297 Graduates from the University of Bolton

(L-R) Doreen Dorville and Wong Sy Jiunn, proud graduates of the University of Bolton, UK

18th September 2005 It looked like a kick-start to a promising future as 297 graduates were conferred their award by the University of Bolton . 4 achieved the highest award in education, the First Class Honours degree. Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Dr. Peter Marsh, presided over awards ceremony. “It is with great honour today that we have such a large group of intellectuals before us. Each graduate has demonstrated true genius and dedication towards the pursuit of knowledge and excellence that promises a brilliant future ahead of them,” said Dr. Marsh. “ Malaysia is one of the largest groups of international students and the students are constantly amongst the high achievers of the University,” said Dr. Marsh.

The University of Bolton is one of the newest universities in the United Kingdom . However, the University has a rich history dating back to 1824. Through time, the University has built a reputation as an innovative modern university with industry driven syllabuses. The University also received accolades from the Guardian Newspaper recently for topping the table of percentage increases of applications to all UK universities.

“ Bolton graduates find employment rapidly as they are made ready for the work environment,” adds Dr. Marsh. “Our programmes are industry relevant as we work closely with companies in various industries in setting up programmes with the required theories and practicalities.”

Graduating with First Class Honours were Tan Jiunn Yann with a Bachelor of Science in Computing, Shamanni Nitta A/P Dorai Mani with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and Goh Choon Siang and Queck Wai Chiang with the Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy.

Bolton 's offshore students studying in Malaysia are made up of mainly working adults. The programme involves Bolton 's teaching faculty flying in to Malaysia to conduct intensive workshops and face-to-face discussions.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Administration (BABA), Wong Sy Jiunn, said that the programme was suitable for him as it gave him the flexibility to suit both career and personal obligations. Working adults seeking to upgrade their education find it a programme worth taking as they get to learn and earn at the same time.

“The Bolton BABA programme is an excellent programme. It combines theory with practicality, and it allows us to envisage and apply what we learn in the work environment,” said Wong.

The Bolton programme proved advantageous for Wong. He began his career as a graphic designer in a public listed company when he first obtained his diploma. His drive to succeed in his career made him realise that to survive the rat-race, he needed to enhance his qualification with a degree.

“I can say that the programme brought fresh opportunities to me in my career and at a personal level,” said Wong humbly, who is now Head of Creative Communications. “Experience can only bring you so far, but education takes you to a higher level.”

Another graduate, Doreen D'Orville, found the workshop by Bolton professors a plus point to the programme. “Having the UK professors here to teach makes the experience more intense. We are able to tap their minds and hear opinions from a different perspective and an international flavour, rather than hearing it from only a local point of view.”

“As we moved to a globalised era, we need to broaden our minds to an international level, and studying an international degree programme promises a richer understanding of the global business world,” D'Orville added.

The University of Bolton offers the Bachelor of Science in Computing and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.