A spellbinding event for the environment

The School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management (SHTLM), Sunway University organised a charity dinner recently to raise funds and awareness for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia as part of the B.Sc (Hons) International Hospitality Management students’ assignment. The dinner was held at SHTLM’s training restaurant and supported by the newly renovated kitchen which was done in accordance with Le Cordon Bleu’s specifications.

Sunway Cricket Team to play Malaysian National Cricket Team Cricket

The dynamic talent of the Sunway Cricket team was proven when they were recently handpicked by the management of the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) to play in a series of matches against the Malaysian National Cricket team. Sunway’s Cricket team who participated in various tournaments organised by numerous State Cricket Associations had advanced into the finals of each tournament. The Chairman of the MCA was impressed by Sunway’s track record for Year 2011 and thus offered them an opportunity to partake in a five match series with the national team in preparation for their upcoming 2012 ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament that will take place in Singapore in February.

The players in concentration during the match.

Catharsis, Purging of Emotions by Sunway ADTP students

A full house and uproar of laughter filled the auditorium as students from the class of THEA 1000 purged their emotions during the production of Catharsis, Purging of Emotions. The 5 short plays was each unique, entertaining and witty, played by the students of the Sunway American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP).

The production held at Sunway University started with a play titled ‘The Unruly Bank Customer’, written and directed by Danny Voon Seng Hong. Danny wanted to create a sense of familiarity to everyone by placing an unruly bank customer with a thick Malaysian accent against a prim and proper service banker. The tendency for both of them to misunderstand each other created a chaos.

Rajen Pradhan (seated) and Chin Kai Yi battling it out in the Unruly Bank Customer.

Clean sweep for Sunway’s shining star

19 year-old Katrina Ann Abdul Hadi is the proud owner of five glittering gold medals having swept all the synchronised swimming events at the 26th SEA Games in Palembang, Indonesia this year. Katrina and her team mates, having already delivered golds in the free duet, technical duet, free team and technical team events, were once again at their dazzling best, when they produced a consistent and energetic performance to overwhelm the spectators and judges in the fifth and final event, the free team combination. Performing to the song ‘Rio de Janeiro’, the team scored 75.363 points to easily win another gold medal.

Katrina (left) with her duet partner, Shareen Png

Sunway University Business School steps into Hollywood

Sunway University Business School (SUBS) recently had a ball of time as they celebrated the grand annual ball held at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. 450 VIP guests, lecturers and students who were dressed in their finest suites and gowns were greeted by the SUBS Students Concilium committee at the Hollywood Walk of Fame themed grand ball.

Amritha Kaur receiving her award from Ms Christina Foo, a member CPA Australia Advisory Council.

Sunway International School Open Day 2011

Sunway University 2011 graduates reach for the stars

Sunway University recently celebrated 405 graduating students during the 2011 Graduation Ceremony in the presence of the Pro-Chancellor Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Ramon Navaratnam. The ceremony held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa is held annually for the conferring of degrees and the granting of diplomas to candidates from the Sunway University Business School, School of Computer Technology, School of Creative Arts and Communication, School of Health and Natural Sciences and the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management.

Sunway School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management students were all smiles after the graduation ceremony

100 Sunway University Students inducted into Golden Key International Honour Society

100 Sunway University students have once again received membership into the Sunway Golden Key International Honour Society. The Golden Key International Honour Society is a global non-profit organisation that recognises and rewards academic achievements in 380 universities around the world. The students who have been inducted into this society are the cream of the crop from the Sunway University Business School, School of Health and Natural Sciences, Australian University Programme as well as the School of Computer Technology based on their academic standards.

The students that received membership into the Sunway Golden Key International Honour Society

7 Awards for Sunway University in Culinairé Malaysia 2011

6 students from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Management (SHTLM) recently bagged awards at the Culinairé Malaysia 2011. The students took part in 3 categories namely, Cocktail, Mocktail and Fruit Flambe. Phuah Ng Kit and Shireen Tan who competed in the cocktail competition took home the silver medal each while Jessica Chang and Natasha bt Mohd Yusof who participated in the Mocktail category as well as Michelle Tan and Tan Vi June who participated in the Fruit Flambé category took home the bronze medal each.

From left to right: Tan Vi Jun, Michelle Tan, Chong Wei Tzeh, lecturer, Daniel Chong, Shireen Tan, Jessica Chang and Natasha Bt Mohd Yusof

Sunway University lecturer expresses creativity through Space Animation Movie

Sunway University Lecturer, Asmadi Jusoh from the School of Creative Arts and Communication (SCAC) will be showcasing his talent in Re-entry, the first space animation movie to be made locally. Contributing ideas in architectures and 3-D designs, Asmadi will join 6 other colleagues including Norul Rafidi, who oversees this project in making this space adventure thriller animation that will depict human life making their way to space in 50 years from now.

By the light of the silvery moon

They were from Pakistan, Yemen, India, Iran, Botswana, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Indonesia and were spotted parading around with lanterns under a full moon. Sounds like a vampire’s prowl? No, they were just Sunway University students having fun at a Lantern Walk Mid-Autumn Festival outing at Sunway South Quay. The students also enjoyed dinner hosted by Elizabeth Lee, the Executive Director of Sunway Education Group as part of the Sunway University event.

Maitumelo Daisy Motlaleng from Botswana enjoying the moonlit walk with her lantern.

Sunway Anime Convention Twice as Fun

The 2011 Animangaki organised by the Sunway University’s Anime Club (SUAC) was once again a huge success as die-hard anime and cosplay fans from all over Klang Valley made an appearance in this exciting convention.

This year, the gathering was twice the fun as 2,000 people attended to this convention that was held for two days despite running concurrently with the Malaysian Info Toys Fair and the Anicom: Cosplay Competition. Themed “Summer” to illustrate the fun and excitement that accompanies the summer festivals in Japan, the SUAC were determined to introduce new activities to satisfy the passionate crowd. This year, the Touhou Room was introduced, where participants could play games, check out figurines, purchase posters as well as partake in mini-games.

Volunteering for a Cause

After facilitating the exciting business simulation game and planting 150 “Tengek Burung” trees at the Raja Musa Forest Reserve, the enthusiastic Lancaster University students were hard at work behind the scenes at the Dewan Sivik, Petaling Jaya for two days in preparation for the “I Believe” Benefit Concert organised by StART Society recently.

The Sunway–Lancaster Exchange students who are here for the Summer Programme together with an International Opportunities intern from Lancaster University who chaperoned the British students to Malaysia were present on both the 12th and 13th of September to help the StART Society with the ticketing booth, lighting and sound, distribution of programme booklet, props, ushering, food and beverages, taking care of the children, as well as sales of t-shirts.

Lancaster and Sunway students enjoy a game

Bright-eyed exchange students, 28 to be exact, from Lancaster University who were in Sunway University on a Sunway-Lancaster Summer Programme (Sep 4 – 24) this year, found themselves in a game during their stay at Sunway. It was a Business Simulation Game that they facilitated for a group of younger students enrolled in the Foundation in Arts (FIA), a Pre-University programme which is the foundation programme tailored for the Lancaster collaborative degree programmes offered at Sunway University.

The aim of the game was to develop communication, teamwork and entrepreneurial skills around challenging yet hypothetical activities of buying and selling as well as coming up with solutions to real-life problems and situations that can be found in Kuala Lumpur. It forced the FIA students to think in a business way to come up with solutions. The groups had to present their ideas to the rest of the participants at the end of the game.

e2 Forum

Be Alive and Be Transformed

SIFE Sunway, A Head for Business, A Heart for the World

Equipped with a head for business and a heart for the world, the Sunway University SIFErs believes in a dream of enforcing changes within the community that reflects the famous saying, “Teach a man how to fish and feed him for a lifetime”. It is with this understanding the SIFErs decided to work on an innovative way of teaching various communities skills that will assist them in raising funds as a survival kit instead of making a one off donation.

The Sunway University SIFErs stands for ‘Student in Free Enterprise’, is part of an international organisation that brings together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better sustainable world through the positive power of business. Aside from giving back to different communities, Sunway SIFErs is an appropriate environment for students to develop innovative and creative thinking to build their customised projects in a team.

Nabilah Mohammad, President of Sunway SIFErs showing the Kaum Semai Women how to make the eco-friendly soaps during their visit.

JEFFREY CHEAH FOUNDATION HOSTS CHARITY RECITAL

Featuring the International Ensemble of the Perak Society of Performing Arts

Bandar Sunway, 26 August 2011 – Around 800 people packed Sunway University’s Multi Purpose Hall on Friday, 19 August to attend a charity recital entitled “A Celebration of Music: Butterfly Lovers and Love Songs” hosted by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF). In conjunction with the recital, MasterClass Workshops were held on Saturday, 20 August for members of the public where 79 people attended the workshops.
The recital was organised to share the beauty and discipline of music with a wider audience beyond the confines of the university community.

In his wecome message, Founding Trustee, Tan Sir Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah said, “This recital is very much aligned to the spirit of the Foundation as music and arts are inextricably linked to education, enriching and nurturing lives towards the total development of individuals”.

Campus Auto-pay car park closed

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Charity Recital- Invitation

Sunway University’s accounting and finance programme gains maximum exemptions from CIMA

Elizabeth Lee and Charles Tilley during the signing ceremony.

Sunway University and CIMA (the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), the world's largest professional body of management accountants that offers the most relevant finance qualification for business recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) where CIMA has accorded the maximum number of exemptions to Sunway’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance programme. Graduates of this programme will receive the maximum 11 exemptions of the CIMA Professional Qualification in Management Accounting. Sunway University may also use the CIMAstudy.com online study material to complement classroom teaching.

La Renaissance d’ Arthur, Feast of Camelot ~Experience Exquisite Medieval Cuisine~

According to old customs, King Arthur longed to hear the adventures of his godly and chivalrous Knights of the Round Table while sinking his teeth delicious food and sumptuous desserts placed on platters

'King Arthur and Queen Guinevere' made a grand entrance during the Feast of Camelot.

Inspired by the a legendary British monarch, the students from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management (SHTLM) of Sunway University cooked up a feast that showcased the traditions, rituals and customs of the noble folks from medieval times while exercising their skills in running a restaurant to gain additional learning experience.

Pivotal Orators in the Making at Sunway

“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel”, said Ralph Waldo Emerson. Understanding the importance of speech and its impact in the world today, Sunway University and the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia for the 9th time jointly organised ‘An English Cornucopia 2011: Oxbridge English Language Event, a Public Speaking and Essay Writing Competition’ for secondary schools.

Amanda Sonia Nathan Vishnu from SMK (P) Methodist, Klang championed the public speaking competition while Mark Lester Johnson from SMK Damansara Utama emerged 1st runner-up. Not far behind was Naveen Daniel, George from Sri Kuala Lumpur International School who emerged 2nd runner-up. The finalist for the public speaking competition each presented a speech entitled ‘Shadows’ and an impromptu speech titled ‘Less is More’.

Amanda Sonia Nathan Vishnu, Mark Lester Johnson, Naveen Daniel, George and consolation prize winners (Azriel Abisheg Paul Chelliah, Jagan Narayanan Subramaniam, Lee Zhen Wei, Shaun) during the Oxbridge English Language Event.

Sunway University and SAS collaborate to organise SAS Analytics Day 2011

Sunway University’s School of Computer Technology (SCT) recently collaborated with SAS Malaysia to organise the ‘SAS Analytics Day 2011’, a one day event that highlighted the current challenges and trends of embracing analytics in the region and addressed how analytics has transformed the industry. Themed How will Analytics Transform You?, the SAS Analytics Day was held concurrently with the Symposium on Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) 2011, also organised by the SCT, Sunway University.

(from left) Andrew Tan (Managing Director, SAS Malaysia); Encik Abdul Latib bin Talib (Director of Economic Indicators Division, Department of Statistics); and Professor Robert Bignall (Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University) during the SAS Analytics Day.

The events were held as a knowledge-sharing platform on practical, real-life ways to leverage the technologies and solutions of business analytics. The ICS symposium also saw many researchers from various institutions submitting research papers and presentations using the latest information on computer sciences from both a practical and a theoretical aspect.

Sunway University signs MoU with Hansung University

Sunway University and Hansung University, an established university located in Seoul, South Korea recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join forces in the areas of education and research.

The MoU saw the presence of Professor Robert Bignall, Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University; Ms Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Sunway Education Group; Dr Joo-Taek Chung, President of Hansung University; Dr Byung-Eun Lee, Professor of the Department of English Language and Literature, Hansung University; and Mr. Il-hwan(David) Kim, Coordinator of International Program, Hansung University as guests of honour.

(From left) Ms Elizabeth Lee, Professor Robert Bignall, Dr Joo-Taek Chung and Dr Byung-Eun Lee during the signing ceremony.

Sunway’s leGPjunior Culinary Competition showcase skills

Iris Wong Sze Wei and Leong Hui Cui of SMK USJ12 recently emerged champions of the leGPjunior Culinary Competition organised by the School of Hospitality Tourism and Management (SHTLM), Sunway University. The duo clad in their yellow school t-shirts and aprons were over the moon when they heard their names summoned during the prize giving ceremony. Not so far behind were Yong Tuck Meng and Lim Pey Wen of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) who took 2nd place and Chooi Wei Wei and Ng Siew Yee from SMK Bandar Baru Seri Petaling who emerged third during the competition.

Iris Wong Sze Wei and Leong Hui Cui of SMK USJ12 championed the Sunway’s leGPjunior Culinary Competition.

Oxford & Cambridge Essay Writing Competition's winning essays- Champion

Ian Tan Wei Chuen (SMK USJ12)

“Push! Push!” the doctor clad in immaculate white attire urges as the woman giving birth lets out blood-curdling screams throughout the room. She suffers while the doctor toils for hours on end in a seemingly endless battle. Then, a miracle happens. A head peeks out and a baby emerges. A new person, a new life and a new soul is born. Tears of joy stream down the cheeks of the people in the room as they rejoice in their victory of a lengthy battle for a new human life. Fast-forward by twenty years when the child is now undergoing further education. A rite of passage into the adult world, you might say. As the thorns of adolescence remain in his or her character, he or she retains some form of innocence. However as wars rage around the world, as economic crises ravage the livelihood of a half of the human population and as the youth panders over a greater purpose in life besides power and money, the youth is left to think, “What am I living for ?” Material gains may bring all the thrill and luxuries in the world, but to what effect? Have you ever thought of what you would buy if you have everything? You do get to impress people, of course but will they love you? Power may grant you control, but it does not always garner appreciation. As the string of mistakes made by us in our lives lengthens and we come to closer terms with the issue of death, sometimes we have to realise that all that we have is our soul.

We have always heard of people and their perspectives on life and some of us are left to wonder, “How do these people think like that?” I have been on the receiving end of that thought at times and there is one thing which all optimistic and happy people in the world possess. They realise that money and power are not always everything in this pessimistic, demanding world. You are. We only have ourselves in at least some senses of the phrase and our happiness and success really depends on us, ourselves, our souls. Our soul may often be associated with spirituality but let us look from a more practical angle and associate it with intentions instead. Thus, the soul can be defined as a person’s life force and intentions. If our intentions are pure and uncontaminated, we will undoubtedly be happy and there is proof of it. Have you ever felt what it is like to give to society? It feels good, does it not? It gives you a rush of euphoria unlike taking, which oftentimes leaves you guilty and what not. Just to give you a clearer picture, let us delve further into his intriguing concept.

Take warren Buffett as an example. While he may be a taker of society in some ways, he is a giver in many other ways, obviously, he is known as possibly the greatest investor of all time but he does it through skill and foresight unlike speculators who merely try their luck at the stock exchanges. He has all the money in the world, yet almost all of it is stuck in the stock markets. He still lives in the same humble townhouse in Omaha, Nebraska as he did forty years ago, he drivers his own cheap, generic Lincoln Town Car around on his own as everybody else does and the most expensive thing he has is probably his house and suit, physically speaking. He does not utilise that money for his own material gains, but for something bigger, investing. He has always gone against the advice of economists and come out victorious. He has pledged half of his forty billion dollar fortune to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a philanthropic organisation and has restructured Berkshire Hathaway, his company to ease the task for his successors. So, he is really fiving rather than taking. He wants to ensure the bright future of his peers, his people and organisations the lives of the poor and he will have a clean slate of life. He is one with a pure soul and he has only relied on himself and his soul to succeed. To this day, he still relies on himself and remains in his humble lifestyle, still holding on to that which he is passionate about.

Besides that, the soul can be related to happiness and how the soul perceives it. One famous use of that perception is to do what you love. There is no use doing something you do not love yet gain from it. Life will probably become very depressing indeed. Take for example, Lance Armstrong. He is now the best cyclist in the world by far, surpassing all others by inconceivably large margins. How? He does not have any augmented abilities he has the will and passion to succeed in the sport he loves the most. The most surprising fact is that he was struck down by cancer in the past. When everything around him collapsed and life went into a downward spiral, he was subjected to more threatening ordeals such as chemotherapy and sometimes, depression. Despite that, he retained his love for cycling and soul was burning with desire to touch those handlebars and pedals again. He did and after a year, he had being cured of cancer, he won and he has never stopped since. He is now an ambassador for cancer victims and he urges them to fight for their lives and what they love in hopes that they will he as lucky as him. Lance Armstrong achieved victory against cancer and against modern perceptions of death as well as cycling records previously thought as impossible by himself. All this was done through his fiery soul, a very strong, self-sufficient one indeed, He had achieved unimaginable success with it.

But what of us? Shall we not be successful as well? That really depends on our perspectives in life and the soul. If the soul works toward that constant improvement of our humane being and for the better of others, then yes, I would consider that successful, do you not? For instance, educators who choose to raise the capabilities of their students for a bright future ahead, academia who research fields of knowledge so that we know all that is around us and ourselves better and happiness of each other. So, as you can see , all we have and all we need are souls because while we may be down in the dumps or doubtful about life, we sometimes do not realise that the soul exists for a larger, more noble purpose. We just have to notice it and embrace our souls to truly achieve success in every sense of the word.

So do go back and look into your soul today. You may find something valuable in there which may just be your key to your own personal success.

Oxford & Cambridge Essay Writing Competition's winning essays- 1st runner up

Sharannya a/p Suresh (SMK Puteri Seremban)

If you live in the city, chances are high that you see thousands of people everyday in passing. Men and women from all sorts of backgrounds, behaviour and not to mention dressing habits. Some are so inconspicuous that you forget about them a second after you glimpse them, but a rare number stay in our minds for quite a time. The biggest factor as arguably their looks and a big part of them are clothes. In big cities, women tend to be more open and are up-front about their overall lives. They dress outrageously sometimes, and might behave even more so. So, the question is, should the law require women to dress modestly, especially in public?

Some parties campaign this concept ferociously, while others protest at this blatant opposition of women’s rights. Even in Malaysia, a few years back, women in states life Kelantan were not allowed to wear ‘tight’ clothes like jeans! In Abu Dhabi, you get weird looks if you walk down the street in sleeveless blouses. But that is just their culture. Asian countries are still famous for their mild-mannered behaviour, although those who do practice it are becoming less everyday. Countries in the west are more accepting of crazily-dressed women. In fact, it might even become a fashion trend! But they do have to draw the line at full nudity. Meanwhile, here, you might get the ‘evil eye’ if you prance down streets in revealing clothes.

Like all other matters, this issue has two sides, too. Modestly dressed women tend to be shielded from catcalls and wolf-whistles most of the time. They will still get this sexist treatment, but they get it in marginally diluted doses compared to women who are dressed sexily. That is a pure fact. Sometimes, modest dressing can save you from bad situations too. Convicted rapists admit that they only committed the crime because they couldn’t control themselves after seeing sexy women. It may see, a lame excuse for their wrong doing, but we cannot deny that women don’t exactly dress conservatively are just asking for trouble, especially if they happen to be in ‘strategic’ places like, say, dark streets.

Modest dressing doesn’t always mean frumpy, or ‘badly dressed’. Most of the young women nowadays dress according to ever-changing fashion trends. The trick is always to find a look that is suitable for you. Like Oscar Wilde once said ‘Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerant that we have to keep changing it. Latest trends on the runway don’t always look at home on the streets. Evergreen looks always make a good impression, even with people we have just met. You will look modern, elegant and still have leftover space for style. Self-help books and even newspaper articles, say that people who are dressed modestly, especially women, are more likely to be except maybe the fashion and designing industries. If you want to work there, wear ‘Loud’ coloured clothes all you want!

Of course, activists who campaign for women’s rights are vehemently against any ideas of this sort. This is, the twenty-first century, after all. Women shouldn’t have to dress in a certain way just to escape the unwanted attentions of caveman-like louts. It’s a free country, or a free-world, in this case. Outlawing outrageous clothes are actually curbing the rights of women to dress how they want, whenever they want. And after all, men with nasty behaviours will go after any girl or woman, safe is to have street-smarts, and maybe even a pepper spray handy. If laws are implemented to force women to dress conservatively (without their choice, too), mankind will be taking a giant step backward.

There is no denying the fact that it is the norm in Asian Countries, especially, to be obedient and just walk in our ancestors footsteps. The old generation find it very hard to accept their grandchildren’s newfound ‘style’. Clothes that are too tight are considered a taboo. Forget midriff-baring shirts. Parents are more understanding, but they, too have limits. Teenage girls, who sometimes follow fashion trends to fit in with their friends, end up getting frustrated. However, they will eventually understand their families’ mindsets as they grow up and mature. The key is compromise. Everyone has to give and take in the end for all parties to be satisfied. Even members of the unbending old generation might budge just a little. Life is just not long enough for us get worked up about simple things, really.

Clearly, controversial headlines in the newspapers might lead us to think that all females should be required to dress modestly for their own sakes. But we must ask ourselves, is this what ALL the women want, or need? Does a simple law protect and shield a certain thing from harm? Like they say, rules are made to be broken. Besides, even corporate industries are becoming more relaxed about be maintained to keep up a respectable front. But clothes and dressing-habits are subjective. Women should be sensitive and smart enough to know what to wear at times, based on the nature of the occasions. You can’t wear dresses suitable for nightclubs to a temple the next day!. In the end, it is up to the millions of women by whim! Women should have their own fates and futures in their own hands. To be or not to be (modestly dressed!) ?

Oxford & Cambridge Essay Writing Competition's winning essays- 2nd runner up

Nur Amalina Binti Khairul Anuar (SMK (P) Methodist Klang)

The ‘One child per family’ policy has been making waves worldwide ever since it
was first implemented in china years ago. Heated debates were held in all four corners of the world, discussing the pros and cons of the aforementioned policy. Some agreed, some disagreed and some just agreed to disagree. This particular topic is still relevant even though a substantial period of time has passed. So, the big question is: Should parents have only one child?

There is no doubt that it is in man’s nature to want to reproduce and gain offspring. It is simply in our genetic makeup, a trait that has not been altered even countless years of evolution. Ergo, this all comes down to a simple matter of preference. Some parents might only want to remain childless. Others may want busloads of children while others parents might only want one child. A majority of the nations on the earth place emphasis on the freedom of rights of its citizens. Whether it be freedom of speech or the liberty to practise any religion of choice, the rights of a country’s people is one of the most pivotal, if not the most crucial, building block of a nation. Do these rights, these liberties, not encompass the choice of the number of offspring that one wants? To go against these rules would be hypocritical for a nation as these rights are written in black and white in the very constitutions that are akin to the core of a nation’s framework.

If there was to be a golden rule about one child to every set of parents, it would certainly have a detrimental effect for the married couple. However, what of the effects to the child itself? The bonds of siblings are some of the strongest ties in existence. An only child might very well have a lack of companionship. Some might argue that peers can offer the same camaraderie. After all, the ubiquitous sayings of ‘my sister from another mister’ or even, ‘my brother from another mother’ would probably not have originated, no? However, it should be noted that even if something is similar to another object, it is still not necessarily the exact one and the same. As the adage goes, blood is thicker than water. Just by being related by blood, a relationship can hold a much deeper meaning.

When discussing this particular delicate (and controversial) subject, there is no doubt that the matter of twins and the like has to be brought up. If perchance a law about parents only having only one child were to be legislated and passes in every country on the face of the earth, what will become of twins, triplets, quadruplets, etcetera, etcetera? Does this mean that the other children will have an intake of air? Does this rule translate to the killings of children that have not even had an opportunity to pry their eyes open and take a glimpse of this world? Furthermore, if this were the case, how would the process of choosing which getting rid of the others. Besides which, who is to say that the parents (or policy makers) can play god and have the final word on the birth of children?

On a national scale, the nation of having a single child to every set of parents ratio will affect countries. The population will decrease, leaving nations with insufficient manpower. This in turn will cause economies to fail, leaving numerous nations in an even worse recession than there is now and leaves the world’s population poverty-stricken. Loss of productivity will be a constant variable, affecting he strength and dominance as well as the competitiveness of a country on the global stage. The utter lack of sufficient manpower will leave a country at it’s knees, a sitting duck to possible threats on both a domestic and international scale. Wars might very well rage and the homicides of people might be rampant if certain Machiavellian people were to take advantage of opportune moments.

Should parents have only one child? I for one, disagree. Such measures will certainly affect individuals, families, communities, nations and even the world in more ways than one. Future generations will very well face more problems if such rules were to be abided. For every action there is an equal reaction, or in other words, doing so will certainly cause a butterfly effect. Therefore, it is pivotal that today’s people make suitable decisions to ensure the wellbeing of humanity.

Sunway wins 2nd place in MOHE’s Web Portal Competition

Sunway University was recently awarded 2nd place in the 2010 Web Portal Competition organized by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). With an increase from 62% (3 stars) in 2009 to 72% (4 Stars) in 2010, Sunway University beat 36 other institutions under the IPTS (University College and Private Universities) category. The competition was held from the 22 to 26 June 2010 in Bayview Hotel, Melaka.

Sunway celebrates I “Heart” Earth Month

Sunway University in conjunction with the World Environment Day celebrated worldwide on 5 June 2011 has dedicated an entire month to show its support to Mother Nature. The campaign, an initiative by the Sunway Education Group is a concerted effort to create awareness and encourage lifestyle changes that support the preservation of our Earth by reducing, reusing and recycling as well as reducing carbon emissions to slow the effects of global warming and climate change.

During the opening speech, Ms Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Sunway Education Group said, “The progress of climate change abatement must go hand in hand with the strong involvement of communities and organizations to spur lifestyle changes and create awareness of the consequences of our actions on our environment”.

Elizabeth Lee and Sunway University Student Council committee members during the tree planting ceremony.

Sunway University clinches Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2011

Sunway University struck gold when it received the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Gold Award in the Malaysian Private University Category for 2011 at an awards dinner on 1 June.

Mr Lee Weng Keng, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Education Group who accepted the award said, “Sunway University cherishes and values this award as it is based on savvy Reader’s Digest consumer preferences. It is particularly significant that respondents were not prompted on the name of the University, and that it was based strictly on top-of-mind recall”.

Mr Lee Weng Keng (left) receiving the award from Christopher Axberg, Publisher and Managing Director, Reader’s Digest Asia

The Feast of Camelot

Calvin Lee win Second prize for Perdana Leadership Award

Calvin Lee Eng Siong, a final year student pursuing his BSc (Hons) in Business Management, Sunway University won the second prize for the third Essay Competition “Nurturing the Minds of Future Leaders” jointly organized by Perdana Leadership Award and MPH group. Calvin bagged RM1, 000 in cash, an e-book reader, an iPod Nano and RM250 in book vouchers for his essay on Malaysia in a Globalised World: A High-Income Status through Human Capital Development. The Essay Competition that took place between May and October 2010 also saw entries on “Vision 2020”, “Global Competitiveness” and “A High-Income Nation” as part of the competition’s theme, “Malaysia in a Globalised World”.

The winners were arbitrated by Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Khoo Kay Kim, Tan Sri Hashim Makaruddin and Dato’ Hardev Kaur.

Calvin (centre) with Associate Professor Dr Foo Yin Fah, Head of School of Business and Grace Tay.



Sunway Celebrates Teaching Appreciation Day

Very often, we are driven by the passion of teaching that we often forget to celebrate this very special day. Sunway University recently celebrated the “Teaching Appreciation Day” to commemorate the dedication of our lecturers who have guided many students along the way, contributing to their successful careers.

Elizabeth Lee with Jun during the Teacher's Appreciation Day. 

Lost cash returned to student

The term” finders keepers” did not have any significance to Wong Yeng Hui and Yeo Suk Lyn as they immediately surrendered a stack of RM600 they found lying on the canopy walk to the Security Department. The two Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) students who were returning from the Sunway Pyramid Mall to Sunway University (Sunway) found the money lying on the canopy walk at 2:13 pm on 4 April 2011. At 2:20pm the same day, they made a report at the Security Department and surrendered the money to Mr Gopal Kandasamy, Manager of the Security Department.

As it was harder to identify who the owner of the cash was, the security department inspected the CCTV’s installed at the canopy walk to identify the moment Wong and Yeo picked up the money. They then backtracked and found Ngu Mei Siang, a Sunway BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance walking through the canopy walk with two friends not realizing her money had fallen out of her bag.

Mr Tan Kheng Loon, Mr Gopal Kandasamy, Ms Elizabeth Lee, Lim Jew Jean, Ngu Mei Siang, Wong Yeng Hui and Yeo Suk Lyn.

Sunway ADTP Student’s Mini-Production First Attempt but Huge Success

The Sunway American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) students may be from different areas of study but when they put their heart and soul to performing, they deliver as a team. The Introduction to Theatre students, an elective offered by the ADTP came up with a mini-production consisting of three plays from an array of genres and gave their audience a brilliant production recently.

The 200 spectators that witnessed the play saw three mini-productions including a classic by Harold Pinter called ‘The Room’, a re-enactment of ‘Fatal Beatings’ by Rowan Atkinson and an original called ‘Stairway to Heaven’ by David Chia, a Sunway ADTP student.

Koh Weng Hong playing Mr Kidd in “The Room” directed by Choy Chuu Khai.

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RM 5.7 Million Worth in Scholarship for Deserving Students

Sunway University (Sunway) was proud to honour over 1000 students during the recent Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony in May 2011. Sunway awarded RM 5.7 million in scholarships through the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation making the total amount of contributions so far RM 66 million worth in scholarships since it was incepted in 1997 through the Sunway Education Trust Fund. The Sunway Education Trust Fund was converted to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation in 2010 to further solidify our Founder and Chancellor's belief to transform the lives of many through the benefits of education. The recipients of the scholarship was awarded the Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship and The Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship.

Recipients of the Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship waiting in line to receive their award from Mr Lee Weng Keng.

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Lancaster University Student Council President visits Sunway

Sunway University recently welcomed Robbie Pickles, President of the Lancaster University Student Council (LUSU) and the members of the Student Union to Sunway University (Sunway) recently. Robbie’s visit was greatly motivated by his need to understand the cultural diversity and the people in Malaysia especially after having spent a great time with 6 Sunway students who visited Lancaster University in March. Robbie who spent the 17th to the 21st of April in Malaysia said, “It was an absolutely fantastic experience to fly out to Southeast Asia to visit Sunway University. I've never left Europe before so I was very excited to travel half-way around the world”.

Robbie had the opportunity to stay in the Sun-U residence throughout his stay in Malaysia. He said, “The Hostel was absolutely fantastic! It provides a really good quality facility which the students must love- especially the outdoor swimming pool!”

Robbie Pickles (extreme left), Sarah Hinton, Heather Yates and Ben Matthews (extreme right), representatives of LUSU with Professor Robert Bignall (second from right), Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University during the visit to Sunway.

Throughout his stay, Robbie was exposed to various activities that could help him understand the students and the Malaysian culture. Since his visit was during the student council elections, Robbie presented a lunch talk to the future student leaders by guiding them and giving them a sense of direction to ensure they do their best for the student community. He also shared his personal experiences as a President of LUSU. Robbie also met with all the staff from the Sunway Services who he said was fantastic and applauded their hospitality.

When asked about the Sunway campus, Robbie said, “The campus is absolutely incredible- such an imposing building and so much more is being built whilst I was there,” referring to the expansion plan currently taking place.

Robbie especially found the people absolutely lovely. The 6 Sunway University students, Kishenjeet Nelson Dhillon, Candy Lee Ker Ching, Vanessa Ong Shu Yu, Sonia Lim Suan Li, Aruna Puspalingam and Nicholas Goh Teik Lee who visited Lancaster University in March took Robbie on a cultural experience during his visit to Malaysia. “I tried all sorts of local foods including the extremely risky ‘Durian’ fruit. I also got to spend a day sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur together with Nicholas Goh who agreed to accompany me for the day. I also had a wonderful evening out in Kuala Lumpur with Ms Elizabeth Lee (Executive Director of Sunway Education Group) who took us out for a cultural feast and then for drinks overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers”, exclaimed Robbie.

Sunway University celebrates World Graphics Day

Sunway University (Sunway) paid recognition to International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda) by celebrating the World Graphics Day which was on April 27, 2011 for the first time. A 3-day event in conjunction with this day had various talks, seminars and exhibitions for students to attend.

Sunway’s World Graphics Day was held to educate students on communication design and its role in other careers. The events covered different topics for the talks such as the “I am a future Toy Designer” by Luk Chee Chew, “FIABCI: Brown Paper Bag Seminar, a Journey of Pavilion through success” by Ms Joyce Yap, “Money Talks” by Khoo Kay Hong, “Motion Graphics/ Films from Malaysia’s Perspective” by Mr Hassan Mutalib and many more.

An example of Dweey that was exhibited during the World Graphic Day.

Mr Michael Goh, the President of wREGA who launched the World Graphics Day in Sunway, said “Graphic Designing does not only solve problems and fulfil an objective but make things work beautifully”. Goh gave a talk entitled “Design”.

An example of Dweey that was exhibited during the World Graphic Day.

Shortly after his talk, an exhibition called “Toys no Fun” took place. Dweey, the icon was featured in the exhibition. This white vinyl short necked- giraffe called Dweey were an inspiration of Luk Chee Chew from Fusionwave Creative Consultancy who came up with a line of functional yet artistic toys that work as name card holders or fridge magnets. From a splash of colours to an environmental friendly theme, these adorable little moulds caught the attention of many who attended the event.

Students looking at the collection of Dweey during the “Toys no Fun” exhibition.

When asked how would you customize Dweey, Winnie Choo Wai Jien, a final year student in Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design said, “I would make an arm rest out of Dweey that are themed in a collection of funky colours ornamented with designs on its head”. There was also a workshop on Toy Design organized by Luk to educate people on the fun and artistic elements involved in designing.

Mr Hassan Mutalib said “Every picture has a story” during his talk at Sunway University.

Mr Hassan Mutalib who has over 45 years of experience in the Malaysian Film Industry gave his audience an informative speech on Motion Graphics from Malaysia’s Perspective. Ang Tong Yin, a Lecturer of the Department of Art and Design said, “We were fortunate to have designers from various companies make an appearance in Sunway and give students an overview of their company profile and the actual work that is being carried out in the designing industry.

Honesty within students in Sunway College

Yong Geok San all smiles after her smart phone was returned to her by Mahmoodreza Mirzakhalili with Mr Gopal Kandasamy (center), Manager of the Security Department. 

Networking Tea to Launch the Sunway University Institution-Industry Partnership

Sunway University (Sunway) takes pride in the quality of graduates they produce as every graduate is shaped to be able to transform, accelerate and strengthen the human capital of the country when they join the workforce. Through the right platform, these graduates-to-be can join major companies in the corporate industries and work hand in hand with them, leading towards growth and a better future for the nation.

A representative of Accenture speaking to a Sunway student during the networking session held in Sunway University recently.

This is why Sunway took the initiative to invite the key corporate players to Sunway University to provide an opportunity for their graduates-to-be to meet the representatives of these leading companies in an exclusive networking tea held in Sunway University recently.

Guest of Honour, Y.BRS Prof Dr. Rujhan Mustafa launching the 2011 Get Hired Networking Tea session while Dr. Khatijah Khalid, Sunway Education Group Registrar (extreme right), Prof. David Ngo Chek Ling, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Higher Degrees (extreme left), Ms Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director, Sunway Education Group (2nd from left), Mr Lee Weng Keng, Chief Executive Officer, Sunway Education and Healthcare (4th from right), Prof Robert Bignall, Vice-Chancellor Sunway Education Group (3rd from right) and Ms Lee Siok Ping, Director of Student Services (2nd from right), Sunway University looked on.

The Get Hired 2011 Network Tea saw 40 key industry partners comprising 7 leading banks, the Big 5 accounting firms, Bank Negara Malaysia, Petronas, Bursa Malaysia, General Electric, Dell Malaysia and the Sunway Group to name a few. Also present was the Guest of Honour, Y.BRS Prof Dr. Rujhan Mustafa, Director General, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.

The event also commemorated Sunway’s strong and effective linkages in an Institution-Industry Partnership with the participating companies which are in line with the government’s effort to achieve a developed, high-income nation. Through this networking session, leading companies are able to recognize the quality of education that was nurtured within these Sunway students and provide them a place in the 21st century globalised workforce upon their graduation.

Sunway students speaking to a representative of Sunway Group during the networking session.

Jui Chien Ling, a Year 2 student of the Accounting and Finance degree programme who was looking for an internship experience said, “It was great to know the different companies out there, understand them in detail and the type of employee they are looking for. It also gave me an opportunity to know them as a company, understand their culture and communicate with the people who have been working there for a long time”.

Front row (from left) Dr. Khatijah Khalid, Sunway Education Group Registrar, Prof. David Ngo Chek Ling, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Higher Degrees), Ms Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director, Sunway Education Group, Guest of Honour, Y.BRS Prof Dr. Rujhan Mustafa (center), Mr Lee Weng Keng, Chief Executive Officer, Sunway Education and Healthcare, Prof Robert Bignall, Vice-Chancellor Sunway Education Group and Ms Lee Siok Ping, Director of Student Services, Sunway University with 40 representatives of various firms.

Lau Jing Mei, a final year student of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) programme said, “Get Hired was an excellent event especially for graduates-to-be like me. Instead of having to find job opportunities in the classified sections of the newspapers, I got to meet many company representatives face to face, built a connection with them, got a response and cleared whatever doubts I had all in one meeting. It’s also easier to ask questions due to its informal setting”.