Alumni Stories

I spent 3 years in UOW Malaysia KDU’s Bachelor of Game Development (Hons) program learning and growing as a game designer. It helped enable my curiosity to deconstruct games and recreate new ones with different experiences and mechanics.  I founded my own game company Cellar Vault Games with my course mates, and we used the same principles to tell compelling story games which are then infused with our Malaysian culture and experiences. Since releasing several games including our newest one – 7PM I have still a lot to learn and will be continuing to further my curiosity in game design and games as a career. Cellar Vault Games is a small Indie game dev team base in Malaysia.

I am working as a nurse in the Medical Ward of one of the NHS Trust Hospitals in London, UK. I graduated from UOW Malaysia KDU in 2012 with a Diploma in Nursing and recently in 2019, I had graduated with a Masters in Nursing from a UK university.

Many changes have happened in the hospital where I work since this pandemic. The ward that I was working in had to be converted to a COVID ward so as to prepare for the influx of COVID-19 patients. My existing team of ward staff quickly worked together to make this new environment where we all had to wear full PPE as comfortable as possible for all of us to work with. There was also a period where my ward was closed for disinfecting and I was then sent to other wards for over a month. It was amazing to see everyone working together although it was a very scary and tense period especially having to hear and read daily the heart breaking news of nursing staff all around UK dying from COVID-19. Throughout this time, I persevered to do my job to the best of my ability, ensuring first that the infected patients were all well taken care of and taking COVID-19 swabs frequently. On top of that I also had to deal with patients on ventilators when I was attached to the Respiratory Ward.

What I found most challenging during this pandemic was not knowing exactly how dangerous this virus is yet having to treat it. Even more troubling and challenging was reading news of medical staff and frontliners dying from being infected while caring for and treating COVID-19 patients. It was depressing to think of all the healthcare workers who were sacrificing their lives for their patients while leaving their loved ones behind, anxious and waiting for them to come home.

One of the most frightening things I experienced during this pandemic was seeing more patients die from breathing issues especially among the elderly and seeing it happen so fast. Seeing that, I knew that I had to be even more vigilant and observant in my nursing skills as I work alongside the team of doctors.

Throughout this pandemic and very challenging time, the one thing I am truly thankful for is the support from my family and girlfriend despite them worrying about my health and safety.

I graduated from UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, School of Nursing and Allied Health (formally known as KDU College (PG) Sdn. Bhd.) in 2016. I am currently working as a registered nurse in a hospital in Singapore and am attached to the Isolation Ward.

As a nurse, I observed a massive influx of admission during the COVID-19 outbreak. The screening as well as the security measures taken by the hospital have also been tightened up. Patients become anxious once they are isolated in the Isolation Ward and keep asking the nurses if they are COVID positive. My job as a nurse is to remain calm, confident and most of all reassuring as I need to give the patients the correct information such as how to practice good hand hygiene and to wear the full PPE. I also assist the doctors in collecting samples from patients for COVID-19 testing. We work as a team and look out for each other in the Isolation Ward.

During this period of COVID-19, what I found most challenging other than work was not being able to go back home to Malaysia to be with my family or even to meet my elder sister who also works in Singapore. Thankfully, we can all still communicate through video chats as a family. I am so very grateful for all the encouragement and support shown to me by my family to help me get through this challenging time especially when the COVID-19 outbreak just started.

Another thing that has helped me to pull through is that I try to maintain a positive attitude. In addition I feel so much happiness whenever I get to discharge a patient who has recovered from COVID-19.  It is at these times that I feel very useful to society and am really proud to be able to so my part to help. Without a doubt, COVID-19 has been a real wake-up call for everyone everywhere. This past few months will indeed be one of my most cherished nursing experiences

Mr. Raymond Tham is no stranger to pastry. Despite graduating with honours in Business Administration in the UK and hospitality management in UOW Malaysia KDU, Raymond’s passion in pastry led him to a scholarship to one of the world’s renowned culinary institute.

Raymond shared of his apprenticeship and working experience in England for 5 years which enabled him to develop vast skills in the art of patisserie. One of this key milestones was to create desserts for the wedding reception of Mr. Tom Parker Bowles, food writer and son of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Amongst the many achievements such as becoming the Senior Chef-De-Partie with Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda, Chef Raymond decided to moved back home to Malaysia. He continued his professional journey in UOW Malaysia KDU University College and took up the challenge of teaching patisseries, chocolate and confections for 3 years. He won medals for UOW Malaysia KDU University College (Bronze & Silver medal Showpieces in FHA & HOFEXO). Chef Raymond assumed the position of Technical Advisor at Barry Callebaut Asia Pacific, which main responsibilities included conducting demonstrations and hands-on training for gourmet brands such as Cacao Barry, Callebaut, Sicao and Selbourne. Chef Raymond is the chef patron of Skillet@163 in Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur.

Within less than 2 years, Skillet had won a few accolades to name a few the best European 2015 by Timeout KL and Best independent restaurant 2016 by Expatriate lifestyle, Top 10 restaurant ranking in tripadvisor among 3000 restaurant around KL.

“I was lucky to receive a job offer for Club Med as a bartender while I was doing my internship in Club Med Cherating Kuantan. After graduating from UOM Malaysia KDU, I continued working with Club Med as a contract “GO”-Gentle Organizer, which allowed me to travel to different Club Med properties around the world.”

“This opportunity also widens my knowledge and exposure to many different working cultures. Working in this hospitality industry, one needs to be more outgoing and be adaptable.”

“What makes Club Med so special is the fun working environment, surrounded by friendly colleagues and guests from different nationalities. I also had the opportunity to learn many other foreign languages while working here.”

“In May 2014, I was offered to move to Maldives Kani Club Med, and it has been one of the greatest experiences I ever had on this paradise island. I’m truly grateful to be part of Club Med. If it wasn’t for my internship, I don’t think I would have discovered Club Med. I want to thank my General Manager, Merlin Chelilah, who has been supporting and offered me to work with Club Med.”

Aside from feeling incompetent for the job, I was feeling emotional stress and anxious knowing that we are the frontline workers, which also means we could at anytime be in close contact with a positive COVID-19 patient. Knowing that we are here to take care of the patients, helping them to recover so that they can be united with their loved ones again. This has become a great motivation and drive for me as we worked around the clock in the SHDU.

This is an unprecedented time as many would say, effective communication within the hospital, the information and updates need to be very clear, timely, and accurate. It is mandatory for us as nurses to update the spokespersons daily on the patients’ progress and recovery. We are also here to provide emotional support and be empathetic to the COVID-19 patients. The patients will not see their loved ones physically until they are discharged. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure they are taken care of emotionally as well.

There is a silver lining behind this dark cloud; there are blessings found even during this challenging time of COVID-19. First, I experienced tremendous love and support from my own family while being in the frontline. Second, I have a deeper understanding and appreciate all the frontliners around the world who committed to overcoming this pandemic. I now see being a nurse as a great calling, and I do believe nurses play a cardinal role in the healthcare industry. When it comes to saving lives, nurses do not play second fiddle.

Yes, I believe over the years the role of nursing has been underappreciated. But thankfully, we are seeing a great shift. The public is now a lot more aware on the contribution and the vital role of the nurses. In fact, many news articles today have attributed the nurses to be a pivotal role in the patients’ recovery journey.

I am truly humbled by the growing changed of perspective towards nurses. Even in this COVID-19 pandemic, we are noticing how society and school leavers now are viewing nursing as a very noble and respected profession.

“One of my most enjoyable memories from my school days was in UOW Malaysia KDU. Not only did it prepare me for my next step in hospitality management, but I also had the opportunity to work together with our lecturers and hospitality coursemates to organize successful events. These experiences that I gained became very valuable in my line of work. I highly recommend UOW Malaysia KDU to any students who are interested in starting a career in both the hospitality and culinary industry.”

“I learned a lot in UOW Malaysia KDU with all their guidance both inside the classroom and outside. This is especially true with regards to my final year dissertation/thesis. In my final year, the lecturers guided me, and I honed my critical thinking skills and learned to think outside the box, which served me well when I joined the workforce.”

“All the things I have gained from this institution has enabled me upon graduation to land a great career as Starwood’s Malaysia National Sales Team, which was what I wanted. This was facilitated by lecturers who believed in and guided me along this path. Lastly, I am proud to be a UOW Malaysia KDU student.”

“I decided to pursue my Degree in Hospitality after one and a half years of working in the hotel industry. Initially, I was worried about whether will I be able to adapt back to student life after working for some time. But after enrolling in UOW Malaysia KDU, I realised that all my worries were unnecessary, and my student life experience here turned out to be an unforgettable one.”

“I made a long of friends while studying in this institution, and the lecturers were ever so dedicated and will always go all out to help us and guide us in our studies and assignments. The lecturers often would help us even after lecture hours despite being busy with their daily tasks. When I start working as an Events Executive for The Gardens Hotel & Residence, I realised it is a tremendous sacrifice for the lecturers to keep making time for us outside the classroom and working hours.”

“Besides that, the knowledge and skills that I gained in this institution were very relevant to my workplace and industry now. My years at UOW Malaysia KDU are something that I look back often with a fond smile on my face.”

“Knowledge absorbed. Relationships built. Lessons learned. Priceless.”

“My experience in UOW Malaysia KDU was filled with more good times than anywhere and anything else. When I was a diploma student here, the Chef lecturers cared deeply about us. They did everything they could to ensure we learned the skills and understood the hospitality industry before we step even into the industry. These preparations actually gave us extra advantage ahead of our peers and others.”
“I was given a glimpse into what the real grind would be like in the professional kitchen, and we were placed continuously in a “pressure cooker” environment. These experiences and training developed professionalism in us and greater knowledge for our work, even while we were students.”
“The lecturers treated and trained us like adults even though at times we as students can be a little bit spoilt and childish. But because they believed in us, all of us students became more responsible and mature in the process.”
“My fondest memory was seeing the students in the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts (SHTCA) with a particular skill or talent, willingly helped and shared their knowledge with other students. The campus culture here was collaborative and helping one another to succeed. Because of the help of many of my friends, I was able to travel to other countries for cooking competitions.”
“The student support and collaborative culture have caused us, the students, to have a stronger bond and deeper friendships with the lecturers as well as one another. I am truly appreciative of all these people in UOW Malaysia KDU.”
“UOW Malaysia KDU is a place that students will graduate and leave with a heavy heart, because of the great memories, meaningful learning, and fun campus experience.”

“Studying at UOW Malaysia KDU has paved my career path in the Hospitality industry. The lecturers here have vast experience in the hospitality industry, which allows us to understand more and prepare us for the real world. I also received lots of hands-on experience during my internship as I had the opportunity to work with the Hilton group.”

“I remembered joining this institution while it was still a college (before it became UOW Malaysia KDU). It was a unique experience for me because I could pursue a UK degree in a local university environment. In other words, I was learning the same thing UK students were learning, but I was doing it here in the comfort of my homeland. There were 20 of us who enrolled in the UK program. We were learning course syllabus and course materials as those in the UK through an online platform called Blackboard. Guess what? We even had summer breaks in Malaysia between our 2nd and 3rd year!”

“During the two years, I began to understand and comprehend the phrase, “think globally, act locally” because I was pursuing an international program, but I was completing the degree locally. The principles, case studies, theories, and insights that I have learned from the program, must be applied correctly to the local context I am currently in. And now appointed as an officer in the state government, this idea of “thinking globally, acting locally” does come in handy. For example, the information and knowledge I continuously obtained from various globalized sources are then modified for implementation to suit local communities and cultures.”

Eric works for the Penang State Government and currently serves as the Special Officer to the Chief Minister of Penang.

“As an officer in the state government, I enjoy serving the people of Penang regardless of race, religion, gender, social and economic backgrounds. Part of my job would require me to combat and eradicate fake and unverified news on social media, ensuring people are well informed with the latest and credible news and updates. Besides that, we also work on other projects that are beneficial for the livelihood and the well-being of the people in Penang.”