Face-to-face talk: Students and parents getting more information at the Star Education Fair and myStarjob Fair 2023 at Setia Spice Convention Centre in Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Ready to move ahead in their education journey, those seeking tertiary education and scholarships converged at the Star Education Fair 2023.
The fair at the Setia Spice Convention Centre has been the go-to event for education needs for years, and has not faltered in providing the best platform for students and educators alike.
V. Rohit, 20, who just completed his diploma in IT, said he is scouting for a degree programme in the same field of study.
“This is my first time checking out the fair and I found some potential colleges that caught my eye. The main thing for me is scholarships, as I did well in my diploma programme, so it is about what they can offer me.
“A fair like this is easier than going from college to college and there is a good variety of options here. I know what I want to pursue, so it is easy to narrow the options down,” said the student from Balik Pulau who was at the fair with his parents yesterday.
At the fair, the 60 booths with 30 educators made sure students and their doting parents were spoilt for choice.
INTI International College Penang (admissions and counselling) assistant vice-president Patrick Ooi said this time around, it showcased all the programmes available in the group’s four campuses (Nilai, Subang, Penang and Sabah).
“We offer courses that range from foundation to pre-university studies and right up to PhD,” he said.
Ooi said the response at the fair was good and they managed to get on-the-spot applications.
“Public exhibitions like this do help us as even those who are at the ‘window shopping’ stage are able to get all the info they need.
“There are some who had decided and signed up immediately as well,” he said.
Ooi said INTI has about 50 courses in almost every discipline of study and offers online options as well.
Peninsula College deputy chief executive (Academic Services) Tan Choo Khuan said the response was great at the fair as the crowd was consistent on both days.
“There has been most interest in our computer science programme.
“Our main expertise is logistics programmes and, as our location is prime to multinational corporations in Batu Kawan, students are in the heart of potential employment.
“Our programme ‘Jom berkerja sambil belajar’ offers students the option to work and earn pocket money while they study,” Tan said.Tan added that students have the option to try out working in supply chain operations, warehouse operations, the marketing department, logistics and many others.
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) senior lecturer Dr Mohamed Mubarak Abdul Wahab said the fair allowed students to make wise and informed decisions after visiting the various booths.
“There was a big crowd and many onsite registrations. It was nice to share information with families.
“We revise our curriculum every four years and now renewable energy undergraduate courses are the way to go,” he said.
Mohamed Mubarak said UTP offers mostly engineering courses with about 60 programmes.
“We have other courses including undergraduate courses in computer science and business studies,” he said.
Disted College Sustainable Tourism president Professor Dr Vikneswaran Nair said that in the coming year, it is focused on the introduction of its certified digital transformation programme and data analytics essential certification.
“No matter what course you are pursuing with us, even if it is psychology, business, communication or any other course, the certification will be embedded in your course.
“It is provided for free – this means that every single student will come out of their course with added qualifications,” he said.
Joining the mix of universities and colleges was University Masterclass, a university admissions consultancy firm offering interview prep.
Its founder Dr Marissa Dinar said the turnout at the fair was great as parents understand the need to help their children secure a seat.
“We offer our services for local private and public institutions as well as those overseas.
“We assist with applications requiring personal essay submissions and admissions interviews,” she said.
The two-day Star Education Fair 2023 that ended yesterday was held side by side with the myStarJob Fair 2023.
