ON AMISSION: Equipped with a wealth of experience, Dr Hwang intends to take research initiatives at UCSI to another level.

THE laboratory isn't exactly the usual place to strike up a conversation on Japan with a local academic. But then again, Assoc Prof Dr Hwang Jung Shan is not your usual academic.

Having worked for 12 years in the Land of the Rising Sun, Dr Hwang is very much the right person to speak to on all things Japanese.

She certainly looks and carries the part. Blessed with a fair complexion that one would associate with lots and lots of Pitera, Dr Hwang's soft-spoken nature masks the many endeavours she has undertaken.

Endeavours like research on protein DNA interaction; gene regulation in E.coli; the study of protein in viruses and extensive work on Hydra, to name a few.

And as her career is related, one can't help but ask the burning question: Why return to Malaysia?

The fact that she missed her motherland – and its food – aside, Dr Hwang returned to share her experiences with local students.

And by heading the postgraduate programme at UCSI University's Faculty of Applied Sciences (FOAS), Dr Hwang has the right platform to inculcate an interest in research amongst her students.

"I really want to encourage them and help them understand that research can be rewarding, professionally and financially," she opines.

"Traditionally, research isn't really a strong point at local private universities but I'm confident that this will change. A basic degree won't cut it anymore in certain fields and research opportunities will increase in line with Malaysia's push to become a developed high-income nation.

"After all, research is really the driving force behind modernity. A significant discovery will propel an entire industry forward and this is what the public must be mindful of."

One with a plan – another quintessential Japanese trait – Dr Hwang's immediate objectives are to strengthen the faculty's postgraduate offerings, enhance the level of delivery and to spur interest amongst the local students.

Presently, three postgraduate programmes are offered at UCSI, namely, a Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology; MSc Biotechnology with Business Management and MSc Applied Sciences by Research.

Another two programmes, the MSc Food Science and MSc Food Science with Business Management, are in the offing and they should be launched next year.

With around 30 postgraduate students – most of them international – in the three programmes, FOAS is one of the leading faculties at UCSI when it comes to postgraduate endeavours.

Commenting on UCSI's offerings, Dr Hwang points out that the programmes are divided into two pathways: the traditional research intensive route or a more accessible coursework-based variant.

"Traditional research-based routes are important but things tend to get very specific," she muses. "Sometimes, there is a tendency to get too focused to the point where one neglects other areas.

"Coursework-based programmes are becoming increasingly popular as they enhance access to postgraduate studies. Working professionals who are interested in further study often look at this pathways as they may not be able to commit to the research-based programmes that are generally more time consuming."

A glowing testimony

Tevan Rambunathan is one who could not agree more.

A plant manager at a factory manufacturing contact lens cleaning solutions in Perak, Tevan could only dedicate his weekends to further study, making the coursework-based programme his only option.

"Although I am interested in research, which is still an important component of my course, I can't afford to spend entire weeks in the lab due to work commitments," explains Tevan, who is in the midst of completing his thesis.

"A coursework-based programme was the only viable option for me and I'm happy to find what I was looking in UCSI's Master's in Biotechnology with Business Management. My work was not adversely affected as I travel to Kuala Lumpur for weekend classes."

For his research project, Tevan sought to isolate strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) – a soil-dwelling bacterium that is commonly used as a biological pesticide – that were collected from various states in Malaysia.

Tests were conducted to see the efficacy of Bt pesticides in combating fungus on local fruits like papayas and guavas and it was found that fungus growth was inhibited by around 50% more than other biological pesticides.

"I decided to work on Bt as it has not been covered extensively by Malaysian researchers even though it is popular in Western countries," explains Tevan.

"Bt pesticides would be extremely useful in combating pathogenic organisms in palm oil and rubber plantations and this is something worth considering as these exports contribute greatly to the Malaysian economy."

It must be noted that the opportunity to dual specialise was a pull factor for Tevan who jumped at the opportunity to learn more about strategic planning and human resources management.

"The programme is a natural fit for me as I manage more than 50 people at the factory," he muses. "Looking back, I must say that the course has helped me immensely.

"I have become a more effective manager and I am ready for bigger responsibilities in the organisation."

Looking back, Tevan points out that the UCSI experience broadened his horizons in more ways than one.

For starters, he gets to mingle with international students – a rarity when he was studying at a public university – and this, he says, helps him foster greater cross-cultural appreciation.

The learning experience is another big plus point as nothing is taken for granted in a rigorous process of conjecture and refutation.

"The teaching system is very different here and we were encouraged to question things," Tevan enthuses.

"We can disagree with lecturers as we seek to reconcile theory and actual work practices and this facilitates a true process of discovery. I am very happy with my time here and I could not ask for more."

To find out more about the faculty's offerings, visit us any day from Monday to Saturday (9am – 6pm) for course counselling. You may also contact our counsellors at 03-9101 8880 or email us at www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/onlineenquiry

One may also visit the faculty's website at http://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/v2/foas/