Malaysia, with its diverse identities and cultures, is reflected in its colourful architectural canvas. Stretches of houses, schools, mosques, temples, and parks decorate the Malaysian landscape, making it a vibrant land for everyone to call home. In its vibrance lies the intricacy of both historical and modern architecture, all influenced by various cultural traditions, colonial legacies, and contemporary design trends. This harmonious fusion is what reflects Malaysia&rsquo;s forward-thinking and inclusive architectural landscape.Ranging from tropical modernism to experimental urban forms like Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam, respectively, Malaysia&rsquo;s built environment is shaped by architects whose vision overflows with creativity and practicality. With such diverse communities inspiring the uniqueness of Malaysia&rsquo;s architectural landscape, it is worth examining the brilliant minds that contribute to this thriving architectural revolution. Among them is Muhammad Izz Israq, a young architect whose journey in architecture reveals how he proudly uses his humble brush on the masterpiece that is the Malaysian skyline.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/69572ed714f2f_1767321303.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Muhammad Izz Israq, Project Architect at CHY Architects Sdn Bhd.</figcaption></figure>When Play Turned into BlueprintMuhammad Izz Israq works as a Project Architect at CHY Architects Sdn Bhd. His academic journey began at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA), where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He later pursued a Master of Architecture at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Building and Planning. Today, he stands at the intersection of education and professional practice, navigating the realities of architectural work while holding onto the curiosity that first drew him into the field.Interestingly, architecture was never a part of his childhood plan. Like many students, he imagined himself in more conventional professions. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d always dreamt of becoming a surgeon or a mathematician,&rdquo; he shares earnestly. This sense of uncertainty is rather common amongst high school leavers; how is one to decide, at a very young age, what they should pursue for the rest of their lives? It&rsquo;s a complex subject matter, but for Israq, the answer came naturally as a reflection of his hobbies and interests.&nbsp;Sports, drawing, crafting, and creative play were what Israq loved to fill his time with. Anything involving the arts was a great source of fulfilment for him, whether on paper or online. He recalls spending hours on Minecraft, not merely building structures but also studying modern house designs on YouTube and, in turn, recreating them block by block in the game. What started as play then became the foundation for spatial thinking, proportion, and design logic.Slowly but surely, these virtual experiments eventually manifested into a clear career path. Israq began translating his ideas into sketchbooks and architectural software, in awe of the many buildings he could one day bring to fruition.The process never felt forced, but rather a natural drive that gave him fulfilment. This fulfilment was what steered Israq towards architecture. The decision became clearer after a conversation with his father, whom he describes as his role model. With his father&rsquo;s encouragement and belief that architecture suited his strengths more than medicine, Israq finally decided that architecture would be his life&rsquo;s work. This unwavering support and guidance from his father were what carried him through years of intense study.Now, he proudly steps into the profession, turning years of exploration into tangible architectural work.Studio Nights and Real-World Rules&nbsp;Architecture education is demanding, both mentally and physically; long studio hours, constant critiques, and meticulous designing can sometimes feel like hurdles to some. Yet, Israq credits his internal drive, combined with external support, for sustaining him. He explains that his burning passion drives him to explore new paths, which helps him grow.&nbsp;Still, he does not romanticise independence. He acknowledges the role of his parents with gratitude: &ldquo;Of course, the person who always keeps me going with countless amounts of prayers is my parents. I&rsquo;m very grateful as they both support my journey up until now, and happy to see the person I turned out to be.&rdquo;One of the most defining experiences in his academic life was his thesis project, which he describes as his favourite work to date. It was a transportation hub on Penang Island called PULSE, which stands for Penang Urban Link and Station Exchange. The concept addressed urban mobility while integrating multiple functions into a single structure.Unlike shorter studio projects, the thesis spanned an entire year. And undoubtedly, this big project demanded a consistently sustained focus and resilience. Throughout the project, it was a whole lot of back-and-forth with his lecturers, enriching discussions with classmates, and sleepless nights. To describe it as exhausting would be an understatement.&nbsp;One of the biggest challenges Israq faced was balancing personal design intentions with real-world constraints. Designing for personal satisfaction alone was not enough; he had to comply with building laws, structural standards, and planning requirements. There were too many things to consider and balance, and it overwhelmed him to an unimaginable extent.&nbsp;Another challenge lay in programme complexity. The building had to combine three typologies on a single site: accommodation, transportation, and commercial spaces. Each typology came with its own technical and spatial demands. Integrating them into one coherent structure required careful planning, iteration, and compromise. Through months of guidance from lecturers, friends, family, and relevant authorities, the project matured. Despite the stress, his relationship with design remains deeply personal. He believes that architects must care about their work beyond grades or approval. Israq proudly admits that he loves all his design projects because, as he puts it, &ldquo;It is crucial for us to love our designs in the end. That&rsquo;s why we need to design according to our satisfaction.&rdquo; In short, as long as you&rsquo;re not satisfied with your final product, then it shouldn&rsquo;t be the final product.Like many architects, Israq has faced challenges beyond design complexity. Architecture requires patience. Progress can feel slow, especially when designs undergo multiple revisions or are constrained by budget and regulatory constraints. Criticism feels never-ending, regardless of whether it comes from lecturers, clients, consultants, or authorities. But rather than taking it to heart, he learned to reframe criticism as a tool for growth, for it was essential to survive in the field.&nbsp;Designing Tomorrow, Starting TodayIsraq has big dreams about his future in architecture.&nbsp;He, of course, hopes to one day obtain his professional certification and establish his own firm with a dedicated team. This dream of his he holds dearly, a daily reminder to keep going despite the obstacles that may befall him.&nbsp;At the same time, though, he expresses a broader hope for the country&rsquo;s architectural culture. While Malaysia is home to a variety of architectural styles, he wants Malaysia to be more open to intricate and expressive building designs. Instead of repetitive solutions and minimalist modern architecture, he aspires to witness Malaysia&rsquo;s architectural landscape shift into a bolder, more sophisticated cityscape like Seoul or Dubai.Israq believes that, to accomplish this, technology must break through barriers and evolve into greater greatness. Contemporary architecture differs significantly from what it was decades ago. Digital tools have transformed how architects design, visualise, and communicate. Software enables rapid iteration, simulation, and collaboration across disciplines. Parametric design and environmental analysis tools enable architects to respond more intelligently to climate and context. Thus, the collective that drives Malaysia&rsquo;s architecture must be well-versed in these technologies to take things up a notch, so that one day, Israq&rsquo;s dreams of seeing Malaysian architecture progress&ndash;which he shares with many other architects&ndash;will one day materialise.&nbsp;However, while technology is booming, it simultaneously raises expectations. To substantiate this, clients expect faster turnaround times and higher precision. Therefore, architects must continuously update their skills to stay on track.&nbsp;When asked what advice Israq would give to students considering architecture, Israq speaks with honesty and warmth but does not sugar-coat the difficulty of the course: &ldquo;My advice in this journey is, yes, architecture is one of the toughest courses you can think of. But everything in life is tough if you don&rsquo;t have a passion for it.&rdquo; Passion, in his view, is the difference between endurance and burnout. If students genuinely want to see their designs come to life, the hardships won&rsquo;t feel like hardships at all, but rather a learning tool.&nbsp;He also addresses the emotional challenge of criticism. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let people&rsquo;s words or intentions bring you down,&rdquo; he says, reminding students that no design is ever beyond critique. Instead of fearing feedback, he encourages students to embrace it because it&rsquo;s impossible to create something flawless from the get-go.But the most important advice from Israq would be to enjoy the privilege of pursuing something you are wholeheartedly passionate about. Having fun in the process absolutely matters because satisfaction with the final design is closely tied to how the journey felt. He urges students to push beyond their comfort zones, make mistakes, and learn from them. Growth, he believes, is what remains long after the drawings are done and the models are packed away.<a href="https://wa.me/60177737817?text=Hi%20I%20just%20read%20your%20article%20%22The%20Sketch%20of%20a%20Young%20Architect%E2%80%99s%20Journey%22.%20Can%20I%20know%20more%20about%20pursuing%20architecture%2C%20like%20what%20to%20expect%2C%20skills%20I%20should%20build%2C%20and%20career%20paths%20after%20graduation%3F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Got questions?&nbsp;Click here to chat with one of our counsellors on WhatsApp and get tailored advice!</a>

The Sketch of a Young Architect’s Journey

Graduation. The moment you&rsquo;ve been working for... but also the moment that smacks you in the face with reality. You&rsquo;ve made it through the late-night cramming sessions, the group projects from hell, and the awkward &ldquo;What&rsquo;s your major?&rdquo; questions.&nbsp;Then suddenly, you're there with your certification in hand &ndash; and it hits you: The real world is here, and it&rsquo;s way more complicated than you thought.To help you out, we went straight to Reddit and asked what people wish they knew before they graduated.&nbsp;What came back was a flood of insights, ranging from hilarious to heartwarming. Some of it will make you laugh; some of it will probably make you wish you could go back and do things differently. Here&rsquo;s the scoop.<h3>1. The Difference in University Course Structures</h3>Some universities have it easy, with 3-4 subjects per semester. Others? They throw you into the deep end with 7-8 subjects, making you wonder if you&rsquo;ll ever see daylight again. Some people on Reddit said they wish they had realised how big an impact this would have on their university experience.When you&rsquo;re carrying a heavy course load, time is a luxury you just can&rsquo;t afford. You&rsquo;ll be too busy trying to stay afloat to worry about internships, side projects, or even finding time to breathe.&nbsp;Mohd Shahrizal, a graduate from the International Islamic University Malaysia, had the perfect balance when it came to his course load. &ldquo;It gave me the space to focus on my subjects and explore other hobbies,&rdquo; he says, reflecting on how a lighter load made his university life a lot less stressful. With fewer subjects, he had the freedom to dive into interests outside of class and even build stronger connections with his peers.But not every semester was that chill. Shahrizal did take on more than 5 subjects in some semesters, and he admits, &ldquo;For students taking a heavier course load, I would advise planning your schedule carefully and prioritising tasks that are more demanding. Don&rsquo;t compare deadlines, but compare the work.&rdquo;Time management is everything. If you had known how much time you&rsquo;d need for each subject, you could&rsquo;ve planned better. You can focus on subjects that are tougher, clear them quicker, or even fit in a minor.<h3>2. PTPTN Loan Waiver for First-Class Graduates</h3>Some students didn&rsquo;t know that if they hit first-class honours, their PTPTN loan would be waived.&nbsp;Unfortunately, for many students, including some TikTok commenters, they didn&rsquo;t learn about this benefit until it was too late. One comment shared that they wished they&rsquo;d known earlier. "I would&rsquo;ve worked harder for that first-class, but I didn&rsquo;t find out until it was too late,&rdquo; they said.&nbsp;This realisation often comes too late to make a difference, especially if your GPA is already set and there&rsquo;s no way to bring it up to that coveted first-class level.This little-known PTPTN rule could&rsquo;ve saved them a lot of money &ndash; money that would&rsquo;ve been spent paying off a loan that could have been wiped clean with just a little extra push during their studies. It&rsquo;s the kind of information that could have changed everything, from how they approached their grades to how they balanced work and study life.So, if you&rsquo;re still in university, don&rsquo;t make the same mistake. Work hard to secure that first-class, not just for the academic prestige, but also for the financial freedom it could bring. It might just be the one thing that makes a real difference to your post-graduation life.<h3>3. Building Real, Meaningful Connections (Not Just Networking)</h3>One Reddit user shares: &ldquo;I wish I&rsquo;d built deeper connections instead of just networking out of guilt or obligation.&rdquo; So, here&rsquo;s the deal. Instead of just building a network, we should build relationships. Focus on the people, not the list of people you know.Because what&rsquo;s the point if they don&rsquo;t actually know you or care about your hustle? You want connections that go beyond the small talk and the occasional &ldquo;Hey, how&rsquo;s it going?&rdquo; You want people who remember you not because you passed them a business card, but because you showed up.Take it from someone who learned the hard way: the folks who really help you out? The ones who genuinely care? They&rsquo;re the ones who&rsquo;ll stick around after you&rsquo;ve worked on a project together, stayed up late studying for finals, or helped them out with something totally random.Building real connections isn&rsquo;t about what you can get&mdash;it&rsquo;s about what you can give. Whether it&rsquo;s support on a group project or just being there to listen when someone&rsquo;s venting about the latest drama (and we all know that drama happens), it&rsquo;s the quality of those interactions that counts. And trust me, that&rsquo;s the stuff that pays off long after the event ends.<h3>4. The Importance of LinkedIn</h3>For some of us, LinkedIn didn&rsquo;t have much impact until we were a couple of years into university. That&rsquo;s exactly how it went for Sofea, who started using it around 2021-2022.&nbsp;LinkedIn can look great on paper, but is it actually effective for job hunting? For Sofea, the answer is... well, complicated. &ldquo;I did secure my first job through LinkedIn,&rdquo; she says, &ldquo;but it was a challenge.&rdquo;&nbsp;The platform is oversaturated, with countless employers and candidates, making it hard to stand out. So, while LinkedIn might feel like a job hunter&rsquo;s dream, it can quickly become a ghost town where messages get lost in a sea of profiles.Looking back, Sofea says she wouldn&rsquo;t rely on LinkedIn to actually land a job. Instead, it&rsquo;s all about using it for updates and portfolio building. Want to build your professional presence and share your work? Perfect. Want to land a gig just by clicking a button? Not so much.But, while LinkedIn is all about celebrating success, Sofea shares, &ldquo;most of what you see on there is copy-paste content.&rdquo; People share generic tips and tricks that you&rsquo;ll probably see 100 times over.&nbsp;So, if you're using it, don&rsquo;t get caught up in the noise. &ldquo;Use it sparingly,&rdquo; she says. After all, if everyone is posting the same things, it can be hard to take it all in.<h3>6. Scholarships &ndash; Why You Should Care More</h3>Starting university is like stepping into the unknown, and for most of us, scholarships are among the things we hear about but never really dive into. Qurratu Aini, like many, knew scholarships existed but didn&rsquo;t fully grasp what they could offer.&nbsp;She did, however, apply for a few scholarships during her studies. Some had her write essays, others involved making videos. &ldquo;The process felt like a lot of work,&rdquo; she admits. But, in an unexpected twist, she received a JPA scholarship during her degree.&nbsp;But, instead of taking up the offer, she turned it down. &ldquo;I was confident that I would get a good result and didn&rsquo;t need to pay for my PTPTN loan,&rdquo; she says with a laugh. &ldquo;Definitely not my best decision, but hey, live and learn!&rdquo;Looking back, Qurratu reflects on how beneficial it would have been to research scholarships earlier. &ldquo;I think students should definitely start looking for scholarships earlier. A lot of things we don&rsquo;t know about when we&rsquo;re in high school,&rdquo; she notes. &ldquo;Having that exposure early on would&rsquo;ve been really helpful. It&rsquo;s not just about the funding&mdash;scholarships can open doors to great opportunities like internships and networking.&rdquo;But was the university doing enough to help students with this? &ldquo;Honestly, no,&rdquo; she answers. At her university, PTPTN and internal zakat were the main focus, but there was little effort to promote other scholarship options. She thinks universities could do much more, like hosting info sessions or providing dedicated scholarship officers. &ldquo;Giving students early access to that info would make a huge difference,&rdquo; she adds.As for how the lack of scholarships impacted her studies, Qurratu didn&rsquo;t let it completely derail her. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t let the scholarship thing affect my studies,&rdquo; she says, but she can definitely see how it could have made life a little easier. &ldquo;I had friends who got scholarships tied to specific activities, and that kept them busy.&rdquo;&nbsp;For her, though, it was a balancing act. &ldquo;If I had a scholarship, it might have given me more peace of mind and less pressure to work on the side.&rdquo;Qurratu&rsquo;s journey with scholarships was a bumpy one, but it was clear that earlier awareness, a little guidance, and doing the research could&rsquo;ve saved her a lot of stress. So, if you&rsquo;re still in university&mdash;or heading there soon&mdash;take her advice: don&rsquo;t wait for someone to push you. Start looking into scholarships early. It&rsquo;s not just about the money; it&rsquo;s about opening doors to opportunities that could shape your future.Graduation is just the beginning, and the lessons we learn along the way shape how we tackle life after uni. The real world isn&rsquo;t so straightforward, but with the right mindset, research, and a willingness to learn from the experiences of others, you&rsquo;ll be way ahead of the game. So, take the time to explore, plan ahead, and make the most of your time in uni. Your future self will thank you! <div class="MuiContainer-root MuiContainer-maxWidthLg css-1j3t9ny"><div class="MuiGrid-root MuiGrid-container css-tzs92q"><div class="MuiGrid-root MuiGrid-container css-1h2gjgn"><div class="MuiGrid-root MuiGrid-item MuiGrid-grid-xl-8 css-13ta5ef"><div class="MuiStack-root css-72dtwy"><div class="MuiStack-root description css-j7qwjs"><a href="https://wa.me/60177737817?text=Hi%20I%20just%20read%20your%20article%20%22What%20I%20Wish%20I%20Knew%20Before%20Graduating%22.%20Can%20you%20share%20the%20most%20important%20info%20I%20should%20know%20before%20I%20graduate%20from%20my%20course%3F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Got questions?&nbsp;Click here to chat with one of our counsellors on WhatsApp and get tailored advice!</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>&nbsp;

What I Wish I Knew Before Graduating

The world is changing faster than most of us can keep up with, especially in the tech world. We're living through what&rsquo;s known as Industry 4.0. It's a revolution where artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics dominate everything. If you want to survive in this digital age, you need to adapt. But if you want to thrive, you need to be at the cutting edge, armed with the skills to lead, innovate, and shape the future. And that&rsquo;s exactly what the University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) is preparing students to do.Preparing Students for the Future of Smart Technologies and Data-Driven InnovationCars, homes, and businesses all run on data. Machines learning from themselves, making decisions faster than any human could. We&rsquo;re living in an age where the digital world and the physical world are no longer separate &ndash; they&rsquo;re intertwined. And guess who&rsquo;s running the show? People who understand how to harness and drive these technologies forward.At UoSM, students don&rsquo;t just study these technologies in isolation; they learn how to integrate them into the real world. Whether it&rsquo;s the growing importance of data-driven decision-making, the rise of AI-powered systems, or the need for cybersecurity in a world that&rsquo;s constantly connected, UoSM ensures its graduates are prepared for all of it.&ldquo;AI isn&rsquo;t just some futuristic concept; it&rsquo;s happening now,&rdquo; says Professor Dr Suan Hui Pu, Head of School at UoSM. &ldquo;At UoSM, we equip our students with a curriculum that covers everything from automation to data science, and beyond. It&rsquo;s about making sure they don&rsquo;t just know these technologies &ndash; they use them.&rdquo;Shaping the Future: How UoSM Prepares You for a Tech-Driven WorldUoSM&rsquo;s curriculum isn&rsquo;t some generic, cookie-cutter approach. It&rsquo;s designed to meet the needs of Industry 4.0 by balancing technical expertise and adaptive skills. This balance is key because the world of work is no longer about knowing everything; it&rsquo;s about how quickly you can adapt, collaborate, and innovate in the face of new challenges.<figure class="image" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/694df4a005b4b_1766716576.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Wo Yew Ben on his graduation day at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom.</figcaption></figure>For Wo Yew Ben, a 2017-2021 graduate of UoSM&rsquo;s Master of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics (2+2) programme, this approach was crucial in preparing him for his current role as a Senior Software Engineer at Astro. &ldquo;When I was at UoSM, I wasn&rsquo;t just learning how to build robots or design mechanical systems. I was learning how to work with other people from different disciplines, communicate complex ideas, and solve problems in innovative ways. That&rsquo;s the kind of training that made me ready for the real world.&rdquo;Wo&rsquo;s education wasn&rsquo;t just about textbook knowledge. It was about adapting and experimenting in real-time. UoSM doesn&rsquo;t just teach students about AI and robotics; it integrates these fields into every part of the curriculum. Whether it&rsquo;s working on IoT-driven projects in engineering or building AI solutions in computer science, students aren&rsquo;t just sitting in lectures; they&rsquo;re actively creating with the latest technologies.And it doesn&rsquo;t stop there. UoSM students aren&rsquo;t just trained to use the tools; they&rsquo;re encouraged to innovate and build something new. &ldquo;What really set me apart was UoSM&rsquo;s focus on interdisciplinary learning,&rdquo; Wo shares. &ldquo;When you work on a project with people from different disciplines, you start seeing things from different perspectives. It&rsquo;s not just about building a machine; it&rsquo;s about creating a solution that actually works for people.&rdquo;Career Prospects for Graduates: From Learning to LeadingSo, what&rsquo;s the payoff? The job market today is more competitive than ever, and employers aren&rsquo;t just looking for graduates who know how to operate machinery or write code. They&rsquo;re looking for innovators, problem-solvers, and team players. Industry 4.0 is all about adaptability, and UoSM&rsquo;s graduates are well-prepared to handle it.Take Ben Wo&rsquo;s career, for example. After starting with mechanical engineering, he smoothly transitioned into software engineering, something he never saw coming. The skills UoSM gave him weren&rsquo;t just about being an expert in one field, but about being able to pivot and apply them across different industries. &ldquo;I went from working with gears and metal to coding and developing software solutions. UoSM didn&rsquo;t just prepare me for mechanical engineering; it also prepared me for life. It prepared me to think beyond boundaries,&rdquo; he says.This ability to pivot isn&rsquo;t a coincidence. UoSM&rsquo;s industry partnerships, mentorships, and collaborations ensure that students gain direct exposure to the demands of the job market. Dyson, for example, holds workshops for UoSM students, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be successful in a global engineering company. These workshops aren&rsquo;t just informative &ndash; they&rsquo;re transformative, allowing students to understand how innovation happens at the highest level.&ldquo;The workshops with industry giants like Dyson really opened my eyes,&rdquo; Ben Wo explains. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t just about the technical stuff; it was about understanding how professionals approach problems, adapt to change, and stay innovative.&rdquo;UoSM&rsquo;s Unique Approach to Preparing Students for the FutureNow, let's talk about the real magic: the hands-on learning. UoSM isn&rsquo;t just about lectures and assignments. It&rsquo;s about real-world projects that mirror the challenges students will face in their careers. Whether it&rsquo;s designing a robot, building a software application, or analysing big data, UoSM students are given the freedom to experiment, build, and fail (and then try again).<figure class="image" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/694df3d237bf2_1766716370.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Arun credits UoSM for giving him the edge in the job market securing a role as a Cloud Engineer at Geeks on Tap immediately after graduation.</figcaption></figure>Arun Prakash, a Computer Science graduate from UoSM, attributes his smooth transition into his role as a Cloud Engineer at Geeks on Tap to the programme's practical approach and focus on real-world applications. Graduated in July 2025, Arun found that the mix of technical expertise and collaborative skills he developed at UoSM gave him an edge in the job market. &ldquo;Having UoSM on my resume definitely opened doors. The university&rsquo;s strong reputation gave me a competitive advantage when applying for jobs,&rdquo; he shares.Ben Wo had a similar experience. For him, it was a Year 2 project where he and his team designed an automated plant-growing system. &ldquo;We weren&rsquo;t just building prototypes; we were creating something that had real-world functionality,&rdquo; Ben Wo recalls. Using sensors, wiring, and real-world engineering principles, Ben knew right then that robotics was his true passion. This practical, real-world application is a hallmark of UoSM&rsquo;s curriculum, ensuring students are well-equipped to enter their chosen fields with confidence.UoSM&rsquo;s cross-disciplinary approach means that students from business, computer science, and engineering are often working together on projects, applying their unique skill sets to solve real-world problems. &ldquo;Business students use AI to make data-driven decisions, while engineering students design the systems that run on that data. It&rsquo;s all about creating real-world solutions through teamwork,&rdquo; Professor Suan Hui Pu explains.Shaping Tomorrow&rsquo;s InnovatorsWhat truly sets UoSM apart, however, is its deep-rooted connection to industry leaders. Students don&rsquo;t just learn about the latest technologies; they engage with them directly through live projects, internships, and mentorships. Professor Suan emphasises this point: &ldquo;Our strong ties with industry partners allow our students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Whether it&rsquo;s working on an IoT project or attending career fairs, UoSM ensures that students are prepared for the fast-paced, constantly evolving workplace of Industry 4.0.&rdquo;Ben Wo agrees: &ldquo;It was the internships and industry connections that really made me feel ready to dive into the professional world. The hands-on experience gave me the confidence I needed to walk into a job interview and feel like I belonged.&rdquo;UoSM: Your Launchpad into the FutureUoSM isn&rsquo;t just preparing students for today&rsquo;s world &ndash; it&rsquo;s setting them up to lead the charge in tomorrow&rsquo;s digital economy. Through hands-on learning, industry collaborations, and a curriculum designed for Industry 4.0, UoSM ensures its graduates are future-ready.UoSM&rsquo;s strong QS ranking and its reputation as the best UK university in Malaysia are not just about prestige &ndash; it's about giving students access to global-level education right here in Malaysia.&nbsp;<figure class="image" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/694df3f675837_1766716406.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Shaai Rao chose UoSM for its strong UK connection and the foundation year that bridged the gap between Malaysia and the UK campus. </figcaption></figure>Shaai Rao, a computer science graduate, chose UoSM for its strong UK connection and was drawn to the foundation year for its promise of bridging the gap between Malaysia and the renowned UK campus. Despite being at a growing campus, Shaai quickly recognised that UoSM&rsquo;s hands-on learning and industry ties would give him a head start in the world of technology.Shaai emphasises the importance of resilience in the tech industry. "You might fail at times, but those failures are steps forward. Keep pushing, and you&rsquo;ll enjoy the journey," Shaai advises. It&rsquo;s this mindset of persistence and the ability to learn from failure that UoSM instils in its students, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in competitive, ever-evolving fields such as Computer Science.As for Ben Wo, his advice to others: &ldquo;Take full advantage of everything UoSM offers; the projects, the workshops, the connections. They&rsquo;re all there to help you succeed.&rdquo;With UoSM, you&rsquo;re not just studying for exams; you&rsquo;re studying to change the world.

University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) is a branch campus of the prestigious University of Southampton, UK, ranked among the top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings). Established in 2012, UoSM is located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, offering students a world-class education with a focus on engineering, computer science, and business programmes. UoSM is renowned for its Master&rsquo;s programmes in Mechanical, and Electrical &amp; Electronic Engineering, both mirroring the curriculum taught at its UK campus. Students benefit from the opportunity to study in Malaysia for up to two years before transferring to the main campus in the UK to complete their degree. This pathway is an excellent opportunity to gain global exposure at a lower cost. UoSM is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, engineering workshops, and collaborative learning spaces designed to enhance practical learning. The university&rsquo;s strong focus on research and innovation compels students to engage in real-world problem-solving, particularly in areas like aerospace, sustainable energy, and artificial intelligence. UoSM graduates are also highly sought after by top global employers like Intel, Deloitte, and Dyson. The university&rsquo;s commitment to academic excellence, combined with its affordable study model in Malaysia, makes the University of Southampton Malaysia the ideal choice for students seeking a world-class education with a global outlook.&nbsp;

Explore University of Southampton Malaysia on Afterschool.my – A top UK engineering and computing university offering world-class degrees with 2 years in Malaysia and 2 years in the UK for a truly global education experience.

University of Southampton Malaysia | Courses, Fees, Intake 2025

University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM)

UoSM is a branch campus of the prestigious University of Southampton, UK that offers students a world-class education with a focus on engineering, computer science, and business programmes.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in Engineering, Computer Science, and Business

Imagine this: A university where students don&rsquo;t just go through the motions, they break records, win global competitions, and get hands-on with real-world projects way earlier than most. Welcome to the University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM), where ambition meets opportunity, and where the future is already being shaped by students who want more than just a degree.Let&rsquo;s start with Arun Prakash, a Computer Science graduate, who didn&rsquo;t just study the usual textbook stuff. He went from struggling with some subjects to achieving First Class Honours. This required more than just hitting the books.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6948ae382b5f5_1766370872.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Arun found UoSM&rsquo;s approach to learning both challenging and empowering. It pushed him to become independent and develop problem-solving skills.</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;&ldquo;The subjects were tough, but I pushed through. I had to figure out stuff on my own, but I did it,&rdquo; Arun says, smiling. And the best part? He didn&rsquo;t do it alone. UoSM&rsquo;s supportive yet hands-off approach pushed him to be independent. &ldquo;But they never left me stranded,&rdquo; he added. He credits the &ldquo;freedom to figure things out&rdquo; for helping him become the problem-solver he is today.That&rsquo;s just one example of UoSM&rsquo;s secret sauce: a learning environment that gets students to engage deeply with their subjects, work on real-world projects, and perform under pressure.<h3>Why UoSM Stands Ahead of Other UK Branch Campuses</h3>Now, you may be wondering, &ldquo;Okay, so what&rsquo;s the big deal with UoSM?&rdquo; The answer is simple: global recognition with a personal touch. UoSM isn&rsquo;t just a UK branch campus in Malaysia; it&rsquo;s the #1 UK university in Malaysia (according to QS &amp; THE 2025 rankings), and the only branch campus in Malaysia consistently ranked in the Top 100 globally.&nbsp;What does that mean for students? It means they will have a stronger academic reputation, better employability, and a competitive edge that gets noticed by employers worldwide. Not just here in Malaysia.&nbsp;Arun agrees, saying, &ldquo;The global ranking and UK credibility instantly made my qualifications stand out. It&rsquo;s like an extra layer of credibility, especially when applying for jobs.&rdquo;&nbsp;But it&rsquo;s not just about the rankings. It&rsquo;s about what those rankings mean in real terms for students: opportunities to connect, compete, and grow at a global level, right here in Malaysia and on the international level.<h3>Students Who Excel: Competitions, Achievements, and Real Impact</h3>Talk about students who stand out. UoSM students aren&rsquo;t just competing; they&rsquo;re winning. Whether it&rsquo;s representing Malaysia at global competitions or snagging awards in AI, engineering design, or business innovation, UoSM students crush it. Just ask Wo Yew Ben, an Engineering graduate and former Robotics Club founder.&nbsp;&ldquo;Building robots, solving problems, working with a team. That&rsquo;s the kind of stuff that shaped my career,&rdquo; Ben Wo says. It wasn&rsquo;t just about learning in class; it was about real, hands-on learning that helped him land jobs at top companies like PayNet and Dyson.<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6948af45d3c74_1766371141.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>UoSM&rsquo;s hands-on approach helped Ben Wo tackle real-world challenges.</figcaption></figure>Ben Wo&rsquo;s experience shows what UoSM is all about: bridging the gap between learning theory and tackling real-world challenges. &ldquo;When I was in class, we didn&rsquo;t just study problems; we solved them, like actual engineers,&rdquo; Ben adds.&nbsp;This approach, combined with opportunities to lead clubs, compete, and intern, helps students push their boundaries and perform at their best.<h3>Engineering, Business, and Computer Science: Built to Win</h3>It&rsquo;s no secret that UoSM&rsquo;s curriculum is future-focused. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons students like Ben Wo and Arun shine. The engineering program is ranked in the UK&rsquo;s Top 10, Computer Science is in the Top 15 globally, and their business school is in the top research percentiles.&nbsp;To make it even better, UoSM doesn&rsquo;t just talk about being technologically advanced; it demonstrates it with state-of-the-art labs, advanced simulators, and a curriculum designed to prepare students for real-world challenges.Arun, now working as a Google Cloud Engineer, explains: &ldquo;The labs and facilities were top-notch. We were always encouraged to experiment, test things out, and see what worked. That real-world experience has been crucial to my career.&rdquo;<h3>Global Exposure Without the Global Price</h3>But here&rsquo;s where it gets even more interesting: you don&rsquo;t need to pay for an expensive UK education to get the best of it. UoSM offers two great options that save students a significant amount of money:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">4+0: Get the full UK degree, right here in Malaysia. Same quality, but at a fraction of the cost. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2+2: Spend two years in Malaysia and then two years in the UK, saving up to 40% compared to studying all four years in the UK. </li></ul>It's like a global education with a local price tag. The best part? You still get to connect with global networks, access the same UK resources, and work with international faculty. You get all the perks without all the extra financial stress.<h3>Small Class Sizes, Big Outcomes</h3>While global exposure is awesome, the personalised learning at UoSM is where the magic happens. With small class sizes, students get more one-on-one time with lecturers, making it easier to ask questions, get support, and thrive academically.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our lecturers didn&rsquo;t just give us answers; they guided us to figure it out ourselves,&rdquo; says Arun. This focus on independent learning has been a huge factor in his success.Additionally, with strong mentor relationships and more opportunities to compete, UoSM students have everything they need to succeed. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a place that helps you grow independently, but also makes sure you&rsquo;re supported when you need it,&rdquo; Arun says.<h3>Industry-Connected Pathways That Lead to Real Jobs</h3>But how does UoSM actually prepare students for life after university? They help their students connect with industry partners and offer them real-world projects. UoSM students don&rsquo;t just intern at any company; they intern at top names like Dyson, Intel, Shell, PwC, and Rolls-Royce.&nbsp;&ldquo;Having UoSM on my resume opened doors for me, especially when applying for internships,&rdquo; Ben Wo shares. In fact, 96% of UoSM graduates are either in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Talk about strong employability!<h3>A University for Students Who Refuse to Settle</h3>UoSM is for students who want more. More than just a degree. More than just a job. It&rsquo;s for students who want to make an impact and refuse to settle for mediocrity.&nbsp;&ldquo;UoSM gave me everything I needed to be the engineer I am today, and the problem-solving skills I use every day,&rdquo; Ben Wo says.If you&rsquo;re looking for a university that provides a global education, offers real-world experience, and helps you become a high achiever, UoSM is the place to be. You don&rsquo;t have to settle. UoSM doesn&rsquo;t just teach. You grow with them.

Stay Ahead With UK’s Best Right Here in Malaysia

TARCians strike again for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examinations! The September 2025 examination session saw Ng Yew Sheng, a graduate of the Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) programme, emerging Top in Malaysia for the Advanced Taxation (ATX-MYS) paper, and Lai Xin Hong from the Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) programme achieving Top in Malaysia for the Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) paper.<figure class="image" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6948a6e44a39f_1766368996.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Ng Yew Sheng</figcaption></figure>Yew Sheng who previously achieved Top in Malaysia placing for the Strategic Business Leader (SBL) paper said, &ldquo;When I first heard the news, I was honestly overwhelmed. ATX is known to be a very technical and demanding paper, and even students who prepare well sometimes struggle during the exam itself. To be recognised again at a national level was something I did not expect, and it gave me a renewed sense of motivation in working towards ACCA membership,&rdquo; said Ng Yew Sheng.&ldquo;My strategy was to build a strong foundation first. I used the Brierley, Price and Prior (BPP) &nbsp;textbook, my lecturers&rsquo; notes, and tutorial questions to make sure I understood the technical aspects well. Then, I spent a lot of time analysing the examiners&rsquo; feedback and practising past papers under timed conditions. ATX is not about memorising tax laws, but understanding how to apply them in practical scenarios. So, I focused on learning the logic behind each tax rule and how different situations interact.&rdquo;&ldquo;The truth is, almost every topic in ATX felt challenging at some point. The biggest hurdle was handling questions that combined different tax areas in one scenario. I overcame this through repetition, practising question after question until I could identify tax treatments more instinctively. It took patience, but it paid off.&rdquo;Lai Xin Hong, on the other hand, said: &ldquo;My study approach was quite straightforward; practice, practice, and more practice. I attempted past year questions on the Computer-Based Exam (CBE) platform multiple times. After that, I compared my responses with ACCA&rsquo;s model answers to analyse where I could improve. I also focused on understanding recurring key topics instead of memorising content.&rdquo;<figure class="image" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6948a70eed6fc_1766369038.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Lai Xin Hong</figcaption></figure>&ldquo;The most challenging topic for me in SBR was leases, especially when presented in complex scenarios. Even when I wasn&rsquo;t fully certain of the requirements during the exam, I made sure to write down the fundamental principles rather than leave the answer blank. You never know where you might pick up marks.&rdquo;&ldquo;To balance study, classes, and personal commitments, discipline was key. I organised my tasks daily through a to-do list, prioritised efficiently, and avoided procrastination. Staying consistent helped me manage everything without unnecessary stress.&rdquo;&ldquo;My advice for other ACCA students is to manage time well during the exam and never spend too long on one question. Practice past year papers on the CBE platform and read ACCA&rsquo;s technical articles as the materials contain clear explanations on difficult concepts. Most importantly, always try to understand the logic behind the standards.&rdquo;

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology Kuala Lumpur Courses​ | Afterschool

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) is a prominent institution in Malaysia with a strong legacy of academic excellence and industry-driven education. Established in 1969, TAR UMT has grown to become one of the largest and most reputable universities in Malaysia. TAR UMT is renowned for its comprehensive range of programmes in fields such as Business, Accounting, Engineering, Information Technology, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts, all designed to meet industry demands. The university is recognised for its ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner status&mdash;the highest level of recognition awarded by ACCA, solidifying TAR UMT&rsquo;s strength in producing accounting professionals. TAR UMT&rsquo;s reputation for producing highly skilled professionals is reflected in its strong industry partnerships and impressive graduate employability rates. The university&rsquo;s modern facilities, including well-equipped labs, multimedia studios, and innovation hubs, provide students with a conducive learning environment. With a rich history of nurturing talent and promoting academic excellence, TAR UMT continues to empower students with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen fields both locally and globally.
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Explore Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT) Kuala Lumpur on Afterschool.my – Discover affordable, industry-relevant programmes and vibrant student life in the heart of the city.

TAR UMT - Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology Kuala Lumpur Campus

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)

TAR UMT is a prominent institution in Malaysia with a strong legacy of academic excellence, renowned for its programmes in fields such as Business, Accounting, Engineering, Information Technology, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts.

ACCA Achievers Hall of Fame

<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6943b9f0103e9_1766046192.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Hawa Ikhwanisa (left) showing her Silver award medal and certificate alongside her mentor En Muhammad Adib bin Mohamed Ramly (right), a lecturer from the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH).</figcaption></figure>Culinaire Malaysia 2025 had a taste of the high-quality culinary talent produced by TAR UMT after four hospitality management students stood out in the premier culinary competition held from 23 &ndash; 26 September 2025.Hawa Ikhwanisa binti Jurrizal led the charge after her duck dish won the <a href="https://fssh.tarc.edu.my/programmes/bachelor-degree/bachelor-of-hospitality-management-honours">Bachelor of Hospitality Management (Hons)</a> student a Silver award. Chan Ruey Nie, also from the <a href="https://fssh.tarc.edu.my/programmes/bachelor-degree/bachelor-of-hospitality-management-honours">Bachelor of Hospitality Management (Hons)</a> programme, won a Bronze award in the salmon category.<a href="https://fssh.tarc.edu.my/programmes/diploma/diploma-in-hotel-management">Diploma in Hotel Management</a> student Yip Hui Ciing also took home a Bronze award (chicken category), while Nouh Benhadria bin Habib Benhadria, also from the <a href="https://fssh.tarc.edu.my/programmes/diploma/diploma-in-hotel-management">Diploma in Hotel Management</a> programme, won the Certificate award (lamb category).Organised as part of the Food &amp; Hospitality Malaysia 2025, Malaysia&rsquo;s largest food and hospitality exhibition, Culinaire Malaysia is a biennial culinary competition that gathers participants from universities, hotels, and restaurants, both local and abroad.<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6943ba41c2e43_1766046273.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>(From left) Hui Ciing and Nouh Benhadria.</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6943ba7dde678_1766046333.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Ruey Nie (right) displaying her Bronze award (salmon category) medal and certificate alongside her mentor, Dr. Muhamad Aizuddin bin Ibrahim, Programme Leader of FSSH.</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;

A Taste of Success in Regional Culinary Competition

Every year, Malaysian universities continue to attract a significant number of international students, with Chinese nationals leading the pack.&nbsp;According to data from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), as reported by Malay Mail, a total of 29,388 students from China enrolled in both public and private universities in Malaysia from January to November 30 this year. This figure far exceeds those of Bangladesh (8,957) and India (3,410).Interestingly, while Chinese students remain the largest group, enrolments have dipped slightly &ndash; by 3% compared to last year. This decline is attributed to many top Malaysian universities reaching their international student quotas. The aim of this limitation is to maintain high-quality education and ensure optimal allocation of campus resources.As reported by Malay Mail, a representative from EMGS explained, "Many universities have hit their international student capacity limits, and as a result, they can&rsquo;t admit additional foreign students until enough international students graduate. This restriction helps ensure balanced capacity and resource allocation across institutions."Despite this slight decline, Chinese students' interest in Malaysian education has been increasing in recent years. For instance, in 2020, the number of applications from China was 8,876. By the following year, that figure nearly doubled to 19,202, and in 2023, it increased again to 26,627.Other countries have also seen significant growth in enrolment numbers. Bangladesh, for example, recorded a 47% increase in student numbers, with 8,957 students enrolling this year compared to 6,103 last year. Likewise, enrolments from India grew by 41%, rising from 2,423 in 2022 to 3,410 in 2023.In total, according to MalayMail, EMGS data indicates a 6% increase in overall international student enrolments in Malaysia, from 81,992 in 2022 to 87,206 this year.Why Malaysia?The growing demand for Malaysian education can be attributed to several factors. According to MalayMail, one of the most significant reasons is affordability. Compared to traditional study destinations like the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia, Malaysia offers a more budget-friendly education without compromising on quality.<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6943b164505d0_1766044004.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>International student numbers in Malaysia grew by 6%, with notable increases from China, Bangladesh, and India.</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;According to MalayMail, the EMGS&rsquo;s representative noted, &ldquo;Malaysia is home to reputable foreign branch campuses, where students can earn UK-, Australia-, Ireland-, Japan-, and China-accredited qualifications at significantly lower costs.&rdquo;Marketing efforts in China and the Indian subcontinent have played a pivotal role in driving the demand for education in Malaysia. For instance, the establishment of the 'Study in Malaysia Corner' at Guangxi University in China has significantly boosted the visibility of Malaysian education, making it easier for prospective students to explore available opportunities.Additionally, participation in major international events, like the Malaysia Pavilion at the China-Asean Expo, has further promoted Malaysia as a preferred education destination to a broader regional audience.Education fairs such as the 'Study in Malaysia Education Fair,' held annually in Bangladesh and India, have also attracted increasing interest from students. The rise in social media exposure, along with on-ground promotional activities, has contributed to this growing demand."As Malaysia continues to position itself as a premier education hub, the growth of international student enrolments speaks volumes about the country&rsquo;s increasing appeal. As more universities reach their full quotas, demand for higher education in Malaysia is poised to continue its upward trajectory.<a href="https://wa.me/60177737817?text=Can%20I%20know%20more%20about%20the%20options%20for%20me%20to%20study%20in%20Malaysia%3F%20https%3A%2F%2Fafterschool.my%2Farticles%2Fwhy-international-students-choose-malaysia-as-study-destination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Got questions?&nbsp;Click here to chat with one of our counsellors on WhatsApp and get tailored advice!</a>

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Why International Students Choose Malaysia as Study Destination?

Nexus International School - IB Diploma Scholarships 2026/2027Discover the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Malaysia&rsquo;s top-ranking IBDP school, Nexus International School Malaysia.If you are looking for a world-class pre-university experience after SPM, IGCSE or equivalent, Nexus offers a rigorous academic programme with strong personal growth and leadership development.Join us to unlock endless opportunities:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scholarships worth up to RM 300,000 &ndash; Full, Partial, and Boarding scholarships available (Boarding is optional)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Strong leadership and personal development &ndash; Developed through opportunities through Creative, Action, Service (CAS)&nbsp; and learner-led activities.&nbsp;</li><li>Award-winning Boarding School &ndash; Optional boarding facilities for an immersive experience </li></ul>🔔 Application Deadline: 7th January 2026 Apply now: <a href="http://bit.ly/nexusibdpscholarship2025">bit.ly/nexusibdpscholarship2025</a> <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/693bc1fac361a_1765523962.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" />For more information, contact the Nexus Admissions team at <a href="mailto:admissions@nexus.edu.my">admissions@nexus.edu.my</a> or&nbsp;via WhatsApp at <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=60176066255&amp;text&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0">+6017 606 6255</a>. Terms and Conditions apply. <a href="https://www.nexus.edu.my/admissions/scholarships/?utm_source=After+School+&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=IBDP+Scholarship+2025"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/693bc44caa479_1765524556.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /></a> Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nexus.edu.my/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nexus.edu.my/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1765848970796000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Kro-O7Pd2KlNzyfXWQapx">www.nexus.edu.my</a>&nbsp;for more details

Nexus International School - IB Diploma Scholarships 2026/2027

<h2>Where Civil Engineers Build the Future</h2>Before civil engineers stand under the sun or sign off on a structure, they all start somewhere much simpler: sitting in a classroom, figuring things out one lesson at a time.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937dc2f4e5c9_1765268527.gif" alt="" width="480" height="268" />But once they step into a real project, those lessons suddenly take on weight and meaning.That&rsquo;s where classroom basics turn into real-world impact, and where the stories of Professor Yuen and civil engineer Nur Fatin Alia intertwine.&nbsp;Together, their journeys reveal how civil engineering begins in a lecture hall, but is ultimately perfected in the real world.&nbsp;<h2>The Professor: Preparing Students for a Reality They Cannot Yet See</h2>For Associate Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr Yuen Choon Wah, teaching wasn&rsquo;t exactly the path he actively sought, but inevitably became the one he grew to love and commit to.After graduating with a Civil Engineering degree, he had two paths to choose from: enter the industry or pursue his postgraduate studies.&nbsp;As luck would have it, a timely tutor position at his university presented itself, allowing him to earn income while continuing his education. Eventually, he earned a Master&rsquo;s and a PhD from the University of Malaya.&ldquo;My professors were wise people who tirelessly guided me, and they are my role models. Today, I gladly share the knowledge they gave me with young engineers, hoping to nurture more people who will serve the nation,&rdquo; he shared.<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d6a94e09e_1765267113.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Ir. Ts. Dr Yuen Choon Wah, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Malaya, Registered Professional Engineer (BEM) and Professional Technologist (MBOT), specialising in traffic engineering, traffic safety and sustainable transport.</figcaption></figure>But teaching civil engineering isn&rsquo;t just about equations and concrete. It&rsquo;s about preparing students for the outside world.He constantly reminds his students that engineering life isn&rsquo;t easy; it&rsquo;s challenging and demanding.&ldquo;Civil engineers work under the hot sun, rush during peak project periods and deal with pressures from superiors, clients and authorities,&rdquo; he added.Civil engineering education has also transformed drastically over the last few decades.Once reliant on manual calculations, drawing boards, pens and paper, engineering students today use advanced modelling, design and BIM software.&nbsp;What&rsquo;s more, AI has also become a powerful tool for research and design, but according to Professor Yuen, it&rsquo;s also a double-edged sword.&ldquo;Technology makes engineering education more efficient, but at the same time, students may over-rely or misuse it. We now design assessments that require them to engage with real-world data.&nbsp;&ldquo;As a traffic engineer myself, I give actual traffic problems and ask students to collect real traffic data on site.&rdquo;Technology has, without a doubt, elevated learning, but discipline ensures mastery.&nbsp;<h2>The Engineer: Turning Classroom Lessons into Structures That Serve a Nation</h2>On the other side of the classroom, surrounded by construction sites and rising buildings, civil engineering was a career that began shaping long before Nur Fatin Alia, a civil engineer at Gadang Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, even realised it.What seemed like an ordinary backdrop in her childhood became the foundation of her life&rsquo;s passion: to pursue a path that doesn&rsquo;t just benefit her, but others around her, too.&ldquo;As I grew older, I began to notice how much engineers improve the world around us. New roads, bridges, buildings, and public spaces all make life easier and more connected,&rdquo; she shared.&ldquo;That&rsquo;s when I realised how powerful this field is, how it brings people together, creates safer places and improves everyday life. I, too, wanted to be part of that; the people who build, solve problems and make things better for the next generation.&rdquo;That spark became her calling.<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d7d34fc5d_1765267411.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" /><figcaption>Nur Fatin Alia binti Pangat, Civil Engineer at Gadang Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd.</figcaption></figure>But her real training truly began when she stepped into her first project, the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Project, the same project she still works on today.Everything was different from classroom learning.&ldquo;The pace was fast. The coordination was challenging. I had to ask many questions and adapt quickly. It wasn&rsquo;t always easy, but the challenges helped me grow, become more confident, and understand my role better,&rdquo; she reflected.Today, she wears many hats as a site engineer: managing stressing, concreting, structural works, architectural coordination, shop drawings, factory visits, NCRs, WIRs, and technical meetings, all while supporting the project manager through complex project milestones.Civil engineering isn&rsquo;t just about &ldquo;building things&rdquo;, she stresses.&nbsp;&ldquo;It involves planning, problem-solving, coordination, calculations, approvals, safety and quality control. Every detail matters because people depend on the final structure. It&rsquo;s a huge responsibility.&rdquo;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d92a50960_1765267754.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" />&ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud to work on this project because I can see the impact it will have on the community. Reducing travel time, improving safety and connecting people, being part of something that directly benefits so many people makes me feel that my work truly matters.&rdquo;Her success, she insists, comes not just from her own efforts but from the team around her. &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t do it without the dedication of my colleagues. Teamwork is everything.&rdquo;&nbsp;<h2>Where their stories meet: the bridge between classroom and construction</h2>Though their paths differ, both Professor Yuen and Fatin emphasise the same foundations that turn students into engineers: the habits and experiences that begin in a classroom and are tested on real sites.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>1. Discipline 🫡</h3>&ldquo;The more they work, the more they learn.&rdquo;Professor Yeun believes that discipline is what helps students focus on their goals and motivates them to work hard to achieve them.For Fatin, she echoes this through her daily practice on site. Every day, she adapts to fast-moving changes, unexpected issues and high-stakes decisions. Her discipline shows up in her willingness to ask questions, learn on the job and grow from every challenge thrown her way.&ldquo;Knowing that the final result will benefit so many people and improve daily life makes all the challenges and long timelines worthwhile,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;<h3>2. Communication 🗣️</h3>Beyond technical skills, Professor Yuen believes communication sets great engineers apart.&ldquo;A great civil engineer must communicate clearly with everyone, including authorities and the public, and work well with different groups,&rdquo; he said.Clear communication prevents problems, builds trust and keeps large teams moving in the same direction.On-site, Fatin practices this skill in real time.She coordinates with subcontractors, liaises with authorities and collaborates across multiple teams.&nbsp;&ldquo;Projects involve many people and every role matters.&rdquo;To her, communication isn&rsquo;t just a &ldquo;soft skill&rdquo;; it&rsquo;s what keeps the project running smoothly from day to day.&nbsp;<h3>3. Real-world exposure 🌎</h3>Professor Yuen works hard to ensure students don't just learn theory but also experience the industry before entering it.Through guest speakers, industry-sharing sessions, and site visits, he shows them what engineering really looks like: the pace, the pressure, and the responsibility.Fatin stands on the other end of that experience.She brings everything she learned in university into real-world application, navigating on-ground challenges and applying what she once learned in theory.&nbsp;<h2>A Message to Malaysia&rsquo;s Future Nation-Builders</h2>For Professor Yuen, he hopes his students stay focused on their goals, work hard and maintain the hunger to keep learning, whether through self-study or guidance from seniors.&nbsp;A good attitude, he says, will carry them further than they realise.Fatin&rsquo;s message mirrors the same spirit, but from the heart of the construction site itself.&ldquo;Never ever stop learning. Be disciplined. Civil engineering is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Everything you build contributes to a better-connected, safer, and stronger future for everyone.&rdquo;And her final reminder for the next generation of engineers?&ldquo;Construct your dream, design your legacy.&rdquo; ✨<a href="https://wa.me/60177737817?text=Can%20I%20know%20more%20about%20the%20skills%20required%20to%20become%20a%20successful%20civil%20engineer%3F%20https%3A%2F%2Fafterschool.my%2Farticles%2Fwhiteboards-hard-hats-and-everything-in-between-a-civil-engineering-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Got questions?&nbsp;Click here to chat with one of our counsellors on WhatsApp and get tailored advice!</a>

Whiteboards, Hard Hats and Everything in Between: A Civil Engineering Story

For years, the UK, US, Canada and Australia have been the &ldquo;Big Four&rdquo; that every international student looked to for their studies.&nbsp;But today, the game is changing. With tighter visa rules, higher living costs and a whole lot of global competition, these traditional faves are now surprisingly seeing a drop in interest.So, where are the students looking now? According to new data from Studyportals and the British Council, the spotlight is shifting to Asia and the Middle East.&nbsp;Japan, China, India and Malaysia are seeing a surge in interest as students hunt for study destinations that are stable, affordable and still offer great opportunities.NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw sums it up perfectly: It&rsquo;s no longer just the 'Big Four&rsquo;. It&rsquo;s really about the &lsquo;Big Ten&rsquo; now.&nbsp;<h2>KL Makes Its Mark: Ranked 12th Best Student City in the World (QS 2026)</h2>Kuala Lumpur isn&rsquo;t just the capital city of Malaysia; it&rsquo;s now officially one of the best cities in the world to study in, securing 12th place in the <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/city-rankings">QS Best Student Cities 2026</a>.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d278089c3_1765266040.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" />Known for its magnificent skyscrapers, street food and vibrant life, it's easy to see why KL has become one of Asia&rsquo;s rising educational destinations.Visa approval rates are also strong at around 90%, with applications rising steadily as Malaysia aims to welcome 250,000 international students by 2025.&nbsp;<h2>So What Does This Ranking Really Mean?</h2><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d2c820453_1765266120.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" />The QS ranking evaluates cities based on factors such as:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">University quality</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Affordability</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Student mix &amp; diversity</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employer activity</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Desirability and safety</li></ul>Malaysia&rsquo;s 2026 scores reflect KL&rsquo;s strong appeal:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Overall: 90.3</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Student view: 70.8</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Student mix: 77.5</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employer activity: 86.8</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Desirability: 61.6</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Affordability: 73</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rankings: 74.2</li></ul>But numbers only paint part of the picture.To understand what makes KL a true student city, you need to hear it from the students themselves!<h2>Growing Up and Choosing KL: &ldquo;A city that always felt familiar, yet full of possibilities.&rdquo;</h2><h3>Roha Ali (Pakistan)</h3><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bachelor of Computer Science (Data Science), Multimedia University (MMU)</li></ul><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d2ea98993_1765266154.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" />&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve lived in Malaysia since my school years, so choosing KL felt natural,&rdquo; shared Roha.&ldquo;Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant cultural hub where different communities intersect. It has this blend of modern city life and the natural beauty of the hills that have always inspired me.&rdquo;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Cristian Dimitrie Barbulescu (Romania)</h3><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">4th-year Economics student, Universiti Malaya (UM)</li></ul><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d31a0d60d_1765266202.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="100%" />&ldquo;I came because my mother works here, but KL offered much more than I expected. Living in such a diverse city exposed me to cultures, festivals and religions I never encountered back home. It expanded my worldview in ways I didn&rsquo;t imagine.&rdquo;Language barriers? Not an issue.&ldquo;The high level of English proficiency makes daily life and travelling around KL so easy!&rdquo; <h2>Living in KL: Diversity, Culture and Belonging</h2>Diversity isn&rsquo;t just a buzzword in Malaysia. It's a daily reality.&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve met people from every culture, religion, and background, which definitely makes you more empathetic and open-minded,&rdquo; shared Roha.Adapting to the lifestyle was easy, she says, partly due to years spent in Malaysia, but mostly, it was due to the people:&ldquo;People are always willing to explain their customs, invite you to participate in cultural activities, and share their traditions with newcomers. What truly stands out is the strong sense of tolerance, understanding, and unity among the diverse communities here.&ldquo;Whether it&rsquo;s everyday interactions, festivals, or communal activities, there&rsquo;s a genuine effort to respect differences while fostering harmony,&rdquo; Roha shared.Cristian echoes a similar sentiment:&ldquo;Every year, I celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali with my friends, something I never experienced before in my home country. These experiences taught me empathy and made me appreciate Malaysia&rsquo;s multicultural identity.&rdquo;This aligns closely with KL&rsquo;s student mix and desirability scores in QS; a key strength that continues to attract students globally. <h2>Getting Around: Safe, Connected, and Convenient</h2><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d39bcdff5_1765266331.png" alt="" width="633" height="100%" />Public transport is one of KL&rsquo;s biggest wins for students.&ldquo;I rarely drive,&rdquo; said Roha. The MRT is fast, convenient and affordable. As a woman, the ladies-only coach adds a sense of safety that I really appreciate. I&rsquo;ve always felt comfortable getting around the city, whether on foot or by transport.&rdquo;Cristian adds:&ldquo;If you live near an LRT or MRT station, you can get anywhere. And the student concession card makes transport even cheaper.&rdquo;Safety and mobility are major contributors to KL&rsquo;s high desirability score and are clearly noticeable in everyday student life. <h2>What Students Love Most About KL</h2>When asked about what they love most about living in KL, Roha and Cristian both shared their love for the local food and people.<h3>Roha:</h3>&ldquo;Malaysia offers an extraordinary range of flavours&mdash;authentic local dishes, creative modern interpretations, and a wide variety of international cuisines. And the people are warm, helpful, and genuinely welcoming. It&rsquo;s easy to build friendships because there is a natural openness and sincerity in how people interact.&rdquo;<h3>Cristian:</h3>&ldquo;Wherever I go, KL, Perak, or Kedah, locals are friendly, helpful, and always ready to joke around. And the food? I could eat Maggi Goreng Ayam and Teh O Ais Limau every day. Malaysia is a food paradise, and I love it!&rdquo; <h2>KL&rsquo;s University Ecosystem</h2>Beyond its skyline and street food, Kuala Lumpur is also home to some of Asia&rsquo;s most respected universities; institutions that attract both local and international students seeking quality education and real-world experience.These include Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt, Taylor&rsquo;s, Sunway, etc.With a mix of public, private, and foreign universities, Kuala Lumpur offers pathways for every kind of learner. Many of these institutions maintain strong ties with global partners, opening doors to study abroad, credit transfer or dual-degree options.<h3>Roha&rsquo;s experience at MMU</h3>&ldquo;My lecturers were incredibly supportive. I met them weekly for guidance. And campus life? One of the best in the KL region. It helped me grow through sports, cultural events, official programmes and student societies. It shaped who I am today.&rdquo;She also highlighted a unique fact about studying in KL:&ldquo;I was surprised by how connected universities are to national leaders. I attended events with YAB Dato&rsquo; Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, Her Majesty Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and ambassadors. I never expected that level of closeness.&rdquo;<h3>Cristian&rsquo;s experience at UM</h3>&ldquo;My lecturers have industry experience and strong networks, and they encourage students to think beyond grades. My classmates inspire me; many come from humble backgrounds, yet they are driven, politically aware, and determined to move Malaysia forward.&ldquo;UM&rsquo;s campus life is also incredibly active, with weekly cultural, career, and research events. Students who get involved receive more opportunities and often grow into well-rounded leaders by their final years.&rdquo;&nbsp;<h2>Work Opportunities: A City Full of Possibilities</h2>KL is the economic hub of Malaysia, home to multinational companies, tech startups, creative agencies, and financial institutions.&nbsp;The city&rsquo;s diverse economy means students can explore internships, industry collaborations, and networking opportunities across industries&mdash;from technology and finance to creative arts and hospitality..KL&rsquo;s dynamic job market also contributed to its strong employer activity score in the QS ranking, reflecting how well-connected students are to real-world industries.&nbsp;<h3>Internships</h3><h3>Roha:</h3><h3>&ldquo;I interned at both an MNC and an SME. MMU supported us with mentorships, career fairs and programmes like iCadet.&rdquo;</h3><h3>Cristian:</h3>&ldquo;I interned at RSM Malaysia and EUROCHAM. International students can find opportunities if they build a strong portfolio and take initiative.&rdquo;International students can also work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays.The opportunities don&rsquo;t end when the degree does. Graduates can stay for longer under the Graduate Pass, which allows them to remain in Malaysia for up to 12 months to work in approved sectors without needing employer sponsorship.For students like Roha and Cristian, their future looks promising:&ldquo;I would be very happy to stay and work in Malaysia. The tech landscape is dynamic, and the country is positioning itself as a leader in the region,&rdquo; shared Roha.&ldquo;It would be an honour to stay in Malaysia, especially in KL. It's the perfect place to start a corporate career, with developed industries in oil and gas, tourism, green tech, and more. You gain a holistic view of a rapidly developing economy on its way to becoming a high-income nation,&rdquo; added Cristian.It&rsquo;s a valuable bridge between study and career, giving graduates the chance to apply what they&rsquo;ve learned in a real-world setting.&nbsp;<h2>Affordability: KL&rsquo;s Biggest Advantage</h2><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6937d40a217ac_1765266442.gif" alt="" width="460" height="259" />Kuala Lumpur may not have the same global fame as London or Tokyo, but when it comes to student experience, it holds its own in all the right ways.The city&rsquo;s biggest edge? Affordability.The QS ranking considers tuition fees, day-to-day living expenses, and how much value students feel they&rsquo;re getting overall, which is where KL truly shines.Here, students can pursue globally recognised degrees at a fraction of the cost of studying in places like Singapore, Sydney, or London without compromising on quality.&nbsp;Roha shares: &ldquo;Groceries are affordable, cooking at home is easy, and the MRT concession makes transport very cheap. Compared with other countries in the region, KL is very student-friendly.&rdquo;Cristian breaks it down clearly: &ldquo;A reasonable accommodation is around RM1,000 (USD 250). Food is also around RM1,000. So for under USD 500, students can cover basic monthly expenses, which is incredible for a developed city.&rdquo;&nbsp;<h2>A City That Truly Feels Like Home</h2>Between its cultural warmth, modern city life and global opportunities, the city strikes that rare balance between ambition and belonging. It&rsquo;s a place where you can chase big dreams and still feel at home.Beyond just rankings, students choose KL because it feels right.Roha summarises KL as: Vibrant. Beautiful. Transformative.Cristian describes KL as: Global. Fast. Spicy.And honestly? Those three words say everything.&nbsp;<h2>Advice to Future Students</h2><h3>Roha:</h3>&ldquo;Come with an open heart. Let go of your prejudices and immerse yourself in the beauty of Malaysia.&rdquo;<h3>Cristian:</h3>&ldquo;Learn Malay, make local friends, get involved on campus, and plan your internships early.&rdquo;&nbsp;<h2>Why KL Truly Deserves Its Spot in the QS Top 12</h2>Between its cultural warmth, affordability, global exposure, strong universities, safety, and opportunities, KL has evolved into a city where students can build a future and feel at home.It&rsquo;s no surprise that international students are choosing to study here.&nbsp;KL isn&rsquo;t just a great city to study in, it&rsquo;s one of the BEST in the world.<a href="https://wa.me/60177737817?text=Can%20I%20know%20more%20about%20KL%20being%20one%20of%20the%20best%20student%20cities%3F%20https%3A%2F%2Fafterschool.my%2Farticles%2Fwhy-kl-is-winning-hearts-and-applications-worldwide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Got questions? Click here to chat with one of our counsellors on WhatsApp and get tailored advice!</a>

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