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[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA (USM) / UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE, MALAYSIA

Universiti Sains Malaysia (English: University of Science, Malaysia, acronym: USM) is a public university with its main campus situated in Penang, Malaysia. There are two other branch campuses, one in mainland Penang, and the other in Kelantan, on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. With around 29,789 students in 2006 [1], USM is one of the biggest universities in terms of enrolled students in Malaysia. The number of lecturers is about 1606, which leads to a student-lecturer ratio of around 1:23.

USM was established in 1969 as the second university in Malaysia. It was first known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. Initially, the University operated on borrowed premises at the Malayan Teachers' Training College at Gelugor. In 1971, it moved to its present 239.4-hectare site (formerly a military barracks) at Minden, approximately 9.7 kilometres from the city of Georgetown. The site, which consists mainly of undulating land, is indeed an ideal location to house a university campus. There are now two other USM campuses as well, one at Kubang Kerian in Kelantan known as the Health Campus and the other at Seri Ampangan in Penang, known as the Engineering Campus. The former houses the School of Medical Sciences, the School of Health Sciences and the School of Dental Sciences, while the latter houses the six engineering schools.

From the outset, Universiti Sains Malaysia was given the mandate to provide, promote and develop learning in the fields of Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Building Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education as well as to conduct research and foster the dissemination of such knowledge. To date, the University has not departed from these terms of reference and has made significant progress in meeting its academic, social, and national obligations.

The University has always been guided in its activities by the need to develop a personality and identity of its own. Since its establishment, it has adopted an innovative approach to higher education and departed significantly from the traditional faculty system of an academic organisation. In its place, the University introduced the school system that allows for a multidisciplinary approach. The policy was to combine subjects and to organise programs in such a manner that a degree of specialisation in a chosen subject was possible.

To date, 24 Academic Schools, 14 Centres and 7 Units have been established. Of the Schools, 12 are applied science and technology-based Schools, namely, the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Aerospace Engineering, the School of Chemical Engineering, the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, the School of Mechanical Engineering, the School of Housing, Building and Planning, the School of Industrial Technology, the School of Medical Sciences, the School of Dental Sciences, the School of Health Sciences and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The three liberal arts schools are the School of Educational Studies, the School of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences. The pure science schools comprise the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Chemical Sciences, the School of Mathematical Sciences, the School of Computer Sciences, and the School of Physics, all of which offer courses that are similar to those traditionally available in other universities.

In December 1989, the School of Management was set up, having evolved from the Management program within the School of Social Sciences. As part of its continuing expansion, the University established the School of Computer Sciences and the School of Communication as of March 1995.

The centres and ancillary services include the Centre for Languages and translation, the National Poison Centre, the Doping Control Centre, the Centre for Archaeological Research Malaysia, the Centre for Educational Technology and Multimedia, the Computer Centre, the Centre for Knowledge, Communication and Technology and the Islamic Centre. There are also various research centres, namely the Centre for Policy Research, the Centre for Drug Research and the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies. The Distance Education Program offered through the School of Distance Education is another innovative program adopted by the University in 1971. It has gained an encouraging response from working adults and is set to be developed further in this decade to cater for new directions and needs.

In the field of research, the emphasis is on function-oriented or interdisciplinary research. The main focus is on areas that integrate academic interest and practical relevance, thus directing scientific thrusts towards breakthroughs in problem areas crucial to the quality of life and national development.
The main gate at the main campus of USM

USM is one of three universities in Malaysia that have been identified as research-intensive universities in Malaysia, with the other being University of Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia. This is in tandem with its mission and vision to be a world-class university embarking on world class research programmes via strategic planning and implementation of its R&D mechanism. The university has qualified academic staff and excellent human resource support in order to realise its mission.

History

USM was established as the second university in Malaysia in 1969 and it was first known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. At that time, it operated in Bukit Gelugor, Penang. In 1971, USM's campus moved to its present 239.4-hectare site, which was the former site of military barracks.

From the outset, USM was given the mandate to provide, promote and develop higher education in the fields of pure sciences, applied sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, building sciences and technology, social sciences, humanities and education as well as to provide research, advancement and dissemination of such knowledge.

The establishment of USM began with an agreement reached through a resolution which was approved by the Penang State Legislative Assembly in 1962, which called for the establishment of a university college in the state. The acquisition of a piece of land in Sungai Ara for this purpose was then followed by the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Y.T.M Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on 7 August 1967.

Taking into account the need for a larger campus and a more conducive one in line with future manpower needs, in 1969 a full-fledged university was established under the name Universiti Pulau Pinang. The establishment of USM was eventually gazetted under the Corporation Act signed by His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong as provided for under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, and published in the Government Gazette P.U. (A) 383/71.

The management of the University is carried out through the executive power of the Board of Directors, made up of members chosen from the University, representatives from government departments and those appointed by the Ministry of Higher Education. As an executive council, the Board of Directors retains the right to wield power entrusted to it by the University Constitution, Statutes, Acts and Regulations.

From its humble beginnings with an intake of 57 science students in 1969, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) had made great strides. Today, USM offers a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to more than 28,000 students. USM has also emerged as one of the most widely-acclaimed universities not only locally but also abroad. The success achieved in various fields especially in research, including the latest through the Asian Innovation Award in which USM emerged as the only winner from this country, has placed USM on the world map.[2]

Campuses

Besides the main campus in Minden, USM has two other campuses; one at Kubang Kerian in Kelantan known as health campus and the other at Seri Ampangan, Nibong Tebal in mainland Penang known as engineering campus.

Started as a USM hospital in 1983, the health campus has expanded after the School of Medical Science was moved from the main campus to the present site which is 72.84 hectare in size. The School of Medical Science was moved from the main campus in June 1990. There're are now 2 other schools in the health campus - the School of Dental Science and the School of Allied Health Sciences. The engineering campus meanwhile moved to the present site from its previous site in Tronoh, Perak in 1996.

Research

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) offers excellent opportunities for research and education to both local and foreign scholars. The University's core competencies are teaching, research and consultancies, which relate directly to the advancement of human resource development and capacity building, knowledge and industrial competitiveness.

In order to develop as a teaching and research institution of international repute, and to perform its expected role both in society and in the world of learning, the University must continue to develop a broad-based research infrastructure involving the acquisition of a wide range of equipment, laboratory facilities and library holdings. University research in many ways differs from corporate R&D, and from the activities of specialised R&D institutions in that it must address a wider range of problems, be more tolerant or open minded, perform purely theoretical investigations and incorporate literary, artistic, philosophical, social and other fields of study in its research endeavours.

The route taken for the development of academic excellence at USM has been the establishment of research institutes, centres and units. A criterion for the setting up of these institutes, centres and units has always been that the areas which they cover must be the ones in which there have already been notable achievements and where the setting up of formal structures would help to mobilise more effectively research talent and expertise from different disciplines and from different parts of the University. But it has always been understood that these structures, while providing better opportunities for integration and networking, would not replace or reduce the research roles of the teaching Schools and their staff. Indeed, a cardinal rule in the University's overall planning has been that principal areas of teaching and research would overlap, as would areas of staff and postgraduate research, to the common advantage of all.

The University has always emphasised the inter-disciplinary approach in all its programmes and this is reflected in both its academic structure and research activities. The Science Fund funding is the main source of R&D for USM. However, in order to promote research, the University allocates a sum of money from its operating funds annually as incentive and for short-term research purposes. External funds, mainly in the form of research grants, awards and consultancies won by individual academic staff members, also feature prominently. There are, of course, external sources of funding as well, but these are largely of an ad hoc nature and do not as a rule result in the development of major research facilities. Some external research links have also been established thus far, both through individual and through institutional networking arrangements.

These are areas in which the University is able to contribute effectively both to the national research effort and to the advancement of knowledge in general. In other words, these are areas in which the University is already strong and enjoys a favourable reputation, or in which the required expertise and support facilities are already in place at several research clusters at the respective Schools or at the various research centres in USM

Research areas

Research areas of special strength at USM include environmental science, aquaculture, biomedical and pharmaceutical studies, natural language processing and computer aided translation, information technology, food technology, polymer science and technology, biotechnology, distance education, geographical information system, structure analysis, materials science, engineering, surface chemistry, and robotic vision. Penang has excellent research facilities for collaborative search, particularly in coastal pollution, mangrove ecosystem and marine aquaculture.

Education

Graduate studies

USM offers three modes of study for the graduate programmes, i.e. by research, or by a combination of coursework and research (mixed mode), or by coursework. In 2003, there were about 5,122 students in the various study programmes at the master’s and doctoral levels. Almost 11.8% of them are foreign nationals from more than 40 countries. The majority of foreign students are from other parts of Southeast Asia.

Undergraduate studies

Almost all of undergraduate degree programmes at the University require a minimum full-time residence period of three years. Degrees in engineering, health sciences, pharmacy, medicine and dentistry, however, require minimum periods of study between 4–5 years. Most undergraduate courses are still taught in Bahasa Malaysia but the newer batch of undergraduate students are taught using English, especially in science courses. International students still have to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the national language as part of the entrance criteria.

Other study programmes

USM has study abroad programme for foreign students, and they can undertake either one or two semester. These students are considered as full-time students and also enjoy the benefits given as far as academic and physical facilities are concerned. The university and its community benefits from the cross-cultural flow of students as well as it gains international standing.

USM also has school of distance education. It was established in 1971 to provide opportunities for local working adults to obtain a tertiary qualification. These students are able to undertake undergraduate courses while still they are in full time employment. At present only four undergraduate programmes are available through distance learning, namely Bachelor of science, bachelor of social science, barchelor of arts, and bachelor of management degrees.

Schools

Technology Based Schools

* The school of Civil Engineering
* The school of Aerospace Engineering
* The school of Chemical Engineering
* The school of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
* The school of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering
* The school of Mechanical Engineering
* The school of Housing, Building and Planning
* The school of Industrial Technology

Liberal Arts Schools

* The school of Arts
* The school of Communication
* The school of Educational Studies
* The school of Humanities
* The school of Social Sciences
* The School of Management

Pure Science Schools

* The school of Biological Sciences
* The school of Chemical Sciences
* The school of Mathematical Sciences
* The school of Computer Sciences
* The school of Physics

Health Science Schools

* The school of Medical Sciences
* The school of Dental Sciences
* The school of Health Sciences
* The school of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Activities at USM

USM has facilities for students' accommodation, sporting and recreational activities. The university offers hostels for approximately 75% of its students. They are known as student villages or hostel (Desasiswa), and they are located inside campus area. Cafeterias with reasonable prices can be found round all around university area.

USM provides varied and sufficient sporting facilities such as archery range, football field, badminton courts, tennis courts, hockey ground, rugby field, softball, squash courts, and basketball courts. A lot of cultural activities takes place in the university too.

Activities throughout 2006

Throughout 2006, various activities involving the Department of Student Affairs and Development were carried out. They included sports and cultural activities, leadership programs, community service programs and excellence programs which were carried out with the cooperation of the Student Advisory and Development Unit, the Sports Unit, the Arts and Cultural Development Unit, Hostel Management and realized through societies, clubs, sports and cultural activities, motivation workshops and debate competitions.

Annual activities such as forums, workshops and programs in conjunction with the National Day celebrations such as the Ambang Merdeka Night and the Merdeka Campus Walk, and religious activities such as Qur’an Recitation and Ramadhan Appreciation Month in the holy month of Ramadhan were also has been carried out.

Healthy Campus

‘Kampus Sejahtera’, a uniquely USM innovation, was initiated by the current Vice-Chancellor in 2001 as the Healthy Campus Programme. But unlike the healthy campus programmes elsewhere including the USA, ‘Sejahtera’ reaches beyond health to include ideas for sustainable development.

‘Sejahtera’ in Malay embraces peace, harmony, tranquility, wellness and health. There is no equivalent word in the English language. As a concept, ‘Kampus Sejahtera’ is meant to guide the entire USM community from administrators, to lecturers, students and support personnel to focus their commitment and responsibility to the university. Every individual has a role to play through personal initiatives, positive attributes, pro-active actions and volunteerism in nurturing the development of the campus. Team work is essential and must cut across departments and hierarchies to initiate new ideas to contribute to the growth of the university. The idea of insourcing is an important mechanism for implementation to tap academic and theoretical knowledge of inhouse expertise for practical applications. Two other aspects of the programme require all initiatives to be data-driven, informed by analysis and monitored with complete documentation. So far, more than 17 monographs and books have been published under this programme.

‘Kampus Sejahtera’ is not only limited to the projects funded by the programme. It is a framework which encompasses five underlying values. The first is to create a mindset for every individual to take responsibility for the campus. The second value seeks to create spaces, both physical and social, which are conducive for work, play and learning.

Thirdly, the practices in the campus must promote the ideals of sustainable development that is environmentally-friendly, pedestrian-friendly, work- and people-friendly as well as promote healthy lifestyles. The fourth value is provision of quality health and dental care services to students, staff and dependents of staff focusing on wellness.

Finally, ‘Kesejahteraan’ supports any activity or project which propagates the pursuit of a sustainable campus. Such activities and projects include every aspect of the University such as teaching, research, publication, training, administration, management, studentcentred activities, food and catering, transportation, waste management, construction and maintenance and anything else which could conceivably contribute to kesejahteraan, healthy living and a sustainable lifestyle. Based on those values and principles mentioned above, the secretariat in collaboration with other parties, staff and students continues to implement new and old projects/ program to improve the quality of life of the campus community and quality of the environment. [3]

One must not confuse Healthy Campus with Health Campus.

Universiti Sains Malaysia has launch Science and Arts Innovation Space also known as sains@usm, which is dedicated towards nurturing innovation in science and arts.

The sains@usm space is created to enable entrepreneurs, investors, scientists and artists to blend their respective fields in a sustainable environment. sains@usm recognises that arts contribute to society in tandem with science and technology and together act as catalysts for a balanced society.

With sains@usm, the university hopes to retain the best talents within the university system, nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and showcase its research achievements and academic talents. It will create high value jobs as well as boost the surrounding economy. The facility is designed to foster a closer relationship between academia and industry, fast track technology transfer, commercialisation of technology and create a springboard for new Intellectual Property creations.

sains@usm will bring forward Universiti Sains Malaysia’s research towards a sustainable future especially for the people at the bottom of the “economic pyramid” who stand to benefit from the many cutting edge research in University Sains Malaysia.

The Design Sustainability is at the heart of this concept. The architecture of the Science and Arts Innovation Space (sains@usm) embodies a contemporary design influenced by traditional indigenous architecture for the tropical climate which is respectful of nature and the ecosystem as well as local cultural values. Each habitable room will face a picturesque view of greenery and water elements, bringing nature indoors so as to ignite the creative energy.

The buildings will be highly energy efficient, with tropical microclimate features such as large overhangs and well-ventilated spaces. The facilities will be built along contour lines, creating green environments and a reduction in energy needs.

Ranking

The university was ranked 111th in the World University Ranking 2004 published by the Times Higher Education Supplement. However, it has dropped out of the list of top 200 universities in the world in 2005. USM vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dato' Dr Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said that the addition of new criteria such as the employer survey could have contributed to the sharp drop in the university's position: "Our poor standing could also be attributed to the fact that we are a relatively young university compared to UM which is 100 years old. They have built up a stable reputation in that time." Prof. Dzulkifli also cited the poor staff-student ratio in Malaysian universities: "Over the past years we have doubled our intake. USM now has 35,000 students including 28,000 undergraduates but the number of lecturers, about 1,400 has not increased in tandem. On 3 Sept 2008, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was declared the Apex (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) University by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia.

Website: http://www.usm.my/bi/

[swingdoctor]

I don't work with Education Ministry, I am working in one of the largest private University in Malaysia. But I do have 9 years of experience in the industry.

Oh cool, which one?

BTW, Ministry of Education only caters to pre-school, primary & secondary education level plus teachers training colleges. Ministry of Higher Education handles all the tertiary education institutions in Malaysia.

My apologies.

In regards of public Universities, yes, but seems local grads only favors local job market in MY, sometimes the Universities management only thinks of quantities instead of quality grads that they produced. In recent days, case of UM especially, both the public & the Govt. were aghast when UM international ranking slipped below NUS.

When that happens, Ministry of Higher Education initiate the Apex University Programme to increased competition amongst both public & private universities in Malaysia in terms of research & development areas, plus improvement in overall tertiary education delivery & quality benchmark. Currently, USM hold the title 'Apex University'.

How long has it been in place for and how successful has it been to date?

Its varied, depends on each Universities pre-requisite. However, preparatory English is compulsory (for non English speaking nations) & Malaysian Studies.

Thats interesting, why English and not BM. Is the medium of instruction in the public and private universities in English or BM. If its English then the govnt really should increase the standard of English in high school.

Do you mean Australia? Or United States?

Australia, but I was referring to private full fee paying students.

To my knowledge, Public Service Department (JPA) & MARA have reduced number of MY students sponsored to UK & US, while increase the numbers of MY students sponsored to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea, Indonesia (medical studies), India (medical studies), Russia (medical studies), Germany, Ireland, Spain & other EU nations.

Reason; Cost.

Mara used to send medical students to my alma mater ie Monash Uni. I'm not sure if they still do. The students used to come to my clinic for placements and I have to admit, I was quite impressed with them academically.

[Protoculture]

USM, a premier University in areas of R&D especially in Science & Technology, has being known to produce top quality grads, pioneering in scientific field. It is also very aggressive in commercialising its programmes, especially with local private colleges in offering diploma / degree programmes in collaboration with USM.

Meritocracy is embedded in the University's system following the meritocracy policy introduced by MY Govt. in early 2000's, thus giving equal footings between Bumiputras & non-Bumis to compete on equal level.

Now, with its academic excellence & quality had enabled USM to grab the title 'APEX University' coveted by many universities in MY.

[Crystallised Dre...]

WTF???? You are simply a classic FOX in the Fox and the Grapes. You are illogical and STUPID! Now let see what you can make out from that statement.

You know preahvihear, you should get a chill pill or attend an anger management class. You call people names at the slightest provocation but you can't take it when people call you a troll. So don't behave like one, okay? We welcome your opinions in MYChat if you could try to discuss in a more civil and diplomatic manner.


Sorry, couldn't resist imitating your large font sizes. Have a pleasant day.


@ Proto: Good thread, thanks. Very informative.

[Protoculture]

Oh cool, which one?

My University is owned by a consortium of eleven public Universities in MY. Basically, UM/USM/UUM/UKM/UPM/UPSI/UMS/UNIMAS/UITM/UTM/UIA(IIUM) are the big bosses of my University.

Sorry for being evasive, but hey, where's the mystery rite? Sufficed to say, I'll featured my University in this thread. when time comes. Look out for the hint given above ...

My apologies.

It's OK.

How long has it been in place for and how successful has it been to date?

Quite successful indeed. Universities (both private & the public) are given extensive Govt. grants to conduct R&D and emphasis are given towards synergy & strong industry cooperation with private sectors. APEX programme had only been introduced in 2008, but already the top universities in MY competed at breakneck speed to grab the top spot. Below are excerpt taken from MOHE criteria to being selected as APEX University:

Apex Universities

Imperatives

An important approach towards achieving world-class status is the establishment of one or two Apex Universities. An ApexUniversity is a conceptual construct that in due time will stand atop the pyramid of institutions. The Apex Universities will be the nation’s centres of academic distinction. Following certain lessons from the world’s top institutions, Apex Universities will be given the latitude to put in place the necessary ingredients to achieve world-class status. The universities’ Board of Directors comprising high-calibre professionals will have full authority over the governance of the institution. The board will implement a stringent selection process to select the best individuals available to serve as the Vice-Chancellor and other leadership roles at the university. The Apex Universities will also select students based on academic merit and other holistic criteria that will require personal interviews. However, the composition of the student body mustrepresent the ethnic diversity of the country without compromising the admission criteria.

The faculty will consist of outstanding individuals known for their scholarship and commitment to teaching. The Apex Universities will draw their management and academic staff from the top performers in HEIs worldwide, who will be awarded the necessary remuneration to attract them. As a centre of excellence, it will also
be equipped with the best facilities and will draw its student body from a rigorous selection process designed to ensure the
promotion of academic excellence. Apex Universities will provide the nation better avenues to ensure the retention of the best and brightest students and faculty in our own HEIs.

As preconditions of its success, Apex Universities must contain the following key elements:

1. The best leaders.

Apex universities are to be headed by accomplished leaders in every sense of the word. They are visionary, fiercely motivated and committed to the ideals of excellent scholarship. They are managers and administrators par excellence who bring talents to bear on the optimal management of human and other assets of the university. They are great communicators endowed with an excellent command of the English language. They are morally upright and of impeccable integrity. They are great motivators who are able to spur others to excel.

2. The best faculty.

The faculty must be talented and renowned for their scholarship in their respective fields. A mix of local and foreign academics would make for a healthy infusion of global knowledge. They are great teachers as well as great researchers in their own right. Their classroom technique will be refreshing, inspiring and motivating. Their research is creative and innovative, and is designed to advance human inquiry and extend further the frontiers of knowledge.

3. The best students.

Merit shall be the uncompromising criterion for selection into Apex Universities. Only those who satisfy the rigorous academic entry requirement will be
selected. A high standard of academic excellence is expected to be continually and consistently demonstrated by students throughout the duration of their courses. Student selection will reflect the demographic profile of the country including a healthy mix of top international students.

4. The best facilities.

Apex Universities shall enjoy the best facilities. They shall be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities which would enhance the teaching-learning
process and R&D.

CRITICAL AGENDA

A taskforce will be created by the MOHE comprising renowned local and international scholars, university and corporate leaders and representatives of the Government to develop the approach in establishing Apex Universities. The taskforce will be given 12 months to develop the criteria and shortlist existing and emerging HEIs based on the institutions’ current strengths and long-term development plan. The taskforce will also be asked to develop recommendations on the types of incentives to be awarded to the Apex Universities.

Desired Outcomes

• Apex Universities to be established within the 9MP period.
• Apex Universities will be given autonomy to allow them to focus on becoming the best.

Action Plan

Action
- Develop complete criteria and development plan for Apex
Universities.

Lead Agency
- Apex Taskforce

Deliverable
Apex University

Timeline
- Report 2008:Q3

--

Action
- Establishment of Apex Universities.

Lead Agency
- MOHE

Deliverable
- Apex Status

Timeline
- 2009:Q1

--

Action
- Apex Universities in the top global ranking.

Lead Agency
- Apex Universities

Deliverable
- At least one in top 100

Timeline
- 2010

reference: http://www.mohe.gov.my/transformasi/images/3_bi.pdf

UM was quite upset when USM grab that title ....

Thats interesting, why English and not BM. Is the medium of instruction in the public and private universities in English or BM. If its English then the govnt really should increase the standard of English in high school.

Still, look at it this way ... why top Universities in Europe, Russia, Japan, Korea, China & even Taiwan used their national tounge as medium of instructions & learnings? Use that logic, that's why most public Universities (known as IPTA) in MY used Bahasa Malaysia as medium of instruction, its our national language & embedded in our Constitution & national education policy.

As to why UiTM, IIUM (UIA) & majority of private Universities (known as IPTS) in MY used English as primary medium of instruction, well, these Universities catered its grads to be employable in private sectors, who by default, used English as lingua franca in corporate world.

But still, since the Govt introduced English as the main medium of instruction for Mathematics & Sciences in both primary & secondary schools in 2002 onwards, the level of English proficiency has increased exponentially (except in rural areas).

Australia, but I was referring to private full fee paying students.

Its always about cost. In Malaysia, we've atleast 2-3 private Universities catering to medical sciences, namely International Medical University, Asia Institute of Medical Science & Technology University & University of Kuala Lumpur. Besides, some full paying medical students have re-routed their interest to India (for MBBS) & Indonesia (like the top Universitas Gadjah Mada) & even Russia for medical studies. Its cheaper that way compared to Aussie dollars.

BTW, we do have Monash University - Malaysian Campus in KL. We also have University of Nottingham - Malaysian Campus, Curtin University of Technology - Malaysian Campus & Swinburne University of Technology - Malaysian Campus. Heck, we even have Al-Madinah International University here.

Alas, I'll cover 'em later after I finished my round-ups of public Universities in this thread.

Mara used to send medical students to my alma mater ie Monash Uni. I'm not sure if they still do. The students used to come to my clinic for placements and I have to admit, I was quite impressed with them academically.

MARA still do that. But it is now sending more students to Ireland, Russia, India & Indonesia plus Australia for medical studies. It still boils down to cost.

[Protoculture]

Oh well, I continue tomorrow .... wait for next installment!

@ Proto: Good thread, thanks. Very informative.

Thanks, Crystal. BTW, we need more threads like this. Tend to be apolitical, neutral & universal.

[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI PENDIDIKAN SULTAN IDRIS (UPSI) / SULTAN IDRIS UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

University Pendidikan Sultan Idris (English: Sultan Idris University of Education) or UPSI is a public university in the town of Tanjung Malim, Perak in Malaysia. First established in 1922 as a teachers college, it is one of the oldest functioning institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.

History

The history of UPSI dates back to 1922 when the University was then known as the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC). It was set mooted by the then Deputy Director of Malay Schools, Sir R.O. Winstedt as a training college for Malay teachers. Named after the late Sultan Idris Murshidul Azam Shah, the 28th Sultan of Perak, the college was opened on 29 November 1922 by the Chief Secretary of the Federated Malay States, Sir George Maxwell.

The initial instructional regime required students to complete a three year course of training where traditional skills and arithmetic were taught. With the adoption of the Education Ordinance 1957 based on the recommendations of the 1956 Education Committee Report (better known as the Razak Report), the training course was extended to 5 years and new subjects were introduced. SITC also came to be officially known by its Malay name, Maktab Perguruan Sultan Idris (English: Sultan Idris Teachers College) or MPSI.

In 1976, MPSI became co-educational with the admission of the first batch of 150 female students. In 1987, MPSI was upgraded and renamed Institut Perguruan Sultan Idris (English: Sultan Idris Teachers Institute) or IPSI and new courses were made available leading to a degree conferred by Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (today known as Universiti Putra Malaysia.

IPSI was upgraded to a full university bearing its current name on 1 May 1997 in line with the plans by Malaysia to increase the number of graduate teachers in both primary and secondary schools.

Campus

The main campus is located on a 80 hectare site in the town of Tanjung Malim that straddles both the Perak and Selangor state border. A new campus is currently being built on an 800-acre (3.2 km2) site in the new township of Proton City, 5 kilometres away from the current campus.

Academics

UPSI currently offers multiple undergraduate and postgraduate programs in pedagogy in 8 faculties :

- Faculty of Arts and Music

One of the first faculties to be formed upon the establishment of UPSI as a university as the successor of IPSI's Department of Social Studies, the faculty was originally known as the Faculty of Social Sciences and Arts offering programs in Counsellor Education, Arts Education and Music Education. It currently programs in Art, Music, Living Skills and Technical Education.

- Faculty of Business and Economics

Established in 2002, the faculty currently offers programs in Accountancy, Business Management, Economics, and Education Management.

- Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

One of the first faculties to be formed upon the establishment of UPSI as a university, the faculty currently offers programs in Early Childhood Education, Guidance and Counselling, Educational Foundation, Primary School Education, and Special Education.

- Faculty of Information and Communications Technology

Until 2002, programs in Information Technology were provided by the Faculty of Science and Technology. In 2002, the faculty was established and currently offering the program in Information Technology, Computer Aided Design Technology and Multimedia Education.

- Faculty of Languages

One of the first faculties to be formed upon the establishment of UPSI as a university, the faculty in continuation of the tradition of language and literature studies since the formation of SITC in 1922, currently offers programs in Malay Language, TESL, and Malay literature.

- Faculty of Science and Technology

One of the first faculties to be formed upon the establishment of UPSI as a university, the faculty offers programs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Established in 2005, the faculty currently offers programs in Geography, History, Moral Studies, Islamic and Asian Civilisation, Syariah and Usuluddin.

- Faculty of Sports Science

Established in 2005, the faculty currently offers programs in Sports Science and Sports Psychology.


Website: http://web.upsi.edu.my/v1/

This post has been edited by Protoculture: Jul 7 2009, 07:54 PM

[Protoculture]

UPSI is mainly a University that produced next generation core teachers & lecturers for Malaysian schools, technical institutes, Polytechnics, Community Colleges & amongst others.

Its graduates are generally considered academically more enhanced as compared to educators produced by Ministry of Education's Teacher Training Colleges. Not surprisingly, many teachers who're diploma graduates from Teacher Training Colleges will continue their study for Bachelor degrees in UPSI.

[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK (UNIMAS) / UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA, SARAWAK

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (English: University of Malaysia, Sarawak) or UNIMAS was officially incorporated on 24 December 1992. UNIMAS is the eighth University, established just after the declaration of Vision 2020.

The University took in its first students numbering 118 in 1993 with the opening of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Resource Science and Technology. These students were temporarily located at Kolej Latihan Telekom, Simpang Tiga, Kuching until in 1994 the University moved to its East Campus in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. The University’s East Campus at Kota Samarahan was officially launched by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on Independence Day, 31 August 1993.

Over the years, the University has developed rapidly with the establishment of eight Faculties, three Institutes and seven Centres. UNIMAS is a university committed to being contemporary in character and forward looking in outlook in developing its education system. Since its inception in 1992, UNIMAS has been dedicated to educating students who are not only highly knowledgeable and skilled in their respective fields, but also well-rounded, practical, and rich in culture. Efforts to enhance the quality of teaching-learning are intensified, supported and strengthened with efforts to improve the quality of the management processes related to teaching and learning.

Quality is the basis of all products and processes at UNIMAS. Quality-assurance procedures ensure efficient course delivery and student learning. UNIMAS was awarded ISO 9001: 2000 quality certificate by SIRIM as a recognition of the high quality in the management of academic activities from the intake of new students to the award of degrees to graduates. Our strong emphasis on technology has awarded us with the prestigious Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Status on 17 November 2003. An award granted for our role and ability in developing manpower for MSC and related needs, through our strategic learning and training programmes. As such, the University is placing greater emphasis on the development of ICT and has successfully integrated ICT in all aspects of teaching and learning as well as administration.

West Campus Official Opening

The opening of the new West Campus by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi on April 18, 2006 was witnessed by 10,000 students, staff and members of the public. The event was also broadcast live over RTM1.

University Governance

* Vice Chancellor - Professor Dr.Khairuddin Ab Hamid
* Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Internationalisation) - Professor Dr. Fatimah binti Abang
* Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni) - Assoc. Professor Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman
* Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) - Professor Dr. Peter Songan
* Registrar - Mr. Ahmad Katang
* Bursar - Tuan Hj. Mazlan Kiflie
* Development Director - Mr. Humphrey Rayang Janang
* Chief Librarian - Mdm. Margaret Simeng

Niche Areas of Research and Development

UNIMAS commitment to research has already been recognized by the stakeholders and partners in industry by the provision of endowments for the establishment of eight research chairs; these include the Tun Zaidi Chair for Medicinal Chemistry, the Tun Openg Chair for Sago Technology, the Shell Chair for Environmental Studies, and the Sapura Chair for ICT.

Today, UNIMAS’ strength in research is being acknowledged by peers in at least three niche areas of research:

* Biotechnological research in epidemiology (dengue, JE, FMHD, malaria), biogeography (phylogenetics) and agriculture (sago);
* ICT, specifically on rural communication and image analysis; and
* Biodiversity, natural resource and environmental management.
* Image Analysis and Spatial Technologies

Award-winning Research & Projects

International Awards Received (in recent years) in Research/Innovations

* Industry Innovators Award for System Development and Applications awarded by Society for Satellite Professional International (E-Bario Project)
* E Asia Award under category Bridging Digital Divide (E-Bario Project)
* Mondialogo Engineering Award 2005 : Special Jury Recognition Award
* 34th Geneva International Invention Exposition 2006 – Special Award, Gold, Silver and Bronze
* Gold Medal for E-Bario Project - Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM), 2006, Australia

GENEVA, Switzerland. All the eight products exhibited by UNIMAS at the 34th Geneva International Invention Exposition (5 – 9 April 2006) received awards. Apart from winning 4 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medal, UNIMAS was the only Malaysian university participant accredited with Special Certificates for Excellent Achievement Geneva Awards.

* E-Bario Project

o The project set out to define the extent to which contemporary ICTs could deliver sustainable human development to remote rural communities in Sarawak. It aims to identify further needs and opportunities within such communities that can be satisfied by the innovative use of ICTs, and through action–oriented measures, to demonstrate how significant and sustainable development can be achieved by remote communities through such implementations. Bario was chosen for the research on the basis that; it is highly isolated and remote, and that UNIMAS is known to the community from previous research into the bio-diversity of its locale. The community in Bario readily expressed its willingness to participate. The intention, however, is to work with several remote communities throughout Sarawak.

o Awards Won for e-Bario
+ Prime Minister's Award
+ SSPI US Industry Innovators Award
+ AFACT’s (Asia Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) eASIA Award

* E-Bedian Project

o The success of eBario Project leads to the implementation of E-Bedian. The village of Long Bedian is situated in Baram, Miri division. It occupies an area of 15,456 m². At present, there are 1,578 people living in the 150 homes/houses in the village. The majority of the population in Long Bedian are Kayans.

Students' Union

The UNIMAS Student Representative Council (Malay: Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar UNIMAS or MPP UNIMAS) is the student representative body for students at the University Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia. It is the ultimate legislative body among the students. A general election is held every year to elect representatives to the Student Representative Council.

Website: http://www.unimas.my/

[Protoculture]

UNIMAS will always be remembered to be the 1st University setup in East Malaysia (discounting UiTM, given it has branch campuses all over MY) with purely Borneo outlook. Fast growing, the University earned respect from its West Malaysia counterparts, due to its academic excellence & several of its achievement in various fields despite being one of the younger pioneer public Universities back in 1990s.

UNIMAS also is far unique given its academic staffs & students come from various diverse ethnic groups all over Malaysia, in particular from East MY. A Malay UNIMAS student from KL once confided in me that he found UNIMAS far more liberating & liberal, offering fresh outlook over race relation & integration as compared to some Universities in West MY (discounting UIA).

You want cultural diversity, uniquely Bornean & perhaps truely Malaysia is Asia spirit, there's UNIMAS! The ONLY University that would've earn the tag 'Malaysia Truly Asia' & 'One Malaysia' concept perfectly!

[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH (UMS) / UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA, SABAH

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (English: University of Malaysia, Sabah) or UMS is the ninth Malaysian public university located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia and was established on November 24, 1994. His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed the establishment of UMS under Section 6(1) of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.

History

UMS' first campus was sited at the site of Kolej Komuniti Yayasan Sabah (KKYS) on the grounds of Yayasan Sabah (Sabah Foundation) itself. The first intake consisted of 205 undergraduates, with its residences located just beside the football field, on the compound of Yayasan Sabah.

Initially, the university management office operated at the Malaysian Ministry of Education in Kuala Lumpur. It only shifted to Kota Kinabalu in 1995 by renting buildings to cater to its needs.

In August the same year, physical development began to take place on a 999-acre (4 km²) land, located to the north of Kota Kinabalu City. The first phase of its construction was only completed in 2000.

UMS opened a branch campus in the Island of Labuan in 1999, known as Kampus Antarabangsa Labuan (Labuan International Campus).

Yang Amat Berbahagia(YAB) Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj. Aman, the Chief Minister of Sabah and Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr.) Yeoh Tiung Lay, Group Executive Chairman of YTL Corporation Berhad are currently the Pro-Chancellors of UMS.

Tan Sri Datuk Abd Hamid Ego, a senior state civil servant and former state secretary, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors since the university was established.

Y.Bhg. Lt Kol Prof Datuk Dr Hj Kamaruzaman Hj Ampon.a Biochemist and the first Sabah born professor, is the current Vice-Chancellor.He took over from the second vice-chancellor, Prof. Dato Dr Mohd Noh Dalimin on the 18th June 2008, a Physicist from Johore.

There are three Deputy Vice-Chancellors namely, Prof. Dr. Haji Sanudin Hj. Tahir (Deputy VC for Academic & International),Prof Dr Amran Ahmed (Deputy VC for Students and Alumni Affairs)and Prof. Dr. Rosnah Ismail (Deputy VC for Research and Innovation).

En. Abdullah Said is currently the Registrar and En Rizal Othman the Burser.

Faculties

There are currently 13 schools and 9 research institutes in UMS.

School of Social Sciences

The School of Social Sciences (SSS) was established in 1995 when Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) received its first intake of students. It was formed to fulfil the need for developing knowledge in the social sciences by offering courses from various programmes to produce graduates who are able to contribute to the development of the country.

SSS strives to excel in areas of teaching and community service. Hence, the School endeavours to empower would-be graduates to ensure that they become responsible, dedicated and ready to serve the nation.

The main aims of the School are:

* To disseminate knowledge in the social sciences and related fields through teaching and research, as well as to broaden courses and degrees offered.
* To produce competent graduates who are ready to serve the nation for peace and prosperity.
* To establish relations between UMS and the private, industrial and government sectors, at the national and international levels.
* To strengthen ties between institutions of higher learning from within and outside the country.

Assoc. Prof. Inon Saharuddin was the first dean, when the school was established in 1995. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asmady Idris is the current dean since 2006.

School of Science and Technology

The School of Science & Technology (SST) was established in 1995 with a primary aim to produce graduates in the field of science and technology in line with the aspiration of the Malaysian Government to achieve the status of an industrialized country.

The main function of the school is to develop and disseminate knowledge related to science and technology through teaching, research and publications.

Being located in a region rich in natural resources (land, forest, river and sea), the priority of the school is geared towards the sustainable management of these heritages.

The school has 10 undergraduate academic programmes that lead to a BSc (Hons) in biological & physical sciences. On top of this, SST also offers Master and PhD by research in all the fields of studies.

Prof.Dr. Mohd Noh Dalimin was the first dean, when the school was established in 1995. Prof.Dr. Mohd Harun is the current dean since mid-2008.

School of Psychology and Social Work

The School of Psychology and Social Work, established in 1997, determines to educate students to be well informed and skilled in areas of psychology and social work. As the two disciplines – psychology and social work- are located under one roof, school core courses are an integral part of every program offered, thus truly depicting the school's multidisciplinary approach.

Presently the school has five programs; Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Youth and Community Psychology, Counseling Child and Family Studies, and Social Work. The latter, though a latest addition to the school offering, will soon has several programmes added to it.

The School has the following objectives:

* To produce graduates, competent in the field of psychology and social work.
* To produce skilled and trained professionals in industry and organization, counseling, youth and community development, social work, and child development and family;
* To assist students to be more creative, to experiment new ideas, and determined in their work through practicum and internship, case studies and research projects.
* To strive for academic excellence and to promote UMS as leading educational and research institution in the field of psychology, social work and related programs.

Prof.Dato Dr Abdul Halim Othman was the first dean, when the school was established in 1996. Prof. Dr. Shuib Hj Din is the current dean since 2002.

School of Engineering and Information Technology

The School of Engineering and Information Technology (SEIT) was established in 1996 to meet the increasing needs of skilled manpower of the country in the field of engineering and information technology. The goals for the establishment of the school are in line with the mission of UMS to become an innovative university.

The objectives of the school are as follows:

* To develop programme of study relevant to industrial and national needs
* To produce skilled graduates in engineering and information technology who can contribute to nation building and wealth creation
* To train graduates who have strong fundamentals in relevant areas but at the same time are competent in his or her chosen field of study
* To equip the students with the necessary knowledge and skills in problem solving and analytical thinking
* To expand and broaden knowledge by means of research in engineering and information technology

The programme, curriculum and courses are designed to prepare students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their careers in business, consulting, marketing, information technology, education and other fields. To achieve these objectives the school always works in collaboration with industries and various agencies so that programmes are consistently relevant to the needs of the industry.

The main purpose of School of Engineering and Information Technology’s offer of study programs is to create manpower that is united and trained in specific disciplines, capable of contributing to the country’s development as well as fulfilling educational elements which builds the ability to think, analyze and evaluate.

The first dean was Prof. Dr Sanuddin Tahir, a geologist, and currently, a chemical engineer, Assoc. Prof. Dr Rosalam Sarbatly is the fourth dean for the school.

School of Food Science and Nutrition

The School of Food Science and Nutrition was established in 1997 with the mission to produce graduates who are well equipped with knowledge and skills that are required to undertake a variety of responsibilities in the area of food science and nutrition. Studies in food science and nutrition cover the continuum from raw materials to food on the table for consumers. Food scientists are involved in developing ways to process, preserve, and package or store food according to industry and government specifications and regulations. With the rapidly expanding world population, the increasing demand for healthy, convenient food and the increasing concern for the safety and quality of food supply, opportunities for well trained food scientists are plenty.

The School of Food Science and Nutition strives to achieve academic excellence in the field of food science, technology and nutrition to gain international recognition through learning and teaching, research and publication, social services and to provide skilled personnel in areas relating to the food industry resulting in high productivity and quantity in the context of the society and the nation.

The school's missions are as follows:

* To prepare international level teaching curriculum.
* To provide conducive research environment in order to encourage participation of academic staff in academic research and publication.
* To provide academic staff with sufficient expertise and experience to qualify as experts in certain specialised field/area.

The school's objectives are as follows:

* To produce graduates complete with knowledge as trained, ethical scientists who foster good values which will enable them to undertake a variety of responsibilities in the field of food science, technology and nutrition.
* To become an excellent centre for study, research, training and consultation in the field of food science, technology and nutrition at the national and international level.

School of International Tropical Forestry

The School of International Tropical Forestry was established in 1996. Its primary function is to train professional foresters to manage the country's rich forest resources as well as to further develop the wood-based industries and eco-tourism sector of the country. The School offers Bachelor of Forestry Science and Graduate studies on forestry related fields.

The School currently has four programmes namely International Tropical Forestry, Nature Parks and Recreation, Forest Plantation and Agro forestry and Wood Fibre Industries and Technology. Competent teaching staff specialised in various disciplines related to forestry, wood industries management, nature parks, recreation management, forestry plantations and agro forestry.

School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics was established in 1995 with the intention of fulfilling the country's needs for managers and entrepreneurs in various areas of business to ensure that Malaysia achieve its objective to be an industrialised nation by 2020.

Objectives of the school are:

* to provide knowledge in business and economics that creates and develops well-rounded managers and executives to enable them to compete at the global level;
* to produce proactive graduates who are knowledgeable and keep abreast with current issues of business and economics;
* to produce graduates with capability to integrate and apply the latest technology in organisational management;
* to contribute to the country's development by producing graduates that fulfils requirements of both private and public sectors;
* to provide knowledge of business and economics to students of other schools in this university in order to produce well-rounded graduates.

Currently, the school offers 10 areas of study in the field of business and economics at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. There are more than 1000 undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in various courses offered by the school. The ten undergraduate programmes offered by the school are Entrepreneurship, Banking and Finance, International Business, Marketing, Accounting, Hotel Management, Financial Economics, Human Resource Economics, Planning and Development Economics and Tourism Management.

School of Education and Social Development

Established in 1996, the School of Education and Social Development (SESD) strives to vindicate the values and principles that education is fundamentally about human growth and development nurtured by perspectives and insights that emerge from critical evaluation and scholarly enquiry.

The main thrust of development at SESD is underpinned by the following ideals:

* Education that helps to consolidate the development of individuals who are god fearing and responsible to the society and the environment.
* Education that complements both the Philosophy of Education of Malaysia and the chartered mission of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
* Education that ensures the fundamental intellectual development of individuals will be on par with the best in the world.

School of Art Studies

The School has the following objectives:

* To provide knowledge in the technology-based arts studies in order to produce graduates who are capable of promoting and cultivating various arts to the industry and society.
* to provide courses that enable students to be critical in their thinking, communicate well with others, appreciate art and culture, manage themselves well, and lead an organisation competently;
* To produce graduates with communication skills worthy of appreciation in interpersonal, social, corporate and community relations.
* to instill in students genuine love and patriotism for the country;
* To provide consultative expertise in the fields of creative and applied technology.
* to promote universal moral values and ethical principles amongst students;
* To generate competitive arts entrepreneurs in the arts and entertainment industry at national and international level.

School of Medicine

The Universiti Malaysia Sabah School of Medicine was established in the year 2003. It aims to train medical professionals of the highest standard in an effort to meet the needs of Sabah, in particular, and Malaysia in general.

Sabah is a state rich not only in natural resources and biodiversity but also in a population rich in ethnic variations. The school's students will be exposed to communities of different racial, socioeconomic status and health problems. Their understanding of these differences and the recognition of the underlying problems of the rural communities will help them solve problems faced by the indigenous and the urban communities in their future careers.

Based on the mission and vision of the School of Medicine, on completion of the Doctor Of Medicine (MD) programme, the Medical Students will be equipped with knowledge and education to enable them to:

* Give comprehensive healthcare to patients, their family and the community.
* Be competent when serving their clients but at the same time recognize their limitations and consult colleagues when necessary
* Be skilled when counseling and dealing with patients in the provision of health education and promotion measures.
* Use their analytical skills in solving clinical problems of their patients in a way that is acceptable and cost effective.
* Exhibit the right attitude, knowledge and skills in their communication with superiors, colleagues, peers and health professionals.
* Be team leaders in the area of medicine, community and society.
* Contribute to medical expertise in different settings, both rural and urban to meet the needs of the community.
* Contribute to research, scientific writing and publishing and development of ideas and technology that will be adopted globally.
* Continue in the pursuit of knowledge through a lifetime of continuing medical education (CME)

School of Sustainable Agriculture

This school was established to train students to become skilled manpower to assist in national agricultural production. Students are to be taught the latest and state of the art knowledge and cutting-edge research in agriculture. The main goal of the school is to produce knowledgeable graduates in the fields of crop production, livestock production, and horticulture and landscape in line with the National Agriculture Policy-3, which emphasizes domestic agriculture production that is suitable, safe and sufficient for local consumption and marketable globally and at the same time maintaining the good quality of our environment.

The main goals of the school’s programs are to produce graduates who can contribute to the skilled and knowledgeable manpower in the field of agriculture and are able to compete at both national and international levels. The graduates should possess the following characteristics:

* High achiever, integrity, entrepreneurship and sensitive to the issues of environmental conservation.
* Have vast knowledge in management of various aspects of conventional and contemporary agriculture.
* Adaptable to changes in technology development in the agricultural sector.
* Apt and efficient to act as sound farm entrepreneurs and agricultural managers.

Labuan School of International Business and Finance

Labuan School of International Business and Finance (LSIBF) started its operation in March 1999 with an intake of 356 students. Currently, LSIBF offers 4 distinctive degrees, namely Bachelor of International Business (Hons), Bachelor of International Finance (Hons), Bachelor of International Marketing (Hons) and Bachelor of Islamic Finance (Hons.). LSIBF has 5 programmes in the fields of International Finance, International and Offshore Banking, International Marketing, International Financial Economics and Islamic Finance. These academic programmes is directed towards global perspectives, to cater for the needs of the world's business and financial economics developments. LSIBF hopes to produce experts and well-trained workforce in the fields of international business and finance. The core curriculum is intended to enhance students' critical thinking and ability in decision making that will be applicable to the real world. In this regard, the teaching and learning process focuses on the conceptual and practical aspects of global business and finance with the help of current multimedia technology, market data, and case studies, wherever appropriate. To date (2007), some 2000 students have graduated from this school, including few oversea students. It is expected that in 10 years' time, 20-30% of the students will be coming from oversea.

The School's objectives are as follows:

* To generate knowledge on business and finance with global perspectives through teaching, researching and publication.
* To provide balance education through the integration of conceptual, technical, human and communication skills.
* To produce educated and well-trained workforce in the fields of international business and finance multimedia technology-based training.
* To produce human resource who are able to contribute to the nation's development and have competitive capability in the international arena.
* To shape continuous network-relationship with government, industrial sector and the general public in the national and international levels.

Labuan School of Informatics Science

The Labuan School of Informatic Sciences was established in May 1999 to support students' learning in the field of information technology which is characterised as the "Soft Science" and oriented towards the business environment.

It is widely recognised that, to be economically competitive in the global economy, the country needs to achieve and maintain a rate of technological development at least equal to that of international competitors. The ability to manage new technology and to ensure high levels of product quality are the essential skills that are required if the country wishes to compete in the world markets.

Currently, advances in computers, interactive technologies and the Internet have enabled video, audio and text information to be processed and presented collectively as a single multimedia document. Over the next decade, the internet and the web promise many exciting developments. The internet is the fastest growing segment of the computer industry. E-commerce is another aspect of the web that is gaining tremendous interest. The Labuan School of Informatic Sciences has taken this challenge by offering two high demand courses; Multimedia Technology and E-Commerce.

Both programmes have been designed to enable students to put theoretical concepts in practice via the usage of Digital Media Technology through various technology facilities. Graduates of these courses will have acquired skills that will be of value to companies, large and small, who are exploiting the benefits of this growth area.

Besides that, Labuan School of Informatic Sciences was the first Malaysian Public university to introduce an e-commerce programme and the first University in Malaysia that concentrates only on soft-IT.

The School has the following specific objectives:

* To enhance the environment for research, teaching and learning by extending knowledge in the ICT field especially in Multimedia and e-commerce disciplines.
* To provide a balance between theory and practice, which will form the basis for students' future careers as multimedia and e-commerce professionals.
* To improve the national and international standing of the school in terms of research, teaching and learning.
* To provide the opportunity for students in professional career development through our high quality education.
* To ensure quality courses that focus in current, up-to-date techniques and industrial practice.

Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning

The Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), or for short, PPIB (Malay acronym for Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa), was established at the end of 1994 in an attempt to produce multi-skilled graduates who are liberal in their thoughts and perspective, and who have an appreciation for national and societal values. In other words, the Centre strives to inculcate students with universal noble values and to instill in them a sense of patriotism for their country.

The Centre offers liberal studies by providing contemporarily relevant courses aimed at training students to communicate effectively at both national and international levels. Apart from this, the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning also offers courses on foreign languages. The courses offered by the Centre are open to all undergraduates from the various schools in UMS.

The Centre was set up for the following purposes:

* To help students build a solid foundation in liberal arts education, to enable students from various disciplines to keep a sense of global perspective and to refine their way of thinking;
* To provide courses that enable students to be critical in their thinking, communicate well with others, appreciate art and culture, manage themselves well, and lead an organisation competently.
* To train students to acquire skills in computing, public speaking, negotiating skills and foreign languages other than the English Language.
* To instill in students genuine love and patriotism for the country.
* To develop skills in critical thinking so as to achieve a higher level of maturity.
* To promote universal moral values and ethical principles amongst students.
* To produce well-rounded, versatile and capable graduates

Centre for Cocurriculum and Student Development

The Centre for Cocurriculum and Student Development was established in the year 2002. Its role is to give educational and learning services of over 80 cocurriculum courses that are offered to the students of the university. The orientation of management of the centre is to give the best service in conducting the cocurriculum activity as a core module and a compulsory course that must be taken by all the students of the university, and also to develop the students' ability and potential to master the human skill through students development activities.

The Centre has the following missions and objectives:

* To activate the student's interests, to develop excellent minds, talents and students' potentials through healthy and objective-oriented activities especially in leadership, community relationship and outreach programmes.
* To produce future leaders that are smart and confidence, to nurture the potential of students in sports and arts.
* To shape and develop student's self-esteem, to enhance patriotic values, high self-respect, and moral values amongst the students.

Institute/Research/Unit/Centre

Tropical Biology and Conservation Research Institute

Tropical Biology and Conservation Research Institute (ITBC) was founded in 1996. With the coordinating assistance of the Institute, local and international scientists can better explore the diverse terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems of the tropics, especially Sabah.

The objectives of the Institute are as follows:

* To be a research and reference centre in the field of tropical biology and conservation,
* To be a reference point for local biodiversity; to aid in management and environment impact assessments,
* To carry out studies on tropical rainforests and freshwater ecosystems as well as the conservation of these habitats and their inhabitants,
* To provide well-trained and skilled manpower in the fields of tropical biology and conservation through long and short-term research/training programmes and postgraduate supervision,
* To disseminate biodiversity knowledge by organizing conferences and workshops.

Biotechnology Research Institute

The Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) was established in January 2002 to function as a Center of Excellence in the field of Biotechnology at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The establishment of BRI is in tandem with the nation's efforts to promote research and development in biological or life sciences for the improvement of the quality of human life in relations to medicine, food, agricultural science and environmental protection.

The main functions of the Institute are:

* To promote research and postgraduate training through a demand-driven education programme in the field of biotechnology;
* To undertake strategic biotechnology research in key areas relevant to the geographical location of Universiti Malaysia Sabah;
* To serve as a facility centre housing high-end analytical equipment;
* To serve as a biotechnology hub for Sabah and its surrounding regions;
* To develop corporate partnerships to help drive the nation's biotechnology industry;
* To create and encourage an entrepreneurial culture among UMS researchers in the commercialisation of biotechnology R&D outputs;
* To support and contribute to the nation and Sabah bio-industries.

Borneo Marine Research Institute

Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) was established in 1995 with the aim of promoting education, research and training in conservation and sustainable development of marine resources, and a rational deployment of biotechnology. The Institute is fast emerging as a venue for pursuing excellence in generating knowledge across a wide range of marine science and aquaculture in a regional, national and international context.

Towards this goal, the BMRI carries out need-based research, works in partnership with stakeholder institutions on projects with long-term benefits for the society, and undertakes teaching and training of undergraduate and post-graduate students.

The Institute's missions are:

* To undertake scholarly research in need-based areas of marine science and aquaculture.
* To provide high-quality education, hands-on experience and training in marine science and sustainable aquaculture.
* To disseminate knowledge and facilitate its application to scientific, social and economic problems related to marine environment and aquaculture.

Ethnographic and Development Research Unit

The Unit began operation in 2001, and is based at the School of Social Sciences. It is dedicated to research in the field of ethnography and development with a strong environmental emphasis focusing on Sabah and Sarawak with some interest in Indonesian Kalimantan. The emphasis on Borneo is to take advantage of the region's multi-ethnic population and rich biodiversity. As a research centre in the social sciences, the unit emphasises inter-disciplinary research drawing expertise from disciplines including Sociology and Anthropology, History, Human Geography, Politics and International Relations.

It also encourages joint research with disciplines other than the social sciences especially in the Biological Sciences- marine and terrestrial-in the area of environmental conservation. Apart from research activities, the Unit also conducts workshops and seminars as part of its attempt to disseminate knowledge and to provide linkages between the university student population and academics with the general public. Research topics to which this Unit devote itself include ethnic relations of the Sabah population and the impact of development on the social and physical environment local, especially rural communities..

The Unit is actively involved in developing research networks nationally and internationally, has an active seminar series and is embarking on a planned expansion program.

Psychology and Social Health Research Unit

Research may not only assist government policies, but can contribute greatly to the discipline of psychology in general. In the field of psychology and social health, research in the Sabahan context has much to offer of both practical and theoretical significance. Psychological services in the community are very few, and research is needed into many psychological issues affecting the community.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah has established the Psychology and Social Health Research Unit (PSHRU) in 1998 to undertake a holistic research which focus on stress, depression and anxiety and cross-cultural family psychology that includes children, adolescent and aging population.

The objectives of the Unit are:

* To conduct interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary applied research to advance knowledge regarding current issues and the psychology of the society.
* To establish a centre of excellence on research and information in the field of stress, family psychology and psychological assessment and evaluation.
* To establish a top-class forum for researchers, intellectuals, politicians, policy makers and technocrats to discuss issues relating to the psychology and social health of the society
* To establish a think-tank, acting as a database to contribute psychological inputs to the Nation’s policy makers.
* To provide training of researchers at the postgraduate as well as post-doctoral levels.

Centre for Natural Disasters Studies

The occurrence of natural disasters such as floods and landslides are on the increase in Malaysia. While many researchers are in one way or another working on this problem, no specific institution has been established in Malaysia to seriously look into the studies of natural disasters. Recognizing the critical and urgent need for enhancing the capability of the country to manage natural disasters, Universiti Malaysia Sabah took the initiative to formally establish this research center in early 2006. This center acts as focal point for all research activities in UMS that are related to natural disasters.

The objective of the Center is to generate new knowledge related to the better understanding of the mechanism, impacts and mitigation of natural hazards towards the reduction of natural disasters in Malaysia.

The main functions of the Center are:

* To undertake fundamental and applied research;
* To provide expertise for consultancy and service;
* To produce scientific and popular publications;
* To organize public awareness activities; and
* To develop a database on natural disaster in Malaysia.

Centre for Research and Entrepreneurial Development

The Centre for Research and Entrepreneurial Development (CERD), UMS was established in January 2003. The main objective of the centre's establishment is to be as one of the entrepreneurial resource centre which focuses on the entrepreneurial research and development process both domestically and globally. The Centre was established at UMS as one of the centres of excellence through its research, dissemination of innovative entrepreneurial knowledge and practice and also through the development of a competitive and good quality younger generation especially the entrepreneurship graduates.

The Centre for Research and Entrepreneurial Development plays an active role in giving entrepreneurial support services such as business counseling, business information and entrepreneurial spirit needed by the entrepreneurs.

The objectives of CERD are:

* To facilitate experts for entrepreneurship research;
* To be a platform for entrepreneurship dialogue and growth;
* To inspire entrepreneurship spirit and culture;
* To shape curriculum and entrepreneurship training module for quality entrepreneurship excellence.

Centre for Remote Sensing and GIS

Remote sensing technology and GIS started to advance in Malaysia in 1980s, particularly in safeguarding the nature. The effective use of the technology in assessing forest resources, detecting soil erosion and monitoring marine ecology, which evidently provides latest and accurate data plus reduces the cost, time and labour compared to a conventional practice, has prompted the government to establish Malaysian Centre of Remote Sensing (MACRES) in 1988.

In Sabah, although the government is fully aware of the efficiency and potential use of remote sensing technology and GIS in safeguarding its vast forest and marine ecosystem, the application is still limited.

Hence, the establishment of a centre for remote sensing and GIS in University Malaysia Sabah for learning, teaching, research and consultancy suitably accommodates the needs of the state government. The proposed research involves various disciplines such as forest management, biodiversity, coastal area, marine ecosystem, geology, etc.

Centre for Rural Education and Development

Centre for Rural Education Development (CRED), which was founded in May 2006, is housed within the administration of School of Education and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. The Centre aims to develop and provide supports in the research and development of rural community, which includes the coastal areas of the river and sea, islands, interior province and mountain site. The establishment of CRED is also one of major contributions by the School of Education and Social Development towards the university's aspiration; "Strive to Excel".

Numerous researches and community activities had been carried out through the school, prior to the establishment of this centre. Since 2002, a huge number of researches pertaining to the rural education was implemented in the areas of administration, sociology, psychology and curriculum by SPPS lecturers and post-grade students. In addition, these collaborative researches involved different schools and research units in UMS. Apart from UMS research fund, most of the financial resources came from IRPA, UNESCO as well as from the State Departments.

The objectives of CRED are:

* To provide continuous educational programme by collaborating with schools
* To facilitate researches for rural community development
* To generate community awareness towards the importance of education
* To train volunteers as change agents
* To establish network between local and foreign universities, and other related agencies for rural community development

Website: http://www.ums.edu.my/webv3/

[Protoculture]

The above listed 11 public Universities are known collectively as pioneer Universities in MY, producing thousands of graduates each year, & have significant international students presence, namely IIUM (UIA), UM, USM, UKM & UTM.

In regards of UiTM, it is the 1st public University to achieve Mega-University status, with high enrollment intakes in its Main Campus, branch campuses & its franchise programmes with private colleges.

[preahvihear]

You know preahvihear, you should get a chill pill or attend an anger management class. You call people names at the slightest provocation but you can't take it when people call you a troll. So don't behave like one, okay? We welcome your opinions in MYChat if you could try to discuss in a more civil and diplomatic manner. Sorry, couldn't resist imitating your large font sizes. Have a pleasant day.

Hey thank you, but you also need to be fair to me as well. Not only the ProtoFreak called me names and labelling me, he also acted haughty towards me and territorial and $hit. This a Chinese-American owned website. So where does the ProtoFreak get the nerves to use the word "MYChat turf" from...To continue to harrass me, he even teamed up with that ImmoralQuack that has no credential whatsoever.

I was merely responding to KiepNgeo, a Viet person, for condemning the Malaysians and their Prime Minster as STUPID and HEARTLESS. But now these two losers had to get involved. Naturally, I had to respond in kind.

[swingdoctor]

My University is owned by a consortium of eleven public Universities in MY. Basically, UM/USM/UUM/UKM/UPM/UPSI/UMS/UNIMAS/UITM/UTM/UIA(IIUM) are the big bosses of my University.

Sorry for being evasive, but hey, where's the mystery rite? Sufficed to say, I'll featured my University in this thread. when time comes. Look out for the hint given above ...




It's OK.



Quite successful indeed. Universities (both private & the public) are given extensive Govt. grants to conduct R&D and emphasis are given towards synergy & strong industry cooperation with private sectors. APEX programme had only been introduced in 2008, but already the top universities in MY competed at breakneck speed to grab the top spot. Below are excerpt taken from MOHE criteria to being selected as APEX University:



UM was quite upset when USM grab that title ....



Still, look at it this way ... why top Universities in Europe, Russia, Japan, Korea, China & even Taiwan used their national tounge as medium of instructions & learnings? Use that logic, that's why most public Universities (known as IPTA) in MY used Bahasa Malaysia as medium of instruction, its our national language & embedded in our Constitution & national education policy.

As to why UiTM, IIUM (UIA) & majority of private Universities (known as IPTS) in MY used English as primary medium of instruction, well, these Universities catered its grads to be employable in private sectors, who by default, used English as lingua franca in corporate world.

But still, since the Govt introduced English as the main medium of instruction for Mathematics & Sciences in both primary & secondary schools in 2002 onwards, the level of English proficiency has increased exponentially (except in rural areas).



Its always about cost. In Malaysia, we've atleast 2-3 private Universities catering to medical sciences, namely International Medical University, Asia Institute of Medical Science & Technology University & University of Kuala Lumpur. Besides, some full paying medical students have re-routed their interest to India (for MBBS) & Indonesia (like the top Universitas Gadjah Mada) & even Russia for medical studies. Its cheaper that way compared to Aussie dollars.

BTW, we do have Monash University - Malaysian Campus in KL. We also have University of Nottingham - Malaysian Campus, Curtin University of Technology - Malaysian Campus & Swinburne University of Technology - Malaysian Campus. Heck, we even have Al-Madinah International University here.

Alas, I'll cover 'em later after I finished my round-ups of public Universities in this thread.



MARA still do that. But it is now sending more students to Ireland, Russia, India & Indonesia plus Australia for medical studies. It still boils down to cost.

I just assumed that the medium of instruction would be in BM, I'm surprised to learn that the private universities teach in English. Perhaps this is one of the problems why public Uni grads find it difficult getting work in the private sector?

As far as I understand Monash Uni medical school has a campus in JB.

[swingdoctor]

Hey thank you, but you also need to be fair to me as well. Not only the ProtoFreak called me names and labelling me, he also acted haughty towards me and territorial and $hit. This a Chinese-American owned website. So where does the ProtoFreak get the nerves to use the word "MYChat turf" from...To continue to harrass me, he even teamed up with that ImmoralQuack that has no credential whatsoever.

I was merely responding to KiepNgeo, a Viet person, for condemning the Malaysians and their Prime Minster as STUPID and HEARTLESS. But now these two losers had to get involved. Naturally, I had to respond in kind.

Are you Malaysian? How do you know if KiepNgeo is wrong. Maybe the Malaysian PM is stupid and heartless, do you know that he's not? How do you know otherwise? Even so, no matter what he/she has said, it does not justify you making general comments about Vietnamese, how many Vietnamese do you know personally?

So what if this is a Chinese-American owned website? Does it mean we can make general bigoted comments against Vietnamese? Does it mean we cannot be critical of either Americans or Chinese?

How do you know I have no credentials, have you asked me for any, am I obliged to show you any? Besides, looking at your postings it seems we don't need credentials to post here anyway.

We don't harass you any more then you are bigoted towards the Vietnamese. And Proto is right, this is the Malaysian Chat site, if you have any comments to make about Vietnamese in relation to Malaysia, fair enough post it here. But if you simply want to gripe about Vietnemese in general, take it to the Vietnamese site, there's one just next door.

[Protoculture]

Guys, the silent treatment to the troll, please! We do not want derail the thread, do we?

Alrighty then, let's moved on to Malaysian other public Universities!

This post has been edited by Protoculture: Jul 8 2009, 07:21 PM

[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN (UTHM) / TUN HUSSEIN ONN UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM Johor) was established on the 16 September 1993. It was originally known as Pusat Latihan Staf Politeknik (PLSP), until 1996 when it was upgraded to Institut Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn (ITTHO). Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak who was then the Minister of Education made the Official announcement of the new status on April 12, 1996. This promotion was an acknowledgement that the institution had excelled at producing human resources for technical education.

On September 27, 2000, the Institute achieved another milestone when the Malaysian government awarded it university-college status. This was to recognise its contribution in science and technology based development as well as in helping the nation to achieve its aspiration. With the new status, the Institution became known as Kolej Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn (KUiTTHO).

KUiTTHO continued to grow and progress, producing skillful, knowledgeable and competitive graduates. Six years later, on September 20, 2006, KUiTTHO was upgraded to full university status and became as it is now known.

The education and training at this University is a continuous effort to lead in market oriented academic programmes. Academic programmes offered by UTHM Johor are student-focused and are conducted through experiential learning in order to produce well-trained human resources and professionals who are catalysts for a sustainable development.

With more than 7,500 students studying in a number of academic programmes at Diploma, Degree, Masters, and PhD levels, UTHM Johor is one of the fastest growing higher education institution in the country specialising in engineering, technical education, technology management and information technology, and multimedia.

Faculties

1. Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering

2. Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

3. Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

4. Faculty of Technology Management

5. Faculty of Technical Education

6. Faculty of Information Technology and Multimedia

Accommodation

Currently , there are 5 residential colleges available that could accommodate up to 5000 students which caters mostly for juniors . Seniors which wished to extend the two-year staying period will have to apply to respective hostel management .

Within the Main campus

* Tun Syed Nasir Residential College
* Tun Dr. Ismail Residential College
* Tun Fatimah Residential College

Outside Main campus

* Perwira Residential College
* Melewar Residential College

Website: http://www.uthm.edu.my/v2/index.php?lang=en

[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN (UMK) / UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA, KELANTAN

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (English: University of Malaysia, Kelantan) or UMK is a public university located in Kelantan in Malaysia. The formation of the university was mooted during the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan and subsequently approved by the cabinet of Malaysia on June 14, 2006. The first students were enrolled with the commencement of the June 2007 semester.

Currently UMK operates from their temporary campuses in Pengkalan Chepa and Kota Bahru. A permanent campus is being planned in the towns of Bachok and Jeli.

Academic programs and courses

UMK currently offers the following programs:

Faculty of Agro-industry & Natural Resources

Undergraduate degrees

* Bachelor of Applied Science

* Animal Science
* Agriculture Technology Entrepreneurship
* Bio-industry Technology
* Natural Resources Science

Postgraduate degrees

* Master of Science

* Agriculture Biotechnology
* Agro-Entrepreneurship
* Bio-industry Technology
* Natural Resources Management

Faculty of Entrepreneurship & Business

Undergraduate degrees

* Bachelor of Entrepreneurship

* Accounting
* Commerce

Postgraduate degrees

* Master of Entrepreneurship

* Accounting
* Commerce
* Finance
* Management

Faculty of Heritage & Creative Technology

Undergraduate degrees

* Bachelor of Heritage Studies
* Bachelor of Creative Technology

* Multimedia
* Product Design
* Textile and Fashion
* Visual Communications

Postgraduate degrees

* Master of Arts

* Heritage Studies
* Multimedia
* Product Design
* Textile and Fashion
* Visual Communications

UMK also provides the following general courses :

Centre for Language Studies & Human Development

English language

* English language
* English for Sciences
* English for Business Communications
* English For Creativity Writing In Arts And Heritage

Third languages

* Arabic language
* Mandarin language

Social sciences

* Islamic and Asian Civilisation
* Ethnic Relations
* Malaysian Nationhood & Development
* Philosophy
* Moral and Professional Ethics
* Critical Thinking and Communication Skills

Co-curricular activities like participation in sports teams are also recognised as academic courses and are invigilated by the Centre for Language Studies and Human Development.

Website: http://www.umk.edu.my/v2/bm/ (Malay version only)

[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI PERTAHANAN NASIONAL MALAYSIA (UPNM) / NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional (UPNM) or the National Defence University of Malaysia is a public university located in Sungei Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur. The university is Malaysia's first catering to the needs and development of modern armed forces. As of year 2008, it has around 1,500 undergraduate students, with over 1,300 of them are Cadet Officers.

With its vision to be a premier institution in area of military training, education and defence research.

History

UPNM was originally Akademi Tentera Malaysia (ATMA) or the Malaysian Armed Forces Academy which was established on June 1, 1995. It was an organisation solely responsible in upgrading the knowledge and academic status of the armed forces by offering bachelor degrees in fields of engineering, sciences and managements while not neglecting the basic requirements of military training.

The bachelor degree courses were accredited and awarded by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in the beginning. Lecturers—some from within the armed forces, some hired by the academy and the rest deputised by UTM—were fully committed to changing the face of the Malaysian armed forces.

In November 10, 2006, ATMA's responsibility was recognised and further given a boost when it was upgraded to university status creating the current UPNM. The establishment of the university was announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during the Budget 2007 reading in the Malaysian Parliament. The setting up of the university cost RM 500 million and was fully borne by the Government of Malaysia.

The university's first intake of students was for the 2007/2008 session with new changes by taking the first intake of civilian undergrads. Universiti Pertahanan Nasional preparing the military and civilian leaders from Malaysia to better address national and international security challenges through multi-disciplinary educational programs, research, professional exchanges and outreach. Though the university was young, it has already chalked up over 11 years of experience in education and training since 1995 with over 1000 graduates in the fields of engineering, computer science and management. These graduates have also been successfully been inducted as full officers of the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy Royal Malaysian Air Force, Government Sectors and Non Government Sectors.

Location

UPNM's main campus is currently located at the Sungei Besi Camp in Kuala Lumpur. The campus which was originally completed in 2002 as part of ATMA has the latest education and training facilities as well as huge playing field and recreational area, which is in line with the need of a growing institution.

Curriculum

Cadets are educated and graded on their performance in academics, physical fitness, and military leadership.

The academic program consists of a core of 11 courses balanced in the managements, sciences and engineerings. Cadets choose their courses in the end of their foundation year.

The physical program includes both physical education classes and competitive athletics. Every cadet participates in an intercollegiate, club or intramural (called Inter-Battalion Sports) level sport each year. As with all soldiers in the Armed Forces, cadets also must pass a physical fitness test (UKA) twice per year. Additionally, during each end year-session, cadets must undergo Single Service Training (LKPT)—which generally is regarded by cadets to be the "worst 6 weeks of the year."

Cadets learn basic military skills, including leadership, through a military program (LKU) that begins on their first day at the university. Most military training takes place during the end-semester holiday, with new cadets undergoing Cadet Basic Training (LFI) — or "Square bashing". Additionally, cadets are housed in barracks style floor-by-floor management at accommodation blocks and have leadership positions and responsibilities throughout the academic year.

Every mid-semester, the men and women train at campus camp itself; the campus fields for physical trainings, the 1RAMD obstacle course and shooting range for obstacle course exercise and shooting practice, and RMC's parade ground for drills. In this six-week part of LKU at the campus, the cadets are introduced to a basic firearms and training exercises. The batalions are in command of appointed rank holders and final year cadets. The super-seniors, are in officer positions such as Platoon leader and Company commanders. At the end of the six-week UKMHK session, awards are given out to the best company based on the best performance at each training site.

Moral-ethical development occurs throughout the formal programs as well as a host of activities and experiences available at the University. These include formal instruction in the important values of the military profession, religious programs, and interaction with staff and faculty role models. The foundation of the ethical code at the university is found in the institution's motto, "Duty, Honor, Integrity." Cadets also also required to adhere to the wide known Cadet Honor Code, which states simply, "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."

Programme

Academic Programme

Defence Engineering Faculty

* Civil engineering
* Electric & Electronic (Power) engineering
* Electric & Electronic (Communication) engineering
* Mechanical engineering
* Mechanical - Automotive engineering
* Mechanical - Aeronautic engineering
* Mechanical - Marine technology engineering

Defence Sciences Faculty

* Computer science (Computer system and safety)
* Computer science (Artificial intelligence)
* Maritime technology

Faculty of Defense and Management Studies

* Defence human resource management
* Strategic studies

Military Programme

Besides pursuing an academic programme, undergraduates also undergo armed forces training. The first six weeks is the induction phase training period where the trainees are gradually introduced to the environment of the armed forces. Trainees will also undergo rotational armed forces postings for six weeks annually in the various camps such as the Royal Military Base at Ulu Tiram, Johor for army training, Royal Navy Base at Lumut, Perak for navy training and the Air Force College at Alor Setar, Kedah for air force training.

The trainees will undergo training emphasizing on a healthy mind and body as well as social ethics and regiment studies. They will also undergo basic weapons training as any other normal privates with undergo.

Civilian undergrads are obliged to register under Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES). They will be given training allowance and certain privileges during military trainings. Civilian undergrads who successfully graduated to Bachelors degree level will be commissioned as a military officer in the reserve after completing Military trainings.

Rank

Unlike virtually all other bachelor-degree granting institutions in Malaysia (but like the other military academies in Malaysia), the Academy does not refer to its students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors; they are instead called by their year of intake eg. "2002", "2003", "2004", "20XX".

Colloquially, freshmen are "tahun asas (foundation year)"; sophomores, "tahun satu (year 1)"; juniors, "tahun dua (year 2)"; seniors, "tahun tiga (year 3)"; super-senior, "tahun empat (year 4)". Most cadets consider foundation year to be the most difficult because of the rules and restrictions developed to help students transition from civilian to cadet. However, the third and fourth year is generally considered to be the hardest academically.

Within the university, cadets whom reached year 3 can hold positions of increasing responsibility with a cadet rank:

* Kadet: Member of Squad.
* Kadet Korporal: Platoon vice leader - year 2 cadet.
* Kadet Sarjan: Platoon leader - year 3 and 4 cadets
* Kadet Platoon Commander: Platoon ranked leader.
* Kadet Ketua Kompeni: Company's officer-in-command
* Kadet CO: Battalion's cadet-commanding-officer
* Kadet Panglima briged: University's cadet-brigade-commander

Organization

The Cadets has the following organization:

(The number of cadets is approximate and varies year to year)

* 1 Campus (1,500 cadets) which consists of:
* 4 Batalions (350 Cadets) which consist of:
* 4 Companies (75 cadets) which consist of:
* 3 Platoons (25 cadets)

Note that various positions are not included above.

Admission

Admission to the university can be done by applying through Education ministry's University Central Unit (UPU) where academic qualification will be evaluated. Candidates then had to undergo physical, mental and leadership screening at selected camp for a period of 1–3 weeks.[3]

Admissions requirements

To be admitted, candidates must be between 18 and 20 years old upon entrance, cannot be married, have no legal obligation to support a child, and be of good moral character. The current process includes a university application, standardized testing, and personal references. Candidates for admission also must undergo a physical aptitude test as well as a complete physical exam, including a separate visual acuity test to be eligible for appointment, although medical waivers are available. Usually, candidates with vision uncorrectable to 20/20, as well as a range of other injuries or illnesses, will be automatically considered for a medical waiver only if they are highly competitive.

Graduation

Graduates receive a Bachelor degree and are commissioned as captain in the Army or equivalent rank in the navy or air force with an obligation to serve 10 years active service in the military. Eligibility for particular specialties (infantry, artillery, armor, engineers, etc.) is typically determined by academic performance and personal preference. A cadet is a first class graduate if he or she has earned a 3.70 or above Accumulated Grade Pointer Average (CPA), second class if 3.0-3.69 or third class if 2.99 and below.

Website: http://www.upnm.edu.my/media/v3/ (Malay version only)

[Protoculture]

UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MELAKA (UTeM) / TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA, MALACCA

Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) or Technical University of Malaysia Malacca is a public university located in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia. It is the pioneer in the use of the "Practice and Application Oriented" teaching and learning method for tertiary level technical education in Malaysia. The programmes offered are tailored with input from industry in order to create graduates that match the demands of the industry.

History and Development of Campuses

Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) was established on December 1, 2000. It was formerly known as Kolej Universiti Teknikal Kebangsaan Malaysia (KUTKM) before being rebranded to university status in February 2, 2007.[2]

Industrial Campus

The Industrial Campus in Taman Tasik Utama used to be the administrative and teaching centre of the university before moving to the Main Campus.

The university operated in 2001 by renting 68 units of shop houses from Metacorp Properties to house the administrative offices, lecture rooms, hostels, library and staff accommodation. In 2002, the university rented 40 more shop houses to accommodate new laboratories for the faculties and to cater for additional administrative and student hostels. In early 2003, additional spaces in the form of 11 shop houses were rented from Metacorp Properties. In the same year, 119,200 square feets of space was rented from Cubic Electronics, Ayer Keroh. Thereafter, the shop houses were subsequently abandoned.

As of 2009, use of the Industrial Campus rented from Cubic Electronics was discontinued and the remaining faculties in Industrial Campus were moved to the Main Campus using the facilities with the other faculties on a sharing bases.

Main Campus

UTeM’s Main Campus earth works was completed on 25 June 2003. Since then, the construction of the buildings started. The main campus is constructed on a 725-acre (2.93 km2) site at Bukit Senandung I and II, Mukim Durian Tunggal in the district of Alor Gajah. On 25 January 2002, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad officiated the ground breaking ceremony.

The first phase of the main campus development was completed in 2005. There are two faculties which are operating there namely; Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Faculty of Electronics and Computer Engineering, with the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of IT Engineering to move here in the middle of 2009 for the start of the new semester. However construction of the buildings for Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering are still not completed and it is expected for the existing facilities to be used by all the aforementioned faculties on a sharing basis.

The main campus is expected to be fully completed by the year 2010.

City Campus

The City Campus is situated in the heart of Melaka Town. The City Campus underwent some renovations beginning on 1 Mac 2007 and the work completed on 10 July 2007. On 11 July 2007 until 14 July 2007, four departments which are formerly operating from the Industrial Campus, Ayer Keroh, Melaka had moved on to City Campus, namely Institute of Technology Management and Entrepreneurship, University Publisher, Centre for Teaching and Learning, and Centre for Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Faculties and Courses

The University is mainly made up of five faculties namely Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering and Faculty of Information and Communication Technology.

The courses offered by the respective faculties are listed as follows:

Faculty of Electrical Engineering

* Diploma in Electrical Engineering
* Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Industrial Power)
* Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics and Drive)
* Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Control, Instrumentation and Automation)
* Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Mechatronics)

Faculty of Electronics and Computer Engineering

* Diploma in Electronics Engineering
* Bachelor of Electronics Engineering (Industrial Electronics)
* Bachelor of Electronics Engineering (Computer Engineering)
* Bachelor of Electronics Engineering (Telecommunication Electronics)

Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering

* Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering
* Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Manufacturing Process)
* Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Manufacturing Design)
* Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Robotics and Automation)
* Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Manufacturing Management)
* Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Engineering Materials)

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

* Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
* Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Automotive)
* Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Design and Innovation)
* Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Structure and Materials)
* Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Fluids)

Faculty of Information & Communication Technology

* Diploma in Information And Communication Technology
* Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Development)
* Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Networking)
* Bachelor of Computer Science (Database Management)
* Bachelor of Computer Science (Interactive Media)
* Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)


Apart from the Diploma and Bachelor's degree courses listed above, the university also offered courses up to Master's and Ph.D. levels.

Website: http://www.utem.edu.my/