The value of experience
HERE’S a question for students: If you’re learning how to sky-dive , would you rather learn from someone who’s studied it, or from someone who’s actually sky-dived for decades?
Who would you trust more? Would you have more faith in the person who knows exactly what’s needed to take a leap and land on your feet? For Quest International University Perak (QIU) the answer is clear.
At the moment, 81 per cent of QIU’s lecturers have industry experience. This is more than three times higher than the national median of 23 per cent and the national benchmark of 25 per cent. Over time, the University will increase this per centage even further, by bringing in more top-calibre educators with a widerange of experience in different industries.
The value of experience is deeply appreciated at QIU. The University is building an armada of educators, armed with substantial work experience to mould our students into the employees of tomorrow.
The wealth of experience among QIU’s educators is a bona fide treasure trove for its students, giving them a window into the fast-paced world of modern industry.
“Industries move quickly. A fundamental practice today could be completely outdated in three to four years – which is how long a typical degree programme lasts,” says QIU Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Goh.
“This is why it is so important to have lecturers who have experience and contacts in the industry. They give us invaluable insight into the working world.
“We are preparing our students to excel in their future jobs. They must learn certain elements of the job that can only be taught by people who have experience in the same line of work.”
Since its inception, QIU has prided itself on creating graduates who become prime job market targets once they step off the convocation stage, in line with the vision of its council chairman Dato’ Seri Dr. Vijay Eswaran.
The abundance of work experience among QIU lecturers has a vital role to play in achieving this goal. The lecturers’ network of contacts in the industry will prove vital when it comes to finding the best industrial advisers and career opportunities.
In the same vein, these contacts will make it easier for our lecturers to carry out cutting-edge research projects together with the industry.
QIU’s lecturers will also be closely connected to the latest innovations and technological advancements in their respective industries. This will allow the academics to inculcate real-time knowledge into their lessons, instead of only going by the book.
Along the same lines, QIU has also appointed outstanding industry advisers – top-class professionals who have made their name in a wide range of fields.
They include leaders of elite organisations like Leo Burnett Malaysia, Universal Music Malaysia, Singapore & Vietnam, and Finisar; as well as awardwinning scientists and high-profile entrepreneurs.
QIU’s focus on providing industry-relevant education has already paid off. The University’s students and academics are putting our name in lights, as they continue to shine in national and international competitions.
In February, QIU won 18 awards at the 2019 Malaysia Technology Expo -an international exposition that highlights excellence in inventions and innovation.