2nd EduCity Educators Conference 2019

Iskandar Puteri, 6 September 2019 | I was privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to attend the 2nd EduCity Educators Conference 2019 at Newcastle University Medicine (NuMed) Malaysia. The conference jointly organized by Newcastle University Medicine (NUMed) Malaysia, University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM), University of Southampton Malaysia Campus (USMC) and EduCity Iskandar Sdn Bhd. This 1-day event is attended by 150 expert contributors from across the higher education sector.

With this year theme “Support in Education”, 4 topics are presented by renowned speakers which are Providing Quality Education through Private Higher Learning Institutions, Cultivating Well-being in Higher Education and Holistic Student Support as a means for Student Experience. The topics are presented as a series of keynote speeches, hands-on workshops and oral presentations, allowing participants to gain valuable hints and tips to enhance their own teaching and learning delivery, education research and to provide opportunities for networking. The aim of these annual conferences is to support staff working in the Higher Education sector both at EduCity and other campuses in Malaysia.

Conference participants

Education plays an important role for Malaysia in building a resilient nation, encouraging the creation of a just society and maintaining sustainable economic growth. It is also through education that a country can develop global competitiveness, and maintain sustainable environmental development.

Malaysia as one of the leading hubs for higher education in Malaysia and in parallel with EduCity Iskandar’s objective which is to promote Malaysia as a center of educational excellence in the world, 2nd EduCity Educators Conference 2019 speaks volume. This year is the result of last year inaugural EduCity Educators Conference which aims to introduce delegates to new approaches in teaching and learning, as well as equipping delegates with the tools needed to perform world-class research on teaching and learning approaches hence, Support in Education.

Opening session by Prof Christopher Baldwin, CEO of Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia

During the Opening Keynote Address, Yang Berusaha Dr. Zubaidah Aman, Director of the Private Higher Education Governance Division, Minister of Education on behalf of Yg Bhg Dato’ Prof Ir. Dr. Mohd Saleh Jaafar, Deputy Director of General Higher Education said, “The theme of this year’s conference, "Support in Education", encompasses pastoral support, academic, employability and study skills support for students, and research, training and physiological support for staff. This event will include keynote speeches, workshops, networking discussions and the chance for delegates to present any of their research or areas of interest relating to this theme”.

Keynote speech by Yang Berusaha Dr. Zubaidah Aman, Director of the Private Higher Education Governance Division, Minister of Education

She added, “The real meaning of Support Education which is a 360 degrees of educating students and providing staff with the right medium of teaching. This is essential for both student and staff to have the same objective which is creating a holistic student with the right attitude & aptitude and determine the altitude. At the end of the day, student must have the key ingredient of “employable” skills. We learn from each other. We support one another. We evolve and transform to be better. Therefore, we need each other in order to fit today’s theme - Support in Education”.

Currently, EduCity Iskandar has 9 institutions which are:

1. Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia
2. University of Southampton Malaysia
3. Multimedia University
4. University of Reading Malaysia
5. Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology
6. Raffles University
7. Marlborough College Malaysia
8. Raffles American School 
9. Management Development Institute of Singapore

From left Prof Rebecca Taylor (CEO of University of Southamptom Malaysia), Prof Christopher Bladwin (CEO of Newcastle University of Medicine Malaysia), Prof Wing Lam (CEO of University of Reading Malaysia), En Wan Ahmad Saifuddin (MD of EduCity Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd) during the Media Conference

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After the conference, our media representatives were brought in to visit the area around EduCity. Among the places we went were the EduCity Sport Complex and the Student Village. I am really excited about the grandeur of the entire design of EduCity Sport Complex including the Aquatic Centre, Stadium and Indoor Arena. I am also interested in the design and facilities provided by the student village. Most interesting is that the student village has provided a lounge area for students to relax and have fun with friends. This has proven that EduCity have provided excellent facilities for the benefit of the students there.

I was in front of EduCity Sport Complex

Aquatic centre

Stadium

Student Village Lounge Area

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About EduCity Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd

EduCity, a catalyst development driven by IIB is a fully integrated education hub expected to be a feeder of talents to support Iskandar Malaysia’s various economic activities whilst grooming future generations of leaders. Partnering with luminaries in education from around the globe, EduCity with its institutes of higher education, R&D centres, student accommodations and recreational and sports facilities is the first of its kind in Asia. Already in operations with nine local and international education partners, EduCity plays a significant part in developing the education sector of Iskandar Malaysia, along with the education cluster’s multiplier effects to the local economy. EduCity is developed by IIB through its wholly owned subsidiary EduCity Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (EIMSB).

IIB is committed to steering economic and environmentally sustainable growth in Iskandar Malaysia and ensuring inclusive growth for local Iskandarian's through employment and income opportunities.

For more information on IIB, please visit www.iskandarinvestment.com