It's been a year since the inception of the first issue of the KDU Campus newsletter. Now in A4- size format available in hard and soft copies, the newsletter encapsulates the success of KDUvers, glorious moments of achievements, awesome events held at the college and learning experiences - all with a focus on KDUvers, past and present.
If you are a KDUver and if you have a story to tell, or you want to share who inspires you, this is your moment. E-mail us (campusnews@kdu-online.com) your story together with high pixel digital photographs attached. You may have been inspired, and now it's your turn to inspire others. However, the editor reserves the right to edit the stories for suitability. Please note too that articles should be non-religious, non-discriminatory and non-political in nature.
To look up the e-copies of the newsletters, here's a quick link.
In its 7th year running, KDU College (PJ Campus) hosted the Dato' C Q Teo Debate Challenge for secondary schools, which attracted tremendous participation from 66 teams.
The final debate was attended by Dato' C Q Teo himself (Executive Deputy Chairman of Paramount Corporation Bhd), Mr Ong Keng Siew (Managing Director & CEO of Paramount Corporation Bhd), Ms Kitty Lee (Head, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts), Mr Oliver Suresh (Deputy Strategic Development Manager), Ms Chua Bee Gaik (Student Affairs Manager) and Ms Hannah (Student Affairs Executive).
Intently listening (L-R): Ms Kitty Lee, Mr Oliver Suresh, Ms Chua Bee Gaik, Mr Ong Keng Siew, Mr Ong's son, Dato' C Q Teo and Dr. Chia Chee Fen.
Bringing Hope, Changing Lives…KDU College staff and students join the Hope Worldwide Organization in Penang to improve the reading skills of underprivileged children at Taman Manggis, Lorong Selamat. Since 3 October 2009, a group of 6 lecturers and 25 students from KDU College have been teaching kindergarten and primary school children to read and speak in English on Saturday afternoons.
Today is our International Food Festival Day!! We have lots of great food from around the world. Come to KDU College, Damansara Jaya Campus NOW! Foods are sold using coupon system. Get your food NOW!
KDU College co-hosted a seminar together with Tourism Malaysia for Swiss students from the Lucerne School of Tourism, University of Applied Sciences & Arts, on 14th April. The seminar provided some 50 students and six lecturers an opportunity to know Malaysia as a tourist destination as well as being a focal point for cultural and tourism exchange between Switzerland and Malaysia. Meeting their counterparts were Ms Kitty Lee, Head of the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts, Datin Puteri Juliana (Lecturer,Events Management) and the academia staff and students.
Design Department of KDU College and Queensbay Mall, jointly organizing the month-long Green Movement entitled “Go Eco No Ego”, is proud to present its winners where the bags are all auctioned off to the members of the public. The competition has received many entries from secondary school students and members for the public with total of 60 entries.
'Green Grin' with us in celebrating Earth Day as we Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle on 5th May, 2o1o, at the concourse of DJ Campus.
Students from the Department of Communications, Media and IT undertaking the module, Personal Development and Leadership Skills, are encouraging everyone to do their part: just bring discarded boxes, cans, bottles, newspapers and magazines and anything which can be re-used and they will do the rest. They'are also setting up booths to promote healthy green food items in an effort to raise funds for a charitable organisation in PJ. Perhaps it's time for you to look at your store room and get rid off some of the junk, eh?
So, remember, make an eco-friendly date from 9am - 2pm. A little effort from you goes a long way for a greener environment.
With the support of 988 Radio Station and major cinema chain Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), Hong Kong Film Festival (HKFF 2010) presented eight quality Hong Kong movies, including four that are winners of prominent film awards. It covered a good variety of genres, ranging from drama, comedy, romance to crime thriller and documentary.
As part of our outreach programme to secondary schools, KDU College extended a warm welcome to students from SMK Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. 39 bright,happy cheerful faces greeted us. Accompanied by their teachers, Puan Sharia Liza Shaari, Encik Aminudin bin Leman and Cik Norhasnisa bt. Abdul Samat, the students who are doing a module on Catering & Serving at their school had the chance to make apple strudel with Chef Yahaya.
Puan Sharia Liza Shaari from SMK Bukit Bandaraya.
Cik Norhasnisa bt Abdul Samat and Encik Aminudin bin Leman (teachers)
By Najwa Amira bt Ahmad Zaidee, Law student, LLB-OBU
Posters, banners and slogans could only mean one thing: campaign week. The new campus was brought to life, thanks to the KDU Law Society Presidential Elections. Hallways, lifts, the main gate and even cars were adorned with the respective candidates’ posters and banners. Clearly these candidates would do whatever it takes to prove that they were worthy of the prestigious “President of the Law Society” status. Even Facebook was used as a strategic weapon by fellow candidate, Neville, who created the highly popular Facebook Group. Garnering 72 members the digital wall was strewn with words of encouragement, help, love, and yes, even some (subtle) spite.
Intriguingly, there were criticisms about the candidates who were in the running. There were talks that it was unfair that Neville, a second semester student was running against Adrian Teo, a first semester student who was possibly still wet behind the ears. However, this did not deter Adrian. With the odds mostly stacked against him, it only made him strive harder to get to know the student body and earn its respect against a candidate that was already well established.
By: Benjamin Koh Kai Ming, Student, Diploma in Internet Technology
Being an IT student carries a stigma of being labeled geeky and boring. After all, what is there apart from the computer? However, the truth of the matter will rock your world!
14 April 2010, KDU Section 13 Campus – Have you ever faced problems in getting your assignments done? Or maybe, how to do proper referencing to avoid submitting plagiarised work? How about your English compositions, are they up to standard? What about the use of computer applications?
Well, fear not! KDU Library together with the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) has recently initiated and launched their Helpdesk Service at Section 13 Campus. The event was attended by lecturers from Section 13 campus. Dr. Todd Alan (TLC) and Ms. Emily Lim (Library) briefed the lecturers on the functions of the Helpdesk so they may share this wonderful initiative with their students as part and parcel of their learning experience.
The Helpdesk is located at the Section 13 Library. It is opened on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For further information, please ask our librarians.
KDU College, Penang achieved another milestone when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, a private and non-for-profit hospital on 9th April 2010. The signing ceremony was held at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital (MMCH).
Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is a comprehensive cancer hospital which offers integrated services such as radiation therapy (Conventional Radiation, 3-D Conformal Radiation, Image Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT), and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), brachytherapy, chemotherapy, palliative care and home care programmes for both local and international patients.
Ms. Tham Wei Wei, the Chief Operating Officer of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital signed the MoU on behalf of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital while Dr. Chong Beng Keok, Principal of KDU College, Penang represented KDU College. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ms. Millie Soo, HR & Admin Manager of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital and Ms. Viviane Chin, Academic Department Head of School of Nursing and Allied Health, of KDU College, Penang.
Under the agreement, KDU shall be allowed to use the facilities of MMCH for the purpose of teaching and training of nursing students. The MoU facilitates clinical attachment for nursing trainees from KDU College, Penang at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital. The clinical attachment is an essential and crucial component in the curriculum of the Diploma in Nursing offered by KDU College, Penang. It is during this real life experience that our student nurses encounter the connection between theory and reality! Students get first-hand experience in relation to patient care, therapy, diagnostic and environmental health services with due diligence.
This kind of first-hand experience will groom the student nurses and prepare them for the challenges that they will face when they finally graduate and enter the healthcare industry. Aside from Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, the nursing students from KDU also undergo clinical attachment at Island Hospital, Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre and Penang General Hospital. Training attachment at reputable hospitals give our students an edge over others as only in such establishments can one receives quality training, guidance, exposure and a holistic experience.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chong said, “Under the guidance of Mdm. Teow Gek Kee, Head of School of Nursing and Allied Health, we hope to continue to nurture our students to become quality healthcare professionals by taking advantage to learn as much as possible during their training at MMCH”.
The Nursing & Allied Health Department at KDU College is one of the fastest growing nursing schools in the Northern Region. With current population of over 200 diploma students, the department anticipates rapid growth as a result of quality education, strong collaboration with hospitals as well as various financial aids available for students. 100% of the pioneer batch of nurses passed the Nursing Board Malaysia Examination and had found job placement.
KDU College, Penang offers the 3-year Diploma in Nursing which is approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and endorsed by the Nursing Board Malaysia (NBM). The Diploma is also approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Ministry of Health (MOH). The next intake for Diploma in Nursing is in July 2010.
For more details, please call 04-2266368 ext or visit us at www.kdupg.edu.my
The RM1.2 mil. molecular cooking kitchen at KDU College was a hub of activity for secondary school teachers during the Hot Cat Race Tour 5 cum Power Chef 2010 Competition. While culinary arts talents cooked a storm outside the Auditorium and pro-active contestants battle it out at "minefields", paper planes, anagrams and puzzles, their accompanying teachers had the chance of their lifetime with molecular gastronomy.
At hand to explain more about the application of science to food technology were specialist lecturer in molecular cooking, Chef Darren Teoh, assisted by young chef lecturer, Mr. Malcolm Goh.
Chef Darren (centre) assisted by lecturer, Mr. Malcolm Goh.
"Molecular cooking, or what I refer to as experimentative cooking, is merely the translation of results from scientific study into practical kitchen use. It is an active display of marrying what the majority have always considered a craft and the technical study of the processes that happen during cooking," said Chef Darren.
KDU Industrial Collaboration Centre (KICC) recently held a professional course in management skills, a seminar on “Towards Distinctive Manufacturing Practices” at KDU College Penang Campus. Mr. Gerard Boey, Head of KICC and School of Engineering, Science & Technology added that the seminar is market-relevant, with keen insight to the market needs. The seminar was conducted by three renowned speakers -- Dr.Mui from Alead Management Services, Mr. Casey Ang from MQ Innospeed Sdn Bhd and Dr. Kou, Head of School of Arts & Social Sciences from KDU College.
KDU College’s Principal, Dr. Chong Beng Keok who delivered a welcoming speech to participants, hoped that after the seminar, participants could apply the knowledge to their respective working environment and capitalize by contributing towards improving the companies’ growth.
Project Management by Dr. Mui
Today’s industry players who remain competitive use structured coherent approach in order to achieve practical ways to avoid barriers to learning which often leads to wastage and poor performance. By placing importance of aligning project management to their business goals and managing the key aspects of people, processes and technology goes hand in hand towards striving organization excellence. According to speaker Dr. Mui Kai Yin whom is a Certified Consultant & Trainer said that, “Good practical skills and knowledge of Project Management will link business strategies to the success of timely launched product”. His session receives overwhelming response from participants’ feedback and inquiries, whereby he included case study and written exercises. Dr. Mui stressed that during project planning, it is essential to create a work breakdown structure which optimizes schedule development, cost estimating, budgeting and developing project management plan. His invaluable advice to all is, during Project Closing, such an approach like ‘Lesson Learned’ should be carefully documented and assessed collectively by sharing past experience and knowledge for outcome improvements on return of investments. The Realities of Lean Six Sigma by Mr. Casey Ang With Lean Six Sigma gaining recognition among multi-national companies, Mr. Casey Ang’s presence in the industry is indeed a blessing as he imparts knowledge about operational management and business improvement. With wide experiences of 14 years, Mr. Ang has lead many industries, among them are Computer Manufacturing and Plating Companies, by improving their business performance with speed, impact and permanence and to continuously research and contribute in the area of improving business capacity and capability. During his speech, Mr. Ang relates that some organization failed because of the failure to recognize the methodology and tools for improvement. He cited example such as possessing a carpenter’s tools does not enable a person to achieve similar works of the carpenter due to lack of skills. Traditionally, organizations who follow an established quality systems concept aim to improve by quantum leap for the bottom line of the company. However, many realized that the amount of budget and time spent do not yield according to their expectations. In addition to that, these companies face threats from their competitors in order to compete for quality services, low prices and timely delivery. This often results to reduction in production or operation cost, and may further put the companies in a less competitive edge. It is essential to respect, challenge and grow employees and their partners by providing right training with the right tool and aptitude. They will then become empowered to lead, to resolve problems and tackle complex issues. As Mr. Ang fondly cites the thoughts of great leaders such as Steven Covey, Tom Peters, Jack Welch and Peter Drucker, there are valuable lessons learned here… “to attain Six Sigma quality is not something nice to have, in fact, he stressed that it is a business necessity. That is why more and more sectors such as Military, Banking and Hotels are implementing Lean Six Sigma”.
Beyond ISO 9000 by Dr. Kou Dr. Kou, who speaks on “Beyond ISO 9000”, has a very pragmatic approach towards the impact of ISO 9000 despite the quality audits whom have met its objectives in ensuring consistency, control of non-conformance, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. The ISO 9000 standard has been implemented 50 years ago is one of the best known international standards, in over 150 countries. This standard addresses quality management which requires them to fulfill their customers' quality requirements, regulatory requirements while aiming to enhance customer satisfaction.
In today's customer-driven economy, more and more companies are using ISO 9000 as a business tool to achieve quality objectives, customer satisfaction and a well-defined continual improvement towards profitability.
Besides Dr. Kou’s insight into quality management, the quality principles emphasized on the control of events in each aspect of doing business is done by documenting evidence and reports. The four goal principles are consistency, control of non-conformance, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. The ISO simply systemizes the adoption of these practices and guarantees the continuity of them.
Dr. Kou, a chartered quality engineer by profession, is also Head of School, School of Arts and Social Sciences at KDU College say that it is through “Achievement through Doing It” that makes ISO 9000 a value chain of excellence.
This KDU seminar series is brought to you by KICC (KDU Industry Collaboration Centre). At KDU College, we aim to bridge the gap between the industry and education institution by offering re-skilling models in the area of management skills, soft skills, technical skills and living skills. We provide an ideal training ground as our programmes are innovative, up-to-date and we have some of the best amenities such as state-of-the-art computer labs and training kitchen to facilitate the learning process. For more details, please call 04-226 6368 or visit us at www.kdupg.edu.my
Powering through a 15-minute menu preparation, a 10-minute ingredients gathering and a 45-minute pan and pot cooking, five teams of chef wannabes stirred up a storm outside the auditorium of KDU College. Within this tight time frame, these budding culinary talents from secondary schools had to prepare a starter (either a soup or a salad) and a main course for two.
A chef, an assistant and a teacher made up each team. Given a sneak preview of the table that was laden with a rich variety of ingredients from herbs, sauces, tumeric rice, cheese, chicken ham, chicken, vegetables and others, each team could create their own signature dish albeit without knowing what the secret ingredient was. The teacher could assist in menu creation, give suggestions on the recipe but forbidden to cook.
SMK Bandar Utama's teacher/counsellor, Ms Wong Yen Chen, was very excited. "Zainab Kamellopoulou is our chef and we're planning to whip up a most delicious Yummy Salad and tender, pan-fried chicken!" Cheering, clapping, motivating this team was a most ardent supporter: Puan Noraini bt. Ali, who's Zainab's mother.
Puan Noraini (right): a very ardent supporter. L-R: Team Yummy with school counsellor, Ms Wong and Pn Noraini
With rolled-up sleeves and apron-garbed, and at the word "Go!", the team members rushed to the pantry table scooping all the ingredients they needed. "Don't rush, don't rush," exclaimed Chef Yahya. "Just take what you need for now; you can still come back to the table to gather the ingredients!"
Chef Fami (left): “What’s the secret ingredient? You’ll soon find out!”
Slice, dice, saute - they did all that rapidly under the watchful eyes of the five judges. These were culinary experts from the industry: Chef Johari Edrus (Assistant F & B Director from Tradewind Corporation which owns a chain of hotels), Chef Rosham (Vice President of Chef Association Malaysia), Chef Dhillon (Executive Chef, Unilever), Chef Muluk (Chef at Food Services, Nestle) and Mr. Paul Neukirch (Director, Culinary Training International Sdn Bhd) Culinary Training.
"Cooking involves paying attention to hygiene, creativity and ingenuity. The competitors are given two very small frying pans and a pot. Time may be the essence but they need to cook the chicken really well. A small frying pan may not allow a thick piece of chicken breast to cook properly. Knowing that chicken is very susceptible to salmonella, the chef may decide to boil the chicken first or slice the chicken thinly before frying. We also look for the use of colour combination, the texture, the taste, the final display and set-up, and of course, the use of the mysterious ingredient."
The mysterious ingredient was finally unveiled by Chef Fami Taufeq, and they were ...... coconuts: grated, dessicated, fresh and in milk form. It has to be used in any of the two dishes.
The aromatic fragrance was in the air as the chefs finally give their main dishes a stir. Creative displays using carved fruits and vegetables enhanced the table set-up. The judges were eager to taste the food, and as they said, "This year's food taste better!"
SMK USJ 8 was last year's champion and team members, Md Saiful and Shahirah bt. Md Tamrin, were really hoping that they would keep do well enough to take the Champion's trophy home again with their Fried Spaghetti and Ham dish.
However, when the results were announced, they were 2nd Runner-up. They were happy to take home RM1,000.00, a hamper and certificates.
The Power Chef 2010 winner was: SMK Katholic, Team K & R who were Rachel Wong Poh Lye and Kristy Choy Ka Mun. They took home RM3,000, a Shield Trophy, certificates and wow, a laptop each!
Rachel and Kristy were elated when they heard the results -
Champion of Power Chef 2010!
Below: The display of the Champion's carved water melon with
pan fried chicken pasta and garden salad on a green-checkered table cloth.
1st Runner-up was Team Sweet 16, from SMK Seksyen 16. They were Joeznadia bt Johan and Nuru Izati bt. Azami. They won RM2,000, a hamper and certificates.
Team Sweet 16: Joeznadia bt Johan and Nuru Izati bt. Azamim (SMK Seksyen 16)
4th Runner-up went to: SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4), Team 1.
5th Runner-up was Team Yummy from SMK Bandar Utama, who was also the winner for "Best Centrepiece".
Team Yummy, winner of Best Centerpiece, together with
their school teacher/counsellor, Ms Wong Yen Chen (right).
Left: Encik Shahrizal (Academic Dept Head, SHTCA)
The list of schools that participated in Power Chef 2010 were:
SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4), SMK Subang Jaya, SMK Damansara Damai, SMK Seafield, SMK USJ 12, SMK (P) Sri Aman, SMK Taman Sea, SMK Katholik, Sekolah Sri Bestari, SMK Bandar Utama, SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (3), SMK USJ 8, SMK Sinar Bintang, SMK Damansara Jaya, SMK Seri Bintang Utara, SMK St Mary,SMK Sri Hartamas,
SMK Manjalara, SMK Damansara Utama, SMK Seksyen 9, Shah Alam, SMK Alam Megah, SMK Seksyen 16 and SMK Bukit Jelutung.
To all these teams who had participated, you were just great! It was no mean feat to go through a few preliminary rounds, semi finals and finally, the finals! You have showcased your grit, passion and ingenuity.
As Donald Trump said, "Without passion you don't have energy, without energy you have nothing." But with the energy and derived passion, you can be a winner!
Many staff members from the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts had assisted this event. Judges for the preliminary and semi final rounds were: Mr Gabriel Lau, Chef Gerhard Albrecht, Dr. Rod Allan, Chef Azmil Haranay and Chef Hamirudin Nazir. Others who gave a hand in registering the students were Ms Vivienne Tan and Ms Bhawani. Ensuring the correctness of the scores was Ms Elaine Leong who assisted in collating and tabulating the marks for the judges.
A tradition at KDU College since 2004, the exhilarating Power Chef competition has nurtured competitiveness in many young talents. As Chef Fami said, "The competitors themselves have raised the bar - we're amazed to see the innovative display, the colour combination, artistry in food arrangement and set- up. And the food taste better too! These young people are quite remarkable!"
By: Ann Teoh Ask secondary school students about the Hot Cat Tour race, and they will promptly tell you it's the amazing race organised by the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts at KDU College. They are absolutely right. This is the 5th year it's being run, and it gets more exciting each year.
This sporting team assisted in making the competition a success.
The success of the Inter-School Contemporary Dance Competition 2010 was the result of team effort by the January 2010 Pre-U students. They were big hearted freshies who took on the challenge of organising the competition with great zeal and vigour. At hand to guide them were staff of CPUS (Centre for Pre-U Studies): Ms Hema Madhavan, Ms Sathyavathy and Ms Ong Soo Weon (Head, CPUS).
Mr. Bruno Decourcy is Karen’s French language lecturer.Having taught at KDUCollege for two years, he has always encouraged them to practise speaking the language. Mr.Decourcy together with his colleagues had also organised the French-German Language & Culture week. This event was created to stimulate the students’ interest to communicate more in French and German.
KDU College recently held its “Meet and Greet” session with partner, Altera at its premise. Current KDU students from Engineering and IT Degree who are on their 2nd and 3rd year were encouraged to apply for the Internship Program. The Internship placement will give opportunity for students to gain working experience and be employed. They will be attached to Altera’s Layout and Design Automation department.
A preview was organized to brief students about the requirements expected as this will also allow students to be exposed in Technical training. There will be hands-on working experience relevant to their studies because the assignments are real industry projects. Besides earning monthly allowance, they will have access to state-of-the-art development tools and exposure to the industry’s latest technologies. The benefits are great, with toll subsidy and flexible working hours, students alre also allowed to work full time during semester breaks and will be paid full time allowance rate.
Engineers play a pivotal role in the society by inventing products that help make life easier for humankind. By continuing to nurture students to have quality education, KDU College hopes to bring more collaborative projects with industry partners. Students learn how to solve problems on simulated and real life issues. Learning is exciting for them as they grapple with finding out information, discuss the problems and justify and present the best solution.
For more information on the courses provided by KDU College, please contact 04-226 6368 or visit our website www.kdupg.edu.my
The Embassy of Spain, Instituto Cervantes, Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka and MPH Bookstores are pleased to announce the third drawing contest, quiz and other events to celebrate the World Book Day 2010.
Take part in the exciting World Book Day Contests andwin fantastic prizes!
Quiz
Answer 8 questions related to World Book Day & the World of Literature by 21 April 2010 to win exciting prizes.
Drawing Competition
Participants aged 9 years and above are invited to submit an A4 size drawing by 16th April 2010 related to the theme: The Value of Cultural Diversity. There will be exciting prizes up for grabs and the winning drawings will also be featured in next year’s World Book Day bookmarks and event posters at all MPH Bookstores.
Interested participants can also contact Ms Susana at 03 2711 2000 ext. 5207 or e-mail mailto:aulakualalumpur@cervantes.es for further information.
