Lowyat.NET: Latest topics in Education Essentials

Masters in Biomedical Engineering, Masters Abroad

missbriganza — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:34:36 +0800

Hi everyone,

I'm an Indian Biomedical Engineering graduate planning to pursue a Master's abroad. I'm currently considering NUS/NTU Singapore and also Japan.

If anyone here is studying or has studied at NUS, NTU, or a Japanese university, could you please guide me on admissions, scholarships, costs, and student/research experience?

I'm particularly interested in Biomedical Engineering, medical imaging and ultrasound.

Would really appreciate any advice or personal experience. Thanks!

Guide to Graduate Studies at Peking University,

abocide — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:03:36 +0800

Guide to Graduate Studies at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School for International Students (2027 Intake)
1. Application Timeline
The 2027 international graduate admissions cycle at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School (PKU Shenzhen) is expected to open around late October and close in December 2026. While official 2027 dates are not yet released, the 2026 cycle ran from October 20 to December 23, 2025. Based on this pattern, applicants should prepare to submit materials by late December 2026.

Important exception: English-taught master's programs often have extended deadlines. For reference, in the 2026 cycle, English-taught master's programs at PKU Shenzhen accepted applications until March 31, 2026, and English-taught doctoral programs until February 28, 2026.

2. Admissions Method: “Application–Review” (No Written Entrance Exam)
PKU Shenzhen adopts an “application–review” selection process for international students, which means there is no standardized written entrance examination. Instead, your entire profile—academic background, research proposal, references, and language ability—is evaluated holistically.

Selection is a two-stage process: initial document review by the admissions office, followed by academic assessment (which may include an interview) conducted by the relevant school or department.

3. Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must meet the following basic conditions:

Nationality: Non-Chinese citizen holding a valid foreign passport. Former Chinese citizens who acquired foreign nationality must have held a valid foreign passport or proof of nationality before April 30, 2020, and must provide proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality.

Academic qualifications:

Master's applicants: a bachelor's degree or above recognized by China's Ministry of Education.

Doctoral applicants: a master's degree or above. Outstanding bachelor's degree holders may apply directly for doctoral programs in science and engineering fields.

Language proficiency: Must meet the specific requirements of the intended program (see Section 6 below).

Character: Physically and mentally healthy, of good conduct, with no criminal record, and willing to abide by Chinese laws and university regulations.

4. Application Materials
All applications are submitted through the Peking University International Student Online Service System at studyatpku.com. The required documents typically include:

Degree certificate and verification report (in Chinese or English; notarized translations required for documents in other languages). Graduates from overseas institutions must provide a verification report from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE); graduates from Chinese institutions must provide a verification report from CHSI (学信网). Current students may submit a certificate of expected graduation and must submit the final degree certificate before enrollment.

Official transcripts from your previous institution (original or notarized copy, in Chinese or English).

Personal statement in the teaching language of the program, briefly describing your academic background and focusing on your research plan. Approximately 1,500 characters for master's applicants and 3,000 characters for doctoral applicants. Template available at: isd.pku.edu.cn/cn/down/brochures.php?cate=13[reference:9].

Curriculum vitae and application commitment letter (template downloadable from the same link above).

Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors in your field (or experts with equivalent professional titles), in Chinese or English. Recommenders will receive a system-generated email link to submit their letters online.

5. Thesis Language
Dissertations at PKU Shenzhen are generally written in English, which is a significant advantage for international students whose Chinese is not yet fluent. This applies broadly across programs, though some coursework and daily life may still benefit from basic Chinese proficiency.

6. Schools, Programs, and Research Directions
PKU Shenzhen comprises nine schools offering a wide range of master's and doctoral programs. Here is an overview of key options:

School Program Degree Duration Teaching Language
School of Information Engineering Computer Science and Technology Master's 3 years Chinese
Computer Science and Technology Doctoral 4–5 years Chinese
Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering Master's 3 years Chinese
Communication and Information Systems Doctoral 4–5 years Chinese
School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology Chemistry (Chemical Genomics) Doctoral 5 years Chinese & English
School of Environment and Energy Environmental Science / Environmental Engineering Master's 3 years Chinese & English
School of Urban Planning and Design Territorial Spatial Planning Master's 3 years Chinese & English
School of Advanced Materials Materials Science and Engineering Master's / Doctoral 3 / 4–5 years Chinese & English
School of AI for Science AI for Science (CS / Materials / Biology) Master's / Doctoral 3 / 4–5 years Chinese
HSBC Business School Finance / Management / Economics Master's / Doctoral 2 / 4 years English
School of Transnational Law Law (J.D. / LL.M.) Master's 4 years Chinese & English
Source: PKU Shenzhen 2026 International Student Admissions Guide

For students interested in large model networks, AI infrastructure, blockchain, or agent networks, the ICNLab at PKU Shenzhen is worth exploring. The lab focuses on next-generation AI architecture and system optimization, and is involved in China's National Science and Technology Major Project on large model architecture and system co-optimization. Contact: ndnlab@pku.edu.cn | Website: icnlab.cn.

7. Scholarships
International students may apply for several scholarship programs before or after enrollment:

Scholarship Provider Eligibility Coverage
Chinese Government Scholarship Ministry of Education All international students Full or partial
Chinese Government Scholarship – University Independent Enrollment Program Ministry of Education Master's & doctoral applicants Full or partial
Peking University International Student Scholarship PKU Master's & doctoral applicants Varies
Confucius Institute Scholarship Hanban Chinese language teaching students Varies
Beijing Municipal Government Scholarship Beijing Municipality Undergrad & master's (economics, management, finance only) One-time award
Application timing for the Chinese Government Scholarship is typically December–January (consult the Chinese embassy or designated agency in your country). Other scholarships have separate application windows announced annually.

Additionally, some schools offer special scholarships for international students. For example, the Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship provides ¥20,000 RMB per student for programs located in Shenzhen.

8. Key Takeaways for Applicants
Start preparing early: The application window is short (roughly two months). Have your degree verification, transcripts, and recommendation letters ready before the portal opens.

Reach out to potential supervisors: While not formally required, contacting faculty in your research area (especially for doctoral applications) can strengthen your application and clarify research fit.

Choose your program language wisely: English-taught programs offer greater flexibility, but Chinese-taught programs may open access to more supervisors and research funding.

Apply for scholarships simultaneously: Scholarship deadlines often coincide with or precede admission deadlines. Check the Peking University International Students Office website isdplus.pku.edu.cn for updates.

Monitor the official portal: All announcements, deadlines, and application submissions go through studyatpku.com. Register early and complete your profile before the busy submission period.

Is it worth taking a masters in finance/econs?, Especially from non related degree

Dilireba — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:50:36 +0800

My degree is in engineering. But I've since pivoted into something related to finance/econs.

Should I go into a masters degree? Will it help climb the ladder or get better jobs in that field?

Or is it regardless if you got master or not you still kena hantam as kuli. Even if you ahve a few years under your belt?

I heard finance sector don't care and very lansi one. You got phd also they treat you like junior kuli.

Seek for help/advise to change IPG campus, Received IPG offer but want change campu

benny_s — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:07:54 +0800

Hi Bro/Sis

i would like to seek advise/help from u guys that i would like to change IPG campus as i received offer for Sabah campus..

Appreciate your kind advise on the procedure and experience sharing.

Million Thanks!

4 across 3 vs 5+1 vs 5+4, New arrangement

ZenithSkirmisher — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 16:43:31 +0800

Hi Fellow Lowyat people

As per the subject. I have deffered 3 more papers making this my last and final arrangemnet. I did this as I discovered transcriptions and diarisations libaries like Whisper X and Voxtral Qwen all these hence I felt that deffering all 9 is justified.

This follows directly from my thread here : https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/5565012

Please comment. The new arrangment is essentially 5 papers back to back, 2 day break and then 4 papers back to back. Vs the 5+1 as per the thread I have already included here, is the 5+4 still very much dioable and acable with 120 days of preparation? ALthough it is definitely significantly harder in this case please refer to this link : https://www.notion.so/ewan-leeyz/TSR_thread...ource=copy_link on information on my previous arrangement.

If 5+1 and 4 across 3 do not differ much and botha re 100% acable and doable with 120 days of preparation, is 5+4 also perhaps 100% doable with this much time? and also 100% acable as in i can get distinction / HD for all 9 papers?

Please give me your thoughts. Many thanks

I am a ressiting student at Imperial, Looking for scholarships

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:16:50 +0800

Final-year MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering (Imperial College London) student here — currently on a resit year after a disrupted first attempt, and set to graduate in September 2026.

I’ve fully paid my tuition (~£42k), but my university has confirmed they will refund it in full if I secure a sponsorship, scholarship, or partial tuition funding arrangement.

I’m actively looking for organisations (especially in insurance, takaful, risk, or finance, or just some MY companies) open to sponsorship in exchange for a service commitment, or any leads on scholarships/grants still accepting applications.

Would really appreciate any advice, referrals, or contacts — happy to share more details or discuss how I can contribute.

Hence, can I ask for guidance in sourcing for a scholarship , whether it be from 3rd parties or from the Malaysian Goverment? Previously I went thru the biasiswa website, but unfortunately there does not seem to be any over there that suit my case that will also allow me to recoup my tiuition fee fully.

I am also happy to attach my ioffer letter, if that helps. looking forward to hearing back from the lowyat people.

4 across 3 vs 5+1, uni exams at UK university

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:04:41 +0800

As per the subject.

I am a student of the RMFE by imperial.

Previously, as I am an international student , I was given permission by uni to sit for 4 exams across 3 days , with 2 exams on the second week .

Now , due to many things happening , I have 5 exams back to back ,with 1 optional occuring either on Monday or Tuesday of the 5 exams btb. And then a weekend break before 1 last paper , most likely occuring on Monday.

If , ( ignore the optional resit as it is very easy), the 4 exams across the 3 days occur on the first week of the 5 btb, and then another 1 more not from this occur in the second week , most likely on the Monday, which do you think will be the easier arrangement , 4 across 3 or 5 btb before 1 final paper?

I have asked many others , namely 8 people. They all said that (8 of them) 4 across 3 should be doable , but whether which one is easier or harder is up to debate.

I have asked many sis CHATGPT peepelxoty Gemini etc , they all said that it is 4 across 3 , although sometimes it says it is 5+1, truly which one is easier ?

Paper 3 and Paper 4 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia,

ProSuperSchool — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:27:27 +0800

I'm taking SPM as Private Candidate this year

Apakah format, atau bagaimana kah kertas 3 dan 4 untuk subjek Bahasa Melayu dan English,

kertas 4 untuk Prinsip Perakaunan,

dan kertas 3 untuk Biology, Physics, dan Chemistry,

di jalankan?

Dan bila kah dan di manakah saya akan buat paper-paper tersebut?

thank you for your attention and help!

SPM Komsas and LC 2026,

ProSuperSchool — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:12:00 +0800

Hai semua, saya berasal dari Sabah. I'm signing up to join SPM private candidate this year. I need help from you all, what are the official SPM texts for Bahasa Melayu komsas, and literature component for English, for both form 4 and form for Sabah??

help

DBA in APU, Need your feedback

TheReem — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:20:48 +0800

I work in IT field with 8 years of experience. I have completed my masters 3 years ago and now i want to pursue DBA.

I was thinking of APU seems they're fast paced in digital(thats what i heard and read).

But i also saw negative review for APU about lecturers and facilities. Im so puzzled and dont know where to do my DBA.

I also considered UM Wales. But the ranking is so far globally compared to UM. No idea why that difference when one is University Malaya and another is University Malaya Wales.

I am not sure how the business school is in APU. Has anyone done phd or dba in business school in APU? Lecturers okay? In terms of supervisor, teaching all how?

Please advise. Any other school to suggest for DBA? Thanks

Those who did research masters, how is it?,

15cm — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 20:02:43 +0800

ive done taught degrees (under) all my life and never done anything research. i am wondering how research postgrad is like... having come through the school system the only thing i know is how to study, learn , then spit it out during exam... never done research before.

1) who decides what topic do you want to research? you or your lecturer?
2) can detail how is it like?
3) is research degree more valuable than taught degree?

students playing phone and talking during class, secondary school

Irresistible — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:09:02 +0800

I got my full time job .

as per my.friend invitation, I part time teach secondary school students (F1-F3) around AUGUST 2025 bcoz his teacher suddenly quit.

During the class, those students are playing phone and talking. upon warning,still d same. they said previous teacher no stop them also.

I felt that the whole situation is bad.

can u guys give me some helpful opinion?

Prerequisite subjects to take in STPM to, study Accountancy in IPTA

Blofeld — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:39:23 +0800

What are the actual prerequisite subjects to take in STPM to be eligible to study Accountancy in the IPTAs?

In the recent fiasco of a boy who got rejected for the Accountancy programme in several IPTAs, I saw many comments in social media blaming the boy for not taking Maths in STPM?

https://study.um.edu.my/doc/entry-requireme...May%202025..pdf

However, in the attachment above, it clearly stated that Maths is just an optional subject. Nowhere, it is mentioned that is a MUST.

Is there something that they know that we do not know such as that Maths is actually a MUST, not an OPTIONAL prerequisite subject.

Please advise.

Your thoughts are needed, Questionnaire

umdur0 — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 18:03:52 +0800

Hi everyone!

I'm conducting a survey and would really appreciate your thoughts. Your input is valuable and will help me with the research.

Please click here to participate: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPb80KcQIemgWZF--l9cy6hLeHFUQWQl0KBKZM6UUPRTB6wQ/viewform?usp=dialog]

Thank you so much for your time and support!

Also, I will be grateful, if you could share with others who might be interested. Many thanks for your help!

UCSI or Taylors for Master of Clinical Psychology?,

Big_Dream — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:59:47 +0800

So I've applied to 3 public unis for their clinical psychology programs, got rejected by 2, and I don't think I'll get the last one either.

My only option now is private unis, but HELP is too competitive, so low chance I'll get in, so I'm thinking either UCSI or Taylors.

Does anyone know which one of the 2 unis' program is better and easier to get accepted?

Thanks in advance

Private school or Chinese primary school,

Huawei88 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 09:03:05 +0800

Hi all

My kid will be attending primary 1 soon. I am thinking of sending her to Chinese primary school hoping that she will be good in mandarin and more discipline.

My wife prefer her to go to private school with national syllabus instead, mainly she thinks my child will get more attention (because of less student) and will be more outspoken in personality. She feels that Chinese primary school is too packed nowadays and not good for our kid. But I am worried that she will be a spoilt child going to this private school.

Just want to ask, if there is no financial concern, will you all send the kids to private school with national syllabus? Other than smaller teacher to student ratio, is there any other benefits going to private school?

Thanks in advance.

[WTS] Sri Bestari Int. School rebate voucher, For new enrolment only Sept 2025

jyfred — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:59:29 +0800

[WTS]
Sri Bestari International School (Bandar Sri Damansara) - rebate voucher

Letting go rebate voucher RM10K at half price.

For new enrolment only, prospect must have not paid for tuition fees yet.

September 2025 enrolment only.

PM for more details and arrangement

I want to start learn japanese speaking,

omron — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:35:51 +0800

Hi,

I want to start japanese speking, how anyone from zero to hero can share me , thanks dude.

English Medium of Instruction - Neutral Ground, Forging National Unity Through Education

xenotzu — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:24:28 +0800

The Malaysian Insider (12.06.2015) - Johor Sultan says Malaysia should adopt Singapore policy on English in schools
It's the 10th anniversary of the then Sultan of Johor's far-ranging interview about Malaysia's education system in 2015. The gist of the interview was as follows:

1. "One thing that we can learn from Singapore is their way of forging national unity via their education system. The use of English as a medium of instruction has been effective in the development of the country and uniting their people regardless of race or religion."

2. "English schools are neutral grounds. We used to have such schools in Malaysia until it was changed. Was there any problem then?"

3. He also criticised Malaysian politicians who are in "self denial” or opted to "play politics with education" saying that they want to be "heroes" of their own respective races. "They talk about nationalism but at the end, do they send their children to boarding schools in Australia and the United Kingdom to learn in Malay medium?"

4. "I also know of so-called Chinese educationists who champion Chinese education, even insisting non-Mandarin speaking teachers should not be allowed to teach in Chinese primary schools. “These are the extremists. I know one such leader had tertiary education in Western countries. We have many such hypocrites,"

5. The Sultan said not only did Malaysian children have poor English proficiency, they did not mix with one another across ethnic groups. This, he said, did not bode well for national unity. "The Malays go to national schools where the Chinese feel alienated, while the Indians go to Tamil schools. Where is the unity? “Then some people also want Chinese and Indian universities. All this is driving the races apart. Yet we say we are all 1Malaysia. "Unfortunately, I see all this as 5Malaysian".

6. He said the more well-to-do parents sent their children to private and international schools where English is the medium of instruction but expressed worries that this would evolve into a class issue. "This is all due to the myopic planning and thinking of our politicians.”

7. He said having an education system based on a single stream for students would ensure a more harmonious society able to face future challenges together. Having schools with English as the medium of instruction did not mean the national language would be abandoned, the Johor ruler said, as Bahasa Malaysia can still be made compulsory, as well as Chinese and Tamil languages.

8. "Don’t forget, when English was used as a medium of instruction in schools in the 1950s and 1960s, a pass in BM was compulsory. Even a pass in Mathematics was compulsory to pass the Form 3 exam but now you don’t even have to pass your Maths test!"

IT MAKES SENSE, DOESN'T IT?

Singapore Medical Career: RM30,450 Monthly Salary, Annually S$110k - ...

xenotzu — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 10:07:11 +0800

QUOTE

Singapore Recruitment Fair for Medical Officers and Clinical Associates in Aug 2025 at KLCC. All Malaysian Doctors & Medical Graduates are welcome. Hold basic Medical Degree. Completed Housemanship. Benefits:
1. Estimated Basic Annual Package SGD110,000 annually (SGD9,166 monthly);
2. Monthly Accommodation Allowance;
3. One-time Relocation Support;
4. Overtime Pay (night duties, weekend rounds);
5. Bonuses (13th month);
6. Flight Ticket & Insurance;
7. Leave Entitlements.

For a Malaysian junior doctor, the pay package and benefits are irresistible. More importantly, this an opportunity to be talent spotted for further training in Singapore as well as an opportunity for Permanent Resident status or even marriage in Singapore. It's a meritocracy in Singapore, where race or religion does not count at all, as almost 2 million Malaysians who have migrated to Singapore have found.

Singapore has signed up to and ratified ICERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) This is a United Nations treaty that commits its members to eliminating racial discrimination and promoting understanding among all races. Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei, North Korea, and several island nations like Palau, Niue, and others have not signed up to or ratified ICERD.

Remember, many non-Malays who are straight-A students cannot get a spot in any of the country’s 20 public universities. Many can’t afford private universities by themselves, so it is their parents who have to take out crippling loans for private universities. And the ongoing controversy over Matriculation places for straight-A non-Malay students! Such racial quota in education foster division rather than unity.

I wonder which ethnic race would be the majority of applicants that take up these places in Singapore, then to take up PR, and build a new and economically better life for a new tomorrow?