Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by invinciblebunny

Local grads are trash?

invinciblebunny — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:37:32 +0800

What do you guys think about local education system?

From Further Study Interactive:
Miri – 11 October 2011 – There is much that ails the Malaysian education system, according to three university student leaders who were panellists at the recent Education Nation Conference 2011 held in Kuala Lumpur, including Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia’s (Curtin Sarawak) Student Council president James Chai Chung Zeng.

According to them, the local education system’s weaknesses include an inability to produce independent and critical thinkers, not allowing students take ownership and responsibility for their own learning experience, and a lack of flexibility.

“Our students are not able to solve problems by themselves or take ownership of current issues. Ultimately, passive learners become passive workers, passive employers, passive citizens – which all in turn lead to a passive nation,” remarked James.

Join EducationUSA’s Inaugural Virtual College Fair this November:

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Chevening scholarships

invinciblebunny — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:43:28 +0800

All, application dates for 2012/13 Chevening scholarships will shortly be advertised on your nearest British Council or British Embassy website. I recommend those who are interested in applying for a scholarship to check both sites on a regular basis. Until then, you will not be able to apply for the 2012/13 academic year.

Further details on how to apply for a Chevening scholarship and contact details for British Council offices are available on the FCO website:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F...NM_Ic-_m6ty0InQ

Squeezed Out in India, Students Turn to US

invinciblebunny — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:50:31 +0800

This is an interesting story from the New York Times about Indian students studying in the USA. Many Indian students can not get in to universities in their country, have you experienced this in your country?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/14/world/as...es.html?_r=2&hp

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Silicon Valley is coming to KL!

invinciblebunny — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:57:25 +0800

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The top guns from some of Silicon Valley's biggest names will be in town to exchange ideas with local Malaysian entrepreneurs, which include co-founders and executives from YouTube, Napster, LinkedIn, DipDive, Skype, SPUTNiK5, YouNoodle and more. Do names like Jawed Karim (one of the 3 YouTube founders), Jeff Hoffman (founder of Priceline), Konstantin Guericke (founder of LinkedIn) and Shawn Fanning (founder of Napster) sound familiar to you? Excited yet?

‘I’m the one studying, not you’

invinciblebunny — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:42:29 +0800

PETALING JAYA: A Form Three student has penned a brief but poignant message to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, asking them to reconsider their decision to abolish the teaching and learning of Science and Maths in English (PPSMI).
Melissa Yoong wrote on both ministers’ Facebook pages on Oct 13 telling them that she had just been told by her teacher that she would be learning Science and Maths in Bahasa Malaysia when she moves into Form Four next year
Her Facebook message read:
“I have been learning Science and Maths in English for the past nine years and now you expect me to learn these two subjects in Malay.
“How am I going understand everything in Malay after learning in English for all these years?”
“Please reconsider your decision on this matter.
“Please also understand that I am the one studying here and not you, so please don’t simply play around with this matter as you like. Thank you.”

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/10/1...udying-not-you/

US Trying to Stop 'Reverse Brain Drain'

invinciblebunny — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:31:33 +0800

Hey look! Voice of America reported on the debate in the US over how to allow foreign students to stay in the country and work after they graduate.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/US-Try...-131899558.html

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US Govt: 5 Steps To Study in the States!

invinciblebunny — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:05:46 +0800

From VOA's Student Union - http://blogs.voanews.com/student-union/201...lication-steps/

If you’ve been looking on U.S. government websites for information about how to study in America, but finding it confusing, two new websites are trying to help.

1) Study in the States (http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/)
The Department of Homeland Security launched its Study in the States website this summer to streamline information about the visa process, including forms and regulations. The site is part of a broader “Study in the States Initiative” that the DHS says will “examine the existing student visa and exchange visitor programs, as well as related programs for students after they have completed their course of study, to identify problem areas, and to consider possible improvements.”

2) Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study (http://www.educationusa.info/5_steps_to_study/)
EducationUSA also launched a new section of its website that aims to break down the admissions process into a step-by-step guide for applicants to follow. The site suggests a timeline for when you should complete each step, and gives guidance specific to the type of study you want to pursue – undergraduate, graduate, short-term exchange or non-degree English.

FYI...
Colby-Sawyer University (New Hampshire) has an upcoming prospective international student chat. You can log- in right from the comfort of your room. The chat is taking place on Thursday, October 20 from 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Malaysia's time)
https://colby-sawyer.chat.edu.185r.net/client/

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Upcoming Talks at MACEE

invinciblebunny — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:05:06 +0800

There will be three talks at MACEE in October. They are all scheduled to begin at 2:00pm. Please register to attend the programs online: www.macee.org.my.
Please check MACEE website to get webchat links if you cannot attend the live session.

Monday, October 3: "Engineering Programs in the USA" with a focus on 3 universtiies:, ERAU, MSU and FIT.
Thursday, October 6: "Liberal Arts Colleges" and "Tips on Preparing a University Applications with a focus on Furman University.
Monday, October 17: "Applying to Competitive Universities", "Liberal Arts Colleges" and "Applying for a Student Visa". Scholarship Information on Mt. Holyoke College and Wesleyan Unversity will also be given.

If you have questions, please contact: adviser@macee.org.my

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S'poreans weigh in on what it’s like 2 study in US

invinciblebunny — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:33:57 +0800

Interesting piece in VOA's Student Union about Singaporeans' view on studying in the U.S.

There’s a great discussion happening on Quora between a group of Singaporeans discussing what it’s like to study in the U.S.

A lot of what they talk about we’ve discussed before, such as trying to fit in but maintain your home culture, or being in a minority ethnic group for the first time. But these two stood out to me as things we haven’t really touched on:

1) Transitioning to American English

Hongwan Liu writes:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

[This reminded me of a video we posted a while back - "Closing the Communication Gap"]

And Serene Lee adds:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

2) Approach to academics

Frank Chen writes:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Serene Lee adds:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Info on upcoming US fairs!

invinciblebunny — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:32:49 +0800

Hello everyone! Please make a note of the next group of American university representatives coming on Sunday, October 2.

Talks start at 1:00pm on "Selecting a University" and "Admission Tips".

The Fair is from 2:00pm-4:30pm at KL Hilton - KL Sentral.

For more information, go to http://macee.org.my/images/lindenfair2011.pdf

For students interested in studying Engineering in the USA, THREE U.S. universities will be at MACEE at 2:00pm on Monday, October 3 to give information on both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the USA: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Michigan State University and Florida Institute of Technology.

Register by contacting Yati at MACEE: yati@macee.org.my.

For more information, go to http://macee.org.my/images/engineering2011.pdf

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Why M'sia universities lag so far behind S'pore

invinciblebunny — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:16:02 +0800

Universiti Malaya is ranked 167 among 700 universities worldwide, while the National University of Singapore at 28 and Nanyang Technical University is at 58. This according to the QS World University Rankings.

A huge difference considering that Singapore and Malaysia are merely a causeway away. To bring more perspective into the picture, lets also consider other universities in Asia.

The QS World University Rankings also ranks, from the list of 700 evaluated universities, Asian-based universities. In the Asian University Rankings, University Malaya is ranked 39, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is 53, Universiti Sains Malaysia is 54 and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is at 79. Whereas, NUS is 3rd, NTU is 17, Mahidol University of Thailand is at 34, University of Indonesia is at 50.

Even in the Asian rankings, both Thailand and Singapore have a university ranked higher than those from Malaysia and Indonesia is hemmed in between those from Malaysia. And this is the Asian rankings which form a sub-set of the overall QS World University Rankings.

So when Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin said that UM’s improvement was a reflection of the university staff’s hard work, one can deduce that the other universities must have worked even harder to be where they are now.

Read More: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.ph...budget&Itemid=2

[YOUTUBE]9-TuU0uOkgo[/YOUTUBE]

Can I Find the Best School For Me?

invinciblebunny — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:16:58 +0800

“Is this school more prestigious than X?” “Where does this university rank compared to Harvard? Yale? Georgetown?” “Where does US News rank this college?” "What is the toughest school I can get into?" As you progress in your college search you may hear these questions or even begin asking them yourself.

Read More: http://www.edulaunchpad.com/Choose-College...he-Best-School/

KL woos young Malaysians abroad -The Straits Times

invinciblebunny — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 13:48:57 +0800

ARMED with a degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College in the United States, Ms Liew Suet Li, 22, does not quite fit the profile of a Malaysian teacher.

But teach is exactly what she will be doing from the start of the school year, after undergoing a training stint.

She has signed up for the 'Teach for Malaysia' programme, which aims to get well-qualified Malaysians to become teachers in high-need schools for two years. 'I wanted to do something fulfilling and meaningful before I get into the rat race of the corporate world, and Teach for Malaysia seemed like a right fit,' Ms Liew said.

Malaysia wants bright young citizens like Ms Liew to return from abroad to work as it seeks to boost its skills base as part of the economic programme to double incomes within 10 years.

Teach for Malaysia, a government-affiliated programme, is one of the many new initiatives launched in the past year to woo them.

And it is not just the government that has rolled out the red carpet. Private companies and political parties too have created a slew of opportunities for young Malaysians as they vie for the best talent.

Read More: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_684129.html

2011 KPRU Internship Programme

invinciblebunny — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:01:06 +0800

http://kpru2010.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/2...programme/2011/

...

Kajian Politik untuk Perubahan (KPRU – Political Studies for Change) is a new and critical research institute setup after March 8 political tsunami, which is dedicated to participate in the research and dialogues to shape the future of Malaysia.

KPRU has been a pioneer institution to participate in parliamentary research and to advocate for parliamentary reforms. The institute’s concern areas include Malaysia annual national budget, country long-term plans, parliamentary democracy, and etc.

The KPRU Internship Programme is now open for application. Selected candidates will attach on a full-time basis, and will be paid a monthly stipend (only a very small amount). Candidates will have the opportunity to:

Assist and contribute to political and policy research
Gain exposure to parliamentary affairs
Coordinate consultative meetings and briefing sessions for members of parliament
Organize and participate in press conferences, discussions, political events, etc

Selection Criteria:
Youths between age 20-30 (students, fresh grads, post-grads or young working adults)
Full-time attachment, minimum period of 2 months
Selection based on assessment of academic results and experience

Details:
Closing date of application: 13th June 2011
Start date of programme: Anytime after shortlisted and approved
Successful candidates will be informed via email

Application procedures:
Email resume / curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter expressing interest to ooheng(at)hotmail(dot)com

Include in your application the following:

Preferred duration of your attachment
Your education/working background and research interest
Your language proficiency
Your learning expectation

For enquiries, kindly email ooheng(at)hotmail(dot)com

Is it easier to get a degree in the US?

invinciblebunny — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:45:02 +0800

Is this a common view, that it's academically easier to get a degree in the US than at home?

...

Coming to America to Get the Degree: Ebrahim’s Story: Ebrahim's story of coming from Kuwait to study engineering in W Virginia http://ow.ly/5c5sz

Study at Home or Abroad?

invinciblebunny — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:06:18 +0800

I wanted to share this response to our Don’t Study in the U.S. series from a few weeks ago, in which we discussed some of the pros and cons of coming to America for higher education. Ting replied in the comments:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

(There were many other interesting comments on that series as well – worth checking out if you haven’t yet)

It’s worth pointing out that many countries are already jumping into the international education game, including many that haven’t traditionally attracted international students. And some students may be surprised to find their own country is among those hoping to make their education system more attractive.

Read more: http://blogs.voanews.com/student-union/201...-study-at-home/

English Proficiency: M'sia ranks 3rd in ASEAN

invinciblebunny — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:50:34 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to English proficiency, Malaysians are not at par with their neighbouring counterparts, with the country ranking third out of five countries in the English Language Assessment (ELA) test.

The analysis of the ELA results by online recruitment company JobStreet.com placed Singapore first for each employee category including non-executive and managerial.

Read more: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...0637&sec=nation

S'pore beats M'sia again.

President Obama Speaks about U.S. Higher Education

invinciblebunny — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:46:33 +0800

As part of the 2011 State of the Union Address President Barack Obama touched on the United State's Higher Education System.

"We are home to the world's best colleges and universities, where more students come to study than any other place on Earth. What's more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea -- the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. "

[YOUTUBE]bqzVABMZwpA[/YOUTUBE]

Did You Know – IIE adds new scholarships and grant programs to IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding Guide regularly? Visit www.studyabroadfunding.org and search by keyword, country, field of study, or scholarship name to find money for the program you want to attend!

Johns Hopkins Univ. Information Session (medicine)

invinciblebunny — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:24:29 +0800

Dr. Charles Wiener, Professor of Medicine and Physiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Dean/CEO of Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine will be in town to provide an informative session on how U.S. medical education is structured, its philosophy and approach, its similarities and differences from the Malaysian system, and how U.S. medical education leads the world.

Talk is open to the public. Please click here for more information.

When: Saturday, June 11, 2001
Time: 11:00 am
Where: MACEE Office Kuala Lumpur

** Please be advised that there will be another Johns Hopkins information session at INTI College Penang on June 10, 2011 (Friday) from 12 pm to 1 pm. Talk is conducted by Mr. David M Trabilsy, Associate Dean of Admission, Johns Hopkins University **

Interns For PT Foundation

invinciblebunny — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:02:57 +0800

PT Foundation has just opened two new positions: Communications intern and VCT Volunteer - look here http://fb.me/zfjQxFse