Nobody can inspire us like great educators can. The best ones help us discover our potential and encourage us to always do our very best, giving us the courage to find our own way with just enough guidance to show us that nothing is impossible.
In this piece, let’s get to know some inspiring lecturers who are teaching students of the University of Hertfordshire (UH) programmes at INTI International College Subang.
Taking advantage of diverse culture and experiences
Bernard Lim Jit Heng, a lecturer who teaches Corporate Finance and Analysis of Current Issues in Finance to students from the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance and BA (Hons) Finance programmes, has been with INTI for the last eight years with a notion to further identify the best interests of his students while also working within INTI’s goals and standards.
Bernard Lim Jit Heng, a lecturer who teaches Corporate Finance and Analysis of Current Issues in Finance to students from the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance and BA (Hons) Finance programmes, has been with INTI for the last eight years with a notion to further identify the best interests of his students while also working within INTI’s goals and standards
“I joined INTI back in 2014 and dedicated my time on subjects related to management, economics and finance. A year later, I was offered to temporarily fill in the role of Interim Head of Programme (HOP) which enabled me to meet wonderful staff from other INTI campuses like Subang, Penang and Sabah,” shared Bernard.
The following year, Bernard was promoted as HOP for the Bachelor of Business majoring in International Business and the Business Psychology programme at INTI International University. In 2019, Bernard left INTI but returned to the organization not long after that.
“I thought I had left looking for a better opportunity and greener pasture, but I was proven wrong. In 2020, I joined INTI International College Subang once again and here I am today, striving to achieve greater heights in my career,” said Bernard who believes INTI is made of a diversified culture that exposes its staff and students to an array of experiences.
Although lecturing has always been his forte, Bernard aims to step up his game. “I have always looked forward to integrating academic knowledge into practicability for my students. Being an avid researcher has enabled me to do just that. Besides my academic knowledge, I also have the opportunity to share the experiences I gained during conferences with my fellow students,” said Bernard takes the opportunity to exchange ideas with international educators and researchers while attending conference sessions.
Also an award winner, Bernard has garnered two awards for his research initiatives from INTI and an external organization.
“I won silver for the publication of ‘The Future of Food Tourism: Eco-Friendly Edible Insect’ at the International Joint Conference on Hospitality and Tourism 2021 under the Invention, Innovation and Design Competition and received the Best Track Paper Award from INTI International University at the 4th International Conference on Innovation and Technopreneurship 2021,” Bernard proudly shared.
From industry to academia
Sharlini Seridaran has accumulated professional certifications such as Advanced Google Analytics, ALIBABA GDT Trainer, Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Professional and is also a member of the Institute of Marketing Malaysia.
Having set foot in various industries over the years, Sharlini Seridaran is another versatile lecturer from the UH faculty at INTI International College Subang.
According to her, the acceptance and diversity of practices at INTI is commendable as the work culture and employees made her transition from industry to academia much easier.
“Prior to joining INTI, I was serving marketing departments in organizations of various industries – airlines, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), automotive and fitness. Upon joining INTI, I had to learn the work culture and adapt to a new job scope which I must say was pretty easy because I had colleagues to guide me. Above all, it was the welcoming environment that helped me adjust to my new role quickly,” shared Sharlini.
Sharlini currently teaches subjects like Digital Marketing, Advertising, Digital Economy, Advertising Concepts & Campaigns, Promotion and Branding, and makes sure to upskill herself to keep up with the latest global trends.
“On a personal level, I was able to acquire additional professional certifications such as Advanced Google Analytics, ALIBABA GDT Trainer, Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Professional and I’m also a member of the Institute of Marketing Malaysia. These certifications have enabled me to give a more personal touch to the subjects I deliver,” elaborated Sharlini, who has been with INTI since 2018.
She further added, “My past working experiences have strengthened the connection between students and myself besides creating a unique learning experience as I provide them with fresh and first hand industry insights.”
Emphasizing that INTI prides itself on equipping students with 21st century skillsets such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, Sharlini concluded, “INTI offers programmes that are in line with industry standards so that students have a real understanding of the industry before graduating. Various initiatives are taken to expose students with employer projects, embedding assessments with practical approaches and having lecturers who come from the industry.”
Adding value to teaching modules
Manmeet Kaur Jaswant Singh has taught subjects like People and Organizations, Managing People, and Organizational Psychology to students from the University of Hertfordshire faculty at INTI International College Subang for the last four years.
“I bring over 20 years of work experience from different industries and this allows me to share real life practices in the classroom while adding value to the modules I teach,” shared Manmeet Kaur Jaswant Singh, who has been with the UH faculty at INTI for more than four years.
Manmeet acknowledges that INTI has provided lecturers with avenues for professional growth in terms of leadership tools; assessment strategies on the best ways to leverage ongoing or formative assessment; standards-based grading, recording, and reporting; curriculum alignment and strategies for personalizing learning and differentiating instruction which has made a resurgence in the past couple years.
She further elaborated, “In terms of engagement with students, I’m privileged to have fostered good relationships with my students, with many still keeping in touch even after they graduated and secured their career pathways.”
“I’m honored to have alumni update me on their progress and challenges at work. Once our graduates step into the employment market, they experience the expectations of their employers. This is when they appreciate the information and knowledge they received from their lecturers,” said Manmeet, who is an auditor registered by the International Register of Certified Auditors and also a member of the Malaysia Institute Human Resource Management.
Her advice to the future graduates of INTI, “Build relationships with people around you. Show how you can support individuals around you and in return, you will get the support you need. Every moment is an opportunity to learn from the people and circumstances around you. Pay attention when things go well, pay extra attention when they do not, and watch and learn from how people react to it.”