Monday March 8, 2010

Huge turnout at two-day Star Education Fair 2010

Stories by TAN SIN CHOW, ANN TAN and JEREMY TAN
Photos by GOH GAIK LEE, CHIN CHENG YEANG, ZAINUDIN AHAD and MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI

WHEELCHAIR-bound B. Jayaganeshan had a great experience visiting The Star Education Fair 2010 although he found his movement curtailed at times due to the huge turnout at the fair.

"I was curious to find out more about the education fair as I had never been to any of them previously.

"I am interested in courses related to arts and design. But even then, I have to check out the pre-requisites for enrolment," said the cerebral palsy patient who was accompanied by his mother K. Kalaiselvi, 49, and brother Kesavan, 28.

Keen interest: Jayaganeshan, with mother Kalaiselvi, getting a programme briefing by Equator Academy of Arts lecturer Teoh Choon Jim (right).

Kesavan said Jayaganeshan stopped schooling at Year Five as he could no longer cope with his peers in class, adding that his brother, who loves to draw and make handicraft, stayed at home most of the time.

A total of 108 exhibitors showcased their courses and programmes, covering various fields of study from engineering, medicine and pharmacy to graphic design, culinary arts and mass communications during the two-day fair which ended yesterday at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA).

The fair attracted a huge turnout comprising young school-leavers at the crossroads of their lives and their equally-concerned parents taking a keen interest in their future.

Among those considering their options was Nor Fatin Farhana Abdul Rahman, 17, of SMJK Chio Min, who visited the fair along with 12 of her schoolmates.

"Although I'm still in Form Five, I decided to come along to see what avenues are open to me after SPM. I aspire to be a nurse when I grow up," said the student from Kulim, Kedah.

Over at the Advanced Tourism International Colleges (ATIC) booth, visitors were seen browsing through their many courses as well as trying out pastries and beverages prepared on the spot by their hotel management students. The tasty morsels were snapped up in no time.

"There has been a tremendous response to our courses this year with our staff fielding inquiries non-stop and many students signing up on the spot," said academic head Johnny Goh, adding that there was great potential in the fields of culinary arts and hospitality.

Large turnout: An aerial view of the arena in PISA at Relau, Penang , jampacked with visitors at The Star Education Fair 2010 Sunday.

Visitors were drawn to the KDU College Penang booth when the design school students put up a performance with the didgeridoo, a wind instrument developed by Australian aborigines.

"The sound is produced by vibrating the lips and blowing into the didgeridoo," said Abdul Khaliq Yem, 23, an interior design student.

Also seen signing up for a professional chef course was Anis Fariha Farizul, 18, who had her entire family in tow.

"I love cooking up a storm at home, especially during festive seasons where I'll prepare lots of treats for friends and relatives. So this course suits me," she explained.

While the school leavers and those seeking to further their tertiary education were contemplating their future careers, the younger siblings accompanying them also took the chance to explore the available courses and consider potential careers ahead of time.

"My brother, Mervin is looking for a course, but since I'm here, I am taking the chance to explore the courses on offer and consider my options for the future," said Jolene Teoh, 16.

It proved to be her lucky day as well, as she also walked away with a digital photo frame, one of the main prizes, in the Spin & Win Contest.

This way to do it: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman programme promotion division officer Kelvin Liang Tian How (left) explaining the course application procedures to a student and her parents during The Star Education Fair 2010 in PISA .

Mervin had his sights set on a pharmacy course. "I initially wanted to take up medicine, but I wasn't too keen on the lengthy duration, so pharmacy is the next best thing."

The fair also attracted many from other states, such as cousins Chin Han Zhong and Chong Khye Shern, both 18, from Terengganu.

Their uncle, Teo Yee Siong, brought them along to check out the many options all under one roof.

Making the trip all the way from Sungai Petani in Kedah were siblings Teoh Ee Zean, 18, and Khai Zhek, 13, of SMK Aman Jaya.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/3/8/north/5815916&sec=North