Prospective students and parents on Penang island now have a dedicated space to seek expert guidance on education with the opening of a new University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia Education Counselling Centre.
Located in Tanjung Tokong, the centre serves as a vital bridge to the institution’s main campus at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College in Batu Kawan on the mainland.
UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College vice-chancellor Prof Dr Chong Beng Keok said some people felt that the campus’ relocation to Batu Kawan made it a hassle to travel just to inquire about courses.
“People sometimes lack the motivation to head to the mainland to inquire, but they are missing out on life-changing opportunities.
“This is why we thought it will benefit the community and make our presence here clear with this centre,” Prof Chong said at the launch.
“The centre will function as a central hub as there are many local and international schools nearby,” she said.
“We want to make the centre accessible to potential students, parents and even existing students.
“They can come over and study or speak to the counsellors when needed.
“Counsellors are here to help students pick their courses, as it is about them finding their right path,” she said.
UOW Global Enterprises group chief executive officer and managing director Marisa Mastroianni, in her speech, said the centre represented a practical and important need in a world where students were faced with myriad choices.
“What they often lack is clarity on where to begin their educational journey.
“These are not simple decisions and many students feel stuck taking that first step.
“Parents want to be able to guide their children and are looking for trusted, credible advice,” she said.
Mastroianni said one could obtain clear, informed and practical guidance from the centre.
“Our intention is to create a place where students and families can come and have an honest conversation and leave with a better sense of direction.
“At the core of this centre is our connection to the University of Wollongong, a top 1% university globally, which brings with it both quality and genuine global mobility.”
She said students would have access to the broader UOW Malaysia network, including campuses in Batu Kawan and Kuala Lumpur, as well as its international footprint.
“This means they are not confined to a single pathway and have the flexibility to move across campuses, with opportunities to study in Australia and other locations,” she added.
Mastroianni said this centre would support students at every stage, from those just starting to think about their future, to those studying with UOW, and their alumni.
“This centre will allow us to engage directly with schools and parents and provide guidance at an earlier stage.
“We will offer counselling services and even short programmes to give them an idea of what they are getting themselves into when furthering their studies.
“This centre is about access to information, advice and opportunity,” she said.
Also present at the event was Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng.
The centre, at 98-G-13A, Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes, is open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 6.30pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. – By N. TRISHA
