Exploring new horizons
STUDENTS go to university to prepare themselves to do things that matter. Discover a cure for cancer. Invent the next miracle drug. Start their own path-breaking enterprise.
But sometimes, things don’t quite work out. Lectures may not be inspiring. The varsity culture may not be a good fit. And as fun as partying may be, too much of it can be detrimental to one’s future.
If this happens to be you – or someone you know – understand that you don’t have to like it or lump it. You have options and UCSI University is an ideal pick if you want to explore new horizons. Here are some things you should consider:
A great track record
Graduate outcomes, and not highway billboards, are the true measure of a university’s success.
So, when UCSI counts three Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia inductees, two Prestige 40 Under 40 inductees, serial entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, celebrated musicians and media personalities in its alumni network, that’s a track record you can trust.
Increasingly, UCSI alumni are standing out as changemakers who promote sustainable solutions to address pressing concerns.
Andrew Chong’s work on μPledge, a climate fintech with a global presence, is a good case in point.
Combining gamification and crowdfunding, the entrepreneur co-founded μPledge to connect socially conscious investors with impact startups that are anchored on environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
“Most equity and capital market-related setups are fixated on profits and we saw a space for ESG investing,” said Chong, a UCSI alumnus who graduated with a degree in accounting and finance.
“Socially conscious investors are not focused solely on returns on investment.
“Instead, they support companies that champion causes and social impact, from the reduction of plastic waste to the modernisation of local fisheries.
“These companies need to succeed and with μPledge, we are moving towards crowd ownership where investors become part of the missions they believe in.”
μPledge started as a capstone project when Chong read a fintech programme at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School in 2021.
Looking back, Chong credits UCSI for giving him the platform to experience a wide range of activities, a process that honed his soft skills.
International standing
UCSI is ranked as Malaysia’s top private university in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Classified in the world’s top 0.9%, UCSI is the only university in the world to receive the QS Recognition for Improvement Award – an award given to the varsity that improves the most ranks on average.
The university’s ever-improving global profile has spurred UCSI’s
engagement with renowned universities, particularly in the areas of joint research, knowledge creation, as well as student and staff exchange.
Gary Poh Kwor Xiang can certainly relate. Selected to advance science at Imperial College London, he contributed to a pivotal nanorobotics project through his work on silicone nanoparticles and protein crystallisation.
“Working alongside the world’s best minds was a great opportunity for me,” said Poh, who works as a process engineer at ExxonMobil.
“It really challenged me to raise my aspirations.
“I’m glad that my time at UCSI equipped me with the skills and mindset to excel. Many UCSI professors motivated me and the university went out of its way to prepare me for my time in London.”
UCSI’s top students are annually selected for high impact research programmes at renowned universities like Harvard, Imperial,
Tsinghua and Queensland, among others.
They have contributed to scientific projects that involve aldosterone signalling, precision medicine, big data in healthcare, nanoparticles, nanorobotics, protein crystallisation and cenosphere extraction.
Future-proof education
Considering the changes brought by IR4.0, increased automation and the Internet of Things, it is crucial for students to learn at a university that has its fingers on the industry’s pulse.
To this end, UCSI partners with over 4,600 leading companies to ensure its students and graduates are future-ready.
These partnerships facilitate joint research arrangements, technology transfers, internships and job opportunities.
The world’s best companies are also regulars at UCSI. Nestle, Airbus, L’Oréal, Siemens and Intel are some of the many global
companies that held industry and career talks on campus.
Who you’ll learn from matters as well.
At UCSI, students can look forward to gain insights from 13 Fellows of Academy of Sciences Malaysia, professors who are ranked in Stanford’s World’s Top 2% Scientists and many award-winning academics.
With this unique setup and more, UCSI is able to provide experiences others can’t, formulate solutions others don’t and enhance outcomes for students around the world.
Join UCSI’s Enrolment Days to gain scholarship information, redeem 50% registration fee waiver and mystery gifts for walk-ins. ■ For more information, log on to apps.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/infoenrolment or call 03-9101 8882 or 011-3591 5021.