COURSE FOCUS
THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2022
Turning data into insights for businesses
IN today’s business world,
developing corporate strategy is
increasingly challenging with
the deluge of data which
requires specialised skills and
sophisticated tools to interpret
and analyse trends, consumer
behaviour, etc. In view of this,
companies worldwide are
seeking professionals with
sound knowledge in business
analytics to help turn data
modelling and data crunching
to statistical analysis so as to
provide deep insights which
will mitigate the risk in
decision-making.
The Bachelor of Business
(Hons) in Business Analytics at
Tunku Abdul Rahman University
College (TAR UC) aims at
preparing students with the
breadth and depth of knowledge
as well as advanced analytical
skills for this highly in-demand
profession. Conducted by TAR
UC’s Faculty of Accountancy,
Finance and Business (FAFB), the
programme was developed in
response to the increasing
importance of business analytics
in business, finance and other
fields of work.
TAR UC’s associate dean,
Kashietaa Samba Sirvang says,
“TAR UC’s Bachelor of Business
(Hons) in Business Analytics is a
three-year programme that aims
at producing data-savvy
graduates who will be equipped
with the knowledge, core
competencies and dispositions
necessary for pursuing a
career in the highly competitive
and demanding data-driven
business environment.
“The programme curriculum
focuses on producing graduates
with multidisciplinary
knowledge, critical thinking
skills, practical skills, strong
interpersonal and
communication skills to
formulate solutions for strategic
issues faced by business
organisations, numeracy,
digital and leadership skills to
remain competitive in the job
market and personal skills,
entrepreneurial skills,
professionalism and ethical
values to thrive in the multi-
cultural business environment.
“Students will experience a
comprehensive, well-balanced
curriculum which covers the
major components of the Fourth
Students at the university gain the opportunity to analyse data in the
Business Analytics programme.
Industrial Revolution, such
as the Internet of Things, Cloud
Computing, Big Data, and
Machine Learning, as well as
business foundation subjects,
such as business data mining,
enterprise resources planning,
web and social media analytics,
business information systems
development, along with
marketing analytics and
quantitative methods for TAR UC aims at preparing
business. They will also be able students with the breadth
to think critically and creatively, and depth of knowledge and
possess analytical skills and IT advanced analytical skills for
skills,” she adds. future professions in business.
Dr Khoong Tai Wai,
programme leader of the
Bachelor of Business (Hons) in
Business Analytics shares,
“Industry-relevant curriculum is
important for our graduates to
hit the ground running when
they go out into the working
world. It is essential to keep
abreast of the latest
developments and trends.
“As such, our students not
only go for industrial
attachment for 14 weeks in their
seventh semester, we also invite
qualified industry experts in
this industry to join the Industry
Expert Advisory Panel meeting.
“Each term, there will be a
meeting and they will give
their comments and inputs
on the syllabus covered.
We will then receive their
comments and fine-tune our
syllabus accordingly.”
Career prospect is very
promising as graduates of TAR
UC’s Bachelor of Business (Hons)
in Business Analytics can opt to
become a data analyst, project
manager, data operation
analyst, data review analyst,
business analyst, big data
analyst, marketing manager/
executive, market tester/analyst,
financial analyst, sales/project
executive, data assurance
associate, CRM executive or an
internal auditor.
Attractive scholarships are
also available at TAR UC based
on academic merit and sibling
discount for qualified students.
n For more information about
Bachelor of Business (Hons) in
Business Analytics or other
programmes offered by FAFB,
intakes or other general
enquiries about TAR UC, visit
www.tarc.edu.my.
2 Course Focus: Business, Accounting & Finance
Venturing into the
digital health sector
AT IMU, the Bachelor in Digital
Health (Honours) programme
blends Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT),
Data Analytics and Healthcare
components, allowing graduates to
be more knowledgeable about
healthcare organisations, systems
and regulations, needs and
problems. It is the first
undergraduate programme in
Malaysia and in Southeast Asia that
focuses on digital health. The
programme aims at equipping
students with an in-depth
understanding and know-how of
the healthcare field, particularly in
digital health.
The programme is embedded
with research-led teaching and an
up-to-date structure to meet the
ever-changing needs of the IT and
healthcare industries. In addition,
students have the opportunity to
work in a digital health-related
company or hospital in their final
semester for about 20 weeks as part
of the industrial training.
“Leveraging on the diversity of
university teaching staff diversity –
including in computer science and
informatics, biomedical, clinical and
health sciences – alongside that of
external industrial partners, the
Digital Health programme will
deliver training across the breadth
of computing-related to digital
health applications such as
programming, application
development, data analytics
including machine learning,
artificial intelligence and digital
healthcare ecosystem,” says Dr Tan
Ee Xion, IMU’s senior lecturer and
Digital Health programme director.
It is a three-year programme and
the first intake is in July. Those who
will be joining in July will start the
general studies (MPU) modules,
followed by the first semester of
the Digital Health programme.
The Digital Health programme
is open to students from any
discipline with at least a
Matriculation or foundation study,
with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and a
credit in Mathematics at SPM level
or its equivalent, or a pass in STPM
with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.0)
in any two subjects and a credit in
Mathematics at SPM level or its
equivalent. The programme is also
open to diploma holders in any
discipline, subject to a rigorous
internal assessment process.
After the three-year Digital
Health undergraduate
programme, students can
progress to the Master in
Health Informatics and
Analytics at IMU. It is a one-
year full-time master’s
programme, which provides
the perfect pathway for Digital
Health undergraduates who
intend to pursue health
informatics and analytics.
Students will focus on linking
and analysing large complex
datasets, using techniques that
transform medical research
and create exciting new
commercial opportunities in
Kick-starting your
medical career journey
IF you’re looking for a university
to get started in medicine,
Newcastle University Medicine
Malaysia (NUMed) may be your
best choice.
NUMed aspires to provide
globally acclaimed medical
education programmes,
responsive to the evolving needs
of the Malaysian healthcare
sector and retain national and
international students of the
highest academic excellence. In
accordance with this, NUMed
cultivates an academic culture
and environment that will
support the recruitment and
retention of high-calibre faculty
and staff, as well as empower
them in the pursuit of
scholarship, high-quality
teaching, and the production of
excellent graduates prepared for
the global health economy of the
twenty-first century.
As an international branch
campus of Newcastle UK, NUMed
provides students with the added
benefit of receiving a top-notch
British-style medical education
that is identical to the parent
campus yet is conveniently
accessible within the cosy
boundaries of Malaysia. The
university’s reputation and
popularity are supported by
high-quality teaching and
learning experiences, as well as
providing students with ample
research opportunities in a
variety of areas throughout
their studies.
NUMed has a compassionate
academic community in which
students may learn from experts
and receive the credentials
needed to improve their learning
THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2022
the healthcare sector.
The commencement of the
Bachelor in Digital Health
(Honours) programme is in July
and September of each year. If
you are interested to join this
programme apply online at
www.imu.edu.my.
If you have just completed
your SPM and do not have a
pre-university qualification,
consider enrolling in the one-
year IMU Foundation in Science
(FiS), the direct route for entry
into any of the university’s
degree programmes.
n For more information, call
03-2731 7272, email start@imu.
edu.my or visit www.imu.edu.my.
experience and academic
success. Students, regardless
of their background, can
participate in a supportive,
encouraging, and inspiring
environment. Developing
positive relationships with the
community, such as with health
and other employers, ensures
medical students have the
knowledge and understanding,
skills and competencies, and
professional attitudes necessary
for future professional practice.
Going to university does not
mean students must devote all
of their time to studying. At
NUMed, students are encouraged
to maintain a healthy work-life
balance by participating in
student activities. The registered
Student Association oversees a
plethora of clubs and
organisations and students will
undoubtedly discover groups or
societies that they are interested
in. In addition, there are
excellent sports facilities at
EduCity Iskandar Malaysia for
students to use in their free time.
NUMed offers a pre-
undergraduate programme:
Foundation in Biological and
Biomedical Sciences and two
undergraduate programmes:
Bachelor of Medicine,
Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
and BSc (Hons) Biomedical
Sciences (BMS).
n For more information on
how to kick-start your medical
journey with NUMed, call
07-555 3800, WhatsApp 011-1231
5411/012-7849456, email
admissions@newcastle.edu.my
or visit www.ncl.ac.uk/numed.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2022 Course Focus: Business, Accounting & Finance 3

Embracing family business

qualities in social enterprises
SOCIAL enterprises exist to
catalyse positive social change
but often face challenges due
to limited resources,
conflicting demands and
other’s back” was one statement
employees repeated to reflect their
“The research strong ties and caring norms.
“Such family qualities are
suggests there instrumental for social enterprises
to social enterprises. provide intense emotional and
psychological support to their
What are the peers and subordinates on a
regular basis, beyond the usual
potential risks? work demands. This can

are four mutually

a lack of legitimacy.
A new study by researchers
from Monash University
Malaysia and the University of
Sheffield, published in the
Journal of Business Ethics,
uncovers a new way for social
enterprises to tackle some of
these challenges.
The research, based on an
operating in competitive potentially lead to burnout and
environments with limited Dr Au stresses that social introduce resource challenges
reinforcing resources,” Dr Au shares.
“These qualities generate
enterprises can benefit from
embracing family qualities to
for social enterprises.
Overall, this new research
ways social additional resources for the
organisation. They mean that
generate more resources.
However, these organisations
suggests a way for social
enterprises to tackle the challenges
enterprises can social enterprises can tackle
difficult situations, innovate and
should also be mindful of the
risks. For example, the
they face by embracing family
qualities; however, this isn’t a
embrace the meet the needs of clients.”
When employees feel like
emotional demands to care
for everyone may limit the
panacea and introduces challenges.

in-depth case study with a

Malaysian social enterprise,
qualities of the they’re being cared for and
supported, they’re likely to commit
ability to make strategic
decisions to protect and care
n For more information about
programmes offered by the School
suggests social enterprises can
tackle some of these challenges
family – a sense to their work wholeheartedly – just
one example of how family
for the organisation.
In addition, individuals may
of Business, visit www.monash.edu.
my/business. Alternatively, visit
by behaving more like family
businesses and embracing the
of belonging, qualities bring about resources also feel overwhelmed to www.monash.edu.my.

qualities of the family. shared values,

What’s unique about
family businesses?
Family businesses are an
engine for growth and job
creation because they benefit
from the qualities of the family.
Indeed, some of the biggest
businesses globally are family
businesses, such as the Tata
Group and ALDI Group.
Family businesses, where
family members influence the
organisation’s management,
embrace the norms, values, and
goals of the family in making
decisions about the organisation
while fulfilling family interests.
Such shared norms and goals
are beneficial for family
businesses because they
promote citizenship
behaviours, such as helping
others and proactively taking
on additional roles, even among
non-family members.
Despite the benefits of family
qualities in family businesses,
there are also risks. Normative
pressure and maintaining
harmonious family
relationships can impede
innovation by promoting
groupthink, reducing external
and new sources of information,
avoiding risks and tolerating
lower financial returns.
The research suggests there
are four mutually reinforcing
ways social enterprises can
embrace the qualities of the
family – a sense of belonging,
shared values, affective
attachment, and norms of care.
Dr Au Wee Chan, a lecturer in
management at the Monash
affective
attachment, and
norms of care.”
University Malaysia Business
School, was part of the study, and
says it wasn’t within the research
team’s expectations to witness
family qualities in the social
enterprise. For example, it wasn’t
a family-owned firm, yet terms
such as “brother”, “sister”, and
“family” are widely used when
the members talk to and about
each other.
“This motivated us to dig
deeper and understand more
about this interesting
phenomenon. We wanted to
know if the ‘family element’ can
do good or harm a social
enterprise without kinship ties,”
says Dr Au.
The study found that strong
initial values attracted and
retained like-minded individuals,
which further amplified the
importance of the values.
These shared values facilitated
a sense of belonging and a
commitment to the organisation’s
longevity. Together, these shared
values and sense of belonging
contributed to strong attachment,
which meant high levels of trust
and quality relationships within
the organisation. Overall, these
qualities resulted in the creation
of norms of care whereby
individuals inside the
organisation continuously
supported each other in ways
extending beyond their roles.
“We’ve always got each

Dr Au
Wee Chan.
4 Course Focus: Business, Accounting & Finance
Ideal environment to study, work and live
WHEN First City University College (First
City UC) was established in 1990 as Kolej
Swasta Bandar Utama (before it was
renamed as Kolej Bandar Utama and KBU
International College in 1993 and 2002
respectively), the institution had already
envisioned that it would be in a position to
offer students an exclusive environment
or ecosystem where a student could study,
work and live. In other words, students
could chart their futures beyond their
graduation when they join the institution.
This vision is made possible because
First City UC was established by the
First Nationwide Group, the owner
and developer of the Bandar Utama
township and commercial district in
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The bustling Bandar Utama City Centre
(BUCC) is currently the location of choice
for many commercial and business
Students can chart their futures with First City UC.
entities including multinational companies.
BUCC is also home to the Group-owned,
1Utama Shopping Centre (the largest
shopping mall in Malaysia), Centrepoint
Bandar Utama and two hotels, One World
Hotel and Avante Hotel. There are also
many commercial buildings and office
towers within the vicinity of BUCC
such as the multi-dimensional First
Avenue and 1 Tech Park which are
tagged with the coveted MSC status, as
well as 1 Powerhouse, Menara IBM and
KPMG Tower.
It is for this reason that all programmes
currently offered at First City UC are not
only industry-driven but cater to the needs
of the various business or commercial
sectors in the vicinity of BUCC where First
City UC is located.
First City UC currently offers
programmes in Business, Computing/
Information Technology, Design and Built
Environment, Engineering, Hospitality and
Tourism Management, and Mass
Communication.
This exclusive environment or ecosystem
for a student to “Study, Work and Live”
enables students to complete their globally
recognised qualifications at First City UC
and upon graduation, seek employment
opportunities which are abundantly
available within Bandar Utama itself.
Graduates of First City UC can also opt for
Bandar Utama as their ideal place to live,
where various housing and residential
options are made available and accessible
THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2022
“First City UC currently
offers programmes in
Business, Computing/
Information
Technology, Design
and Built Environment,
Engineering,
Hospitality and
Tourism Management,
and Mass
Communication.”
to them.
In a nutshell, students who study at First
City UC can chart their futures right from
the outset. When they graduate, they are
privileged to be part of the business
community networks at BUCC and the
exciting living community of Bandar Utama
if they choose to remain where they are
after their graduation.
First City UC’s June intake is now in
progress. Open Day will be held throughout
June. Students who register now will enjoy
attractive tuition fee waiver for foundation,
diploma and degree programmes (terms &
conditions apply). On top of that, students
will also enjoy zero registration fee, interest-
free tuition fee instalment plan and a free
RM150 OneCard voucher.
n For more information, call 016-301 8166
or 016-302 8166.