Swinburne - Teachers and the integration of ICT in education

Date posted: 30 April 2008

By Heng Kiat Sing

(Published in 'Campus & Beyond', a weekly column written by Swinburne academics in the Borneo Post newspaper)

During the past decade, there has been an increasing momentum in the world towards the use of ICT in schools. ICT is influencing the development of wide-ranging education policies in the world.

The idea to integrate ICT into the teaching and learning process is being adopted in the hope that it would change the pedagogy and learning outcomes of students.

If teachers were to make appropriate decisions regarding their use of ICT, they would need to be familiar with how ICT works and how it could be integrated into their learning areas.

Their views would be one of the most important factors in ensuring the successful integration of ICT into the learning areas.

Integrating the teachers’ views into an ICT development model would make the model relevant to the teachers. That is, if a school wishes to take full advantage of ICT, it is essential to implement a professional development model that factors in the teachers as part of the ICT delivery process.

The ICT model that I have designed does that. This model, which I have named the Professional Development Model, is presented in Figure 1.

(Source: K.S. Heng, 2004)

This model consists of five phases: leadership, teachers’ needs, sustained professional development, support and time. As the figure suggests, these five phases are linked in that each phase is dependent on the preceding phase being activated through an on-going collaborative process of development.

Leadership plays an influential factor in establishing and maintaining an ICT policy within schools. The policy makers need to incorporate the rationale for integrating ICT into the learning areas and the methods of achieving the outcomes in the ICT plan.

This is due to the fact that teachers need to understand how the integration of ICT will change their roles, pedagogical skills and classroom management.

Next, teachers’ needs have to be considered before arranging any professional development activities. This is crucial as professional development activities involve a great deal of resources such as time, finance and manpower.

If professional development is perceived by teachers as irrelevant to their classroom practice, then the effort invested in preparation will be wasted.

Thus, teachers’ involvement in the process of developing and updating school policies regarding the implementation of ICT is strongly encouraged.

Furthermore, ongoing and sustained professional development programmes for teachers are required and not just ‘one-off’ sessions. These sessions need to be conducted on-site so that there will be a match between the needs of teachers and activities.

In addition to that, teachers need ongoing support in terms of opportunity to collaborate, technical support and resources. Thus, implementation of a mentoring programme is necessary. This programme provides a vehicle for teachers to share their thoughts and to develop their relationships.

Through this programme, teachers who are the competent users of ICT could become mentors to teachers who are less competent in using ICT.

The establishment of an ICT committee in schools in solving the technical problems is recommended. This effort is crucial to avoid the disruption to the ICT-related activities that were scheduled by teachers and to enable teachers to focus their attention on their learning areas, rather than worry about the technical problems.

Time is a crucial factor in order for teachers to apply their skill and knowledge into their classroom. Time needs to be allocated for teachers to reflect upon their professional development activities.

Moreover, teachers also need time to practise their skills, to engage in collaborative activities and to prepare ICT-related activities for their learning areas.

If the ICT professional development activities are held during the school days, then relief teaching and timetabling need to be organised systematically. 

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TATI University College - 2010 Terengganu State Distinction & Skilled Student Development Program

2010 Terengganu State Distinction & Skilled Student Development Program

KEMAMAN, 13 June 2011: The successful operation of 2010 Terengganu State Distinction & Skilled Student Development  Program Course reflects the benefits gained by the participants involving all SPM leavers from all over Terengganu State as the strong effort from the State Government to train and give exposure to SPM school leavers on the skills available at the State’s Institution of Higher Learning, especially at TATIUC. Apparently all participants gain good advantages especially in terms of skill upgrading courses conducted at TATIUC. Teaching facilities and expertise offered by TATIUC are fully leveraged to provide training and knowledge to the participants. Many participants who may not know these courses at TATIUC now have been exposed to the latest knowledge skills which can contribute in attracting them to learn more in the near future. The TATIUC is proud with the results of this effort as they also contribute indirectly the facilities and the expertise in enhancing the student skills of the State of Terengganu. TATIUC has successfully trained over 144 students who have recently completed the SPM 2010. They have conducted 7 courses in increasing the skills among SPM school leavers such as Multimedia & Graphic Design, Milling & Turning Basics, Basic Industrial Design/Draughtsman, Motorized Vehicle Maintenance, Basic Photography & Video Editing, PC Maintenance & Assembly and Basic Electrical & Electronics. TATI University College will continue to function as the centre of knowledge in producing high-skilled students in various fields. This all at once can fulfill the government’s vision in producing more skilled workers among the locals to meet the needs of the industrial sectors in this country. With the expertise and facilities available at TATIUC, it is highly believed that the goal to produce more technocrats will be achieved. The participants that TATIUC have engendered are the main medium to promote this institution to today’s society.  Positive developments from time to time have helped the progress of TATI University College. In the vibrancy of academic development agenda, TATIUC never leaves the aspect of human capital development. These participants have been taught with the spirit and the genuine principles of self-esteem so that they are able to compete at the higher level. It is hoped that this program will continue to be conducted at TATIUC in the future. A great appreciation to all those involved in the success of this course and hope that all participants will succeed to further studies at higher learning and as well as will be able to contribute something meaningful to the families and the society. Click here. :)

UTAR students share ICT passion with others

UNIVERSITI Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) students Vico Vicknesh and Derek

Chan from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT),

won first prize at the inaugural Microsoft Student Ambassador Award.

The award was presented by Microsoft Malaysia at the 2nd Microsoft

Student Ambassador Boot Camp held at a Petaling Jaya hotel.

The award presented in December was in recognition of the contributions

and achievements of Microsoft Student Ambassadors (MSA).

The determinants for success were based on the number of events

organised by the Student Ambassadors (technical talks, seminars,

contests), how far their peers benefited from the events, and the student

ambassadors' contributions beyond their campuses.

Tan Teik Boon, a FICT lecturer who recommended the students for this

programme, shares in their joy.

"I am pleased with their achievements as this is the first time

Microsoft has presented this award and our students have won it. This is

memorable. They deserved it for their efforts and dedication as

ambassadors. They did an excellent job in promoting the awareness of

Microsoft technology not only at UTAR but in other institutions of higher

learning," Tan said.

Lai Hoong Fai, academic programmes advisor with Microsoft Malaysia,

said Vico and Chan possessed the qualities student ambassadors should

have.

"They are passionate about technology, committed to the cause, and

willing to share their experiences with other MSAs," Lai added.

Vico, a final-year Computer Science student, said: "The passion of our

audience is the most satisfying reward. At the end of the day, what

really matters is whether we have delivered the information to our peers."

The programme is part of Microsoft's goal to drive the national agenda

for higher learning, producing industry-class graduates and raising

Malaysia's competitiveness by preparing the country for the knowledge

economy.

Vico and Chan are among the pioneer participants from 12 public and

private institutions of higher learning taking part in the programme.

MSA is a group of students who is passionate about technology and wants

to share its knowledge with its peers.

Lai said: "Both Vico and Derek have reached out to over 2,100 students

in fewer than 10 months through events, online communities and

competitions at UTAR, other universities and colleges including UPM, UM,

MMU, KDU and APIIT.

Chan, a second-year Computer Science student, said: "The MSA programme

trained us to speak in public, manage our time and learn how to organise

events."

Vico said: "Apart from the opportunity to network with students and

people from the industries, we have been exposed to see technologies in

the real world." For details, tel: 03- 79582628/ 016-2233559; email:

dam@mail. utar.edu.my; or log on to: www. utar.edu.my

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PROGRAM CELIK ICT - UNIRAZAK

Sekumpulan pelajar IT dari tingkatan 5 dan 4 telah dipelawa menyertai program Celik ICT anjuran Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK) pada hari ini. Rombongan berlepas dari pekarangan sekolah menaiki bas ke UNIRAZAK dan sampai pada jam 10.00 pagi. Sesi pengenal telah disampaikan oleh Dekan Fakulti Teknologi Maklumat UNIRAZAK - Prof Dr.Syed Maloek F.D bin Syed Mustapha. Seterusnya sesi penerangan peluang kerjaya dalam bidan ICT disampaikan oleh Dr.Kalaivani - yang telah mencelikkan mata pelajar tentang pelbagai peluang pekerjaan yang menanti mereka di pasaran Malaysia pada masa kini. Selepas makan tengahari dan rehat, sesi petang diisi pula dengan penerangan mengelak daripada serangan pengodam (hackers) dan sedikit sebanyak cara-cara pengodam menjalankan kegiatan mereka. Program Slot 1 ini berakhir kira-kira jam 3.30 petang dan rombongan bertolak balik ke KKB dan selamat sampai pada jam 5.00 petang. Slot kedua berupa Seminar ICT yang akan dijalankan di sekolah akan diadakan pada 12hb Mei 2010 (Rabu).

 Gambar 1 : Bersama Dr Syed Malek Dekan Fakulti Teknologi Maklumat UNIRAZAK. 2. Sumbangan cendahati oleh Dr.Kalaivani (Pensyarah Kanan UNIRAZAK). 3. Gambar pelajar bersama pengelola program.






















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UniRazak helps bridge ICT gap with new course

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KLMUC - RM8mil in scholarships to be given out via MCA-KLMUC tie-up

Tuesday April 12, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth has embarked on five years of collaboration with Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College (KLMUC), which will see the college offering RM8mil worth of scholarships and financial assistance to needy Chinese students each year.

Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the financial assistance would be given to students with average academic results, including those who scored less than five credits in SPM and a cumulative grade point average of less than three in the STPM.

“We will also give priority to students from poor or single-parent families,” he said during the cheque presentation ceremony here yesterday.

He said a selection committee had been set up to ensure that eligible students were chosen for the scholarships and financial assistance.

Dr Wee, who is also Deputy Education Minister, said the movement's education bureau had organised 34 counselling sessions for SPM and STPM school leavers, which had attracted 8,480 students and their parents.

“From these counselling sessions, we are also able to identify students who need financial aid,” he said.

Cosmopoint group president Datuk Idrus Mohd Satha said the college wanted to ensure that students with limited financial resources were given the opportunity to get quality higher education.

“We want to ensure that they are not being left out of the education system,” he said.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who witnessed the ceremony, said the party did not only give priority to top students but was also mindful of those with average academic results.

He said the MCA was looking into upgrading the status of Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman to that of a university college to ensure a higher quality of education.

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Masterskill University - Much equips students with netbooks

Friday April 8, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR: Masterskill University College of Health Sciences (Much) purchased 10,000 X100e ultraportable notebooks from Lenovo Malaysia for use by its students.

The move is part of the university's "One Student, One Netbook" project to equip its students with the right learning tool in their quest for knowledge.

To date, 5,000 netbooks have been delivered to the university, with the remaining units expected to be sent before year end.

According to university vice-chancellor Datuk Professor Dr Nik Rahimah Nik Yacob, Much is already seeing a significant return on its investment.

"The netbooks are used by the students on and off campus, and gives them constant access to the Internet and Much online resources, such as course materials that enable them to prepare for their lectures," she said.

The project has also helped raise efficiency and productivity levels of the lecturers.

According to Nik Rahimah, the inclusion of Lenovo's ThinkVantage Technologies - a set of system support utilities - is another reason why the university selected the netbook.

"Like any large organisation, the Much IT-team has the unenviable task of managing and administering the netbooks to ensure that they are constantly updated to help maximise system performance and minimise security risk," she said.

The IT team leverages on the ThinkVantage System Update feature that intelligently knows the status of any PC. It can sort through available updates and select the ones needed by each device.

When the students move between wireless and wired environments, the ThinkVantage Access Connection is smart enough to make the appropriate connections without any user intervention.

Also, with the ThinkVantage Rescue & Recovery system, most system corruptions can be corrected in three minutes or less, making this the fastest recovery solution available in the market today, according to Lenovo.

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Nottingham - New Nottingham graduates join 200,000 global alumni

Successful students at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus who graduated at the recent graduation ceremony joins 200,000 alumni members of the university worldwide. Close to 700 students from engineering, business, computer science, management and other disciplines graduated at a ceremony hosted by Professor Christine Ennew, Pro Vice Chancellor of Internationalisation of The University of Nottingham and Professor Ian Pashby, CEO & Provost of The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

“Our students are highly sought after by employers and I had the pleasure of meeting some students who have already secured employment in their chosen fields long before the results were announced,” said Professor Ian Pashby.

“A Nottingham graduate has a truly international qualification from one of UK’s leading universities and they form the next generation of knowledge leaders who will address issues we face today on climate change, food security and rapidly changing technology and customer needs

I am confident that our students are able to achieve and address the challenges of the working world. This year alone they have successfully organised two major student led initiatives the Charity Carnival and Green Week” Professor Pashby said.

Many prominent members of Malaysian society are Nottingham graduates, they include: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia; Former Kings, DYMM Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-lah, Sultan of Perak; and: the late DYMM Tuanku Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the former Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri, Sembilan and renowned senior members of the Malaysian judicial system.

At the recent graduation ceremony, Honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred to Y.A.M Tunku Imran Ibni Tunku Ja’afar and Y.Bhg. Dato’ Dr. Michael O.K. Yeoh.

Y.A.M Tunku Imran Ibni Tunku Ja’afar

Tengku Imran, an alumnus of The University of Nottingham is the youngest of His His Royal Highness, Tuanku Ja’afar, the late Yang DiPertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. He received his early education At the King's School Canterbury, UK and obtained an LLB Honours from The University of Nottingham in 1970.

Tunku Imran is the second son of His Royal Highness, Tuanku Ja'afar, the late Yang DiPertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.Tunku Imran was educated in the United Kingdom at the King's School Canterbury from 1956 to 1966, and Nottingham University from 1967 to 1970 where he obtained an LLB (Hons). He was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1971.

He joined the Malaysian National Corporation - PERNAS as its Representative in Indonesia and later the Group Company Secretary. He joined the Haw Par Group in 1973 as its Managing Director until 1976.  He became the Chief Executive Officer of the Antah Group of Companies since its formation until February 2001. He is currently the Chairman of Syarikat Pesaka Antah Sdn Bhd.

He also the Chairman of public listed companies including Aluminum Company of Malaysia Berhad and Lafarge Malayan Cement Berhad.

Apart from business commitments, Tunku Imran is a Director of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, a member of the Court of Fellows of Malaysian Institute of Management, and the Malaysian-British Business Council (MBBC). He is also the immediate Past President of Badan Warisan Malaysia (Heritage of Malaysia Trust), the present Chairman of the Bankers’ Club of Kuala Lumpur and a founder member of the Board of Trustees of Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar.

In the field of sports, Tunku Imran is President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, a member of the Management Board of National Sports Council of Malaysia, Founding Chairman of the Foundation for Malaysian Sporting Excellence (SportExcel), President of Taekwondo Malaysia (WTF) and Patron of the Malaysian Cricket Association of which he was President from 1990 to 2011

Tunku Imran is a member of the International Olympic Committee and its (IOC) Sport & Law Commission, and Sport for All Commission, sits on the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS), and is an Executive Council member of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). He is also Patron of the World Squash Federation and was its President from 1989 to 1996. He is a Vice-President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Honorary Life President of the Southeast Asian Games Federation. He was an Executive Board Member of the International Cricket Council from 1997-1999 and again from 2001-2008. He was Malaysia's National Squash Champion in 1973 and also a member of the Malaysian cricket tour team to Hong Kong in 1971. He was Malaysia's Chef-de-Mission to the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. In June 1991, he was conferred the National Sports' Leadership Award by the King of Malaysia, in 1992 the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) conferring the title of 'Tan Sri', and in 1999 the Darjah Seri Utama Negeri Sembilan (SPNS) conferring the title of ‘Dato’ Seri Utama’.

In April 2004, Tunku Imran was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Newport University, U.S.A., and in March 2009, he was awarded an International Honorary Doctorate from the United States Sports Academy (USSA) for his outstanding leadership and achievement in sports and sports-related professions.

In June 2009 he was selected as the Global winner of the Lifetime Service Award for the Pepsi ICC Development Program Annual Awards 2008 in recognition of his contribution to the growth of cricket as a global sport.

Y.Bhg. Dato’ Dr. Michael O.K. Yeoh.

Y.Bhg Dato’ Dr. Michael O.K. Yeoh is Co-Founder & CEO of the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI). As CEO of ASLI, he conceptualised and founded the World Ethics & Transparency Forum, the World Islamic Economic Forum, the World Chinese Economic Forum, the ASEAN Leadership Forum and the Asia Economic Summit. He also established the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) to undertake independent public policy research.

He helped set up the Malaysia-US Business Council, the Malaysian-British Business Council, the Malaysia-Russia Business Council and Malaysia-Indonesia Business Council where he serves as Executive Director of these Business Councils. He is also Joint Secretary-General of the Malaysia-China Business Council, the ASEAN Business Forum and the Corporate Malaysia Roundtable.

Dato’ Yeoh’s Boardroom experience includes sitting on boards of media, finance, property, tourism and education companies.

His management career covers over 10 years experience in the financial sector where he was Principal Adviser and Executive Vice-President of Southern Bank as well as 20 years consulting experience. He was also a Director of SB Venture Capital Corporation and SBB Capital Markets Sdn Bhd. He sat on the Board of SBB Asset Management Company (then Malaysia’s second largest fund management company managing over RM5 bill – USD1.5 bill assets, prior to the merger with CIMB Bank).

He was appointed by the Prime Minister and Government of Malaysia to be Malaysia’s Representative (with Ambassadorial status) on the new ASEAN High Level Task Force set up by the ASEAN Heads of States and Governments which developed the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan focusing on ICT, Education, Human Capital Development, Transport, Power and Energy, adopted at the 17th ASEAN Summit. contributing his time to National Service, he served on the First and Second National Economic Consultative Council.

He was appointed by the Prime Minister to the National Unity Advisory Panel and the Royal Commission on Police. He was a Commissioner on Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) and served as Chairman of its Economic, Cultural and Social Rights Working Group. In April 2011, he was appointed by the Prime Minister in Malaysia’s new Competition Commission.

He was also appointed by the Minister of Finance Incorporated to sit on the Board of Directors of Malaysia’s National Heart Institute. He was a Co-Founder and Director of Prime College and MSC-Syme Business School (set up in association with Australia’s Monash University). He was also Executive Director of Sunway College and currently sits on the Council of the Wawasan Open University. He was Managing Director of Malaysian Strategic Consultancy (the then Malaysian Representative of Stanford Research Institute).

He also sat on the Board of Star newspapers.

He graduated in Economics & Accounting from Monash University and did his practical accounting training with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Melbourne. He has attended the Aresty Institute of Wharton School in USA, the Melbourne Business School and UCLA’s Graduate School of Management. A Certified Management Consultant, he specialises in Corporate Strategic Planning, Asian Strategy and Political Economy. He is Vice-President of Malaysian Institute of Directors, Member of the Institute of Directors, UK and Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Management.

Dato’ Yeoh has written several books on Management, Leadership and Malaysian Politics such as Vision & Leadership, Management Strategies for Malaysian Companies, Globalization and the New South and the Malaysian Chinese. A sought after speaker, he has addressed international conferences and forums organised by the Asia Society New York, World Economic Forum, Confederation of Indian Industry, China Development Institute, Young Presidents Organization, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Singapore, Michigan Business School, Wilton Park UK, the Monash Asia Institute Australia and the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN).

For more information on University of Nottingham Graduate Association, please consult:http://www.nottingham.org.my.

For more information on courses offered at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, please consult:http://www.nottingham.edu.my/Departments. Alternatively please e-mail us at enquiries@nottingham.edu.my for local students and international@nottingham.edu.my for international students.

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Nilai University College

Article on Nilai UC's Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme in New Straits Times

12 DECEMBER 2008

Taylor's University - Eager to start

Sunday April 24, 2011

NOW armed with practical tips and the know-how of producing a magazine, students in Perak are eager to get started on the Mag Inc 2011 contest.

More than 360 of them from upper primary and secondary schools all over the state attended the contest workshop held at SM Teknik Ipoh recently.

The workshop was conducted by Taylor’s University School of Communication lecturer Natasha Mohd Hishamudin and The Star columnist Nithya Sidhhu.

The annual Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) contest, jointly organised by The Star and Pizza Hut, will see students producing a creative three-page mini magazine based on the theme “Speak Out!”

Students looking at last year’s winning entries during the workshop.

Sidhhu explained the rules and regulations of the contest including common mistakes that students may make in submitting their entries.

Student Aaron Ong, 17, from SMK St. Michael said there were lots of useful information in the workshop which the team found helpful as they were newcomers.

”My team plans to focus on the sub-topic of relationships between teachers and students and hopefully readers, especially adults, would understand how youths think,” he said.

Meanwhile, M. Dhasneswaran, 11, from SK Methodist (ACS) Kampar was excited he could produce a magazine based on his interest.

”I like video games so together with my teammates, we are eager to create a magazine on that topic,” he said.

At the workshop, students also learnt the use and importance of various elements found in a magazine such as the editor’s note, masthead, and background visuals.

A mini contest was held with participants racing to outline rough concepts in their magazine.

SMK Jalan Pasir Puteh students, who focused on stress management during examinations, were announced as winners in the mini contest.

”The small win has boosted our confidence and we will do our best in the contest,” said 16-year-old Victor Leong.

Meanwhile, teachers present at the workshop said the Mag Inc contest was a perfect platform to encourage students to read and improve their command of the English language.

SM Teknik Ipoh English teacher Anita Mohd, 38, said many students do not read the newspapers and also frequently used SMS-type English.

“With the contest I see more students reading the newspapers and becoming more interested in improving their English language skills,” she said.

Participants were also reminded to produce authentic, creative entries and to avoid plagiarism.

For this year’s contest, Taylor’s College and Taylor’s University are sponsoring scholarships worth up to RM150,000.

Grand prize winners can choose between three options: to enrol in any of Taylor’s Colle-ge Pre-U courses (SAM/ICT/Cambridge, worth RM100,000 collectively), or to enrol in Taylor’s University Foundation Studies or Diploma studies (worth RM150,000 collectively).

Apart from the scholarships, the Upper Secondary category grand prize winners will join the grand prize winners from the Lower Secondary and Primary levels for a four-day, three night all expenses-paid-trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, courtesy of The Star and Pizza Hut.

The runners-up in those three categories will be heading to Resorts World Genting for a three-day, two-night stay, courtesy of Resorts World Genting.

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Taylor's University - A good start

Sunday February 8, 2009

THe new, technology-enabled Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas campus recently opened its doors to about 350 pre-university students, all enrolled in either the Cambridge A-Levels or South Australian Matriculation programme.

The contemporary furnishings, coupled with lots of open spaces, zesty colours and free wi-fi access seem to have scored points for the students who lauded the “high tech” study environment.

Students at the new Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas campus were in high spirits.

“Today’s students are more attuned to technology. For this reason, we place greater emphasis on the use of ICT for teaching and learning here. Our teaching revolves around student-centred learning,” said Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas’ Cambridge A-Levels programme director Ananda Kumaresh.

“We integrate our teaching and learning framework with extensive use of technology,” said Cambridge A-Levels academic department head Hariandra Muthu.

“This means our students have easier access to our teaching resources. For example, lecture notes are given out in soft copy, revision lessons are offered in audio and video recordings, and downloads are enabled using Bluetooth — all made available on Blackboard 7, a web-based course management software,” he added.

Located close to Mont Kiara, Damansara and Kuala Lumpur, Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas offers time- and money-saving solutions for students who no longer need to travel to Subang Jaya, Selangor, for their pre-university education.

“Besides, this new campus is much nearer to my house, so I managed to convince my dad to let me study here.”

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Nilai University College | Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

NILAI University College And AST – the Winning combination

Nilai International University College (NUC) launched its Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme on 29Nov 2007. The ceremony was officiated by the Director-General of Department of Civil Aviation, Malaysia, Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman.

One of the key speakers at the ceremony was Peter Farrow. He is the Chief Executive of Air Services Training (Engineering) Ltd, United Kingdom (AST). Upon receiving the appropriate approvals, AST will be working closely with NUC as an external examiner for the much-vaunted European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Part 66 Category B1-1 examinations. Successful NUC students will therefore benefit from having both a Diploma as well as an internationally recognised qualification in the stringent quality assurance environment of aviation.

We caught up with him during his visit to NUC’s award-winning 105-acre campus. He went to great lengths to spell out why his organisation is entering into a partnership with NUC.

How would you describe AST’s role in the partnership with NUC?

Basically, it is to look at the syllabus NUC has put together and we will advise NUC on any issues that may be important; in particular, the Part 66 Licence syllabus. And of course, once the appropriate approval has been given, to deliver the approved European Aviation Safety Agency examinations to students undertaking the diploma at NUC.

You flew 6,000 miles just to be here for the launch. How important is this tie-up with NUC for your organisation?

It’s very important. AST has always had worldwide reach. We’ve always conducted training for international organisations and we’ve had a very large interaction with the Malaysian market since the 1970s. We see this as the natural extension to what we do. We deliver the approved courses in Scotland but it is also important that we take our training delivery out to host nations so they too can benefit from Part 66 training in their own territory. As such, it is particularly important to find the right partner in that country who can aspire to the highest standard required. The AST campus houses around 100 students and demand far exceeds supply. By using other campuses in other organisations around the world, it enables us to offer the training and approved examinations to far more students. Nilai UC meets all these criteria as it has a campus that includes accommodation as well as the proper teaching facilities for conducting this programme.

Is this arrangement between AST and NUC the first of its kind? Will you be seeking to have more similar arrangements in other countries?

It is not the first of its kind but is rather unique. At the moment, AST has tie-ups with other organisations in other countries. Principally though, those are airline’s maintenance organisations who wish their staff to have the Part 66 training and qualifications. However, this is the first time that we have tied the Part 66 with an academic award programme. In a lot of the other organisations, we are teaching the existing engineering staff. What we are looking at here in Malaysia with NUC is the fact that we have fresh school leavers with no experience. They will be the new engineering staff of the future for many of the airline maintenance companies. This is good because rather than recycling current engineering staff, we have a strategy for producing new aircraft maintenance engineering staff.

Please describe what benefits will AST bring to this partnership.

AST was formed in 1934 and since that time we have trained about 15,000 engineers from the entire world. So AST has a long history of in aeronautical engineering, in particular in terms of licencing. What we can bring to this partnership is our reputation of quality and excellence. We also provide the training materials and the expertise that will guide NUC and help them through the early stages. And obviously as we move through this process, NUC itself will gain an expertise. Ultimately, we are hoping that in partnership with NUC we can also offer similar courses to other areas in the Asia Pacific region. So there are benefits for both partners as AST has its reputation, training materials and approvals while NUC is an education institution of great standing within Malaysia and in the region. Like AST, it is independent of any other controls and has an international student body, so really the two organisations sit very well together.

How can you persuade parents that this Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme is a viable option for their child?

Basically, there are three routes to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, particularly to licencing. There are students who like to take the Approved Course where they will do two years on an Approved Course and then two years of maintenance experience, then move onto licencing. There those who like to take the sort of programme we have here at NUC, which is a Diploma award programme with the licencing exams as well. There are those who gain employment in the industry and try picking the job as they go a long. Now given that the Approved Course is a very expensive option for many, I feel that the course NUC is delivering here is going to be very useful in that it will give students the necessary skills and knowledge. The NUC programme is a faster track into the industry and it also means that when these students get to the shop floor and hangars, they will have some pre-existing knowledge that they can apply. So I say to parents whose child has decided to go into engineering, in particular the area of aeronautical engineering, this programme offers the best of both worlds. It has academic rigour and will have the benefit of the Part 66 Category Aircraft Maintenance licence examination (pending approval). It is one of the ideal routes to get into the industry.

The EASA Part 66 Category B1-1 qualification is obviously a key selling point of NUC’s programme. How would you stress this aspect to potential students?EASA is the legal body within Europe that legislates against all aviation matters such as air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, pilots and so on. EASA has brought what is possibly the newest and best licencing system into being. It is aimed at today’s modern aircraft and it doesn’t matter whether they are large airliners, small corporate jets or even some general aviation. It is a certification qualification that is very much of the moment. It is up-to-date. The EASA Part 66 along with the Part 1 for Maintenance is rapidly becoming the world standard for licencing. Thus many countries that align itself with the UK’s British Civil Aviation Regulations (BCAR) system are now converting to the EASA system. It has wide appeal in countries such as China and virtually throughout the entire Asia Pacific region, certainly a lot of the Middle East countries and Europe.

Not only does it add quality and an appropriate standard to the training here, it gives students the opportunity to work outside Malaysia. It is a worldwide industry and this is a worldwide qualification.

As an external examiner, your organisation obviously gives this programme extra credence. Please elaborate.

AST is the approval holder. So AST is approved by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, and of course, by default, EASA. So our role is to make sure that the standards and quality of the exams are consistent and that they represent a fair and accurate description of a student’s level of knowledge. AST and NUC may in the future also decide to move into some delivery of approved training here and perhaps some other areas such as pilot ground school training. This is really just the beginning.

There is a shortage of qualified Aircraft Maintenance personnel worldwide. Why is there such a gap given that most industries will reflect the demand and supply?

The reason for this shortage is two-fold. The industry was in a very slight downturn at the time of Sep11. Also in the Asia Pacific region, there was the SARS epidemic while in the UK there was an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. All these didn’t help the tourism industry and as such, the industry that was already experiencing a slight downturn was driven much deeper into that downturn. Additionally, there was not necessarily the demand for world travel at the time. What we have seen now is an industry in recovery following those tragic events but also an increase need for aviation travel particularly in the Asia Pacific region. The shortage is two-fold as the existing engineer’s age is getting higher and many airlines did not engage in any training of engineers during the downturn. Coupled with the increase in air travel, there is now a huge demand for aircraft maintenance personnel.

In which countries is the demand particularly high?

China has expressed a need for 210,000 aircraft maintenance workers in the next five years. That is an astounding number of jobs. Singapore may be a small country but Singapore International Airlines has 90 aircraft in their fleet. India is also seeing an exponential increase in air travel. Aircraft orders from India for Boeing and Airbus planes are absolutely breathtaking. The Middle East is another region that has shown tremendous growth.

Why would you recommend NUC’s Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering to students and parents?

The main drive is the fact that it does match the Part 66 syllabus, so it gives students a good understanding of the standards of Part 66. (Upon approval) it offers them the ability to take the approved examinations which is an obvious bonus. The programme also offers practical training on operational aircraft. There are many diploma courses that don’t do that and are purely theoretical courses. Most engineers will tell you, a person cannot read a book and be an engineer. In NUC’s Diploma programme, students will be graduating with grease under their fingernails that will allow them to put into practice their theoretical knowledge.

How would you describe the graduate’s prospects?

In the short term, they will find themselves readily employable principally because they will be offering any potential employer a thorough grounding in aircraft maintenance knowledge. With all the Part 66 modules, graduates only need to meet the work experience requirement before they can apply for the engineering licence to be issued. In the longer term, if they opt to do the Bsc degree, graduates can look towards moving into supervisory and managerial positions.

How would you describe the remuneration rewards in this industry?

In most parts of the industry, the salaries for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers would be of a very high order. Good quality engineers with the right certification at the moment are difficult to find. Thus the remuneration is very high for these engineers.

In your expert opinion, what is the best aspect of being involved in this industry as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

It is a very dynamic industry. Even the oldest aircraft has the most modern avionics on board. If a person in interested in engineering and aviation, it means they will work with some of the most modern technologies seen anywhere. It gives them the opportunity to assimilate knowledge and gain expertise when an unusual aircraft fault occurs; they can quickly, efficiently and safely sort that out. It is a great buzz to see a plane you have certified as air worthy take off and later the pilot reports that it worked like clockwork. It is a very rewarding career.

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