Thought leaders: (From left) Hisham, Kassim and Yang
KUALA LUMPUR: To prepare for future challenges, students need to be aware of growing demand for certain specialisations and be equipped with transferable skills, say experts.
Meritus University executive director Hisham Halim said with the maritime industry expanding and Malaysia being a maritime nation, skilled professionals are needed at all levels.
“The maritime business is a very important component of global trade. Based on recent statistics, Port Klang is now the 11th largest port in the world, so our trade volume is growing.
“At Meritus, we are helping to fill that gap by producing graduates at the bachelor’s level and offering postgraduate courses in maritime.
“They will go on to work as professionals in shipping companies and the broader maritime ecosystem,” he said.
Hisham added that students have access not only to cutting-edge academic learning but also to courses conducted by industry professionals and hands-on practical experiences, where they gain real-life exposure at ports, on ships and in dry docks.
Hisham was at the Star Education Fair 2024 held at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre yesterday with two other speakers from universities that were exhibitors.
Enforcement, Leadership and Management University (Elmu) vice-chancellor and chief executive Datuk Dr Kassim Noor Mohamed said in an era where social media influences almost everything, law enforcement studies are crucial.
“Without law enforcement officers, we may not have a peaceful country.
“Elmu is the first full university in Malaysia to offer law enforcement programmes. Our contribution is through enhancing the professionalism of law enforcement officers,” he said.
Kassim added that Elmu’s programmes, whether in intelligence and surveillance or crisis and disaster management, are built in with transferable skills such as analytical thinking and soft skills, enabling students to work in any discipline or job.
“Analysis is very important in any vocation. Whether you are analysing business trends or assessing risks, analysis is essential in making informed decisions.
“Additionally, the ability to approach problems in a systematic manner through soft skills is crucial.
“Any tertiary course should equip you with the transferable skills needed to work in any environment,” he said.
Kassim also said Elmu students have the opportunity to be part of the research and development at its Crime Science Institute.
Kyoto University Graduate School of Management Assoc Prof Dr Michelle Yang said given the global emphasis on sustainability in Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes and business schools, there is a growing demand for sustainable marketing.
“There is a need for us to think of sustainability because many things we do impact different aspects of society, not just the environment.
“We need to consider how our business activities can carry on in the future without compromising our future generations.
“This is something that anyone looking to expand their careers in the business sector needs to focus on,” she said.
Yang added that some of the key skills vital for future leaders include versatility, open-mindedness and diversity management.
Hisham said the Halim Mazmin Group, the owner of Meritus University, has given close to RM3mil in scholarships, especially to members of deserving communities.
“This year, we are offering a free foundation programme as a pathway for students to join us at the bachelor’s degree level.”
Kassim said the Elmu Foundation is offering scholarships valued at RM1mil, including partial or merit scholarships for deserving students.
“We also have across-the-board scholarships at the moment. Since we are just starting, for this year alone, we are offering a 50% scholarship to everyone,” he said.
Yang said there are more than 100 types of scholarships available for Malaysian students to apply for studies in Japan due to the good bilateral ties between both countries.
“There are private and government scholarships, depending on students’ areas of interest, fields of study and locations in Japan.
“Kyoto University has very competitive tuition fees. For example, while a private university MBA in Malaysia might cost about RM18,000 per semester, our programme costs almost the same amount for two semesters in a year,” she said.
