Global Malaysian Ambassador Project

The University of Cape Town (UCT)

2008-06-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public university and the oldest institute of higher learning in South Africa. The University of Cape Town began as the South African College in 1829. Full university status was achieved in 1918, when it took on the name of the University of Cape Town. UCT now has four campuses and 17,125 students, 31% of who are graduate students.

The main campus is located on the slopes of Table Mountain–one of the most impressive sites any university could wish for–overlooking the suburbs of Cape Town, the second largest port of South Africa. Since 1999 the university is divided into six faculties each of which is made up of a number of closely related departments: humanities, science, engineering and the built environment, health sciences, commerce, and law.

UCT is dedicated to both teaching and research. It is one of South Africa’s leading universities with a distinguished worldwide reputation. UCT boasts four Nobel laureates and has 23 A-rated scientists who are world leaders in their respective fields of research. UCT has approximately 20,000 students and 5,000 staff. UCT sees itself as an active participant in the issues and challenges confronting post-apartheid South Africa. The enrollment of black students, which represented a tiny percentage in the period between 1960 to 1980, reached 48% in 2000.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

2008-06-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of South Africa is a statutory body, established in 1968. It supports development nationally, in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and in Africa. It primarily conducts large-scale, policy-relevant, social-scientific projects for public-sector users, non-governmental organizations and international development agencies, in partnership with researchers globally, but specifically in Africa.

The HSRC aligns its research activities and structures to South Africa's national development priorities: notably poverty reduction through economic development, skills enhancement, job creation, the elimination of discrimination and inequalities, and effective service delivery.
The HSRC also seeks to contribute to the research and development strategy of the HSRC's parent Department of Science and Technology, especially through its mission to focus on the contribution of science and technology in addressing poverty.

As of August 2005, the HSRC entered a next phase of strategic realignment to support its role as 'knowledge hub', intended to help bridge the gap between research, policy and action; thus increasing the impact of research. This will be achieved through collaboration with key constituencies, including government, other research organizations, multinational agencies, universities, non-government organizations and donor organizations. Research programmes in the organisation have been consolidated and strengthened to achieve greater levels of synergy, efficiency, and collaboration. The establishment of a Policy Analysis Unit, intended to create the infrastructure for the best minds in the country to collectively address research issues of national importance, serves as one example of the HSRC's commitment to serve the needs of the country in an integrated and structured way.

With its research complement of about 165 researchers, 63 technical staff and 128 support staff in five different centres, the HSRC is well equipped to respond flexibly and comprehensively to these current and emerging needs. Its six multi-disciplinary research programmes and five cross-cutting research units, focused on user needs, are spread across three centers in different parts of South Africa.

The HSRC strives to strike a balance between the undertaking of contract and commissioned research for users on the one hand, and of more fundamental inquiry on the other. It recognizes that if its research is to make a significant difference to aspects of national life, it must be responsive to the needs of users and relevant to topical social issues, while at the same time advancing a theoretically informed understanding of society in all its aspects.

The outputs of its research projects include reports for users, occasional papers, and scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals or books. These are disseminated in print through an online bookshop and electronically.

Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF)

2008-06-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF) was established by government in January 2001 with the mandate of promoting the job creation and skills development and transfer among young South. Created to counter the issue of youth unemployment, which is extremely high, the Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF) pursues programmes that it can extend to benefit as many young people as possible.

The fund serves youth between the ages of 18 and 35, who are out of school, and it ensures gender balance. In addition, UYF has a bias towards previously disadvantaged youth. UYF's programmes are designed to cater for a diverse range of circumstances, including rural / peri urban; level of education and/or literacy; skilled or unskilled; HIV positive; disabilities and level of work experience, if any.

To carry out its mandate, UYF makes strategic investments to create opportunities for young people to acquire skills, to access job opportunities or to pursue meaningful self-employment opportunities. UYF has launched five large-scale targeted projects, focusing on construction, food, agriculture and textiles, as they have the propensity to be labour intensive

UYF has opened 63 new offices in association with municipalities, has fully integrated the two micro finance businesses that it acquired last year and has been able to grow the number of people participating in its projects year-on-year.

Arrive in South Africa

2008-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

I have arrived in my next destination, the African continent. The first country as part of this tour is The Republic of South Africa.

South Africa is a rainbow nation, an African economic powerhouse with the most progressive democracy in the world. It boasts high quality and globally competitive education, obtainable at a very low fee due to the low exchange rate. It also has major research centers focusing on indigenous and advanced technologies. South Africa has a large higher education system comprising 21 universities, l5 Technikons (Universities of Technology), 50 Teachers Training Colleges and scores of Agricultural and Nursing Colleges.

Since 1994 the South African tertiary education sector has undergone major transformation and restructuring process geared to meet the higher education needs of the 21st century. At the same time, South Africa is becoming the continental leader in the provision of high quality tertiary education relevant to the demands of rapidly globalization and competitive information-driven world.

I would be visiting the top six university of Africa here, namely the University of Cape Town, The Rhodes University, Stellebosch University, University of Pretoria, University of Witwatersrand, University of Western Cape, The University of South Africa and The University of Kwazulu Natal.

Mugging cuts short MIC Global Project

2008-06-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Star: Wednesday May 28, 2008
Mugging cuts short MIC Global Project By A. LETCHUMANAN

KUALA LUMPUR: A 12-month tour of 93 universities in 69 countries by Putera MIC’s first Malaysia Global ambassador has been derailed after he was robbed in Teheran, Iran.

V. Vighneswaran, 28, was robbed of US$500 cash and his passport in April, forcing him to return home.

“I was mugged by three youths after visiting a university in Teheran. I had no choice but to return to Malaysia to get a replacement passport,” he said, adding that he would continue with his mission on June 1.

Vighneswaran had already visited 23 universities – 11 in India, two in Nepal, two in the United Arab Emirates and eight in Iran – when he was mugged.
I will return: Vighneswaran shaking hands with Goa Institute of Management dean P. Mirchandani during his visit to India recently.

Among the universities were Anna University, Madras Medical College and Melaka Manipal Medical College in India; University of Management in Kathmandu, Nepal; Dubai School of Government and American University of Sharjah in UAE; and Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, University of Teheran, Shahid Behesti University and Shiraz University in Iran.

Vighneswaran, who is pursuing a doctorate in economics at Universiti Malaya, said he had received encouraging response from the universities he had visited.

The Malaysian Global Ambassador Project, which was launched by Putera MIC in January, is aimed at creating a world-class higher education system in Malaysia.

On the completion of the project, a working paper on the world’s top ranked universities will be presented to the Higher Education Ministry.

The Sri Murugan Centre (SMC)

2008-05-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

The Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) was founded in September 24, 1982 by Dato Dr. M. Thambirajah together with a group comprising 48 students of the Tamil Language Society and some lecturers of University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. From its inception SMC formulated immediate and long-term objectives. SMC's immediate concern was to prepare students for the STPM (Form Six) Examinations. Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s the performance of Indian students in the STPM Examinations had begun to decline to the extent that there were insufficient adequately qualified Indian students to take up the seats allocated for Indian students in the local varsities.

Since the 1920's middle-class Indian intelligence in Malaysia had recognized the importance of education for the improvement of the community. Social, religious, youth and political bodies has organized tuition classes for Indian children. The teachers were volunteers from the local community and the pupils came from around neighbourhood. The classes were held in either in Tamil schools, temples or the building of the association. The lessons ranged from academic guidance to Tamil language classes to Thevaram sessions. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm of the teachers and organizers were never sustained over a period of more than a few years. The classes were not regular, teachers failed to attend classes, financial problems surfaced and finally the classes were closed.

SMC learnt lessons from the past efforts of these well-meaning, socially conscious Indians who made attempts but did not succeed in achieving their goals. From the outset SMC created an administration that was centralized, structurally closely-knit, tightly coordinated and strictly supervised. Its organization then, could easily be extended and coordinated nation-wide.

Academically SMC longed to offer the best for students preparing for STPM classes. Each subject was to have 25 lessons. Each lesson was written out by undergraduates and graduates under the supervision of University lecturers and experienced teachers. The lessons were supplemented by tutorials, seminars, model answers, tutorials and seminar packs, analysis from past year question papers, tips on study techniques, a personal study scheme, motivational talks with personalized care and attention.

Conducted any other way, the classes would have been subjected to the individual experience and whims of the teachers. It was conceived from the beginning that there would be run in exactly the same manner academically and administratively. In brief, the belief of SMC was that if it cannot offer to the Indians something far better than what they are exposed to, then it better not offer anything. Again, SMC set itself the goal of wishing silently to produce results - "We need workers not talkers".

SMC prepared the material for the first STPM classes from September, 1982 to April. 1983. In April, 1983, 4 STPM classes were commenced at Petaling Jaya, Sentul, Klang and Seremban. Over the years the centres were expanded throughout the country.Up till 2004, about 5800 students who have studied in SMC classes have gained admission to local universities. Many more have passed the examinations and obtained promotions in the jobs or have gone overseas to further their studies.

Science Fair For Young Children

2008-05-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Putera MIC Johor in collaboration with Sri Murugan Center, Center for Community Initiatives & Tamil Foundation successfully organized a Science Fair for Young Children on 11th May 2008. Putera MIC have been credited as the nation’s first Malaysian Indian Political Party to be involved and worked well together with these renowned NGO’s in the country in organizing an unique and exemplary project.

The event was held at the Sultan Iskandar Hall, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and was officiated by Johor State Science and Innovation Exco Member YB. M. Asojan . The events attracted over 300 students and parents from around Johor state.

The highlight of this program was the 60 teams from 70 Tamil primary schools taking part in this contest. This was credited as the largest number of teams participating in 6 states that organized the similar event .The winner will be awarded RM 2000 with trophies, first runner-up is getting RM 1500 and trophies, second runner-up is getting RM 1000 and trophies, for third runner up and forth runner-up is RM 750 and RM 500 with trophies. Besides that, 10 consolation prizes are to be given away and all the contestants are getting certificates.

The student performed extremely well and presented their research and findings from their experiments to a group of independent judges from the Malaysian Tamil Foundation. The children continued to explained in detail on other related information on their projects. This impressive show, has earned them rave reviews for their hard work and enthusiasm towards the science subject. Many students have also proved they have mastered the English language as well.

In the closing speech, Putera MIC National Coordinator, Mr Kamalnathan expressed his excitement over the success of the project and the need to create platform for the Tamil students to excel. He further highlighted the need to encourage, motivate these student. He ended his speech with a vision – TO CREATE A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER AMONGST THESE STUDENTS – and believes that it is a reality if all partners put all their energy and resources together.

Meeting With Malaysian Ambassador to Iran

2008-05-06T04:21:00.008-07:00

Iranian National Paintball Team

2008-05-06T04:21:00.007-07:00

I had the oppurtunity to train with the Iranian National Paintball team, the Datis. The team's name was inspired by a famous ancient Iranian general that never lost a war.

Fittingly the Iranian National Paintball team have been very successful in the sport. They recently won the 2007 Asian Paintball Championship. The team also stood at first place in the 2006 Asian Paintball Championship.The team in renowed for their aggressive and swift style of play.

I met up team captain, Babak, as he explained the reasoning behind their success. According to Babak, every player in Datis understands the dynamics of success in paintball, teamwork. He further highlighted the need for passion and sacrifice.

The team would be completing the World Championship this in France.

Isfahan University of Technology

2008-05-06T04:21:00.006-07:00

Isfahan University of Technology (IUT) is one of the top 3 engineering schools in Iran. It is one of the major universities and research poles in Iran in the fields of science, engineering and agriculture.

The university was founded in 1974 and admitted its first students in 1977.The university was designed and planned directly based on models off of MIT and University of Illinois at Chicago.

Today the university offers degrees in B.S., M.Sc., and PhD levels in several branches of Science and Engineering.The University has maintained its life-long reputation for the quality of education and many of its graduates are working in academic as well as industrial environments around the world.

It's basically believed that the university presents some of the best engineering programs nation-wide especially in the fields of Mechanical, Electrical and Materials Engineering. Many of the country's brightest talents choose IUT among their first choices in National University Entrance Exams.

The university runs two famous research centers: Information &Communication Technology Institute and Subsea R & D center were the first national radar project and design and implementation of first Iranian Submarine were carried out.

Departments include; Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, [Electrical & Computer Engineering], [Industrial Engineering], Mechanical Engineering, Textile Engineering, Mine Engineering, Agriculture , Natural Resources, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Affiliated Research Centres include;Information & Communication Technology InstituteSubsea Research Centre, Network Security Centre and Steel Research Center.

Iran University of Science and Technology

2008-05-06T04:21:00.005-07:00

The Iran University of Science and Technology is a research institution and university of engineering and science in Iran, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The university consistently ranks among Iran's top 5 universities.

Iran University of Science and Technology was originally founded in 1929 as the first Iranian institution to train engineers.The institute continued to educate engineering students in several areas who were well employed after graduation by the industries and the companies, mostly involved in industrialization and development process of the country. In 1972, the title of the college upgraded to the Iran Faculty of Science and Technology due to the growth of the institute.

Presently, the university is one of the major technical universities in Iran, and its main campus is formed of 13 major faculties and 3 other departments with 380 members of the academic board. Just on main campus, over 9000 students are studying in 90 specialized fields of engineering and sciences, out of which 2000 are M.Sc. and 546 are Ph.D. students. Over 35000 students have been graduated from this university since 1932, when the first engineer who was educated in Iran attained his bachelor's degree from so called institute.

IUST has 11 departments, 44 instruction groups and 83 fields of study. It is one of the most active universities in Iran for graduate studies. Also it has powerful e-learning system. At present over 4432 students are studying in the BSc program, over 1257 students are studying in MSc. and over 148 are doing Ph.D. disciplines.

Departments included; E-Learning, Architectural engineering, Automotive Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematical Science, Mechanical Engineering(&Aerospace engineering), Materials Engineering, (Metallurgy), Physics science and Railway Engineering.

Sharif University Of Technology

2008-05-06T04:21:00.004-07:00

Sharif University of Technology is a public university of technology, engineering and science in Iran. It is one of the most prominent science and engineering schools in Iran. The university was first founded in 1965 with the goal of modeling the school based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but with roots in Iranian culture. The university has grown to an elite school today with over 9000 students (700 of whom are studying for a doctorate) and over 500 faculty members.

In terms of academic excellence, the GPA of admitted students, the quality of faculty and alumni and the national and worldwide reputation, Sharif University of Technology is the most prestigious Iranian universities. In the THES - QS World University Rankings for year 2007, Sharif University of Technology appeared at number 529, becoming the highest ranked university in Iran.

The chair of Electrical Engineering Department of Stanford University said: "Without a doubt the finest university in the world preparing undergraduate electrical engineers is Sharif University of Technology in Tehran.

Programs that are offer are in Materials Science and Engineering (Metallurgy), Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematical Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace engineering, Management and Economics.

University of Tehran

2008-05-06T04:21:00.003-07:00

The University of Tehran (UT), is the oldest and largest university of Iran. Its library is the largest in country. It is referred to as "The mother university of Iran. Important seminars are frequently held in this university. Located in Tehran, the university is among the most prestigious in Iran, and among the first options of applicants in the annual nationwide entrance exam for top Iranian universities. The school also admits students from all over the world and is known for its wide-ranging fields of research. UT offers 116 bachelor degrees, 160 masters degrees, and 120 Ph.D. degrees. There are 340 foreign students studying there.

Many professors and students of University of Tehran have won prestigious national and international awards. But perhaps the most notable of these is the Nobel Prize awarded to Dr. Shirin Ebadi in 2003.

In Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, the University of Tehran is ranked # 1 in Iran and # 2 in the Middle East in year 2007. Tehran University appears at number 539 in world rankings on the THES ranking for 2007.

In 2006, University of Tehran won the title for the "Advanced Simulation League" in the Robocup competitions in Germany in 2006. The university's engineering and architecture graduates are among the finest in the country.

In 2005 and 2006, affiliated Tehran University of Medical Sciences was ranked the top university of Iran in medical research. In terms of the number of papers published, the 2005 ranking of non-medical universities of Iran ranked TU as number one in Iran, followed by TUMS at number five.

Furthermore, the University of Tehran has also been designated as a Center of Excellence by Iran's Ministry of Science and Technology in the fields of "urban planning", "applied electromagnetics", "control and intelligent processing (CIPCE)", "petroleum", and "nano-electronics.

Arrive in The Islamic Republic of Iran

2008-05-06T04:21:00.001-07:00

I have arrived in my third port of destination, the Islamic Republic of Iran. From my reseach, I have discovered that Iran has a large network of private, public, and state affiliated universities offering degrees in higher education. State-run universities of Iran are under the direct supervision of Iran's Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (for non-medical universities) and Ministry of Health and Medical Education (for medical schools).

In 2004, Iran had over 2.4 million students enrolled in universities. Iran currently has 54 state operated universities, and 42 state medical schools. These are primarily the top choice for students in national entrance exams, and have the largest and most prestigious programs. There are 289 major private universities operating as well.

In all these schools, except for private universities such as the Islamic Azad University system, tuition and room and board, is mostly paid for by the government. The universities themselves largely operate on state budgets. There are also institutes like Payame Noor University that offer degrees remotely or online.

Some schools offer degrees in conjunction with European Universities. The International University of Chabahar for example offers programs under the guidance of London School of Economics and Political Science Goldsmiths University of London, and Royal Holloway. Other schools such as the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences in Zanjan, have close collaboration with The International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy for workshops, seminars, and summer schools. The Iranian government also offers intensely competitive but fully paid scholarships for successful applicants to pursue PhD level studies in Great Britain.

Almost none of these universities however are mentioned and not evaluated in the 2007 Academic Ranking of World Universities , nor in the The Times Higher Education Supplement.
Iranian authorities however ignore such rankings, and claim that, according to Chancellor of Tehran University, "Iran is third in Science and Technology in Asia after Japan and Turkey".Iran does however maintain one of the highest growth rates of research publications among world countries in 1995-2004 period, ranking 1st in the world just above China.

Dubai Media City

2008-05-06T04:21:00.000-07:00

Dubai Media City (DMC) is the only global media hub in the region where all media-related businesses thrive together.This project was aimed to transform Dubai into a knowledge-based society and economy.Located in heart of Dubai at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, it was built by the Dubai government to boost UAE's media foothold, and has become a regional hub for media organizations ranging from: news agencies, publishing, online media, advertising, production, and broadcast facilities.Some of the major broadcasters based at Dubai Media City are international news agencies such as Reuters, APTN and MBC.

The Dubai School of Goverment

2008-05-05T19:23:00.005-07:00

The Dubai School of Government is a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world. Established in 2004 through partnership with the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the School aims to promote good governance through enhancing the region’s capacity for effective public policy.

Toward this goal, the Dubai School of Government also collaborates with international institutions such as the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, the World Bank, the UNDP and the Brookings Institution in its research and training programs. In addition, the School organizes policy forums and international conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote critical debate on public policy in the Arab world.

The School is committed to the creation of knowledge, the dissemination of best practice and the training of policy makers in the Arab world. To achieve this mission, the School is developing strong capabilities to support research and teaching programs including
• applied research in public policy and management;
• master’s degrees in public policy and public administration;
• executive education for senior officials and executives; and;
• knowledge forums for scholars and policy makers.

University Of Sharjah

2008-05-05T19:23:00.004-07:00

The University of Sharjah is a semi-governmental higher educational institution which was founded 1997.The key aim of the University of Sharjah is to meet the Emirate of Sharjah’s educational and cultural needs within its Islamic values and tradition. It's vision is to become a leading academic institution in the Middle East and be well recognized around the world. The university is divided into two campuses--a men's campus and a women's campus

The University of Sharjah currently offers 13 Master's programs in various fields, including Arabic, business, communication, computer science, engineering, law, history, Islamic studies and English translation. More than 400 students from UAE and neighboring countries are enrolled in these programs.

University of Sharjah also promotes Distinguished Research through support to Faculty and Students' research; projects, groups, publications, patents and many more, and due to its importance as a primary goal, the university offers the appropriate atmosphere to assure its development and sustainability, and encourages researchers through providing them with full support, aiming to raise the knowledge and develop scientific applications, and its contribution to social and economic growth.

The American University of Sharjah

2008-05-05T19:23:00.003-07:00

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a coeducational higher educational institution in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, founded in 1997. Its medium of instruction is English, and it is based on American-style universities.

Although, like most other "American Universities," it is not a branch of the American University in Washington, DC, USA, it does have a close affiliation with that school. Both institutions are linked by a five year contract recently renewed until 2009. The campus is located in Sharjah's university city, which incorporates a number of other universities amongst which is the University of Sharjah.

AUS is organized into four main schools: Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Architecture and Design, and Business and Management. All of these schools have their own majors and studies. The American University of Sharjah aspires to be one of the best universities in the Persian Gulf region and annually receives hundreds of foreign students. Its student body consists of around 20% Emirati, another 20% from other GCC countries, around 30% from the rest of the Arab world including Jordan, the Palestinian Territories, Egypt and Sudan, and the rest come from everywhere else, with significant numbers of Iranians, Indians, and Pakistanis. Its full enrollment just over 5,000 students.

On July 3, 2004, The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been granted accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States of America, In its final report granting the university accreditation, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, one of nine regional U.S. accrediting agencies, congratulated AUS on its excellent roster of undergraduate and graduate programs, its state-of-the-art campus facilities, its highly qualified faculty and staff, and its dynamic student body.

An evaluation team from the Commission visited the university in March that year. The team, which included administrators and faculty from the United States, reviewed the self-study completed by the university, visited the campus and met with faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni and employers of AUS graduates. Upon its return to the United States, the team submitted a report as well as its recommendation to the Commission for deliberation in its June meeting the campus and met with faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni and employers of AUS graduates.

On September 17th 2006, all six of the bachelor of science programs in the School of Engineering (now College of Engineering) at American University of Sharjah have been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), of the United States of America. With this prestigious international accreditation, AUS has become the first university in the region and the second outside the United States to receive ABET accreditation.

Arrive In The United Arab Emirates

2008-05-05T19:23:00.002-07:00

I have arrived in my second port of destination of the United Arab Emirates in the city Sharjah. Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, and is the only one to have land on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.Historically, Sharjah was one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years.

There are several universities in Sharjah, including the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah, Troy University - ITS Sharjah Campus, Skyline College Sharjah, Sharjah Men's College, and Sharjah Women's College.

University of Mumbai

2008-05-05T19:23:00.001-07:00

The University of Mumbai(UoM) has been given a five-star ranking by NAAC.The University of Mumbai offers Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees to students. It has affiliations with several high ranking research institutes in the world, including Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly UDCT), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) a Deemed University of the University of Mumbai and the Tata Memorial Hospital. The UoM is ranked in the top 500 universities in the world by the THES - QS world universities ranking.

The University of Bombay is modelled after the universities of Britain and primarilly imparts education through its affiliated colleges. St. Xavier's College, which was affiliated with the University in 1868, is the first of its colleges. Today, the university campuses serve as administrative centers and centers for some higher education and library facilities.

The main Library or Central Library is Jawaharlal Nehru Library (JNL) with almost a million books (850,000) documents and Scientific Journals, Thesis, Encyclopedias, along with over 30,000 microfilms and over 1200 rare manuscripts, IMF reports, census records and access to several hundreds of E-Journals through online subscription. The (JNL) catalogue is computerised. The Library largely contains books with basic sciences and the social and behavioural sciences.The technology and applied research journals and books of the University of Mumbai are kept at various other libraries including those at MUICT, TIFR, JBIMS & Tata Memorial Hospital. Together the University of Mumbai collection of Books and Scientific journals gets to over a million documents.

The University of Mumbai confers over 1,100 degrees and diplomas every year and over 80,000 students apply for the degrees. It also provides a large International students Hostel for foreign students.
Prominent Alumni of the University of Mumbai include; Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar (Architect of modern India & Author of the Constitution of India).

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

2008-05-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) was the second IIT to be established in 1958 with assistance from UNESCO and with funds contributed by the Soviet Union. UNESCO agreed to provide equipment and technical experts mainly from the Soviet Union, while the Government of India accepted the responsibility for all other expenses including the cost of the building project and recurring expenses

IIT Bombay offers a wide variety of courses of study in engineering, pure sciences, design, management and humanities with a primary focus on engineering. The university is a member of LAOTSE, an international network of leading universities in Europe and Asia exchanging students and senior scholars.

The programmes and courses offered at IIT Bombay have the flexibility to evolve and change, and to respond to new challenges. The Institute conducts educational programmes leading to the degree of Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech.),Dual Degree(B.tech. and M.Tech. in 5 years), Master of Science (MSc.), Master of Technology (MTech.), Master of Design (MDes.), Master of Management (MMgmt.), Master of Philosophy (MPhil.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.).

Every year, IIT Bombay awards degrees, B.Tech, M.Tech, Dual Degree (B.Tech and M.Tech), M.Mgmt and Ph.D to more than 1,000 students. At a given time, the campus is home to more than 6,000 people, comprising of students, professors and non academic staff.

Each year, students finishing at the top of their class are awarded Institute Silver Medals at the convocation Ceremony. Students finishing with the highest GPA in the entire institute are awarded President of India Gold Medals.

Faculty members from IIT Bombay undertake industry sponsored research and consultancy projects that are made available through the institute. These are funded by various national agencies like the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Electronics, Department of Space, Aeronautical Development Agency, Department of Atomic Energy, and Oil and Natural Gas Commission. Many are also working on missions of national importance. A few projects are also being funded by international agencies. Typically in one year, there are about 400 on-going sponsored projects. The sponsored research has ushered in intense research activity leading to the formation of active research groups and has helped in the creation of modern research facilities in key areas.

Consultancy has been a major avenue of interaction between faculty and industry. Consultancy work provides an opportunity to tackle live industrial problems and enhance professional expertise. There are collaborative and consultancy projects with many industries, some abroad. About 700 to 800 projects are executed every year.

The office of the Dean (R&D) provides the necessary liaison with industry and sponsoring agencies. The office helps industry to identify faculty expertise and institutional facilities, and assists faculty in identifying industry problems. Important experimental facilities set up by various departments include laboratories for robotics, biotechnology, microelectronics, microprocessor applications, telematics, remote sensing, low temperature physics and aerodynamics.

Pune,The Oxford Of The East

2008-05-05T00:50:00.002-07:00

Pune was called "The Oxford of the east" by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, due to the well-known academic and research institutions in the city and its popularity amongst students.

All colleges in Pune are affiliated to the University of Pune, one of the largest universities in the world in terms of matriculation. The University of Pune was established in 1948. Some prominent colleges include the Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, College of Engineering, Pune(COEP), Fergusson College, Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC), Abasaheb Garware College, Nowrosjee and Ness Wadia College, Sir Parshurambhau (SP) College, and Modern College. These and many other colleges educate students in the arts, sciences and engineering disciplines. Engineering colleges in Pune graduate up to 10,000 engineers in various disciplines every year, especially serving the burgeoning software and IT industry. The COEP, established in 1854, is one of the oldest colleges in Asia.

The famous Film and Television Institute of India and National Film Archives are also located in Pune on Law College road.

ILS Law College, established by the Indian Law Society is one of the top 10 law schools in India.

It was ranked No. 1 in 2004 and 2005.

In addition to the statutory universities, Pune boasts of 5 Deemed Universities - Deccan College

(Archaeology and Linguistics), Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth (Sanskrit, Indology, Ayurveda and Social Sciences), Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Bharati Vidyapeeth, PICT and Symbiosis International University and Dnyaneshwar Vidyapeeth. In 2008, the University of Oxford announced that it plans to establish the Oxford University India Business Centre (OUIBC) at Pune. This will be Oxford Saïd Business School's first offshore facility.

In addition to the University of Pune, Pune is home to diverse research institutions of national importance that supplement higher education. Pune also houses the premier industrial research lab, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, a research unit of Tata Consultancy Services, working in the areas of computer science and modeling/simulation for materials processing.

Malaysian High Commissioner to India, Datuk Tan Seng Sung

2008-05-05T00:50:00.001-07:00

During my stay in New Delhi, I was fortunate to meet with the Malaysian High Commissioner to India Datuk Tan Seng Sung. Datuk Tan was very supportive to the program and also impressed with Putera MIC’s objectives with the creation of the Global Malaysian Ambassador Project.

Datuk Tan and I then spoke on the High Commission role in hosting the a annual bazaar organized by the Delhi Commonwealth Women's Association. About 100 participants, both Malaysians and Indians, took part in the one-day fund raising campaign that attracted diplomats, the international community and Delhi residents. Malaysian authentic food, Indian garments and handicrafts went on sale at the Malaysian High Commission in Delhi to raise funds for the needy. The proceeds from the rental of these stalls will be used to run hospitals, schools, nurseries and help the under privileged. The organizers also have a panel of doctors who provide free medical treatment for the poor.

I thank Datuk Tan Seng Sung for his kindness and time.

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMU)

2008-05-05T00:50:00.000-07:00

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMU) was originally established at Aligarh in United Provinces, India in 1920. The university was established by nationalist Muslims and is secular in character. Its campus is located in South Delhi. There are no colleges affiliated to the university anywhere else. The university provides a large number of courses at school, undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Jamia Millia Islamia is historically counted as among the most important nationalist institutions in India today. There is probably no other Indian institution which had to survive so much political opposition in its making without diluting its goals. Even the degrees awarded by Jamia were not considered valid in the time of the British.

In early 2006 the king of Saudi Arabia paid a historic visit to the university and donated a record $30 million for construction of a library. Its scenic cricket ground (popularly known as the Bhopal Ground ) has hosted a number of Ranji Trophy matches and a women's cricket test match. Notable alumni of the university include Barkha Dutt, Niharika Acharya,Shahrukh Khan and Virender Sehwag. Besides its seven faculties, the Jamia has a number of centres of learning and research, like Mass Communication Research Centre (MCRC), Academy of Third World Studies (ATWS) etc.

The Jamia offers various undergraduate and postgraduate information and technology courses. Apart from this, the Jamia has a campus wide network which connects a large number of its departments and offices.

I attended 3 days of classes in JMU in the Faculty of Economics and was also privileged to attend various talks and lectures by acclaimed academic speaker. Such lectures included Prof. Prabhat Patnaik on “ Globalization and limits of Redistribution” and also “The Role of Youth in Nation Building” by Mr. Shiv Khera, acclaimed motivational guru.

Jawaharlal Nehru University

2008-05-04T18:50:00.003-07:00

Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU) was named after Jawaharlal Nehru (the first Prime Minister of India) and is among the premier universities in India. Situated in a bush forest of about 1000 acres (4 km²) in South Delhi, JNU is mainly a research oriented postgraduate University with about 5500 students with a faculty strength is around 550. JNU is not only one of the most prestigious universities in India but also in Asia.

International league tables produced in 2006 by the London-based The Times Higher Education Supplement(THES) confirmed JNU's place among the world's top 200 universities. For life and biological sciences, JNU is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. JNU's School of Social Sciences received special notice when THES placed it at the 57th position among the world's top 100 institutes for social sciences.

Over the years, it has been a model university in terms of academic excellence. Being unique of its kind in India, JNU is truly multicultural and a miniature India can be seen and felt in the residential university. Within South Asia, JNU-ites have already made their impact in policy-making and academic programs across the region.

The true Global Character of JNU can be seen from the MOUs signed with major Universities through out the globe. As of now, JNU has exchange programmes and academic collaboration with 71 foreign universities around the world.Among others, the list includes Yale University (USA), George Washington University (USA), University of Illinois (USA), University of North Carolina (USA), SOAS (University of London), Lancaster University (UK), Australia National University (Canberra), GNU (Korea), Ankara University (Turkey), MVL Moscow State University (Russia), University of Philippines (Quezon City), University of Heidelberg (Germany), University of Syndey (Australia), Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (France), etc.

Several prominent political leaders of today have served as guest lecturers in JNU. Prominent among them, are the current Prime Minister of India, Dr.Manmohan Singh, who is a visiting professor at the School of Social Sciences. Former Sri Lanka President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga was a visiting lecturer at the School of International Studies early in her career.

There is a long tradition of holding serious post-dinner meetings in the hostels to which the students often invite well known public figures, writers and intellectuals. The Jawaharlal nehru Students' Union[JNUSU] is democratically elected student body, primarily responsible for building and preserving a health political culture and an atmosphere of open debate on the campus. Students are kept informed about the various public meetings, discussions and other issues through pamphlets and notices. The Student Union election is another democratic convention of JNU is conducted annually entirely by the students in a lively yet peaceful manner, without any intervention of the administration.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela

2008-05-04T18:50:00.002-07:00

The Surajkund Crafts is an annual event that highlight and celebrates some of the finest handloom , handicraft traditions and folk theatre of the country. The Mela is held annually every February organized under the aegis of the Suraj Kund Mela Authority. This comprises of the Department of Tourism Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India in collaboration with Haryana Tourism, Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Commissioner Development (Handicrafts)

The primary objectives of the event is To create and promote a rural ambience for the foreign and domestic tourist to see thus educating patrons both from abroad, urban centers and educational institutes about the fascinating technique and skills involved in craft creation. The event also aims to introduce crafts and craftsperson’s directly to the buyers and help them find their patrons. Through the event organizer’s aim to nurture and preserve languishing crafts of the country and save it for posterity.

The fortnight long celebrations also come as a food festival. Some of the popular food traditions from Punjab come at the Punjabi 'Rasoi'. South Indian delicacies come in from South Indian Section. Popular Chinese and snack foods also arrive for the event along with a special stalls where patrons are introduced to the traditional foods and sweet meats of the selected theme State.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela has grown equally famous for the rhythms of folk theatre: It resonates with the formal notes of the classical genre: The heady rhythms of percussion instruments: The ballads of singing minstrels: The clebration of the simple joys of rural life and reverence of epic traditions all mingle well. All these colourful events are also presented before the audience in the open-air-theatre named Natyashala.

Some of the most deligtful crafts collections of the Mela arrive from practically all over the country. In wood and cane come inlay work, rose wood carving, sandal wood from Punjab and South India. Chiki wood craft of Kashmir and some very fine cane craft come from West Bengal and North Eastern States. Delcate sholapith and shital patti work come from Assam and West Bengal. The phulkari of Punjab, the Banjara and Banni embroidery of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Kantha traditions from West Bengal and Tripura, lace and crochet from Goa, the Suzni of Kashmir and Mirror encasing work along with the traditional chikan work of Lucknow delight. Oxidized jewellery, sea shell decorations and agate stone work delight as also do delicate gold work and chunky silver jewellery. Toys in wood and cane, ply and mud make the young thrill with joy. Some of the fine phad paintings of Rajasthan, the kalamkari of Andhra and Karnataka, temple paintings of Orissa, madhubani of Bihar, fascinate. In the metal section tribal dhora work, classical south Indian metal work, glittering brass ware, bell metal and iron craft delight collectors.

In the field of woven textiles some of the finest silk work of Orissa, Patola, Bandhini of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Ikat, Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram and temple silks of South India vie for attention with the most simple cottons of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and tribal textiles of North East India as also do the handloom of Haryana.

Hyderabad's HITEC City

2008-05-04T18:50:00.001-07:00

Hyderabad city is today known for its IT and IT Enabled Services, Pharmaceuticals and Entertainment industries. Many Software firms, call centres, Business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, dealing with IT and other technological services were set up in the 1990s making it one of the major regions for call centre setups, technology development and KPO hubs in India. The development of a township with state-of-the-art facilities called HITEC City prompted several IT and ITES companies to set up operations in the city. The aggressive promotion of growth in this area has led civic boosters to call the city "Cyberabad". Hyderabad has also been referred to as the second Silicon Valley of India next to Bangalore.

There have been extensive investments in digital infrastructure within the city promoting the setting up of several campuses by a vast array of companies within the city. This list includes several multinational corporations having established their development centres in the city. The major areas where such campuses have been set up are Madhapur and Gachibowli.

Hyderabad is home to some of the best Fortune 500 Corporations. Microsoft(the largest R&D campus outside the US), Computer Associates, Amazon, GE, IBM,Accenture,Google,Motorolla, Samsung, Deloitte, Oracle Corporation, Yahoo, Dell, Franklin Templeton, HSBC GLT, Qualcomm, Agilent, ADP, Bank of America, CSC, Verizon, Convergys,ABN Amro,Brigade, Clien&Bosch, Cordy's, Hughsoft, Texas Instruments,Hewlett-Packard,Virtusa,iSpace,Orillion,Aleaf,GISystems are some the Fortune 500 companies that have significant presence in Hyderabad.

Honeywell plans to open up a new R&D centre at Nanakramguda, outskirts of the city.
Indian IT giants such as Satyam, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Polaris, Infotech, Apollo Health Street, Zavata Inc. and Mayur's group of industries also have set up their development centres in the city.

Indian School Of Business Hyderabad

2008-05-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Indian School of Business (ISB) located in Hyderabad, India, is an international business school providing postgraduate programmes in Management (Master of Business Administration - MBA), post doctoral programmes, as well as executive education programmes for business executives. It was founded on December 20, 1999 by a group of Fortune 500 entrepreneurs in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh's state government.

Indian School of Business's partners include London Business School, Wharton Business School and Kellogg School of Management. The accelerated one-year post graduate programme course is ISB's speciality.

The Indian School of Business is listed as #20 among the top 100 global B-schools by the Financial Times annual MBA 2008 rankings. It is ranked above the Kellogg School of Management- Northwestern University (#21), Anderson School of Business- UCLA (#25) and Fuqua School of Business, Duke University (#28). ISB is the first Indian B-School to find place in FT-Global B-School rankings and has made it to #20 in the first year itself of its inclusion in FT Global Rankings.

ISB Student community consists of four housing blocks, each accommodating up to 130 students at a time. The institution enjoys a world-class faculty drawn from the top business schools. It follows a model of having a mix of visiting and resident faculty. During the course of the term, the visiting faculty stays on campus providing students with an opportunity to interact with them outside of classroom hours.The institution houses a state-of-the-art library with over 14,000 books, 1000 AV resources, 360 print journals, a Computer Centre with online access to 36 online databases including over 2,000 e-journals.

The academic programmes at the Indian School of business provides the latest practices and trends in management education with the flexibility to explore different areas of interest. ISB's learning model emphasises on the close connection between management education and management practices that focuses on creating business leaders.

Flaviano Dais, Reporter Turned Freedom Fighter

2008-05-04T06:45:00.001-07:00

Mr. Flaviano Dias is a acclaimed and well respected journalist in Goa as he was part of a group of freedom fighters that ended 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, India. The Portuguese-Indian War,code-named Operation Vijay by the Indian Goverment, was the Indian armed forces military intervention, which involved air, sea and land strikes, that led to the capture of Portugal's enclaves in India in over 36 hours in 1961.The 84 year old currently lives with his family in Panjim,Goa.

Prior to the to The Liberation of Goa, Mr. Dais was a young journalist with strong socialist beliefs and was part of the Press Thrust of India. He advised the young today to always live with strong principless and should stand up for what they believe in.

Interview with P.Sainath, Acclaimed Journalist

2008-05-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

I was priviliged to meet Mr. Palagummi Sainath, during an event hosted by the Goan Union of Journalist. Mr P.Sainath is the 2007 winner of the Ramon Magsaysay award for journalism, literature, and creative communications arts. He spends between 270 and 300 days a year in the rural interior and has done so for the past 14 years. He is currently the Rural Affairs Editor for The Hindu, and contributes his columns to India Together, where they are archived.

He is the grandson of former President of India, V. V. Giri and was educated by the Jesuits in Madras at Loyola College. His preoccupation with social problems and commitment to a political perspective began when he was a student in univeristy where he was part of an activist student population.

He received a Times of India fellowship in 1993 and took to the back roads in the ten poorest districts of five states. It meant covering close to 100,000 km across India using 16 forms of transportation, including walking 5,000km on foot. The paper ran 84 reports by Sainath across 18 months, many of them subsequently reprinted in his book, Everybody Loves A Good Drought. For more than two years, the book remained No.1 amongst non-fiction bestsellers on diverse lists across the country. Eventually, it entered the ranks of Penguin India’s all-time best sellers. It is considered a essintial handbook for NGO activists, with its direct reporting style and sharp focus on social and economic cleavages in society. Typically Sainath, he gave all the royalties from this huge best-seller to fund prizes for young rural journalists.

Mr. P.Sainath is one of the few Indians to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award which is equivalent to the Asian Nobel Prize.Mr.Sainath has won over 30 national and international journalism awards and fellowships in 26 years as a journalist, including the Ramon Magsaysay journalism award in 2007, the European Commission's Natali Prize in 1994 and the Boerma Journalism Prize from the UN FAO in 2001(along with CNN International's Jim Clancy).

The Goa Institute of Management (GIM)

2008-05-03T21:44:00.004-07:00

The Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is a top ranked business school located in the state of Goa, India.The Indian business magazine ‘BusinessWorld’ India has ranked GIM as 18th in Best B-Schools in India.

The autonomous school is governed by a Board, and offers a full-time MBA (PGDBM) program (2 years) and executive MBA (3 years) and also is a resource center for PhD programs in Management for the Goa University. Current MBA classes have a size of approximately 120 students. The institute is a member of the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools, which facilitates linkages for collaboration and exchange among some 60 Business Schools in 25 different countries in various parts of the world.

I was invited to attend a day lecture by Ms. Sarita D'Souza on Institutional Investors and Corporate Governance. The Dean of GIM, Prof. Mr. Mirchandani was impressed by the global vision of education by Putera MIC and wishes the wing success in its mission towards developing education among Malaysian students in a global front.

All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA)

2008-05-03T21:44:00.003-07:00

During my visit to India, I was introduced to AIDWA. AIDWA was formed in 1982 and is the largest mass organization of women, with a membership of around 5.5 million spread over 21 states in India. The organization strives towards the equality of women in all spheres-economical, social, political, educational and cultural. AIDWA strongly believes that the emancipation of women is linked to the liberation of all people from all kinds of inequalities and oppressions based of class as well as caste. The organization does not take any foreign and domestic institutional funding as a matter of principle.

D.D Kosambi Festival of Ideas

2008-05-03T21:44:00.002-07:00

I was invited to attend the 'D.D Kosambi Festival of Ideas' which was held from the 4th to the 7th of February 2008 in Panaji, Goa. This lecture series that included a distinguish line up of speaker which included Hamid Ansari (Vice President of India), Mr. P. Sainath (Megssaysey Journalism Award Winner Journalist), Prof. Romila Thapar (International acclaimed Historian) and Dr. Vivek Montiero (acclaim educationist and scientist). The event was organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Goa in honor of Damadar Dhrmananad Kosambi, a historian and polymath who pioneered new perspectives and methods on ideological studies.

Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT)

2008-05-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

Founded in 1971, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT) has nearly 2,000 students engage yearly in various areas of undergraduate and postgraduate study.

The Department Of Ship Technology is the most prestigious undergraduate course of CUSAT. This Department is one of the pioneers in the field of Naval Architecture education in this country and was established with an aim to create a new and dynamic generation of Naval Architects to meet the requirements of the Indian Shipbuilding Industry, Ship Classification Societies, R&D organizations, Indian Navy, and related organisations With this in view, a B.Tech. programme in Naval Architecture and Ship Building was started in 1975.This Department maintains active collaboration and interaction with IITs, leading foreign universities and international shipyards.A fruitful collaboration has been set by the department with Rostock University, Germany back to 1978 and remains as an important milestone in the development of the department. The departments’s curriculum was drawn up and updated in consultation with experts from various academic institutions and industries. This has brought the course curriculum in conformity with international standards.

Even the Indian Navy has recognised this department as a centre for the higher education of their officers. The Department has a highly qualified and dedicated faculty, an excellent library, computer centre, laboratories and workshops. The faculty have over 100 research publications to their credit. The quality of education imparted and the resulting professional competence of the graduates enabled the Department to achieve a unique record of over 100 percent placement of its graduates in India and abroad. The intake of students is kept low to enable them get personal attention in their studies, professional training and career development.
Other departments include the Centre of Excellence in Lasers and Optoelectronic Sciences which was formed in July 2002 with the first batch would be passing out in July 2007. The School of Legal Studies of the Cochin University in was set in 1971 and has become the School became its integral part.

Cochin Cultural Centre Promotes Performing Arts

2008-05-02T02:53:00.010-07:00

Formed and inaugurated on 19th February 1977, Cochin Cultural Center is one of the prime organization working in the field of art, culture and entertainment industry for the preservation, promotion and propagation of the rich culture, tradition and heritage through ethnic performing arts of Kerala. The Cultural Center is one of the prime institutions with high standard stands for the promotion and propagation of traditional, ethnic art & culture of Kerala. It has received the “Best Performing Arts Center” award from the Kerala Government Department of Tourism for the Excellence in the field of Tourism.

The center started as a registered charitable society of arts and performing theatre and the group regularly conducts coaching classes in various disciplines of ethnic art forms as well as running of two air conditioned performing theatres for the regular performances of the traditional, ethnic art forms. The organization performs various art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, Theyyam, Patayani, Velakali, Chakyar Koothu, Koodiyattam, Oottan Thullal, Kalamezhuthum Pattum, Kurathiyattam and Thiruvathirakal.

The center has highly qualified professional artists with high proficiency to choreograph, direct and perform various stage shows, lecture-demonstrations and workshops. The center has traveled to many countries including UK, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, and Cuba on various occasions to exhibit various ethnic art forms of Kerala. The center also has been associated with many events of national, international standards held at Cochin. We have also organized cultural events for big corporations such as Wipro, CitiBank and ICICI.

Visit To Melaka Manipal Medical College

2008-05-02T02:53:00.009-07:00

Melaka Manipal Medical College is a Malaysian private medical college which offers a twinning MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) programme for medical undergraduates. It is the first and only college to offer a twinning medical degree programme between Malaysia and India. Students undergo 2.5 years of basic sciences and introductory clinical training in the Manipal Campus in Karnataka state of India and later another 2.5 years follow-up with further medical education and clinical training at the Melaka Campus in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Student Association (MSA) has actively promoted Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through the associations yearly “Lagenda” Malaysian Cultural Night. The event showcases singing, dancing and fashion shows of the various races in Malayia. The students also organzie the North versus South games where the students from the two regions battle out in various sports games. The Malaysian students also hold their annual food fest where the students put up stalls and sell local Malaysian delicacies.

Malaysian Tourism Keen On Global Malaysian Ambassdor Objectives

2008-05-02T02:53:00.008-07:00

During a meeting with the Director of Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board for South India ,Mr. Noor Arif Mohd. Noor, I was keen to discuss the related objectives of the Global Malaysian Ambassador Project to Malaysian Tourism. Other than to promote global education, the project also aims to promote Malaysian as a global tourism destination. I informed Mr Noor Arif that Putera MIC intends to promote Malaysia as a regional traveling hub among tertiary student and also budget travelers through the international awareness and publicity campaign. This aim of the program is to develop a genuine Malaysian experience. Mr Noor Arif was genuinely impressed with the project and wished the project well.

MASI support the Global Malaysian Project

2008-05-02T02:53:00.007-07:00

I was given the opportunity to meet the current chairman of the Malaysian Association of South Indian (MASI) Chairman, Mejar (R) Maniam. Mejar Maniam, who is based in Chennai, has been the Asian Squash Federation’s Director of Coaching for the last 12 years and is currently also a consultant coach for the Squash Rackets Federation of India. Mejar Maniam was part of the pioneer management team that introduced the coaching system that was able to produced Malaysian squash queen Nicol David and a pool of talented players. Nicol David is officially the world number one in women’s squash and the current British Open and World Open champion. She also won the World Junior title twice in 1999 and 2000. During the 2 hour meeting, we spoke on various issues on the development of Malaysian Indian students. According to the Mejar Maniam, to whom international success is no stranger, for one to succeed, they must not shy away from the fundamental of achieving such success, which is handwork and determination.

Malaysian Counsel General for South India Promotes International Education

2008-05-02T02:53:00.006-07:00

I was privileged for a meeting with the acting Ms Wan Naimah Wan Daud, Malaysian Acting Consulate General. She was duly impressed with the progress made by the project and the initiative taken the Putera Wing of MIC in developing such a project and understanding the dynamics of the globalization of education and career development. According to Ms Wan or fondly referred to as Kak Wan by the Malaysian student community in Chennai, Malaysian student currently in Tamil Nadu is currently number 1289, and expected to grow as there is growing need for good education. She ended the meeting with a strong message to Malaysian student in believing in themselves and working hard in succeeding. She also congratulated the Putera wing for a successfully organizing the Ponggal Festival in Chennai and expressed hope that the wing and the consulate would be able to work together in upcoming events such as the DYMM Agung Birthday and Chinese New Year Festival. She believes the strong comradeship among the Putera member was key in success of the event and future activities.

Visit to Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute

2008-05-02T02:53:00.005-07:00

Visits to Top Universities in Madras

2008-05-02T02:53:00.004-07:00

Madras University
The University of Madras is one of the three oldest universities in India (along with University of Mumbai and University of Calcutta). The University of Madras, organized on the model of the University of London, has four campuses in the city - Chepauk, Marina, Guindy and Taramani, with more than 50 Departments offering a range of specialization subjects. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has conferred the "Five star Status" to the University of Madras. The University of Madras has been given the status of "University with Potential for Excellence" by the University Grants Commission. Notable Alumni include Nobel laureates;
1. C. V. Raman (B.A., M.A. 1902), Nobel Prize in Physics (1930) and
2. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar(B.Sc 1925), Nobel Prize in Physics (1983), Copley Medal(1984)

Anna University
Established in 1978, Anna University is one of India's premier engineering universities., it offers higher education in Engineering, Technology and Allied Sciences. It is also ranked tenth (10) by the Outlook India magazine for the year 2007 in the top 50 government engineering colleges in India. Notable alumni of Anna University include Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former-president of India. He studied Aeronautical Engineering (7th batch) in MIT Chromepet.

Madras Medical College
The Madras Medical College is a prominent educational institution located in Chennai, India. It was established on February 2nd, 1835 and is one of the oldest medical schools of the Indian subcontinent. The Government General Hospital has a reputation of being one of the best in the state and ranks among the top ten in the Indian subcontinent. The entire hospital block has been remodeled with the reconstruction of the massive twin towers in lieu of the original hospital block which represented buildings which were more than a century old.

Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute
Founded on September 11th 1985 by Mr.NPV Ramaswamy Udayar, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute is the one of the most notable autonomous medical colleges in Chennai and India. Since 1997, SRMC has a student exchange partnership with Harvard University in Cambridge. The alliance has spearheaded curriculum reform, focused on health care quality and safety and leadership and faculty development. SRMC is a tertiary care multi-specialty university hospital. With over 1500 beds, 114 ICU beds, 25 operating rooms and a campus spread over 175 acres; SRMC is one of the largest private health care facilities in South Asia. The Deemed University of SRMC, now consisting of 9 Constituent Colleges with over 45 Departments offering about 85 courses in Health care and medical studies and research with more than 3500 students.

Malaysia Pongal Festival in Chennai

2008-05-02T02:53:00.003-07:00

Putera MIC International Chapter of Chennai had organized and celebrated the Tamil harvest festival on the 15th Jan 2008 .The event was themed “The Colors of Ponggal Celebration’ and was held at Chennai's premier shopping mall The Chennai City Center in Mylapore. The chief guest to officiate the event was, Ms Wan Naimah Wan Daud, Malaysian Acting Consulate General. The event drew over120 Malaysian students and families within Tamil Nadu. This was indeed a wonderful event where the public could see how Malaysians do celebrate their festivals with different races together and also shows how Malaysians do accept other cultures as well. This event was attended by all the Malaysian Government Officials in Chennai such as, the Malaysian Trade Commissioner, Malaysian Tourism Director, MASI President, Vice Consul of Immigration and most Malaysian families in Chennai.

GMA arrives in the land of the Tamils

2008-05-02T02:53:00.001-07:00

The project kicks out with the first port of destination, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Three universities have been indentified and would be visited. They are Anna University, Sri Ramachandra Medical University and Research Institute and Madras Medical College and Madras University.

Putera MIC Launches the Malaysian Global Ambassador Project 2008

2008-05-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

Putera MIC National Organizing Chairman Mr. P.Kamalanathan, has launched the wing’s latest project, The Malaysian Global Ambassador (GMA) Project 2008. The project’s launch occurred during a press conference session at Menara Kuala Lumpur on the 2nd January 2008, which was attended by the nations major main media and press. Through the project, Putera MIC aims to visit over 100 of the top universities in world in 70 countries.

According the project management committee headed by the wing’s National Organizing Secretary, Mr Dhinesh Thinakaran, the project has indentifies 3 key objectives in determining the success of the project. The objectives have been set as such;
Objective One: The GMA Project aim to conduct a fact finding mission in developing a database of relevant courses and scholarship programs for Malaysian students, focusing in post graduate programs. The database would also include a database of international academia who are leaders in their respective field.
Objective Two: The GMA project aims also initiate a cultural exchange program with international students and young professional. This would enable these visitors to Malaysia to truly experience the Malaysian experience
Objective Three: The GMA project finally aims to promote Malaysia as an international tourist destination and a regional travelling hub within South Sea Asia. The project aims to target international student and budget travelers.

According to Mr. P. Kamalanathan, the Putera MIC wing has appointed Mr. Vighneswaran as the project’s ambassador and the first port of destination is Chennai, India, with the Madras University as the first visited university.