Passion Needs Action

EDIT: A reader has kindly pointed out to me that the preferred term of the deaf community is 'deaf' and 'hard of hearing', and the World Federation of the Deaf actually discourages the use of the term 'hearing impaired'! Have always thought 'hearing impaired' was the PC term to use. I learned something new today. Thanks, Sheng-Xi!
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Every once in a while, we come across someone who reminds us of what the words determination and perseverance mean. Being passionate and steadfast in our beliefs, and wanting to make a difference in the society we live in, has always been easier said than done. It can sometimes be exhausting and we start questioning if it’s worth it, if this will bring about change and, if it does, is the change meaningful enough to be sustained.

Perhaps, all we need, from time to time, is a little inspirational story to fuel our spirits.

Meet Anthony Chong.

A Deaf KDU Alumni who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computing Studies, and is set on bringing about change to the quality of life for and community of the deaf.

Our KDU on-the-go reporter, Ann, interviewed Anthony last year on work and life in general. 

(Click here to read the interview)

Anthony truly embodies the phrase ‘Time is what you make of it’. Besides holding a full time job as a Production Editor for a publishing company, Anthony also devotes his time to YMCA as a part-time Sign Language Instructor, is finishing his dissertation for his Masters in Linguistics at Universiti Malaya and to top it off, he also does voluntary work with the deaf community through Malaysian Aids Council to increase HIV and AIDS awareness, as well as with PS The Children to build Child Sexual Abuse awareness programmes in different states in Malaysia.

Not only that, we recently heard it through the grapevine that Anthony has been offered a scholarship to pursue his second Master’s degree in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University.

He explained, “It has always been my dream to study Deaf Studies since 2003 and I never had the chance until I obtained the scholarship, which is by The Nippon Foundation under the World Deaf Leadership project, designed for Gallaudet University Students.”

KDU Speakers' Corner - "Experiences at the Worlds & Australs Debating Championship"

Come & join us at KDU Square, KDU College Damansara Jaya

A New Start - 1st National Inter High School British Parliamentary Debate Challenge 2010

Don Siron Pereira, 2nd Year, University of London LL.B (Hons) External

President, KDU Debate Association

The idea of British Parliamentary to secondary school kids in Malaysia is unheard of to the majority. Introducing it as the KDU Debate Association (KDUDA)’s format for our annual debate tournament was a risk.

Nonetheless, it saw 80 teams from all over peninsular Malaysia battling to become the champion. 

The organizing committee from KDU College knew it was going to be a mammoth of a task but with Miss Hannah Ramsamy as the club advisor and the strength of the KDU Debate Association, we dared to dream.

SMK Westland Students Get Creative

The School of Design of KDU College Penang Campus recently held a Design Workshop for students of SMK Westland Penang. The workshop was conducted for students who were interested in art and design. The participants were given hands-on training from lecturers during this creative workshop. They were taught to conceptualize ideas into designs and logos to be printed on T-Shirts. 


This workshop was spearheaded by Ms. Sharifah Mazwari, the Academic Department Head of the School of Design. According to Ms. Sharifah Mazwari, this workshop not only aimed at tapping into the creative talents of students but helped to instill a sense of competitiveness as well. 


The SMK Westland students took the opportunity to view KDU students’ work which are exhibited at “The Gallery” located on the same floor as the School of Design. The Gallery is opened for public viewing. Exhibits include portraits, packaging designs, sculptures, photography, illustrations, graffiti and spatial designs.

Let's go to the Movies - are you the winner?

CONTEST 3
Congratulations to the winners:

1. Lois Tan Tiong Lim  (910626-14-XXXX)
2. Amanda Ng Wen Wei (930412-10-XXXX)
3. Ong Kai Sheng (930113-10--XXXX)

You  can collect your  prizes in person at KDU College Section 13 Campus in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. In the event you cannot collect the prizes yourselves, a representative bearing an authorisation letter can collect on your behalf.

PFS Students Explore Creativity through Robotics

Penang Free School was recently taken under the wings of the Engineering faculty of KDU College Penang Campus as buddy schools in one of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to develop and encourage critical and creative thinking skills amongst the youths. The main objectives of this CSR initiative are to cultivate young minds through the use of innovative technology while simultaneously developing a positive perception towards science and technology and in the field of engineering specifically. KDU College encourages such collaborations with schools as it views this as an opportunity to reach out to serve the community.

Guess who's rockin' Germany?

No, it's not Paul the Octopus. But keep scrolling down until you see a familiar face. 


50 Best chefs appearing in Germany this autumn at CHEF-SACHE
Posted on: Friday, July 9th, 2010




Psssssttt, we hear there’s a ‘Best Young Chef of the Year’ amongst us here in KDU College…

…and it’s none other than Chef Malcolm Goh, from the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts!

The young chef, who has been in the industry for five years, said that it’s an honour to have been bestowed with the title, especially since this is his last year to qualify!

“When I first heard about the award, I was shocked and happy at the same time,” Chef Malcolm quipped. Continuing, he said, “It really does feel good to be recognized for all my past achievements, and it’s a good motivation factor.”

For the love of the game

Spotted at the inaugural KDU Basketball Invitation Cup 2010…

Sri KDU

 

Ian Lim, 16

I’ve been playing basketball since Standard 4 as it’s my hobby, and have been to several tournaments now.  

SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4

Seow Wai Khian, 17

Basketball came naturally to me, as I would play any sport!

Slam-dunked at KDU College!

It was an intense Saturday for 16 teams from across ten Klang Valley schools as they battled it out in their quest of vying for the title and bragging rights of being the inaugural KDU Basketball Invitation Cup champion.

The event, which was held last Saturday at the college’s Damansara Jaya campus auditorium, was in conjunction with the college’s Open Day weekend where a number of other activities, talks and workshops were also held.

KDU College’s CEO & Principal, Dr Chia Chee Fen, was present to launch the Basketball Invitation Cup and in her opening speech, applauded a healthy lifestyle, saying, “One should strive to lead a healthy lifestyle, and KDU believes that one should excel not only academically, but also in extra curricular activities and games, as it encourages a healthy mind.”

After presenting tokens of appreciation to the secondary school teachers in attendance, Dr Chia was game enough to start off with the first match.

KDU's Business programmes - trusted quality

by: Ann Teoh

The Sadaghiani family with KDU staff,
Mr Lai Chee Onn (Academic Department Head)
and Simon Lau (Programme Counsellor). Donya is on far right
with her dad. Far left is her mum.

17th July 2010, Section 13 campus, Petaling Jaya

Trusting in quality education

Many international students in placing their trust in KDU's quality education, have enrolled in various programmes such as Engineering, Hospitality & Tourism, Information Technology and Business. At the recent KDU's Open Day (17th and 18th July), the family of Sadaghiani from Iran were very interested in the two-year Diploma in Business for daughter, Donya, who has completed her high school. Her goal is to articulate into the degree programme offered by Keele University. Upon completing her diploma, she will be exempted from the lst year of the degree programme, and will enrol into Year 2, semester 1.

Winning teams from SMK Bandar Utama 3

by: Ann Teoh

Captains of the Champion Basketball teams
(L-R): Wong Shin Ying and Ron Chueng

19th July, Petaling Jaya

It's been a winning streak for SMK Bandar Utama 3. On 1st July, their student, Tew Zi Yi, won the 3rd prize at the annual KDU College Math & Science Quiz 2010. Two other students, Loo Yee Ying and Kua Wee Nie also won the 10th and 19th placings respectively. Tew Zi Yi professed that "to improve in Math, you have to do a lot of self-practice. Also thanks to our Math teacher, Puan Norazlina and Add Math teacher, Pn Gan, who are inspiring teachers." Yee Ying who aspires to be an Engineer, and Wee Nie who aims to be a doctor, shared that they both have the passion and interest for Math and this has enabled them to do well.

Smart Ways to Employment

As a leading education and training provider, KDU College is a one-stop centre for corporate training via its ongoing spectrum of seminars and courses. KICC (KDU Industry Collaboration Centre) Industry Seminar Series recently brought speakers from JobStreet and LifeEquip to share current job market situations in Malaysia to KDU’s graduating students.

KDU's Math & Science Quiz 2010 Champion

By: Ann Teoh

The Math & Science Quiz 2010 Champion, Marc Choong, with SMKD Principal, Datin Wira Hjh. Norizan and Dr. Chia Chee Fen, KDU College CEO and Principal.

At the Monday morning school assembly at SMK Damansara Jaya, Dr. Chia Chee Fen (CEO and Principal of KDU College) said, "SMK Damansara Jaya, you're in the top 2% of best schools in Malaysia. Congratulations to you, your teachers and everyone who has helped you achieve this success. And at the recent Math & Science Quiz 2010 conducted by KDU's Centre for Pre-University Studies, SMKDJ has emerged champion! Well done!"

JPA Scholars registered at KDU's Centre for Pre-University Studies

by: Ann Teoh

Lucky girl: Jolyn Tan

29 June 2010, Damansara Jaya Campus - Ms Sathya, the Academic Department Head of the Centre for Pre-University Studies (CPUS) welcomed a new cohort of 16 JPA-sponsored students who have registered for the GCE A-Levels programme. They will, upon completion of their studies at KDU College, continue with their bachelor's degree programmes in Accounting, Economics, Law and Social Sciences, at any university of their choice in U.K. KDU's Accommodation Officers were at hand to register the students for their accommodation at Sterling Condominium.

KDU Maths & Science Quiz 2010

Eager participants

The Centre for Pre-University Studies had another runaway success with the Pre-U Math & Science Challenge 2010 held at KDU College, Damansara Jaya campus, on 1^st July 2010. A total number of 550 students from various schools in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley thronged the hallways and filled the auditorium to the brim; another classroom was opened to accommodate the eager participants.

LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES - CONTEST NO. 3

Hi,

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

A Night of a Thousand Dreams

By Serena Ng, KDU Marketing

Imagine being in the lush jungles of east Malaysia, feeding and petting orangutans. Imagine diving into the ocean and being near fishes and corals. Imagine playing with your first remote control car set. Imagine feeling stress-free, exhilarated and amazed by your surrounding. Imagine that would be the last time you feel that way.

The Murdoch Vice Chancellor's Commendation Award - The Pinnacle of My Academic Success

Written by: Benette Lee One One

Murdoch Bachelor of Mass Communications student

I am overwhelmed and honoured to be a recipient of the Murdoch University’s Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence Award. However, I must confess that prior to being an awardee, I was not aware about it. All my achievements (both academic and non-academic) were accomplished for my personal satisfaction. My parents have always spoken to me about how my own successes should reflect my happiness, not anyone else’s. The Vice Chancellor’s award is definitely the pinnacle of my academic success as this is my final semester with the programme. What a way to wrap up my Bachelor’s Degree with a bang!

Education - The Greatest Gift

Written by: Priscilla Phang

Murdoch University Bachelor of Commerce student
(Recipient of the Murdoch University Vice Chancellor's Commendation for Academic Excellence Award)

First of all, do allow me to express my gratitude to Murdoch University and KDU College for giving me this exclusive award. I feel very much humbled and would do my best to continue to excel and bring glory to both Murdoch University and KDU College.

Throughout my past one and a half years in KDU, I have realised that my decision in choosing Murdoch University and KDU College as my pathway to success is indeed a perfect one. This is because the courses are well structured and thought through, allowing me to develop both intellectually and emotionally, as well as in societal values. The tasks and projects are mentally challenging and encouraged me to think outside the box. Public speaking, presentations and speech delivery made me a more confident and eloquent individual. Besides that, the opportunities of working in teams added to my level of exposure, which I believe, would gradually prepare me for my future endeavors in the work environment.

Mingguan Kebudayaan Melayu (MKM) for Charity

For those who are interested in making dedications, please send:
[item and quantity][your name, school department, contact number]
[your message; max of 15 words]
[receiver's name, school department, contact number]


to Vi Vien Goh 016-6873702
(all contact numbers are for dedication purposes only)

• Dedications can be made in 3 different language - (Malay, English and Chinese)
• All profit goes to funding charity homes for MKM Gaia Dinner
• Orders and payment have to be done before 16th July 2010

Nurturing Creativity & Discovery through Robotics

Three schools were taken under the wings of the Engineering faculty of KDU College Penang Campus as buddy schools in one of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to develop and encourage critical and creative thinking skills amongst the youths. The main objectives of this CSR initiative are to cultivate young minds through the use of innovative technology while simultaneously developing a positive perception towards science and technology and in the field of engineering specifically. KDU College encourages such collaborations with schools as it views this as an opportunity to reach out to serve the community.

INSPIRING others

By Ida Lopez, Lecturer, School of Arts & Social Sciences

At one of the sessions that I attended for SLATT, we were asked to select “words of wisdom” that we find most significant to us (we were given a long list to choose from) and I chose this – “We all need someone who inspires us to do better than we know how”. Indeed we are all looking for that person or people, whose impact on our lives is so profound, that we look forward to each day with so much excitement.

My late father had inspired me to practise prudent financial management. My teachers in school inspired me to take up teaching as a profession – well, they were certainly a dedicated bunch (just ask my colleague, Boon Yee – we went to the same Secondary School in Mentakab, Pahang). I was lucky that I once had the opportunity to work with an Academic Head who had inspired us with his high ethical values, discipline, impartiality, openness and most of all, his humility. I remember too my counterparts in partner universities, who had inspired me with their teaching styles. Once, when I visited my former College, an ex-colleague commented that I was an inspiration to them – as I am a frank person who strongly believes in voicing out dissatisfaction. I am not sure though whether this trait is appreciated by all!