GEORGE TOWN: Jamunaa Manimaran has just completed her STPM and the first thing on her mind was to visit the Star Education Fair 2022 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
“I heard about it, so I thought it would be best for me to check it out.
“I inquired about software engineering and also explored other options.
“All the staff members were quite clear with their explanations,” said the 20-year-old, adding that her parents and younger sister had travelled with her to the venue from Kedah.
Universiti Utara Malaysia International School principal Nik Nazlin Mohammed Yusoff brought 16 of her students to visit the fair.
“We came in four cars with a few teachers, so the students can find out and focus on what they want.
“During our final year, the students can choose a major, either science or business. This will help them to make a decision,” she said.
With major players in the higher education fields taking part in the two-day fair, students and parents are spoilt with options and multiple offers.
Forward School chief executive officer Howie Chang said they provided an alternative route to higher education.
“We focus on the tech industry and have more than 30 hiring partners.
“After two years of studies, which come with a diploma, we guarantee a job with a pay of RM3,200.
“Not all students are academically inclined and forcing them through this route is not going to work for them.
“They just need to pass their SPM to join us,” he said.
INTI International University & College Penang assistant vice-president Patrick Ooi said all those who signed up for the programme during the fair would be given a substantial tuition fee waiver over the whole programme.
“We offer a full range of programmes ranging from pre-university certificates up to PhD.
“Students can also get access to information from our sister campuses in Subang, Nilai and Sabah.
“The most popular programme in Penang is the A-levels.
“For those who excel, we have offers of up to 100% scholarships.
“But they must be our students and can apply using their forecast or actual results,” he said.
Northeastern State University located in Oklahoma, United States, is here for the first time to recruit students and test the market.
Its Asian programme coordinator Xuan Li said the fair was a good opportunity to survey the market.
“We offer 58 bachelor degrees, 28 masters programmes and a PhD programme.
“As a public university, we offer affordable education and scholarships of up to 50% of the tuition fees. We cover almost all business, education, science and liberal arts programmes,” he said.
Over at the Braemar College booth, its South-East Asia market manager Linh Le said there were high schools in downtown Toronto, offering a one-year A-levels programme.
“Our target is international school students seeking to pursue their A-levels.
“We provide a pathway to university and colleges in Canada as well.
“We are official partners with University of Toronto (located in the campus) and a few others,” she said.
Organised by Star Media Group (SMG), the fair saw 31 exhibitors occupying 64 booths all under one roof.
Visitors stand a chance to win a mystery prize when they take part in the Register & Win contest, which will be held on both days.
SMG reserves the right to substitute any prizes without prior notice.
The winner of the contest yesterday was Nur Dalia Junaidi, 15, who walked away with an RM200 cash voucher from Ikea.
The myStarJob Fair is also held concurrently at the venue.
The fair, from 11am to 7pm, ends today. Admission is free.