Producing Malaysia’s Top Security & Forensic Specialists

Producing Malaysia’s Top Security & Forensic Specialists

Producing Malaysia’s Top Security & Forensic Specialists

Two student teams from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) were crowned champions of the ‘Forensic Challenge’ and ‘Hack and Defense’ competitions at the recently concluded i-Hack 2016, which took place at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) from 23rd April to 24th April 2016. The i-Hack 2016 attracted participation from students, practitioners, academicians and security experts from higher education learning institutions, related government bodies, security commissioners and IT professionals in security industry.

 

The event was also endorsed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), F-Secure, Haibro, ITECH Specialist Solutions, Accrete Technologies and Quann Security. The Forensic Challenge was a 10-hour competition that tested participants’ forensic computing skills through investigations, procedures and final presentation of a forensic report. Meanwhile, the Hack and Defense challenge was a 8-hour score-based challenge in the ‘Capture the Flag’ format, in which participants competed to attain as many ‘flags’ and ‘coins’ as they can, through solving questions related to cyber security and forensics.

 

The event was also endorsed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), F-Secure, Haibro, ITECH Specialist Solutions, Accrete Technologies and Quann Security. The Forensic Challenge was a 10-hour competition that tested participants’ forensic computing skills through investigations, procedures and final presentation of a forensic report. Meanwhile, the Hack and Defense challenge was a 8-hour score-based challenge in the ‘Capture the Flag’ format, in which participants competed to attain as many ‘flags’ and ‘coins’ as they can, through solving questions related to cyber security and forensics.

APU’s Team ‘Sherlock’, comprising Khor Chia Ler, Chan Xin Wei and Soo Jia Cheng, mentored by Sulaiman Harun, attained the championship of the Forensic Challenge whereas team ‘SHA1337’, comprising Nicholas Ian Nonis, Choong Chih Xien and Alexander Sukhamera, mentored by Yusnita Yusof, was crowned champions of the Hack and Defense competition. Both APU teams walked away with a cash prize of RM7,000. On the other hand, APU’s team ‘Nachos’, comprising Mohamed Siddiq Rahmat, Toong Chee Sheng and Syahmi bin Suleiman, mentored by Nor Azlina Abdul Rahman, also bagged the 2nd Runner Up of the Hack and Defense competition and walked away with a cash prize of RM1,000.

 

Programmes related to Forensic & Security

The teams of students who participated in the competition are students from APU’s School of Computing and Technology (SCT). With a proud track record and history of producing highly competent graduates in Computing going back to its origins as APIIT, APU’s School of Computing & Technology today offers pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Computing, IT, Software Engineering, Computer Science as well as inhighly specialised areas such as Cyber Security, Forensic Computing, Database Administration, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Big Data, Mobile Technology and more.

APU and APIIT offers the following undergraduate and postgraduate programmes related to Forensic & Security:

Visit us for full listing of programmes

About Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is amongst Malaysia’s Premier Private Universities, and is where a unique fusion of technology, innovation and creativity works effectively towards preparing professional graduates for significant roles in business and society globally. APU has earned an enviable reputation as an award-winning University through its achievements in winning a host of prestigious awards at national and international levels.

Originally established as the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) in 1993, APU’s sound approach to nurturing school leavers into qualified professionals has resulted in our graduates being highly sought after by employers. With an international student community of more than 11,000 students from more than 110 countries studying in its Malaysian campus, APU offers a truly cosmopolitan learning environment which prepares students well for the global challenges which lie ahead. APU

APU was announced as among the Highest Rated Universities in Malaysia, being rated at TIER 5 (EXCELLENT) under the SETARA 2011 Ratings by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and has maintained this Excellent rating in the latest SETARA 2013 Ratings announced on 17th November 2014.

Earning their Stripes

Earning their Stripes

Earning their Stripes

Nilai U Professional Development Club organises conservation campaign.

“Nilai University’s holistic approach to higher education includes providing students with opportunities to learn valuable lessons beyond the text books,” explained Eddy Bala,

advisor to the Professional Development Club. He was speaking at the launch of the Save the Tigers Campaign which was organised by students from the Professional Development Club, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund-Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia).

At the gala launch, the audience was treated to performances which included traditional dances from international students, solo vocal performances and a traditional drum troupe show. Also present were Dr Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian (Under Secretary, Biodiversity and Forestry Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and Suan Tan (Senior Manager, Activation, WWF-Malaysia).

Pre-schoolers from neighbouring kindergartens participated in a series of fun-filled events. The students took part in a colouring contest, a treasure hunt and quizzes; all of which were aimed at raising awareness of the plight of the Malaysian tiger.

The students also organised fund raising activities, with monies being channelled to the conservation of habitats for the tigers.

“By organising this campaign in collaboration with the WWF-Malaysia, Nilai U students have proven they are more than capable of facing global challenges in their future careers. Their willingness to go the extra mile demonstrates positive change in their personal development,” commented Dr Megat.

He also sprang an unexpected surprise to the students by inviting yhem to visit the Ministry’s Wildlife Conservation Centre in Sungkai, Perak.

Dr Megat’s sentiments were also echoed by Suan Tan who said,

“WWF-Malaysia is especially heartened to see today’s youths, who will be tomorrow’s leaders, taking action to help protect our wildlife and natural resources, thereby helping build a better, greener future for us all and generations to come. We commend Nilai U for supporting WWF-Malaysia’s conservation efforts and hope that other educational institutions will follow your example.”

The Professional Development Club is but one of the many initiatives on campus that allow students to fulfil their full potential. Students get opportunities for personal and professional growth through university modules such as Dale Carnegie’s Skills for Success and Chapter One’s Personal Branding. These modukes are designed to help students mature into young adults who will be a boon to their respective communities.

“Nilai U’s motto is ‘Enrichment for Life’, and that means we teach our students, not just to be model pupils but also model citizens,” states Eddy Bala.

“This campaign was a great success as it has taught our students valuable lessons in the importance of biodiversity. At the same time it has helped them grow personally and professionally.”

Nilai U offers unique opportunities to for students to develop the relevant soft skills, which will boost their employability. For more information, please visit www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502308.

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Earning their Stripes

First Class Engineering Education @ Nilai U

First Class Engineering Education @ Nilai U

Nilai U offers a spectrum of engineering programmes, from diplomas to Ph.D.

“One of the great things about enrolling in engineering programmes at Nilai University (Nilai U) is that students have access to state-of-the-art engineering facilities,” says Assoc.

Prof. Dr Adnan Ibrahim, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. He is referring to the many workshops and laboratories at Nilai U’s 105-acre campus.

The workshops and laboratories are equipped with the latest equipment and machinery for the delivery of engineering programmes. These include 3D printers, industrial robotic systems, engine dynamo meters and flexible manufacturing systems. In addition, the purpose-built hangar houses two planes to be used for the aircraft maintenance programmes. All these enable students to gain the necessary practical experience before they embark on their On-Job-Training.

Having the requisite practical experience cannot be underestimated, especially for engineering studies. Employers want graduates with hands-on experience, not just theoretical knowledge. “That is the reality and that is why Nilai U has not spared any expense in equipping the labs and workshops with the latest equipment,” says Dr Adnan

“Many school leavers interested in engineering have firm ideas of the field they wish to specialise in. Nilai U provides options in the fields of aircraft maintenance, automotive, electrical and electronics, mechanical and mechatronics engineering. It makes good sense for students to sign up for the diploma programmes after their SPM,” Dr Adnan states.

The diploma programmes give students specialist knowledge in the relevant fields and hold them in good stead when they proceed to the workplace, or when they further their studies at the advanced diploma or degree level.

Aircraft maintenance diploma students can proceed to the 1-year Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Technology programme where they will be conferred not only with the Advanced Diploma from Nilai University but also the BSc (Hons) Aircraft Engineering Technology award from Kingston University, UK.

Students from the other engineering diploma programmes who proceed to the mechanical or electrical and electronics engineering degree programmes at Nilai U are eligible for credit transfers which will shorten the duration of their degree studies. These degree programmes have been accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and the Engineering Accreditation Council, a signatory of the Washington Accord.

Although they can enter into the professional working world at the end of their diploma or degree programme, students who are interested in research can also opt to further their studies at Nilai U at the postgraduate level. Nilai U offers the Master of Engineering Science and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering programmes.

“School leavers who are serious about career in engineering should check out Nilai U programmes. The pathway available to them at Nilai U is one that gives options to either secure a successful engineering career after the diploma or degree studies or go on to the highest rung of the ivory tower with a Ph.D.,” says Dr Adnan.

Nilai University was established in 1997 and is located just 15 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. For more information, please visit www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502308.

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Easing the financial burden of higher education

Easing the financial burden of higher education

Easing the financial burden of higher education

Nilai U provides a number of scholarship and financial aid schemes to facilitate higher education.

Nilai University understands that funding a tertiary education is a significant financial investment. Even with the loan provided by the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Negara (PTPTN), it is still a struggle for many families to fund their children’s studies to fulfil their dreams of university graduates. This is especially so since PTPTN does not cover the fees for the Foundation programme.

To help ease the burden, Nilai University has introduced a special financial aid scheme to help the SPM/O-Level certificate holders to achieve their dreams through the foundation to degree pathway.

The scheme is offered to all students who meet the entry requirements for the Foundation programme with tuition and accommodation waivers of 20% at the Foundation level. Upon progress to the degree programme, students are eligible for a 10% waiver of the tuition fee for the first year of degree studies.

“In this tough economic climate, schemes such as these are indeed welcome, especially for families who have to finance more than one child through higher education,”

says Dr Saw Sor Heoh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Nilai University.

In addition to this special scheme, Nilai University offers the Education for All scheme which is meant especially for diploma and degree students with a family income of RM4000 and below. This scheme grants waivers of up to 50% of the tuition fees that are not covered by PTPTN as well as accommodation fee waiver of 50%.

Added to the financial schemes are the various scholarships offered to students with outstanding results. Students with 9As in SPM / O-Level, 3As in STPM / A-level or 6As in UEC are automatically eligible for the High Achiever Scholarship where 100% waivers of both tuition and accommodation fees are granted. For those with 5-8As at SPM/O-Level, the waivers granted amount to 25% of the tuition and accommodation fees. Both scholarship schemes are applicable to foundation + degree, diploma, degree and the American Degree Transfer programmes.

Scholarship schemes are also offered to those who are progressing to the advanced diploma or degree programs. Students with a CGPA of 3.5 and above from any foundation or diploma programmes accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and intend to progress to the Advanced Diploma, Degree or American Degree Transfer programmes are eligible for tuition fee waivers of between 20 to 30%.

“Nilai U has always recognised students’ extra-curricular achievements, believing it to be crucial toward producing well-rounded graduates,”

says Dr Saw. Hence, students who have represented Malaysia at sporting events will be entitled to 100% waivers of tuition and accommodation fees while those who represented their state are eligible for 50% waivers.

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Similarly, those who have exemplary extra-curricular records at school level can apply for the Enrichment for Life award. Students who have been office bearers of clubs and societies, been a prefect or represented their school at the district level will be entitled to a 15% waiver of tuition fees for the foundation programmes, 10% for diploma programmes or 5% for degree programmes. “All this is to encourage well-rounded students to further their studies,” emphasises Dr Saw. (The Enrichment for Life award is only applicable for the first programme that a student enrols in and the positions must be held in the previous academic year).

Nilai U is appointed the Centre for Sports Focus – Fencing by the Ministry of Higher Education and has among the best training facilities in the country for this niche sport. In an effort to support national and state fencers further their education, Nilai U has also introduced a special scheme for fencers who will be eligible to 100% waivers of tuition and accommodation fees.

“I believe there is something for almost every category of students. All these scholarships and financial aid schemes are designed to encourage students to continue their personal development and growth in an institution that has been rated as Excellent in the SETARA rating exercise by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency,” explains Dr Saw.

The MAY intake is in progress.

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Real-Life Working Experience at Nilai Springs

Real-Life Working Experience at Nilai Springs

Real-Life Working Experience at Nilai Springs

Hospitality and tourism students at Nilai U get to taste real-life working experience at Nilai Springs Resort Hotel and Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club

“In the hospitality and tourism industry, hands-on experience is highly valued,” states Edward Felix Joseph, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism at Nilai University (Nilai U). Nilai U offers an added advantage in that hospitality students hone their craft at the nearby Nilai Springs Resort Hotel and Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club, both of which are part of the Nilai Resources Group to which Nilai U also belongs.

Edward says that having a four-star hotel and 27-hole golf course a stone’s throw away from campus is hugely beneficial to his students.

“They get to learn first-hand how these organisations function. The Nilai Springs staff makes sure that our students are exposed to real-life working experience, adding responsibility and building confidence, thus making internship placement highly fulfilling.”

Senior staff of Nilai Springs Resort Hotel and Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club serve as Adjuncts for the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism. This allows for greater and faster feedback from them which is immediately used, especially for the practical portion of the curriculum.

Students complete their On-Job-Training at Nilai Springs. GK How, General Manager of Nilai Springs Resort Hotel, points out that students get to experience working for a variety of events.

“From weddings to corporate team building sessions, students experience what it takes to plan, organise and successfully run events at a four-star hotel. Hands-on experience is invaluable in this industry. This is a win-win situation for both the university and Nilai Springs. For the hotel, we get a first- hand look at potential employees.”

Nilai U’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism has been in operation since 2003. It currently offers a BA (Hons) in Business and Hospitality Management and three Diploma programmes in Hotel Management, Tourism Management and Culinary Arts.

All the programmes are designed to have good balance of theoretical and practical skills. Students initially learn the basics at the on-campus Flamme Restaurant as well as the mock hotel room and check-in counter before moving to the hotel and golf resort for the real-life working experiences.

Edward says that employers in the hospitality and tourism industry prefer graduates with working experience.

“Having real working experience such as provided by Nilai Springs highlight to employers that Nilai University graduates are career ready. ”

Students from Nilai U’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism are also entitled to earn added certification from the Malaysian Food and Beverage Association (MFBEA), further boosting their employability. For more information, please visit www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502308.

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Campuskini’s easy to understand writing class earns praise

Campuskini’s easy to understand writing class earns praise

Entertaining. Educational. Easy-to-Understand. Practical. Hands-on.

These are a few words that 30 public relations executives and Managers used to describe the Press Release Writing Workshop at Campuskini.

Coached by senior editors, like Steven Gan (Founder and Editor of MalaysiaKini) and senior journalists, they were taught how to write newsworthy press releases and the best way to pitch them to editors.

The participants from blue chip companies to SME companies attended this course the one day workshop. They came from Organizations like Tenaga Nasional, Malakoff Corp, Sapura Group, Sunway Group, Essence Burson-Marsteller and HELP University.

International and experienced journalist M.Krishnamoorthy who coached the participants by projecting various group’s press release drafts and correcting them on the board said the exercise was practical and educational as they noted in their evaluations.

Sunway International School assistant manager Marketing and Communications said: “No regrets of spending my Saturday to attend Mr Krishna’s sharing session. I have learned that writing is not difficult and how to properly angle the press release with media in mind, what ticks and what doesn’t. After this workshop, I am really inspired to write more.

“The session was hands on and useful. I am now able to understand from the media point of view and press releases that would appeal to the media. Thanks for sharing your experience, notes and the simple way on how to write press releases,” she said in her evaluation.

Bar Council’s Anneliz George said: “Thanks for taking time off on Saturday to conduct the course. The importance of bringing a press release a as a key component of this course was well highlighted.

Sunway Properties Lydia Thong added that the workshop was very beneficial for first timers. “Additionally, it also served as a good session as a refresher course for those in the communications industry. Krishna was hands on and case studies were well discussed during the workshop. Lessons conducted was witty and entertaining. Bravo!”

Alliance For Financial Inclusion strategic communications writer Chareen Lo remarked: “It was taught in a very practical way to get the newsworthy angle. Trainer is experience and well connected but humble and kind hearted. Well planned in administration and logistics. Different activities in the class was well used to break the monotony of the training which was very effective.”

The participants also actively participated in the interactive workshop and learned the best ways to garner better publicity for their organization on how to write effective and winning press releases.
HELP University’s deputy director corporate communications Juliet Chan said: “The workshop was good and served as a practical refresher course from a journalist who is willing and passionate to share his knowledge and experience with others.” She noted that three other speakers at the session provided variety to the course.

Her colleage from HELP University, David Thye said: “This workshop is interactive, everyone had a chance to share ideas in the making of an excellent press release.”

Essence Burson-Marsteller Public Relations executive Liyana Binti Ahmed Rasly said: “What I loved most about the training is that it was informative and insightful. It taught us a lot about how press releases should be written and how we could write it in a way that would appeal to the media.
“The training also taught us how to enhance our media relations and things to consider when dealing with pitching to the media. Overall it was an informative session.

Her colleague Annisa Mustika added that the workshop really simplified the process in press release writing from editorial’s perspective. “This actually helps the PR practitioners in managing the expectations from both sides, deliverables/key messages from clients and at the same time making it relevant and newsworthy for the media.

“The session with Krishna is entertaining and as we had fun learning discussion and practise. It really helped us to spot the mistakes and make the corrections. This way we immediately understand our mistakes.”

Former Astro’s TV host Pooja Saini said that the workshop provided a good platform to learn, understand and served as lessons on how to write newsworthy press releases. “It was fun and provided a good opportunity to network among the participants.”

Press Release Writing

Gain professional insight from media expert M. Krishnamoorthy, who brings decades of media experience in various roles, under his belt.