INTI’s new student-centred campus
International College Subang recently launched its newly redeveloped South Block, offering a fresh, cosmopolitan learning environment.
The multimillion ringgit project leverages innovative and creative designs within its classrooms and throughout its five collective blocks.
INTI International University & Colleges chief executive officer Tim Bulow said: “The redevelopment of the South Block provides a conducive, student-centred experience that reflects the dynamism of 21st century learning. It also promotes opportunities for students to collaborate and practise their capabilities as they become the next generation of leaders.
“These redevelopments were heavilybased on the feedback and insights from our students, through ongoing conversations and our annual student survey. This ensured that the new facilities were designed with students’ expectations in mind and reflects INTI’s commitment to act on our students’ input and feedback,” he said.
Housing three faculties — the University of Wollongong, the School of Business and the School of Hospitality — the refurbishments include an open garden space with a giant chess set that promotes cognitive stimulation, a new cafè for students from the School of Hospitality to train in F&B management, and uniquely designed locker cum discussion and tutorial spaces.
A number of classrooms have also been redesigned to improve inclusive collaboration and two-way communications between students and lecturers.
The redeveloped space also boasts a three-storey Student Hub complete with cafè at the ground level, a one-of-a-kind “snooze area” for students to recharge at the first level, and a cosy open space for discussions at the top level — aptly named Refresh, Recharge and Reconnect, respectively.
Additionally, extensive refurbishments were also made to the Lee Fah Onn Library, named after one of INTI’s founders and located at the main block.
Students can also access digital materials, including global resources for INTI’s most recent programmes from Southern New Hampshire University, USA and the IBM Innovation Centre for Education.
Also present were Selangor State Legislative Assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh, IICS chief executive Dr Jane Lim and former IICS chief executive Tan Ling Ling.
“This iconic site has been a landmark to the locals in our immediate community and has hosted scores of Malaysian and international students. The rejuvenation of this campus signifies INTI’s long-term commitment to their former, present and future students, their families and the households in Subang Jaya in facilitating not just academic growth but also the economic growth here.
“Great leaders have been groomed here. Professionals in various fields were trained here. New standards in higher education have been raised here. More importantly, INTI is here to stay — to develop the current and future generation of young Malaysians — a pivotal cause for this nation, one which I am more than pleased to support and be a part of,” said Yeoh, during the launch.
Bulow said the launch, however, has little to do with the building itself. Rather, it is about the importance of growth and the need for institutions to reinvent themselves in meeting the educational needs of current and future generations.
“It is about providing an environment that encourages collaboration, facilitates practical learning and ensures that students gain a holistic, balanced education as they complete one the most important phases of their lives — their journey from adolescence to adulthood.
“One of the underlying themes across these spaces is the opportunity for students to gather and connect with each other, be it academically or socially. In introducing these modern, creative designs into our campus, we hope to elevate the concept of a learning space, breaking the conventional ideas of a classroom.
“Spaces such as the open garden and also the cafe beside our School of Hospitality serve as points for students to carry out practical learning, such as managing a food and beverage business. Meanwhile, the locker cum discussion rooms facilitate group projects and tutorial sessions. The Student Hub offers a balanced approach to study and personal well-being,” he added.