Scholarships Galore!

As secondary school students move up the ladder into college life, KDU College is packed with many gaining admission into various courses and getting psyched up for orientation.

KDU Serves
In line with our corporate social responsibility, a variety of different scholarships are awarded to top-scoring students in the recent SPM examinations. The High Achievers Scholarship, the most popular of all KDU scholarships, awards from RM5,000 to RM10,000 to new students enrolled in March (our biggest intake of the year)! Students took advantage of the fee waivers to enroll for their first choices in the Pre-University and Diploma Programmes.

Scholarships are also available for entry into degree programmes for A-Level, STPM and UEC high scorers, ranging from RM1,000 to RM12,000 in fee waivers.

Not the type to score?
We meet many students with different characteristics and various achievements, academically and non-academically. We meet the top-scorer who loves exams and do not mind spending a lot of time studying. Then there is the highly creative one who learns best by doing things and usually excels in sports, extra-curricular activities, coursework and assignments. Scholarships offered are in the form of :

- Principal Scholarship (recommended by School Principals, and covers 50 – 100% of tuition fees)

- Sports Scholarship (National or State level athletes are invited to apply, covers 50 – 100% tuition fees)

- Joint Scholarship (offered with Star Education Fund / Sin Chew Daily Education Fund / Nanyang Education Fund / NST-Mapcu Scholarship)

- Bumiputra Bursary Award (covers 50% of tuition fees for KDU Diploma programmes only)

- Merit Scholarship (this is another popular one!) (awarded based on merit performance to current students, covers part of tuition fees)

Scholarships are a great help to lessen the financial burden of tertiary education. There are more options to this than just scholarships. Financial institutions offer education loans for this purpose. Check out the offers by PTPTN (Government body for education loans) and other government assistance.

Finally, to all KDU students, a warm welcome and all the best in your quest for excellence!

10 Things to Prepare Before Leaving for Malaysia

So you’ve made up your mind to study in Malaysia. Great choice! As an education hub and a stepping stone to internationally accepted qualifications, Malaysia has grown to be one of the most sort-after countries to pursue tertiary education. Here are 10 things every student should know before embarking on this journey.

1. Plan your finances in advance
Some colleges and universities require either a semester or a year’s tuition fee to be paid before being able to send you your student visa to enter the country. In addition to fees, it is also wise to budget for living expenses for a year and be sure you will have enough to cover expenses for the duration of your studies.

Seek advice from anyone who can help you with information on Malaysia, namely, the Malaysian embassy in your country.

2. Contact your college or university
Get in touch with your college’s International Office. They are there to assist you with programmes of study, tuition fees, student insurance, accommodation, etc. Some do provide airport pick-up service upon your arrival. And especially if it is your first time travelling to the country, it would be wise to have a friendly face to attend to your urgent needs.

3. Research the town you will be in
With the advent of internet, information can be retrieved quickly and effectively. Go online and research on the town and college you will be living and studying in. Take note of the location, façade and the sitemap of your campus. This would ease your first few days at the new environment.

4. Arrange for student visa
International students studying in Malaysia will have to apply for a student pass after your application to the college is approved. This pass is usually valid for a year and is renewable on a yearly basis. For more information on international student pass and visa please click here.

5. Wardrobe makeover
Malaysia is usually warm in the day and fairly cool in the nights and early mornings (average high 32°C and low 21°C) with humidity levels between 75% - 80% throughout the year. Locals prefer wearing light cotton made clothes. T-shirts, shirts, dresses, jeans, short pants, shoes and sandals are the norm. As the country is made up of majority Muslims, head-scarves for female are also common.

6. Research on Malaysian culture
Get online, type 'Malaysian culture’ and you will see a string of information on the twin towers, great food, shopping discounts, awesome weather, fun holiday destinations and more. You will also find, friendly people, the great Malaysian hospitality and rich culture. Dig a little deeper and you will find Malaysia is home to many people with different religions and cultures and live in harmony with one another. It will also help if you talk to friends or relatives who have lived in Malaysia.

Having a social life here is also important for a balanced education experience. If you have the time, participate in the college’s extra curricular activities or travel with friends to other parts of the country.
7. Money matters
Trading is done in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) so be sure to get your currency changed before arrival. You may carry travellers’ cheques to help pay for expenses in the first few weeks. You are encouraged to apply for a bank account so that your funds can be transferred when necessary.

8. Cross-cultural cuisine
Malaysia offers a variety of Western, Middle-eastern and Asian cuisine and food is readily available everywhere. Some local cuisine is available 24 hours. Cooking on your own could be a cheaper option too as supermarkets do offer regular shopping discounts. Popular food choices include ‘nasi lemak’ (coconut rice with chilly usually served with eggs or meat), noodles, rice dishes and fast food.

9. Prepare a checklist
It can be exciting times anticipating the move to another country. In all the excitement, important items could be forgotten and it is best to be organized about your belongings and needs. Write a checklist so you do not forget items you will need immediately.

10. Celebrate!!!
Lastly, sit back, relax and celebrate with friends and family your new adventure in life. This will be your best journey yet so look forward to it and let the excitement of broadening new horizons sink in.

For more information on university programmes, insurance, student activities, student visa/pass, and related events please visit http://www.kdu.edu.my/.

Join the KDU Engineering Society!

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Power Chef Competiton 2010 at KDU College!

Written by: Ann Teoh


Calling all Form 4 and Form 5 secondary students! Here is your chance to prove your culinary skills at KDU's 2010 Power Chef competition. There is a chance you may win the big cash prize. You will never know if you do not give it a try. Key in the date, 26th March, in your handphone as this is the Preliminary round. Speak to your school counsellors as bus transport will be provided for you and your school mates. See you there!

KDU introduces First and Only Golf Resort Management diploma in Malaysia

Written by: Ann Teoh

Are you contemplating a career in golf resort management? You don't have to go far.

KDU College is introducing the First and Only Golf Resort Management diploma in Malaysia.This is in collaboration with Saujana Golf & Country Club and La Trobe University, Australia. The modules are taught jointly by KDU and Saujana.

The Official Launch is on:
24th March 2010 Wednesday
TIME: 8.30am
VENUE: Auditorium, KDU College
Damansara Jaya Campus

Come to KDU College and find out more. Or contact Mr Jerome Heah of KDU (Damansara Jaya Campus) at 03-7728 8123 ext 625, or email jerome@kdu.edu.my, for more details. For more information, please click here or call 603-7953 6688.

KDU Tourism & Hospitality Management - French & German Language Cultural Week

Written by: Ann Teoh

If you've never heard a French or German song being sung by a Malaysian, you should not miss this Battle of the Karaoke in German and French this week.

With song lyrics and You Tube links provided by Mr Alan Gwihelm, Mr Bruno and Mr Thomas Liebecke, some students like Atiqah and Baha have just discovered that they can sing! Perhaps you can join them too. Check out this food and language festival at KDU College.

When: 15 - 18th March 2010
Where: KDU Auditorium, DJ Campus
What: French & German Movies, Karaoke competitions, French/German food fare at KDU Square
Who: Er... you can get autographs from the gorgeous French & German lecturers :)

Songs for Karaoke Contest
German songs:
http://htca.kdu.edu.my/blogs/thomas/songs_karaoke_contest.html

French songs:
http://htca.kdu.edu.my/blogs/alanlb