Honing leadership skills


(Back row, from left): Puviarasu a/l Setra Rasu, Wong Zi Hao and Kavita Senaratna. (Front row, from left): Mun Chun Kit and Lue Wan Min.

IT is an age-old belief that commitment and discipline entail success. More often than not, most successful individuals have these attributes.

While Nilai University offers several types of scholarships for students who commit and strive to excel academically, the Department of Student Affairs also started a scholars club – a common ground for all scholars to be groomed as future leaders in their respective communities.

The think-tank of Scholars Club

Although from different backgrounds, Wong Zi Hao, Puviarasu Setra Rasu and Kavita Senaratna are all recipients of Nilai University scholarship, and they are committee members of the Scholars Club.

Currently, the trio are pursuing different programmes – Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Bachelor of Science (Hon) in Biotechnology.

Wong, a Year Two Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering student, is the current president of the Scholars Club. As he commits to doing his bit for the community here, he has participated in several events organised by the university. Being the new president, he plans to organise more activities with his committee members.

“As a scholar, I have the privilege to tutor my course mates, so I suggested we could study together. When they pass or do well academically, I feel happy to have contributed and helped them achieve their desired grades. I must admit though, it helps me focus on my studies too, ” shared Wong.

Puviarasu, a sophomore student in Bachelor of Science (Hon) in Biotechnology, has taken up the role of orientation counsellor. As he progressed from foundation to degree, the role he undertook expanded to eventually becoming a team lead. This taught him leadership, time management and sharpened his communication skills.

Also, he held roles such as the security and safety head for the 2018 FunRun.

Kavita, from Sri Lanka, is also pursuing her Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and holds the position of project manager. She helps coordinate between scholars and other event organisers in organising main events. Her capacity allows her to explore and recognise her ability in managing expectations between her fellow scholars and event organisers.

“I stumbled upon Nilai University’s Aircraft Engineering programmes on the Kingston University website as Nilai University offers a top-up programme with Kingston University, ” said Kavita.

More scholars

Another scholarship recipient is Chan Jia Zian, also pursuing the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. At an Education Fair in Kuala Lumpur, he made a beeline to Nilai University’s booth.

“The Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering offered by Nilai University is affordable. Furthermore, the programme incorporates the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 66 Category B1 and B2 syllabi in its programmes, ” explained Chan.

“Also, at Nilai University, I took up roles to organise events. I was exposed to handling a large crowd and had to think on my feet about the flow of communication to deliver some instructions precisely. These opportunities served as a platform for me to discover my unique communication style.”

Abi Roshinee Kamalan received the High Achievers’ Scholarship (HAS) while pursuing the Foundation in Science and with her outstanding academic achievement.

Nilai University offered her the same scholarship to pursue her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, which she selected as this qualification would lead to a stable career.

Tan Min Shen, on the other hand, received the Merit Scholarship. He has always had a curious mind. In his late teens, he completed a project on the Bernoulli’s Principle, which intensified his interest in aeroplanes.

From front: Abi Roshinee Kamalan, Chan Jia Zian and Tan Min ShenFrom front: Abi Roshinee Kamalan, Chan Jia Zian and Tan Min Shen

Six types of scholarships

The list of scholars goes on, and each gifted student will have an equal footing to achieve his dreams. The HAS and Merit Scholarships are awarded to students who have scored well in their SPM, STPM, UEC and other relevant tertiary exams.

1) High Achievers’ Scholarship (HAS)

Under HAS, local Malaysian students with outstanding results of 9As in SPM or 3As in STPM or other equivalently excellent results in UEC, IGSE/O-Level, A-Levels, SAM/HSC/AUSMAT, ICPU and IB will be eligible for up to 100% waiver in tuition fees. HAS is available for all foundation and degree programmes, but students should maintain their results (CGPA ≥3.50) and attendance (≥75% for all programmes except the Nursing programme which requires an attendance of ≥ 90%) to be eligible for continuing the scholarship next semester.

2) Merit Scholarship

The Merit Scholarship is based solely on academic results. Students who have scored more than 4As in their SPM, from ‘2Bs and one A’ in their A-Levels, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in their STPM and 4As in UEC will receive a partial tuition fee waiver of 20% or more for the foundation, diploma and degree programmes at Nilai University. To continue receiving this scholarship, scholars should maintain a CGPA of more than 2.75% and an attendance of more than 75% (Other programmes) or 90% (Nursing programme) every semester.

Another four types of scholarships are awarded to students who exhibit leadership skills or are gifted athletes:

-Sports Focus Centre – Fencing Award

-Extra-Curriculum and Sports Excellence Award (ECSEA)

-Enrichment for Life Award (EFL)

-Education for All (EFA)

The quantum of tuition fee waivers and terms varies according to the scholarship offered. Nilai University has dedicated all weekends in March for students and parents who are keen to consult the educational counsellors on the requirements and application process for these scholarships.

Nilai University – Higher education within means

Nilai University offers recognised programmes with five levels of qualification, kicking off with a foundation in business and science, subsequently progressing to a diploma, degree, masters and the highest achievement–a doctorate. The faculties offer specialised programmes in various fields of study.

Some of its specialised programmes in biotech and hospitality management incorporate business elements as core courses. Students will gain a sound understanding of the competitive business environment in the specialised fields of biotech and hospitality management, respectively.

More so, Nilai University has carved a name for itself within the aviation industry. The academic pathway for its established programme in aircraft maintenance engineering allows students to complete the Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology with a top-up degree, Bachelor Engineering (Hons) Aircraft Engineering from Kingston University, in the United Kingdom, within three and a half years.

Nilai University - Green campus is just 15 minutes’ drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Besides being easily accessible and well connected, the 1.05 ha (105-acre) campus is surrounded by pristine nature.

“The campus is peaceful and there are a lot of amenities nearby, such as a mini theatre, sports complex and retail mall. Furthermore, my course lecturers are approachable, ” said Abi.

So are you ready to take a step forward? Call 06-850 2308 for an appointment or click on www.nilai.edu.my today.

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