JOHOR BAHRU, 3 October 2016 – The Bachelor of Science Program in Industrial Mathematics  of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) gained international recognition when it was paired with the United Kingdom University of Kent Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science) as a double degree programme.
UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr Wahid Omar said the move proved the programme offered by UTM was high quality and internationally recognized.
According to him, UTM introduced a double degree program with the University of Kent at Canterbury starting from the 2015/2016 academic sessions conducted full-time with the normal duration of five years and a maximum period of seven years.
The fourth-year student of Bachelor of Science (Mathematics in Industry), Foo Weoi Ming became the first UTM students who will participate in the Double Degree Bachelor of Science (Industrial Mathematics) and Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science).
He will be departing for United Kingdom tomorrow will be starting his programme of between four to five years at the University of Kent starting with the 2016/2017 academic session funded by the UTM Foundation in the form of partial credit.
Foo Ming Weoi, whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.92, has shown an interest and ability to use mathematics and statistics in insurance and financial results in his undergraduate project (PSM) in the last semester.
He has also been trained by the Department of Statistics, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and has obtained good feedback from his supervisor who was very satisfied with the work that they produced.
Dr Wahid said the double degree program is expected to enhance student’s marketability in the job market because they have two degrees in two fields, namely mathematics and actuarial science industry.
“Graduates of the program Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science) may be exempted from taking eight of the 15 papers UK Actuarial Professional Examination CTI – CT8 recognized by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFA), United Kingdom.
“The double degree programme supports the internationalization agenda UTM by increasing mobility of students abroad and helping the university to increase the number of students who have learning experiences outside the country,” he said.
He said the programme is open to all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Industrial Mathematics at UTM.
Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science) is one programme that is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFA), United Kingdom and is recognized by the Malaysian Public Services Department (JPA).