Progress in education always involves acquiring advanced knowledge, skills, and know-how. Most postgraduate programmes typically focus on research, coursework, and practical applications. In addition to these, postgraduate students at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) can also integrate teaching responsibilities as part of their curriculum. This allows students to gain valuable experience and strengthen their skills and know-how.
This is especially true for Ng Yu Zhen, a Master's student in Investment Management. “I’ve always been passionate about helping my classmates in high school whenever they had trouble understanding something in class. It always feels good when I can help them learn and grasp difficult concepts. As such, I was more than happy to take on the role of a lecturer when I started my Master’s degree at TAR UMT,” she shared.
Yu Zhen (foreground third from left) with her students in a fun group photo during their last class of the semester.
As for Chua Chi Log, who is pursuing his Master’s degree in Computer Science, teaching while studying serves as another form of learning and gaining valuable experience. “Teaching allows me to apply what I’m learning in my Master’s programme. It is also an effective way to revise, which strengthens my understanding of what I am studying,” he said.
While both students recognise the benefits of teaching and studying, they also face the challenge of balancing both roles. “The biggest obstacle I face as both a lecturer and a student is managing my time. As a student, I still have deadlines, exams, and classes to attend, while as a lecturer, I need to plan lessons, grade papers, and ensure my students understand the topics. I stay on schedule by organising my time and prioritising tasks to ensure everything gets completed. Although challenging, I have learnt the importance of discipline in life,” Yu Zhen shared.
Despite these challenges, the rewards of teaching often outweigh the difficulties. “The first and last classes of the semester are the most memorable. On my first day, I was terrified and anxious—my hands were shaking as I wrote on the whiteboard. However, on the last day of the semester, my students gave me a gift and provided constructive feedback for my improvement. I am glad to have had the experience of being a lecturer because one of the greatest benefits for me is that it has strengthened my self-esteem. On top of this, the university also offers many programmes and training sessions to further improve my skills. I have had opportunities to attend a series of workshops on preparing effective lesson plans, delivering content effectively, managing students’ expectations and questions, and other teaching-related topics,” Chi Log shared.
Chi Log (standing) engaging with students in a class activity during a tutorial session.
