New students of Fajar International College showing their happy faces during the college’s orientation week. Brooke is seated centre, second row (with tie).
MIRI: Learning how to adapt to a totally new environment is a vital skill not only for achieving higher education but also to face challenges in employment in this fast changing world.
This fact was highlighted by principal of Fajar International College (FIC), Ricky Walter Brooke, who further noted that college life is totally different from that of secondary school, and students must be aware that there won’t be any spoon feeding and thus need to be independent in the quest for knowledge.
“We are living in a fast changing world and economy, and up-to-date knowledge is utmost important to equip us to be easily absorbed by the employment market. This knowledge can only be acquired through education,” he stressed.
Delivering his welcoming speech during the college’s first day of orientation yesterday morning, Brooke also urged the new students to treat their college life as their family life, as once they stepped into the campus they are part of the family.
As such, he said, all students must play a role in charting their future.
“We are committed to do everything that we can to ensure that you have the opportunity to be successful at this college, we will do our part, but most important is that you have to do your part too,” he stressed.
Addressing about 70 new students for the college’s January intake, Brooke further said opportunities abound for its graduates as all the programmes are industry-tailored.
Citing FIC’s Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as an example, he said it is the only diploma in this field recognised by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, where graduates are eligible to obtain the Green Book after obtaining their working experience.
He added that besides the Diploma in OSH, FIC’s Diploma in Accounting is another unique programme whereby Form 5 leavers can earn an honour’s degree equivalent qualification after completing their diploma, which takes them a step ahead in terms of career development.
“As for students taking the Diploma in Business Studies and Diploma in Human Resources Management, they can easily earn their degree in our partner universities with exemption granted, thus cutting short the time,” he added.
The new intake of students are for the various diploma programmes offered by the college, including the Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health (Dip OSH), Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Business Studies and Diploma in Human Resources Management, with those taking Dip OSH making up the most number.
The fun-filled two-day orientation that started yesterday and would continue on Saturday is meant to get the new students to familiarise themselves with the new environment where they will spend the next two and half years, while providing a platform for the existing student council members to hone their organisational and leadership skills.
The college still welcomes applicants who missed the dateline for January intake for its Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health, Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Business Studies and Diploma in Human Resources Management. Interested students can apply to FIC by calling 085-491448 or go online at www.kolejfajar.edu.my