POSTGRADUATE

THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 JULY 2022

A step towards excellence

Explore the various career advancement opportunities from
pursuing further education in a postgraduate degree.
2 Postgraduate
MANAGEMENT and Science
University’s (MSU) very own
alumna, PhD in Management/
Business under the Graduate
School of Management (GSM), Dr
Corrie Mary Milka Inkiriwang is
now a functional doctor at
Lemhannas RI (Lembaga
Ketahanan Nasional Republik
Indonesia). Also known as The
National Resilience Institute of the
Republic of Indonesia, this non-
governmental organisation
founded in 1965 aids the
government in strengthening and
organising the nation’s
international, regional, and
bilateral cooperation in the field of
national defence.
“I work with Lemhannas RI as a
functional doctor with the aim to
Positively affecting lives
serve the nation. I am here on
contract with the government as
a civilian worker in the areas of
health. Those who work here are
mostly government officials and
generals from the army and
police. When they are sick, they
are provided separate services
from regular patients,” she says.
Dr Milka is also the head
public relations officer with a
profound competency in
language and communication
skills. Her role during the Covid-
19 pandemic expanded due to
the continuous challenges of
educating and spreading awareness
of the novel coronavirus.
“My role as the head of PR in the
Indonesian General Practitioner
Association is more towards sharing
crucial health issues in society. I also
work towards creating awareness
and educating the community on the
prevention of Covid-19. The usual
mantra – proper hygiene, masking,
sanitising and many others are
always propagated through
appealing videos to educate the
people so that they protect
themselves from the virus,” she says.
“During this pandemic, it is really
hard to get used to the new normal
lifestyle. It is a situation where we
are required to remain at home,
keep a safe distance from one
another and so on.
“The biggest challenge as a
frontliner during the pandemic is
risking our lives to save others. Deep
inside, I am scared, especially when
seeing infected persons and how the
symptoms develop until they cannot
breathe normally. I believe this
profession is an opportunity from
God, for me to help people who are
suffering through my competency as
a doctor,” she says.
Growing up, Dr Milka had a
Competency with experiential learning
THE International Medical
University (IMU) Master of
Counselling faculty trains competent
counsellors by using an Experiential
Learning Approach. In most of the
practical classes, students are given
hands-on experiences to gain
practical skills to support clients.
The IMU Psychology and
Counselling Centre (PCLC) is a
dedicated learning centre initiated
by the Department of Psychology to
provide an experiential learning
platform that allows students to
practise learned skills and record
sufficient practical hours to fulfil the
requirement set by the Malaysian
Board of Counsellors. The PCLC’s
main objectives are to provide a
training ground for students from
the Master of Counselling (MOC)
programme to become competent
mental health professionals, and
provide an accessible mental health
service for the community.
Students are closely supervised by
experienced registered counsellors
and receive support from a
multidisciplinary practising faculty
who provide guidance and ensure
the best care for service recipients.
Among PCLC’s missions are to
increase the awareness and
knowledge of mental health and to
lower the barriers to accessing
quality mental health services.
As a training platform for Master’s
students, PCLC offers a wide range of
counselling services, including
individual, family and marriage/
couple counselling, career, grief and
bereavement counselling, and
expressive art therapy. Before
beginning practicum and internship,
Master’s students are trained in their
respective elective modules, granting
them the competence in handling
diverse cases. Through this exposure,
different dream for her future but
changed her direction in life after
her parents’ profession.
“My mother is a paediatrician and
my late father was in the army and
also worked as a lecturer for some
time. I came from an educated
family. I am the youngest and my
elder twin brothers have always
spoiled me.
“I had a dream of becoming a
flight stewardess while I was
growing up simply because I wanted
to travel around the world but my
parents said that I can also do the
same by becoming a medical doctor.
My greatest inspirations are my
parents. My father and my mother
are equally important to me. My
father taught me a lot about being a
good leader, while my mother taught
me how to be a good, smart and loyal
woman,” she says.
“I got to know of MSU from my
master’s supervisor and he was the
one who recommended that I
continue my PhD after graduating
from my master’s degree. I was
hesitant at first, but after discussing
it with my parents, especially my
father, I decided to do my PhD, and
he was the one who gave me a lot of
support in this endeavour.
“I have many experiences studying
at MSU, especially when I had to live
alone. It was difficult at first; I felt
homesick all the time. But thank
God, all the lecturers at MSU
were kind and friendly. My
biggest appreciation goes out to
Dr Milka changed her
direction in life after her
parents’ profession.
MOC students will be ready to face
the challenges of the working field
while being aware of the continuous
need for professional growth and
self-enhancement.
The PCLC is well-equipped with an
advanced audio-video system that
allows for live observation or
recording of counselling sessions for
supervision purposes, and also
includes sand trays and figurines,
visual cards, and other art materials
for expressive art and creative
interventions, as well as a series of
psychological assessment tools.
PCLC has five counselling rooms,
one resource room equipped with
PCs for students to complete case
notes, and two smaller rooms to
conduct online teaching and
counselling. Furthermore, the centre
has administrative personnel
overseeing the centre to ensure the
smooth running of the activities.
The PCLC also allows students to
organise workshops and support
groups, for instance, self-exploration
through card play, family bonding
through sand-tray, strength-based
assessment workshops, and
psychoeducation talks. These
activities allow students to acquire
the ability and confidence to work on
a wider scale in the mental health
field.
“I love and enjoy my learning
experience in this programme, as I
have the opportunity to be exposed
to various learning methods and
training from experienced
lecturers. There is also space and
support provided for self-
The Psychology and Counselling
Centre provides a platform for
students to train as well as an
accessible mental health service
for the community.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 JULY 2022
my supervisor. He is my hero and
guardian angel.
“The journey in completing my
PhD was like a roller coaster ride,
but it was a great lesson for me. I
learnt to be more responsible in
managing my time,” she says.
She inspires MSUrians not only
through her experience but with
this nugget of advice. “Be yourself
and trust in yourself. Come out of
your comfort zone. Never compare
yourself with others. Be positive in
who you are and in everything you
do. Stay away from negativity.
Finally, be prayerful in everything
you do,” she says.
MSU houses the Faculty of Health
and Life Sciences, the Faculty of
Business Management and
Professional Studies, the Faculty of
Information Sciences and
Engineering, the International
Medical School, the School of
Pharmacy, the School of Education
and Social Sciences, the School of
Hospitality and Creative Arts, the
School of Graduate Studies, the
Graduate School of Management,
and the Centre for Fundamental
Studies.
As an applied, enterprise, holistic
and international university, MSU
offers foundation, undergraduate,
postgraduate and flexible
programmes through an entry
system that facilitates admission of
students from all walks of life,
where it aims to transform lives and
enrich the future.
n For more information on the
postgraduate programmes at MSU,
call 03-5521 6868, email gsm@msu.
edu.my or visit www.msu.edu.my.
exploration and self-discovery to
understand myself better. The PCLC
provides students a place for
training and practice, equipped with
good facilities in supporting us to
beprofessional counsellors,” says
student Lean Yi Wen.
Another student Tiara Wong
Hwei Juin says, “It has been a life-
changing journey for me, I gained
invaluable experiences through the
coursework and activities. This
allowed me to reflect, tap into my
inner world and gain a deeper level
of self-understanding. My learning
has also been enriched by the
nurturing environment the
lecturers provided. The PCLC is
equipped with hi-tech recording
facilities for assessment and
evaluation purposes where students
are able to practise their counselling
skills. Besides that, counselling tools
are also provided for students to
help facilitate counselling sessions.
The MOC programme does not only
hold a space for learning but a place
with a true sense of constant growth
and belonging.”
n For more information about this
or IMU’s other postgraduate
programmes, call 03-2731 7272,
email postgraduate@imu.edu.my or
visit www.imu.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 JULY 2022 3
4 Postgraduate
DIGITAL advancement has provided the
world with a valuable resource – data.
When used correctly, it has the power to
enable humans and machines to make
accurate, evidence-based decisions and
even tackle large societal challenges. For
instance, data gives us important insights
into the impacts of climate change, limits
the spread of global diseases and improves
policies to bridge the gaps of inequalities.
The opportunities offered by data are
limitless, hence more data analysts and
data scientists are demanded. Responding
to the demand, Universiti Tunku Abdul
Rahman (UTAR) has recently offered two
new postgraduate programmes, the
Postgraduate Diploma in Data Management
and Analytics and Master in Data
Management and Analytics.
Both programmes are offered under the
Faculty of Information and Communication
Technology (FICT) Kampar campus and Lee
Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and
Science (LKC FES) Sungai Long campus.
“Postgraduate students who enrol in
these programmes will acquire specialist
Advancing in data
management and analytics
knowledge to formulate solutions to complex
data problems across various business
settings. The skills shall also enable them to
turn raw data sets into meaningful
information to guide business decisions
better,” explains FICT’s programme head Ts
Dr Khor Siak Wang.
LKC FES’s programme head Dr Khor Kok
Chin adds, “Data management and analytics
help organisations utilise data and transform
them into new opportunities. Organisations
can also make business operations more
efficient, generate good profits and increase
customer satisfaction. The data will also
allow organisations to respond more quickly
to emerging market trends and gain
competitive advantages over competitors.
Overall, the data management and analytics
shall boost business performance.”
Apart from exposure to best practices, the
programmes offer good opportunities for
students to enhance their knowledge and
skills in data management and analytics.
It will enable them to develop professional
skills, giving them a competitive advantage
to strengthen their career prospects in data
science and skills to transform data into
valuable insights.
UTAR offers undergraduate and
postgraduate programmes in areas including
Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Applied
Mathematics, Arts, Chinese Studies, Malaysia
Postgraduate students acquire specialist knowledge at UTAR.
Benefits of switching
academic fields
A MAJORITY of people would prefer to
maintain the career paths set out by their
undergraduate studies, and for good reason –
it is often the safest option. All that time and
effort put into honing essential skills and
forming invaluable connections throughout
an undergraduate degree would be
undoubtedly beneficial to one’s career.
Switching academic fields would hence be a
complete abandonment of all that career
progress – right?
Why make the switch?
There are multiple boons to committing to
a new discipline – whether in benefitting
your current profession or helping with
switching career paths altogether. Firstly,
having a diversified skillset with aptitude in
multiple fields will only add value to your
resume moving forward – it helps distinguish
yourself from the pack. It also spotlights one’s
ability to learn and adapt, which is a valuable
skill in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
Finally, having more proficiencies only
widens up the options available to you in the
future, perhaps even in different industries.
As for those who are looking to switch
directions completely, a postgraduate
qualification will not only highlight your
commitment and tenacity in the new field – it
can be a great opportunity to showcase your
capability to new potential employers. The
course itself also ensures that the student’s
skill set remains sharp throughout, via
assignments and coursework. By the end of
their studies, graduates will surely be
equipped with the knowledge and skills for
any new endeavours.
Lastly, an often-overlooked utility that a
postgraduate provides – whichever field they
choose – is a fresh environment to begin
building a strong network. Throughout your
studies, you will be made to work alongside
talented peers under the tutelage of seasoned
veterans of the field. These peers and
veterans will undoubtedly serve as
invaluable connections later down the line –
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 JULY 2022
Studies, Business and Economics,
Biotechnology, Engineering and Build
Environment, Information and
Communication Technology, Life and
Physical Sciences, Medicine and Health
Sciences, Media and Journalism, Education
and General Studies, and Agriculture and
Food Science.
The university also engages in the
provision and conduct of research,
consultation, management and leadership
training, and other related educational
services at its Bandar Sungai Long and
Kampar campuses in Malaysia.
n For more information, call 05-468 8888
(Kampar Campus), 03-9086 0288 (Sungai
Long Campus) or visit www.utar.edu.my.
but it also provides an interesting
opportunity to learn from the unique
perspective of others.
Picking the right degree to embark on can
be quite a stressful decision, especially given
the sheer number of options available. As is
evident in the rising prominence of double
majors, those with multiple complementary
proficiencies are well sought-after in the
workplace. Hence, the first criteria should be
to pick a postgraduate course that improves
and complements your existing skill set – but
there are multiple ways of achieving this.
As for those who come from a technical
background akin to the likes of computer
science and medicine – there is an argument
to be made that greater specialisation is the
best way forward for them. That may very
well be true – however, in recent years,
many industries have begun to overlap with
one another. People with multiple technical
disciplines would therefore gain more
unique job opportunities in this up and
coming economy. For example, the finance
industry is quickly beginning to use
algorithms for technical analysis – creating
an environment where those familiar with
both computing and finance to perform
exceptionally.
Conversely, those with more general
undergraduate degrees should be looking to
specialise further. Finding a niche can be
just as important as diversifying; an English
major signifies a strong proficiency for
communication, but with no real channel to
do so. In such a case, a postgraduate in
Marketing – where communication is
integral – would complement an English
major rather effectively.
Overall, a postgraduate degree should be
in strong consideration as an effective
stepping stone for many. Not only does it
benefit those who are looking for ways to
improve both current and future career
prospects, but it also serves as an effective
method of rounding out an individual’s skill
set and resume – either via specialisation or
diversification.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 19 JULY 2022
DURING the most challenging periods of
restrictions and lockdowns in 2020 and 2021,
hundreds of our students were completing
their studies with us. In normal times, we
mark their awards with the time-honoured
university convention of a formal
graduation ceremony.
But these were not normal times. Most of
us were confined to our homes, meeting
each other and delivering our classes and
tutorials online. Coming together in large
numbers during that period was
unthinkable, let alone prohibited. We had
seen what happened to Covid-19 numbers in
response to mass gatherings.
It was important however to recognise the
achievements of our students as they
received their results. So, in place of a
physical graduation ceremony, our various
schools and departments hosted online
celebration events, bringing students and
their families together to mark the occasion.
We also made each and every graduate a
promise: as soon as we are able to, we owe
you a graduation ceremony.
This year, we were able to deliver on that
promise. In February, we gathered at the
University of Nottingham Malaysia’s (UNM’s)
campus for our first physical graduation
ceremony in two years. It was a joyous
occasion and a wonderful prelude to even
larger events held over two days in June. By
the end of that June weekend, we had
completed all of the formal graduation
ceremonies for those students who finished
their studies during those challenging two
years.
Graduation day is always a highlight of the
academic calendar. As tutors, we are always
immensely proud of seeing our former
students walk across the stage to rapturous
applause as they collect their scrolls. As
enjoyable as our online ceremonies were,
there is nothing quite like meeting very
proud parents and sharing our stories about
the success of their daughter or son.
Watching the large group of graduates
throw their hats into the air at the command
Making good on a promise
Assoc Prof Dr Pandya-Wood at the first physical graduation ceremony since the pandemic
in February this year.
of the photographer is a sight to be seen. So
too is that fleeting moment of feeling like a
celebrity as you stopped and asked to pose
for a photo.
A personal highlight for me came during
each of the six June ceremonies. We had
asked our colleagues to nominate one
graduate from each cohort to deliver a
valedictory speech on behalf of their
classmates.
Typically, these speeches feature
reflections on the time spent at university, a
word of thanks for the people who have
helped them along the way, and some stories
about how they came to study with us at
UNM.
Suffice to say, the speeches were brilliant,
filled with moving and inspiring testimony
about their individual journeys into and
experiences during university. I heard the
story of a student who had been knocked
back time and again because they could not
afford to study at university, only to find an
open door at UNM. She described this as a
life-changing moment. Others shared stories
of the various experiences they had during
Postgraduate 5
By ASSOC
PROF DR
JASON
PANDYA-
WOOD
university life that had set them up for their
emerging careers or further study.
Despite being delivered by different
students who may not even know one
another, there were unifying themes across
all of the speeches. Our graduates spoke of
the resilience they had shown in the face of
the unique challenges we experienced
during the lockdowns.
For some this meant being far away from
their families, isolated in student
accommodation blocks, and balancing the
demands of a busy assessment timetable.
They also spoke of support from their friends
and families, and from their course mates in
helping them get to the finish line.
I was heartened also to hear
acknowledgement of the important role our
staff played in not only supporting the
academic achievements of our students but
also in giving vital pastoral support.
As we plan ahead for our next graduation
ceremonies in July, I look forward to meeting
many more graduates and their families and
hearing their powerful stories. In time, I
shall look back on this extraordinary group
of students who achieved so much during an
extraordinary time.
n Assoc Prof Dr Jason Pandya-Wood is dean
of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at
the University of Nottingham Malaysia.