Malaysian students’ new independence
by Linda Hein
Five young Malaysian women are discovering a new level of independence in Australia as part of the first bilateral exchange program and partnership between UniSA and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Nor Aznita Binti Ismail (Aznita), Hafizah Binti Mohamad, Hanum Syahida Hussin, Tengku Nordayana Akma Binti Tuan Kamaruddin (Dayana) and Norhanis Aida Mohd (Hanis) are recipients of the Endeavour Student Exchange Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship program funded by the Australian Government which promotes student mobility between partner universities in the Asia Pacific region. The program also recognises the value of international exchanges in undergraduate education.
The students will spend a semester at UniSA in a wide range of subjects including robotics, aviation, and satellite communications as part of their related degrees - computer and IT engineering, mechatronics, mechanical/automotive and aerospace engineering.
Each student says she was keen to experience study in a different country and was drawn to Australia for the unique blend of cultures and its reputation for having a quality education system.
Aznita said she was particularly drawn to Adelaide as a place to study.
"Travelling across the world has always been one of my dreams and I always wanted to see what it was like in another country; the different faces and cultures of other people," she said.
"Australia, especially Adelaide is very calm and laid back, not as busy as Malaysia. The weather, the surroundings, and the people are perfect for study."
The students also say they have noticed a more independent learning environment at UniSA that challenges their critical thinking.
"The main difference I notice is the life-long learning policy," Aznita said.
"Here, students are supposed to be more independent in their study. Students look for their own resources apart from the ones given by the lecturers, where we are much more dependent on our lecturers in Malaysia.
"There are also more groups tasks and discussions. This approach provides students with good exposure to what it’s like to be working in the industry later, as well as to other people’s ideas.
"We’ve all had to adapt quickly, but the lecturers are all very helpful and friendly and happy to help if we have problems. That makes studying here easy," she said.
All five also unanimously agree that while they really enjoy what they’re studying, they chose engineering mainly "for something different" to what other girls were doing.
"It’s harder to get jobs in other fields in Malaysia, because all the girls seem to go into the same areas. It’s worth trying something different for a better chance to get a job," Aznita said.
Program Director of Electrical and Mechatronic Engineering, Dr Sam Ali says the hands-on skills learned in class will certainly give all the girls an edge when it comes to seeking employment.
"In mechatronics, for example, Aznita will actually design and build a robot, practical experience in the automation process she can add to her CV," he said.
"This will be very useful when she goes back to industry in Malaysia.
"The subject is also multidisciplinary, so she will be able to understand the concepts and work across a range of fields."
Another eight students from IIUM are expected to join UniSA next year and, for the first time, two UniSA students will head to Malaysia by early next year.