greater flexibility in learning. The philosophy is based on the belief that quality education should be made available and accessible to everyone.

AeU currently offers more than 40 academic programmes at all levels, from diplomas to PhDs, through five of its schools the School of Management, School of Education & Cognitive Sciences, School of Information & Communications Technology, School of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and School of Graduate Studies.

All academic programmes are internationally benchmarked, approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The university also offers more than 170 executive and professional programmes through the School of Professional & Executive Education and School of Technical Education, Engineering & Reskilling.

AeU also provides 26 learning centres in major cities and in rural areas Ranau such as and Kota Marudu in Sabah, and Miri and Sibu in Sarawak. These centres are fully-equipped with tutorial rooms, computer laboratories and academic resource centres with Internet facilities.

Financial aids

Apart from its affordable and flexible study fees, AeU offers various financial aids and incentives to assist students during their period of study. Below is a list of financial aids available:

l AeU Merit Scholarship available for top- performing studentsl 10% discount available through student loyalty schemesl 10% discount for full payment of semester feesl 50% discount for senior citizens above 55 years oldl 75% discount for disabled peoplel PTPTN loans and EPF withdrawal assistancel MyBrain15 Sponsorships (for doctoral and masters only)l Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) claimable courses

If you wish to find out more, visit AeU at: l Road to IPTS 2014 at Ipoh Parade Mall, Ipoh on Feb 22 and 23 (10am to 6pm)l Postgradasialive 2014 Fair at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Feb 22 and 23 (10am to 6pm)

n For further inquiries, call AeU at 1300 300 238 or visit www.aeu.edu.my

Factors to consider when choosing an MBA:

l Does the programme suit your academic background and budget?l Does the content of the programme appeal

to you? Can you see yourself taking up these modules? Will you be able to benefit from its contents?l Who are the people involved in

teaching the programme and do they have the teaching experience that will benefit you? What type of teaching styles do they employ?l Is it recognised by the MQA? Did it

receive any additional accreditations that will add more weight to your MBA? l What is the ranking of the

university offering the programme? Are you enrolling at a top business school? Is the institution recognised for its top programmes?


> FROM PAGE 2 The MBA is a very flexible

programme and it is one of the few courses that anyone can pursue, regardless of their professional background, says Stephen Sesaiah, SEGi Universitys Head of the Graduate School of Business and Law Unit.

People have begun to realise that possessing this qualification presents one with many benefits. The MBA is designed primarily for students who are considering a career change or hoping to advance in their careers.

Gain business understanding

Through the MBA programme, students are afforded the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the business world. In this environment students will learn essential business skills, approaches, service quality and more.

The networking and self-actualisation that they will obtain will allow them to work more effectively with their colleagues, clients, and external counterparts.

This groundwork prepares graduates to move up the corporate ladder easily. And with an MBA qualification, a graduate is able to increase his earning potential by up to 30%, says Sesaiah.

Private universities offer global influence

As more and more private institutions of higher learning

Private universities have plenty to offer

offering postgraduate programmes continue to mushroom, the competition to attract students is now at its peak.

In order to stand out from the competitors, these institutions have realised that they have to be innovative and provide the students with the best.

Realising this, many private institutions of higher learning have gone a step further and engaged in collaborations and partnerships with overseas universities to offer students a more global MBA.

At a private university, the student will be getting an MBA that is recognised internationally. At SEGi University, for example, our MBA has a dual-award

arrangement with the University of Sunderland in the United

Kingdom, says Sesaiah.The international

nature of the programme also makes it suitable for people

who want international mobility and global networking. Above all, it is a preparation for students for the global stage and understanding of market developments, adds Prof Abdol Ali.

Over the years, the quality of MBAs being offered by private

institutions of higher learning has continued to increase.

Apart from being accredited by local bodies

like the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, many institutions have also received international accreditation from various global accreditation bodies.

These accreditations are crucial in order to

determine the quality and conformity to the

global standards of an MBA programme.

Similarly, it is equally important to have

collaborative efforts with

international partner universities to further enhance the prestige factor of the MBA programme, says Prof Abdol Ali.

Most universities are taking steps to upgrade their facilities in order to provide students with a world-class learning environment. Many local private universities have also ensured that their programme lecturers are selected from only the finest, says Sesaiah.

Make the right choice

Embarking on an MBA is not an easy task and those interested in owning an MBA qualification must be prudent when choosing the type of MBA that they intend to pursue.

With so many MBAs offered by various institutions of higher learning, students need to know what each MBA focuses on.

They need to match these differences with the kind of MBA programme that they hope to pursue, says Prof Abdol Ali.

Once you have figured out the right MBA course to pursue, you can be assured that your MBA journey will be an unforgettable one.

With so many MBAs offered by various institutions of higher learning, students need to know what each MBA focuses on.

Prof Abdol Ali


RESEARCHERS are invited to submit proposals addressing three areas of Integrated Reporting (IR) that need to be developed further.

The offer follows the introduction of the IR Framework in December last year.

The research brief has been issued by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), IAAER (International Association

for Accounting Education and Research) and the IIRC (International Integrated Reporting Council) with the aim of stimulating fresh research for the future development of IR.

The organisations want three research proposals that look into the following areas:

Meeting users information needs what do users of integrated reports from large private sectors and companies

Big award for research proposalsWe hope researchers will take advantage of the grants we have to offer to support the further development of this important global initiative.

Ewan Willars

Ewan Willars, Director of Policy, ACCA.

> FROM PAGE 5

Security +

After attending this course, students will be able to understand general security concepts, identify external and internal security threats, create a hard network security infrastructure, monitor and manage a companys security level, and implementing security policies. This course covers different aspects of different operating systems, be it Linux or Windows systems.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP

This 30-hour course helps develop a keen eye for Internet security, building on industry experience and formal education. The pre-requisites of joining this course is four years of security work experience and at least a degree in ICT. CISSP holders are required to update their certification every three years.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate Windows Server 2012

This certification is awarded by Microsoft. The software giant has established itself as a huge name in the industry, so having a certification from this company will solidify a graduates employability. The Microsoft Certified

Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2012 certification gives a solid base of knowledge and is also a stepping stone for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure and MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure workshops.

Microsoft Systems Certified Associate Security Track

This credential lends support to managing and troubleshooting system tasks based on Microsoft Windows systems. Aspirants are put through rigorous examinations to prove their mettle. Those who plan to register should ideally

have a years working experience and a degree in IT or similar. Topics covered are: installation and configuration of Windows, managing a Microsoft Windows server and infrastructure, and dealing with security implementations.

Advanced Java Web Developer

Students will learn to work with J2EE and to develop Java Server Pages and web services.

The course covers advanced aspects of Java development and includes XML, EL, JDBC and more. Examples of lessons include

using cookies and servlets, fundamentals of web services in J2EE, modifying XML documents via DOM, creating web services and SOAP data type knowledge.

Certified Linux System Administration LPI 101 and LPI 102

This programme is for people already familiar with Linux and who would like to expand their knowledge into administration.

This course covers installation and configuration of Linux systems and prepares them for Junior Level Administration certification. This course covers a wide range of Linux knowledge and those who complete this course can be sure that theyll have a functional ability to administrate a Linux system.

Web Programming with PHP

Students will learn PHP as a programming language on its own, then learning how they can incorporate this knowledge to programming in web applications.

Students are required to have a good base in HTML knowledge before taking this course. After completion, students will know how to create PHP websites with just text editors, use string manipulation and pattern matching, manage date and time and working with PHP objects.

want to see? This topic should focus on the similarities and differences between the needs and expectations of different equity and debt holders as well as others who provide financial capital.

Materiality and completeness versus conciseness in Integrated Reporting the topic should address theoretical, policy and practical issues concerning the role of materiality that determine the balance between completeness and conciseness in an integrated report.

Organisational characteristics and Integrated Reporting a study that analyses theoretical, policy and practical issues that concern the application of the framework to different types of organisations

Leapfrog your career prospects

in different jurisdictions and of various circumstances.

The deadline for research proposal submissions is Feb 28 (Friday). Submissions and questions about the programme can be e-mailed to [email protected]

The research proposals we hope to receive will be vital to take Integrated Reporting further.We support the IR initiative and want to see it flourish as it becomes increasingly important to the accounting and financial world.

IR is still in its infancy, so it needs to keep evolving to keep it fresh and in tune with the ever-changing business environment. We hope researchers will take advantage of the grants we have to offer to support the further development of this important global initiative, says Ewan Willars, Director of Policy, ACCA.

We are looking forward to reviewing research proposals.

Fresh thinking is needed on these three subject areas and independent research will help inform the IIRC and its constituents as IR becomes higher on the financial agenda, says Professor Donna Street, University

of Dayton and IAAER Director of Research and Educational Activities.

Integrated Reporting is market-led; it will evolve in line with business and user needs.

The IIRC is delighted that this call for research will help the IIRC to continue to develop its understanding of what those needs are and the role of IR, says Michael Nugent, Technical Director of Framework Development, IIRC

A combined sum of up to 50,000 (RM277,000) will be

awarded for up to three projects

that meet the set criteria.


The MBA advantage

Under SEGi University, MBA candidates have three options of specialisation: Global Business, Entrepreneurship or General Management.

With PACE, anyone with Internet connection can study for an MBA from SEGi University.

THE Master of Business Administration (MBA) has been much coveted among business-minded individuals to create learning opportunities. As the business world becomes increasingly competitive and credentials similarly shared, having an MBA will create an outstanding graduate with unique traits.

An MBA also encourages business acumen among individuals who may not have a first degree in business. With an MBA, individuals can learn general management skills, as well as specialised business skills.

Obtaining an MBA can also be a fast-track route for most careers not as a guarantee for a top position but to gain increased market value and pave a quicker path to the top spot in their industry. SEGi University offers a wide range of MBAs that cultivate future business leaders who can meet the demands of various industries.

Specialisation options

l Global Business prepares graduates for the competitive business environment on a globalised scale. They will be capable of solving business problems while considering international implications. l Entrepreneurship

graduates will learn to launch their own start-up companies and begin their careers in the venture capital industry, having learnt from qualified academicians and renowned business leaders.l General Management

enhances competency in

strategic management, sales, human resources, finance and economics. Graduates will know the latest theories and practices in business, which will help to prepare them for the corporate world.

Convenience

In line with the increasing need for convenience, SEGi is proud to introduce the Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) programme, which will enable students to learn at their own pace and complete their studies without disrupting other obligations and their work-life balance. PACE is now available for MBA (General Management) and soon for MBA (Global Business). Instead of attending scheduled classes, students can conveniently log in online for their lectures any time, anywhere, saving the time, cost and effort it takes to commute to a venue.

The two study options for students to choose from are:

l Independent learning students attend workshops and revision classes at their nearest SEGi campus or recruitment centre during selected periods of the month.l Fully supported learning

students attend weekly classes at their nearest SEGi campus or recruitment centre.

n For more information on the MBA programmes, contact SEGi University at 03-6145 1777 or 1800 887 344 or visit www.segi.edu.my


IF you want to move ahead in your career, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpurs (IUKL) MBA programme could be the key to your success. In the current working environment, most jobs require employees to have a bachelors degree but those with a masters are always preferred.

The Faculty of Business and Accounting at IUKL offers a specially designed MBA programme in the areas of marketing, project management, accounting, management, human resource management, finance and banking. This programme will enhance your career and achievements in your future business endeavours.

With full-time and part-time options, the programme is ideal for fresh graduates as well as industry professionals. A full-time student can earn an MBA in just 18 months whereas an individual with a full-time job can earn an MBA in two to three years.

In addition, there is an option of six different majors that allow students to have in-depth mastery in their respective fields while benefiting from the lecturers who are industry experts with a wealth of information.

We have students from across the world, therefore, our greatest asset is international networking. While doing your MBA, you will network and establish possible connections. At the end of this programme, you will be more confident in conducting presentations and enhanced personal development as well as critical thinking skills. But above all, you will have a network of worldwide contacts, says Dr Ridzuan Masri, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Accounting.

He offers some advice to those who are interested in pursuing their MBA: An advanced qualification makes a difference not only to your resume, but also serves as a testament to the dedication you have in your chosen field. If you are willing to devote your time and effort to improve yourself in the corporate world, then you can

Step ahead with an MBAbe assured of success.

There are two modes of study for candidates to choose from project paper or coursework. The flexibility of study is greatly advantageous for students to organise their study plans without hassle.

IUKL is committed to providing quality and affordable education to its postgraduate candidates. In addition to EPF withdrawal, various study loans and flexible instalment schemes are available for students. IUKL postgraduate students are also eligible to apply for the MyMaster and MyPhD funding programmes under the MyBrain15 project by the Ministry of Education.

About IUKL

Formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College (KLIUC), IUKL is a subsidiary of Protasco Berhad, a company which is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia. It was officially upgraded to university status in September 2012.

With its new status, IUKL now offers foundation, diploma, bachelors degree, masters and PhD programmes. The university has also achieved the ISO 9001 certification, ensuring that the management and operations of the university are efficient and effective.

IUKL is situated within a lush 100-acre (40.5ha) campus and provides an environment that is conducive to learning. It is a dynamic university that is committed to producing high-calibre graduates who are imbued with specialised skills and the dedication to contribute to the countrys rapid advancement.

IUKL believes that its students should be holistically trained and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in their careers. It is IUKLs mission to steer the university towards becoming a world-renowned infrastructure university that is aligned with its motto For Knowledge, For Humanity.

n For details call 1800 88 STUDY (78839) or log on

to www.IUKL.edu.my/postgraduate

Dr Ridzuan: We have students from across the world, therefore, our greatest asset is international networking.

IUKL is committed to providing quality and affordable education to its postgraduate candidates.


HERIOT-WATT University (HWU) is a highly ranked university with a global reputation for academic excellence.

The newly opened Malaysian campus in Putrajaya Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) now offers a range of courses from foundation programmes, bachelors degree programmes to postgraduate masters programmes.

The disciplines offered will address key growth areas of this country in business, management, construction, actuarial science sectors as well as engineering specialisations in petroleum, chemical, mechanical and renewable energy.

Top ranking, well-recognised and accredited university

Why choose HWUM for your postgraduate degree? Essentially, you will be enrolling in one of the top universities in the world with a strong pedigree in engineering and the sciences.

HUWM is among the Top 10 universities in the UK for actuarial mathematics, business management, chemistry, chemical engineering, civil engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics and psychology, as ranked by The Sunday Times University Guide 2013.

The Malaysian campus will share the same academic standards and teaching quality, curriculum, learning resources and library services as the UK campus.

HUWM encourages independent thinking and problem-solving through interactive teaching, application of skills and industry-relevant learning to create outstanding graduates.

More than 40% of Fortune 500 companies (annual ranking of Americas largest corporations by Fortune magazine) have employees on the Heriot-Watt Universitys Edinburgh Business School MBA programme, which is listed as the most popular MBA in the world by the Financial Times newspaper since 2009 bearing

testament to the reputation and high regard that its graduates have in their industry.

MBA specialisations

The university has a variety of MBA specialisations for students to choose from.

This allows them to enhance their current skills and be equipped for their future career path.

HWUM is one of the best oil and gas universities in the world. Now with access to Malaysians tremendous pool of talent, graduates from the Putrajaya campus will be well equipped for employment in the industry for both the local and international market, says Dr Zuhar Zarith, Reservoir Geoscience specialist of The Institute of Petroleum Engineering, HWUM.

State-of-the-art Malaysian campus

The newly established state-of-the-art campus offers Malaysians an affordable option to gain a globally recognised UK degree.

Its location in the garden city of Putrajaya is surrounded by a stunning lakeside setting and is situated close to Kuala Lumpur.

The Putrajaya campus students will be getting a global education with a UK degree from a highly ranked university with a 200 year heritage, says Prof Robert Craik, chief executive officer and Provost of HWUM.

For many students, it will be like obtaining a UK degree without having to leave the benefits of home.

Competitive fees

HUWMs programme fees are set at competitive rates for Malaysians and those in surrounding regions.

The overall cost for a HWUM Masters degree is about 60% of same degree obtained in UK and generous scholarship opportunities available.

n Further information on the programmes and HWUM can be obtained on www.hw.edu.my or by contacting 03-8881 0918.

PostgraduateUK degreein Malaysia

Prof Robert Craik: At HWUM, students will earn a UK degree from a highly ranked university.


MONASH University Malaysia is committed to research that makes a difference, addressing the challenges we face as a country and across the globe. The university has established six research platforms aimed to help achieve sustainable socio-economic development.

Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway (BRIMS)

BRIMS is an internationally recognised leader in neuroscience research, particularly of medicinal and aromatic plants for commercial purposes and local plants for treatment of neurological diseases.

We have some of the top scientists looking at how Malaysia and the regions natural environment can become the test bed for discoveries of next-generation drugs and medical therapy that underpin a vibrant and thriving regional pharmaceutical industry, says Professor Mahendhiran Nair, Deputy President for Strategy of Monash University Malaysia.

South-East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO)

SEACO performs research in the clinical and science fields, and observes how migration, globalisation, trends, technology and diseases affect both urban

and rural communities. Findings contribute to community development and aid the formulation of public policies, providing insights for other developing countries as well.

Advanced Engineering

The platforms main research interests are on the socio-economic impact of technology and its application to aid growth of the manufacturing sector, especially electrical and electronics.

Besides focusing on technology like solid-state lighting and organic electronics, some of the

researchers also look at water technology and how to have better water management system, which is important for one of the biggest industries in Malaysia, the agricultural industry, says Professor Nair.

Halal Ecosystem

The Monash Halal Ecosystem platform examines how Islamic principles can be incorporated into macro business issues of both national and global importance.

With Malaysia being a frontrunner in Halal Ecosystem research, the team here looks into issues related to understanding

Islamic philosophies and how it is incorporated into business developments to build a better corporate governance system. They also look at how businesses can remain globally competitive with new technology development and still stay true to Islamic principles.

Tropical Medicine and Biology

The rich biodiversity and habitats of Malaysia provide a suitable environment for medicinal, agricultural and scientific research.

One of their main areas involves genomics the examination of gene sequencing in plants, animals and humans. With the rapidly developing field of bioinformatics, researchers on this platform can better understand and manage key natural resources that will offer insights to developing countries to improve their quality of life.

Social and Economic Transformation in Asia (SETA)

SETA looks at how society can develop sustainability while adapting to socio-economic changes like: globalisation, which may cause loss of national identity. liberalisation, to remain more

globally competitive amongnew industries. regionalisation, the impact of regional groups like Asean/East Asian Society on social cohesion. digitisation, the effective use of technology to inspire innovation, creativity and production.

A degree with perspective

Monash offers Higher Degree Research (HDR) based on a multi-disciplinary approach, which equips students to find holistic solutions to challenging issues that impact the region and other developing countries.

With the universitys state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, Monash students can also leverage on the research infrastructure and expertise of other campuses and partner universities across the globe, including in Australia, South Africa, India and China.

This provides them the resources to deal with national issues from a regional perspective, and similarly regional issues from a global perspective, says Professor Nair.

n The Monash University Malaysia Higher Degree Research programmes provide competitive scholarships to qualified applicants. To find out more about various available postgraduate programmes, visit www.monash.edu.my/research

Research that impacts lives

Prof Mahendhiran shares about the six research platforms established by Monash University that help the region achieve sustainable socio-economic development.

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Postgraduate - February 2014