First Class Honours Students Did KDU's Engineering Department Proud!

With the upcoming convocation next month, our Engineering Department have a lot to shout about as eight of its students attained First Class Honours in the Northumbria University engineering degree programmes.

Douglas Tong, our Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) programme, had this to say:

Northumbria University (NU) has a rigorous Engineering programme, with strict monitoring to the highest professional standards of UK’s Institution of Engineering and Technology. This same standard and rigour is applied to KDU College by Northumbria University’s Engineering Dept and that includes thrice yearly visits from NU Engineering staff plus an annual visit by NU’s own external examiner of their Engineering programme.

It is noteworthy that these students achieved their 1st Class Honours not just by purely focusing on academics alone, but they were also actively participating in all aspects of college life which is part of their KDU experience. They have set a good example for their juniors to follow in their footsteps.

As we say in KDU, People Inspire People. Above all, their achievements have not only inspired the current and future Engineering students at KDU College, but also the staff as well, just as much as the dedication of the staff have inspired these students. My heartiest Congratulations to all! Well done!

Fatin Nur Husnain bt Zakaria, B. Eng (Hons) Electrical & Electronics

Currently an Advance System Failure Analysis Engineer with Western Digital (M) Sdn. Bhd

I spent four years of my life in KDU College, starting with the Foundation programme in March 2006 right until the completion of my degree programme. The environment in KDU helped to nurture me to be the person I am today. I've built my confidence level, and leadership skills through my years here.

I was an active member of the Engineering Society having served as both the Advertising Director and the Vice President of the society. I also represented KDU in the ENIGMA Competition hosted by Multimedia University (MMU) where I was awarded 1st for the individual category.

At KDU, I’ve been trained to be analytical and critical in thinking. These traits are most essential in my present career.

Abner Francis Xaviour, B. Eng (Hons) Communication and Electronics

My educational background in communication engineering has enabled me to work with top reputable communication companies such as Maxis and Astro upon graduation.

I'm fortunate to have the exposure of working with experienced and key figures in both these giant organizations at such an early stage of my career. KDU College has played a part in kick starting my career. Due credits have to be given to my dedicated team of lecturers and my college project supervisor.

Attaining a first class degree especially in Engineering can be a daunting task but I would suggest fellow undergraduates to remember this: “Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and dreams will come true”.

Koh Kok Hooi, B. Eng (Hons) Electrical & Electronics

Currently an Electronics Engineer in an automation company

Having graduated from KDU College, I’ve been offered a position as an Electronics Engineer in an automation company. I am very happy working here as I’m able to apply the theoretical lessons learned at KDU College in my present career.

I must say KDU College is the best place to further your studies. As for my future plans, I might be pursuing my studies in the next two years, as engineering is a field where the latest information is necessary.

Obtaining a 1st Class Degree is not easy but in order to succeed you must always believe that nothing is impossible.

Nicholas Fong, B. Eng (Hon) Electrical & Electronics

Currently an Industrial Engineer with Western Digital (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Obtaining a 1st Class Degree is not only an achievement that I should be proud of, but I’ve also proven to myself that I've a great determination to succeed in life, and that my lecturers have been very supportive too. My future goal is to be an engineer who would contribute more towards ensuring that my organization achieves its vision and I look forward to play a more vital role. Determination is an important and driving force in life.

Glenn Tan, B. Eng (Hon) Electrical & Electronics

Currently a Product Engineer with Western Digital (M) Sdn. Bhd.

My experience in KDU College has been sweet. KDU provided me with the right environment to practice my skills. While I was in KDU, I was also the President of the Engineering Society which gave me a lot of exposure in organizing wholesome events for engineering students. I also had the opportunity to work with a lot of other people from different schools, thus developing my social skills and prepared me well in the working world.

At the work place, it is no longer about what you studied, but how you learn what you studied that makes all the difference.

My friends deserve a great mention too. They were my rivals in studies, but my allies when hanging out; what more could one ask for. They pushed me to strive for the best in academics and other college activities. Lecturers like Mr. Matthew, Mr. Reynato, Ms. Kavitha, Mr. Mason and many more have made my experience at KDU College memorable. I would like to say ‘Thank You’ to all who had trusted in me.

Beryl Birgitta Payet, B. Eng (Hon) Communication & Electronics

International student from Seychelles

As an A Level student in Seychelles, furthering my studies in Malaysia had never crossed my mind. However, I was glad to be awarded a government scholarship, and in the end, I was satisfied for choosing KDU College to continue my studies in Engineering.

I had a great time in KDU as I was always participating in activities. I like Physics and Technology, and this Engineering course taught me to appreciate the beauty of communications and electronics. Graduating with a first class is such a great honour, but not possible without guidance from God, personal devotion, enthusiasm, encouragement from families and friends back home and in Malaysia. Most of all, our hardworking and very encouraging lecturers have always been there for us. I’m currently helping in the family business.

After graduation I shall attend a few job interviews that I’ve already been offered in government and private industries back home. My long term goal is to continue my studies in a different engineering field or perhaps, taking up a new challenge in finance and management.

Wong Hau Siang, B. Eng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic


My work background is in the electronic manufacturing industry. As a family man who is required to work, I found hope in KDU’s part-time programme, which gave me the opportunity to further my studies without having to leave my job. This has provided me the flexibility to earn my living and be able to study at the same time. It was indeed tiring but I’ve sowed the seeds and I’m now looking forward to reap the results of my hard work.


Josef Bistoquet, B. Eng (Hon) Communication & Electronics

Like Beryl, Josef is also a government-sponsored student from Seychelles. His final year project supervisor, Mr. Matthew Teow, has this to say about him:

A cheerful, polite and helpful student, you can ask Joseph for help with your lessons anytime and he will never turn you down. He has given free tutorials for various subjects to his peers when they were not performing so well.

Besides a good heart, Joseph also has good attitude, and is very respectful of lecturers. He practices good time management for his studies and diligently follows through the plans he made.

For his final year project, he proposed and designed very innovatively, a web-based ECG monitoring system and had the drive and commitment to complete his project within the specified time frame.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO KDU PENANG STUDENTS

Our congratulations to the following graduates from KDU Penang who are also the distinguished recipients of First Class Honours in the Northumbria University’s 3+0 Bachelor of Engineering programmes.

• Desmond Tung Chin Han
• Ng Kooi Sing
• Loh Kem Yee
• Low Sai Song
• Sim Li Ching