Jan-Mar 2009

Uncle Sam visitsNilai UC

Nilai University College!

Oz Samaritan sponsors Laotian student at Nilai UC

Sweeten up your life with our chocolate tart recipe

Lion dance troupe welcomes year of the Ox!

From thePresident’s

Desk

2

Editor’sVoice

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 : 03-5637 2619Johor Bahru Office : 07-333 2336Kota Kinabalu Office : 088-238 811

FIELD 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...

In this issue, we have focused on our academic endeavours. Firstly, you will read about Nilai UC’s B.Sc. (Hons) in Nursing. This programme was designed to produce better-qualified

nurses who can aspire to higher positions. Nurses are no longer mere doctor’s assistants. These days, nurses with the right qualifications and experience are even appointed as hospital administrators.

The boom in the healthcare industry has led to a huge demand for nurses. We not only see more and more private and public healthcare institutions sprouting up but also a number of nursing colleges. This has led to a need for nursing lecturers. Nilai UC is proud to be the first to take this step in offering a degree programme designed to further enhance career prospects of nurses as well as help produce quality teachers who in turn will continue to disseminate their knowledge in this noble profession.

Secondly, you will also find out more about Nilai UC’s Intensive English Programme which caters mainly to our international students. It is designed to bring students up to scratch on their English language abilities ensuring they are able to function in their new tertiary environment. Over the years, I have watched with great pride as many a student arrived feeling distinctly uncomfortable with the English language only to see them blossom into confident speakers. I salute the teachers in our English department for the outstanding job they are doing.

I also like to point out that Nilai UC recently helped organise a seminar on high functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The event managed to attract close to 300 participants who got the chance to listen and learn from three speakers with vast experience in treating autism and Asperger’s syndrome. This is part of Nilai UC’s corporate responsibility and we will continue to organise seminars and conferences that will benefit the public.

On a lighter note, I was well and truly impressed by Nilai UC’s very own lion dance troupe that soldiered on for over five hours to usher in the year of the Ox. Well done for covering virtually every inch of our rather large campus! I am confident that the Year of the Ox will bring great success to us all.

Prof. Emeritus Tengku Dato’ Shamsul BahrinPRESIDENT

This issue sees a greater emphasis on academia as the Explorer team tries to keep students and their parents informed on Nilai University College’s (Nilai UC) many programmes. For starters, there’s an interview with the head of Nursing faculty who explains the benefits of doing a B.Sc. (Hons) in Nursing. Despite the economic slowdown, the one area that is still booming is healthcare and the demand for qualified personnel is simply quite staggering.

We’ve also highlighted the Intensive English Programme which plays a vital role in acclimitasing international students with the medium of teaching. It is quite a feat bringing students who are generally not confident with the English language to the level required of tertiary education. It is a testimony to Nilai UC’s teaching staff to see so many international students speaking English in a manner which suggests that they have been using it for quite a number of years.

However, it is not all work and no play here at Nilai UC. We believe in a balanced outlook and students had a blast during the recent Orientation Nite which you can read about in our centre spread feature. Last but not least, I would like to commend Nilai UC’s very own Lion Dance Troupe which showed incredible stamina in ushering the Lunar New Year recently by covering virtually the entire campus. For their efforts, they have been rewarded by being this issue’s cover models!

R Bala Editor

ExPLORER – Editorial Board

Editor R Bala

Editorial teamAileen Anthony Pee Na YenJeremy Teo Shariffah Bahyah bte Syed AhmadJoanne Gan Sharila Yusoh Matthew Ong Shoba Rani Paneer SelvamNur Solehah Zakaria

CONTENTSAcademic HappeningsNilai UC offers Degree in Nursing ............................................................. 3

Corporate ResponsibilityDealing with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome ................................. 4

Human Interest The Gift of Giving............................................................................................ 5

Campus HighlightsCulture Club ..................................................................................................... 6

Academic HappeningsMaster the English Language at Nilai UC............................................... 8

Regular PagesAlumni .............................................................................................................. 10Recipe Page .................................................................................................... 11Book Review ................................................................................................... 12

AcademicHappenings

3

www.nilai.edu.my

“Malaysian nurses must put in place the whole spectrum of nursing activities which are the broader determinants of health. The nurse is the

link between the community and the healthcare system. The activities that the nurse has to carry out, as affirmed by the Nursing Code of Ethics, are health promotion, disease prevention, wellness care, and disease management throughout an individual’s lifespan,” said Director General of the Ministry of Health, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican at a recent conference on primary healthcare. “Nurses need to embrace continued learning, improve clinical competence, coordinate with other segments of the health sector, and be familiar with aspects of public work related to primary care nursing,” he added.

The Director General has continually emphasised the need for nurses to be more qualified and skilled practitioners so that they can successfully take on their full role in our healthcare system.

Nilai University College (Nilai UC) already has a very popular Diploma in Nursing programme. It has now launched a nursing degree programme with the first intake in January 2009. Norashikin Cheong bt Abdullah, Head of Nilai UC’s Nursing Department explains the benefits of taking that further step to obtain a B.Sc.(Hons) in Nursing.

What are the key benefits to doing this Degree in Nursing?The degree offered by Nilai UC is validated by Oxford Brookes University, UK. Graduates of this degree programme will be awarded both a Nilai UC award and an equivalent award from Oxford Brookes University. This internationally recognised degree will be the passport for employment anywhere in the world. It will enable them to chart a professional and personal lifestyle of their choice.

Degree holders will of course also enjoy higher salaries and better perks than their diploma counterparts.

Please explain how this new Degree in Nursing works in contrast to the current Diploma in Nursing that Nilai UC offers.The Diploma in Nursing is a three-year programme open to SPM school leavers while the degree is a four-year programme open to STPM, Matriculation and Foundation students. There is an opportunity for those with a Diploma qualification to join straight into the third year of the degree programme and obtain the two-year post registration B.Sc. (Hons) in Nursing.

The curriculum of the degree programme calls for a higher level of competence in nursing science. In addition, it places emphasis on management, social responsibility, ethics, sociology and co-curricular activities, and thereby helps develop a socially confident and professionally competent graduate.

What sort of employment prospects will graduates of this degree programme have?Very few nurses possess a degree. In fact as at 2008, only some 100 students were doing the degree programme. However, there is a great demand for nursing degree holders to serve as ward managers at hospitals, and as lecturers in nursing schools. Many hospitals throughout the world are appointing nurses with a degree qualification as hospital administrators. Nurses with a degree can rapidly move up the occupational ladder.

Please highlight some of the key courses in this degree and why students should consider taking this route instead of the diploma.An important part of the degree programme is the courses on management and teaching skills. The management courses are geared to raise competencies in aspects of hospital management. The courses on teaching skills are designed to prepare the nurses for a career as lecturers, a task they will perform even in the hospital setting. The teaching skills courses will help reduce the time a prospective lecturer has to spend attending the teaching modules required by the Malaysian Nursing Board’s standards and guidelines.

Is there an English language requirement to enter this programme?Yes, applicants will need to pass MUET with minimum Band 2 or IELTS with Band 4.5 or TOEFL with a minimum score of 550.

Would you say the degree programme is a pathway into an academic career?Yes. The teaching module in the degree programme will qualify graduates to teach at both public and private institutions. It allows students to secure a degree and at the same time qualify to teach immediately upon graduation.

Nilai UC’s B.Sc. (Hons) in Nursing programme is approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Nursing Board that is under the Ministry of Health. STPM/A-level students can apply to enter straight into the first year of this four-year programme. Diploma holders will need two-years working experience before entering the third year of the programme. The Diploma holders will do a two-year post-registration programme. The latter can opt to do this programme on a part-time basis and thus continue in their employment as nurses. For more information, please visit www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502338 / 03-56372619 / 07-3332336.

Nilai UC offersDegree in Nursing

Nilai UC is offering a B.Sc. (Hons) in Nursing degree to meet the demand for

more qualified nurses to staff the booming health industry.

The nursing faculty is among the largest at Nilai UC.

Nursing students at Nilai UC will be able to practice in well equipped clinical labs.

Head of Nilai UC’s Nursing department Norashikin Cheong

Nilai University College (Nilai UC) recently organised a seminar entitled ‘Making Sense of Another Piece of the Puzzle: Updates on High Functioning Autism and

Asperger’s Syndrome’. Co-organised with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and sponsored by PK Resources Bhd (Nilai UC’s parent company), the event attracted close to 300 participants comprising parents and healthcare professionals who turned up to listen to the invited speakers.

Dr Alvin Ng Lai Oon got proceedings underway by emphasising the importance of parental involvement in their children’s treatment. “Many parents expect us to wave a magic wand and the child will be cured. Unfortunately, it does not work that way and they need to actively be involved in the child’s treatment as it is they who know their child best,” said Ng.

He also told parents to be patient when going through the routine of treatment. “I know many of you take your child to see a multitude of specialists ranging from speech therapists to psychologists. Sometimes, they will ask you to do similar exercises with your child. That does not mean you stop going as each specialist is looking for different items with that exercise, so please be patient,” Ng explained.

Dr Ng is currently the senior lecturer in clinical psychology at the Health Psychology Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia where he also works as a consultant clinical psychologist at the Health Psychology Clinic. His clinical consultation covers both adults and children with psychological, behavioural and learning difficulties. His specialties include behaviour management (analysis and modification of behaviour), self-esteem building, intervention for depression and anxiety disorders, as well as managing children with special needs.

Symptoms, behavioural patterns and how best to deal with them was the focus of the next speaker, Winnie Lau Yu Pow. Lau has garnered invaluable experience whilst working with people with complex needs through her time at New Zealand’s Ministry of Education as well as Australia’s autistic and Asperger’s Syndrome clinic, Minds and Hearts.

Lau had the participant’s rapt attention and was quick to point out that on many occasions, children with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome display exceptional skills in certain areas such as painting or music. She told parents to be careful that they are not over zealous in their efforts to “cure” their child that they wipe out their special gifts as well.

Lau also touched on the subject when autistic children may go berserk or behave in an uncontrollable manner when upset. She told parents that through careful observation, they could actually detect what causes their child to go berserk or get upset. Trained specialists will also be of great help as they may be able to isolate the offending cause, which may be as innocuous as the sound of a rotating fan from the next room.

The last speaker was Dr Zasmani Shafiee, a psychiatrist who conducts diagnostic evaluations on children and adults with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, hyperactivity or ADHD and dyslexia or reading difficulties. She has over 20 years experience and uses education counselling, individual or family therapy, medication, behaviour modification, and biofeedback training to treat patients.

Dr Zasmani was keen to emphasise to the participants, in particular the parents, that sufferers with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome can lead a normal life. She points to patients who have gotten married and start families but it was imperative that these patients receive the maximum amount of support from their immediate family.

At the end of the session, the speakers were inundated with questions from fellow professionals in the healthcare industry as well as concerned parents. The chairman of Nilai UC, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Gan Kong Seng expressed his gratitude towards the speakers and hoped to do more for the autistic and Asperger’s Syndrome-affected community.

“Nilai University College is determined to organise more seminars and conferences on issues that will benefit the public. This is education for all in the broadest sense and Nilai UC is dedicated towards the spread of knowledge,” said Dr Gan.

Nilai UC recently organised a seminar on how to deal with patients suffering from high functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

CorporateResponsibility

4

Nilai UC Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Gan Kong Seng, gives his welcoming speech.

Dealing with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

Nilai UC CEO Gan Eng Hong thanking the participants for their support after the seminar.

The speakers at the seminar (l-r): Dr Zasmani Shafee, Winnie Lau and Dr Alvin Ng

Definition:

Autism is a brain development

disorder characterised by impaired

social interaction and communication,

and by restricted and repetitive

behaviour.

Asperger’s Syndrome is an autism

spectrum disorder, and people with

Asperger’s therefore show significant

difficulties in social interaction and

restricted patterns of behaviour and

interests.

Australia

Laos

Malaysia

HumanInterest

5

www.nilai.edu.my

The Gift of GivingAn elderly Australian gives a young Laotian a precious gift of a Nilai UC education and a new lease of life.

James Horsley looks remarkably sprightly and mentally alert despite being an octogenarian. The Sydney resident and retired salesman is friendly, genial and is extremely

talkative throughout the interview until he tells of the time when he was engaged to be married in his early-20s.

Suddenly, Horsley’s eyes well up and the sudden flood of memories prove too much for him as he breaks down in tears. He explains that his fiancé drowned before they could get married and he has never been married since and hence, has no children of his own. A twist of fate though, made sure Horsley did find someone who he would treat as his own son much later on.

“I was visiting Laos about five years ago and met this young waiter at a restaurant I was dining in,” said Horsley pointing affectionately towards Inthavong Angmatsa (or ‘Air’ as he is fondly known) who was seated next to him. “He very kindly offered to give me a ride back to my hotel after the meal and

to also show me around town. I offered to pay him for his troubles but he took offence to that and

said he merely wanted to do something for me and not for any financial reward.”

“That got me thinking as I had seen much poverty in Laos and I wanted to give something back but I couldn’t help everyone. I found out that Air was working to put himself through college. So I approached him with the idea that I sponsor

his studies which he refused. But after some coaxing and explaining

that I was very happy to do this for him, Air was somewhat overwhelmed

but accepted my offer,” smiles Horsley.

First stop was an English course at a local college in Air’s hometown of Phnom Penh. Horsley

kept close watch from his home in Sydney and after a few months was dejected to find that Air’s rudimentary English had not improved one iota. It was then Horsley came across Nilai University College’s (Nilai UC) website and was impressed to see a wide array of programmes offered and more importantly, the medium of instruction is English.

Horsley decided to enroll Air in the Business School but it did not work out well initially. “I still found it very difficult to cope with the English language and I failed my exams,” said Air who was clearly choking back the tears at the memory of letting his benefactor down. “The Nilai UC counsellors were extremely supportive and told me to switch to the Hotel Management diploma programme.”

The move paid dividends as Air was already familiar with many of the modules and practical aspects of the programme, having worked in the F’n’B industry prior to joining Nilai UC. This gave him an opportunity to concentrate on brushing up his language skills and much to the delight of father figure Horsley; Air now speaks immaculate English. Air said he was so pleased to have made his benefactor proud by succeeding in the programme and thanked the counsellors for having the foresight to get him to change programmes, and for the patience of the Nilai UC lecturers in guiding him. “They saw that I had many of the basic skills required so they got me to focus on brushing up my English. The fact that Nilai UC’s Hotel Management programme has quite a number of international students meant that I did not feel too out of place and it has also prepared me for working in a pressure-filled environment,” said Air.

But the story does not end here. Horsley has really taken the young Laotian as the family he never had and now plans to take him back to Australia. “I am trying to get Air a job in one of the major city hotels and he will be staying with me. I have written Air into my will and he can stay at my house for as long as he needs,” said Horsley revealing his long term plans for his protégé. As they posed for a picture on Nilai UC’s campus, you could feel the bond between the two. For Horsley, it was a chance to help someone make a better life for himself and to have a father-son relationship that fate had so cruelly denied him earlier in life. For Air, he still seems to be in a daze over the fact that someone could be so generous as Horsley and how this Samaritan has utterly changed his life. “Now, all I need is to find him a nice Aussie girl to get married to,” laughed Horsley mischievously, sounding every bit the typical parent.

CampusHighlights

6

Reflecting the international flavour of Nilai UC’s student

populace, the Orientation Nite had ‘Cultural Fusion’ as its

theme.(By Matthew Ong – 2nd year American Degree

Transfer Programme)

Ask any newcomer to Nilai UC’s vast campus about the most startling aspect of the institute and you’re

likely to get the same answer – the sheer cultural diversity of the student populace. Walking through the halls and common areas of this tertiary institute, and one can’t help but be amazed by the international flavour that has found its way onto this corner of Putra Nilai. African, Middle Eastern, Far East and European students add a distinctly colourful atmosphere to what is already a lively undergraduate campus.

Hence, it was rather apt that this semester’s orientation night had ‘Cultural Fusion’ as its theme. The event showcases some of the most dazzling “fusion” performances put together by the 50-odd new students in four competing teams. The participants put on

an ensemble of dance performances and sketches, which was an amalgamation of the many cultures at Nilai UC as well as the obligatory hip-hop subculture.

Other notable performances were the scintillating salsa moves displayed by Mark Mtimba Otanga (1st Year, Foundation Studies) and Doreen Anyango Ndege (2nd Year, Diploma in Nursing). The judges were also impressed by the windpipes of regular performer, Nadia Baharum. Nadia, a Medical Laboratory Technology graduate, wowed the crowd with her rendition of ‘I’ll Be’ with the help of Ong Tze Zhuan’s (3rd Year, Degree in Computing mesmerising dexterity on six-strings. Among the more popular feats of the night were by senior students, singer Stephen Raj (1st Year, Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) and solo dancer, Runithaa Menon (1st year,

Culture Club

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Drumroll for the newbies!

Freshies flaunting their extravagant side!

Sizzling salsa moves by Mark Otanga and Doreen Ndege

Senior counsellors Phang Chooi Yee (2nd Year, American Degree Transfer Programme) and Emilia Son Kong Huey (2nd Year, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering)

Nadia Baharum shows off her vocal range while Ong Tze Zhuan strums away.

Diploma in Medical Lab Technology). Their standout performances got the thumbs up from both judges and students alike due to their sterling professionalism.

Organising chairperson, Rachel Tan Hsiang Hueh (1st year, American Degree Transfer Program) was beaming ear to ear with how well things were going. “It is fantastic to see students from different walks of life working together so passionately to create something unique. That’s why we chose ‘Cultural Fusion’ as our theme,” she enthused.

Those sentiments were echoed by Michael Yei, Nilai UC Director of Department of Student Affairs and Sports, who said one of the highlights of these events was the discovery of new talent. He said his department would continue to nurture those new talents and get them involved

in as many events as possible. “This is what we mean when we say Nilai UC brings out the best in you. We encourage all students to actively participate in the many clubs, societies and events on campus. This will help build up your résumé, and will also build your confidence as well as develop leadership and organisational skills,” he added.

At the end of the night, prizes were handed out for various categories but judging from the smiles of all the participants, everyone was a winner on the night. And to emphasise that point, each and every one of them took to the runway to strut their stuff in their national costumes. The hard work had paid off and all the participants agreed it was a fun way to get to know the new arrivals on campus. “Events such as these help set the tone for the new arrivals as they

are assimilated into a campus life that is colourful, fun and always buzzing with activity. In the end, we hope to produce well-rounded individuals who will excel both professionally and socially. Events such as this Cultural Fusion Nite is a building block in that process,” said Yei.

CampusHighlights

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www.nilai.edu.my

Nilai UC’s Nursing Students performing an Indian Cultural Dance

Participants being rewarded for their performances

The healing smiles of Nilai UC’s Nursing Students

Cross-dressing anyone?

Macho wushu artists Ng Wei Lun & Wong Jia Lik

Rachel Tan Hsiang Hueh (Cultural Fusion Night Chairperson, 1st Year, American Degree Transfer Programme) and Christopher Ashly (1st Year, Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering)

The United Colours of Nilai UC

Friday the 13th goes hip-pop

AcademicHappenings

8

Students will be able to pursue their studies in the lush, green environment of Nilai UC's campus.

Being fluent in English is no longer an added bonus for students as Nilai UC looks to underline the importance of the language as the lingua franca of today’s international community with its Intensive English Programme (IEP).

“The strain put on the modern student to learn not just one but two or even three languages

today has inadvertently led to a generation who are not wholly comfortable with the English language.” Says Subashini Rajanthran, Head of Nilai University College’s English Department. It is no wonder so many students entering higher institutes of learning struggle as the lessons are conducted wholly in English.

In order to aid both local and international students who have not mastered the language of the Bard, Nilai UC has the Intensive English Programme designed to help students master the intricacies of the language. Subashini explains how this four-month programme which costs just RM2,500 can be the most important investment a parent can make for their child’s education.

How important is this programme in the overall scheme at Nilai UC?I would say very important, as the medium of instruction for all Nilai UC programmes is English. A good command of English is a must, as it helps a student to understand lectures, tutorials, and main references of the various courses. How can one proudly say he or she has a degree, in say, Business from our British partner university – Oxford Brookes University, when he or she could hardly communicate in the language? People will think of you in a better way and you will have better chances of acceptance in the working world if you have a good command of the language.

Simply having a degree, with no competency in the language, will not put you in a favourable spot among employers.

Are these English programmes targeted mainly for international or local students?The target group is mainly international students, as many of them do not meet the language requirements. These international students usually have very little exposure to the language in their country of origin.

In your opinion, would you recommend local students to take these programmes?At the moment, it is not compulsory for local students to join the IEP as the Malaysian education system makes English a compulsory subject for all to take. However, local students who feel that they need to improve their proficiency in the language before embarking on an academic programme are strongly encouraged to join this programme. Local students from the vernacular schools would be well advised to enroll in this programme as it will make them a lot more comfortable with the language.

How large are the classes for these programmes? It is limited to a maximum of 25 students per class. This allows the lecturers to give maximum attention to the students in the class and to help them develop at a faster rate.

Outline some of the methods used at Nilai UC to improve a student’s proficiency in English.Before starting the programme proper, students would have to take a placement test to determine their level of proficiency. Based on the results, students would be streamed into three different levels i.e. Basic, Elementary and Intermediate.

The curriculum for IEP is designed with four main skills in mind, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each of the three levels has three different components: • Listening and Speaking - The main

objectives of this component are to help students develop communication skills necessary to function in their daily and academic life. Some of the classroom activities used for this component include speech presentations, listening to native and world-English speakers via recordings and multi-media software, group discussions, role-plays, sketches, choral speaking as well as viewing of movies and documentaries.

• Reading and Vocabulary - The main objectives are to help students master reading skills and build their vocabulary through interactive activities such as critical analysis of texts given and thought-provoking discussions. Tofurther develop comprehension skills, strategies like skimming and scanning, making inferences, differentiating between facts

Master the English Language at Nilai UC

Head of Nilai UC English Department,

Subashini.R, believes it is vital students

master the English language as part of

their pursuit of higher education.

AcademicHappenings

9

www.nilai.edu.my

With a cosmopolitan student population, English is the lingua franca on campus.

and opinions and note taking are heavily emphasised on during class.

• Writing and Grammar - The main objectives are to help students master a wide range of grammar skills, write clear and distinct paragraphs containing topic sentences with supporting statements and a range of cohesive/transitional devices. This course also guides students to write traditional five-paragraph essays with a clear thesis statement, topic sentences and supporting details.

Apart from that, the English Department fervently believes that language learning should go beyond the classroom and as such, interactive events are also organised for students to practise their language skills. These events, approached from a language-learning angle, include Spelling Bee, Telematch and fieldtrips.

What are the most difficult aspects of teaching English to students who have not had long-term exposure to the language?I think what matters most is not the exposure, but the perception of the students in terms of the importance of acquiring the language and the amount of effort they need to make to achieve a suitable level of proficiency. It is definitely easier to teach a student who has a strong desire to acquire the language rather than a student who feels that learning English is not important or worse, not necessary, to obtain an academic qualification.

Lecturers find it very challenging to change the perception of this latter group of students as they must accept the fact that acquiring the language is vital to achieving their dreams of getting a qualification at Nilai UC.

What would you say differentiates Nilai UC’s English Language programmes from other institutes?It has been a long road for us. When we first started this programme, we tried out many different things but now, based on our past experience, we have formulated a curriculum that uses the best of the different language teaching and learning approaches. Using what is called a skills-based approach, we have compartmentalised the language skills into three different components. These components are taught, not in isolation, but in context with other skills. For example, the component of listening and speaking focuses on those two skills but students are also exposed to grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, etc. during the class.

What advice can you give students on how to improve their English skills?Language is a skill and it can only be improved through practice. Learning effectively means knowing yourself, your capacity to learn, your interest, and knowledge of what you wish to learn, the reasons for learning the language and the importance of the language. Keep in mind that, if you are not motivated to learn

English you will become easily frustrated and give up. Finally be realistic and set achievable goals. A short time learning English each day will produce better, longer-term results than a full day on the weekend and then nothing for two weeks.

How many English lecturers do you have at Nilai UC? Currently there are 18 full-time lecturers. All the lecturers are qualified, and more than half have at least 10 years of teaching experience. I can safely say they are experts in the field of teaching English.

How will you stress to students the importance of having firm grasps of the English Language?Learning English is probably the best step one can take to improve one’s life. In today’s corporate world, being proficient in the language is a huge asset to any company. Most multinational companies require their employees to speak English as it is the main medium of communication for international trade. Many employers often look unfavourably on a person with poor command of English compared to someone who is competent in the language. Being proficient in any language is surely an asset, but being proficient in English opens the door to a lot more golden opportunities.

Constant use of English will help

students master the language.

Mastering the English language is

vital to a successful education.

AlumniPage

10 Nilai UC AlumniThis issue, we catch up with two alumni who started at Nilai UC and

have now reaped the fruit of their labour.

Were you nervous about furthering your education overseas?I am pretty sure most students in a similar position will feel nervous and have a thousand questions rush through their minds. But I am glad that I decided to finish my higher education overseas as it turned out to be a very enriching experience.

What did you study at Nilai UC and at your overseas university?At Nilai UC, I was part of the American Degree Transfer programme. I later transferred to Marquette University, USA to study Psychology and Human Resource.

What are the positive experiences during your time in the USA?I grew up! Also I learnt about different cultures and I managed to sample different types of cuisine. But best of all, I made many new friends.

What are you doing now?After graduation, I am now working in PricewaterhouseCoopers, Kuala Lumpur. I am glad that I made the right decision to study in the United States, particularly Marquette. It has thoroughly changed my life. Of course, the solid foundation of Nilai UC’s ADP programme helped tremendously as well.

What are you doing now?I am currently employed as an associate marketing manager at IBM Malaysia. I’ve been with this company for three years now.

What is your role there?It is my job to gather in-depth information of the relevant market segment and help craft and design appropriate sales and marketing stratagem that will have an impact and have strong Return of Investment.

How did your education at Nilai University College prepare you for your current job?My computing degree taught me how to build useful tools with computers. But most importantly, the flexible programme at Nilai UC allowed me to juggle my workload alongside my other activities such as sports. It also allowed me the time to self-study on my major passion, which is marketing.

What advice do you have for fresh graduates looking for a job?Be prepared to be grilled at interviews. So it would help if you have done some research into the company and know what the employer is looking for in you. Having the right working attitude also helps.

What would you like to say to undergraduates at campus right now?Be active in extra-curricular activities, build friendships and make the most out of your undergraduate experience as its worth a lifetime of memories and will instill in you positive values.

Yeap Eu Juan

B.Sc. (Hons) Computing, Class of 2006

Eunice Chen

Nilai UC American Degree Transfer Programme, Class of 2004

RecipePage

11

www.nilai.edu.my

A Chocolate Tart

For Sugar Pastry (Pie Shell)

Ingredients Quantity

Castor sugar 50 gm

Margarine 125 gm

Soft flour 200 gm

Eggs 1 nos

Salt pinch

Method1. Rub the margarine and flour until the texture becomes sandy.2. Add in sugar and beaten egg.3. Gradually add in the flour and margarine, and mix well until it becomes a

smooth paste.4. Rest paste before using.5. Roll and make into pie shell, bake without filling.

For Chocolate Filling

Ingredients Quantity

Chocolate 100 gm

Cocoa powder 20 gm

Egg yolk 3 nos

Cream 100 ml

Castor sugar 50 gm

Milk 80 ml

Corn flour 3 tbsp

Method1. Beat eggs until foamy.2. Heat up milk, cream, sugar until warm and pour into a bowl of chocolate,

cocoa powder and corn flour.3. Add the mixture to the beaten eggs, mix well.4. Pour into the pie shell and bake at 180oC for 30 min.

Learn how to make a delicious chocolate tart from Nadzri bin Alim, Chef de Culinaire at Nilai UC's School of Hospitality and Tourism.

(For 6 persons)

The finished product

is a work of art.

Chef Nadzri bin Alim (sitted) is looking for wanna-be chefs to join Nilai UC’s Culinary Arts adventure.

Nilai UC’s Culinary Arts

students learning how to

make this delicate pastry.

BookReview

12

About the authorBorn in Leeds, England, Christopher Reuel Tolkien is the third and youngest son of JRR Tolkien and is widely acclaimed as the editor for most of his father’s posthumously published work. As early as four or five, he was concerned with the consistency of The Hobbit and was paid two pence a correction. His father would exclaim “Damn the boy!” at the numerous corrections that junior did spot.

Educated at the Dragon School in Oxford and then at the Oratory School, Christopher was later tutored by none other than CS Lewis (author of Chronicles of Narnia) in Trinity

College. He eventually followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a lecturer and tutor at New College, Oxford but resigned when he began to devote his time to his father’s literary affairs. During the writing of The Lord of the Rings (LOTR), Christopher was among the first readers of the earliest drafts, undertaking the task of drawing maps and making fair copies of the manuscripts for his father.

After his father’s death in 1973, Christopher embarked on organising the masses of his father’s notes, and with the help of Guy Gavriel Kay, managed to compile The Silmarillion in 1977. Frequently having to deal with drafts written over a half-erased first draft, even Christopher, who had worked closely with his father, has admitted to having to occasionally guess at what his father intended.

Christopher spent years continuing to study his father’s works. Through 1980 and 1983 Christopher edited Unfinished Tales, The Letters of JRR Tolkien, The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays, and The Book of Lost Tales Part 1 which was the first volume in his twelve volume series of The History of Middle-earth, the last of which was published in 1996. His latest publication was The Children of Húrin in April 2007, which Tolkien had written between 1951 and 1957 and brought to a relatively completed stage before he abandoned it.

For Tolkien diehards, Christopher’s endeavours were godsent and below are but three of the Tolkien clan’s greatest post-LOTR works.

The HobbitAn estimated 100 million copies have flown off the shelves since its release in 1937. It has been named “Most Important 20th Century Novel (for Older Readers)” by the children’s book magazine, Books for Keeps. No, it’s not JK Rowling’s Harry Potter debut but JRR Tolkien’s prequel to the Lord of the Rings.

Set in a peaceful hiatus between the Elder Days (detailed in The Silmarillion) and the War of the Ring (LOTR), The Hobbit is not

as focused on good and evil, but rather more on the personal experiences of Bilbo Baggins. Abandoning the comfort of his home in the Shire, the plump middle-aged hobbit embarks on a quest with a company of dwarves for Erebor, the Lonely Mountain – once the abode of their ancestors, now conquered by Smaug the Dragon.

While retaining much of the ambience of the LOTR, this well-loved fairytale was originally written by Tolkien to amuse his three sons, hence the light-hearted storytelling narrative used throughout the plot, even during dark and blood-

curdling fights. Readers who are well acquainted with the deep poetic prose of the LOTR may find The Hobbit much more buoyant

in comparison. For those who are not, this is an excellent book to begin with if you are new to Tolkien. A child’s fairytale, maybe. Bona fide classic, for sure.

The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion was begun in 1917. JRR Tolkien worked on it, changed it, unceasingly enlarged it throughout his life, but did not live to see his earliest stories about Middle-Earth published. Put together by Christopher Tolkien from his father’s notes, The Silmarillion is a collection of sorts, with a broad timeline encompassing the entire history of Middle-Earth – from the creation of the world to the Third Age.

Comprising of five parts, the Silmarillion is, in essence, a history book. However, it is not a mere documentation

of the past, but a literary work that will keep the reader anxiously thumbing the pages as you empathise with the many hardships that Tolkien put the characters through. Central to the plot of the story are the creation of Elves, Men, and Dwarves, the endless wars for the three Silmarils – jewels of otherworldly beauty, and the love story of Beren and Lúthien, the famous mythical immortalisation of Tolkien’s undying love for his wife, Edith.

This is a must read for those who crave for answers to tantalising references to the earlier ages in The Hobbit and the LOTR.

Unfinished Tales [of Númenor and Middle-earth]Consisting of four parts, Unfinished Tales is a collection of stories and essays by JRR Tolkien that were never completed during his lifetime, but were edited by Christopher Tolkien and published in 1980.

As the name suggests, it is unfinished. That means that some of them don’t end fully, or that the characters weren’t as developed as they could have been, or that there are some inconsistencies in the stories. But that does not mean the writing is any less effective or interesting to read as each tale is also supplemented by editorial commentaries. With greater focus on specific individuals and events in each of the ages that help to shape Middle-Earth into what it is in the LOTR, Unfinished Tales delves more into the mythology of Middle-Earth rather than being an epic story like the LOTR.

This is an extremely rewarding and helpful book for those who are Tolkien fanatics, but slightly less so for people who are simply looking for a lunch-hour read.

Thanks to JRR Tolkien’s son, Christopher, we can now enjoy more adventures from the magical kingdom that was his father’s mind, writes Matthew Ong (2nd year American Degree Transfer programme).

The Further Adventures ofTolkien