Happy New Year 2011!

Here's wishing everyone new beginnings of the new year!

For students joining us in the 2011 intakes, we look forward to welcoming the first intake on campus on 10 January! Cheerios!!!

KDU Campus Newsletter Issue 06/10

Dare to Defy Gravity?

It's school holidays again, and what can secondary school students do, to keep their minds intellectually focused on some wholesome activities?

The KDU's Engineering Expo of course! Held on 30 November 2010 the display of ingenious projects by the engineering students awed the secondary school students. It seemed that engineers can certainly think out of the box! There were gadgets to spin a mop, , a simple digital handheld Sudoku, an Accident Alarm system, Intelligent Eco-Friendly LED Street Lights and many more of these amazing models. The judges from the engineering industry must have had such a difficult time to award the prizes to the competitive winners. Anyway, the AVP SEA Best Project Award was for the Shake Flashlight.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Cheer

Written by: Loh Teck Hua, Lecturer
School of Business & Social Sciences

Who says lecturers are strict, stiff and stuffy? The Christmas turkey maybe, but not the Business School folks. When it is time to let their hair down, they can play as hard as any of their students! There’s festivity in the air and intoxication in a glass of lemonade!

It was just eight days before Christmas and the action has begun. The School of Business threw a small party for the teaching staff, the law lecturers - in fact, almost everyone in the Section 13 campus who was available at that time. It may be a potluck affair but the spread of food was plentiful, varied and mouth watering – sandwiches, cakes, jellies, fried noodles, pies, curry puffs, wine and crispy fried chicken sponsored by Dr Tan Hui Ling herself. Santa came too. He bore a strong resemblance to Dr Todd Nelson - talks like him, laughs like him and has a belly to match.

Gifts from Santa!

The Latest Newsletter : The PRACTICE

Malaysian Driving Million Dollar Business in the U.S.

Written by: Ann Teoh

Murat in New York

Life's choices

When you're born into a poor family, that's not a choice. But when it's about charting your life's direction, that's your choice. For Murat, the Malaysian kampong boy, his parents didn't know much about education. Finishing high school or pursuing higher education was never a priority in the family. "My siblings and I were told to work hard in a factory and earn a decent and honest living. But I chose to differ: I didn't see my life that way, and I was hungry to seek a better future. So I dreamed big dreams, and Robert Frost's poem exerted a positive influence on me.

Two Roads Diverged in a wood and I –

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference

(Robert Frost, Lines 18-20)

Instead of going to college after high school, I chose to work full time. Later in life, instead of working full time, I chose to go back to school. This process has profoundly shaped my character; I've become stronger and more decisive."

German Classes at KDU

Guten tag!

That’s “Good Day” in German. Fancy learning more from native speakers?
Just join us at KDU!

If you want to save on tuition fees, Germany’s the place to go. But first, learn the language!

These short course classes are very interactive, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

What is the course duration?
12 weeks, held twice a week (6 hours per week).

Time?
6pm – 9pm

What are the levels available?

A1/1
A1/2
A2/1
A2/2
B1/1
B1/2

When is the next intake?
January 2011

For more details:
Call us at +603 7953 6688 or e-mail: best@kdu.edu.my

OPEN DAY 2011

Inspiration with a little perspiration

"A great visit - thanks to Mindbenders Asia Sdn. Bhd!"

By Loh Teck Hua
Lecturer, School of Business & Social Sciences

What inspires students to study? Their businessman father who made his first million at 21? Their mother who is the CEO in the office - and at home? The answer is quite simple: get the students out of the classroom! Take them out on a trip! Get them to ‘sweat’ a little.

KDU University College’s Business School did just that by taking 17 of its KeeleUniversity final year students on a field trip as part of their learning experience. The students who are currently taking the Keele University Marketing Communications Theory subject (MAN30004) had a first-hand exposure to marketing communications in action.

They spent two and a half hours at an advertising agency in Kuala Lumpur discovering the inner workings of the organisation. Mindbenders Asia Sdn. Bhd., the advertising agency for Giant Hypermarkets and Colgate-Palmolive products, played host and took the students on an educational trip, presenting their best works, explaining the minds, the people and the processes behind the creation of such marketing communication tools as TV commercials,radio advertising, billboard advertising, event marketing, product packaging and many more.Mindbenders Asia Sdn. Bhd. brought in its Creative Group Head, Accounts Servicing team, Copywriter and even their Creative Photographer to share their knowledge and experiences with the students.

The Way Forward for the School of Engineering

Written by: Farah Jasmine bt Abdul Jamel,
Lecturer, School of Engineering

KDU now is a University College. We are now moving forward and so is the School Of Engineering .We are going for a fresher look.

Flowing in that direction, on 19 November 2010, we invited Prof. Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh to share his expertise with the School Of Engineering on Outcome Based Education(OBE).

Prof Ir. Dr Ramesh Singh

Prof Ir. Dr Ramesh Singh is currently the Director of the Research Management Centre and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Tenaga Nasional. He is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer registered with the Engineering Council UK, a Professional Engineer registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia and Fellow of two prominent societies; the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia. He is also an active panel member of the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) and has been since 2006. Getting ‘further insight’ information from an experience person like him has motivated the engineering team towards achieving our new goal.

Traditional Education (TE) vs. Outcome based Education (OBE)

The Malaysian education system has always adopted the Traditional Education (TE) approach. The term ‘spoon-feeding’ education has become synonymous with our education system. This approach has been proven to produce graduates who do not meet expectations or standards, upon commencing work in the industry. Lacking in soft skills, they are also unable to work independently, and they aren’t creative enough to provide engineering solutions. This is where OBE comes in. It’s a more innovative teaching and assessment approach where methods such as problem-based learning, project-based learning, case studies which includes literature searches, group projects and oral presentations are adopted.

It sure smells like Christmas!

Everybody loves Christmas, that's for sure. Check out our chefs' favourite recipes for the holiday season! 

Courtesy of Chef Gerhard, Chef Maharis and Chef Yin. 

RECIPES

Quail Stuffed with Chestnut & Giblet Bread with Giblet Gravy

Inspect-A-Gadget!

Fancy having a nifty gadget that helps you to spin-dry your mop, instead of having to do it yourself manually? Or what about an electronic stove monitor that helps to reduce kitchen fires? And if you love Sudoku, you would be thrilled with the digital handheld Sudoku player.

All these gadgets and more were exhibited recently at KDU UC School of Engineering’s 2010 Design & Innovation Expo. This ‘Design & Innovation Expo 2010’ initiative came about from the need of creating a platform in showcasing projects or products and devices fabricated and designed by the engineering students, as the School is moving heavily towards the Outcome Based Education model (OBE).

Students in teams worked on their projects, which would result in a functional product or device, with the aid of a supervisor and in the duration of at least one semester, and these projects would be judged and awarded by experts from industry. A total of 19 projects were showcased.

ACCA PREVIEWS

Microsoft Student Partners' Workshop

Love Stories to be revealed on 9th December 2010

Here’s a teaser video of a BEAUTIFUL love story of two Form 5 students…

More will be revealed on 9th December 2010.

Put together by the Mass Communication team and performed by our colleagues from Marketing…

Laugh away your Monday blues…

Marketing Roadshows December 2010

KDU Open Day 2011

Inspired to succeed

Dear KDUvers,

I attended the ACCA graduation for our first batch of graduates last weekend. The message is inspiring. Margaret Chin (FCCA, CPA (Aust), the Managing Director of Tricor Roots Consulting Sdn. Bhd., talked of her struggle to achieve against all odds. Without a father and a mother who just had a stroke, she left school to work. Her belief that success is our responsibility gave her impetus to continue studying and she graduated with ACCA on a distance learning programme in the early 70s ahead of her peers in university. Like her, our young graduates will have to prove themselves and have a fruitful career.

Let’s us be inspired that each of our students will fulfill their dreams.

On another note in our recent KDU Sport Carnival has shown that KDUvers are inspired to succeed. Every house has displayed an eagerness to do better than the previous year and indeed, the results clearly indicated that. At KDU University College, we are about providing an environment for everyone who desires to succeed.

More inspirational success stories will be revealed on 9th December ...

“I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”

– Helen Keller

Regards

Dr. Chia Chee Fen
Deputy Vice Chancellor
Strategic Development and Entrepreneurship
KDU University College

KDU REV-ed UP!

By Phang Kuok Sing
Student, Diploma in Mass Communication

16 NOVEMBER, Petaling Jaya: The Mass Communication Club of KDU University College, aptly named UniCom, has just recently been established. As part of its launch, UniCom organised an event in collaboration with Revive Isotonic. The highlight of the day was the Rev-up Costume Day held at the KDU concourse .With the staunch support of Revive Isotonic, it was soon buzzing with an amazing crowd of about 200 students. By 12 noon, there was a hub of activities. Sparking the curiosity of many was the set of wings worn by the committee members and the blue-colour theme. “What’s the significance of the wings?” many bystanders asked. “You will know soon enough!” was the cheerful answer.

A Mystically Unconventional Learning Experience at KDU UC

Hardip Singh, Lecturer, for Press Release

PORT KLANG, Monday: More than 500 undergraduates from private tertiary education institutions in the Klang Valley attended KDU University College's Mystical Night on 13th of November 2010 at Ministry of Sound, Sunway Lagoon Resort. Organised by 30 students from the Public Relations Class of August 2010, the charity fundraising stage production was themed after the popular Phantom of the Opera.

The event started at 7:30pm and lasted for three continuous hours, leaving guests in awe by the exceptional talent displayed by the cast and crew of the production, consisting of the same PR students. From dazzling costumes to live singing, professional lighting and audio, KDU Mystical Night is still a hot topic on many social media websites and blogs.

The 30 young and vibrant PR students had merely three months to showcase their project, which was part of their academic assignment that involved planning and executing a corporate social responsibility (CSR) event, involving a deserving beneficiary of their choice.

The MyConstitution Campaign lands at KDU UC!

The Bar Council Constitutional Law Committee (ConstiLC) recently made its way to KDU University College, Section 13 Campus, for the MyConstitution Campaign launch, and to conduct a workshop entitled “Reconstituting Earth v2.0” for students.

The Perlembagaanku / MyConstitution Campaign is an initiative by the members of the Bar Council Constitutional Law Committee (ConstiLC) which was formed in the year 2009 and headed by Chairperson, Edmund Bon to educate the public at large about the Federal Constitution of Malaysia which is the highest law in Malaysia.

The event was graced by KDU UC Vice Chancellor Yang Berbahagia Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Khoo Kay Khim, KDU Law School Dean Ms. Quah Ean Lin as well as ConstiLC Chairperson Mr. Edmund Bon.

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Aaron Chelliah, a Year 2 student of the University of London LL.B International Programme, shares his experience at the event.

The MyConstitution or PerlembagaanKu team from the Malaysian Bar Council arrived in KDU University College (Section 13 Campus) on the morning of the 16th of November 2010 to prepare for the launch of the MyConstitution Campaign in KDU.

The campaign had already been a raging success in many other institutions of higher learning, as well as secondary schools, in serving to educate the rakyat about their constitutional rights. Now, thanks to the combined efforts of the KDU UC management, KDU UC School of Law and the Malaysian Bar Council, the campaign would kick-off in KDU and bring awareness to the students as regards the Malaysian Constitution

After a brief introduction by the Master of Ceremonies and a brief address by Mr. Edmund Bon Tai Soon, chair of the Bar Council Human Rights Committee, our Vice Chancellor Emeritus Professor Dr. Khoo Kay Kim was invited onstage to deliver his address and to officially launch the MyConstitution campaign in KDU. 

The Road Often Travelled for KDU's Math and Science Quiz

written by: Ann Teoh

KDU’s highly popular Math and Science Quiz was initiated by the Centre for Pre-University Studies. Many fifth formers have thronged the auditorium of KDU eager to challenge the Quiz and to lay claim to some of the scholarships which are offered for Pre-University and Diploma programmes. There has emerged a champion for 2010 from SMK Damansara Jaya, Marc Choong, who has been awarded a full scholarship plus the Champion's Trophy and the Challenge Trophy for his school. The year 2010 was an exciting year for many challengers, some of whom have won tuition fee waivers of 60% or 30% for the January 2011 and March/April 2011 intake. So far, this Quiz has been brought to the thresholds of many schools,including a school in the east coast, SMK Tengku Afzan (Kuantan, Pahang),and all the way to the south, SMK Dato 'Sri Amar Diraja, Muar, Johor.

Up close and personal with secondary school students

written by: Ann Teoh

Dr Nelson, "I've had some great time with
the students, sharing and learning."

Have you ever met Dr. Todd Nelson? Upper Six students of SMK Taman SEA had the opportunity to do so, recently. Dr. Nelson is an American who has been at the helm of an international organisation for expatriates in Malaysia. He then joined KDU as a Trainer at its Teaching and Learning Centre. Subsequently, he was appointed as Head of KDU’s School of Business. Eager to meet secondary school students, he joined Mr. Steven Tan, the Programme Counsellor, at a workshop on 29 October, 2010.

Dr Nelson motivating the students

Motivating and encouraging, he inspired the sixth formers to think of rewarding careers that they could aspire. Quizzing them about some professions and the requirements , he engaged them with sound advice on how to stay motivated and be successful. Working in small groups , the students had fun time trying to think out of the box. Mr Steven Tan (Programme Counsellor) wrapped up with a presentation about scholarships that are available to the students to pursue their dreams.

Career Day with YTL Hotels

With more than 20 hotels all over the world, YTL Hotels, under the YTL Group, have always prided themselves as being one of the best in the hospitality industry. It comes as no surprise as its philosophy of always being best in class, regardless of the category of operation, is core to all aspects of the company's activities, with both service and operational excellence being our key drivers.

Pangkor Laut Resort, YTL Hotels

As such, it was inevitable when they organized a Career Day at KDU, students thronged the auditorium to listen to talks given by personalities from YTL Hotels, inquire and learn more about the hotel industry, and also to attend the open interviews held by the various hotel under the group.

 

The day opened with Ms Kitty Lee, Head of School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts, welcoming YTL Hotels and the students, followed by a speech from Ms Nancy Yeoh, the HR & Learning Vice President of YTL Hotels. 

Mr. Justin Lee, JW Marriott Hotel Manager, spoke about the hospitality industry and what one must possess in order to be successful and driven in his or her career. 

"You must have passion for the business, for the industry. It's by loving the business that you enjoy your work and what you do. And if you enjoy your day at work, then it doesn't feel like work!" he explained. 

He also spoke about the opportunities he has had at YTL Hotels, as the organization gives him the room to grow through his various postings in hotels all over the world. 

The talks got the students all pumped up and when the open interview sessions were opened, they took the opportunity to sit for it and also to learn more about the industry. 

The Spa Village under YTL Hotels also gave out impromptu shoulder massages. We spied with our little eye and saw two of our management heads enjoying it!

It was a good learning day for the students. 

The School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts have always prided themselves with the industry connection and believes students gain invaluable experience from practical trainings or internships. 

Who are KDU's Technopreneurs 2010/2011?

Written by: Ann Teoh

Competition judges (l-r): Encik Hishamuddin Mohamed, Mr Brian Crowley,
Dr Tengku Naufal, Mr Gary Goh

A combination of innovative ideas with engineering and computing skills have shuttled creative students to the forefront of the MSC Malaysia-IHL Business Plan and Business Idea Competition for 2010/2011. This inaugural competition held at KDU University College, Damansara Jaya campus, was organised by Ms Law Foong Li, an IT lecturer.

She explained that in propelling Malaysia towards being a knowledge economy, MSC Malaysia with the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) have worked together with institutions of higher learning to discover latent talents in the fields of ICT and business. Termed as “Technopreneurship”, the competition seeks to challenge students from cross-disciplines to work together, as in a real-life organisation.

KDU Holds The Math & Science Quiz in SMK Tengku Afzan, Kuantan

The KDU Marketing Team recently headed to the east coast to conduct the Math & Science Quiz at SMK Tengku Afzan, an all-girls school in Kuantan, Pahang.

KDU’s Math & Science Quiz was first conducted in the Damansara Jaya campus, last year, incorporating schools in the Klang Valley. With its popularity growing, the KDU team decided to also hold individual ones in various secondary schools.

The objective of this quiz was to complement the Ministry of Education’s emphasis on the use of English in the teaching of Math & Science. The quiz questions covered the SPM syllabus and provided a practice for the school students in preparation for the upcoming SPM examination. It also incorporated some general knowledge questions aimed at encouraging students to read extensively.

Winners of the Math & Science Quiz were awarded trophies and also KDU scholarships applicable for any Pre-University or Diploma programmes.

Congratulations to our SMK Tengku Afzan winners!

1^st place: Yeon Wei Ni

2^nd   place: Melissa Vincent

3^rd place: Kathrynn Tan Mei Quin

Congratulations, winners!

For more information on the workshops / events/ quizzes, or if you would like us to organize one for your school, kindly get in touch with:

Valerie Ooi - Marketing Executive

Tel:             03 - 7953 6617      

Email: svooi@kdu.edu.my

KDU Sports Carnival 2010

 Date: 20 November 2010 (Saturday)

Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm

Venue: MBPJ Stadium Petaling Jaya, Kelana Jaya

Itinerary:

Time                   Activities

8.30am              Arrival and registration

8.55am              Welcome by Emcee

9.00am              Contingents' parade march in

9.30am              Cheerleading

10.00am            Athletic – 100M (Male)

10.05am            Athletic – 100M (Female)

10.15am            Athletic – 4 x 200M (Male)

10.25am            Athletic – 4 x 200M (Female)

10.30am            Athletic – 200M (Male)

10.35am            Athletic – 200M (Female)

10.40am            Athletic – 4 x 100M (Staff)

10.50am            Athletic – 4 x 100M (Male)

11.00am            Athletic – 4 x 100M (Female)

11.10am            Telematches

12.30pm            Announcement of results & Prize Giving ceremony

1.00pm              Closing ceremony & speech

1.10pm               End

Bus Services on 20 Nov 2010 for staff and students

Bus	Routes	Pick Up Time	Waiting Station
1.	KDU DJ Campus -> Stadium PJ Stadium PJ -> KDU DJ Campus	8.00am 1.30pm	Bus stop near basement exit Parking Lot at the stadium
2.	KDU Teratai Hostel -> Stadium PJ   Stadium PJ -> KDU Teratai Hostel	8.00am 1.30pm	In front of Teratai hostel guard house Parking Lot at the stadium
3.	Pelangi Utama -> KDU DJ ->Sterling Condo -> Stadium PJ  Stadium PJ -> Sterling Condo -> KDU DJ -> Pelangi Utama	7.45am (Pelangi Utama) 8.00am (KDU DJ Campus) 8.20am (Sterling Condo) 1.30pm	In front of Pelangi Utama guard house Bus stop near basement exit In front of Sterling Condo guard house Parking Lot at the stadium

Note: Please note that all bus services are based on first come first serve basis, and kindly wait for the bus on the designated pick up time mentioned above.

Please click on this enlarge image

Mystical Night

My fellow colleagues,

On behalf of the Public Relations class, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported us throughout the course of this CSR project. Thank you for purchasing the tickets, donating, promoting and most importantly, attending KDU Mystical Night!

Through your generous support, we were able to raise RM7,788.00 for the Handicapped & Disabled Children's Association of Klang, Selangor. The class is currently making arrangements to visit the home sometime this week – to spend time with the kids by throwing a small party and later to hand over our cheque. If you wish to join us, please be in-touch so we can inform you on the date and time of the visit.

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall......

How do you prevent an egg from breaking when you drop it from the third floor of a building? 

'Impossible," I hear you say?

Early this month, our Marketing team together with Dr. Satesh, the dean of KDU's School of Engineering, paid a visit to SMK Damansara Utama to show the students that it was very much possible. 

A contest aptly named the 'Egg Drop Contest' was held for the Form 3 students, who had recently completed the PMR examination. The students were separated into groups of 5, and each were given one egg and a couple sheets of newspaper.

Time Management 101

How well do you manage your time? 

Be it as a student or as an adult, time management will be one of the most essential skills one must have, and it's not a hard one to put to practice, once you get the hang of it, as students of SMJK Sam Tet (Ipoh) learned. 

Our KDU Marketing Team, Valerie Tan, Valerie Ooi and Arthur Manfred, recently took a trip to Ipoh to conduct a workshop on Time Management for the Sam Tet students. 

KDU SPORTS CARNIVAL 2010

FUTSAL
Congratulations to GREEN HOUSE, Champion of the Futsal team!

Champion : GREEN
1ST Runner Up : YELLOW
2nd Runner Up : RED
The results of the Futsal match are as follows:-

FINAL - Green vs Yellow 4 : 3 (3 : 3)

3rd / 4th Placing - Red vs Blue 4 : 1

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Come and support your team for the Netball match today:

DATE : 15th November 2010, Monday
VENUE : Auditorium, KDU DJ Campus
TIME : 6:00 PM onwards

KDU Goes to SMK Taman SEA!

Always fancied making fancy garnishes by carving fruits and vegetables? Or wondered what green practices are best for a sustainable environment?

Students from SMK Taman SEA had the chance to learn just that. The KDU team recently organized two workshops for the students, with the help of lecturers from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts. 

Award-winning chef lecturer, Hamirudin Nazir, took helm of the Fruit & Vegetable Carving workshop, demonstrated to the students and teachers on the ways to make the carvings, and impressed them with his art skills. Although Chef Hamir has cautioned that it will be dangerous for students to do the hands-on, he managed to hand-pick students and taught them how to carve flowers out of oranges successfully!

As SMK Taman SEA is now embarking on a 'Go Green' campaign, the teacher counselor have requested for a talk based on that, as she wanted to create that spirit and inculcate the habit in her students. Mr. Gorge Thamas took charge of this workshop and got the students to brainstorm some solutions on how to 'Save Our Family', 'Save Our Planet' and 'Save Some Money'. 

For more information on the workshops, or if you would like us to organize a workshop for your school, kindly get in touch with:

Valerie Ooi - Marketing Executive

Tel: 03 - 7953 6617

Email: svooi@kdu.edu.my

Guess Who? Contest

KDU SPORTS CARNIVAL 2010

Congratulations to Red House, Champion for Volleyball and Dodgeball

VOLLEYBALL

Champion : RED

1ST Runner Up: BLUE

2nd Runner Up: GREEN

Results of the Volleyball match:-

FINAL - Red vs Blue 2 : 0 (25 – 15, 25 – 16)

3rd / 4th Placing - Green vs Yellow 2 : 0 (25 – 12, 25 – 23)

Champion - RED!

DODGEBALL

Champion : RED

1ST Runner Up : GREEN

2nd Runner Up : BLUE

 Results of the Dodgeball match:-

Champion - RED!

 

FINAL - Red vs Green 3 : 2

3rd / 4th Placing - Blue vs Yellow 5 : 1

FUTSAL - Give your support tomorrow!

DATE : 13th November 2010, Saturday

VENUE : Footy Futsal, Taman Megah, PJ