5 Things You Need to Know When Choosing a College

Here comes the tipping point. This point is to determine the step you take that could possibly and should change the rest of your life. This change, as regarded by some, can be brutal. For those who are contemplating a student life in a private college, the language change from Bahasa Malaysia to English could be a challenge. Others simply want to enjoy the borderless liberation of no uniform outfits, unique timetables, lavish cafeterias and modern libraries, computer labs and classrooms.

Peers and lifestyle may be factors that play a part in your education institution decision. And most often, these could be the wrong reasons for choosing a college. On the other hand, you are encouraged to keep an open mind and go for an education that fits your needs. We advise you to consider these factors the next time you visit a college or university.

1. Programme of Interest
You do better in a subject you have a passion for. That is the normal adage we find true in most of our students. A good start is by taking a Career Test. This may consist of a set of questions you have to answer about yourself which will then reveal your career interest. For those who do know what their interest is, they may opt for a specific programme like Diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism, Business, Mass Communication or Information Technology. We also see a typical scene where students do not know what to do after SPM and we advise them to take up the Pre-University (Foundation or A-Level) or American Degree Program. These programmes do not limit the students’ interest but will allow them more time to decide on their next area of study.

2. University Recognition
Recognition and awards are important in determining the company you work in and the network you hold after graduation. It is what every employer will look for when interviewing and accepting graduates for jobs. A point to consider when speaking to an education counselor is the rank of the university and its international acceptance. The higher the rank of the institution, the more challenging the programme may be. And this high level of expectations and challenge is what many good employers are looking out for. There are many bogus colleges and universities offering affordable and easy-to-pass programmes that may not be recognized. Be wary and do a thorough search on the institution. If you smell a rat, run as far as you can.

3. Fees
Many colleges are now offering affordable twinning programmes (1+2, 2+1 or 3+0) with various partner universities in the UK, Australia, Switzerland, and many more. This means, you will be a graduate of an established international university by studying in Malaysia without having to set foot in those countries.

4. Scholarships and Loans
With the help of scholarships and loans, the financial burdens of higher education can be significantly reduced. Some colleges award tuition fee waivers to students who achieve as few as 5As and more in their SPM exams. Enquire with your education counselor on other scholarships that take into account not only your academic studies but also extra curricular activities, sports achievements, mid-term and trial results. Government loans such as PTPTN, education bank loans and withdrawals from parents’ EPF are also applicable.

5. Location
This is probably one aspect perceived less important for some - the location of the college or university. Your state of mind is important before starting a class. Therefore, make absolutely sure your travel to college or university is as hassle-free as possible. Your institution should be located near public transportation and it should have sufficient car park space. It should also be near eateries, convenience stores, clinics and other important student amenities. Otherwise, check with the college on their student accommodation options.

Most colleges will commence intake after the release of the SPM results in March. Before making a decision, you could first research (call or perform an online search) the programme and institution of your interest. Also, many institutions will participate in education fairs which are good places to get your questions answered and decisions firmed. Just remember to bring a pen and paper. Happy shopping!


By Serena Ng

The Impending Celebration of a New Birth

KDU College is awaiting the new arrival of its new sister-institution, KDU College Section 13 Campus which will house the institution’s Business, Law and ADP schools. Being the third campus for tertiary studies, the Section 13 campus is built to accommodate these rapidly growing schools. This move provides an opportunity for further expansion from the already 3,500 strong student population. The Section 13 campus encompasses a more modern look with a cosy cafeteria terrace, trendy library and computer labs, purpose-built classrooms, a vast car park and a stylish rooftop lounge.

This move is also timely with the re-introduction of the American Degree Program (ADP). Students may opt to complete up to the first 2 years of the programme in KDU College under the ADP structure and transfer to any university in the USA. Regarded as the most flexible programme, the ADP at KDU offers a myriad of majors in the areas of science, engineering, liberal arts, humanities, social science, etc. With respectable, American-educated educators, there is no doubt students of the ADP at KDU will live up to the notion of being an agile all-rounder.

With the opening ceremony of the new campus drawing near, preparations for the celebration is underway. A rock concert and lion dance to commemorate this event have been the talk of the town. “It has been a long time ever since ‘Simple Plan’ visited KDU that I’ve seen the college abuzz with so much activity” says one excited student. “This is a true embodiment of a campus life!”


By Serena Ng

Launching with a Big Bang!

KDU Section 13 promises an east meets west of rock & roll and lion dance that will reverberate throughout PJ.

For show times and transportation, please click here.

By Serena Ng

Keele University Experience Launch

KDU College Penang has recently launched the double major, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business Management and Finance and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business Management & Human Resource Management. The event was filled with prospective parents and students of Diploma in Business from KDU College. On 1st February 2010, the Penang State Exco of Local Government and Traffic Management, YB Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, was here to grace this ceremony and delivered a speech. In addition, KDU College has invited a guest speaker, Dr. Lim Hock Eam, a senior lecturer of University Utara Malaysia (UUM) to give an interesting talk about the business economic outlook in Malaysia to the parents and students.

Ranked 42nd in The Times Good University Guide 2010, Keele University is renowned for its exciting and innovative approach to higher education and excellent student life. Keele University offers students a modern and internationally recognized education. Keele University is the most notable for pioneering the dual honours degree in the United Kingdom and 80% of Keele University’s undergraduate students are taking Dual Honours pogrammes, where they study two subjects with equal weight for their degrees. It is in fact a remarkable achievement that more than 96% of Keele graduates are recorded to enter employment to further their studies within six months after graduation.

Employers are increasingly demanding competent graduates with interpersonal skills, team-working abilities, flexibility, adaptability and excellent communication skills. At KDU, students will have the opportunity to develop all of these skills through academic study, work experience and extra-curricular activities.

According to YB Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, “There are many job opportunities for business graduates across the various industries in the manufacturing as well as the services sectors in our country. Our country needs more business graduates to help lift our economy to a higher level and at the same time improve the Malaysians standard of living. So my advice to those students who has pursued or intend to pursue a business degree you should not worry whether you can get a job or otherwise.”

With the support of quality and experience lecturers, well-equipped modern facilities, and efficient administration, KDU College Penang Campus has grown from strength to strength. The launch of Keele University’s double-major Business Management Programmes is in line with KDU’s vision of providing excellent education that is both locally and internationally recognized.

Principal of KDU College Penang, Dr. Chong Beng Keok said, “We are constantly developing fields of studies that are market driven and industry relevant in order to ensure that our graduates are readily employable. The challenging Keele syllabi emphasize on a high degree of critical and analytical thinking. It also builds up students’ ability in handling and solving mutli-disciplinary problems that are happening in the present professional business world.”