Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Blood donation 12-Dec-2009

Please be informed that Mega Hotel, Lions Club of Miri Host and RTM Miri is organizing a year-end Blood Donation Campaign. Details are as follow:

Date: Saturday, 12th December 2009
Time: 8:00am - 12:00nn
Venue: Mega Hotel's Imperial Ballroom, Level 4

Successful donors will receive tokens of appreciation and refreshment will be served.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Scholarship Opportunities

MARA Scholarship Programs
http://www.mara. gov.my/english/ division/ BPP/default. htm

Yayasan Proton Scholarship
http://www.malaysia -scholarship. com/yproton. html

PTPTN Education Loan
http://ptptn. gov.my/

The Star Education Fund
http://thestar. com.my/edufund

Astro Scholarship Award
http://www.astro. com.my/v5/ astrolife/ scholarship/

PETRONAS Education Scholarship Programs
http://esu-spmtrial .petronas. com.my/

2007 MNRB Scholarship Fund
http://www.mnrb. com.my/

OCBC Bank Scholarship
http://www.ocbc. com.my/global/ aboutOCBC/ Gco_Abt_Communit y.shtm

Bank Negara Scholarship
http://www.bnm. gov.my/

ABM 50th Merdeka Scholarship
http://www.abm. org.my/

Curtin Sarawak Scholarship
http://www..curtin. edu.my/

The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus High Achievers Scholarships
http://www.nottingh am.edu.my/ students/ MISC/High% 20Achievers% 20Scholarship% 202006-July06. pdf

HELP University College
http://www.help. edu.my/scholarsh ips/index. php

Adelaide Achiever Scholarships International (AASI)
http://www.internat ional.adelaide. edu.au/future/ scholarships/ ug/

Curtin University of Technology Scholarship
http://www.emaac. org/

Charles Darwin University Scholarship
http://www.malaysia -scholarship. com/www.cdu.. edu.au/engineeri ng/scholarships_ ug_int_eng. htm

Kolej Disted-Stamford Degree Scholarships
http://www.disted. edu.my/

Leeds University Scholarships
http://scholarships .leeds.ac. uk/

Loughborough University Human Science Scholarships
http://www.lboro. ac.uk/

MAAC Scholarship - La Trobe University 2006
http://www.latrobe. edu.au/internati onal/courses/ ug.html

NUS / Asean Undergraduate Scholarship
http://www.nus. edu..sg/admission s/undergrad/ scholarship/ nus_asean. htm

UCL Pathfinder Scholarships
http://www.ucl. ac.uk/

University of Sheffield Scholarship
http://www.shef. ac.uk/malaysia/ entry.html

UTAR Scholarships
http://www.utar. edu.my/

Nanyang Technological University Scholarship
http://www.ntu. edu.sg/oad/ scholarships/ nanyang.htm

Tasmanian International Scholarships
http://www.internat ional.utas. edu.au/documents /internationalAp plication. pdf

University of Malaya Fellowship Scheme
http://ips.um. edu.my/

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Scholarship
http://www.unimas. my/

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST Discovery Scholarship)
http://apply. embark.com/ kaust/discovery/

Universiti Malaysia Sabah Scholarship
http://www.ums. edu.my/pasca

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Curtin Special January Intake Programme

Curtin Sarawak 2010 intake now in progress:

Special January Intake Programme gives SPM/STPM students a head start on their tertiary education

Details of the January Intake Programme and entry requirements for the Diploma, Foundation and Undergraduate programmes can be obtained

(1) By contacting Curtin Sarawak’s Marketing Department at +60 85 443939

(2) By e-mailing enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

Miri – 20 November 2009 -

(A) For Whom:

Curtin Sarawak has commenced enrollment for its January 2010 intake. Students who have completed their SPM and STPM need not wait until they get their results in the coming year to enroll in Curtin Sarawak.

They can take advantage of the university’s special January Intake Programme, a course of study which will prepare them for tertiary studies at Curtin Sarawak, as well as set them on the road to achieving Curtin’s graduate attributes, that is, to be knowledge users, creative and critical thinkers, research smart, effective communicators, technology savvy, life-long learners, international citizens, culturally sensitive and profession wise.

The Private Higher Educational Act 1996 (Act 555) requires private higher education institutes to teach Malaysian Studies, Islamic Studies for Muslim students and Moral Studies for non-Muslim students, and all Malaysian students are required to pass these compulsory subjects as a prerequisite to the award of a certificate, diploma or degree.

The Malaysian Studies and Islamic/Moral Studies modules are conducted 7 hours a week for a total of 14 hours a week, while the Essentially Curtin module is 10 hours per week.

(B) Duration & when:

The five-week January Intake Programme, which commences on 11 January and ends on 12 February 2010,

gives SPM and STPM students a head start on tertiary education at Curtin Sarawak should their SPM or STPM results prove adequate for entry into the university’s Undergraduate programme in February and Diploma and Foundation programmes in March 2010.

It will also give the students a taste of university life and a better understanding of the requirements of tertiary education.

(C) Fee:

The fee for the programme is a very affordable RM3,000, excluding textbook fees.

(D) Eligibility & Due Date:

To be eligible to enroll in the programme, a student must make an upfront payment of RM3,000 before 31 December 2009. The student must also fulfill the entry requirements for either the Diploma, Foundation or Degree programmes (based on their SPM or STPM forecasted results, or for UEC students, their actual results).

On one hand, if the student is eligible and decides to enter one of the programmes upon completion of the January Intake Programme, the RM3,000 fee will go towards his or her first semester tuition fees, which means the student undergoes the January Intake Programme absolutely free. On the other hand, if the student discontinues his or her studies at the end of the programme, the amount will be forfeited with no refund given.

However, a full refund will be given if a student’s SPM or STPM result does not meet Curtin Sarawak’s English or academic requirements, rendering him or her ineligible to enter a Diploma, Foundation or Degree programme.

(E) Accommodation:

Those requiring accommodation, can enjoy 50% off their rent for five weeks’ study at the Lakeside Apartments located on the campus, which feature well-appointed living spaces and are within walking distance from classrooms, the cafeteria, campus shops, computer laboratories, library and other campus facilities.

They are, however, required to pay a 2-month housing deposit prior to their stay, which is fully refundable if they discontinue their studies after the January Intake Programme, or conversely, if they enter the first semester intake, used as a deposit for their subsequent tenancy.

Utility charges are included in the rent to a maximum of RM50 per resident per month. Usage above the amount will be charged accordingly.

(F) Enrollment/ Orientation Dates:

The last date for enrollment in the programme is 15 January 2010

and orientation for enrolled students will be on 11 January 2010, which is also the census date (last date to withdraw application) for the programme.

Students who choose to withdraw before the census date will be refunded 90% of their RM3,000 fee. Meanwhile, no refunds will be given for withdrawals after the census date.

(G) Fee Payment Method:

Various fee payment and scholarship schemes such as the Fee Installment Payment (FIP), CSM Scholarship schemes, as well as the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) Withdrawal Scheme for Education, are not applicable for the programme.

Furthermore, students enrolling for the programme are not eligible to Curtin Sarawak’s early bird rebate for early enrollment unless full payment on their first semester tuition fee is made on or before the early bird expiry dates, that is, 8 February 2010 for the Diploma and Foundation programmes, and 1 February 2010 for the Degree programmes.


(H) Where To Contact:

More details of the January Intake Programme and entry requirements for the Diploma, Foundation and Undergraduate programmes can be obtained by contacting Curtin Sarawak’s Marketing Department at +60 85 443939 or e-mailing enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Lion Group foundation website for scholars

Extract from News Strait Time, 30/11/09: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/23lion/Article/index_html

2009/11/30

PETALING JAYA: The Lion Group educational and charitable foundation yesterday launched its website at Sunway Pyramid shopping mall.


The website features a symbol of a rising sun spreading its rays, "symbolizing the giving of hope and extending assistance to the less fortunate".

The website, www.lion-parksonfoundation.com.my, is designed to give the foundation a more independent profile.

Previously, all information about the foundation and its activities was published on the Lion Group's main website.

As well as providing information about the foundation's core objectives, the student loans and scholarships available for higher learning are also featured.

At the launch, foundation chairman Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng said: "Students can access information on the foundation and our activities. The website is also linked to the Lion Group of companies and it highlights job vacancies."

She said the website would soon incorporate a database on the foundation's scholars, allowing them to network and act as role models for those still studying.

Tan Shi Win, 24, is one scholar who has benefited from the foundation. After receiving a bachelor's degree in accountancy from University Utara Malaysia, she was employed in the Lion Group as personal assistant to one of its senior managers.

"I have learned a lot through the foundation and from the training I received when I graduated from university. I'm enjoying myself and learning a lot from my work in the company."

Thursday, November 5, 2009

What Does It Take To Get A Job Nowadays?

Note: This is not a paid advertisement. You are fully responsible if you decided to respond to them. I did not validate the information below.

In 2006, a survey done in Malaysia revealed that there were 20,217 graduates who failed to find a job (The Sun). What on earth happened? After all, graduates would have undergone 3 - 4 years of studies and they would have graduated with their certificates. Employers should be fighting each other to hire them, right? Apparently, not so.

Very often, employers are heard lamenting that the graduates who come for the job interview are not ready or not prepared. Some even commented that many graduates don't even know what the employers really need. So, employers hire experience over qualification. But this is a catch-22 situation. If the graduates don't get a job now, how do they get the experience that employers seek?

But business is business. Employers won't just hire fresh graduates for the sake of providing them the experience. The candidate has to earn his right to work in the company. Believing the opposite is true would be a fantasy, unless of course if the company in question is owned by the candidate's family. That's an entirely different story.

A graduate faces several hurdles before s/he can get a job. S/he has to know how to write a good cover letter and resume that stands out from the other job applicants. Next, s/he has to impress the interviewer more than the other interviewees and several things are at play here (professional etiquette or manners, communication skills, maturity of thinking, dressing). Once the candidate gets the offer letter, there's another hurdle that will determine how far s/he can go, i.e. can this person work or perform? Many of these things are not taught in school.

Don't get me wrong. School does a good job in supplying the knowledge but I'll let you in on an open secret. Everyone goes through the same system and learns the same knowledge! In other words, it is pretty safe to assume that all the interviewees are well learned and knowledgeable, in the same areas. But besides this, what else is there? The big question to ask is, "If they are all the same, whom should I hire?"

Graduates must be able to answer the following question: I'm the right person for the job because..." And the answer had better be original and different from the others. Otherwise, we would be back to square one. "Why should the company hire you?"

Lighthouse Education and Training, a Miri based company is organizing a 1 day intensive workshop named "Career PowerSkills Workshop" to address this need. Participants will learn how to 'brand' themselves and stand out from the rest and how to continue to build this personal 'brand' to advance in their career. Besides this, participants will also learn how to write powerful and original cover letters and resumes that highlight what employers are looking for today. In addition, participants will learn what are the 30 most common interview questions and how to handle an interview professionally. Last but not least, participants will learn how to dress for career success. The workshop (in English) will be conducted on 29 November 2009 from 9.00am to 5.00pm at the Lighthouse Training Centre in Miri. Fees is RM200 per person only inclusive of learning materials and meals. Please call 014-6992900 or email mylighthousemiri@gmail.com for more information.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Max tax rate of 15% for working in Iskandar Malaysia

This is good news!

Quote:
For those who apply and start work in Iskandar Malaysia before 2015, the Government has proposed the maximum tax rate of 15% compared with 26% for the rest of the country.

To be eligible for this tax treatment, they must be engaged in sectors such as green technology, biotechnology, education services, healthcare, creative industry, financial advisory and consultancy services as well as logistic services and tourism.

The innovative and radical tax incentive is seen as a boost to Iskandar Malaysia.

Unquote

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/24/budget2010/4970395&sec=budget2010

Opportunities in Nigeria O&G Industry

(A)Company: SINOPEC which is one of the expanding Chinese state oil companies in Africa.

(B)Special Requirements: Looking for experienced English educated engineers who can speak Mandarin in the following disciplines:

1. Scheduling and cost control engineer
2. Process engineer
3. Piping/mechanical engineer
4. Civil and structural engineer
5. Electrical/Cathodic protection engineer
6. Instrumentation/telecom engineer
7. Safety engineer
8. QA/QC inspector/engineer
9. Welding/NDT inspector / Fabrication inspector
10.Interface manager
11.Production supervisor.

C) Terms and conditions:

These positions are on expatriate terms including:

o Paid either on day rate or month rate
o 12 weeks on site/ 2 weeks at home
o Air tickets / accommodation are provided by the company.

E) Send to: SoonOnnChan@gmail.com

Write preferably by next week (end of October) so that he can forward them accordingly.