Become a well-rounded student at Heriot-Watt
“WHAT makes humans special and enable us to be the dominant species on earth is the combination of superior intelligence and consciousness or awareness that we possess. There are no other species that can rival us in either intelligence or awareness,” quips Heriot-Watt University Malaysia senior deputy provost Prof Mushtak Al-Atabi.
“Taking this for granted, education systems for the last couple of centuries evolved to hone our intelligence and cognitive capabilities,” he added.
An expert in positive psychology, HeriotWatt University Malaysia has started to invest in developing its students’ emotional intelligence through various efforts.
This is in line with the university’s aim to develop well-rounded students who are able to realise and fulfil their full potential.
To help students achieve this, the university recently organised its Youth Transformation Programme (YTP).
It was developed to assist SPM/O-Levels graduates in building self-awareness, self-management, social awareness as well as relationship management skills that will set them on the path to success.
Furthermore, these activities will also help participants identify what motivates and interests them, develop a better understanding of their emotions and the roles they play as well as how they impact the people around them.
“We believe that education is the process of inculcating a growth mindset into the individuals. Thomas Friedman in his book Thank You for Being Late mentions that two decades ago, we used to speak of the digital divide – those who have access to technology and those who don’t – as the decisive factor for success. Now that everyone has access to technology, the real divide is the ‘motivational divide’. Success is measured by how much motivation one has to use the technology to be more productive and to learn and develop more.
“Our programme will get the participants to learn what motivates them and keeps them engaged, based on the latest findings from neurology and our knowledge of how the human brain works. Participants will also learn about emotions and their roles in what we do and how we impact others,” said Prof Mushtak.
According to YTP participant Abdul Rashid Abd Majid, “The YTP has changed me to become a better person. I used to be introverted and afraid to approach others. However, thanks to this programme, I have learned to overcome this problem and now, I am able to mingle with people. It has also improved my communication and leadership skills.”
For Abdul, one of his biggest lessons learned from YTP is on how to collaborate with others and work together as a team.
He highly recommends this programme to students as this will help prepare them for the university environment.
Speaking of his future plans, Abdul hopes to be able to put these skills he picked up to good use at Heriot-Watt.
“I am planning to pursue my studies in accounting and business finance upon completing Heriot-Watt’s foundation programme. I am confident that my time here will help mould me into a better student in the future,” he said.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia will be running the YTP from July 3 at its campus, leading up to its July foundation intake.
■ For more information on the programmes and scholarships offered at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, visit its campus in Putrajaya during its open days on June 17 and 18. Alternatively, log on to www.hw.edu.my, call 030-8894 3888 or e-mail hwum@hw.ac.uk.