校友故事分享

During my studies at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang, I was exposed to many opportunities, including lecturers that truly inspire me to find my passion. The lecturers here are always taking an extra step to help out their students. The overall structure of the program along with the extensive accessible resources on the campus brought out the greatest experience during my studies. In short, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang successfully laid the stepping stones for my current career path which I’m grateful for.

The courses and culture in UOW Malaysia KDU Penang have made me well equipped with skill sets that can be applied right when I stepped into my internship where I’d be facing clients & stakeholders, client projects, and collaborating with peers from different backgrounds. From knowledgeable & approachable lecturers to challenging assignments, it has helped me grow in almost every aspect. The internship program made a huge impact on my career as that is where I found my passion for programming. Over the years, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to take charge of different projects and held different roles, and that has ultimately helped me become who I am today.

Back in 2020 when the pandemic hit Malaysia, I was heavily involved in a contact-tracing project with a cross-functional team. We proudly launch the project within a short period of time and it quickly reached thousands of active users. I believe that this has brought the convenience of society’s responsibility in taking part in the country’s Covid mitigation plan. Also, having taken up the leadership role and training juniors & interns in my company has allowed me to inspire them to better determine their future career paths. I am sure that there will be more impactful contributions to be offered to society.

Sitting behind the screen of a laptop is Adrian Tang, Senior Staff Engineer at the renowned German global leader for optical solutions, amsOSRAM. Here is a little secret, his journey began in UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College more than 10 years ago.

Adrian graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 2010. Adrian, a very technical and IT savvy individual proved not only to be book smart, but also street smart and resourceful. He took advantage of the high-end facilities at the campus to ensure that he was always at the forefront of computing technologies, learning new programming languages as the semesters went by.

This young talent knew that the key to success lies with the ability to adapt, evolve, and explore. He knew that in the world of computing technology, one must always learn to run and never stop running. Technology has the knack to catch up and leave the complacent eating dust.

Adrian pushed himself beyond his comfort zone and absorbed as much as he could in terms of new knowledge from his lecturers. He took part in external activities and talks as well in order to pick up essential soft skills in addition to learning the technical aspects of computing

From there on, there was no stopping him. He learnt that one must not only merely graduate from university, but one must emerge as a talent for the industry. While UOW Malaysia KDU provided a springboard, he knew that he was ultimately responsible to take the leap.

UOW Malaysia KDU provides this unique opportunity to all future students to be a talent in the world of computing technology. The University of Wollongong has a proud tradition in producing talents and developing world-class research solutions. After-all, Tim Berners-Lee, known as the Father of the Internet sourced TCP/IP software, an integral element of the World Wide Web, from the University of Wollongong in the early 70s.

A quote by Frances Arnold, American chemical engineer and Nobel Laureate  says it all – “What we need is a strong education system that allows creativity to grow and encourages students to be interested in science and technology”.

Join UOW Malaysia KDU and together we can help you build your future in the world of science and technology.

“To me, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang was a great place to study and transition into the working world. As many of the course subjects were project-based, it was such a fun learning process compared with learning merely theoretical knowledge. The lecturers here were very friendly and easily accessible to students.”

“Besides academics, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang frequently organises many social activities to keep students’ lives more wholesome. Through participating in these events, I get to meet people from similar backgrounds—the most memorable for me being the IEEE conference in UKM.”

“My time with the institution enabled me to explore various aspects of computing studies. It improved my technical skills, problem-solving skills, and soft skills required to work with others in a team.” 

 “Also, the internship experience and the factory visits have prepared me for the working environment. I even landed my first job at the Career Fair while I was in my final year.”

“As a software development engineer today, I play a role in contributing to the digitalisation of the manufacturing processes, aligning with the goals of the fourth industrial revolution.”

Jodene now serves as the Software Development Engineer in Intel Technology Malaysia, the Malaysia branch of multinational corporation and technology company and the world’s largest semiconductor chip manufacturer.

Nicole Cheah joined UOW Malaysia KDU Penang for the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Public Relations in 2012. She found herself enjoying and excelling in corporate communications and writing. Upon graduating, she moved to Kuala Lumpur to work in the marketing and advertising field.

“After graduating, I moved to Kuala Lumpur where I’ve since permanently resided to work in the marketing and advertising field. I started my career in one of the industry’s largest multinational agencies, working on social media marketing for Malaysia Airlines. From there, I’ve moved across two agencies and have worked with different brands such as Coway, Johnnie Walker, E&O and more. I now drive business and bring in potential new brands at my current agency.”

Looking back on her journey, Nicole attributed her lecturers in UOW Malaysia KDU as the catalyst for her passion and drive.

“The lecturers during my time at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang helped me become more passionate and driven, which greatly applies to my success. I truly am grateful for their nurturing ways that helped boost my confidence to be who I am today and for teaching me the skills I needed to kickstart my career.”

Today, Nicole remains passionate in the art of fashion and beauty, with interest in visual designing and writing. She is still constantly seeking to grow and gain experience in the marketing/advertising/fashion industry. Nicole also utilizes social media for good causes and to inspire others as a beauty micro influencer through creative makeup content.

“At UOW Malaysia KDU Penang, I have gained great learning experiences and was exposed to great lecturers who challenged me to think in new ways and perspectives. Even the assignments given were vital and helpful to my growth. I found the whole student experiences here, especially during my final year project, to be very valuable.”

“The two Business Management certifications that I have obtained at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang in partnership with the University of Lincoln helped set the foundation and kick-start my career in one of the Big Four accounting firms in Malaysia. Even though initially I thought the things I have learned from the institution to be irrelevant, but it turns out I was able to apply some of the business management knowledge with PwC. Moreover, I am using this knowledge and the skills I picked up during my UOW Malaysia KDU Penang time to help improve and grow the department (Global Immigration Department).”

“I discovered that it is also a significant part of contributing back to society. We are helping the businesses in Malaysia thrive by assisting with their international workforce management in terms of remaining compliant while hiring, retaining, and laying off the international workforce.”

“Furthermore, these businesses can bring in foreign nationals who fill C-suite top management, middle management, and technical experts that bring value to Malaysia’s development and economy. However, I see my current contribution now as just the beginning. I believe there is great potential and possibilities for us to develop to make bigger and better changes to society.”

Carol now serves as the associate for PwC International Assignment Services Sdn Bhd, considered by many as the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms in Malaysia.

“I was introduced to this program in 2000 while I was still working in Intel Corporation. My two and a half years’ studies were fully sponsored by Intel, along with few other colleagues. Back then, not many institutions running part-time evening classes, and I’m glad that UOW Malaysia KDU Penang offered it. Completing this UOW Malaysia KDU has brought me another step closer to becoming a qualified engineer at work, where I was soon offered as NPI Engineer in another establishment.”

“The degree program was conducted entirely in English, which helped us enhance our verbal and written competency. Some technical subjects such as VLSI and Embedded System helped us gain better sight and in-depth learning in the Microelectronics field.”

Yoong Wah enrolled at UOW Malaysia KDU as a part-time student while still working full-time for Intel and was pushed to improve his time management skills. “Besides that, being a part-time student required much persistence and determination as we need to plan our time diligently and manage them well between work and studies—this help to improve my time management skill.”

“I always believe E&E Engineers are not only inventors but also design, develop, and supervise the full deployment of the electrical and electronic systems in the industry. I’m glad that generation now is more innovative and creative in bringing more inventions that can improve things in our daily lives. I’m more than delighted to help to coach the next generation of engineers in the industry too!”

Yoong Wah serves as the Manufacturing Manager in ViTrox Technologies, one of the world-leading automated machine vision inspection solution providers with an extensive customer base in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Europe, Brazil, Mexico, the USA and more.

I have been working with Streamline Studios and Streamline Games for over 4 years now and in my time there I had the opportunity to work on fantastic projects such as Final Fantasy XV, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts and lead the development on Bake ‘n Switch. I started in Streamline Studios as an intern as I graduated from the Game Development Program. The 3 years in UOW Malaysia KDU were certainly busy and challenging at times. However, I am very grateful for the lecturers that taught, encouraged, and nurtured me, as well as my classmates that supported me during my time in UOW Malaysia KDU’s Game Development Program. They have all helped me get to where I am today. Our connections to UOW Malaysia KDU’s Game Development Program are still cherished today as we are constantly searching for fresh talent to join our growing studio. Founded in 2001 in Netherlands, Streamline Studios is one of the most experienced and tenured Co-Development studios worldwide. In December 2010, Streamline Studios opened its new production office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it currently runs operations. Streamline Studios has worked on games such as Final Fantasy XV, Street Fighter V and BioShock Infinite. Streamline Studios has offices in Las Vegas, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.

Without the efforts of my lecturers who guided me and provided opportunities to meet up with other game developers in Malaysia, I would not have gotten the chance of laying my first game programming job in Passion Republic, a reputable game development company in Malaysia. I feel very grateful for how UOW Malaysia KDU Game Development Programme prepared me for my career in terms of both my technical and soft skills. The learning experiences I gained from this programme have reflected heavily on my working experience, and I have adapted well with the company since my employment. Because of this programme, I have had a pleasant experience working as a competent game developer who gets to express my passion in making games. Passion Republic was involved in the development of Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima. The studio has previously worked on other major titles in the past, including The Last Of Us Part 2, Gears 5, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Uncharted 4 and more.

“Studying in UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College has been one of the greatest chapters in my life. I truly love every moment of my time here. There is a strong culture of inspiration inside the institution, where lecturers and staff constantly and passionately inspire every student to reach greater heights. Overall, being able to meet these amazing people here have given me tremendous strength, knowledge, support, and purpose to achieve my dreams today.”

“With the wide range of facilities, School of Engineering in UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College has equipped me with versatility and adaptability in learning various skill sets required to solve real-world problems. I was given vast opportunities to participate in various competitions, which greatly honed my interpersonal skills while being exposed to practical experiences. And these experiences enabled me to see the world differently. It allowed me to perform well not only in engineering but also socially skilled in establishing working relationships with clients and partners.”

“Again, being able to cross paths with these passionate lecturers of UOW Malaysia KDU has inspired me to be an educator and a maker myself. Today, I continued to do my part in engaging and inspiring the younger generation in science and technology. I hope to pass on what I learned to them, just as what the lecturers have done for me.”

Adrian now serves as the Education and Sales Program Manager of rero EDUteam for Cytron Technologies. He has been leading and supporting the setup of STEM Maker Lab for Malaysia’s Primary and Secondary Schools since 2018. He hopes to narrow the accessibility gap of educational resources for all schools while also supporting the maker movement’s growth in Malaysia.

“Deciding to pursue my tertiary education at UOW Malaysia KDU University College was definitely a choice well-made. Just like most people, I had no idea what I am going to do after graduating high school, I was introduced to UOW Malaysia KDU by my brother who was studying in the institution back then. It was a time of exploration and discovery for me, both on a personal and intellectual level.”

“The competent lecturers and great systems within campus provided me with a platform for proper guidance. Graduating from UOW Malaysia KDU not only equipped me with knowledge and communication skills to carry forward in both my career and life today, but it also gave me memorable memories with my classmates as we would study, eat, and being mischievous together. I will always remember the UOW Malaysia KDU Cafeteria where we would hang out between classes.”

Jessica has been instrumental to the growth of Aspen Group, Penang-based property development and real estate investment group, where she now serves as the Divisional Director, Group Human Resource & Administration Division.

“The role of Human Resource in planning and driving the strategic growth of an organization is as important as technology or business leadership. In my role, I am required to assist the company in paving the way for strategic growth across decisions and sustain the right conversations with other leaders to carve out an intelligent path for a promising future for co-workers. A HR professional adds value to the business, not only through sourcing and recruiting the best talent, but by supporting co-workers, creating a great co-worker culture, and looking at ways to make a positive difference in the workplace. That is why I love working in HR.”

在白沙罗万达镇国民型中学完成大马初教育级文凭后， Hani或名Hunny Madu，一名电视主持人兼说唱歌手，因多才多艺而闻名马来西亚娱乐圈。Hunny表示，她经常在开车经过伯乐学府。有一天，她突然心血来潮决定去了解所提供的课程。她说：“我去了其他大学询问，但我觉得伍伦贡（马）伯乐学府和珀斯有一个很好的双联课程。我还认识一些从伯乐转学到澳洲莫道克大学(Murdoch University)完成学位的大四学生。他们都表示在伯乐体验了一段很棒的经历。” Hunny很高兴自己最终选择了伯乐。因为她觉得伯乐从一开始就认可了她的才华。

当问及在伯乐学府的最难忘回忆时，她说 ：“我有很多美好的回忆。我在这儿参加了我的第一个说唱乐队，主持了我的第一次活动和演出，遇到了很多志同道合的人，还有在大学也认识了很多好朋友。我也结交了其他选修工商和传媒的同学，甚至是讲师。” Hunny还记得当年在校举办了一场嘻哈音乐会，那是她第一次看到Teh Tarik Crew（当地嘻哈组合艺人)表演，而Mizz Nina（前音乐家、创作歌手、舞者和说唱歌手)在台上说唱。“她是当时唯一一位活跃的说唱女歌手，她无疑给了我灵感，”Hunny说。

提问伯乐学府的教育如何为她目前的职业增值并提供一个跳板，Hunny认为伯乐学府从一开始就认可了她的才华，并给了一个她不知道自己想要的平台。
她记得讲师Mr Sham对她说：“你天生就是做广播的料。我希望你毕业后去实现它。”

“我在所选修的学科取得优异的成绩。有趣的是，我确实在广播界任职了6年。我相信人们仍然记得我的广播生涯。伯乐学府也选我为传播学科的代言人，并把我的照相放在宣传册和广告牌上，你可以说那是我第一次的印刷作品。”

“My journey with UOW Malaysia KDU took place from early 2012 to the end of 2015. I was first a Diploma student in Engineering but decided to stay on with the institution to obtain my bachelor’s in Electrical & Electronics Engineering. I started out struggling in the courses, learning to persevere through. But as I came to the very last semester, I developed a deep love for Engineering.”

“I discovered my passion for programming while preparing for my final year project. It is fulfilling for me as programming would require me to maximize and grow my problem-solving skills.”

“Because of UOW Malaysia KDU’s School of Engineering that I was equipped to become a curious learner and a problem solver. I applied these skills to every negotiation, every business partnership, and even conversations. Constantly identifying the scope of problems and determining the objectives accurately to solve the problems with variables with which I know and what I can control.”

“Following my departure from Intel, I founded three companies, managed over 40+ talents across engineering, design, marketing and sales, developed over 48 projects (whom many of our clients ended becoming our partners).”

Matthew founded and now serves as the director for Ninebright Group Sdn. Bhd. and Paymate Technology Sdn. Bhd. He was awarded the Adjunct Professor (2018-2019) Award by Shanghai University school of MBA. He also travels all around the world as the keynote speaker in technology conferences, notably in Saudi Arabia in the ranks of Aramco, Microsoft, IBM, and HyperloopTT.

“I am grateful for the opportunities to provide meaningful insights, guidance, and solutions to corporate clients, SMEs, and government agencies. I believe we can give back to society through imparting what we have learned to others.”