Latest news with #HELPUniversity
The Star
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
University marks 39 years with grand convocation
Tan (left) receives the certificate in APEL.Q Doctor of Business Administration from Chan and Liew (right) — Photos: LOW LAY PHON / The Star IT was a weekend to remember for 1,600 students who graduated from HELP University in Kuala Lumpur recently. The graduates were awarded Doctorate, Master's and Bachelor's degrees during the ceremony. The event was especially significant as it also marked the university's 39th anniversary, which was celebrated in conjunction with the convocation. HELP University chancellor and co-founder Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan said the dual milestones celebrated both the students' achievements and the commitment and support of the university's staff. In his speech, Prof Chan reminded graduates to remain adaptable and resilient in the face of an evolving job market and economic uncertainties. 'The degree you received is more than a certificate – it is a passport to a future of multiple possibilities,' he said. He also encouraged graduates to equip themselves with the skills needed to address emerging global challenges, including artificial intelligence and climate change, both of which he said will shape the future workplace. 'In addition to technical expertise, future leaders must also balance responsibility with ethics,' he added. Prof Chan emphasised that learning was a lifelong process and urged graduates to leverage their networking skills to navigate their professional journeys. HELP University vice-chancellor Prof Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi echoed similar sentiments in a statement, calling the graduation a testament to students' determination and resilience. 'Some of you had to balance full-time jobs while studying part-time, and others managed family responsibilities – and yet, here you are.' He also expressed optimism about the upcoming Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2025-2035. 'It is a bold national vision that calls for digital empowerment, equity of access and the development of quality graduates,' he added. Graduates from the 2025 convocation earned a wide range of qualifications – from Doctor of Business Administration and Master's degrees in business, education and criminology, to Bachelor's degrees in business, economics, tourism and management. In collaboration with international partners such as University of Derby and University of London, students also completed honours degrees in accounting, finance, business management, banking and economics. Special recognition was given to 21 graduates who earned their degrees through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL.Q) pathway, which acknowledges professional experience as a foundation for academic qualification. Among them was renowned entrepreneur and corporate figure Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, who received an APEL.Q Doctor of Business Administration. Also honoured was Prof Dr Ki Chan Kim, who received HELP University's Distinguished Humane Entrepreneur Award in recognition of his work as ICSB chairman and his contributions to the humane entrepreneurship.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Move beyond siloed thinking'
WITH the world changing at an unprecedented pace, the resulting uncertainty calls for fresh perspectives on education, leadership and innovation, said HELP University chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan. He pointed to the 'transition nexus' – where experiential learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and circular economy principles intersect – as the central framework to guide these shifts. 'We cannot solve the problems of our country – and certainly not the world – unless we move beyond siloed thinking. 'This is no longer the age of monodisciplinary or interdisciplinary work. We have entered the era of transdisciplinary learning. 'Learning must move beyond information transfer to become a dynamic journey of identity formation,' he said during his welcome address at the 24th HELP University Annual Convocation Strategy Symposium in Kuala Lumpur on April 26. The symposium brought together thought leaders, policymakers, educators and industry practitioners to explore how AI-driven experiential learning, circular economy principles, and cross-sector collaboration among government, universities and industry can drive innovation in an era of uncertainty. Chan said experiential learning forms the foundation for both lifelong and life-wide learning, enabling a transformation in how young people are educated and professionals are upskilled. He added that leadership – the only 'compass' available in uncertain times – must remain fluid. 'It must be an exadaptive leadership – prudent, exponential, and capable of rearranging existing resources to solve problems that have not yet emerged,' he said. He also urged educators, policymakers and industry leaders to embrace a shift from experiential to experimental learning. 'With an understanding of experimental learning, we can then recognise that AI is not frivolous; in fact, it is rigorous. We must learn to master this tool,' he said. Beyond knowledge transfer Malaysian Qualifications Agency chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran, who delivered the keynote speech, emphasised the need for action – challenging institutions to become architects of transformative, lifelong and life-wide learning. Drawing on the metaphor of an architectural structure, Prof Mohamed Shatar articulated a vision of education in which the 'pillars' represent foundational values – resilience, critical thinking and ethical reasoning – while the 'roof' signifies the overarching aspiration of nurturing responsible, future-ready citizens. He emphasised that in today's fast-shifting landscape, education must no longer be viewed as a linear conveyor belt of knowledge transfer. Instead, he said, it must foster flexible, holistic individuals capable of navigating complex and unknowable futures. 'Experiential learning models based on the '3Ls' – Learn by Listening, Learn by Seeing, and Learn by Doing – are important. 'Why teach photosynthesis in a classroom when you can sit under a tree and examine a leaf? 'Learning doesn't need to be confined to four walls,' he stressed, citing examples from Korea and Japan, where students engage in outdoor, hands-on learning activities, reinforcing knowledge through experience rather than rote memorisation. He further underscored the importance of differentiation through innovation for Malaysia to position itself as a global education hub and stand out as 'bold, flexible and innovative'. 'That difference must stem from how we teach and how our students learn,' said Prof Mohammad Shatar, who also witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the symposium, aimed at facilitating HELP's global expansion. The first MoU was signed with China's Hunan University of Technology to establish the Institute of Future Technology and Design, dedicated to advancing AI-driven entrepreneurship. The aim is to position Malaysia as a centre for packaging technology, which plays a key role in eco-technology development for waste recycling. The second was with the Global Education Advancement Group, a former Nasdaq-listed company, to provide technical and vocational education and training-driven upskilling programmes that support workforce development. The third partnership was with the Australian Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) to offer competency-based training tailored to the demands of the evolving financial ecology. Gamifying lessons Like Prof Chan and Prof Mohammad Shatar, Gamify Lab chief creative officer Erik Moltgen also advocated moving beyond passive knowledge transfer. Moltgen 'We must move towards active, engaging learning environments. Design is as crucial as content,' he said. Noting the synergy between gamification and AI, he said the latter enables the creation of more immersive, personalised and efficient educational experiences than ever before. There is, however, a divide in how people perceive AI – one that is often generational and economic, he opined. 'Parents view gaming as a distraction or the opposite of work. But I see games as a powerful ally to learning,' he said, referencing how games like chess have historically been used to develop strategic thinking. He added that gamification – using game mechanics to enhance learning – can play a key role in addressing the current crisis in motivation. 'Universities have long relied on extrinsic motivation, but that's declining. 'Forty years ago, a degree was enough to secure a job. Now, even with a degree, experience and diplomas, graduates are competing in a saturated market,' he said during a panel discussion alongside IPA chief executive officer Andrew Conway, International Council for Small Business chairman Prof Dr Ki Chan Kim, and Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants advocacy and professional standards director Terence Lam. Policy as a catalyst Malaysian Investment Development Authority sustainability division director Syed Kamal Muzaffa Syed Hassan Sagaff identified policy as the structural base enabling collaborative innovation, particularly in emerging fields like AI. He cited the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Nexus 2024 as a concrete example of policy in action, aimed at promoting AI development across various sectors. The initiative seeks to unite AI experts, universities, businesses and government agencies to create a cohesive ecosystem for AI advancement. 'That is what we are talking about – cross-sector collaboration. 'Malaysia already has the right policies and government oversight in place to enable cross-sector innovation – especially in AI. 'Now, success depends on industry and academia actively joining the effort to bring that policy to life,' he said during a panel discussion that also featured HRD Corp chief strategy officer Dr Rony A Gobilee, HELP University Institute of Crime and Criminology director and professional chair Datuk Seri Dr Akhbar Satar, and Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram offering perspectives on how strategic policy frameworks are shaping Malaysia's future. Echoing Syed Kamal Muzaffa, Rony reinforced the importance of policy-driven partnerships at both national and regional levels. He said platforms such as HRD Corp's e-learning aggregator, e-LATiH, reflect a future-facing approach to experiential and lifelong learning. 'Policy should not only be made available, but also accessible. 'This is part of our strategic plan development. We work together with industry,' he said, adding that HRD Corp is currently focused on closing gaps within industry to help create high-paying jobs, support technology adoption, and ensure a sustainable learning ecosystem. Highlighting the need for cross-border collaboration to scale these efforts beyond Malaysia, he said boundaries should not limit opportunities to learn from one another. 'We are looking at the Asean level, where industries in Malaysia are no longer confined by borders in terms of talent and competencies,' he said, adding that Asean countries share common interests – skills consistency, talent mobility, inclusive growth, regional collaboration, and strong public-private partnerships. Looking ahead, Rony said Malaysia would leverage its Asean chairmanship to promote leadership and skills exchange across the region. 'This year, we aim to organise a skills exchange programme through Asean leadership, enhancing the value proposition for all member countries,' he said.
Herald Malaysia
09-05-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Grow to Glow
After completing their major school exams, many young people look forward to relaxing, having fun, or picking up a part-time job to earn some pocket money. May 09, 2025 By Jennifer DuarteAfter completing their major school exams, many young people look forward to relaxing, having fun, or picking up a part-time job to earn some pocket money. However, six Form 5 schoolleavers in Ipoh decided to take on a different kind of challenge - by joining the Grow to Glow programme, a two-month initiative conceived by Fr Aloysius Tan, parish priest of the Church of St Michael. In the programme, the six participants, five boys and one girl, spent their weekdays at the parish from 9.00am to 4.00pm. They engaged in a variety of activities, including a personal development programme, a visit to an Orang Asli settlement, and even worked together to prepare lunch for the group on one occasion. A major component of the programme was a five-day personal development programme facilitated by Martin Jalleh. It focused on both personal and interpersonal growth, as well as addressing common youth issues. Participant Fabian Yoon shared that the sessions inspired him to deepen his faith. He was especially moved by the film Facing the Giants, which reminded him of the importance of trusting in God. One of the more memorable experiences was a visit to an Orang Asli settlement in Lenggong. Before the trip, participants helped pack essential supplies such as food and clothing. Due to limited space in the four-wheel drive, only four of them could make the journey. Bernard recalled the drive up steep slopes as both dangerous and exhilarating. Once there, the group helped distribute items like biscuits, slippers, and clothes. Aloysius Robinson described the visit as refreshing and eye-opening, appreciating the peace and beauty of the natural surroundings. Swimming in crystal-clear waters made him feel truly connected with nature. Henrick, another participant, was saddened by the hardships the Orang Asli face — lack of electricity, insufficient food, and widespread health issues. He was grateful that a medical team accompanied them to address some of these needs. Since the programme coincided with Lent, the participants were also actively involved in the parish's Lenten activities. They collected donations from parishioners, shopped for food rations for the underprivileged, and took part in liturgical preparations such as burning old palm leaves for Ash Wednesday and selling hot cross buns on Holy Thursday. Choo Yue Wen, the sole female participant, particularly enjoyed the charitable shopping spree for the less fortunate. They also attended a leadership course alongside other parish youths and students from Sam Tet Secondary School. This was conducted by Helena Michael, a certified trainer and lecturer from HELP University. Another standout experience was a weeklong visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Penang. 'Besides mopping floors and serving meals, we learned how to engage with the elderly — even playing mahjong with them,' shared Bryan Choong with a smile. Over the two months, participants also explored the history of the Bible, learned about the diocesan Sahabat Orang Asli ministry, and even picked up soap-making skills. Initially uncertain about what the programme entailed, the participants all agreed it far exceeded their expectations. Henrick summed it up best: 'My time was definitely spent more meaningfully than if I had taken a part-time job.' The Grow to Glow programme offered a unique blend of intellectual, spiritual, and community formation. As Martin Jalleh noted, it was 'an excellent experiential programme — informative, practical, relevant, and holistic.' All six participants said they would wholeheartedly recommend it to their juniors in the years to come.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Preparing to be future fit graduates in an evolving world
HELP University recognised for its motto of being a 'university of achievers' continues to forge ahead with 1,600 graduates being awarded their doctorates, master's and bachelor degrees at their 35th Convocation ceremony held recently in May. At the convocation ceremony, Professor Dr Ki-Chan Kim, Chairman of the International Council for Small Business, was recipient of HELP University's 'Distinguished Humane Entrepreneurship Award', in recognition of his global scholarship promoting humane entrepreneurship. Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, a recognised corporate figure and community leader, was conferred a Doctorate in Business Administration (APEL.Q) at age 82. His journey exemplifies lifelong learning through the APEL.Q programme at HELP University. In conjunction with the convocation ceremony, HELP University also organised its annual strategy symposium with the theme, 'The Transition Nexus: Experiential Learning, AI and the Circular Economy'. The symposium was organised a day before the convocation ceremony and both events attracted academic, industry and government leaders from over 15 countries. During the symposium, HELP University Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Paul Chan spoke on the urgency to revamp the way universities conduct their 'teach and learn' experience to students. He advocated experiential and experimental learning with collective participation of the government, industry and the academia. 'We must have the prepared mind to be future-fit. This requires a growth mind-set that is always dissatisfied with the present,' he said. At the convocation, other highly successful entrepreneurs who were awarded their doctorate and master's degrees included Datuk Tony Chia, former President of Logistics Association and Dr Chin Chee Seong, President of Malaysian Small and Medium Entreprises (SME). Chew Kay Ling, the 2025 HELP Chancellor's Award recipient, made history as the first Malaysian to win the prestigious Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants Best Accounting Student Award. Other recipients of the Chancellor's Award were Lee Jun Hao, Tang Cheok Hong, Chung Shu Yi, and Lee Xin Yi (Psychology); Yeoh Jia Xin (Economics); Wong Shannen (Business Psychology); Chew Kay Ling (Business -Accounting); Isaiah Melchizedec Henry in Business (Hospitality Management); Mah Xin Ci (Communication - Media Studies); Wong Lee Yun (Education -TESL); Natasha Chan Mun Yi (Information Technology -Data Analytics); and Chee Joe Yee (Law). In his valedictorian address, Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan reflected on the deep personal fulfilment of his academic journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife and family for their unwavering support in his lifelong experiential learning completing the APEL.Q DBA at HELP University. HELP University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi urged the graduating Class of 2025 to lead with courage and compassion: 'You carry the spirit of HELP. You rise today as learners and walk forward as leaders.' To further facilitate HELP's global expansion, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed, one with Hunan University of Technology in China to establish the Institute of Future Technology and Design, dedicated to advancing AI-driven entrepreneurship. The second was with the Global Education Advancement Group, a former NASDAQ-listed company, to provide TVET-driven upskilling programmes that support workforce development. The third partnership was forged with the Australian Institute of Public Accountants to offer competency-based training tailored to the demands of the evolving financial ecology. Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran, presently CEO of Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), was present at the signing ceremony. In his address titled, 'Reimagining Quality Assurance for Experiential, AI-Driven and Sustainable Learning', Dr Shatar further emphasised that 'a university is not a factory that produces degrees - it's a forge where knowledge is shaped, skills are sharpened, and minds are awakened.' He also referred to the innovative opportunities that MQA is creating to change the landscape of education in Malaysia. The two-day celebration concluded with HELP University's traditional convocation dinner, attended by 350 invited guests.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Celebrating vision and excellence
Prof Ki-Chan (right) receiving the HELP University Distinguished Humane Entrepreneurship Award from Prof Chan at the HELP University convocation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. KUALA LUMPUR: Academic, industry and government leaders from 15 countries gathered at the 35th HELP University convocation ceremony and the 24th Strategy Symposium, held at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur on April 26–27, where two visionary leaders were honoured in meaningful ways. International Council for Small Business chairman Prof Dr Ki-Chan Kim received the HELP University Distinguished Humane Entrepreneurship Award for his global contributions to promoting humane entrepreneurship. Koon Swan was conferred a Doctorate in Business Administration (APEL.Q) at the age of 82, exemplifying the spirit of lifelong learning. Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, a renowned entrepreneur and community leader, was conferred a Doctorate in Business Administration (APEL.Q) at the age of 82, exemplifying the spirit of lifelong learning. In his valedictorian address, Koon Swan reflected on the deeply personal fulfilment of his academic journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife and family for their unwavering support in his lifelong experiential learning through the APEL.Q DBA programme. A total of 1,600 graduates were awarded Doctorates, Master's and Bachelor's degrees at the convocation. Among them were highly accomplished entrepreneurs, including former Logistics Association president Datuk Tony Chia and SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong, both of whom received postgraduate degrees in recognition of their achievements in business and leadership. Chew Kay Ling, the 2025 HELP Chancellor's Award recipient, made history as the first Malaysian to win the prestigious Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants Best Accounting Student Award. Also awarded HELP University First Class Honours were Chancellor's Awards winners Lee Jun Hao, Tang Cheok Hong, Chung Shu Yi and Lee Xin Yi (Psychology); Yeoh Jia Xin (Economics); Wong Shannen (Business Psychology); Chew Kay Ling (Business -Accounting); Isaiah Melchizedec Henry in Business (Hospitality Management); Mah Xin Ci (Communication - Media Studies); Wong Lee Yun (Education -TESL); Natasha Chan Mun Yi (Information Technology -Data Analytics) and Chee Joe Yee (Law). At the Strategy Symposium, themed "The Transition Nexus: Experiential Learning, AI and the Circular Economy," HELP University chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan reminded the participants of the urgency to revamp traditional approaches to teaching and learning. He advocated for experiential and experimental learning through the collective participation of the government, industry and academia. 'We must have the prepared mind to be future-fit. This requires a growth mind-set that is always dissatisfied with the present.' Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi urged the graduating Class of 2025 to lead with courage and compassion. 'You carry the spirit of HELP. You rise today as learners and walk forward as leaders.' Prof Mohammad emphasised that 'a university is not a factory that produces degrees — it's a place where knowledge is shaped, skills are sharpened and minds are awakened.' Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran witnessed the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signing of three strategic partnerships that would facilitate HELP's global expansion. The first was with Hunan University of Technology in China to establish the Institute of Future Technology and Design, dedicated to advancing AI-driven entrepreneurship. The second was with the Global Education Advancement Group, a former NASDAQ-listed company, to provide technical and vocational education and training (TVET)-driven upskilling programmes that support workforce development. The third partnership was with the Australian Institute of Public Accountants to offer competency-based training tailored to the demands of the evolving financial ecology. In his address on 'Reimagining Quality Assurance for Experiential, AI-Driven and Sustainable Learning', Prof Mohammad emphasised that 'a university is not a factory that produces degrees — it's a place where knowledge is shaped, skills are sharpened and minds are awakened.' He also reminded of the innovative opportunities that MQA is creating to change the landscape of education in Malaysia. The two-day celebration concluded with HELP University's traditional convocation dinner, attended by 350 distinguished guests. To learn more about the university, visit
