Assoc. Prof. Dr Lachman Tarachand receiving one of the Macbooks from Mr Lee Thuan Teik.

UCSI University students enquire about some of the Apple products offered by Tristar Digital.

tudents test out the new touch screen computers at the Technology Centre.

Kuala Lumpur, 18 January 2011 - UCSI University and Tristar Digital (TD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in a smart partnership to bring in new technology to classrooms. With the signing of the MoU, TD, an authorized dealer for Apple will be bringing in new technology to the University’s School of Information Technology while also offering some of their products to the students, at least 7 percent cheaper than normal retail prices. TD’s temporary booth which sells i-Pads, Macbooks, i-Phones and other popular Apple products opened for business today, while a 280 square feet concept boutique called the “Apple Experience Centre” is planned for construction within the University’s bookstore at the end of February this year. 

As part of the MoU agreement, three Macbooks were also given to the University’s School of IT. According to Associate Professor Lachman Tarachand, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Macbooks will be used to enhance classroom experience. “The School of IT is currently looking into incorporating the technology provided by TD to the curriculum. This MoU will allow TD and the University to have a technology transfer which will keep students updated with the latest technology.” 

The University’s smart partnership with TD will also benefit the students and staff in the long run, with TD providing practical photo, video and audio workshops that will be incorporated into student clubs and University activities. According to Mr Lee Thuan Teik, Sales Director for TD, certified Adobe trainers will be brought in to teach staff and students how to use various software. 

“We will also be collaborating with our other partners such as Canon, Viacom and Minox to enhance the workshop experience. For instance, Canon can provide students temporary use of their Digital SLR cameras during our digital photography workshops,” he says. 

This MoU with TD reflects the University’s commitment to constantly provide students with the latest technology in and out of the classroom. The University’s Student Affairs Office will soon launch its Technology Centre at the Student Centre consisting of 12 units of 32-inch touch screen computers. According to Ms Ooi Pei Boon, Student Affairs Office Director, this facility will enable students to quickly check their email, e-advantage portal and even their Facebook accounts. 

Students are already giving positive feedback about the new facility. Chong Mei Gie, a 2nd year Mass Communications student says that the computers are truly convenient. “I can now check my e-mails, and my assignments online.” Carina Lee Ju Lee, also a Mass Communications student concurs. “We now don’t have to go all the way to the computer labs to check our e-mails.”