Stepping up with cloud computing

In today’s technological world, the phrase ‘cloud computing’ is not foreign to those involved in either computing or engineering industry. For those who are not aware of it- the phrase- simply refers to the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility over a network.

As long as there is a demand for cloud computing, there are obviously opportunities waiting to be seized by those who mastered it. Keeping this in mind, KBU International College always engages its students in activities such as IBM SmartCloud Camp which is jointly organised by IBM Malaysia and MDeC.

The event which was open for both professionals and students was held from 24^th to 25^th February 2012 in Tunku Abdul Rahman College. 

“The journey towards the IBM SmartCloud Camp started in September 2011 after a complimentary cloud training and compulsory online quiz,” said Olayemi Folake Esther, a Nigerian student from KBU who obtained second prize together with her team mates.

She added that the victory was unexpected as all she wanted was to acquire more knowledge on cloud computing from the camp.

 “KBU has contributed a lot to my success. The knowledge I acquired from the College has been very helpful,” added Olayemi who is currently pursuing her studies in BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

 “Even though I am a foreigner, I never felt out of place. The lecturers are always interacting closely with all students, both local and international students. I don’t think other institutions can offer such an environment,” said Olayemi.

 “Around 90 shortlisted students and professionals were selected to join the three-day intensive camp, “said Chong Han Liang, KBU alumnus who graduated last year with BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering. 

“There were 15 teams comprised of professionals and students competing amongst each other. We were given two scenarios to choose from for the topic of our proposal- delivering infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and delivering Software as a Service (SaaS),” said Chong who grabbed second prize in the competition.

Chong added that the close collaboration between KBU and IBM has enabled him to obtain first-hand exposure to IBM technologies.

“KBU has paved a solid foundation for me to tackle the daily challenges in my working life,” he added.

Our students’ continuous success proves the quality of engineering programmes provided by the College. KBU graduates have a track record of being headhunted to exciting and rewarding careers in diverse fields, all within a short timeframe, and in many instances, immediately upon their graduation.

The College offers an array of engineering and computing programmes ranging from BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BSc (Hons) Computer and Network Engineering, BSc (Hons) Software Engineering, BSc (Hons) Information and Communications Technology, and NCC Level 4 Diploma in Computing. 

For further details, please contact KBU International College, Bandar Utama, at Tel: 03-77273200 or Fax: 03-77272733 or email: enquiry@kbu.edu.my or visit our website: www.kbu.edu.my. You can also join us at http://facebook.com/kbuinternational.  Alternatively, you can also visit us during the KBU Info Day (17-18^th March 2011) or drop by during KBU Open Day which is scheduled to take place on   24^th-25^th March 2012 from 8.30am-6 pm.

(Published in The Star newpaper.)

IBM SmartCloud Camp

A group of students and lecturers from the School of Engineering and Computing secured a place in the SmartCloud which IBM is organizing with the support from Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDEC).  The camp was held from 23 to 25 February 2012, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Dewan Utama, Tunku Abdul Rahman College, Setapak.

The SmartCloud Camp started off at the end of Sept last year and since then IBM had trained 389 students and IT professionals on the foundation of cloud computing. Of this number, 60 students have obtained their certification on IBM cloud computing which granted them the privilege to join the 3-day SmartCloud Camp.

We are pleased to announce that two KBU students were part of the team who won the Second Prize at the SmartCloud Camp.  The winners received a HTC Cha Cha android phone each.  All participants received a certificate of participation from IBM.

Group Photo

The team who won the second prize. Esther (centre) is currently pursuing her BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronics, Year 1.  The other KBU student (Chong Han Liang) was not present during the prize-giving ceremony.

Another team with KBU student, Eng Lian Xun (right).

Determination- key to success

"Hi! It's me again!"

The winners

Having grabbed the runner-up position for two consecutive years in the eGenting programming competition- the determined KBU alumnus Chong Han Liang-has emerged as the winner for the year 2011, receiving cash amounting RM6000. 

 “The competition lets students to have a brief exposure to real-world programming challenges, requiring them to apply what is learnt in their curriculum. The competition opens the door of opportunities for students and reveals how the real working world would be, “said Chong who graduated from BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering last year.

He added that such competitions will in turn allow students to focus on the key aspects of writing code.

 “From my experience, the competition usually attracts 100-200 students from around the nation and the students will be given 8 hours to attempt 4 to 5 real world programming tasks,” said Chong.

He added that the questions normally range from easy, with algorithm which is usually hinted, requiring the participant to translate the code and figure the best way to solve the business logic and translate their ideas into code.

Upon asking on the secret of his success, he said that KBU has paved the foundation (fundamental knowledge) required to tackle the different programming scenarios.

The competition is supported by MSC Malaysia and Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDec).

Contestants from all over the country converged at Wisma Genting in Kuala Lumpur late last year to test their ability and skills in programming. 

Chong’s continuous success proves the quality of the engineering programme at KBU.

KBU International College has enjoyed an extensive collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University, a UK university renowned for its academic excellence and success rate of graduate employability. Through the strategic alliance of eight years, KBU had seen an increase in the number of university’s honours degree programmes delivered by KBU under the “3+0” mode.

KBU graduates have a track record of being headhunted to exciting and rewarding careers in diverse fields ranging from engineering to computing, graphic design to interior architecture & design, all within a short timeframe and in many instances, immediately upon their graduation.

For further details, please contact KBU International College, Bandar Utama, at Tel: 03-77273200 or Fax: 03-77272733 or email: enquiry@kbu.edu.my or visit our website: www.kbu.edu.my. You can also join us at http://facebook.com/kbuinternational.  Alternatively, you can also visit us during the KBU Info Day (17-18^th March 2011) or drop by during KBU Open Day which is scheduled to take place on   24^th-25^th March 2012 from 8.30am-6 pm. 

(This article was also published in The Star, 7 March 2012)