“There has been a giant leap in information technology the last decade or so,” says Harlina Harun, Head of Nilai University’s Department of Computing.

“We have moved from people using PCs and laptops to where everyone has a smart mobile device. It therefore should come as no surprise that there is a great demand for graduates who possess the requisite skills and knowledge.”

Harlina is also keen to dismiss the notion that computing graduates are finding it difficult to get jobs.

“This is an ever-evolving industry and there are new players making waves in new markets. The demand for skilled and qualified graduates is definitely there.”

A study done by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) showed that there is still a shortage of ICT graduates.

The Eleventh Malaysian Plan 2016-2020 focuses on several ICT capabilities and niches namely digital content, software development and testing, Internet of Things, data centres and cloud services, cyber security and big data analytics. The MSC and Non-MSC companies expect their employees to have these skill sets in the future.

To meet the demands of the constantly-evolving IT industry, Nilai U has introduced five new programmes:

Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Internet Engineering and Cloud Computing

This degree focuses on the relevant knowledge and skills to plan, design, implement, manage and securely maintain computer networking of cloud and internet systems. It contains significantly more internet-related courses with emphasis on understanding internet and cloud computing principles, big data technologies and use of Hadoop and MapReduce.

Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) Graphics and Interactive Media

This degree allows students to explore various facets of graphic design including advertising, publication, packaging, motion graphics and more. It is also designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computing and multimedia which enables graduates to create exciting, interactive multimedia systems, such as sophisticated websites, animation, games and ecommerce software.

Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Information Systems

This degree equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse information requirements and business processes of specific organisations. It focuses on how to view technology as an instrument for generating, processing and distributing information. Students will become proficient in managing hardware and software used in computer systems.

All of Nilai U programmes are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education. The institution is rated ‘Setara 5’ by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
For more information, please visit www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502308.

“If you only want to be an aircraft mechanic, a diploma and EASA certification will be sufficient. But if you want to move into upper management and supervisory roles, having a degree will help. Also, much of the work is very complex. If you really want to secure your future, then do both EASA and a degree I never hire people on the short term. I always look at how they can move forward with the industry.”said Paul

“This is a boom industry. I have been involved in it for over 35 years and it has only ever been growing, save for a dip in 2001. Over the next decade, the number of commercial aircraft will grow by more than 40% resulting in a great demand of aircraft maintenance engineers,”said Paul when he recently officiated the signing of an agreement by KLM UK Engineering and Nilai University for the provision of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) material and the conduct of the European Air Safety Authority (EASA) B1 an B2 examinations at Nilai University.

“The VLE is in addition to the normal lectures, tutorials and practical sessions that we already offer. Combining the VLE from KLM UK Engineering with the exceptional facilities at Nilai University will give our students an even better learning experience” explained Professor Datuk Dr Sothi Rachagan, Vice Chancellor of Nilai University.

Simon Rhodes, the Head of KLM UKE Technical College is effusive of the benefits of the VLE. “The VLE consists of course materials, quizzes, and forums. Students will also be able to interact with KLM UKE instructors in the UK. So if they don’t understand any particular part of a subject or lesson, they can ask questions. Our instructors will post textual responses or videos.”

“A key benefit of the VLE is that it allows students to share knowledge among themselves. They can ask each other questions and this helps with their social learning and this is where the VLE becomes really powerful.”

“The VLE is broken down into chapters and there are quizzes at the end of each chapter. Students put in their answers and the VLE will tell them if the answers are correct or wrong. This allows for self-assessment. Students can use forums if they are not sure of a concept, they can post questions for instructors, who will help them better understand. Students can also post pictures and create their own learning space. The VLE is powerful in the sense that it allows for social learning and tailors to a generation which is used to using social media platforms.”