KDU Chef Lecturer did Malaysia Proud!

Written by: Ann Teoh


A thrilling 3-day Emirates Salon Culinaire competition saw Chef Lecturer Hamirudin Nazir clinched two Silver Medals and an Award of Merit for KDU College and Malaysia. KDU College was the only Malaysian representative at the International Emirates Salon Culinaire, Dubai 2010, held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, in conjunction with the Gulfood and Equipment Exhibition.from 21st – 24th February 2010.

An elated Hamirudin said, “I wanted to win some of the events for KDU College and for Malaysia as I was the only Malaysian. I’m proud to bring back the medals and say to all Malaysians, ‘Malaysia Boleh!’ To all future competitors, just prepare yourself well, get accurate information about the competition, know what you’re doing, and be confident. Experience gave me an edge as I have been competing since 1994. Compete in as many competitions as you can so that you learn to be level-headed and not nervous.”

Find out what Chef Hamiruddin did to win those medals at www.kdu.edu.my

Live webcast of University of London Graduation Ceremony

Written by: Ann Teoh

The University of London External System is webcasting its 2010 London Graduation Ceremony, live from the Barbican Centre on Monday 15 March 2010, between 13:30 – 17:30 GMT.

All you have to do to view this very special event is log on to:

http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/graduationwebcast

Please remind your friends and family to watch and don’t forget to give them the above link.

There will also be an opportunity to access complete coverage as video-on-demand on the same link after the event: http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/graduationwebcast

Webcast Programme

13:30: Interviews with students and staff from London and abroad
14:30: The Graduation Ceremony
16:30: Reception

Please Note: Times given are GMT and may vary slightly.

KDU Excellence Award Presentation for Cambridge International Examinations

Written by: Ann Teoh

An Excellence Award Presentation was held on 29 January 2010, for 38 students in recognition of their achievement at the Cambridge International Examinations, GCE A-Level. Students Daniel Low Chern Ming, Ng Shyue Shyan, Siti Sarah bt Ismail and Maliya topped the list of achievers, scoring 4As each at A-Level. Anton Wong Shaun Ming, See Yi Koon, Tan Sue Vern and Yap Pik Kuan also achieved 4As at AS-Level.


Two students, Yap Pik Kuan and Tan Sue Vern, formerly from Wesley Methodist School in Sentul, were also high achievers. Pik Kuan has her sights set on acquiring a British degree, majoring in English. Her father, Mr. Yap Hoong Kee, a former banker, attributed his daughter’s success to hard work. Pik Kuan chirped, “It’s my mum who inspires me; she has inculcated in me the desire to excel!”


Her friend, Tan Sue Vern who is eager to be a lawyer, quipped, “ My brother, Kae Mern studied A-Level at KDU College too. He is now at the University of Waterloo. I am much encouraged by him to do well as he is my role model.”

Congratulations!

ROCKING INSPIRATION @ KDU Section 13, Petaling Jaya

Written by: Ann Teoh



On 23rd February, 2010, the Section 13 Campus of KDU College, was birthed amidst a carnival, prancing lion dance and a Rocking Inspiration Concert. Welcoming this new birth was the Guest of Honour, Dato' C. Q. Teo (Executive Deputy Chairman of Paramount Corporation Berhad) and Mr. Ong Keng Siew (Managing Director and CEO of Paramount Corporation Berhad). Together with Dr. Chia Chee Fen (CEO and Principal of KDU College), they cut the red ribbons to launch the opening ceremony. Dato' Teo and Mr. Ong then unveiled the KDU Logo, much to the excitement of guests, students and staff members. The Section 13 campus houses the expanding schools of Law, Business and American Degree Program.

Dato' C. Q. Teo and Mr Ong Keng Siew unveiled the KDU logo

The organising team with Mr Lim Hong Kheng (PCB Group HR Director, second from left) with Dr. Chia (second from right)

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim with Dr. Chia

KDU's Men in Black and Rahizan

A bright and cheerful Melissa Campbell (former child star in The King and I) emceed the event together with the cool Beatbox Performer, Alloysius Chin (both are Dip. in Mass Communication students).

















At the carnival was a bazaar tempting many with trendy accessories, clothes, bags, burgers and hotdogs, computer accessories and software programmes. Canon and gloot.net took snapshots of visitors, and gave away goodie bags to those who participated in their online survey. TM Net booth also gave special student packages starting at RM50.00 per month. A Microsoft mobile unit was there to promote Windows 7, with wonderful freebies. Sponsors for drinks such as Green Tea, "Zen" and other beverages were very much welcome by visitors on that hot day where temperature shot to 38 degree Celsius. The KDU Indian Society also raised funds with some members creating beautiful Mehendi designs for ladies.

Rumbling at Block D were hundreds of visitors keen to catch a view of the PS3 Mini Rumble Tournament, which garnered 30 contestants. Organised by the KDU Anime Club members, Samuel Lee, Dinie and Ivan Chong, these three youngsters publicised their event on Facebook and the internet realm. The ecstatic winners were:

Athena Championship Winners (Women's Category):

1st Prize: Michelle Jean Brohier
2nd Prize: Eka
3rd Prize: Samantha Khoo

Soul Calibur IV Tournament Winners:

1st Prize: Justin Chee
2nd Prize: M.Shazwan

Street Fighter IV Tournament Winners:

1st Prize: Allen Wong
2nd Prize: Andrew Wong

Tekken 6 Tournament Winners:

1st Prize: M.Shazwan
2nd Prize: Andrew Wong

The heavy shower that evening did not deter the CrAzy PuRpLe PeOpLe cruisers from hitz.FM (92.9fm on the radio in the Klang Valley) in spreading their Purple-Power! Jared, Ashvin and Navin had the audience hanging on to their exciting quizzes and prizes! While the band Stalking Shannon was gearing themselves for the big rock, the hitz.FM crew was a hit with the KDU students and staff.

Jared and Ashvin from hitz. FM

Rocking the concert were bands Stalking Shannon and Wanted Symphony. The enthusiastic bands played their hearts out to the screams of the audience. "I Can Tell" by Soasin, and "Lollypop" by Framing Henley were two numbers by Stalking Shannon, consisting of Lead Guitarist Andrew Mervy, Rhythm Guitarist Kheng Wilson, Bass Guitarist Jens Muhaimin, Drummer Ivan Cheong and Singer Alya.

Singer Alya (left), from Stalking Shannon

Band 'Stalking Shannon'

Three members from PARTS (KDU's Performing Arts) did a gorgeous dance and they had the audience jiving with them.

Daniel, keyboardist and singer for Wanted Symphony was a hit with the crowd when he belted out several numbers such as "Knocking on Heaven's Door", "Promise" and "Apologise". Together with Neville (the present President of KDU Law Society), they sang beautiful duets like "Angel" and "I Got a Feeling". Roars of "More, More" and "Encore" were heard, and they finished off with "Knocking on Heaven's Door".

Band 'Wanted Symphony' really rocks!

Daniel, the keyboardist and singer, is a law undergraduate in the University of London programme. Together with Wanted Symphony, they have been playing at hotels and many other functions in KL and Petaling Jaya.

It certainly was a night of Rocking Inspiration, where many in the audience found that they could enjoy soft rock, thanks to Stalking Shannon and Wanted Symphony. Loads of thanks and appreciation to the crew members from School of Business, Law and American Degree Program.

Dr. Chia posed with some crew members

PS3 Mini Rumble @ Launch of KDU College, Section 13 Campus

Contributed by Samuel Lee, written by Ann Teoh

In conjunction with the launch of the KDU College new campus in Section13, Jalan University, Petaling Jaya, members from the KDU's Anime Club, Animspiration, organised a thrilling PS3 Mini Rumble Tournament.

The four tourneys

The games for the Tournament were in several categories such as: Street Fighter 4, Tekken 6 & Soul Calibur IV. There were three major tourneys for three different games, with one tourney specially for the ladies. Surprisingly,there were six ladies who are great gamers and they put up a great challenge. Opened to everyone (except the games organisers) this event attracted hundreds of onlookers, and garnered about 30 participants for the four tourneys, which lasted from 1pm till 6pm. Playing such games promotes problem-solving skills, it requires strategising skills for some, and many students play to relieve stress and to take a break from their studies.

The organisers

The organisers were Samuel Lee, Dinie (technical helper) and Ivan Chong, who calling themselves the “Down Front Punch” group, were dedicated to spread the passion of cyber competition in the form of console gaming as they had previous experience with gaming system management through various console gaming competition that they had joined.

Samuel Lee .......................Dinie ...................... Ivan

The sporting sponsors for the prizes was Animax (the sole Anime channel on Astro). The grand prize of each category were valued at USD30 which includes Animax merchandise (t-shirts, notebooks, etc) and a limited edition Anime figurine, while the runners’ up prizes were Animax merchandise, excluding the figurine.

The Ecstatic Winners

Athena Championship Winners (Women's Category):

1st Prize: Michelle Jean Brohier
2nd Prize: Eka
3rd Prize: Samantha Khoo

Soul Calibur IV Tournament Winners:

1st Prize: Justin Chee
2nd Prize: M.Shazwan

Street Fighter IV Tournament Winners:

1st Prize: Allen Wong
2nd Prize: Andrew Wong

Tekken 6 Tournament Winners:

1st Prize: M.Shazwan
2nd Prize: Andrew Wong

Michelle Jean Brohier (1st prize winner) was so excited that she wanted to take the challenge to cosplay the Street Fighter IV characters.

Michelle Tan (consolation prize) , who did not compete in the Women’s Category but instead, competed in the Tekken 6 tournament, pitting against the guys, had a most memorable day when she found herself tied in 2nd place with two other male competitors before losing out.

She was one of the highlights during the event as she performed a charade of skills during the tournament which left the other participants in awe. "Thanks for giving me the chance to play at this event!" she gushed.

Justin Chee, the founder and former President of the Anime club of KDU Penang called AMGC, the lst prize winner in Soul Calibur, said, "If there's any other tournament at KDU College, please do invite me again. It was fun and terrifying competing with new faces!"

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