In today’s innovative and technology-advanced world, it is important for an educational institution to nurture competent graduates who are able to apply their knowledge and use their skills for the advantage of the industry. First City University College (First City UC) is fulfilling that role by offering engineering and computing programmes which are industry-relevant, and by using a hands-on approach in teaching to mould these future engineers, programmers and IT specialists to be industry-ready. Guided by the philosophy of providing affordable education without compromising on quality, the institution ensures that its programmes are taught by capable and dedicated lecturers who are committed in producing students who excel in their studies.

Specially-crafted new programmes

In 2017, First City UC’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing is offering four home-grown programmes; all specially-crafted to meet the demands of the fast-changing industry which is constantly innovating itself to keep up with the digital world. These brand new programmes: Bachelor of Electronic Engineering with Honours, Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons), Bachelor of Computer Science (Intelligent Systems) (Hons) and Bachelor of Business Information Systems (Hons) equip students with skills and techniques in programming, application development, information analysis and many other applications of IT in business operations that are relevant to the demands of employers around the world. The curriculum for Electronic Engineering degree programme is approved by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM); therefore providing students with a clear pathway to achieve professional engineer status.

With the use of advanced software tools and commercial products in its state-of-the-art engineering and computing laboratories such as Mainframe Computing Technology and Mentor Graphics, students can experiment and develop their practical skills while being guided by attentive lecturers and tutors.

Industry linkages

First City UC works closely with key players in the IT and electronics industry, one of which was the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with IBM Malaysia to renew its academic collaboration to embed IBM technologies into First City UC’s ICT curriculum and equip its undergraduates with cognitive computing skills. Since the establishment of the MoU in 2008, First City UC has produced high calibre graduates equipped with professional IBM certification. Under this collaboration, First City UC provides teaching resources and facilities, whilst IBM provides leading software, courseware, training and testing necessary to gain certification.  First City UC has adopted IBM curriculum in their Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons) programme, where students have the opportunity to work on Large Scale Computing, Cloud Computing and Mobile Platform Programming and apply the techniques they learnt to develop a broad range of software relevant to the ICT industry.

To further enrich students’ learning experience and prepare them for the workforce, the faculty organises the annual Innovation Day as a platform to showcase final year students’ projects and portfolios. The event is well attended by key industry players and representatives of companies; the projects on display often impressed them to the point that some of the students even received offers of employment on the spot.

Additionally, students benefit from the many seminars and workshops organised by the faculty, whereby speakers and experts from relevant industries impart their extensive knowledge to students. There are also regular industrial visits arrangements, which allow these students to witness and observe the inner workings of real-world processes. With all these knowledge and experience, it is no surprise that many of First City UC’s alumni have been able to secure jobs at reputable companies – with some, even before they graduate.

Enhanced facilities

First City University College is increasing its facilities with the new Phase II building, ready by January 2017. The new 350,000 square feet campus block houses lecture rooms, studios, seminar rooms, workshops, state-of-the-art laboratories, IT Centre, library and MBA Centre. To ensure students are provided with the highest standard of quality facilities and support in terms of convenience, the expansion includes on-campus student accommodation with air-conditioned en suite rooms. Students can truly enjoy a holistic educational and living experience by taking advantage of the indoor sports and recreational facilities such as futsal, badminton and basketball courts, along with the airy and spacious lifestyle-themed cafeteria and a comfortable student lounge.

New programmes in other faculties

First City UC will be rolling out more home-grown and dual award programmes in its other faculties to meet the demand and needs of both local and international students, such as:

• BA (Hons) Business Management
• BA (Hons) Marketing
• BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
• BA (Hons) Mass Communication
• Master of Business Administration
• BA (Hons) in Fashion Marketing and Branding
• BA (Hons)  in Graphic Design
• BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
• BA (Hons) Furniture & Product Design
• Intensive Korean language programme

January intake is in progress for pre-university, foundation, diploma and degree programmes. Counsellors are available to answer queries about the various programmes and scholarships being offered at First City UC on extended counselling hours from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on weekdays and 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on weekends from 1 December 2016 until 21 January 2017 excluding public holidays.