One-stop centre for further studies
With plenty to offer, Star Education Fair 2024 helps students pursue their dreams

GEORGE TOWN: The challenge of finding institutions to pursue your tertiary education has become less arduous thanks to the Star Education Fair 2024, which has brought all aspects under one roof.

For this year’s edition, there are 108 booths with 55 educators being showcased at the Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas.

The two-day fair, organised by Star Media Group Bhd, also features a full line-up of talks, one-on-one interactions, and great offers.

Nineteen-year-old twins Nur Uzma Irdina Mirza Hanny and Nur Uzma Afrina Mirza Hanny could not wait to come to the fair to find out about their favourite courses.

Nur Uzma Irdina was quick with her decision-making – she signed up for an Occupational Therapy course.

“I came to inquire but was pleased with what was on offer.

“This is something new to me and piqued my interest recently. I will be starting in September,” she said.

Nur Uzma Afrina came to inquire about a degree in Counselling. “I checked several courses and will think before committing,” she said.

Future in focus: Visitors thronging the Star Education Fair 2024 at Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

The twins and their parents, who came all the way from Butterworth, said they had been to the fair twice previously.

Over at the INTI International College Penang booth, admissions and counselling assistant vice-president Patrick Ooi said there was a full range of programmes available.

“We have pre-university programmes up to PhD level. Interested students can come over and not only inquire about the courses offered here but also in our sister campuses in Subang and Nilai.

“We have a full range of scholarships available for students, including merit-based ones, all the way up to the tertiary level and bursary scholarships, where we not just look at one’s results but their financial constraints too,” he said.

Ooi said the financial aid was to ensure that students can realise their tertiary education dreams.

“We have courses in Business, Education, Culinary Arts, IT, Computing and Engineering, among others, handled by experienced lecturers,” he said.

At the Peninsula College booth, chief executive Tung Chee Kuan said the college was fully supportive of the Star Education Fair.

“We have been involved with it for several years and are also a part of the Star Education Fund.

“Although we are new, we have about 15 programmes including Logistics and Computer Science as well as a diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

“We have a partnership with University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom offering a degree in Business and Accounting, Computer Science in Cyber Security, and Computer Science in Software Engineering as well,” he added.

Tung said the response has been great at the fair, with prospective students interested in its Batu Kawan campus.

“Apart from academic programmes, we want to empower our students with skills that can be used in the relevant industries. We also offer scholarships and have international programmes,” he said.

The Han Chiang University College of Communication booth boasted a myriad of courses, with vice-chancellor Assoc Prof Dr James Beh saying that there were four schools of studies, with the School of Communications the flag bearer.

“There is also the School of Creative Arts and Design, School of Business where we have a logistics programme, and the School of Chinese Studies.

“The Chinese studies programme is unique as we offer it all the way from diploma to Phd level. All our schools have a wide range of courses under them,” he said.

Beh said the booth was well-attended and received great feedback.

“Apart from offering scholarships, our fees are quite competitive because our priority is to provide affordable and quality-based education to all,” he said.

Over at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, there was much to showcase, with a variety of courses available.

Engineering department head Assoc Prof Dr Sim Hock Kheng and its foundation and Built Environment department head Vanessa Serbastian had their hands full answering queries.

Serbastian said there were an array of courses under the umbrella of UOW Malaysia and UOW Australia as well as other UOW counterparts around the world.

“We have programmes in Built Environment, Business, Communication and Creative Arts, Computing and Creative Media, Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, among others.

“This time there were many straight A students inquiring at our booth. Students came over to find out about programmes and the options, and for us to walk them through the pathway they choose,” she said.

Sim said that as the main campus was in Australia, students had the option of experiencing both campuses.

“There is information that students might not be able to receive online. Meeting with us will give them that opportunity.

“They can continue their studies with our sister campus in Kuala Lumpur or in Australia. They can even do half the programme here and complete it at our campus in Australia,” he said.

Over at the Universiti Malaya booth, executive director Dr Azni Zarina Taha said her staff met with potential students who wanted to explore the various options available at the university.

“We have a range of courses starting from diplomas to foundation courses and degree programmes. And there is a multitude of faculties encompassing courses in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Law, Business, Law and Medicine.

“We have our lecturers on standby to speak to students about their passion and possible pathways that will suit them. It is important for students to apply themselves when pursuing their studies,” she said.

The Star Education Fair 2024 is held side-by-side with the myStar Job Fair 2024 at the convention centre from 11am to 7pm until today.

Admission is free with attractive door gifts and visitors stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes as well.
GEORGE TOWN: The challenge of finding institutions to pursue your tertiary education has become less arduous thanks to the Star Education Fair 2024, which has brought all aspects under one roof.