Hi,
My name is I Lin Sin and I'm a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. I've just arrived in Malaysia for fieldwork. Over the next few months, I will be looking for and chatting with various individuals to inform my study on the link between a UK degree and the occupational and status advancement of young adult Malaysians. If your profile meets the following characteristics, I would like to invite you to take part in my research:
* Malaysian, aged 18-30 years
* Student studying in Malaysia for a UK degree(via offshore or transnational modes of study, e.g. 3+0 programmes, etc.)
OR
* Recent graduate (2-5 years after graduation)
* Studied for a UK degree(in the UK or/and in Malaysia)
* Currently working in Malaysia
* Malaysian, aged up to 30 years
The research will take the form of a face-to-face, casual and private conversation with me. Simple and straightforward questions will be asked. Key themes will include the advantages and disadvantages of having a UK education, strategies to obtain a job and feelings and aspirations in relation to the transition from studies to work.
The interview conversation will take about an hour and will be conducted in a suitably quiet location (usually in cafes and college/campus grounds) in PJ or KL, central to the participant and me as the researcher. There is a slight possibility that I'll extend my fieldwork site to Penang, but this will come at a later stage. The interview will be recorded in audio to allow a detailed examination of data. No one other than myself will have access to the recording and the participant's identity will be kept strictly anonymous. My study is subject to the university's ethical guidelines and hence, the participant can be assured that I will take the necessary measures to conduct my research responsibly.
The findings of the research will contribute to my PhD thesis and will be shared in various forms such as published journal articles and presentation in seminars and conferences. Very little is known about this topic, so your participation will be very useful in guiding understanding on the study and work experiences of young Malaysians. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning more about the nature and dynamics of an academic social research.
I look forward to chatting with you and learning about your experiences. I can be contacted at: I.Sin@sms.ed.ac.uk.
Seems to be a popular topic for PhD candidates to ask for feedback from Malaysian students. I guess gathering information wouldn't be such a headache and would be cheaper in the long run depending if it is quantitative or qualitative.
ReplyDeleteGenerally, an overseas education has the benefit of overseas exposure which is invaluable to the person and not necessarily is better in terms of getting a better paying job.
ReplyDeleteA local graduate has the advantage of familiarity with local conditions of work. If the employer does not require good English in dealing with locals or foreigners, then there is no need for anyone with international exposure. If at all there is a disparity between overseas and local graduates then it is to employer's benefit to employ a lower paid worker.
To an international company where English is vital in communication, shortlisted candidates who had their education in UK stand a better chance when tested for written as well as oral fluency in presentation in front of interviewers.
We should not forget the advantage of networking during the few years in UK which would help immensely if required by the job.
There are always exceptional cases where a local graduate or even a school dropout can do exceptional well in terms of earnings which some parents are fond of quoting to support their notion that overseas education could be a waste of money in terms of 'return on investment'.
There has been a serious lack of updates on this blog. Its discussions have not reach its height of many years ago. I mean this blog did not even discuss recent events such as the SETARA ratings, THES University ranking, QS University ranking etc.
ReplyDeleteInstead of leaving this blog dying slowly, you guys should invite new writers.
Fuck me man, I can't believe what some people call "research". Do a science degree for gawds sake.
ReplyDeleteIs it true that Tony P. failed to become a capitalist-banker, a failed economist, that is why joins the Opposition-DAP??
ReplyDeleteDo no much about PHD's and make things for people do really like to follow eg. Mencuri, Menyamun, Membunuh, Merompak, Merogoi, MERDEKA ! If a sheep can gain wealth simply by study PHD 's then law of mother nature will be dinosaur rules. Malay ( malau ya ) rule Malaysia at their opinion AND RESPECT LIKE god. How come we Chinese don't die one by one then ? Regards, #@%* soo keong chean
ReplyDeleteToday I went to Sri Manjung Hospital and an Indian male medical officer said proudly, India country quietly approach to the queen of kingdom of heaven ask and she replied " Is to be a terrorist or die " If the medical officer worked very hard and diligent to obtain vast of knowledge and speaks very much English and at golden age, then what is the very bottom people of kueh keling by millions ? Value of judgement ? Malaysia is a real 3rd world nation. Satisfaction Guaranteed.....3rd World because it is the Country that is of no good. The peoples are just bloody fools.
ReplyDelete