MBA Edge Postgraduate Studies by Penerbit Wawasan

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Studies

POSTGRADUATE

ICT CAREER &

EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA with • Dr Liew Soung Yue

• Professor Dr Jamilin Jais • Dr Jasmine Seng

Talent is Never Enough

in PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

EDDIE TANG, MAH SING PROPERTIES SDN BHD

Redefining the PUBLISHING INDUSTRY with RODNEY TOH, KIM & KERRIE SDN BHD

MRCA

THE GENESIS OF THE PURPLE OCEAN STR ATEGY

Tan Sri Dr David Lai ISSN 2232-0342

9772232034009

PP17103/09/2012 (030736) 2012 Issue 9 July/August 2012 RM7.00

Industr y Centre of Excellence (ICoE) DATO’ NELSON K WOK

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Supporting Universities Nationwide Your Future is Our Business

As seen in stores and universities

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Studies

POSTGRADUATE

Setting up of the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE) Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nelson Kwok President of MRCA

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Studies

POSTGRADUATE

TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH Eddie Tang

COO, Mah Sing Properties Sdn Bhd

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EDITOR’S NOTE

CORPORATE Managing Director: Steven Shim Office Manager: Vicky Shim Key Accounts Manager: Wong YW Finance Manager: Bonnie Bang ICT – the way of the present, and the future

trends in IT courses and the different programmes offered at the university. We also ICT is a well-known acronym feature a dialogue between but what does it mean exactly? Ms Elizabeth Lee and Professor ICT stands for Information and Chang Pao-long about the Communication Technology, partnership between Sunway and includes products that University (Malaysia) and Feng will store, retrieve, manipulate, Chia University (Taiwan), a transmit or receive electronic collaboration that will surely information in a digital bring ICT to new heights in this form, i.e., digital data. We are country. talking about computers, Our cover story features Tan Sri digital televisions, email and David Lai, CEO of Bandacaya even robots. Even with this Group, who talks to us about definition, ICT is a broad and fast-changing subject. Malaysia his challenging early years is keeping up with the advent and how he discovered his business philosophy, the and evolution of ICT through Purple Ocean Strategy. We the offering of ICT courses in also interview Dato’ Nelson various universities. Kwok about the launch of the In this issue, we interview Dr Industry Centre of Excellence Liew Soung Yue, Dean of the which will providing 8,000 Faculty of Information and internship opportunities to Communication Technology university students. at Universiti Tunku Abdul In our business segment, we Rahman (UTAR) about the speak to Rodney Toh of Kim various ICT courses offered & Kerrie Sdn Bhd about how at the university and the Dean of Computer Science/IT e-publishing will redefine Department of KLIUC, Professor the publishing landscape in Malaysia. Eddie Tang dispenses Jamilin Jais, on ICT courses at KLIUC. Dr Jasmine Seng, Head advice on how to find and the right talents in organisations. of Computer Science and Networked Systems at Sunway University talks to us about the

We are also happy to announce the latest MBA Edge business competition, Season 3, on “The Salient Points of Creating a Powerful Personal Brand in the Malaysian Context Today.” The winner of the MBA Edge business competition Season 2 is Nicholas Cheng Yi Yang, many congratulations! Our interview with him is also included in this issue. If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see in this magazine in relation to postgraduate studies or have any comments about our current issues, please email us at: penerbitwawasan@gmail. com. Happy reading!

Janet Tay

EDITORIAL TEAM Senior Editor: Janet Tay Writers: Nurraihana, Mohd Amil Contributors: Dr Hendry Ng, Senerath De Silva, Lenny Chiah Photographer: Tang Weng Kit, Brandon Leow Graphic Designer: Tony Lam PUBLISHER Penerbit Wawasan Nusa (M) Sdn Bhd (866716-P), Wisma Wawasan, 19-2 Jalan PJS 8/12, Dataran Mentari, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Tel: 603-56301802, Fax: 603-6301803, Email: info@pwn.com.my, penerbitwawasan@gmail.com Website: www.pwn.com.my PRINTER Intan Spektra Sdn Bhd 12 Jalan Vivekananda, 50470 Kuala Lumpur All rights reserved by MBA EdgeTM and its publisher. While every care has been taken, the publisher, writers, and editors will not be held liable for errors, inaccuracies or commissions. Unsolicited material is submitted at sender’s risk. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of copyright owner. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this magazine via the internet or any other means without the permission of publisher is illegal by law.

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CONTENTS

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COVER STORY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

TAN SRI DAVID LAI, THE GENESIS OF THE PURPLE OCEAN STRATEGY, Chief Executive Officer, Bandacaya Group

Redefining the PUBLISHING INDUSTRY HOW THE ADVENT OF TABLET PCs AND EPUB 3.0 FORMAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF PUBLISHING IN MALAYSIA RODNEY TOH, Kim & Kerrie Sdn Bhd

TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH An Exclusive Conversation with EDDIE TANG, MAH SING BHD

PROFILE 14

MALAYSIA RETAILER-CHAINS ASSOCIATION, Dato’ Nelson Kwok LAUNCHING OF THE INDUSTRY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

ICT EDUCATION & PROSPECTS IN MALAYSIA with Dr Liew Soung Yue

Interview with Mr Vigneswaran, Head of Department, After-Sales, Quill BMW

Interview with Dean of Computer Science/IT Department, KLIUC Professor Dr Jamilin Jais

UTAR and Building Management Association of Malaysia sign MoU

Sunway University and Feng Chia University seal partnership

ICT Programmes at Sunway University, DR JASMINE SENG, Head of Computer Science & Networked Systems

MMU, UTAR Hosts Conference on High-Impact Technology

NICHOLAS CHENG YI YANG, Profile of the winner of the mbaedgeTM Business Competition Season 2

A TRIPARTITE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT(MoA) SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN UM, ACCA AND SUNWAY TES

Event: Award-giving Ceremony of Sin Chew Education Fund Awards

Speech by YB Dato’ Dr Hou at the Award-giving Ceremony of Sin Chew Education Fund Awards

The MBA EdgeTM Business Competition Season 3

MBA from Strathclyde Business School A triple-accredited University

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SUNWAY UNIVERSITY (MALAYSIA) & FENG CHIA UNIVERSITY (TAIWAN) The Dialogue Between Ms Elizabeth Lee) and Prof Chang Pao-long

BUSINESS MODEL GENERATION Somachandra Senerath De Silva and Dr Hendry HS Ng

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COVER STORY

Tan Sri Dr David Lai and the Genesis of the Purple Ocean Strategy

Tan Sri Dr David Lai, founder of Bandacaya Holding Sdn Bhd, talks to Postgraduate Studies MEB about his challenging early years and how he discovered his business philosophy, the Purple Ocean Strategy.

“

Q. Tell us about yourself and your life principles.

I grew up in a small kampong among many Malay people. We understand the Malay culture well

ME Cover Story : Tan Sri Dr David Lai & the Genesis of the Purple Ocean Strategy

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I completed my degree in the UK in quantitative surveying in 1992. After a few years working in Malaysia, I spent some time working in China. I came back to Malaysia in 1997 and set up my own company, P&M Construction Sdn Bhd. Unfortunately, Malaysia was in a recession in 1997 and it took more than one year before the company won a tender for a project. Meanwhile, I did many odd jobs, like selling stainless steel tanks, filters, stationeries, and was even involved in direct selling schemes, just to make ends meet. Our first construction project was a school in Bangi.

After that, I decided to move into property development instead of construction and formed Bandacaya Holding Sdn Bhd. I decided to develop properties on Malay reserved land. I grew up in a small kampong among many Malay people. We understand the Malay culture well, and in fact, my father’s business was involved in providing products and services for Malay weddings and festival celebrations. I spent a lot of my time in Lantau Panjang at a mamak coffee shop to mingle around with the local folk there. Almost everyday from 10am to 10pm I would chat with the local customers and try to propose my ideas to the landowners for me to develop their land in return for profit sharing. After a period of time, I managed to close a deal and proceeded to develop a piece of land. To do so, I needed to get an official government approval

which took from two to three months to more than 12 months. Nothing happened during that time as I couldn’t develop the land without a permit. It was tough and I worked hard to find a solution. Eventually when the permit was approved, I started pitching tents and setting up a display for the property to promote sales to the kampong folk. For two weeks from 11am to 6pm, there was not a single visitor to the display tents. I decided to go directly to the customers instead of waiting for them to come to me. I printed some brochures and went knocking door to door to sell them the property. I did this for three months. It was really tough work. From 9am to 12 midnight, I would go to every potential customer’s office or home to present to them. On average, to close a sale, I had to visit and service a potential customer about six times. Slowly but surely, I managed

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to sell all the units. Although it was tough work, I was very motivated and energised by the results. The landlord became a millionaire and he started to recommend his family members who owned land to work together with my company. That was how I grew my business in 2002 until 2006. All went very well and I worked very hard trying to do everything. Then came that fateful day of 7 May 2006 when I suffered a stroke at the age of 38. Half my body was paralysed. For four months until September 2006, the whole business stopped. I tried to do everything and when I collapsed, everything stood still. No one knew what to do; there was no continuation. I was not wise

enough then to build a team and create a perpetual business system. The four months I spent recuperating and recovering from the stroke was perhaps the most important turning point in my life. I started to think deeper about how I did business. I started to search for a model. I studied the Blue Ocean Strategy concept made famous by Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. I thought I didn’t want to be in the Red Ocean business as I was trying to avoid price competition. I thought there must be a space between the idea of the Blue Ocean and Red Ocean. One day, while being involved in my children’s painting activities, I noticed that when red was mixed with blue, the resultant

Then came that fateful day of 7 May 2006 when I suffered a stroke at the age of 38. Everything changed. purple colour made an impression on me. I took that as a sign to explore further what the acronym P.U.R.P.L.E. means to me. Slowly, I worked out a set of principles using the P.U.R.P.L.E. acronym and fleshed out what would eventually become the foundational principles upon which I built my business.

Cover Story : Tan Sri Dr David Lai & the Genesis of the Purple Ocean Strategy

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When our customers come to collect their set of keys to their house, I present them with an expensive key box with all the keys properly labelled and hung in the box for them. They will always remember that experience!

I would like to share my idea of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Purple Oceanâ&#x20AC;?. P: Prepare for change

Purple to me stands for:

U: Umbrella System

P: Prepare for change

R: Reformation

U: Umbrella System

P: Price

R: Reformation

L: Lifestyle

P: Price

E: Evolution

L: Lifestyle E: Evolution Prepare for Change: To prepare for change you have to start with your thinking, your mindset.

ME Cover Story : Tan Sri Dr David Lai & the Genesis of the Purple Ocean Strategy

I was deeply involved in developing Malay reserved land and I had to rethink whether to proceed in this area or diversify into other areas. I decided to stay put and grow in this area as there are not many players. Furthermore, based on the Tenth Malaysia Plan then, the focus on building infrastructure was a plus point as with proper infrastructure it was easier to position developments in those Malay reserved land as accessibility is always a challenge. I was

prepared for change by rethinking my focus. Once I was really sure I was on the right track, everything else fell into place. I refocused all efforts into this area. Umbrella System: An umbrella protects you from the rain. The umbrella system is the idea of protecting the customers. Many developers do not refund clients who fail to secure loans for properties. I refund fully as I want to protect the customers. For

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those buyers who qualify for the loan but do not have the 10 per cent down payment, I provide interest-free twoyear instalment plans to assist them. I produce the ‘Buku Panduan’ to show our customers, step by step, everything they need to

a win-win situation. I earn their loyalty and they not only buy more but also refer more customers to me. Reformation: Reformation to me starts from inside. When I recovered from my stroke, I started to hire people to help me. I started to focus on building a team. I changed the office hours to 9am to 5pm. I not only wanted my staff to work hard but also for them to have time to do other

we also reformed our concept. This point is linked to the next point on Price. Price: Price is always a problem. Too expensive, and you will sell less. Cheap and you can’t make a profit. So I bypass the need to be cheap by changing my product concept. Instead of building single storey terrace houses, which is very normal, I changed the concept by provide a lifestyle “Resort Living Concept”. We build

Because I think first of the customer and their well-being, I created a win-win situation. I earn their loyalty and they not only buy more but also refer more customers to me. Tan Sri David holding the ‘Buku Panduan’ produced to show customers everything they need to know about buying a house.

know about buying a house. When our customers come to collect their set of keys to their house, I present them with an expensive key box with all the keys properly labelled and hung in the box for them. They will always remember that experience! We educate our customers on the need to care for the environment by providing talks for them and we also provide recycle bins for them. We hire consultants to talk about how to be smart about servicing loans and how to save on interest by managing their loans well. Because I think first of the customer and their well-being, I created

things after work. Some had children they needed to pick up from school. Some needed to attend night classes. I encouraged these. Slowly I changed everyone’s mindsets and focus them on achievements. ISO 9001, ISO14001, Malaysia Book of Records, etc. These achievements made them proud. I wanted to build an outstanding company and it had to start with internal reformation. We always think of doing extraordinary things. Recently we gathered 400 Malay families to learn Chinese calligraphy. And that was a great achievement. Besides internal reformation

solar systems, swimming pools, place security guards in the gardens, build auto-gate, and provide LED lighting. Extraordinary values for money! Our tagline is “Kami Membina Kelainan”. Our pricing is mid-level because we want everyone to be able to afford to buy. Lifestyle: Our customers are 35 years old and below. These are young people who have a different mindset. They want lifestyle. That’s why my new concept terrace houses are reconceptualised to focus on lifestyle. Swimming pool, auto-gate, LED lighting,

Cover Story : Tan Sri Dr David Lai & the Genesis of the Purple Ocean Strategy

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“

Tan Sri Dr David at his Head Quarter

You have no experience, you have no track record and you are fresh entering the job market. First and foremost, don’t be calculative about salary.

”

ME Cover Story : Tan Sri Dr David Lai & the Genesis of the Purple Ocean Strategy

We have to constantly evaluate what we are doing and see who has changed. Competitors always copy and learn from us. We have to evaluate ourselves and change and progress. You cannot stay still and be complacent. You have to continuously progress and improve.

the conditions, and the timing are not right. To be an entrepreneur, you need courage and confidence to face difficulties. You need to be able to take risk and have the energy to persevere through hardship. Learn to create opportunities and don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking. During my difficult years, I went around selling filters, stainless steel tanks, etc. to supplement my income. Basically, when the buyers don’t come to you, you have to go to the buyers. You have to pick yourself up and turn things around. That’s my advice.

Q. What is your advice to young entrepreneurs facing a first failure?

Q. What about fresh graduate entering the market place?

I don’t like to use the word failure because every problem we face is just another experience. It is not a failure; it may be that the situation,

You have no experience, you have no track record and you are fresh entering the job market. First and foremost, don’t be calculative about

fingerprint door lock, etc. are all lifestyle elements we incorporate into our design and concept. We change to meet changing needs. Our projects are all sold out before every launch! Evaluation:

salary. Learn as much as possible from others who have more experience than you. When I started work after my degree, I took a RM1,200 salary job in a place that was a 20- minute walk from my house. I initially asked for RM600 because I wanted the job for the experience and because I walked to work, I could save a lot. But the owner decided to pay me RM1,200. I discover later that my pay was the lowest; even lower than a normal clerk. But I didn’t mind because I told the owner I would take the job provided he would teach me. This he did, and I worked very hard. Eighteen months later, I went for an interview for another job and asked for RM600 more than my current pay which was then RM1,700. The interviewer suspected I was not qualified for the job because I was asking for a lower than expected

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pay rate for the position I was applying for. Then I told the new employer that if he was willing to try me for three months, he could decide whether to keep me or not and at the RM2,300 salary I requested. If I did not perform, I would just leave on my own accord. He couldn’t resist the deal and took me on. From there, in a short few years, I proved myself again and again to my employer. Three years later, my salary was RM9,200. My advice is, don’t be calculative about salary. Work for the experience and prove yourself first. You are still young and have plenty of time! ME

Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) David Lai Chief Executive Officer Bandacaya Group

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PROFILE

MALAYSIA RETAILER-CHAINS ASSOCIATION Dato’ Nelson Kwok

THE 8,000 INTERNSHIP PROGR AMME FOR LOCAL GR ADUATES AND THE LAUNCHING OF THE INDUSTRY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Postgradute Studies MEB interviews Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA, on the recent collaboration between MRCA, SEGI and UUM to offer 8,000 internship opportunities to university students through the setting up of the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE).

ME Profile : Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA

Q. How did the idea of the internship programme come about? As chain store operators, we don’t only operate one or two stores; we have between 20 and a few hundred outlets. In fact, many of our members have outlets overseas as well and are continuing to expand. For any growing retail concern, having adequate and qualified human resources is important. It is always a challenge to ensure that we have enough manpower to grow. And since there are stricter rules controlling foreign workers, the issue becomes more

pertinent. Because the chain store retailers are facing a shortage of manpower, I have been receiving feedback on the need to address this issue. The idea of offering more than 8,000 interns to work in the retail industry arose from this need. MRCA is collaborating with SEGI and UUM to offer their students this internship programme. Q. What are the objectives of this internship programme? Basically, we want to provide an opportunity for university students to have a taste of the retail world. Secondly,

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we hope to attract qualified candidates to eventually join our industry. We want to expose students to real life work environment. And finally, we need to expand our business. Without fresh blood, we cannot do so and will be limited by this constraint. We want parents and students to be aware of the career opportunities in the retail sector. Students normally enrol for courses in marketing, accountancy, economics or business administration. There are very few who are interested in retail management. Many do not know the ample career opportunities in the retail sector. In the modern retail industry today, retailers need modern managers, new blood and fresh graduates to fill vacancies. The internship programme allows young graduates to spend between two and four months working in the retail environment to gain much needed work experience that will be useful even if they join other industries eventually. Q. Is this arrangement endorsed by MOHE? Yes, in fact the Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, himself was present to witness the MOU signing together with representatives from SEGI University College and UUM. Q. Why work with SEGI and UUM? SEGI and UUM were the first to respond to our call to encourage students

to participate in the retail sector. They are open to and supportive of the idea. Thus we agreed quickly to a mutually beneficial arrangement where the retailers have interns to cope with manpower shortages and the universities gain opportunities to expose students to real life work scenarios. Students, in fact, will be more employable. We accept students from any business-related field of studies like marketing, management, mass communication, economics, accounting, and human resource.

“In the modern retail industry today, retailers need modern managers, new blood and fresh graduates to fill vacancies”.

Q. What can the interns expect? The interns will work in the headquarters initially and will be briefed and trained in the company history, the organisation culture, product knowledge, the performance expectations and business model. Then they will be assigned to an outlet nearest to their home. There they will have hands-on experience under the supervision of an experienced staff for three months. Constant monitoring and feedback will ensure all the interns perform well. They will learn interpersonal skills. They will learn how to engage with customers, how to work in a team, and how to achieve targets. At the end of the internship, each intern will receive a letter of testimony which will be very valuable to them when they eventually enter the marketplace fulltime. Participants at the launch of the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE) event together with the Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled

Profile : Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA ME

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Q. What is your personal advice to the 8,000 interns?

Dato’ Nelson Kwok President of MRCA

ME Profile : The Makings of an Intellectual

I believe this is a great opportunity for the students to learn. Many young people dream of being rich but are not ready to work hard for it. Money doesn’t fall from the sky. There is no short cut to success. You must work hard, be focused, and strive for success. During university life, take this internship opportunity to upgrade your skills and learn to be adaptable. Expose yourself to how business people work and make money. Don’t be calculative and don’t be discouraged by minor setbacks. Use this internship programme to show that you can perform, to show that you are reliable and that you are trustworthy. We need people with these qualities to work with us and we offer very attractive career paths and opportunities that will enrich you personally and also financially. ME

Retail Sector Pay Range • Retail Assistant level: Pay range - RM 1,500 to RM 3,000. • Retail Supervisor level: Pay range - RM 3,000 to RM 5,000. • Retail Executive and Retail Manager level: Pay range - RM 5,000 and above. • Director of Operations, Part Owner, Franchise, Joint Venture - Unlimited.

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ICT EDUCATION & PROSPECTIVE IN MALAYSIA with Dr Liew Soung Yue

Dr Liew Soung Yue is an associate professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), which he joined in August 2003. He was appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at UTAR in August 2009. His research interests lie in network algorithms and protocols, wireless communications and applications, provision of QoS guarantee, distributed computing and algorithms, etc. Dr. Liew has also been the

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recipient of two Science-Fund projects under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation since 2008.

Postgradute Studies MEB speaks to Dr Liew about the various ICT programmes offered at UTAR. Q. What are the popular programmes in ICT today? Basically all ICT programmes must cover such ICT basics as programming, database, networking, etc. For the knowledge and skill at the advanced level, the popular programmes are: Computer Science - focused on programming and algorithm developments to solve specific problems;

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Computer Engineering focused on software and hardware integration to provide unique solutions; Network Engineering focused on internetworking among computers and solving the issues, such as security, that arise from communications; Information Systems Engineering - focused on ICT system developments and applications, especially for enterprise solutions; and Software Engineering - focused on software developments and applications for specific problems. However, to help Malaysia achieve the next level of nation’s high-income goal, we need not only the skilled programmers and ICT system developers, but also innovators and creators for new ICT applications and solutions. That is why the UTAR ICT postgraduate programmes focus more on the research and development (R&D) that can generate new ICT knowledge and cutting-edge technology. Q. What is the trend in computer science/IT enrolment? Although the past few years have seen an increasing enrolment of ICT students, it has not been at the same growing pace as that of the ICT job and business demands. Therefore the Malaysian job market is currently facing a serious shortage of ICT specialists.

Q. What’s the ratio of male/female enrolment in IT in UTAR? Males still dominate the programming-intensive ICT undergraduate programmes; however, for disciplines such as Business Information Systems, we see more female than male students. For UTAR ICT postgraduate programmes, the ratio of male to female is about 5:1

“The Malaysian job market is currently facing a serious shortage of ICT specialists”.

Q. Should IT courses be strongly orientated technically or should there be elements of “business” studies as well? Definitely, elements of business are essential for all ICT disciplines, as ICT must be service- and applicationoriented. At UTAR, we emphasise not only the technical skill of students, but also train students to process entrepreneurial and managerial skill. Basically there is no conflict between a technically sound programmer and a successful technopreneur. In fact, they should come together. Q. What is the ratio of lab-based instructions to theoretical instructions? At UTAR, we emphasise a lot on lab training because we believe it is more effective for students to learn if they can practise their knowledge and skills in the lab. For instance, most of the technical subjects are lab-oriented, and are associated with intensive practical training so that students will acquire sound programming, database,

ICT THEME ME

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and networking skills after they complete the degree programmes. Having said so, we do not neglect the theoretical training either as this provides students with the fundamental knowledge base in order to extend their knowledge, to perform research and to further create knowledge in the future. The ratio of practical to theoretical contents of UTAR ICT degree programmes is about 1:2. For research based postgraduate programmes, postgraduate students are required to propose a solution to a specific problem from the theoretical aspect, and then verify the solution by implementation.

the software-hardware integration, while all other degree programmes focus more on the software. Q. What are the facilities available for IT students in UTAR? At UTAR, we are working closely with the industry, and thus we are setting up teaching labs like Huawei Networking Lab, Intel IC Design and Computing Lab, Microsoft Software Engineering Lab, Cisco Network Academy Lab, Enterprise Systems and Database Lab, Analogue Lab, Digital Lab, etc. In addition, we also have a Final Year Project Lab for students to work on their final year projects. For postgraduate, lab space and equipment are located in the Postgraduate and Project Labs for postgraduate students to conduct R&D. Q. Why study Computer Science/IT at UTAR?

This requires both sound theoretical knowledge and good practical skill. Q. Is there a stronger emphasis on ‘software’ (programming, design, languages) rather than ‘hardware’ (engineering, circuitry) courses? Different ICT programmes have different emphases. As mentioned, Computer Engineering focuses on

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At UTAR all ICT programmes are carefully designed with international benchmarks and market-driven contents. From the technical aspect, students will keep abreast with the new ICT trends and be trained with lab facilities that meet the industrial standards. Most of the technical subjects are associated with intensive practical training so that students will acquire sound programming, database,

and networking skills after they complete the degree programmes. On the other hand, the two UTAR ICT postgraduate programmes, namely Master of Computer Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science), focus on the research and development (R&D) that can generate new ICT knowledge and cuttingedge technology. The two postgraduate programmes offer a unique combination of scientific and engineering appeal, with the aim to equip students with the ability to perform professional problem analysis, literature search, solution design, system implementation, verification, documentation, etc., to conduct in-depth R&D in the ICT field. To facilitate the postgraduate R&D activities, lab space and equipment are allocated, and financial aid is also in place on project basis for postgraduate students to apply. There is also a wide variety of areas of interest, such as Wireless Communications and Networking, Cloud and P2P Computing, Computer Vision and Digital Image, Machine Learning and Algorithms, Embedded and Intelligent Systems, Multimedia and Web Technologies, Knowledge Management and Data Mining, etc. Throughout the programmes, students will be encouraged to participate in enhancement courses such as training, seminars and workshops, and publish their research outcomes in

Dr Liew Soung Yue is an associate professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). conferences and journals. Q. What is your advice for fresh IT graduates entering the job market today? In order to become innovative and creative computer scientists, students (undergraduate and postgraduate) are advised to broaden their knowledge base through reading and writing; develop their strong ICT skills, such as programming, networking, etc. through practice; cultivate critical thinking in order to review existing solutions and identify new applications; and always strive to find out how things can be done in a more efficient and effective way. ME

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Article : The Science of Generalisation in Qualitative Research ME

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Inter view with the Dean of Computer Science & IT Department, KLIUC

Professor Dr Jamilin Jais

Prof Dr Jamilin Jais has been in teaching profession since 1980. He obtained his Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science from Northrop University in the USA, and received his PhD in Management Information System from University Putra Malaysia. He is now the Dean of the Computer Science/IT Department.

Q. Should IT courses be strongly orientated technically or should there be elements of ‘business’ studies as well?

Postgraduate Studies MEB speaks to Professor Dr Jamilin about the IT courses offered at KLIUC.

Q. What is the ratio of lab-based instructions to theoretical instructions?

Q. What are the popular programmes in IT today? Software development with elements of Network, Software Engineering, Information System, Multimedia & Web Application and Computer Security. Q. What is the trend in computer science/IT enrolment? Overall trend of IT enrolment is stable as almost all universities and colleges offer IT programmes. For specialised programmes, the number of enrolments is increasing. Q. Whats the ratio of male/ female enrolment in IT in KLIUC? Roughly 7:3, male to female students

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Both elements should be in the IT courses; however the percentage of IT elements is higher.

It depends on the programme/subject offered. Programming courses: 2:1 Networking courses: 2:1 Others: 1:1 Q. Is there a stronger emphasis on ‘software’ (programming, design, languages) rather than ‘hardware’ (engineering, circuitry) courses? Again, it depends on the programme. If it is a software engineering programme, the software elements must be there. For networking programmes, hardware elements will be emphasised more.

Q. What are the facilities available for IT students in KLIUC?

entrepreneurial elements.

a) General Lab – students general use (assignment, project, etc)

Programmes offered at KLIUC will enable students to take certified courses such as Cisco Certified Network Associate, Software Testing, Requirements Engineering etc.

b) Program specialisation – Wireless Lab (CWNA), Network Lab (CCNA), Unix and Linux Lab, Multimedia lab, Microprocessor lab.

At end of the programme, students will be sent for Industrial Training with Company to prepare them for real life work environments.

c) Language lab (English)

Students are trained to have good communication skills.

1. Computer Lab at KLIUC:

All computer labs are equipped with internet connection. 2. Other Facilities: a) Library b) Sports Centre c) Cafeteria d) Discussion rooms etc. Q. Why study Computer Science/IT at KLIUC? There are a number of unique features in our programme: The IT programmes/ curricula in KLUC are well designed with areas of specialisation (Software Engineering, Network and Computer Science) with IT

Our lecturers are highly qualified with professional certification (e.g., Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensic, CCNA, MCSE, Requirements Engineering, Software Testing and Linux) Q. What is your advice for fresh IT graduates entering the market place today? Besides good academic achievements, the student must have good communication and soft skills amd a positive attitude together with a willingness to learn and work. ME

mbaedge 25 TM

SchoolÊofÊInformationÊTechnologyÊInfrastructure Master in Information Technology KP/JPS(N/481/7/0018)12/15

Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) KP/JPS(KR9432)8/13

Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Network Technology KP/JPS(KR10119)3/14

Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Software Engineering KP/JPS(KR10578)7/14

Diploma in Information Technology KP/JPS(KR9431)4/14

Diploma in Network and Mobile Technology KP/JPS(KA9430)2/14

Diploma in Software Engineering KP/JPS(KA9429)1/14

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DR JASMINE SENG

Head of Computer Science & Net worked Systems

ICT Programmes at Sunway University Dr Jasmine Seng is currently a Professor at Sunway University and is also the Head of Department of Computer Science & Networked Systems. She and her colleagues have established a research centre called Affective & Assistive Technology Research (AAT) Centre in Sunway University. Two research priority groups called Pervasive Computing Research (PCR) Group and Intelligent & Visual (IVC) Research Group have also been formed. Postgraduate Studies MEB speaks to Dr Seng about the trends in IT courses and programmes offered at Sunway University. Q. What are the popular programmes in IT today? Masters in Information Technology and Computer Science is a popular course we offer to IT professionals who are interested in advancing their careers. Professionals who are involved in Information Technology and Computer Science know they must stay up to date with the latest trends to keep their careers on track and to support the technological and economic advancement of their organisations.

ME ICT THEME

Sunway University currently offers the Master of Science in Computer Science (by research) and PhD in Computing programme to individuals who are interested to advance their research skills and ability in the field of Computer Science. The individual may already possess a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and computing. The PhD programme at Sunway University provides an excellent opportunity to develop the person’s research career. Sunway University is among the few local private universities providing these programmes with the added advantage of a strong research-based staff. Q. What is the trend in computer science/IT enrolment? The trends in Computer Science/IT enrolment appear to be on the rise, although this increase will most likely not reach the heights seen in the late 90s and the beginning of this

century. In the ever increasing reliance on information and technology, the services of Information Technology professionals are always in demand. Q. Should IT courses be strongly oriented technically or should there be elements of ‘business’ studies as well? The orientation of computing courses will definitely be technically inclined. However, if by elements of business studies you mean subjects that are not directly related to computing, then yes, there should be some subjects such as communication and basic management skills that should be included in IT courses to produce graduates who are better prepared for the industry. One of our primary goals is to meet the needs of the industry for technically competent graduates to ensure that they are not only employable but are able to contribute towards the workforce. To achieve this, we work closely

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with representatives from industry. Q. What is the ratio of lab-based instructions to theoretical instructions? MSc Computer Science and PhD in Computing programmes in Sunway University are conducted on a research basis. The work produced by students will have a balance between the theoretical and practical elements. It is important that graduates from these programmes are able to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the labs. Q. Is there a stronger emphasis on ‘software’ (programming, design, languages) rather than ‘hardware’ (engineering, circuitry) courses? There is a strong emphasis on software in computing programmes. Hardware, however, is the emphasis of an Engineering programme. Having said this, as the students have to programme for hardware, the students ought to know what they are programming. Hence, a little hardware knowledge is important. Q. Why study Computer Science/IT at Sunway? The Master of Science Computer Science programme in Sunway University is affiliated with Lancaster University, a highly ranked university in United Kingdom. Upon completion, the graduate will be conferred with two Master’s degrees – one awarded by Sunway University (certified by the Ministry of Higher Education) and another by Lancaster University, UK. The PhD in Computing

offered by Sunway University is solely developed by Sunway University’s dynamic team of faculty members. Upon completion, the graduate will be conferred with a Doctoral degree from Sunway University certified by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia. The areas of research at Sunway University include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing, (b) Networking, (c) Database Systems, (d) Image Processing and Computer Vision, (e) Artificial Intelligence, (f ) Data Mining, (g) Affective Computing, (h) Biometrics. Both programmes are designed to produce graduates who can actively contribute in organisations that thrive on developing innovative software solutions for various industries, can provide cutting-edge software products and services and are leaders in their chosen niches and specialised sub-disciplines in a more academic and scholarly setting. To facilitate student progress towards the completion of the degree, the programme has built into its course structure two compulsory courses: directed readings and research methodology, which give students the necessary underlying knowledge to commence their research work. Sunway University practises a close collaboration and mentoring relationship between faculty members and students. This can be seen from the participation of students in various projects led by faculty members. Through such participation, students

“

With its constantly evolving nature, the IT industry constantly needs more people to not only handle more specialised tasks but also new technologies.

learn the co-authoring and collaboration process of actual research work. Q. What is your advice for fresh IT graduates entering the market place today?

”

In a nutshell, Computer Science/IT graduates must be dynamic and able to embrace and accept change. As they create and innovate, it is the other disciplines that follow in their wake. With its constantly evolving nature, the IT industry constantly needs more people to not only handle more specialised tasks but also new technologies. IT graduates must anticipate change by studying trends and keeping themselves informed of new disruptive technologies, as well as advising users how to adopt and to adapt to existing ones. Career opportunities reflect these expectations and the sky is indeed the limit. ME

ICT THEME ME

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NICHOLAS CHENG Profile of the winner of the mbaedgeTM Business Competition Season 2 Email: nicholas.cheng.yy@ gmail.com Currently Pursuing: MBA University Name: University of Strathclyde Current Job Role Title: Solution Architect Brief Description of Current Role: Designing, architecting and implementation of software and system solutions to meet their functional and non-functional requirements. Q. Why did you choose to study the MBA at the current institution? The Strathclyde MBA is a well-known MBA and is listed in the Financial Times Global MBA top 100 rankings. It also widely regarded as the most value-for-money, locallytaught MBA in Malaysia. Q. To a prospective MBA student, how should he/she prepare before starting the programme? What should he/she be aware of? What are the pitfalls to avoid? I would say that prospective

students need to be able to adopt a learning attitude - there is nothing more inhibiting than a mindset in which one believes that he or she already knows everything, and does not need to know more. I personally believe that there is always more to be learnt, regardless of who you are. Q. The MBA is not for everyone. Who should not pursue the MBA? An MBA is a very generalised Masters degree, as it trains you to be a generalist instead of a specialist. If one intends to be a specialist instead, a subject-oriented Masters degree may be more ideal.

Nicholas Cheng Yi Yang and group mates. Networking is naturally another huge reward, as one’s classmates are usually influential people in diverse industries. This is particularly important in today’s world where opportunity favours the wellconnected. Q. What do you find toughest during the programme? Managing my time is definitely the hardest particularly having to juggle work, family and studies. However, this has turned out well, as I have now come to see how valuable time is, and I should make the most of it.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years? Within the next five years, I plan to make the most of whatever opportunities that are available – but mostly, I want to do the best I can and know that I’m making a difference. Q. What is your motto in life? What is your favourite quote? Motto: The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything but they make the most of everything Favorite quote: “Stay hungry, stay foolish” – Steve Jobs

Q. What do you find most rewarding about the MBA? Apart from the knowledge gained through the highquality programmes taught, I have gained a few close friends with whom I worked quite closely throughout my course, who have been more than just classmates

Left ot Right: Mr Soon (CEO of CDC Management Development, Teoh Wei Yi, Nicholas Cheng Yi Yang, Lew Man Wai, Mr Steven Shim (MD of PWN)

Profile : Postgraduate Students

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MBA from Strathclyde Business School A tripleaccredited University Strathclyde campus

E Strathclyde is accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB, and is one of only 55 in the world to have such a distinction.

ME Profile : Strathclyde University

mbarking on an MBA programme is a huge commitment in terms of both time and money spent. As such, an individual seeks to acquire the most out of their commitment by receiving a high quality education. Accrediting MBA bodies such as the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) ensures the quality of an MBA programme and provides individuals with peace of mind, knowing that they are participating in an excellent quality and meticulously tested programme. These accrediting institutions make certain that the student gets the highest return on their MBA

investment. Organisations are looking for future managers who have acquired the best possible education. Attending an accredited MBA programme ensures that the education meets the demands of the business world. Strathclyde Business School (SBS) is internationally respected as one of the most innovative business schools in Europe with one of the largest academic faculties. Strathclyde is accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB, and is one of only 55 in the world to have such a distinction. In fact, less than 1% of business schools in the world hold triple accreditation status. In Scotland, no other business school is accredited so highly. Attaining the accreditation from each of these accrediting bodies

assures that all aspects of the school have been evaluated and the school meets the highest educational standards. Being ranked 3rd in the world for Corporate Strategy by Global MBA Ranking, Financial Times in 2009 and more recently, Strathclyde Business School was ranked top 100 in the world, top 20 in Europe, 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the world on Value for Money by the Financial Times Annual Global MBA survey in 2011. SBS has been rated top in Scotland and rated in the top 10 UK-wide scores in the recent Research Assessment Exercise, the major quality monitoring process of research in the UK. This affirmed the school as a leader for ‘world leading and internationally excellent’ research, with 65% of our

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Malaysia Centre

submission rated world leading/internationally excellent. The Strathclyde MBA has been developed and fine tuned since 1966 and can be studied in the UK or via International Centres such as Switzerland, Greece, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Participants have the flexibility to switch between different modes of study, depending on their location and lifestyles. The programme is designed for ambitious, talented and well-qualified individuals with solid business experience. Also, the programme is based on collaborative learning where work experience, knowledge, understanding and applicable skills are shared, worked with and reflected on.

The integrated programme comprises compulsory modules supported by a selection of optional in-depth functions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; allowing students to tailor their MBA to suit their career aspirations. Students spend time working on and building a corporate strategy. Strategic analysis and strategic thinking are central to the programme and run throughout the modules. The programme seeks to help students develop ways of grappling with opportunities and problems in the practice of management by developing as reflective, open-thinking, adaptive learners. The team-work approach fostered at Strathclyde is an important aspect of the course and ensures that the extensive range of people from different backgrounds are brought together to learn

from each other in a truly diverse work experience. Strathclyde academic staffs have a multidisciplinary outlook and build on the extensive expertise of academic staff from other business faculty departments. Our academics have particular expertise in the areas of strategic management, leadership and scenario planning. Staffs also undertake a broad range of consultancy activities both in the UK and internationally. The School places particular importance on strategic management at the level of developing strategy in the organisation, big or small, departmental, or divisional.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For further queries, please visit our website at www. cdc.edu.my or contact us at 03-76608950 ext. 111 Cristina Magatâ&#x20AC;?

Strathclyde Business School Building

Profile : Strathclyde University

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Mak Chee Meng

Studied Postgraduate at: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Year graduated: 2011 Occupation: Software Engineer Brief description of job scope: Involved in development, analysis, design and support of new and existing software products (conferencing) using an Agile/Scrum methodology. I am part of a diverse team of developers, architects, DBA’s, business analysts, outsourced contracts and team leads in a global team environment to deliver mission critical products and services for both internal and external customers Q. What do you consider the best take away value from your Masters/PhD? The best take away value is the diversity of knowledge from multidisciplines. It

ME Profile : Postgraduate Students

may or may not applicable to the current job, but it opens the mind to different perspectives on a field study. It encourages the student to leverage the knowledge and apply it in real life. Q. What is your advice to prospective MBA students to prepare them for the Masters/PhD? Learning is a life process regardless of age. Postgraduate studies is a good opportunity for an individual to excel, in addition to the experience that we gain through real life work experience. Postgraduate studies provides wide exposure and information on current trends in the industry via book knowledge, case studies, group assignments and discussions. Be determined once you have made the decision to pursue postgraduate studies. Understand the personal objectives of pursuing further

studies and be ready face the difficulties, especially for those who need to juggle work, family and studies. Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

“

I would like to apply and enhance my skills in programming and cross over to technical management. I hope to be able to provide sound technical advice or consultation when solving an issue or planning a roadmap. Sharing knowledge is crucial, especially in a corporate environment, as it encourages the improvement of groups’ competency and skill levels. Q. What is your motto in life? Water in a container can spill out when it continuously fills, but the knowledge in our mind will not spill out as we continuously pursue it.

Postgraduate studies is a good opportunity for an individual to excel, in addition to the experience that we gain through real life work experience.

”

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OO EASY!

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re to find?

“Faizul’s insightful analysis, detailed research and sharp strategies are very useful to those interested in property investment.”

WARNING! THIS BOOK MAY MAKE PROPERTY INVESTING LOOK TOO EASY! Faizul Ridzuan knows how to invest. And he makes it look easy. This regular employee turned RM2,000 in seed capital into a multi-million property portfolio in just five years, with 23 properties purchased to date. In this book, he tells you how he does this, with vivid details from his very own experience. In this book, he shares his unique stories on how he: • Purchased properties using zero or little money • Made over 1,000% returns on capital in less than three years • Is consistently able to identify properties that give double-digit rental yields • Made RM100,000 in profits over 18 months without putting in a single sen • Created a million-dollar portfolio • Created an investment framework that allows investors to invest systematically, and • Saved thousands in seminar or education fees

A Publication by Penerbit Wawasan Nusa (M) Sdn Bhd Available in bookstores nationwide ISBN I978967594106

34 mbaedge

The PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SUNWAY UNIVERSITY (mALAYSIA) & FENG CHIA UNIVERSITY (TAIWAN)

Dialogue Between Ms

Elizabeth Lee of Sunway Universit y and Prof Chang Pao-long of Feng Chia Universit y

The purpose of the partnership Eliz Lee: Sunway University wishes to position itself as a global player. Since our inception, we have established strategic alliances with renowned institutions of higher learning in the UK, Australia, USA and Canada. It is high time we also engaged top Universities in Asia in our quest to open more doors and provide opportunities for our students for higher studies. In view of the emergence of China, a demand of graduates proficient in the Chinese language, in addition to English, is anticipated in future. The well-regarded Feng Chia University of Taiwan is chosen in this respect, to enhance our list of credible international Universities, which our American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) Students can opt to transfer to. Apart from ADTP, our two universities can collaborate on staff and student exchanges, and conduct joint research projects as well.

ME Dialogue: Partnership between Sunway Univeristy & Feng Chia University

Prof Chang: The mission of Feng Chia University is to be widely recognised for teaching excellence and achievements of focused research in AsiaPacific region. FCU’s purpose of academic collaboration is to expand its global vision through academic exchange programs and bilingual environment. FCU has topped the first Times Higher Education Ranking of the 100 best universities under the age of 50. Feng Chia University has been awarded the top recipient of Excellence in Teaching and Learning Project by MOE for four consecutive years. We are one of the top five technology transfer and licensing universities in Taiwan, one of the six flagship universities achieving “Outstanding in industrial outreach” by MOE, NSC and MOEA, among more than 160 universities. Sunway University was awarded a rating of “Excellent” in the national SETARA rating system. This excellent university attracts

not only local but also international students from other countries to pursue its programmes totally taught in English. Our partnership will benefit both our faculty and students, since we can learn from each other. The benefits of this collaboration to both parties Eliz Lee: I believe that we share a similarity with Feng Chia University which encourages community service among its students. Sunway University is 100% owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, and is therefore guided by the belief of the Founding Trustee of the Foundation, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah to give to the community through education. With our common ideals, I trust that our partnership will have great potential to blossom. Prof Chang: Feng Chia University is a private comprehensive university and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. We

are one of the top funded universities by our Ministry of Education due to our excellent academic achievements and industryoutreach. It is indeed that we share a similarity with Sunway University. On that account, I truly believe our cooperation with Sunway University will pave the way to a prosperous outcome in academia and culture. Is language a barrier? Eliz Lee: The Senior Academic and Management Staff whom I have met speak impeccable English. I understand that most of them have been educated in the USA. However, while some of the courses at Feng Chia University may be conducted in English, most of the programmes are taught in Mandarin. Needless to say, our students who opt to transfer to Feng Chia University must have an appreciation of and minimum proficiency in the Chinese Language.

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Sunway University’s Main Capus Prof Chang: Feng Chia University is campus-wide wireless internet access with digital library RFID system and Blackboard e-learning system. FCU’s all engineering programmes are accredited by IEET (equivalent to ABET) and all business programmes are under AACSB evaluation. The accreditation increases the international mobility of the students. We provide several Englishtaught programmes to our international students, for example, IMBA, Bachelor of International Business Administration (BIBA), and Bachelor's Program of International Electrical Engineering. And our courses taught in English are increasing. FCU currently has 1,200 international students, including about 600 degree seeking students from over 25 countries. FCU Chinese Language Center has an excellent Chinese language programme which attracts 650 students on average each year from 35 countries.

Sunway University’s Graduate Centre

Expectations for the next two years Eliz Lee: We hope that our partnership will see a healthy exchange of staff and students between the two Universities. Some of our ADTP students may opt to transfer their credits to complete their degree there and we would certainly welcome Feng Chia University students to take up some courses with us at Sunway too.

Xue Si Building - Since 2008

Prof Chang: We would like to start with student and faculty exchange in the initial stage, then the 2+2 and 1+1 dual degree collaboration. In the next stage, develop joint researches in our focused research fields. ME

Ren-Yan Building - Since 1993

So exchange students from Sunway University can take professional courses taught in English and Chinese language courses at the same time.

Dialogue: Partnership between Sunway Univeristy & Feng Chia University

36 mbaedge

BUSINESS MODEL

GENERATION Somachandra Senerath De Silva and Dr Hendry HS Ng Sen De Silva, a VU MBA alumnus and an entrepreneur in green business, may be contacted at desilva.sen@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION The concept of a business model is a way to describe the ‘‘architecture of a business’’ (Ballon 2007). While a firm’s business strategy explains how it may perform better than its competitors, its business model must tell a story about how it works in order to achieve its goals. Modelling is the process of generating a business model by cutting a complex business idea into several manageable elements. These smaller elements are the business objects which are tangible (e.g., capital) or intangible (e.g., customer relationship). Similarly, as children or adults, we have much fun with assembling houses, or managing theme parks using components made of plastic, wood, metal, Lego-type bricks or computerised virtual objects. A business model is emerging as a new unit of analysis that has the potential for providing a systemic or holistic approach towards explaining how organisations do business (Zott, Amit & Massa 2010). Also, it represents an organisation’s

ME Article : Business Model Generation

capability for creating and capturing value within its value network (Shafer, Smith & Linder 2005). For instance, Wal-Mart’s low cost strategy is implemented through its business model which includes adopting economies of scale – such as purchasing in bulk – wherever possible to reduce costs. Also, the story-telling approach of Dell is to align its employees to the business vision by using business models for employee communication and motivation (Magretta 2002). MODELLING is THINKING Business modelling is thinking through an entire business to ensure all parts are considered and included. Bragg and Bragg (2005) attribute many real world business failures to the lack of thorough thinking for the businesses. They outline four developmental stages of a business opportunity – from the initial idea till the final form of the plan that is implemented: 1. Defining/framing opportunity 2. Idea generation (solutions)

3. Evaluating/selecting idea (solution) 4. Implementation Business modelling is an iterative process for those from no engagement in the possibility of starting a business to active consideration and exploration of business start-up (Atherton 2007). It helps those who had not previously thought about starting a business inspired by an event (e.g. losing a job) or influence (e.g. a colleague starting a business); those who have thought about it in broad or general terms, but have not considered startup as a genuine or realistic possibility, or have not explored the opportunity in detail; and those who have a strong desire or commitment to start a business and who want to explore how to undertake the start-up process and what is required. Business modelling is needed for both new and old business innovation. While businesses may unlock latent creative value from new technologies, future returns from innovation remain unclear (Chesbrough &

Dr Hendry Ng, Head of VU MBA programme at Sunway College may be contacted at hendryng@sunway.edu. my

Rosenbloom 2002). it may be better to consider innovating business models to complement, or in preference to, product or process innovation to reduce risk of costly failures (Amit & Zott 2012). In short, it is advisable for business firms to focus on ‘how they do their business’ rather than ‘what they do’ (Economic Intelligence Unit 2005). Thus, the questions are: what are the critical elements of a business model? Is there a ‘thinking’ tool that prompts the designer to consider all components of a business? Such a tool/framework allows modelling of the components such that they interact favourably with each other to ensure the integrity of the whole model. The Business Model Canvas (BMC) of Osterwalder and Pigneur (2010) may shed some light on this. BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS With nine elements or building blocks of a business model as illustrated on a ‘canvas’ in Figure 1, Business Model Canvas (BMC) offers

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Figure 1. Business Model Canvas (BCM) Source: Osterwald and Pigneur (2010)

a framework for detailing how a business is going to achieve its objectives. It is a language-cum-framework that allows stakeholders to communicate with others about a new business, or to reengineer an existing business for improvement and adaptation to changing business scenarios. SUMMARY In the ever-changing business world, business modelling is not a static process because a business model will outlive its usefulness. It demands a continuous business innovation with frequent reviews of any existing model to achieve new levels of optimisation or adaptation.

actual interest to start a business. It is crucial for those who are ready to move from exploration to active commitment to starting a business. ME

REFERENCES Amit, R. & Zott, C. 2012, ‘Creating Value Through Business Model Innovation’, MIT Sloan Management Review, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 41-49. Atherton, A. 2007, ‘Preparing for business start-up: pre-start activities in the new venture creation dynamic’, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 14 no. 3, pp. 404 – 417. Ballon, P. (2007) “Business modelling revisited: the configuration of control and value”, Info, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 6-19. Bragg, A. & Bragg, M. 2005, Developing New Business Ideas - a step by step guide to creating new business ideas worth backing, Glasgow, Pearson Education Ltd. Chesbrough, H. & Rosenbloom, R. S. 2002, ‘The role of the business model in capturing value from innovation: evidence from Xerox Corporation’s technology spin-off companies’, Industrial and Corporate Change, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 529-555.

Economic Intelligence Unit 2005, Business 2010: Embracing the Challenge of Change, London, The Economist, URL: http://graphics. eiu.com/files/ad_pdfs/ Business%20 2010_Global_FINAL.pdf, (25/05/12). Osterwalder, A. & Pigneur, Y. 2010, Business Model Generation, Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Magretta, J. 2002, ‘Why Business Models Matter’, Harvard Business Review, May 2002. Shafer, S.M., Smith, J.H. & Linder, J.C. 2005, ‘The power of business models’, Business Horizons, vol. 48, pp. 199-207. Zott, C., Amit, R. & Massa, L. 2010, ‘The Business Model: Theoretical Roots, Recent Developments, and Future Research’, IESE Working Paper, WP-862, Revision 2010, URL: http://www.iese.edu/research/pdfs/di0862-e.pdf, (15/05/12).

Business modelling is a thinking and iterative process. It helps individuals who may move from no awareness or interest in business startup to some awareness. For some, there may be a shift from some awareness and interest to actively testing

Article : Business Model Generation

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CHEE CHIN HOONg

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

tudied at: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus)

I wish to be a lecturer who is able to provide good advice to the students in performing research and development in the field of information and communication technology. In order to excel in research, I plan to undertake PhD studies in the near future.

Email: cheech@utar.edu.my Name of Postgraduate Programme: Master of Computer Science (Structure A) Occupation: Tutor Q. What do you consider the best take away value from your postgraduate programme? The best take away value from the postgraduate programme is getting the opportunity to learn various research methods in the field of information and communication technology. Apart from this, the benefits of postgraduate study include enhancing our skills in time management, communication and presentation.

Q. What is your motto in life?

â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;?

Q. What is your advice to prospective postgraduate students to prepare them for this programme?

Do not give up hope easily whenever you face difficulties in the journey of research, persist until you succeed.

If you failed to plan, you have planned to fail.

The benefits of postgraduate study include enhancing our skills in time management, communication & presentation.

Gan Ming Lee

tudied at: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

Email: greaterlove@ gmail.com Name of Postgraduate programme: PhD in Computer Science Occupation: Lecturer Q. What do you consider the best take away value from your postgraduate programme? I strongly believe that the knowledge and skills attained during my PhD studies here will definitely be an advantage especially in an academic career. The experience and exposure of conducting fundamental research provides me with a platform on which I can build to advance in my career. Q. What is your advice to prospective postgraduate students to prepare them for this programme?

independent while conducting research relating to his or her respective field. Experience in conducting fundamental research during previous study would be an added advantage. A highly motivated character is a plus, as it will make the study process interesting and exciting. Q. Where do you see yourself in five years? An established researcher exploring innovative life application ideas. Q. What is your motto in life? Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)

A person needs to be

Profile : Postgraduate Students

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Hasan A. A. Al-Rawi

tudied at: Sunway University; Lancaster University

Email: 08011843@imail. sunway.edu.my; h.al-rawi@ lancaster.ac.uk Name of Postgraduate Programme: MSc in Computer Science (by research) Occupation: Student Q. What do you consider the best take away value from your postgraduate programme? Learning the right method of research and the ability to publish high impact papers in prestigious international journals and conferences. Q. What is your advice to prospective postgraduate students to prepare them for this programme? The most important thing is to find a research field

of your interest and create momentum. Learn to think in different ways, with different approaches, not just right or wrong. Remember in research you need to be patient and to appreciate all the possibilities that exist, known and unknown. Q. Where do you see yourself in five years? Pursuing my PhD in the area of wireless networking within a working environment that continuously challenges my abilities, stimulates my intellectual capabilities and promotes professional and personal development. Q. What is your motto in life? Give back more than you've taken, and listen more than you've said.

Ooi Chien Shing

tudied at: Sunway University

Email: ocshing@gmail. com / 11057221@imail. sunway.edu.my Name of Postgraduate programme: MSc in Computer Science (by research) Occupation: Student Q. What do you consider the best take away value from your postgraduate programme? I think the most precious values I have learned from the programme are time management and proactivity in work. Q. What is your advice to prospective postgraduate students to prepare them for this programme?

research area/topic. This is the most important factor to maintain your passion throughout the research period. Also, be prepared to work independently. Q. Where do you see yourself in five years? I hope that in five years, I would have proven myself as a leader managing a team working in a research & development (R&D) related job. The most important thing is that I will continue contributing my efforts to face challenges in a rewarding environment. Q. What is your motto in life? A challenge is an opportunity to prove your ability.

My advice is: Find your real interest in a particular

Profile : Postgraduate Students

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â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;?

Our service level is among the best in the industry. This is expected as the BMW is the best in its class!

Conversation with

Vigneswaran Head of After-Sales QUILL BMW Malaysia

ME Interview: QUILL BMW with the Head of After-Sales

Q. What is new with the all-new BMW 3-series?

Q. When was the last time the 3-series was updated?

It is available in three lines: Modern, Luxury & Sports. BMW Apps which is under the umbrella of BMW Connected Drive is also introduced in this new range. It is also the first 3-series with BMW Twin Power Technology which caters for the 4 & 6 cylinder and 8-speed sports automatic transmission. It is larger than all previous 3-series models and there is a wide range of accessorieavailable.

The E90 was launched in early 2006 and the F30 in early 2012. Q. Please give us some key specifications upgrade for the new 3-series. It is better in terms of engine performance. As for the 4-cylinder BMW Twin Power Technology engine, it is able to produce 350nm max torque at 1,250

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– 4, 800rpm, max output of 180kw/245hp/5,000 – 6,500rpm, 6.1 sec 0 to 100km/H (s), top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is 6.3 litre/100km and CO2 emission is 147g/km.

Q. What are the common preventive maintenance measures car owners can undertake without difficulties to ensure the vehicle is in tip-top condition?

Q. Is after-sales service a key factor in the purchasing decision of the consumers?

Regular oil change, preferably every 10,000km, regular check on tyre pressure, at least once every two weeks and wheel alignment and balancing, every 15,000 to 20,000km.

Certainly. After-sales services, warranty and optional parts and accessories enhancements with original BMW parts by professionally trained technicians is a strong contributor to the buying decision process. Q. What are the common feedback from clients when they come to see you for after-sales service? The joy which is experienced while driving. Pleasant experience in terms of power delivery – performance, stability, comfort and safety. And also the fuel efficiency which exceeds their expectations.

Q. What is the capacity of your workshop/service centres (Quill 9), i.e., how many cars can you service at a time? We turn around about 20 cars a day. As a 4S centre, we provide the BMW Fast Lane Service which aims to provide a basic maintenance check in three hours or less so BMW owners save valuable time. ME

Q. What is the mileage level for the first vehicle service? 8,000 – 10, 000km Q. Is there a process for routine service/ maintenance to ensure the vehicles are serviced efficiently? Yes. It is called the ‘Condition Based Service’ which monitors the serviceable areas of the vehicle. Main areas are the engine oil, brake fluid, brake pads, micro filter, spark plug etc. As and when a service is required/due, the iDrive will indicate accordingly. This technology ensures that BMW drivers have peace of mind always. Courtesy of www.bmw.com.my

Interview: QUILL BMW with the Head of After-Sales

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The Guru Guide

Choose them.

Rank them.

Tell us why.

ME Advertorial

Here’s how . . . • Make a personal select of your top three management gurus you consider as the greatest of all times. • Rank them 1,2,3. • Tell us in a few sentences why. • Provide us your name, email, university, course you are studying in and a nice photo. • We will feature you and your selections in our magazine! • email your entry before 15 June 2012 to penerbitwawasan@gmail.com.

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Melissa Tan Chiew Thing,

“

Studied MBA at: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

The MBA will equip us with better business knowledge, analytical and critical decision making skills, as well as interpersonal skills required in meeting the need of competitiveness of the business world.

”

ME Profile : Postgraduate Students

Year graduated: ongoing Occupation: Sales & Marketing Brief description of job scope: Analyse, plan and implement marketing and sales activities Q. What do you consider the best take away value from your MBA? My interest in marketing and business operations inspired me to take up the MBA. The UTAR MBA comprises 15 different modules and a research project. It reinforces the strengths at work that I lack and helps me to open up a greater vision to explore and develop my full potential. I learn about business and managerial strategies, and conceptual skill, not just on paper, but through the research project, assignments, presentations, case studies, class discussions required in the MBA course. The MBA also teaches me how to structure and understand complex business situations

and critically appraise management theory in real life day-to-day business situations. Q. What is your advice to prospective MBA students to prepare them for the MBA? Education is the passport to the future and it is very important for an individual’s success in life. The MBA will equip us with better business knowledge, analytical and critical decision making skills, as well as interpersonal skills required in meeting the need of competitiveness of the business world. The MBA helps us to recognise economic and social patterns, and to respond to the unexpected. MBA is the best investment for the people and it will future-proof our career. I highly recommend the MBA programme offered by UTAR. Anyone considering this programme should go for it – you never know where it could take you! Q. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I would see

myself as being a more knowledgeable and skilled professional than I am today and would be able to successfully occupy a key position in management level, leading and managing teams effectively, earning a monthly five-figure income. Q. What is your motto in life? Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.

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HAPPENINGS UTAR and Building Management Association of Malaysia sign MoU

Prof Chuah exchanging MoU documents with Dato’ Teo while (from left) Prof Ewe and Prof Venkateswaran look on.

TAR and Building Management Association of Malaysia (BMAM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 8 June 2012 at the UTAR Petaling Jaya Campus. Signing on behalf of both parties were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik and BMAM President Dato’ Teo Chiang Kok. Signing as witnesses were UTAR Vice President (Internationalisation and Academic Development) Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and BMAM Secretary General Prof S Venkateswaran. Under the MoU, BMAM would recognise two UTAR

degree programmes Bachelor of Building and Property Management (Hons) and Master of Business Administration (Building Management). Prof Chuah said, “Through the UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management, the University will collaborate with BMAM in joint research, publication activities, organising training workshops and conferences, and curricular development in the area of building and property management”. He explained that such cooperation would ensure the quality of UTAR students and subsequently the supply of suitably qualified graduates as employees to the industry.

“Students who successfully complete either programme will be able to join BMAM as “Graduate Members” and eventually be admitted as “Registered Building Managers” upon satisfying the necessary criteria for registration”, said Dato’ Teo, adding that the property industry had been experiencing drastic development and buildings had become bigger and more sophisticated. He added that those were the reasons for the need for skilled and wellequipped building managers.

project with Doshin Rubber Products (M) Sdn Bhd on an improved rubber baseisolator with greener, more sustainable and economical features, and the collaborative project with Ken Holdings Berhad on an energyefficient design system for housing involving energy efficient roofing tiles, walling blocks and panels. UTAR’s partnership with BMAM will further strengthen the University’s position as a research university. ME

At present, UTAR has already ventured into many R&D projects including the application of green materials such as the collaborative

Happenings ME

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Sunway University and Feng Chia University seal partnership

Exchange of signed MoU papers between Professor Robert Bignall and Professor Pao-Long Chang witnessed by YB Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chung

he Deputy Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chung, witnessed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Sunway University, Malaysia and Feng Chia University, Taiwan, R.O.C, recently. This is the first MoU signing for Sunway University with a university from Taiwan. Both universities have agreed to promote the exchange of students and academic staff and to cooperate in education, particularly in the areas of research and social services as well as to foster relationships between them. Sunway University has traditionally been linked with western universities but new

ME Happenings

trends have emerged due to the emergence of Asian economies, particularly China. Through the years, Sunway University has grown from being just an educational institution to one that also brings a global brand of education to thousands of graduates. Through its partnerships with a Top 10 UK university, Lancaster University and Le Cordon Bleu, Sunway University degrees are benchmarked against these prestigious institutions to world-class standards. “This MoU is meaningful to the Sunway Education Group, which Sunway University is part of, as the education group celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. It also

reaffirms our commitment to providing world-class education to our students and to enriching the learning experience and shaping a global mindset in our students”, said Mr Lee Weng Keng, CEO, Education and Healthcare Division of the Sunway Group. “Exchanges between universities are important if a university aspires to expand its horizons and to achieve greater heights. In this increasingly globalised world, it is essential that universities disseminate and advance knowledge which is relevant not only locally but globally”, said YB Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chung. YB Dato’ Hou added that the Ministry of Higher Education

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Malaysia has long been promoting and facilitating the internationalisation of Malaysian institutions of higher learning, both public and private ones. “It is the very part of transnational education which higher education players globally are talking about now”, remarked YB Dato’ Dr Hou. Professor Robert Bignall, ViceChancellor was the signatory for Sunway University while Professor Pao-Long Chang, President signed on behalf of Feng Chia University. The delegates from Feng Chia University who attended included Malaysian alumni of the university. Feng Chia University is a well-established, reputable university in Taiwan that constantly seeks to engage with the world. Like Sunway University, it has a strong relationship with its alumni who hail from all parts of the globe, and with their strong links and networks, alumni contribute their support and are ambassadors for their alma mater. “I believe that we share a similarity with Feng Chia

University who encourages community service among its students. Sunway University is 100% owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, and is therefore guided by the belief of the Founding Trustee of the Foundation, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, of giving to the community through education. With our common ideals, I trust that our partnership will have a great potential to blossom”, commented Ms Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Sunway Education Group, when welcoming the delegates from Feng Chia University earlier that morning. ME

Ms Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Sunway Education Group, welcoming the delegates from Taiwan prior to the signing ceremony.

Professor Pao-Long Chang, President of Feng Chia University, expressing his enthusiasm on working with Sunway University

Happenings ME

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MMU, UTAR Hosts Conference on High-Impact Technology Malaysian Businesses in Good Position to Tap KDD Strength For Growth and Business Support Systems

Kuala Lumpur – Multimedia University (MMU) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) jointly organised the 16th PacificAsia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (PAKDD) from 29 May – 1 June 2012 at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Spanning three days, the conference featured three keynote addresses by world-renowned data mining experts, HP Senior Fellow Chandrakant D Patel, Professor Dr Charles Elkan from the University of California at San Diego and Professor Dr Ian Witten from the University of Waikato. The conference covered the field of Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD), which is fast becoming the tool of choice for worldclass business leaders for the purposes of business

ME Happenings

decision support, customer relationship management as well as business development. KDD uses statistical, mathematical and IT methods to discover knowledge that is otherwise obscured in databases. The Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (PAKDD) is one of the longest established and leading international series of conferences in the areas of data mining and knowledge discovery. It serves as an international forum for researchers and industry practitioners to share their latest developments, new ideas, original research results and practical development experiences from all related areas such as data mining, statistical and symbolic machine learning, databases, knowledge acquisition and automatic scientific discovery, data visualisation, and

knowledge-based systems. “The choice of Malaysia as the host for PAKDD this year is a strong indication that the KDD community in the region recognises that their Malaysian peers are progressing actively in this area,” said this year’s Conference CoChair Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President (Internationalisation and Academic Development) of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. Conference Programme Co-Chair Associate Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, Dean of Faculty of Computing and Informatics at Multimedia University, expressed his excitement about PAKDD 2012 being hosted in Kuala Lumpur. “KDD is an extremely useful tool that allows businesses to discover new knowledge that is currently hidden in their databases,”

he said. “It allows them to discover, among other things, the buying patterns of their customers, who their best customers are, and many other interesting patterns. The conference will provide a good opportunity for local data professionals to acquire cutting-edge knowledge in the field through the conference talks, tutorials and workshops, and to network and interact productively with the foreign participants.” The other two conference co-chairs of the PAKDD 2012 were Professor Dr Philip S Yu, Professor and Wexler Chair in Information Technology, Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA and Professor Dr Lim Ee Peng, Professor of Information Systems and Director of Living Analytics Research Centre, Singapore Management University, Singapore. The other two

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programme co-chairs of PAKDD 2012 were Associate Professor Dr. Pang-Ning Tan of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, USA and Professor Dr. Sanjay Chawla of the School of Information Technology, the University of Sydney, Australia. PAKDD 2012 was jointly organised by Multimedia University (MMU) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). The three sponsors of the conference were Telekom Malaysia Berhad, the Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development, the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research and leader in business analytics software, SAS. It was supported by Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM). PAKDD had its inaugural debut in Singapore in 1997, and since then it has been hosted annually in various cities in the region before coming this year to Kuala Lumpur for the first time. The 16th PAKDD in Kuala Lumpur was from 29 May to 1 June 2012. Besides Singapore, which also hosted the conference again in 2006, the other cities were Shenzhen (2011), Hyderabad (2010), Bangkok (2009), Osaka (2008), Nanjing (2007), Hanoi (2005), Sydney (2004), Seoul (2003), Taipei (2002), Hong Kong (2001), Kyoto (2000), Beijing (1999), and Melbourne (1998). In addition to the main conference, there were four workshops, three tutorials, and a doctoral symposium. The proceedings of the conference will be published by leading international publisher Springer under the Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence series. In

conjunction with this, a data mining competition with two different categories was also organized. The Open Category of the competition challenged participants to predict churn and win-backs in the telecommunication industry. The Student Category required students to use SAS data mining software to identify the correlation between the number of job applications and Malaysia’s economic indicators. The data for the student category was provided by JobStreet while the student category prizes were sponsored by SAS Malaysia. As a respite to the intense and intellectually demanding sessions, PAKDD participants enjoyed several social activities such as a welcome reception on the first day, a conference banquet on the second day and a city tour to conclude the event on the third day. The conference attracted over 150 participants from more than 30 countries. About UTAR Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) was established in June 2002 under the Act of Private Institutions of Higher Learning 1996 of Malaysia. With an inaugural intake of 411 students in June 2002, UTAR now has a student enrolment of over 19,000 and alumni strength of over 26,000. For more information, visit www.utar.edu.my About MMU Multimedia University (MMU) is a tertiary education institution set up through Universiti Telekom Sdn Bhd (UTSB), a wholly owned subsidiary of TM. MMU fulfills the noblest of corporate social responsibilities – taking up the challenge of educating the next generation of

the nation’s leaders and knowledge workers. About PAKDD The Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (PAKDD) is one of longest established and leading international conferences in the areas of data mining and knowledge discovery. It provides an international forum for researchers and industry practitioners to share their latest developments, new ideas, original research results and practical development experiences from all KDD related areas including data mining, statistical and symbolic machine learning, databases, knowledge acquisition and automatic scientific discovery, data visualization, and knowledgebased systems. For more information, visit www.pakdd. org About TM Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is Malaysia’s broadband champion and leading integrated information and communications group. TM offers a comprehensive range of communication services and solutions in broadband, data and fixed-line. As a market leader, TM is driven by stakeholder value creation in a highly competitive environment.

About AOARD/AFOSR AOARD’s mission is to support the (United States) Air Force S&T community by identifying foreign technological capabilities and accomplishments which can be applied to Air Force needs; by providing liaison with members of the scientific and engineering community in Asia and Pacific Rim Region Countries; by encouraging open communication between Air Force scientists and engineers and their counterparts within the AOARD area of responsibility, and by supporting Asian research projects of interest to the Air Force. AOARD’s primary focus is on basic research with a secondary interest in applied research. About SAS SAS is the leader in business analytics software and services, and the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market. Through innovative solutions, SAS helps customers at more than 50,000 sites improve performance and deliver value by making better decisions faster. Since 1976, SAS has been giving customers around the world THE POWER TO KNOW®.

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A TRIPARTITE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT(MoA) SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN UM, ACCA AND SUNWAY TES

From left to right, Helen Brand, Professor Datuk Dr Rohana Yusof, YB Dato’ Devamany Krishnasamy, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Lee Weng Keng, CEO, Education & Healthcare Division, the Sunway Group; Assoc Prof Dr. Che Ruhana Isa, UM and Jennifer Lopez, Country Head, ACCA

he University of Malaya (UM), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Sunway TES in the presence of YB Dato’ Devasamy a/l S. Krishnasamy, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Malaysia signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 14 May 2012 at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. The collaboration will provide an opportunity to the Bachelor of Accountancy students of UM to attain an ACCA Qualification through a unique fast-track programme. Selected students for this programme will have their ACCA course fees fully sponsored by participating employers which include the major accounting firms in Malaysia.

ME Happenings

This public-private partnership will equip the students with qualifications and skills highly sought-after by employers and address the matter of talent shortages within the industry. It will also enable the students to graduate with an accounting degree from UM and an ACCA qualification simultaneously. For the signing ceremony, UM was represented by Professor Datuk Dr. Rohana Yusof, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs), ACCA by Ms Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, and Sunway-TES by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group. ME

Sealing the tripartite agreement – (Left to right) Helen Brand, Professor Datuk Dr Rohana Yusof and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah witnessed by Y B Dato’ Devamany Krishnasamy (3rd from left).

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Event: Award-giving Ceremony of Sin Chew Education Fund Awards Article contributed by: Lenny Chiah, General Manager for Corporate Communications Event Management, Sin Chew Daily

Petaling Jaya, 26 May 2012: Sin Chew Daily Education Fund project is now into its 9th year. The Fund is in the form of free courses offered by participating colleges and universities each year nationwide. The objectives are to enable needy students to pursue their dream of higher education and to help generate more human capital supplies for the nation. To Sin Chew Daily and the participating colleges and universities, this project is a way to give back to the society as one of their vital CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) deeds. During the welcome speech, Lenny Chiah thanked the Deputy Minister, Yang Berhormat, Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chong, for gracing the occasion. She also expressed her profound gratitude to the representatives of the 27 participating colleges and universities for a collective amount of more than RM9

ME Happenings

million worth of free courses for the year 2012. In congratulating the recipients and their parents, Lenny reminded the academic recipients of the vision equally shared by Sin Chew Daily and the colleges and universities that through the higher education, the recipients are to diligently acquire academic knowledge and also to take the golden opportunity to learn and equip themselves with skills and techniques required to take on the leadership role in different fields and to be participative in nation building one day. She reiterated that the recipients should also participate in the lives of others by helping those in need. It is important to do so, because the process of helping others to be successful should be continuous and ever-lasting, so that one good deed begets more good deeds, and

YB Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chung

therefore many people can benefit from the process of serving others. Lenny touched on the Servant Leadership style and attitude – serve first to be a leader subsequently. She also urged the recipients to always remember to contribute to the well-being and personal growth of people and to give back to the society. As a result, they can be persons of greater morals, ethics and values, and can be more competitive and any of their success can also be more solid and enduring.

Lenny Chiah

As a closing remark, she reminded the recipients to always be grateful and not to forget their parents who gave them their very first start in life, as well as the colleges and universities which gave them another start in life. Whenever they can, they should be brave to express their gratitude always. “There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is just plain, old-fashioned ingratitude.” – Robert Brault. ME

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SPEECH BY YB DATO’ DR. HOU KOK CHUNG, DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION MALAYSIA AT THE SIN CHEW DAILY EDUCATION FUND 2011/2012 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CEREMONY YB Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chung

Saturday, 26th May 2012 It was almost five months ago that I had launched this Education Fund by Sin Chew and today is a red-letter day for the applicants, as they step forward to receive the scholarship awards. For that, I like to thank Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad for providing me with this opportunity to meet with successful applicants and to personally present them with scholarships. I also take this occasion to congratulate all recipients on their success to secure a scholarship to further their studies. While you may consider it a reward for all your hard work, you cannot rest on your laurels. There is still a journey to travel – a long and endless journey where challenges greet you at every step of the way. This scholarship award is another challenge overcome for you to continue that journey. You must strive to work hard to move up in the educational

value chain to make an impact for yourself and the society. I am also very happy for the chance to be with the parents and guardians of the recipients. I believe the unwavering strong support shown by parents and guardians alike is vitally important to motivate students to attain excellence in their studies. While parents can maintain a certain degree of monitoring of their child’s progress, it is also equally important that students appreciate their parents’ watch over them. Students should never view the watch by parents as transgressing into their space, and instead value it as genuine parental concern. Students today are a more fortunate lot, then say students 20 years ago. There seem to be an abundant of scholarship offers available today, so much so that I am told some students cannot make up their mind simply because they received more than one offer. This

development is healthy as long as the offers are genuine, and not turn out to be an entrapment laid out to students by institutions. After all, every private higher education institution desires to enrol quality students into their institutions to help boost their image and performance as a tertiary education provider. It is an open secret that the most effective method is to offer scholarships, full or otherwise, to students with good grades. This is where I always like to caution students and parents to be fully aware of the “fine print” in the offers. I do not wish to see students get entangled in legal problems, which will eventually affect their parents as well, for the simple fact that they misunderstood or were misinformed of the terms and conditions of the scholarship offer. The Ministry has so far not received any complaints regarding scholarship offers, and I hope it will remain that way.

The Ministry on the other hand, has received an increase in the number of complaints from students against private higher education institutions on a related matter, i.e., concerning fees. In 2010, there were 74 fee-related complaints. This represented the third highest type of complaint received. This shot up to 129 or 74 per cent in 2012 which also saw feerelated complaints as the number one complaint for 2012. This year until April, the Ministry is handling close to 30 cases. Most of the complaints are about fee refunds, whereby it is either not clearly explained or clearly spelt out by the institutions, resulting in students who for whatever reasons wanted to leave the institutions after registering, are caught in the ensuing tangle. From the investigations carried out, there were also instances where students or parents did not understand what was explained to them by the institution. The Ministry

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Study hard and study well. Reciprocate this opportunity by turning out, not only as exemplary students, but also as responsible sons or daughters, and just as importantly, responsible citizens.

ME Happenings

has taken a facilitative approach in addressing this issue, and acted impartial to either party.

comprising institutions from Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak. The next stop will be Sabah.

The success rate in resolving such complaints had been high, with only one or two cases which failed to be resolved ending up in the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia (TTCM) operating under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism. Cases going to TTCM are a last-resort affair, and instituted by students. Anyhow, the Ministry does not intend to allow fee-related complaints to further increase in numbers this year. Hence, the Ministry finds it necessary to address the issue head-on.

What I have just mentioned is also easily applicable to scholarships. While students and also parents can rejoice and feel elated to receive offers, especially those that come direct from an institution, it would be wise for you to study the offers thoroughly. If necessary, go to the institution to seek clarifications or even explanations. This is to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and misgivings, should something turn out to be not something the student or parent assumed it should be.

The Ministry has started undertaking a special project to contain, and if possible eliminate, complaints about fees. Towards this end, the Ministry has begun to engage with all private higher education institutions to come out with an easy to understand, as well as transparent format for easy reference regarding fees. This is done through a forum that is conducted in six Zones; Northern, Southern, Eastern, Central, Sabah and Sarawak. We have completed meeting the Northern Zone players,

There are always terms and conditions laid out; there may be strict commitments students must fulfil, such as maintaining a certain minimum grade to continue receiving the scholarship, etc. The scholarship may or may not cover everything; there may be penalties which must be understood by students and parents alike, including repayment of scholarship for breaches of the terms and conditions, such as the student could be bonded by the scholarship provider.

â&#x20AC;?

Having said that, I would again like to congratulate all the successful scholarship recipients from Sin Chew Daily Education Fund. I would also like to congratulate their proud parents and guardians. I hope all recipients will appreciate this opportunity for a place to study, and know that they have contributed to ease their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances. Study hard and study well. Reciprocate this opportunity by turning out, not only as exemplary students, but also as responsible sons or daughters, and just as importantly, responsible citizens. I would also like to say thank you to all the private HEIs who have graciously contributed to give the Sin Chew Daily Education Fund another successful year. On behalf of the MoHE, I like to say a big thank you for your contributions which helped to fulfil our pledge to not only widen access for more students to acquire tertiary education in Malaysia, but also funding them. Thank you.

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mbaedge

presents

The MBA Edge Business Competition Season 3 TM

ersonal branding is like your fingerprint. It is unique to you. But how does one create a powerful personal brand? The MBA Edge Business Competition is now in its third season. For this season, prepare a powerpoint presentation (target audience 28 to 35 years old business executives) on “The Salient Points of Creating a Powerful Personal Brand in the Malaysian Context Today” with presentation notes for each slide.

Rules • Maximum 30 slides. • Proof of purchase - a receipt for 1 copy of MBA EdgeTM Postgraduate Studies magazine. • 3 winners will be judged by the impact, persuasiveness, and pragmatism of the advices. • This is an individual competition open to current MBA students studying in Malaysia.

• • • • •

All submissions will be blind judged by a panel of judges Winners will be contacted directly. Decisions of judges are final. No queries will be entertained. The Organizer reserves the rights to substitute prizes of equal worth. The Organizer reserves the rights to publish the entries submitted with due credits to the students.

Prizes Each winner will win a prize consisting: • Certificate of achievement. • Faber-Castel Premium Pens. • 1 session of personality-style test by professional image consultant. • Make up & hair styling (2 themes). • Fashion styling. • 8 touch-up photos (print). • 20 softcopy photos in CD.

Submit by email to: penerbitwawasan@gmail. com before 15th November 2012 or by mail to: Penerbit Wawasan Nusa (M) Sdn Bhd, Wisma Wawasan, 19-1 & 19-2, Jalan PJS 8/12, Dataran Mentari, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Bandar Sunway, MALAYSIA Tel: 603 - 56301802, Fax: 603 - 56301803

When Tom Peters coined the term personal branding” in his 1997 article “The Brand Called You” in Fast Company, he had this to say: We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc.

Entry Slip Name of participant: Email & Mobile: University name: University chop:

Dan Schawbel puts it this way: Personal branding is the process of how we market ourselves to others. The way we manage our careers is changing, due to the rise in competition and the introduction of web 2.0. In order to extend our reach, visibility and networking capabilities, we must turn to personal branding as our savior. In the digital age, our name is our only currency.

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challenging economy,

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BUSINESS SEGMENT profiles of extraordinary people

SUBSTANCE, RELEVANCE, SIGNIFICANCE

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Rodney Toh Founder & Director Kim & Kerrie Sdn Bhd Ebook Specialist in Malaysia

Redefining the

PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

HOW THE ADVENT OF TABLET PCs AND EPUB 3.0 FORMAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF PUBLISHING IN MALAYSIA AMD THE REGION.

Rodney Toh spent almost 20 years in the book industry, analysed it inside out and travelled to UK and Japan to track the latest development in epublishing. He founded a tech start-up company, named after his two daughters, Kim & Kerrie Sdn Bhd.

Postgradute Studies MEB speaks to Rodney about the future of epublishing in Malaysia.

AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT! Q. Tell us a bit about yourself. I have been in the book industry for more than 18 years, starting from the frontline selling books, cashiering, and cleaning book shelves to managing Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest bookstores once upon a time overseeing more than 200 staff. I graduate from Sunway University with an MBA degree from

ME BUSINESS SEGMENT: RODNEY TOH AND THE REDEFINATION OF THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

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Victoria University, Melbourne. I am an EPUB specialist and I am the pioneer in EPUB eBook publishing in Malaysia. Q. What made you decide to venture into eBook publishing? I remember clearly when I was at graduate school I read in a research paper on how the talent of the organisation is not something that is stored in the organisation but the talent walks out of the organisation at the end of each day. People are the asset of the organisation. The organisation only provides the facilities and directions for that talent to generate returns to the stakeholders. Similarly, when I venture into eBook publishing myself, I bring with me the knowledge, ideas, and skills that have contributed to my previous employer. I have been following the developments of eBook on the global scene for the past three years and learnt to develop EPUB format eBooks. One day I just decided I have enough of the corporate world. Since I single handedly started the eBook publishing division for my previous company from scratch I reckoned I can do it on my own as well. It is a natural progression. Q. What are driving the growth of eBook publishing globally? Amazon’s Kindle e-ink eReader and the Sony e-ink eReader were the early devices that have provided the impetus for the growth. In recent years, the introduction of the tablet PCs by Apple (the iPad 1, iPad 2,

and iPad 3) and the rising of the Android tablets (Samsung, Sony, etc) provided the second major wave of growth as the number of tablet users exploded. I believe the third major wave of growth will be driven by the EPUB 3.0 format as it allows for the publication of enhanced eBooks.

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Q. What is Kim & Kerrie’s mission? We want to make Asian’s literature available globally. Today, if you go to any of the renowned websites selling eBooks you will immediately notice all the contents are Western contents. There is a vacuum of Asian e-content in terms of eBooks. Our mission is to correct that “discrepancy”. The mission statement of Kim & Kerrie is “Globalize Your Books Today”! We want to make EPUB 3.0 and related technologies common to Malaysia and the region in a short time. I believe our reading habits have changed. As such publishers must provide content to suit this changed in reading demand.

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Q. What services do Kim & Kerrie offer? Basically we are EPUB specialists. We help publishers to publish digital books. For smaller publishers who do not want to set up a separate division, they can outsource epublishing to us at very low cost. In Malaysia, traditional publishing have been entrenched in the current processes for the past 25 to 30 years. This is similar globally. The publishing of

eBook requires a revision of the current processes to expand the capacity to cope with the changing times. We assist publishers to put into place a system and process to publish eBooks beside their traditional printed books for the global market. In collaboration with Lightning Source (UK) we link local publishers’ content to a global network of

resellers in our Jump-Start ePublishing Programme. In this programme practical step-by-step guidance will be provided. Lightning Source (UK) is the world leader in eBook aggregation and they provide their customers access to the most comprehensive bookselling channel in the industry in both the United States, United Kingdom and

BUSINESS SEGMENT: RODNEY TOH AND THE REDEFINATION OF THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY ME

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“

I believe the EPUB 3.0 format will be a key driver for the futher growth of eBooks with more engaging and interactive features that will suit the publishing of textbook, children book and magazine.

”

decided to hire consultants and spearhead a change programme to improve the design and ergonomics of the typewriter. They cut cost, improve processes, improve materials, and improved design. But sales continued to decline until the company was liquidated. What has happened was the electronic word processors and desktop computers were replacing the typewriter business. In short, improving efficiency didn’t solve their problem. They needed to do what the market demands. Similarly, methods to improve the printing publishing business will not save the publishers (This is improving efficiency.) Moving into eBook publishing will because the ebook market is experiencing triple digits growth and the printed book market is facing single digit decline globally. Q. Do you mean that the printed book business will face an inevitable death?

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Australia and in Europe and Asia as well. Publishers can outsource the conversion to us; we have a team of people dedicated in this to produce EPUB 2.0 and EPUB 3.0 ebooks of international standard. Q. What about self publishing? Do you provide any service to help first time authors? Definitely. For first time authors Kim & Kerrie has partnered with the publisher Penerbit Wawasan Nusa (M) Sdn Bhd to provide selfpublishing solution with

ME BUSINESS SEGMENT: RODNEY TOH AND THE REDEFINATION OF THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

a royalties base of up to 45%. Please contact them at penerbitwawasan@gmail. com Q. Why should traditional publisher publish eBooks? Why not stick to their core competencies; publishing printed books? That is a very good question. I want to answer this by telling you a story about the typewriter. A once flourishing typewriter manufacturer was facing declining sales and took drastic measures to improve. The top management

Absolutely not. There is a tectonic shift in the book industry globally. The shift is due to a shift in consumer demand for eBooks. We will reach a point where we will stabilise into a new equilibrium in terms of the demand for printed books and eBooks. This means there will still be a demand for printed books eventually. Ask any other person who reads you will find a big fraction of them still prefers holding the physical book. What the emergence of eBooks has resulted in is a new segment of readers who perhaps never pick up a printed book before but who are eager consumers of eBooks.

I know some booksellers are downsizing to face the “changing times”. I believe they are making a mistake. What most of the booksellers are facing is a result of their inability to forecast what consumers want. I say this because those who are decision makers in the industry are ironically not book readers. They are armchair merchandisers and marketers but do not read books! If you do not read books how will you know what readers will like? This is something very fundamental. Q. What is the global trend currently? Globally, the printed books market is facing an arithmetic decline annually. It has been so for a few years. In terms of eBooks the global trend is a geometric growth annually. But we have to put these into perspective. The slow decline of printed books is from a global figure of USD73 billion. The geometric growth of eBooks is from a low based of about USD150 million. These are 2011 figure. These tell us that these trends will continue for a few more years and will eventually reach a point where the two will intersect or plateau. Q. There are so many formats of eBooks around. Why choose to focus on epub format? There are many formats around but there are only two major ones we have to be concerned about. All the rest do not have a significant global impact. The Amazon Kindle proprietary AZM format and the international EPUB format

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RODNEY TOH Founder & Director of Kim & Kerrie Sdn Bhd

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the Google Android platform. What this means is that if you have a laptop, a desktop, a table PC, a smartphone like the Samsung Tab or Note, or an iPhone or an iPad, you can read EPUB eBooks with the right softwares which are free of charge. This is the best format to adopt at this point. Q. What can EPUB 2.0 do? The one very unique feature of EPUB 2.0 eBook is that it allows text to reflow to fit any screen nicely. Thus when the font size of the text is resized, the entire content of the eBook will “adjust” automatically to fit optimally to any particular screen. Furthermore, you can embed videos, audios, and images into the EPUB eBook to enhance the reading experience. And the EPUB format allows for an additional layer for a DRM (digital rights management) system if required. Q. What about EPUB 3.0? Rodney Toh with MBA friends authored a series of book launched by the deputy minister of higher education, YB Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chung.

developed by the trade and standard association, IDPF (International Digital Publishing Forum). The AZM format can be read off an Amazon Kindle device only. AZM format eBooks are only sold in Amazon’s website. Obviously it is not relevant to publishers in Asia. And the Amazon Kindle is not sold in this part of the world. The international EPUB format is the only free and open eBook format that can be read off the Windows platform, the Apple’s IOS platform and

ME BUSINESS SEGMENT: RODNEY TOH AND THE REDEFINATION OF THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

EPUB 3.0 is the format that will be the next major shift in eBook publishing. EPUB 3.0 will have further enhanced features like the embedding of vidoes, audios, interactions and java scripts. These new enhancements will allow optimum experience for the publishing of textbook, children book and magazine. Kim & Kerrie has the technological know-how to provide conversion services for local publishers. Q. What can we expect in the next five years? This is the decade of the three Es. Environment, Energy and Epublishing. I am sure

the growth of eBooks will continue. Kim & Kerrie will provide the impetus for Asia to enter the global arena in terms of the third “E”. We have a major strategic plan in progress which I will reveal in due time. In Asia this is an uncontested space. The solutions in the marketplace for this region thus far are piecemeal solutions. We will attempt to provide a better solution. I don’t want to reveal too much at this point. Q. What is your advice to local publishers? The technology is here, the time is now; choose to embrace the change and not wait until you have not choice but to change. Initially it may be difficult but after awhile it will be okay. Digital publishing is inevitable. Work with us and we will help publishers to bridge the digital divide and move into the 21st century of epublishing and place Malaysia in the world map. Let’s do it together. Kim & Kerrie is here to empower publishers, not replace them. Q. Tell us about your MBA experience? I have wanted to pursue an MBA for many years, perhaps since I was 18 years old. It was an idea for me. I couldn’t afford it so there was a long delay until I enrolled for the Victoria University MBA programme at Sunway University. Before that I did extensive research on the MBA. Many people who wanted to pursue an MBA would ask my advice. I chose Sunway University for one reason alone that

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Rodney Toh graduates with an MBA from Victoria University, Melbourne at Sunway University in 2007. Left: Rodney’s mother, Madam Yip.

was decisive for me. Sunway University has a huge library! I love books and spend many hours in the library. I completed the MBA in 18 months and all my classmates were reluctant to leave the university as we were really enjoying our programme. In fact my MBA classmates are still my close friends and business partners today. I believe the Victoria University MBA at Sunway University is one of the very best in Malaysia today. And you will get to know they have a fabulous lady helming the university, Elizabeth Lee, the executive director! Q. You authored a few books, tell us about them? These are pet projects I did in my free time. I co-authored three books with a few MBA friends, Lenny Chiah, Benson Wong, and Steven Shim. The three books are MBA Diary, The MBA Edge, The MBA Edge Unlimited. We spent so much time together we decided to write about our experience studying the MBA to help people understand it better. We wanted to make

the MBA the most prestigious postgraduate business programme in Malaysia by telling prospective students how great it is, what to expect, why they should pursue the programme, and so on. Even today I continue to write books and articles with them. Q. What do you do in your free time? I spend time with my family. I write and indulge in photography. I read and collect books. I like engaging students and fresh graduates about career, work and life. They find it interesting that when I was young I didn’t know how to read and write. As I am not from a well to do family I had to learn everything on my own. It intrigues me that although I find it really tough during the earlier years of my life retelling it to young people today somehow inspire them. Q. What is your advice to fresh graduates today? You must develop an area of specialty. You cannot be a generalist when you

Rodney Toh contributes back to Sunway University alumni by sharing and giving talks.

Never look down on others and don’t be arrogant because it is a small world out there, “What goes around comes around”. are starting off. Your area of specialty should ideally be an area you are really love doing. Nurture it, and deepen your skills in that area. If it is drawing, learn, practice and be really good at it. If it is electronics, then be really good at it. It takes time, efforts, and sacrifices. Work hard at it and turn it into a business if possible. You will excel if you are good. Remember, Jack of all trades is master of none. But remember also, when you are successful, do not be arrogant.

Being a family man, Rodney Toh named his company, Kim & Kerrie Sdn Bhd after his two daughters, Kimberley Toh (Left) and Kerrie-Ann Toh (Right).

Do not be selfish. Put people first and material gains second. Be frugal and be sincere when dealing with others. Never look down on others and don’t be arrogant because it is a small world out there, “What goes around comes around”. ME

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KIM & KERRIE SDN BHD TO JUMPSTART EPUBLISHING IN MALAYSIA WITH A PROGRAMME IN COLLABORATION WITH LIGHTNING SOURCE, UK

(Left) Benson Wong, co-founder of PWN, holds the MOU with Rodney Toh. PWN will offer self-published authors up to 42% eBook royalties

Petaling Jaya, 21st May 2012, eBook specialist startup, Kim & Kerrie Sdn Bhd, is collaborating with Lightning Source (UK) to offer Malaysian publishers a comprehensive global eBook publishing and distribution programme that will allow them to achieve up to a 92% margin. Rodney Toh, the founder of Kim & Kerrie, explains: “The eBooks available in the market today are almost entirely from the West. There is a need to facilitate Asian eBooks to the global market. The “eBook Jumpstart Programme for Publishers” is an in-house training programme designed to help Malaysian publishers produce eBooks readable in all platforms including the Android, IOS and Windows platforms.” Toh plans to sign up more 100 publishers by the end of 2012 and expand the service to other Asian countries next year. Kim & Kerrie Sdn Bhd provides full service e-publishing, training, outsourcing and consultancy in the EPUB format eBook to bring traditional publishers up to speed with the latest techniques and know-

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how. For smaller publishers which prefer to outsource the e-publishing side, Kim & Kerrie provide services to produce internationally validated EPUB eBooks at low cost. “Net eBook sales in the US for January 2012 alone reached US$69.9 million, which is 116% increase from last January. In the UK, eBook sales for 2011 reached £92 million, which is an increase of 366% compared to 2010. eBooks are experiencing a triple digit growth internationally and we are already late entering the market,” Toh stressed. Penerbit Wawasan Nusa (M) Sdn Bhd (PWN) is the first Malaysian publisher to sign up for the programme. Benson Wong, the cofounder of PWN says, “We are elated! Although we are not the first but with the right technology and expertise we will endeavour to take the lead. PWN provides services to authors who prefer self-publishing; we assist unpublished writers to publish eBooks.” “Talk to us. We offer our authors royalties up to 42%”! Wong adds.

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TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH

in Propert y Development Postgraduate Studies MEB speaks to Mr Tang about the challenges of finding and keeping the right talent for the organisation.

ddie Tang is a trained accountant whose forte lies in the construction, property & hotel industry. From 2005 to 2010 Tang went on to become the Chief Operating Officer of a Hong Kong-listed company, Far East Consortium International Limited, in Malaysia and was later on appointed as the President of Dorsett International Sdn Bhd overseeing the management and financial aspects of hotels and serviced residences in Malaysia and Singapore. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of a major concern focusing on Property Investment, Property Management, Marketing Communication & Customer Service Management and Human Resource Division of a property conglomerate.

Q. Where there is a short supply of talented workforce in the country how does an organisation acquire key talent? Talent is never enough. With the shortage of a talented workforce, companies have to groom and mould new talent for the company. There are several steps to plan this. In the short term, an organisation will have to buy talent and perhaps look into replacement planning if the existing pool of talents is not ready. Under normal circumstances, succession planning will set

BUSINESS SEGMENT: EDDIE TANG, TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH ME

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Employees leave the company due to horrible work environments and their superiors, not so much because of money.

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in to pave the right journey for individuals to take on key positions. In the long term, the organisation should look into a Management Trainee Programme by conducting road shows at colleges and universities that will not only create job opportunities but also career opportunities. Through such awareness, we will be able to attract a new pool of talent to the company and the industry. Q. Besides acquiring talent, one of the key HR issues is retaining them. What are some strategies to retain talent? In this challenging economy, retaining talents

ME BUSINESS SEGMENT: EDDIE TANG, TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH

is the toughest thing to do especially when bottom line is the most crucial measurement of an organisation. Organisations may lose focus on their greatest asset, which is their employees, to achieving performance. Surprisingly, surveys have shown that employees leave the company due to horrible work environments and their superiors, not so much because of money. This applies to especially Gen-Y group. There are a number of factors that would retain employees in the company, such as work culture, and environment, opportunity

for growth, caring company and competitive salary and benefits. Q. How does an organisation build leadership capability? Leaders are important to the Company. We want them to lead, not dictate. They provide directions, guidance and support to their teams and ultimately the success of the Company. Leaders are not born but made. Acknowledging that each and every one of us has strengths and weaknesses, managers have to be provided the necessary tools to be an effective leader. They need to be able to manage their

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Eddie Tang COO, Investment Properties Mah Sing Properties Sdn Bhd

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I strongly believe that an organisation should capitalise on one’s strength instead of trying to rectify one’s weakness.

team to out-turn results. This can be assisted through Leadership Programmes that managers can undergo over a series of modules. I strongly believe that an organisation should capitalise on one’s strength instead of trying to rectify one’s weakness. This way we can enhance the development of an individual and prepare the person to ascend the next level faster. Q. How do you increase workforce productivity? Through the implementation of a well-structured Performance Management System (PMS) – true to the saying “what gets measured, gets done”. A well-structured PMS addresses a number of key

ME BUSINESS SEGMENT: EDDIE TANG, TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH

areas i.e., competency level of the employees, work behaviour, training needs, succession planning and more importantly, it elevates the performance standards though the implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

talent in the country, more so within certain industries, it is imperative that the organisation take a serious view in putting a mechanism in place so that employees have equal opportunities for career growth within the Company.

Even though PMS is important, an organisation should not neglect ensuring that the employees have a balanced life. We want them to work hard as well as enjoy life.

In this manner, it motivates employees and save considerable cost and time to the company.

Q. How important is succession planning? Asian countries have seen the importance of succession planning now as opposed to the earlier days. I have always emphasised succession planning and replacement planning. With the lack of

Q. Is it difficult to measure the contribution of human capital to business performance? A well-designed PMS would be able to measure both the company and employees’ performance standards. The Company’s business performance is measured by a Balance Scorecard which is supported by divisional

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The “buy-in” from employees is very important to build trust among each other...

targets through Key Result Areas (KRA). From the KRAs, individual KPIs will be identified for the employees. All of these will be aligned to the company’s goals and targets. There are a lot of good systems in the market that an organisation can adopt or tailor according to their needs. Q. In the current challenging times, how does an organisation reduce human capital costs and at the same time achieve business performance? An organisation alignment exercise is crucial to put every level of employees acknowledge and observe

the vision and directions of an organisation. The “buy-in” from employees is very important to build trust among each other and collaborate to build a winning team. It should be done annually. Coupled with a conducive work environment, we expect a very high retention rate and this will indirectly reduce a lot of downtime in training new people and recruitment costs. Retention is the way forward and educating the employees to be multi-skilled. By doing so, it motivates employees and gives them the opportunity to grow in their job by acquiring new skills and knowledge. ME

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