Sunway to nurture talent and innovation in new PhD programme

The School of Computer Technology at Sunway College University (Sunway) has launched the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Computing). This is the first PhD programme for Sunway and the first IT-related PhD offered by a private University College in Malaysia.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Computing) aims to develop leaders and innovators in the area of computing and ICT. Through this PhD programme, candidates will be trained with the ability and skills to create, develop and extend the frontiers of advanced knowledge in the field of computing or Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The programme prepares candidates for a rewarding career in the ever-growing IT industry with Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Accenture, KPMg, MDec and BT.

The academic staff of the new PhD (Computing) programme with Professor Robert Bignall (extreme left)

Candidates of the programme will receive a relevant doctoral degree in specific areas of interest. They will gain a sound understanding of the research process, draw conclusions based on study results and literature reviewed and finally put forward a proposal for research in an area of their own interest. The programme is supported by a faculty comprising 9 academic staff, of which 3 are Associate Professors and 6 are PhDs.

The feature of this new PhD is the full tuition fee waiver which is available to full-time Malaysian candidates who have a strong academic background. These candidates will be offered Teaching Assistantship positions which allow them to receive a RM2,000 monthly stipend (allowance) to assist in his or her day to day finances. For other approved full-time or part-time Malaysian applicants, 50% tuition fee waiver will be provided for the inaugural intake in 2011.

Associate Professor Dr Lim Tong Ming, Head of the School of Computer Technology at Sunway said “This PhD programme allows candidiates to benefit from the close ties that the School has with Lancaster University which will provide many opportunities for collaborative research opportunities and exposure”.

Currently, one candidate has enrolled and is pursuing his research in the area of sentiment analysis on web blogging.

“Research is an integral part of a first-class institution of tertiary education, and at Sunway University College, we are committed to the proliferation of a culture of quality research. This new doctorate programme represents Sunway University College’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning and it will allow our candidates to develop innovative ideas and create breakthroughs, said Professor Robert Bignall, Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University College. Sunway has recently recruited a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Higher degree), Professor David Ngo and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) Dato’ Professor Dr Ahmad Haji Zainuddin to lead and guide the institution in its research as well as teaching and learning endeavours.