INSPIRED @ KDU College

Written by: Soo Xinghan, Student, Murdoch University Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

Fresh out of secondary school, many of us are overwhelmed by the choices we have to make. Should we enrol in a public education institution or a private one? Should we sign up for this course or that? There are so many options to consider yet so little time before we have to decide.

Luckily for me, friends and family were eager to provide assistance and advice. That was how I came to find out about KDU College and its reputation for quality education. After consulting a student advisor, I was sure that this was the right path for me.

However, there is another obstacle in my way. A pre-university and degree programme would prove to be a too costly for my parents. Given the high cost of tertiary education and my parents having to financially support not only my sister and myself, but also my grandparents, I was naturally in a dilemma on whether I should enroll in such a prestigious course. Fortunately for me, KDU College recognises that money shouldn’t be a barrier for education and generously awarded me the Principal Scholarship upon my enrolment. As the Principal Scholarship covers the tuition fees for the entire program, this award has definitely lightened the financial burdens of my parents.

KDU-MURDOCH UNIVERSITY VICE CHANCELLOR'S COMMENDATION AWARD

by Ann Teoh


Five students from the Murdoch University programmes jumped with joy when it was announced that they were the recipients of the Murdoch University Vice Chancellor's Commendation Academic Excellence award.


This prestigious award recognises outstanding students who have earned High Distinctions, placing them in the university's top 2% of the ordinary bachelor programme.


Chia Sue Ann, Priscilla Phang, Soo Xinghan, Wong Hui Mey Joanna and Benette Lee are still in cloud nine. Despite their excitement, they wanted to thank their lecturers who have been a source of inspiration to them.

KDU Campus Newsletter 2010 - Issue 3/2010

To look up e-copies of the newsletters, here's a quick link.

http://www.kdu.edu.my/campus-life/newsletter.html

Father's Day Special

KDU students took some time out to reflect about the big man in their lives - their fathers, also addressed as "Dad", "Bapa", "Ayah", "Ah Pa" etc in various languages and local dialects. To many, Dad does not communicate as much as mom. However, Dad is the one whose big hands will do repairs in the house, fork out your pocket money, take you trekking or fishing. Remembering how the fathers in their lives have been their role models in character-building, some KDUvers have penned a few words for Father's Day Special. This is one of the dedications to Dad...

Happy Father’s Day, Dad

By: Azfar Hadi

Student, American Degree Program

Usually, on Father's Day, sons would get their dads the same thing: ties, socks or another tool. Has anyone of us ever taken the time to thank our dads for the wisdom and life lessons that they have passed on to us?

I was taught many of life’s lessons from dad’s simple but logical rationale. I remember as far back as 10 years ago when I was 8 years old, I learned my first lesson. I was told off by my mom for not lifting the toilet seat after use. What I remember was that after my mom's long and nagging “lecture”, my dad offered a brilliant rebuttal to this issue. He said "It's easier to put the seat down than lift it up; you have gravity working with you." So now, whenever I made the same mistake again, I just quoted my dad and it has proven to be quite effective ; since that day, I was never nagged on this issue again.

When I was 8 years old - I'm standing in front of my dad

For years, my impression of my dad was an odd man with a weird sense of humor. One Sunday, I was entertaining some doubts about achieving my dream and I was already planning on surrendering it. Somehow, he seemed to have noticed my perplexity. He just came over to me and in a soft voice said, “No one should negotiate their dreams. Dreams must be free to flee and fly high. No government and no legislature has a right to limit your dreams. You should never agree to surrender your dreams.” I believe he was not used to giving inspirational and encouraging words because right after he gave this advice, he seemed to have an embarrassed look on his face and he walked away quickly. My dad does not show his affections openly; when he does, he does it in his quirky way.

Father's Day Special

KDU students took some time out to reflect about the big man in their lives - their fathers, also addressed as "Dad", "Bapa", "Ayah", "Ah Pa" etc in various languages and local dialects. To many, Dad does not communicate as much as mom. However, Dad is the one whose big hands will do repairs in the house, fork out your pocket money, take you trekking or fishing. Remembering how the fathers in their lives have been their role models in character-building, some KDUvers have penned a few words for Father's Day Special.

The Man Who Never Gave Up

Written by: Elaine
UNSW Foundation 609
Centre for Pre-University Studies

There is one person who inspires me in my life - my beloved father. He will do his best to solve any problems or difficulties that he encounters, without giving up.

My father was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth; he came from a very poor family. After finishing his primary schooling, he did not pursue his studies further as his grandfather couldn’t afford the education for all. Therefore, my father had to work at a very young age to reduce the family's burden.

Winners - Let's Go To The Movies Contest 2

Hi:

Thanks to all the participants of Let's Go to the Movies! Contest No. 2. The lucky winners are:

1. Agnes Teh Pik Yee (890125-23-XXXX) 2. Farah Fauzi (930911-14-XXXX) 3. Rick Tan (921024-14--XXXX) Please collect cinema tickets in person at KDU College, Section 13 Campus, Petaling Jaya. You may authorise a representative to collect the tickets on your behalf provided a letter of authorisation is given to the bearer. Look out for our next contest in July (hint: lst week of July)! Cheers!

KDU Open Day 2010

Recognising long-serving loyal staff on Teacher's Day

Lecturers from School of Business and Law celebrate Teachers' Day.

It's a tradition at KDU College - celebrating Teachers' Day together with the recognition of long-serving staff who have been with KDU College for ten years or more. This year, the following dedicated staff members received their special gifts for their loyal services from Dato' C. Q. Teo.

INVIGORATING Inter-Varsity Case Study Challenge

Written by By: Salma Begum, Student, Bachelor of Commerce, Murdoch University

On a boring day in January, our lecturer, Ms Claudine Robson, stepped into our class. In her sweet voice, she said, “There’s an exciting Inter-Varsity Case Study Challenge that requires some stimulating minds to participate. Would you take up the challenge?” No one responded; we were playing hard to get. “Please,” she pleaded. “We want KDUvers to join.” After a lot of persuasion, we relented. So Natasha Ann, Soo Xinghan, Chia Sue Ann and I decided to register online.

Indeed, the contest required more than some “stimulating minds”. It demanded ingenuity and the initiative to think out of the box. We had to problem-solve for Global Environmental Centre (GEC) giving practical, innovative solutions. These could stem from formulating recruitment strategies for new volunteers to productive fund-raising. With the help of Ms Jenny Kwee (lecturer), we submitted our plan without any further thought about it thereafter.

Suddenly, a month later, we received a call informing us that we have been selected as one of the top ten semi-finalist teams. It was a most pleasant surprise! Our reward was a two days all-expense paid trip to Kuala Gula in Perak plus some really cool laptop bags.

Kuala Gula is a village surrounded by huge tracts of mangrove swamps. When the tsunami hit some parts of Malaysia including Penang in 2004, Kuala Gula was not affected as mangroves offer protective barriers against the tsunami. The local folks volunteer for GEC and are known as Sahabat Hutan Bakau (Friends of the Mangrove). Our mission was to identify ways to help the local community to improve their lifestyles without damaging the environment, and that was our challenge to enter the finals.

We did our best for the challenge but we did not get through the semi-final. Nevertheless, it was an invigorating experience and it has definitely taught us some valuable lessons about the sedentary lifestyle of other Malaysians, and the importance of preserving the environment.

Imagination overdrive for a cause

Written by By Benjamin Koh, Student, Diploma in Internet Technology

“What is the Imagine Cup?” one might ask. Well, the Imagine Cup is a premier technology competition held annually by Microsoft - it’s the “World Cup of IT”! Each year teams are given different themes to presesnt how technology can provide solutions to make the world a better place.

This year’s theme was “Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems”. Being encouraged by our lecturer, Ms. Law, our team (.DOT: Kalvin Tan, Sofian and I) decided to join this year’s Imagine Cup.

In preparation, we did much research and discovered things we have never learnt before. It was a truly fun and exciting experience exposing us to technologies that none of our peers had even heard of or had the opportunity to use!

Our submission was a global social networking utility that connected people with problems to people with the resources to help them. We worked hard to develop our submission and to our pleasant surprise, we qualified for the grand finals in Pulau Langkawi.

Qualifying for the finals meant showcasing our work to Microsoft representatives, top industry professionals, investors and the press. We had envisioned a lot of formal presentations and technical work to be done, but we were in for a shocker! The competition was not just about presentations and technical work, it was a fun meeting with other technologically-inclined and passionate people, not to mention first rate games! We had treats too - a barbeque and Xbox 360 playing games such as Guitar Hero and Street Fighter with Microsoft staff! On the last day we went island hopping and sight seeing!

The good news which wrapped up the event was that we had emerged Top 29 from 1200 challengers.

Competitions like these make college life interesting, eventful and meet our inquisitiveness. We could strategically apply theories to this challenge with fun, and at the same time, it was for a good cause. The next Imagine Cup is just a few months away. You can register for it, and who knows, you may be the next ultimate winner.

KDU Student's Impressive CAT Achievement

An impressive achievement - Karoline (right) receives her award.

After graduating with a degree in B.Sc. in Information Technology, Karoline Yee Yoke Lin realised that to advance her career further with one of the Big 5 accounting firms, she would need to acquire intrinsic financial knowledge with some internship experience at these prestigious accounting firms.

Thus, Karoline started on her quest to be a professional accountant, beginning with the CAT programme. Through hard work, consistent studying, reading as many accounting books as she could and being attentive in class, she soon passed the CAT T1 paper in Recording Financial Transactions with flying colours. With a remarkable distinction score of 94/100 tucked under her belt, she emerged first in Malaysia and 4th in the world.

Finishing the CAT programme in June 2010, Karoline is very much motivated by this excellent academic result which caught her by surprise, but as she said, “I am most delighted, and I am looking forward to continue my journey with the ACCA programme. I chose to join KDU College as the learning environment is very conducive; the small classes promote better interaction among students and we have personal attention from the lecturers.”

If you have a similar goal like Karoline, you have the opportunity now to visit KDU College and attend some previews, or meet with the programme counsellors who will be at hand to answer your queries about CAT and ACCA programmes.

Date: 10 July 2010.
Venue: KDU College, Damansara Jaya Campus.

PREVIEW SESSIONS

9.30am – 1.00 pm: Route to Professional Accountancy

2.00pm – 3.00 pm: Research and Analysis Project with Oxford Brookes University

For more details, please contact Ms Ana Shakirah or Ms Tee Mei Fong at 03-7722 3528/3598, or e-mail : pac@kdu.edu.my

Photo Gallery: Open Day - School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts

The School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts welcomes you with piping hot Swiss Chocolate and tea.

Open Day - School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts

by: Ann Teoh
Mention the word "Open Day" and you can be sure it's an opportunity to be taken on a tour of the campus, meet the academicians and students and find out more the courses which are being offered. However, at the Open Day of the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts (SHTCA), it's an Open Day with a significant difference. Guests were invited to cups of piping hot Swiss chocolate and a spread of delectable delights: cakes, apple tarts, lemon meringue tartlets, sandwiches and other tempting little bites amidst an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness.

Grant a wish to terminally ill children @ Malam Seribu Mimpi

Dear Friends

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that my public relations class of March 2010 is currently working on a fund-raising gala dinner. This is part of their academic assignment, which entails planning and staging a corporate social responsibility (CSR) event involving a deserving beneficiary of their choice.

Themed Malam Seribu Mimpi, the event is geared towards creating awareness on the Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia. Promotional activities have begun in the college and the finale will be a gala dinner - a classic college prom style with guests consisting of a VVIP (to be confirmed), KDU College staff, students and their families/friends.

To execute this event, the classroom has been structured to operate like a Communications Consultancy, where every student is assigned to a specific department. This systematic approach allows our students to apply their public relations theoretical knowledge and analytical skills in planning and professionally managing an actual public relations campaign.

To make this event a success, we humbly request:
1. your kind assistance to inform your students and colleagues about Malam Seribu Mimpi; and
2. to join us on 1st of July 2010 at Holiday Villa Subang

For further inquiries on the event and to get your tickets, please contact me directly.

Thank you very much and we look forward to your gracious presence.


Kind regards,

Hardip Singh
Lecturer
Dept of Communication, Media & Info Technology
School of Engineering, Science & Technology
Tel: +60(3) 7728.8123 ext.117
Fax: +60(3) 7727 7096
Cell: +60(12) 22.456.77
E-mail: hardip@kdu.edu.my

KDU Law Students Launch e-newsletter

by: Ann Teoh

The Tabula Rasa website

You could see it all in their eyes: passion, excitement, eagerness.... these young undergrads of the Oxford-Brookes University LLB programme couldn't wait to start the launch of their e-newsletter named TABULA RASA (http://tabularasa.kdu.edu.my/), on 2 June 2010, at KDU's Section 13 campus.

Some members of the team with Ms Sabah Carrim (centre) - eager to start the launch

INSPIRING Gift of Education

By: Darren How, Senior Multimedia Engineer

It was a joyous occasion last month where KDU College granted a total of 158 scholarships amounting to more than RM1 million to deserving students who have achieved excellent academic results in last year’s Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), GCE O-Levels or Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) examinations.

With KDU’s new tagline and belief “People Inspire People”, KDU is inspired to bless these bright students with quality education and make them a better person in the hope that they may one day, in return, inspire others.

LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES - CONTEST NO. 2

Hi:

Bored? Nothing to do? Enter the simple competition below and win FREE Golden Screen Cinema tickets.

All you need to do is answer two movie-related questions and one about KDU. Here's the link.
http://www.kdu.edu.my/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=354


Good luck and Remember, you got to be in it to win it!

A New Collaboration Rises - Malayan Flour Mills and KDU College

by: Ann Teoh

(L-R): Ms Kitty Lee, Dr. Chia, Mr Victor Ng, Mr Andrew Yew

The date, 1st June 2010, marked a milestone when two well-established icons in Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding, creating waves of synergy to enhance culinary arts education with local produce of flour and poultry products. "KDU College was established in 1983, and Malayan Flour Mills was established in 1966. This has brought two giant industry leaders together to add value to learning, both for the culinary arts students and lecturing professionals where there can be an intimate exchange of ideas, explore internship and career opportunities," said Mr. Victor Ng, the Marketing Manager of Malayan Flour Mills (MFM).