Educational trip to the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre

I had the opportunity to join a group of 29 MLT students of Batch 1-5 accompanied by 2 of their lecturers to the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre in Semengoh on Monday. I was about 15 minutes late *woops* but I was able to catch the slideshows that Ms. Asha was presenting to the students.

Ms. Asha was on hand to give a brief presentation about the centre, its contribution and such.

No educational field trip is complete without their lecturers giving them questions based on the presentation/field trip as part of their weekly tutorial assignments before the tour around the facility =)

Mr. Then distributing assignment topic to each of the group

The studentssss ............. ! =)

After the presentation, all of us headed to the (traditional) documentation block a.k.a herbarium section where most of the plants are stored and labeled to document their species, collector's name, venue of collection and such in the database.

The students listening to the officer's explanation in full concentration on how plants are collected, mounted on the special sheet and labeled.


A section of the lab where some of the plants were also kept in plastic bottle/jar/

Apparently, not only plants were documentated but animals and insects too. Here are just some of the specimens that I managed to take a picture of.

Don't be fooled =)

My camera didn't do these insects justice because they looked small. But really, they were H U G E !!! I can't imagine the horror if anyone who has fear for these creatures sees one of these in real life *gasp!*

From snakes to moonrat .... They're all kept in this one particular room ...

Next, we went to another section of the centre, which is the Preparation Lab.


Leaves, barks, roots, branches of plants are dried first before the distillation.

Showing the equipments and how the plants are process to the students ...

Jotting down notes for their assignment =))





Touring around the Laila Taib Ethnobotanical Garden. A lot of plants used for medicinal purposes by the indigenouss tribe in Sarawak for both human and animals can be found here.


And finally for a group picture of the students and their lecturers.

Madam Cynthia standing far left, while Mr. Then standing far right.
The rest, MLT Batch 1-5 students!

Who wants a brand new mp5 player?

We are giving away 20 brand new 2GB mp5 players to new sign-ups for the March/April intakes during our upcoming Open Day!!!

While registration fees are to be fully paid along with documentation to enjoy this exciting offer, only the first 20 sign-ups will be able to receive their new gadget during Orientation.

We have other more exciting offers for everyone who registers with us during the Open Day! We'll keep everyone posted from time to time!

It's Ladies Day today!

Whether you're a student,
Whether you're a mother,
Whether you're a housewife,
Whether you're employed or unemployed,

Today marks International Women's Day!!! =)


Treat yourself to something extra special, ladies!

March roadshow for April's intake =)

Next month's roadshow schedule for our April intake, to be held in various parts in Sarawak.
12.03.2011 - SATURDAY
10.00 AM - 1.30 PM - Kingwood Hotel, Mukah
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM - Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu

13.03.2011 - SUNDAY
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM - Meligai Hotel, Kapit & Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu

14.03.2011 - MONDAY
10.00 AM - 2.00 PM - Bilik Mesyuarat, Pejabat Daerah, Song
10.00 AM - 3.00 PM - Dragon Inn Hotel, Sarikei

15.03.2011 - TUESDAY
10.00 AM - 1.30 PM - Ruang Legar, Dewan Masyarakat, Pejabat Daerah, Kanowit
10.00 AM - 3.00 PM - Victoria Inn, Saratok

16.03.2011 - WEDNESDAY
10.00 AM - 2.00 PM - Ming Kiong Hotel Lobby, Bintangor
10.00 AM - 3.00 PM - Betong Plaza Hotel, Betong

17.03.2011 - THURSDAY
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM - Imperial Hotel, Miri & Dewan Mesyuarat, Majlis Daerah Bau

18.03.2011 - FRIDAY
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM - Imperial Hotel, Miri & Bilik Mesyuarat, Majlis Daerah Lundu

19.03.2011 - SATURDAY
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM - Parkcity Everly Hotel, Bintulu
10.00 AM - 3.00 PM - Electra House, Kuching

20.03.2011 - SUNDAY
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM - Parkcity Everly Hotel, Bintulu
10.00 AM - 3.00 PM - Electra House, Kuching

21.03.2011 - MONDAY
10.00 AM - 3.00 PM - Niah Cave Inn, Batu Niah

23.03.2011 - WEDNESDAY
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM - Bilik Santapan, Dewan Masyarakat Serian

21.03.2011 - 25.03.2011 - MONDAY - FRIDAY
8.30 AM - 8.00 PM - SEGi College Sarawak, 211 Jln Bukit Mata Kuching

EARTH HOUR

It's already the third month of the year, people!
And you know what's interesting bound to happen this month?! EARTH HOUR! 
EARTH HOUR will fall on Saturday, 26th of March.
 
Everyone should switch off their lights for an hour at 8.30 PM =)) 
Will you participate in this move to benefit not only for yourself, others but also for the planet?
What do you think should we include in the event if our college decides to organise an Earth Hour event? Please send us your suggestions boys and girls!

Who's up for a free iPad?!


Find out how you can get a free iPad through our AWESOME limited offer when you enroll for our American Degree Program and Foundation Programme in March! =) 

***Terms & Conditions apply***

For more information, pls call 082-252566 or send us an email/msg to infoswk@segi.edu.my / via facebook, or live chat at Skype/YM: segisarawak

Jacks and Jills hiking up Gunung Serapi

A couple of weeks ago, a large group of participating 8 staff and 44 students from our FNAH campus organised a hiking trip to Gunung Serapi in Matang.

Gunung Serapi is a mountain in Kubah National Park, near Kuching, Sarawak. It is 911 meters high, and it is possible to track right up to its summit. The trail to the summit starts at the park headquarters of Kubah National Park. 

Student Affairs Executive, Mr Faizul briefed the staff and students before they were briefed again on their safety by the management of Kubah National Park.

Students on stand-by at the management office before starting their hike.
So excited!

 Up, up, and away to the summit ...

The hiking started at 9 a.m. and upon reaching 500 feet, a few students started to feel tired and took a rest. One of the staff, Ms. Hamni waved her white flag and surrendered to climbing the mountain then. Those who continued the journey reached the summit trail around 11 a.m. while some reached around 12 p.m.



Among one of the few signs along the trail, "Natural Frog Pond".
WARNING!

  Students having a laugh with Faizul upon reaching the summit. Probably a sign of relief from the hiking, perhaps? =)

 Students taking a break ... Their smiles hiding the pain on their legs heh ;))

One of the other groups who had their own taste of mountain hiking too.

After a short rest over lunch, everyone departed to the waterfall which took them nearly one hour to arrive! Seeing that Mother Nature has not been "friendly" for the past few days, they were at the waterfall for less than an hour as a safety for their well-being.
 
 
The view of the waterfall.
Nice, isn't it?  

One of the students injured himself when he tried to walk down the stairs (which happened to be the hiking path)! Fortunately for him, the a group of Health Department staff were around as well who brought their 4WD to the summit. Thus, asking their help to bring the injured student accompanied by Madam Ling to the base.


A group of everyone who were waiting to depart back to Kuching. Tiring but t'was an enjoyable moment for everyone =)

A mini Chinese New Year gathering

It was just last Thursday that Chap Goh Mei was celebrated to the mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. But that didn't stop the staff and students to have a mini Chinese New Year gathering on the eve of it =)

The lion dance performance kicked off with the lighting of the firecrackers before the pair of lions went inside to the lobby.

The duo getting ready

Moments after the firecrackers were lit
If you're wondering, 
 Here's the lovely Principal, Stella Lau to present the offering to the duo

The theme for that day was RED, so basically NEARLY every staff and students were dressed in RED =) It was so RED that the campus was close to being RED for a while =)

A section of the staff in RED

A section of the students and staff in RED

Students in RED =)

Here's Stella giving a short speech wishing and thanking everyone who attended. 

And not forgetting the college's Student Council President, Brendan Chin who was the emcee for the next activity ...........

Hello Mr. Student Council President =)

There was an activity among the staff and students where everyone was divided into groups. Each group had to sing a song according to the theme that was written on the paper. The scenario was hilarious as everyone was trying to figure out the songs just so it does not match with other groups.

English oldies, anybody?

Basically, the lobby was filled with a short verse of every possible English oldies that each group had to sing.

Here's the Tourism Management students trying to belt out their song!

Here's another section who was quite the competitor among the rest of the groups
SEMANGAT! =)


Another excited group

At last, everyone was the winner because the whole point of this activity is to bond the fellowship between staff and students =)

Also, the Principal Award ceremony was held after the activity. Congrates to the 8 recipients! =)

The hungry staff and students were treated to a light refreshment after the ceremony.


**Credit to Jie Chiam for the pictures

High achievers rewarded

We would like to congratulate to the high achievers who scored high distinctions in their last semester's examinations. The eight recipients received their Principal Award during the ceremony held yesterday at the main campus =)

They are:
  • Benny Wong Wee Fung (DiHM)
  • Chan Khin See (DiGD)
  • Chai Poh Zhuang (DiA)
  • Tan Chun Ping (DiA)
  • Vivian Leong Pei Hsia (DiA)
  • Lee Jin Yao (DiBA)
  • Mark Hsu Kian (DiBA)
  • Rock Stevie Jee Boon Leong (DiBA)
The students with their Programme Coordinators and Principal, Stella Lau.

Look who's in the news!

All work and no play makes the students of FNAH dull! =) Soooo ............... they have organised an outdoor trip to Santubong!

SEGi's FNAH faculty had recently appeared in last Tuesday's publication of The Borneo Post.

Please click here for your further reading!

 

 

Chinese New Year Firework Outing

Nothing to do on CNY's eve? Wanna learn how to capture firework photos? Wanna learn light painting? If YES, head over to Taman Sahabat tomorrow at 10.30pm =) Killing two birds with one stone, you'll not only learn some photography techniques but also to watch the colourful fireworks when the clock strikes midnight to usher in the Chinese New Year!

Participants getting to know more about Tourism Hospitality

Finally uploading a few pictures from the Hospitality Preview that was held last Thursday at our campus' Theatrette! The reception from the preview was a good one based on the attendance and feedback from those who attended it.

Mr. Michael Chew, who is the Head of School and Tourism Hospitality SEGi UC, gave a very interesting (and amusing too) session as he facilitated the preview =) 





SEGi gives Sarawak & Sabah students flight subsidies to Kuching


19/1/2011
Press Release
SEGi gives Sarawak & Sabah students flight subsidies to Kuching

KUCHING: SEGi College Sarawak is making it easier for outstation Sarawak and Sabah students to gain a degree or diploma by offering flight subsidies to Kuching.

Students residing in Sarawak will be given flight subsidies of RM150 and RM200 for Sabah students respectively.

These are the amount they can claim regardless of the price they paid for their air fares.

“This is to say that if the air fares from Sabah cost RM150 to fly to Kuching, SEGi will still reimburse the Sabah student with RM200. The additional ‘RM50’ can be used for their own allowance,” said Head of Student Recruitment Rachel Fum.

“All they need to do is to submit their used airline ticket to SEGi when claiming the flight subsidy.”

SEGi also arranges for outstation students’ accommodation as well as free shuttle services between the hostel and the College. This service has benefited many students as they don’t have to wait for public transport or use their pocket money for taxis.

SEGi College Sarawak offers a wide range of programmes from foundation level to MBA.

Its many faculties offer diploma and degree programmes in Business Management, Finance, Law, Information Technology, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Environmental Health, Hotel and Tourism, Graphic Design, Creative Multimedia, Psychology, Communications Marketing, Management, Accountancy, Human Resource Management, Administrative Management, Early Childhood Education, A-Levels and many more.

SEGi College has good working partnerships with reputable and internationally recognised institutions of higher learning such as the University of Sunderland (UK), University Southern Queensland (Australia), and Upper Iowa University (USA).

SEGi Education Group has a student population of more than 23,000 with a good mix of international students.

With over 30 years of experience in the education industry, SEGi is at the forefront of private higher education.

Meanwhile, the January roadshow is in progress beginning with Serian at Bilik Santapan, Dewan Masyarakat Serian on January 20 from 10am to 4pm.

The next stops are Parkcity Everly Hotel in Bintulu on January 21, then on January 22 the SEGi roadshows will be in Tanahmas Hotel in Sibu and Imperial Hotel in Miri from 10am to 4pm.

The following day, January 23, the SEGi team will stop in Sarikei at Dragon Inn from 10am to 4pm before making their way to Kanowit at Ruang Legar, Dewan Masyarakat, MDK from 10am to 2pm on January 24.

The final stops are at Bintangor at Ming Khiong Hotel on January 25 (10am to 2pm) and at Betong Plaza Hotel in Betong on January 26 (10am to 3pm).

More information is obtainable toll-free at 1-300-88-7344 (SEGI), fax: 082-231355, email: infoswk@segi.edu.my or log on to www.segi.edu.my.

 FREE FLIGHT…Newly registered students Sarawakian Norain Janag (2nd left) and Sabahan Asriyani Bahar (2nd right) posing for a photo with Programme Executives Hailey Lai (right)and Marianne Linus (left) after receiving their flight subsidy cheques.

SEGi expert to give ‘The Best in Hospitality’ preview


17/01/2011
Press Release
SEGi expert to give ‘The Best in Hospitality’ preview

KUCHING: A Kuala Lumpur-based expert in the tourism and hospitality industries will be in Kuching to inform members of the public what these fields have to offer.

The preview will present a good opportunity for locals to gain more knowledge of what’s in store for those who venture into these two rapidly growing industries.

Facilitated by SEGi University College’s Head for the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Michael Chew, he will focus on the topic ‘The Best of Hospitality’.

The public preview will be held at SEGi College Sarawak from 6.30pm to 8pm on Tuesday, 18th January, 2011. It is open to the public and participation is free of charge.

Individuals who are interested in entering the tourism and hospitality sectors or those who are already in the industries are more than encouraged to attend. 

“Mr Michael Chew has over 36 years of experience in this field and he will give an overview of benefits and opportunities that come to those who are venturing into these industries,” said SEGi College Sarawak Vice Principal of Academic, Alan Tan.

“He has an impressive resume of past experiences, not to mention, a BA (Hons) in Hotel Business Management from De Montfort University, UK and a MSc in Training Management from the University of Leicester, UK.”
Chew will also point out how SEGi’s tourism and hospitality course is structured so that it is streamlined to both industries, making SEGi’s programmes among the best.

“The networking with institutional partners and corporations in the industries enables SEGi to have industry relevant diploma and degrees so that our graduates are more employable and are the preferred graduates,” said Tan.

Pursuing a SEGi qualification in tourism or hospitality will give our graduates all the advantages that the institution of higher learning has sought to become, that is, the best. 

SEGi College Sarawak offers the Diploma in Hotel Management and Diploma in Tourism Management which offers a pathway to the University of Sunderland, UK BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

For those seeking the degree level for job enhancement or promoton, Chew will also cover the benefits and opportunities that come with the attainment of further professional qualifications concerning employment.

More information on the public preview and the programmes offered at SEGi College is obtainable toll free at 1-300-88-7344, tel: 082-252566, fax: 082-231355 or email: infoswk@segi.edu.my.

 CHEW… talking about the best of hospitality.

Intake Roadshow today!

Those who are in Serian (or nearby Serian to say the least) are most welcome to head over to Bilik Santapan at Dewan Masyarakat Serian at 10am - 4pm today!

Our course counsellors will be there to assist you with all inquiries pertaining to course information, fees, accomodation, loans, etc.!

For immediate registration, do not forget to bring your SPM/STPM (actual/forecast) results and a RM100 wang pos!

See you there! =)

Are you a Beautifool Love?


Our campus will be organizing a free screening for all students to watch our locally-made movie, "Beautifool Love" which is directed by Calavin Limz =) It'll be screened at 9am to be shown at the Theatrette.

Boys and girls, do support our local movie industry!

**trailer will be up once I've figured out with the setting

Hospitality Preview tomorrow!

We will be having a Hospitality Preview tomorrow which is going to be held at the Theatrette from 6.30pm - 8.00 pm =)


All are welcome and participation is free! Those who are interested in Tourism and Hospitality (besides students) are highly encouraged to attend this preview. It will be facilitated by SEGi University College's Head of School of Tourism and Hospitality, Mr. Michael Chew.


‘The Best of Hospitality’ preview set to highlight the many job careers in industry

12/1/2011
Press Release
‘The Best of Hospitality’ preview set to highlight the many job careers in industry

KUCHING: The hospitality and tourism industries have always been big contenders when it comes to national earnings, making these two sectors regulars in the list of top 5 revenue earners in Malaysia.

Not surprisingly, the government has made these sectors part of the economic transformation programmes while the Sarawak government has included tourism as one of the 10 priority industries in SCORE (Sarawak  Corridor of Renewable Energy). 

Globally, these industries are also huge revenue earners, chalking up billions of dollars in profit.

Recent growth within the hospitality and tourism sectors has also been immense, meaning that those within the industries or planning to enter the industry have good job prospects.

“In Malaysia, the tourism industry was the country's second biggest foreign exchange earner with 23.6 million tourist arrivals in 2009 and tourist receipts amounting to RM53.3 billion, compared to RM49.6 billion in 2008 with 22 million tourist arrivals,” said SEGi College Sarawak Senior Programme Coordinator Carleen Teo.

“With the hospitality industry's growth rate increasing, the importance of finding good employees is a high priority.”

Historically, the hospitality industry has drawn heavily from the youth labor pool to meet their workforce needs, but in recent trends, the industry has been left with an insufficient pipeline of new workers to satisfy demand.

Faced with a shrinking pipeline of workers, the hospitality industry is increasing its recruitment efforts towards youth.

“This signifies that youths entering their diploma and degree programme now can still reap the rewards of good career opportunities and those who have graduated are assured of jobs waiting for them,” said Teo.

“They are not limited to gaining jobs only in Malaysia but also in countries where the tourism industry is in need of workers.”

In short, those seeking to work outside of the nation can seek out international careers, an international working environment and meet people from different cultural backgrounds.

Regardless of whether they are working in Malaysia or internationally, there is professional diversification and high employability in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Meanwhile, SEGi University College’s Head of School of Tourism and Hospitality, Michael Chew, will be in Kuching on Tuesday, 18th January, 2011 to facilitate a public preview on ‘The Best of Hospitality’.

To be held at SEGi College Sarawak from 6.30pm to 8pm, Chew who has chalked up 36 years of experience in this field will give an overview of benefits and opportunities that come to those who are venturing into these industries.

He has a BA (Hons) in Hotel Business Management from De Montfort University, UK and a MSc in Training Management from the University of Leicester, UK.

SEGI’S NO 1…SEGi students in the College’s Hotel Simulation Room noting that SEGi is the best.

SEGi College Sarawak offers the Diploma in Hospitality Management and Diploma in Tourism Management which offers a pathway to the University of Sunderland, UK BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The Kuching based College has already generated its first two batches of graduates, all of whom have either found jobs in the respective industries or are furthering their studies at the degree level.

More information on the public preview and the programmes offered at SEGi College is obtainable at tel: 082-252566, fax: 082-231355 or email: infoswk@segi.edu.my.

Training essential to meet shortage of qualified child educators

10/1/2011

Press release

Training essential to meet shortage of qualified child educators


KUCHING: Thousands of children could miss out on proper early childhood education due to a staffing shortage of qualified graduate teachers in both government schools and private institutions.

This is due to a shortage of qualified early childhood professionals in pre-schools.

Only 60 per cent of Malaysian children go to pre-school before they get into Standard One, according to the Prime Minister’s Department.

“The problem is many of them cannot cope with the curriculum because they have not been to pre-school (the 40 per cent)," said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala in a recent Bernama report.

To address the immediate shortage, the government is taking steps to address this problem by ensuring quality training for pre-school teachers to increase the enrolment rate of children in pre-school.

Under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the Ministry of Education in collaboration with SEGI College Sarawak is conducting pre-school teacher training in Sarawak.

The college is one of the institutions of higher learning which is providing the training in Malaysia to enhance pre-school education in the country, ensuring high quality standards for pre-school teachers, and to increase the enrolment rate of children in pre-school.

"It is crucial that child educators are equipped with good education and experience in educating children,” said SEGi College Sarawak Principal Stella Lau.

“Child educators second to parents in shaping the child, which in turn determines how the child behaves and perceives ideas in the future.”

SEGi College Sarawak has been approved to run the Early Childhood Education programme by Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) under Idris Jala.

The College is known for its recognised industry-driven programmes and has recently conducted a 3-week course on a Ministry of Education training for kindergarten teachers.

The first batch of 20 kindergarten teachers, from Kuching and Kota Samarahan, were selected by the Sarawak Education Department to attend this course.

The intensive course covered five modules and the examinations are set by the Ministry of Education.

“This is an exciting development. The programme is offered as there is a need to train and produce quality and excellent professional early childhood educators.

“We are pleased to be a part of this programme because we believe in quality care for children to ensure that their full and healthy development,” said Lau.

The teachers were provided with full course materials, manuals and CDs as well as meals to ensure proper time management of the programme.

“This training programme will prove to be beneficial to these teachers. We will share all our experience on early childhood education with them.”

“Since our lecturers have been in the industry before, they will be able to share many insights that a normal academician will lack.”

-- ends

WE DID IT…The 20 teachers, accompanied by Lau (seated, 4th left) and Programme Coordinatior Daphne Vania Sin Suan (seated, 5th left) cheering after successfully completing their course.