EEXPLOREREXPLORERJanuary - March 2010

Gong Xi Fa Cai @ Nilai UC!

www.nilai.edu.my

Nilai UC students go native in Homestay programmeGuitar gods come alive in the book reviewsSenior citizen student from Japan in Intensive English Programme

The Autobiography - Eric Clapton

‘God’. ‘Slowhand’. ‘Genius’. ‘Racist’. ‘Alcoholic’. ‘Addict’. These are just someof the words used to describe the artist born Eric Patrick Clapton in leafy Surrey, England on 30 March 1945. For those who are unfamiliar with his work beyond Tears In Heaven, this book offers a warts and all look at what is it like to be a globe-trotting, multi-platinum rock star who has played with the likes of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Derek & The Dominoes, Cream, Blind Faith, Traffic and the seminal Yardbirds (which also featured fellow guitar gods Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck). Hit songs such as Wonderful Tonight, Layla and White Room continue to make the rounds on the airwaves even today, underlining his popularity through the ages.

Muso-type readers will be fascinated by his guitar collectionand how he wrings every ounce of tone, sound and vibrato from its neck whilst the casual followers may be more inclined towards the personal tragedies Clapton has had to endure. Everything here is revealed in candid detail. From the sordid addiction to the Devil’s Dandruff to the fatal accident that befell his infant son, Clapton has lived through enough personal tragedies to fill several dozen blues long-players.

This is a good read. Honest and gives plenty of insight into the life of one of the most well known musicians of modern times. Fans of juicy gossip will also get to read about the ladies who inspired Layla and Wonderful Tonight . . . That alone should have you heading towards the library to check this out.

Jimi Hendrix: The Man, The Magic, The Truth - Sharon Lawrence

Clapton may have been London’s ‘god’ in the 60s but even he was completely dumbfounded whena strange unkempt man plugged in his reverse Fender into an amp and let rip the most spine chilling blues and rock riffs heard that side of Tower Bridge. After years in the wilderness as a session musician with a variety of bands (James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner), Jimi was spotted by ex-Animals bass player Chas Chandler who convinced the guitarist to relocate to London.

The rest they say is rock and roll history. In just three short years, Jimi Hendrix alongside the Experience and the Band of Gypsies manage to cement his status as the most electrifying axeman on planet rock. Friend and entertainment journo Sharon Lawrence whose close connection to the subject matter allows her to give us a more personal and human potrait of the rock icon that is Hendrix, instead of just concentrating on him setting the music world alight in the three short years before his untimely death in 1970.

Hendrix’s fears, dreams and emotions are laid bare here as readers are treated to the great guitarist’s personal thoughts, ideas and feelings on numerous subjects. Like a candle burning on both ends, Hendrix’s star shone brightest in a scene already packed with luminaries and readerscan almost feel the flame extinguishing towards the sad, bitter end.

Today, his legend lives on in the airwaves, on countless t-shirts and posters, and in books like this thatlovingly tends to the great man’s memory. An angel did indeed come down from heaven and his name was Jimi.

Keith Richards: The Biography - Victor Bockris

The Class A narcotics. The countless lovers. The run-ins with the law. Keith Richards has certainly lived the life of a rock and roll outlaw and has (incredibly) lived to tell the tale. Despite him proclaiming, “We were hip not to be pop stars ”, he has become a ubiquitous presence virtually throughout rock’s half century in existence.

Keith made that statement when the Beatles first broke onto the scene and he saw his own band,Rolling Stones, more as gnarled blues men than shiny new pop stars. Though he admits the huge debt to The Beatles in opening up the airwaves and the charts to countless acts including themselves, you sense Richards wouldn’t have cared less if international fame bypassed him altogether.

The ramshackle and laid back Keith Richards the public is familiar with is very much alive in these pages. Given direct access to the subject matter and backed up with countless interviews with those in the know (band mates, friends, producers and other industry insiders), Bockris treats readers to a complete view of the man listed fourth in Time magazine’s fourth best guitarist of all time. He makes absolutely no apologies for his behaviour and this is what makes it a compelling read.

This book by famed biographer Victor Brockis (who has also detailed the lives of artist Andy Warhol,writer William Boroughs and Olympian Muhammad Ali in prose) is a great overview of the long and hugely successful career of Keith Richards and that behemoth known as the Rolling Stones.

For those who are still unsure who this old geezer is after reading this book, here’s a hint, he playedJohnny Depp’s dad in Pirates of the Carribean. As the man himself says in the book, “You’ve got the sun, you’ve got the moon, and you’ve got the Rolling Stones.”

The Axeman ComethR Bala dives headlong into three books which reveal the warts behind the

genius of some of rock music’s most celebrated axe-slingers.

BookReview

* All books featured are available at Nilai UC Resource Centre.

Time flies when you are having fun or in my case, when there are so many new exciting challenges to meet head on. It’s a brand new decade and despite having come a long way since Nilai University College's establishment in 1997, there are still many things we want to achieve as aninstitution of higher learning.

Although we have been a university college for two years, we are not resting on our laurels. Our primary objective for the coming years is to ensure that our status is preserved. At the same time, we are constantly working hard to strengthen our services and academic programmes, to prepare for further advancement as a university. You should expect to see a number of new degrees and postgraduate programmes in thenear future.

All staff and management of Nilai Resources Group recently got together at the Nilai Springs Golf & Resort Hotel for our annual dinner-cum-Chinese New Year bash. It was loud and good-spirited fun and it was a way for the management to thank everyone for the effort they put in last year. It was also a pleasing sight to see people of different races, religions and backgrounds come together for a multi-cultural celebration. Many of us take this muhibbah spirit for granted, and it was indeed hearteningto observe the common ties that bind us all as Malaysians.

Last but not least, I want to make a special note of the story featured inside. It is about a senior citizen from Japan, Kenno Kenji, who undertook the Intensive English Programme at our campus. This man is proof that one is never too old to learn and keep learning. Kenno Kenji is indeed a role model to all students at Nilai UC for his commitment to continuously educate himself. Let Kenno Kenji’s example encourage you to do well in your studies and remind all of us that our education is a lifelong process. Be inspired to be the best that you can be so that you will one day inspire others in turn. We at Nilai UC arecommitted to help you on that journey.

Prof. Emeritus Tengku Dato’ Shamsul BahrinPRESIDENT

From ThePresident’s Desk

AcademicHappenings

Editor’sVoice

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EXPLORER – Editorial Board

EDITOR

R Bala

EDITORIAL TEAM

Aileen AnthonyBernard SoonDaphne LeongShariffah Bahyah Syed AhmadOscar TnehNur SyazwaniFarha FaroukAmanda Aurora

ContentsACADEMIC HAPPENINGSThe Presidential View 3

UNIVERSITY UPDATESLatest developments @ Nilai UC 5

COVER STORYVillage People 6

ACADEMIC HAPPENINGSA Solid IT Foundation 8

CLUBS & SOCIETIESGoing Pro 10

REGULAR PAGESRecipe Page 11Book Review 12

It is with deep guilt that I admit that I have been piling on the pounds, no thanks to all the wonderful cakes and pastries I have had to sample from Chef Siti and her students in our Culinary Arts programme. The discussion as to which lip-smacking dessert makes it onto our recipe pages soon turns into an excuse for us to sample more than a few delightfully sinful recipes which are churned out at our very own 5,046sq ft training kitchen on campus. Those of you who would like to master the art of baking, please turn to pg9 or better yet, sign up for our Culinary Arts programme!

I am also very excited as this issue sees quite a few new bylines as four student helpers join the Explorer Editorial Board. I am pleased to say that this being their maiden effort, they can all hold their heads up high.

Last but not least, a very special mention to Nilai UC’s Lion Dance troupe who covered almost every nook and cranny of our massive campus to usher in the Year of the Tiger. For their gallant efforts, we have given them a spot on our cover. Well done lads.

R BalaEditor

Prof Emeritus Tengku Dato’ Shamsul Bahrin has been at the helm of Nilai University College (Nilai UC) since its inception in 1997. He has seen Nilai UC grow and attain university college status (in 2007) and the student numbers steadily increase with each passing year.

Tengku Shamsul’s involvement in academia and academic administration began when he became a lecturer in 1964, and then Head of Department and in 1975 the Dean of University Malaya’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He was again Dean from 1983-1988. Since joining Nilai UC, he served for a period of six years as President of MAPCU and has continued to serve as a member of the National Higher Education Council. He is highly regarded in education circles for his commitment to academic excellence. Tengku Shamsul was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in Business Administra-tion from Oxford Brookes University, UK, for his outstanding contributions to academic and administrative excellence in higher education in Malaysia.

With over 40 years experience in academia, Tengku Shamsul is a man who has a clear vision of how a tertiary educa-tion institution should be run and the princi-ples that should guide its policies. Here, he takes some time to discuss the progress Nilai UC has made in recent years as well as the plans for the future.

You have been at the helm of Nilai UC for 12 years. Describe some of the targets you set for this institution and how they have been met?

When we first started, the Board decided to position us as an institution that special-ises in the ‘service industry’. We offered programmes such as Accountancy and Finance in our School of Business, Culinary Arts in the School of Hospitality and Tourism, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Technology in the School of Allied Health Sciences. We sought to provide a much-needed boost to the human resources of the growing service industries. Since that time, we have expanded to include numerous exciting programmes, all in the service sector. A recent addition is the hugely popular Diploma in Aircraft Mainte-nance Engineering and to benefit students

of this programme we have at great expense built a hangar and purchased a plane. This is our commitment to giving our students the best.

Even from the outset, the Board wanted the ‘college’ to quickly be upgraded to a ‘university college’ and we achieved this within a decade. As a ‘university college’, we have embarked on our own degree programmes. We now have a total of nine degree programmes – five in Business, two in Computing, one in Nursing, one in Hospi-tality and one in Biotechnology. We will soon have our own Engineering degrees as well. The next step is for us to become a full-fledged university.

Every private institution claims to offer the most wholesome education experience. What sets Nilai UC apart?

Among private education provid-ers, we have one of the most beautiful and spacious campuses around. The fact we started with a 105-acre campus underlines our long-term commitment as an education provider. By choosing a location in the suburbs,

away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we hope to provide a peaceful environ-ment conducive to the pursuit of higher education.

Our emphasis has been to produce well-rounded graduates. By that I mean graduates who are academic high-achievers, active in sports, able to socialise well and work in a team. We actively encourage students to join clubs and societies.

Our students will have a strong moral code and a keen sense of ethics marking them out as dynamic citizens. This is achieved by making co-curricular activities and courses such as ‘Ethics’ and ‘Sociology’ as part of our syllabus. We believe this extra effort will benefit all parties in the long run.

Contact us for more information on courses available:Main Campus, Putra NilaiSMS 012-628 1139, call 06-850 2338 orEmail: enquiry@nilai.edu.my

Regional Programme Counselling OfficesPetaling Jaya Office : 03-7960 3089Johor Bahru Office : 07-333 2336 / 2337Kota Kinabalu : 088-238 811

FIELDS OF STUDY @ NILAI UC Actuarial Science Accounting Biochemistry Biomedical Science Biotechnology Business Culinary Arts Computing Engineering Finance Hospitality Hotel Management Management Marketing Mass Communications Medical Lab Technology Nursing and many more...

The Presidential View Nilai UC President shares some of his thoughts on private education and his visions for his institution.

Tengku Shamsul hopes to attain full 'university' status in the near future.

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UniversityUpdates

AcademicHappenings

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best suits the student’s aptitude and interest. The institution and programme chosen must be the one that meets the needs of that student.

Most important thing about a private higher education centre is the quality of the programmes and the teaching staff. How do you ensure a high standard is maintained?

We hand pick our lecturers to ensure they have the relevant experience. We also hire lecturers who we feel can communicate effectively with the students.

What other factors help make a student’s stay an enriching experience?

We feel that our students’ time here should represent the best years of their lives before entering adulthood.

This is where they mature into young adults ready to tackle the working world and we try to inculcate the right values to serve them in their future endeavours. Parents have entrusted us to look after their children and we hope to return them better than when we receive them.

On campus there are many clubs and societies as well as sporting facilities such as a football pitch, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, to keep students occupied.

We are always listening to students and try to accommodate their needs. We have even set up an email allowing them direct access to top management. Our focus is definitely centred on our students. They must enjoy their whole experience here.

What does the current post-recession economic climate mean to a private institution such as Nilai UC?

The uncertain economic climate means people are more careful with their money and may not want to risk being tied up with the expensive cost of an overseas educa-tion at this point in time.

At Nilai UC, a student can always continue with anyone of our partner institutions later on and this will represent a substantial cost saving. A good example would be our American Degree Transfer programme.

By doing two years here, a student can save up to RM200,000. It also allows the flexibility to change majors later on without losing any credits. Rather than go abroad immediately after leaving school, it may be better if students reduce costs of their undergraduate programmes and use that saving to later pay for their advanced degrees.

In your opinion, what is the most important quality of your institution? I would say that we are student-orientated in everything we do. From the services and facilities we provide to the programmes and the lecturers employed, everything is geared towards producing better quality graduates who are both knowledgeable and ethical.

What are your future plans for Nilai UC?

We have developed rapidly, but we shall not be resting on our laurels. It is hard work and perseverance that got us here and we shall sustain that effort.

We are looking to become a full-fledged university soon. We already offer our own degrees, and in 2010 we will be offering Masters level programmes in Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Business Administration. We will also add new programmes at the diploma and degree levels. Plans are underway to add Avionics and Helicopter Maintenance programmes.

Perhaps, most important is our commitment to improve the total experience of our students and this means improving in every area possible to ensure that the student experience at Nilai UC is the best that it can be.

Which programmes are you most proud of and why?

Personally, I think every one of the six schools in Nilai UC has done well. They each have successful programmes. But if pushed, I would say the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering has surpassed expectations with its popularity. Together with the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) examination that they take at Nilai UC, our graduates will be a prominent group not only at Malaysian airports but also at various airports the world over. So yes, I am quite proud of that.

How important are your links with other overseas institutions?

The transfer of knowledge is very impor-tant. We have a special relationship with Oxford Brookes University, UK, having worked with them since 1998. Our own degrees have been validated by Oxford Brookes as equivalent to their own and our students therefore get dual awards – one from Nilai UC and another from Oxford Brookes. Our degrees therefore carry that added weight because our graduates get two highly prized awards that give them that extra edge in the job market.

Our qualifications are recognised and accepted by many foreign universities including highly ranked universities in Australia, New Zealand, UK and the USA, allowing our students the option of an overseas experience if they so choose.

What advice do you have for parents and students when choosing a private institution of higher learning?

Choose carefully as this is one decision that will significantly impact the student for the rest of his or her life. Don’t bow to peer pressure. Choose the programme that

Nilai UC programmesare oriented towardsthe service industry.

The leafy environment away from city distractions provide students with a peaceful environment conducive for higher education.

“Its really not that much different today to when I was a student at Hitotsubashi University in the late 1960s majoring in law. Students will be students with their bound-less energy and enthusiasm. I suppose I am privileged to have had the chance to experience student life twice,” says Kenji in impeccable English. He says it was a difficult decision to leave his spouse and elderly parents behind but is now looking forward to returning to Japan to embark on this new chapter in his life as an English teacher.

“I would like to thank everyone here at Nilai UC – staff, teachers and classmates – for making this a very special time for me. It is not everyday that a person gets a chance to relive his varsity days,” smiles Kenji.

Kenji says what made him choose Malay-sia as an education destination is down to the fact that one of his clients was a Malaysian lady who was a head of a multinational company’s operations in the Far East. Her impressive command of the English language prompted him to investi-gate further. He then chanced upon Nilai UC’s IEP in a local magazine and this led him to the institution’s website (www.nilai.edu.my). It was then he realised that Malaysia offered an affordable alternative to the other destinations he was initially considering.

Despite the age difference between Kenji and the rest of his classmates, he does not feel out of place. He says all the students in the IEP treat him as he was just another student and his age has not been a barrier towards communication.

“Honestly, I never liked business. My passion is to teach,” explains Kenno Kenji as to why he has enrolled into Nilai Univer-sity College’s (Nilai UC) Intensive English Programme (IEP) at the ripe age of 60.

Despite having been involved in the shipping and maritime business in Japan for over 30 years, Kenji says his interest has always been in teaching. Upon retiring from his job, he decided he would pursue his dream and he was contemplating studying in England, United States, Australia or even the Philippines. He admits Malaysia was not part of his initial plans.

This is yet another major facility in which Nilai UC students will be able to get their hands greasy under the guidance of qualified and experienced aircraft techni-cians and engineers.

Experience gained at SR Aviation will count towards the final award of the Diploma as well as the five years work experience required for European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) license if all modules have been successfully completed for the application for the issuance of the EASA license.

Nilai UC's status as an examination second site means that under the terms of a contract with Nilai UC, Air Service Training (Engineering) Ltd is able to offer EASA IR Part 66 (examinations/training) at the Nilai UC campus in accordance with its IR Part 147 approval. This factor has helped make the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering one of the most popular programmes offered at Nilai UC.

SR Aviation Sdn Bhd became the ninth and latest aviation industry partner for Nilai University College's Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme. A signing ceremony between SR Aviation's General Manager, Capt Shankar Sivarat-nam, and Nilai UC President, Prof Emeritus Tengku Dato' Shamsul Bahrin, formalised the agreement. Tengku Shamsul was pleased that yet another major industry player had decided to tap into the poten-tial of students of Nilai UC’s Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme as well as giving students the opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience.

The agreement means that students in the final semester of the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme will be able to be selected for a six-month on-the-job training at SR Aviation's facilities at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport in Subang, Selangor.

Never tooold to learnSeptuagenarian Kenno Kenji feels that age is no barrier to learning as he finishes his Intensive English Programme at Nilai UC.

Partners in FlightMore Aviation Industry Players Join Forces with Nilai UC

Kenno Kenji has alwayswanted to be a teacher.

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The leafy environment away from city distractions provide students with a peaceful environment conducive for higher education.

The Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering has surpassed all expectations.

The Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering has surpassed all expectations.

Nilai UC President Prof Emeritus Tengku Dato’ Shamsul Bahrin (l) & SR Aviation General Manager Capt Shankar Sivaratnam (r) formalise the agreement.

CoverStory

CoverStory

Village PeopleNilai UC students got a taste of village life in rural Malaysia with homestays in Melaka and Perak.By Farha Farouk (BBA in International Business)

Nilai University College (Nilai UC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Tourism organised a Homestay programme for its students. The project was designed to give international students a real feel of the country they are living in, and for domestic students to reconnect with cultures in their own backyard. Two set of students departed for villages located in Gopeng, Perak and Kg Alai, Melaka.

Initiative for this project came from Nilai UC School of Hospitality and Tourism as it wanted to highlight the true meaning of ‘service’ and ‘hospitality’ to its students. This is also part of Nilai UC’s Total Student Experience where numerous activities and initiatives areundertaken to give students maximum satisfaction during their time at Nilai UC.

This is what the organisers and participants had to say:

Michael Yei, Director of Department of Student Affairs and Sports

"The Homestay programme was a huge success. The students started off from our campus full of nervous excitement and returned with plenty of wonderfulanecdotes, and many more happymemories. It was a true learningexperience and we would like to thank the Ministry of Higher Education for their support. Given the success of thisHomestay programme, students can look forward to similar projects in the future." V Sharmilla, Lecturer in Nilai UC School

of Hospitality & Tourism

“The international homestay programme was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Higher Education. The programme was held from 21 to 24 January 2010. A total of 30 students and two staff were involved in the visits to Gopeng, Perak and Kg Alai, Melaka.

We were greeted by the kampungorganisers and received a warm welcome. International and local students were especially touched by the warm, friendly and caring nature of the villagefolk.

The purpose of the trip was to introduce students to the concept of homestay. For international students, it was an eye-opening experience as well as an opportunity to receive Malaysianhospitality at its very best. Many of our students are also city dwellers who have never experienced the simple kampung life, and its calm and relaxing pace.

Even when stripped of their laptops and other technological gadgets, the students were very happy immersing themselves in the traditional way of life.”

Peace Tham, Lecturer in Nilai UC School of Hospitality & Tourism

“Having been part of this Homestay programme myself, I can say this project has certainly taught all participants the value of teamwork, participation and communication. These were real-life lessons which will stay with us forever.”

Petrina Taw Ming May(Malaysia, Diploma in Hotel Management)What was your favourite activity during the Homestay programme?

“Learning how to make various handicraft such as batik. It was quite difficultbut very enjoyable nonetheless.”

Low Song Ham(Malaysia, Diploma in Hotel Management)What made you decide to join theHomestay programme?

“I basically wanted to expose myself to the different cultures as I knew that therewill be international students in the programme. Through this Homestay programme, I made a friend from Vietnam and learnt their traditional dances and basic Vietnamese words.”

PARTICIPANTS IN PERAK

Irene Loi Pui Wan(Malaysia, Diploma inTourism Management)What did you learn from the Homestay programme?

“Well, I learnt a lot of new things, but my most memorable learning experienceswas learning to effectively work in a team and making the Kelawai (traditional Gopeng food), which tasted great!”

Amir Zikri(Malaysia, Diploma in Culinary Arts)Describe your Homestay experience.

“It was wonderful! The new parents we were assigned to were very welcomingand made us all feel at home. We learnt a lot throughout the four days we were there and made so many friends from different cultural backgrounds.”

Esleen K. Muniale (Kenya, Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering)Describe your Homestay experience.

“I got to experience Malay culture at itsbest. The people were really friendly and receptive. The villagers went out of their way to make us all feel at home. It definitely was an eye opener, as I never experienced anything like that here in Malaysia. If given another chance, I wouldn’t think twice about joining a Homestay programme”.

Princess Tatenda Manungo (Zimbabwe, Diploma in TourismManagement)What made you join the Homestay programme?

“I wanted to view life from a differentperspective, learn how the locals live in the villages, and try to understand and compare the cultures with that of my own African culture. I also wanted a chance to learn outside the confines of a school environment, and I am glad I joined as I learned so many new things. It was such a wonderful experience”

PARTICIPANTS IN MELAKA

Kennedy M. Obiero (Kenya, American Degree Transfer programme)What did you learn from the Homestay programme?

“ The most interesting part of the homestayfor me was the mock wedding ceremony. I learnt how traditional Malay traditional weddings are conducted and I loved the rhythms of drums played in the ceremony. It is relatively different from back home but it was a beautiful experience. I thank the organisers who made the homestay a success”

Sanam Bela Kayani (Pakistan, Diploma in Hotel Management)What was it like to be a bride in the mock wedding ceremony?

“It was an amazing. I appreciated beingpart of the learning experience of the Malay traditional wedding. Everyone enjoyed the ceremony; we ate and danced the whole night”

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Nilai UC students proudly announcing their arrival at Kg Alai.

The many activities during the Homestay programme

International students enjoying a traditional Malay meal.

A solid ITfoundation

AcademicHappenings

AcademicHappenings

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Nilai UC’s computing programmes provide students with a solid foundation allowing them to eke out a rewarding career in a variety of industries.

Since its inception in 1997, Nilai University College (Nilai UC) has forged a long and fruitful relationship with Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom. The latter has had a hand in validating and designing many of the programmes being offered at Nilai UC. Oxford Brooke’s credentials are particularly high as it has been consistently named Best New University (after 1992) by the prestigious Times UK Good University Guide.

Recently, Oxford Brooke’s Head of ExternalActivities & Financing, Dr Alla Corderey,

was at Nilai UC for a working visit and took the time to outline why Nilai UC’s comput-ing programmes (Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in Business Information Technology, Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons), Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons)) are way ahead of its competitors.

Why should students and their parents consider Nilai UC’s computing programmes?

Employment opportunities in the comput-ing field are very diverse. Students with a Computing or IT technology degree can virtually work in any industry, as they are

very valuable. Nilai UC computing programmes are designed to give students a solid foundation in the relevant areas such as programming.

What should a student look for in a computing programme?

Students should always look for a programme that is strong in the fundamen-tals. Things like programming and knowl-edge of databases are the foundations of good computing programmes. Various applications change from year to year and things move so fast in this field. But if a student has a firm grasp of the fundamen-tals, he or she will be able to learn new things by themselves What are the strong points of Nilai UC’s Computing programmes?

The fact that it provides students with a solid foundation in the basic fundamentals such as programming is definitely its strength. Instead of going into a niche area such as games design which is essen-tially programming anyway.

What about students who want to specialise in a niche area?

As I said, students at Nilai UC will get a solid grounding in computing. This will allow students to specialise in various areas in their organisations.

What are your thoughts on the non-core subjects that students have to go through at Nilai UC?

I think that Nilai UC’s computing programmes are really very, very good. The scope is wider than what a student would get from studying in the United Kingdom. I believe that it is to the students’ advantage that when they come to Nilai UC they will be getting a qualification that is recognised all over the world and also skills that make them valuable members of society. To top it all off, students will be getting two degrees. I think students should take advantage of all the positives at Nilai UC.

Some parents and students are unclear about this two awards system. Could you explain further?

What we have validated is the fact that Nilai UC computing programmes contain all the components an Oxford Brookes programme would have. But in addition to that, it has much more. This is partly governed by the requirements of the Nilai UC education system which reflects the needs of the society in which its graduates will be working in. Thus Nilai UC computing programmes are much bigger and wider than those in Oxford Brookes. The students have worked twice as hard to satisfy the requirements of both Nilai UC and Oxford Brookes. They deserve both the awards.

What sort of standards does Oxford Brookes adhere to?

Oxford Brookes computing programmes are accredited by a professional body known as British Computer Society which ensures our programmes are challenging enough and are up-to-date. When we develop our programmes, it is always in line with what the profession requires.

How do you find the infrastructure at Nilai UC?

The facilities are very good. Every time I visit Nilai UC, I see huge improvement. The new laboratories look very impressive and I understand there is huge investment going into equipment and areas such as the library.

What sort of students will excel in the field of computing?

It is not sufficient just liking to use comput-ers. Computing is more about understand-ing how computers work and the logic behind computers. Students need to be interested in mathematics, recognising patterns and solving puzzles. It’s not just about surfing the Net or knowing how to use Facebook. These are very serious programmes requiring very intelligent people. Of course, applicants to these programmes must be prepared to work very hard.

Would you comment on the sort of remuneration graduates can expect in this field?

Suffice to say, the harder you work, the greater the reward. Things that are easy to achieve are hardly satisfying. There are plenty of opportunities for computing graduates all over the world.

There are many emerging economies not far from here which require a great deal of manpower in the field of IT and communi-cations. It is the core of modern society and there are endless opportunities.

Oxford Brookes and Nilai UC are also recipients of a monetaryaward from the UK’s Prime Minister’s Initiative Award 2. This grant is primarily used for building bridges between Nilai UC and Oxford Brookes. Academics visit each other’s institution to get a better working understanding and these in turn help the institutions deliver better programmes to students. The money has also been used to purchase equipment for the computing laboratory in the Nilai UC’s new Science and Technology Building

How do you convince students and their parents that Nilai UC’s computing programmes are the right choice?

Simple. People who graduate from these programmes will find employment easily.

Dr Alla Corderey

Nilai UC has invested substantially incomputing facilities for its students.

Nilai UC uses the funds from the PrimeMinister's Initiative award to furtherimprove its computing programmes.

Nilai UC uses the funds from the PrimeMinister's Initiative award to furtherimprove its computing programmes.

Computing graduates will find their servicesvery much in demand in a variety of industries.

Oxford Brookes has been impressed by Nilai UC'scontinued expansion of its 105-acre campus.

Nilai UC computing programmesare much bigger and wider than those in Oxford Brookes. The students have worked twice as hard to satisfy the requirements of both Nilai UC and Oxford Brookes. They deserve both the awards. - Dr Alla Corderey on the dual awards

Clubs & Societies RecipePage

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Nilai University College (Nilai UC)Toastmasters club recently organised a two-week Professionalism Enhancement Programme. This was a concerted effort by its members to hold a programme which would benefit undergraduates who would be entering the working world in the not too distant future.

The programme kicked off with a two-day communications course, which included training on basic communications and advertising skills. Speakers fromToastmasters International – Rosa Phua and Robert Tan – exposed participants to the nuances of body language and vocal variety. Everyone was left in no doubt that people such as interviewers andprospective employers can pick up vitalinformation form different sources.

The Toastmasters also took advantage of some internal expertise by inviting Nilai UC staff to share their expertise. Usha Devi from Nilai UC’s English Department gave plenty of helpful tips on the right ways to speak and address people in various scenarios. Also on hand to talk about the value of good communications was Aileen Anthony from Nilai UC’s Corporate Communications Department.

Members of Nilai UC’s Toastmasters Club duly took notes and shared their newfound knowledge with the students at SMK Infant Jesus Melaka. Over a hundred students attended this seminar and took part in activities such as creative self-introduction, rules of etiquette and vision planning.

“Best of all was seeing students pick up the courage to stand up in front of such a large crowd and speak their minds. That is what Toastmasters is all about, having the confidence to speak and the art of interesting conversation,” said Lo Chee Hoe, a student in Nilai UC’s BBA (Hons) in Human Resource Management Programme and President of Nilai UC Toastmasters.

Besides bringing the Toastmastersexperience to a younger audience, the Nilai UC chapter also managed to make many new acquaintances as well as new converts to the Toastmasters mission. “We believe that communication is a never-ending learning process that enables us to stand out from the crowd. Nilai UC Toastmasters Club plans to have many more similar activities in the future to enhance the leadership qualities of ouryoung generation,” said Lo enthusiastically.

Going ProDetermined to rise above mere amateurism,

Nilai UC Toastmasters Club took things into their own hands.

Nilai UC Toastmaster'sPresident Lo Chee Hoe

Nilai UC Toastmastersduring their visit to Melaka.

Over 100 students attended theseminar at SMK Infant Jesus, Melaka.

Siti Fatimah Ali

Participants giving the seminar two thumbs up!

Nilai UC Toastmasters aims toreach out to more students withmore school visits.

Learn how to make this delicious dessert with Nilai UC's bakerextraordinaire, Siti Fatimah Ali.

Linzer Mixture

Ingredients:

Brown sugar 250gmButter 375gmEgg 5 nos.Ground hazelnut 400gmWheat flour 100gm Soda bicarbonateCinnamon powder 5gmStrawberry jam 200gm

Method:

1. Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

2. Scrap the side of the mixing bowl then continue beating. Add eggs one by one.

3. Add in ground hazelnut, wheat flour, soda bicarbonate and cinnamon powder. Make sure that it is mixed evenly.

4. Place the sugar dough (see below) on the tart casing, then spread the strawberry jam on top of it evenly.

5. Spread the linzer mixture until it covers the strawberry jam.

6. Bake at 180˚C for 30 minutes or until it turns brown on the top.

Sugar Dough

Ingredients:Butter 180gmIcing sugar 300gmEgg 2nos.Wheat flour 500gm

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients until it becomes dough.2. Flatten the dough and place it in a tart mould.

Linzer Tart

Nilai UC School of Hospitality & Tourism has one of the largest training kitchens among private tertiary education institutions in the country. The 5,046sq ft training kitchen includes six specialist kitchens as well as a 100-seater demonstration kitchen, all of which service a formal dining restaurant. The School also offers the following programmes:

• BA (Hons) in Business & Hospitality Management

• Bachelor of Tourism Management (Hons), Thompson Rivers University, Canada

• Diploma in Culinary Arts

• Diploma in Hotel Management

• Diploma in Tourist Guide Operations

• Diploma in Tourism Management

• Certificate in Hotel Operations

RecipePage

Siti Fatimah Ali

Learn how to make this delicious dessert with Nilai UC's bakerextraordinaire, Siti Fatimah Ali.

Linzer Mixture

Ingredients:

Brown sugar 250gmButter 375gmEgg 5 nos.Ground hazelnut 400gmWheat flour 100gm Soda bicarbonateCinnamon powder 5gmStrawberry jam 200gm

Method:

1. Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

2. Scrap the side of the mixing bowl then continue beating. Add eggs one by one.

3. Add in ground hazelnut, wheat flour, soda bicarbonate and cinnamon powder. Make sure that it is mixed evenly.

4. Place the sugar dough (see below) on the tart casing, then spread the strawberry jam on top of it evenly.

5. Spread the linzer mixture until it covers the strawberry jam.

6. Bake at 180˚C for 30 minutes or until it turns brown on the top.

Sugar Dough

Ingredients:Butter 180gmIcing sugar 300gmEgg 2nos.Wheat flour 500gm

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients until it becomes dough.2. Flatten the dough and place it in a tart mould.

Nilai UC School of Hospitality & Tourism has one of the largest training kitchens among private tertiary education institutions in the country. The 5,046sq ft training kitchen includes six specialist kitchens as well as a 100-seater demonstration kitchen, all of which service a formal dining restaurant. The School also offers the following programmes:

• BA (Hons) in Business & Hospitality Management

• Bachelor of Tourism Management (Hons), Thompson Rivers University, Canada

• Diploma in Culinary Arts

• Diploma in Hotel Management

• Diploma in Tourist Guide Operations

• Diploma in Tourism Management

• Certificate in Hotel Operations

EXPLOREREXPLORERJanuary - March 2010

11.

Sift together