THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021

POSTGRADUATE

Expand your horizons

There are always new knowledge and skills to be learnt.
Now is the time to take the next step in achieving your career aspirations.
2 Postgraduate
By
PROF
SAMUEL
KINGMAN
I WOULD like to start this article by
recognising the contribution my
predecessor made to these columns and
also his wider contribution to transnational
education through his role as provost and
chief executive officer of the University of
Nottingham Malaysia (UNM).
Prof Graham Kendall retires from the
university at the end of January and I am
delighted to be appointed his interim
successor. I hope I can do as good a job as
Graham here each month.
I write this article from the UK as travel
is obviously impossible at the current time.
I also write against a local UK backdrop of
further lockdowns and record numbers of
new Covid-19 infections and deaths.
Although there is now light at the end of
the tunnel with multiple vaccines available
which hopefully mean that within a few
months’ things could possibly return to
what is frequently described as the “new
normal” – whatever that means.
Whatever happens over the coming
months, it is certain that the world we will
find ourselves working in will be different
from the one which we remember before
the pandemic.
In order to address these new challenges,
or take advantage of the new opportunities
as I would prefer to put it, education,
training and upskilling are certainly going
to be crucial.
Given the changes in business climate
and culture that the Covid-19 situation has
brought, now may be an excellent time to
consider doing a professional business
degree or an MBA as these qualifications
can have a significant impact on your
career and professional goals and also your
Tough times require
innovative thinking
Upskilling yourself with an MBA will help you in developing your strategic thinking skills and
presenting well-ordered and thorough solutions when solving complex problems.
wider home life.
There are a number of benefits of
obtaining an MBA. Some may be a surprise
to you and many will certainly help you take
advantage of the opportunities offered as we
look to come out from the Covid-19 shadow.
Recent articles have identified increased
self-confidence, credibility, enhanced
transferable skills such as time management,
written and verbal communications, critical
analysis and review.
Also you will develop the skills to really
delve deeply into analyses, new
developments, technologies and industry
sectors. Of course, an MBA will help you to
develop your strategic thinking, identify
and manage risk and develop the skills to
unpick complex problems and present well-
ordered and thorough solutions.
MBA graduates also have a network of
colleagues gained through programmes as
well as new and further job opportunities
as a benefit.
Given all of these benefits, why don’t
more people do an MBA? Time
management and the level of commitment
when students already have a full-time role
is a key barrier possibly.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021
At University of Nottingham Malaysia,
we have since March 2020 pivoted to online
teaching for all of our programmes due to
the Covid-19 situation.
We have done this in such a way to
ensure that our teaching and learning
objectives are consistently achieved whilst
crucially maintaining engagement with
our executives so that the learning
experience is positive and network
opportunities are maintained.
In recent years we have found that
younger executives with leadership
capabilities require an MBA for career
progression both within their organisation
or outside. Therefore, our MBA
programmes have been designed to ensure
that whilst students can complete in their
own time, with astute time management
they can also complete the programme
faster due to block module format.
Ultimately, MBA study is a significant
commitment but through study at UNM it
will bring a global study experience, the
opportunity to engage with a diverse
network of executives and professionals
and develop significant industry linkages.
Whatever happens in the future is still
uncertain although I am certain all of these
skills will be vital to take full grasp of the
opportunities which will certainly arise.
n Prof Samuel Kingman is pro-vice
chancellor, University of Nottingham, UK,
and from Feb 1, interim provost and chief
executive officer of University of
Nottingham Malaysia
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 3
4 Postgraduate
Your neighbourhood university
THE year 2020 has finally come to a close.
Looking back, I am sure we can all agree
that the Covid-19 pandemic was the biggest
headline of the year. Unfortunately, this
global outbreak seems far from over,
although I believe we should not start this
new year with a sense of foreboding or
negativity. Instead, let us look ahead with a
clear mind and spirit that we can all come
together not only to break the Covid-19
chain, but also to make the most of our
opportunities over the next 12 months.
At Open University Malaysia (OUM), we
welcome 2021 as a year like any other, as
we continue to be committed in providing
the best to our learners.
Despite the uncertainties ahead, we will
continue to explore ways to ensure that our
learners can learn comfortably no matter
their circumstances. These days, learning is
mostly taking place online using the tools,
applications and learning materials in
myINSPIRE, our learning management
system. However, as your neighbourhood
university, ensuring a physical environment
conducive for learning wherever you are
remains our priority too.
Those who need Internet access, seek
advice or source reference materials can
visit any of our 35 learning centres
nationwide, while Klang Valley folks can
make their way to Menara OUM in Kelana
Jaya. The 12-storey building, which serves
as the main campus, is wholly owned by
the university. Just a 10-minute walk from
the nearest LRT station, Menara OUM
provides ample facilities for learners,
including classrooms, meeting rooms,
computer labs, reading areas, free Wi-Fi
and various other amenities.
Within the building, the Tan Sri Dr
Abdullah Sanusi Digital Library is the main
resource centre for learners. It currently
By PROF
DATUK DR
MANSOR
FADZIL
At Open University Malaysia
(OUM), we welcome 2021 as
a year like any other, as we
continue to be committed
in providing the best to our
learners.
houses more than 20,000 volumes of printed
books and subscribes to 30 online databases
comprising e-books, e-journals, e-theses and
more. Covering all courses offered at OUM,
there are more than 190,000 e-books and
55,000 e-journal titles, about 1.3 million
e-thesis titles, and also one local legal act
database. Best of all, all these
e-resources can be accessed anytime and
anywhere, provided all registered users
have Internet connection.
The OUM Graduate Centre (OUMGC) is
also located at Menara OUM and caters to
postgraduate learners enrolled in
postgraduate diploma, master, doctorate and
PhD programmes. OUMGC is where they can
meet and discuss with peers, lecturers and
supervisors, and also seek assistance from
support staff who are always on hand to
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021
To ensure OUM learners transition comfortably to online learning, the university is enhancing
its IT infrastructure for a more engaging learning experience.
help learners in need. hopefully make your academic journey
As we wait for the pandemic to end, I more meaningful.
would like to assure learners that your well- With innovation, I believe the university
being has always been the focus in will go far in providing quality education to
everything we do. To ensure that you can everyone, something that we have been
transition comfortably to online learning, striving for since our establishment two
we are enhancing our IT infrastructure so decades ago.
that our online learning system is efficient For more information on OUM
and reliable. programmes, call 03-7801 2000, WhatsApp
We have also engaged experienced tutors 012-303 9935/019-357 9074, e-mail
to ease this transition, while academics are enquiries@oum.edu.my, or visit www.oum.
being trained in the latest technology so that edu.my
they can come up with engaging learning
materials. This, coupled with our n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is president
experienced learner support team, will and vice-chancellor of OUM.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021
THE branch of endodontics in
dentistry deals with saving and
maintaining natural teeth. Gaining
additional training in this branch
of dentistry will give candidates
not only the knowledge, skills and
confidence in providing evidence-
based endodontic treatment of
cases with different levels of
difficulties, but also help the
practitioner in achieving better
predictable clinical outcomes
through improved and highest
quality care.
The first intake of the IMU
Postgraduate Diploma in
Endodontics (PGDEndo)
Programme is in April. The
programme aims to train students
in the understanding of pulpal
and periapical pathophysiology,
selection of appropriate dental
materials/instruments,
fundamental rationale of clinical
techniques and management of
failed endodontic cases of
moderate difficulty.
To facilitate smooth functioning
and learning at IMU, students
would be assigned personal
mentors to substantiate their
academic pursuit. This hands-
on programme with a portfolio
during the course will be
beneficial in extending the
skills and service in any
practitioner’s practice.
This one-year programme
includes a total of six modules,
sequenced on the nature of
endodontic cases and taught
by eminent and experienced
full-time and adjunct faculty.
Students will enjoy full access to
Science publisher picks Preventing antibiotic resistance
up Curtin student’s
final-year project paper
CURTIN University Malaysia (Curtin a new era of smart buildings and
Malaysia) final-year chemical
engineering student Ahsan
Mehmood had his final-year project sensors for data collection and
paper published in Scientific Report real-time monitoring on an
by Nature, the world’s leading
multidisciplinary science publisher. high-performance strain sensors
Ahsan’s project paper titled
Graphene/PVA Buckypaper for
Strain Sensor Application was based
on his research project into a
category of smart sensors called
strain sensors, or more particularly, Malaysia, students are exposed to,
strain sensors composed of
graphene-based buckypaper.
Ahsan says buckypaper, a thin
sheet made from nanocomposites,
was found to be a viable option for
strain sensor applications. His
research found that high-quality
graphene-based buckypaper
infiltrated with polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA) has outstanding properties
in terms of flexibility, high
electrical conductivity, chemical
stability and light weight.
According to Ahsan, graphene/
PVA buckypaper strain sensors
could be suitable for a wide range
of commercial and industrial
applications, including sports
performance monitoring,
virtual reality, personal
healthcare, human-machine
interface and more.
“In this digital age, we are
surrounded by all sorts of smart
sensors. We have smart lights that
allow real-time adjustment of
intensity and colours to create
different room ambiences, and
smart health-monitoring strain
sensors that can predict early
symptoms of chronic diseases and
provide real-time monitoring of
critical health parameters, for
example,” says Ahsan.
“Now, we are transitioning into
Advancing skills
in endodontics
the IMU Oral Health Centre and
learning resources, including
library facilities.
This programme is designed for
full-time and part-time students,
with respective flexible options.
This programme includes six
modules in two semesters (17
weeks each) with a total of 30
credit hours to be delivered over a
period of one year. It includes one
week of compulsory on-site
activities at IMU School of
Dentistry. For clinical activities,
students have the choice of treating
patients at the IMU Oral Health
Centre or at their own clinics.
Full-time students who require
more time to complete their
clinical requirements may apply to
extend their enrolment for one
year, while part-time students may
apply to extend their enrolment for
two years. Extensions are subject
to approval by the Senate.
The six modules are:
l Fundamental Science in
Endodontics
l Endodontic Management of
Single-Rooted Teeth
l Endodontic Management of
Multiple-Rooted Teeth of Moderate
Difficulty
l Rotary Endodontics
cities with innovations in
electronics and intelligent smart
unprecedented scale. This is where
such as the one we synthesised in
our research can play a huge role.”
Speaking of Ahsan’s
achievement, faculty dean Prof
Tuong-Thuy Vu, says, “At Curtin
and wherever possible, get to
participate in our research
endeavours as part of their
student learning, to help
transform complex problems
into innovative solutions that
have far-reaching impact and
prepare themselves to be career-
ready when they graduate.”
Ahsan’s paper in Scientific
Report by Nature can be read at
https://www.nature.com/articles/
s41598-020-77139-2.
n For more information on Curtin
Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my, or
look for Curtin Malaysia on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
YouTube or LinkedIn.
Ahsan
Mehmood.
l Management of Endodontic
Cases Requiring a
Multidisciplinary Approach
l Management of Failed
Endodontic Cases in Single-Rooted
Teeth and Endodontic Mishaps
Why study endodontics
at IMU?
l It’s the first postgraduate
diploma programme in
endodontics in Malaysia
recognised by Malaysian
Qualifications Agency (MQA)
l Students will have a free hand
at utilising IMU’s digital facilities,
including dental operating
microscope and CBCT
l A flexible modular design that
provides options for dentists to
continue working at their clinics
and treat patients at the IMU Oral
Health Centre whilst enrolled in
the course
l The course is delivered and
supervised by highly qualified and
experienced local and
international endodontists
A multimodal assessment
system ensures the various
learning outcomes are adequately
BEFORE leaving the hospital or
clinic, we are often told to finish
taking a prescribed course of
antibiotics recommended by
the doctor.
However, when we start
feeling better, many of us stop
antibiotic treatment early, which
encourages bacteria to develop
antibiotic resistance. Stopping
antibiotics too soon is one cause
of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance occurs
when bacteria no longer respond
to the antibiotics produced to kill
them. “Germs” are not killed and
continue to grow.
Antibiotic resistance is a global
predicament that many of us could
face in real-life. Due to antibiotic
resistance, we may become infected
with germs that cannot be killed by
any drugs available.
The result could be that the
germs end up killing us – a situation
faced by our ancestors hundreds of
years ago.
Like most real-world problems, it
is difficult to find out all the critical
causes of antibiotic resistance.
Germs can also share the ability
not to be killed by antibiotics with
other types of germs. How is this
sharing done? To answer these
questions, we followed the trail of
antibiotic resistance in a
community in Johor.
Monash University Malaysia set
up a health and demographic
surveillance system, the South-East
Asia Community Observatory
(Seaco), in Segamat to enable
researchers to analyse current
health issues in a real-life setting.
Forging deep ties with Segamat
residents allowed our researchers
to obtain vital health information
from the community willing to
support the research team.
According to Prof Sadequr
Rahman, director of the
Tropical Medicine and Biology
Research Platform, the
answers from Segamat could help
Among the highlights of the Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics is
the possibility for students to continue working at their clinics or treat
patients at the IMU Oral Health Centre whilst enrolled in the course.
and appropriately assessed.
Formative and summative
assessments are conducted
throughout the programme. The
methods of assessment are mapped
to the learning outcomes of the
modules.
The professional examination
comprises theory and clinical
components divided into
continuous assessment and a final
examination. For the Final
Examination, candidates must pass
the theory and clinical components
to be awarded the Diploma.
IMU offers postgraduate
programmes including the Master
in Science programmes in Public
Health, Analytical and
Prof Sadequr Rahman is leading a team from Monash University Malaysia
to research the types and spread of antibiotic resistance in Segamat,
Johor.
improve people’s health from all
over Malaysia and people of
nearby countries.
A team of researchers from
Monash University Malaysia is
researching the types and spread
of antibiotic resistance in Segamat.
“Antibacterial resistance is a
global phenomenon. Pathogens
are resisting medications when
they are supposed to be killed by
them. As a consequence, without
intervention, infections could be
almost impossible to treat.
Diseases caused by bacteria could
spread rapidly,” says Prof Rahman,
who is leading the antibiotic
resistance work and working
closely with Seaco.
The team has found a
widespread occurrence of
antibiotic resistance in the faeces
of people from Segamat, which
means there are antibiotic-
resistant bacteria in the
community’s digestive system. This
is a typical situation in the region.
There was no link to diet or
ethnicity, indicating everyone is at
risk. The faeces are naturally full
Postgraduate 5
Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
Molecular Medicine, Acupuncture
and Pharmacy Practice; Master of
Counselling; Postgraduate
Diplomas in Diabetes Management
and Education, Implant Dentistry,
Endodontics and Prosthodontics;
postgraduate programmes in
Health Professions Education and
Business Administration in
Healthcare Management as well as
MSc and PhD in Medical and
Health Sciences.
n For more information about this
or our other postgraduate
programmes call 03-2731 7272,
email postgraduate@imu.edu.my
or visit www.imu.edu.my
of bacteria, but the presence of
antibiotic resistance in these
bacteria could pose a major threat
if the bacteria got out of the
digestive system and into other
parts of the body. If this happens,
then the disease caused could be
tough to treat.
Prof Rahman is keen to search
for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in
the environment in Segamat.
He says this could explain how
antibiotic-resistant bacteria are
getting into the Segamat
community. It may then be
possible to suggest lifestyle or
environmental changes that
would reduce the production
and spread of antibiotic resistance
in bacteria.
“The prospect of untreatable
antibiotic-resistant bacteria
spreading through our bodies is
terrifying. However, we can play
our part in reducing the chances
of this nightmare from happening
by completing prescribed courses
of antibiotics. This should be one
of our New Year Resolutions!”
Prof Rahman states.
6 Postgraduate
THE Master of Business Administration
(MBA) is without question a great self-
investment that will yield increasing
return. The degree can be challenging to
obtain for most candidates due to prior
commitments and course preparation,
however, it is a great opportunity for
applicants to grow out of their comfort
zone and be highly desirable employees at
the workplace upon graduation.
Almost every company, regardless of the
field, can benefit from the skillsets and
qualities MBA graduates offer, including
managerial, leadership, effective
communication and problem-solving skills.
Although MBA courses are generally
versatile and would allow graduates to
hold leadership positions across various
industries, MBAs with specialisations
can boost the credibility and employability
of graduates who are focused on a
particular career.
Specialised MBA programmes train
candidates to have a keener eye on specific
aspects of an industry, foresee minute
changes that can bring about rippling
Most popular MBA
specialisations in Malaysia
effects and develop more detailed strategies
that will lead to more unique targets.
What are the available
specialisations?
Finance – A specialisation in finance is
always in demand by employers. The ability
to manage financial investments can be
crucial in deciding the future of a company.
An MBA with finance specialisation will
enable candidates to infuse key managerial
insight in financial matters, resulting in wise
and solid decision-making. Candidates will
have in-depth understanding of how
financial markets function and will learn
about investments, financial markets,
statistical analysis and computer literacy.
The common positions for MBA in
finance graduates are financial analyst,
financial manager, chief financial officer,
accounting manager, corporate controller,
and management consultant.
Marketing – The MBA with marketing
specialisation course teaches the
technicalities that go behind marketing
campaigns and how to properly set
marketing objectives. Aspects such as
human behaviour and quantitative skills
are also crucial when formulating
marketing ideas.
Graduates will have the necessary
leadership skills, the ability to study the
market and become exceptional candidates
for a marketing managerial position.
Graduates will find job opportunities in
either the public or private sector. The
positions they can fill include marketing
manager, brand manager, corporate sales,
market research analyst, product manager,
and head of digital marketing.
Information Technology – It is
important for companies to gain a
competitive advantage through information
technology in IR4.0. Such a specialisation
can include IT entrepreneurship, bio-design,
biotechnology, data mining, supply chain
management and new energy technology.
The knowledge and experience will
be useful for candidates who intend to
start their own company and initiate
innovative projects.
With analytical, mathematical, leadership,
management and communication skills,
candidates can find themselves working as
project managers, analytics managers,
digital marketing managers, IT consultants,
or chief technology officers.
Engineering – Engineers are sometimes
said to be too focused in their science, often
lacking public relation skills. Studying an
MBA in engineering will provide candidates
the necessary communication and
leadership skills that they require to
properly express their ideas.
Besides having more knowledge of their
craft, being able to simplify and explain
complex engineering jargons to clients who
are unfamiliar with engineering terms can
exponentially increase the attractivity of the
product or service they are offering.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021
Although MBA courses
are generally versatile and
would allow graduates to
hold leadership positions
across various industries,
MBAs with specialisations
can boost the credibility and
employability of graduates
who are focused on a
particular career.
Therefore, an MBA degree is crucial for
engineers who want to improve their
communication ability.
If starting multifaceted projects is your
dream, then specialising in engineering is
the way to go. The job opportunities include
product engineering manager or
procurement manager.
Human Resources – HR specialists with
an MBA often work as an executive that
oversee company-wide administrative
functions and execute training and
development activities for organisations.
Such an MBA programme often provides
endless opportunities for human interaction
with peers, lecturers, or business experts.
The activities can hone students’
communication skills and understanding of
human behavior so that they may make
more astute observations at the workplace.
Healthcare – During this pandemic, being
a specialist in healthcare will enable
candidates to better manage and adapt to
the new challenges posed by the disease.
The workload and problems in the health
care department can be overwhelming even
during normal circumstances, but despite
the enormity of the current situation, MBA
graduates will be able to think on their feet
and make level-headed decisions in a swift
manner. From understanding workforce
issues to cost-cutting measures, their
knowledge and skills across the healthcare
industry will be beneficial at the hospitals
they work at. Managerial and leadership
skills are crucial in order to complete task
with precise coordination.
An MBA with specialisation
degree will definitely boost
an individual’s employability
in his chosen field.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021
“BORN in a privileged class in a
country where most of the
people struggle to make ends
meet, it is my moral
responsibility to contribute to
society. In my opinion, the gift of
education is the only way to give
back to people. An intellectual
person will find a way to survive
and improve his or her life.
“An educated person will find
a way to survive and enhance
his life. And that is what
prompted me to pursue a PhD in
order for me to get into
academics and make a
difference in people’s lives,” says
Muhammad Ali Jaleel, currently
taking Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD) in Management / Business
at the Graduate School of
Management (GSM),
Management and Science
University (MSU).
He is currently the chief
executive officer for Philips
Group of Companies for
Malaysia and Pakistan based in
Kuala Lumpur.
On how postgraduate studies
reflected his career, Muhammad
Ali further added, “I have been
serving in the corporate world
for 24 years and decided a few
years ago to achieve my
doctorate. The reason why I am
doing a PhD is so that I can start
teaching when I decide to move
out of the corporate career.
“I have been professionally
quite successful and achieved
high leadership positions,
which is the dream of any
fresh graduate. In my
professional career I have
worked for some of the biggest
multinational companies in the
world, like Microsoft, Apple,
Philips and Dell.
“I feel it is time for me to give
back to the society that has
helped my growth and given me
such life-enriching experiences. I
Popular jobs for
MBA graduates
ENROLLING in a Master of
Business Administration degree
is a perfect example of an
investment that can yield high
return. With their advanced
skills, graduates are bound to
come across opportunities for
positions higher up the career
ladder that will not only offer
better remuneration but higher
sense of fulfilment. MBA
graduates are constantly in high
demand. According to GMAC
2020 Corporate Recruiters Survey,
89% of recruiters plan to hire
professionals with MBA
qualifications in 2021.
Even during this trying time
amidst the Covid-19 pandemic
and the influx of businesses
transitioning online, MBA
graduates are seen to be the
professionals who would have
the skills and expertise to ensure
their companies remain in the
black during this transition
phase. Here are four hot jobs for
MBA graduates:
Medical and health
services manager
Medical and health service
managers are responsible for
running the facilities efficiently
by maximising the quality of
services provided, while
minimising operational costs.
Leadership skills of an MBA
graduate, such as charisma,
Postgraduate 7
Make a difference
in people’s lives
believe that by teaching young a full-time commitment, requiring
people business strategies, complete dedication and focus. In an
addressing issues, and corporate ideal world, I would have preferred
ethics based on real life to take a few years off from work and
experiences, I can add much focus entirely on the pursuance of a
value to their theoretical PhD degree, but I am glad that I still
knowledge. went ahead with my decision to join.”
“Due to various commitments MSU houses the Faculty of Health
as a consequence of my and Life Sciences, the Faculty of
professional responsibilities, I Business Management and
was looking at two things from Professional Studies, the Faculty of
the university I was to choose for Information Sciences and Muhammad Ali conducting a sharing session at MSU Learning Centre on
my PhD. Engineering, the International how Philips transforms society with disruptive innovation.
“First, the reputation and Medical School, the School of
international affiliations, and Pharmacy, the School of Education and international university, MSU enrich the future.
second, flexibility, where I and Social Sciences, the School of offers foundation, undergraduate,
could manage the demands of Hospitality and Creative Arts, the postgraduate and flexible n For a full range and information
my tight schedule and at the School of Graduate Studies, the programmes through an entry on postgraduate programmes at
same time, pursue a quality PhD Graduate School of Management, and system that facilitates admission of MSU, call 03-5521 6868, email
programme with the support of the Centre for Fundamental Studies. students from all walks of life, gsm@msu.edu.my or visit www.
my supervisors. As an applied, enterprise, holistic where it aims to transform lives and msu.edu.my.
“I was lucky to have found all
of my requirements fulfilled by
MSU. I believe MSU is one of the
top universities locally and
globally and will help me with
the necessary knowledge and
skills to support my aspirations.
“As I am doing my PhD part-
time while keeping my full-time
job, it demands a greater
commitment. However, MSU and
its staff, especially from the GSM
have been extremely supportive
to ensure my progress,” added
Muhammad Ali.
“Despite the challenges, I have
sought to dedicate part of my
weekends and most of my
holidays to fulfil the demands of
a PhD undertaking. I learned
through experience that a PhD is
direct, and an effective
communicator, will become
useful when handling day-to-
day operations and when
managing a sudden crisis.
According to Michael Page
Salary Benchmark 2020, the
average annual salary ranges
from RM120,000 to RM180,000.
Based on nine individual reports
on PayScale, the average annual
salary of a medical and health
services manager is RM102,000.
Database administrator
With Covid-19 still very much
disrupting daily life, more and
more people are spending time
online. This includes the way
they consume entertainment
and purchase goods. As such,
there is an abundance of digital
information for companies to
collect so that they may better
understand the needs and
consumer patterns of their
target market. Database
administrators are in charge of
keeping the data secure and
organised. Interpreting and
creating reports from industry
data are common tasks for MBA
graduates, and they will be able
to bring the skills they learnt
into their own workplace.
According to Robert Walters
Salary Survey 2020, Malaysia the
average salary ranges from
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8 Postgraduate
Delving into political
science and liberal studies
OPEN University Malaysia (OUM) is
reintroducing the Bachelor of Political
Science (BPS) and Bachelor of Liberal Studies
(BLS) programmes starting from the January
intake this year.
Offered by the Cluster of Education and
Social Sciences (CESS), BPS delves into the
study of two disciplines – politics and policy
studies – while BLS covers a wide range of
humanities and social science disciplines,
such as communication, psychology, political
science and more.
Programme director Oo Cheng Keat says,
“The unique feature of the BPS programme
is that the combination of politics and policy
studies is only available at OUM.
“We are the only private higher education
institution offering this programme. Learners
can explore not only domestic politics, but
also international politics as well as how
policies are devised and implemented.
“On the other hand, the multidisciplinary
BLS programme sharpens awareness and
deepens learners’ knowledge of psychology,
communication, education, management as
well as general social sciences. It can also
help graduates obtain valuable knowledge
in analysing and managing contemporary
issues in society.”
Oo has extensive knowledge in political
science, having completed both his bachelor’s
and master’s degree in the field.
He is also currently pursuing a doctorate
in the same discipline. His research interests
include global citizenship education,
sustainable development goals, and Middle
Eastern politics, particularly with regard to
Palestine, and politics in third world
countries and Malaysia.
The Bachelor of Political Science and Bachelor of Liberal Studies programmes help learners
broaden their knowledge of current affairs as well as improve their current employment
standing.
“The modules for both programmes are
updated in line with current industry needs.
BPS learners will acquire the ability to
recognise ties between global, national and
local phenomena. They will also develop a
good cross-cultural understanding, critical
thinking, writing, problem-solving and
communication skills,” says Oo.
With a wide array of subjects taught by
experienced lecturers and tutors, graduates
of both programmes will be able to hone and
utilise different sets of skills.
The degrees will also help broaden their
knowledge of current affairs as well as
improve their current employment standing.
Oo adds, “These relaunched programmes
are part of the university’s aim to further
expand its programme offerings to cater to
the changes in market demand as a result of
the current situation in Malaysia and around
the world. Plus, it is also OUM’s way of
providing a wide range of options to
individuals who want to explore different
fields of study.”
Both BPS and BLS are ideal for individuals
working in various sectors, including
politicians, newscasters, public policy
analysts, foreign relations, immigration and
law enforcement officers, journalists as well
as social workers.
A place in the workforce
> FROM PAGE 7
RM60,000 to RM120,000 annually. Based on
30 individual reports on PayScale, the
average annual salary is RM105,000.
Financial manager
Without detailed financial management,
companies can go bankrupt in a blink of an
eye. Financial managers with extensive
knowledge and adequate experience can
make smart financial investments for the
company as well as budget monitoring.
Long-term financial gain is the objective,
thus, a financial manager may even
scrutinise daily cashflow in order to achieve
the goal. Having an MBA degree will
exponentially increase the chances of getting
employed for the job. MBA graduates will
also possess the required skills to start a new
company.
According to Robert Walters Salary Survey
MBA graduates are seen as the professionals who would have the skills and expertise to
ensure companies remain in the black despite any economic or market change.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021
As a university that
champions lifelong learning,
OUM aspires to make
tertiary education a reality
for anyone by providing an
affordable, accessible and
flexible learning experience
for those who wish to pursue
their academic dreams.
As a university that champions lifelong
learning, OUM aspires to make tertiary
education a reality for anyone by providing
an affordable, accessible and flexible
learning experience for those who wish to
pursue their academic dreams.
Applicants who sign up now will enjoy a
new year double deal, which comprises a
10% discount for every semester for fully
online mode plus a special rebate worth
RM250.
The BPS and BLS programmes are
currently open for registration. The closing
date for applications is Feb 7 for the January
2021 intake.
n For more information on these and other
programmes, call the OUM speedline at
03-7801 2000, WhatsApp 012-303 9935/ 019-
357 9074, e-mail enquiries@oum.edu.my, or
visit www.oum.edu.my
2020 Malaysia, the average salary ranges
from RM120,000 to RM192,000 annually.
Based on 231 individual reports on PayScale
the average annual salary is RM104,000.
Business operations manager
The role of business operation managers is
to ensure the smooth run of supply chains
and complex manufacturing systems.
Proficiency in budget management, ethical
leadership abilities, excellent communication
skills, and managerial vision are the
requirements for the job. These professionals
report directly to the chief executive officer
and will be key in advising the best actions
necessary when executing company-wide
initiatives.
According to 2020 Hays Salary Guide
Malaysia the average salary is around
RM108,000. Based on 563 individual reports
on PayScale, the average annual salary is
RM80,000.