Hard Work Paid Off for Ding Lian Foong

Ding with her proud parents and Principals of SEGi Colleges. (L-R) Lee Kok Cheng of SEGi College Subang Jaya, Ding, Mr & Mrs Ding, and Hew Moi Lan of SEGi College Kuala Lumpur.

3rd October 2006 Long way of hard work and sacrifice, Ding Lian Foong eventually received her title as a First Class Honours graduate from the University of Bolton, United Kingdom. “It was indeed like a dream come true. I have always wanted to take up a degree course. I didn't expect to get the First Class Honours as I am also holding a full-time job,” said Ding, the First Class Honours recipient for Bachelor of Science in Computing. The University of Bolton partners SEGi College in offering 3+0 twinning degrees in business administration, accountancy and computing. The twinning partnership allows Malaysians to enjoy substantial savings as they can complete their degree without having to travel to the UK to study on campus.

The twinning degree is also popular with working adults as they have the option of attending classes that are conducted in the evenings. This enables those who hold full-time jobs to upgrade their qualifications without affecting their work hours.

“I am working, it is just impossible for me to quit my job and fly to overseas and do my degree. Thanks to the University of Bolton for giving me the opportunity of doing a UK degree locally,” Ding added.

When asked about her job, Ding explained that she's working in the Information Technology field. “This degree enables me to apply the knowledge that I had learnt in class to my work, and it truly helps me a lot in solving challenges at workplace. With this degree, I am sure I will be able to pursue my career successfully.”

It cannot be denied that studying and working at the same time is not an easy job to be done, as there are a lot of sacrifices that we have to make. What was Ding's secret to make her the recipient of the First Class Honours?

“Time management is the key!” said Ding. “Although I might be very busy with my work, I made point to arrange my notes and do my revision within 2 days after every class. By doing so, I could understand my notes better and I found it easier to remember what was taught in class. When it came to examination season, I will take leave so that I could spend more time with my books. Wise man once said ‘ Rome was not built in one day', it has been 4 years of consistent hard work.”

Ding was among 5 students who received First Class Honours from The University of Bolton at its graduation ceremony in Malaysia recently. The event also saw 278 students being conferred with degrees from the said university.

Professor Stan Oliver, Academic Leader of Bolton Business School, The University of Bolton, who was present at the graduation praised the graduates. He said that the graduates “demonstrated true genius and dedication towards the pursuit of knowledge and excellence that promises a brilliant future ahead of them.”

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

It's 3+0 twinning programmes are offered at SEGi College, the largest private education provider in Malaysia. With a total of 6 campuses in 5 major towns and cities in the country, the college serves the needs of more than 13,500 students.

SEGi College offers a wide range of degree and diploma with top-notch partner universities such as University of Sheffield, University of Bolton, University of Southern Queensland, James Cook University, University of Sunderland and Upper Iowa University.