The forefront of modern education
ACCORDING to Pearson, a renowned education content provider, modern education should emphasise eight critical skills – leadership, digital literacy, communication, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, global citizenship, problem solving and team work. These are often highly sought after in today’s ever-evolving society.
Committed to producing future-ready graduates who will go on to make an impact in the world, Heriot-watt University Malaysia introduced a Positive Education approach in 2017, which has now been adopted at all Heriot-watt campuses.
“Positive Education not only focuses on academic excellence but also the holistic development of individuals,” explained Heriot-watt University Malaysia provost and chief executive officer, Prof Mushtak Al-atabi.
“Through Positive Education, we are nurturing purposeful, impactful, professional and resilient individuals.”
Correspondingly, numerous programmes have been initiated under the university’s Positive Education banner. Among them is its acclaimed “A Happier U” campaign, whereby a variety of fun-filled activities are organised regularly throughout the year, offering a platform to nurture the happiness and well-being of the campus community.
The university also conducts a Youth Transformation Programme (YTP). Targeted at SPM, IGCSE or equivalent school-leavers, the programme helps them transition smoothly from secondary school to higher learning and beyond.
“I learned how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely) goals and achieve them. I also improved my social and collaboration skills. The programme made it easier for me to adjust to the independence and responsibility of being a university student,” shared Elysia Goh, a former YTP participant who is now pursuing her MA (Hons) Business Finance at Heriot-watt University Malaysia.
Additionally, the university introduced EMPOWER, an innovative programme that encourages its students to hone their soft skills.
“A report by the Khazanah Research Institute revealed that many employers value soft skills over technical knowledge. EMPOWER was designed to offer our students a personalised learning journey that will ultimately enhance their employability,” explained Prof Mushtak.
EMPOWER is a structured programme that consists of four stages – Leading Self, Teams, Communities and, finally, Enterprise. The first stage is compulsory for all Heriotwatt University Malaysia students.
To help the younger generation make the best decisions that will enable them to achieve their full potential, Prof Mushtak is conducting a talk entitled, “Today’s Choices, Tomorrow’s Successes: Watt’s Next After SPM?” at 10.30am on March 23. Aimed at SPM, IGCSE or equivalent school leavers and their families, the event is free of charge with limited seating available.
Visit https://wattnext.eventbrite.com to register for the event.
To find out more about Heriot-watt University Malaysia programmes or scholarships on offer, visit its Open Days on March 23 and 24 or during consultation hours from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. From now until March 27, parents and students are also invited to coffee sessions at the campus from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesdays to speak to academics and counsellors while immersing themselves in campus life.
■ Alternatively, log on to www.hw.edu.my or call 03-8894 3888 or email hwum@hw.ac.uk