Heriot-Watt University

Malaysia Campus

On the 7 November 2020, the government announced the Conditional Movement Controlled Order which will be extended in all states in peninsula Malaysia except for Pahang, Perlis and Kelantan which will remain in force until the 6 Dec 2020. As part of this CMCO extension, all institutions of higher learning are  required to close their campuses until further notice by the government.

 All classes have already been conducted online from Monday, 5 Oct 2020 and will continue online until the end of the year.

For Foundation April intake, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students, they will remain fully online until the end of the semester on 4 Dec 2020. 

For Foundation July and September intake, they will remain fully online until the end of the semester on 18  December 2020.

For Postgraduate Research students, they are to liaise directly with their supervisors on their progress. If they are required to return to campus, they will need to seek the approval of their supervisors and apply to return to campus as per the SOP. 

Staff who are not supporting essential services will continue to support all activities from home.

The FAQs below are developed to provide clarity to this latest change. Due to the fluid nature of changing environment, some changes are beyond the University’s control. We will be updating students from time to time as soon as we can confirm decisions made by both the government and the University management.  

Students who were studying physically on campus

Am I able to come on campus to use the facilities during this period?

All students are requested not to return to campus and access classes online. The campus will be closed during this period.

This includes final year student or PhD students. Please liaise with your supervisor directly.

Will shuttle buses be provided during this period?
No, all bus services will be suspended during the CMCO period.
I signed up for student events that take place off-campus. Will these events still take place?
HWUMSA has been advised to convert all planned physical events to online events or cancel physical events if online is not feasible. Please contact HWUMSA or the organiser directly.
Who do I contact if I feel sick and are displaying symptoms of COVID19?
If you are displaying symptoms, please contact the following persons immediately:
Pn Delilah Hamid, Senior Manager, Registry Operations and SSC at d.hamid@hw.ac.uk or
Mr Nicholas Ong, Head of Registry and Student Services at nicholas.ong@hw.ac.uk (or call +6019-228 7806)
I have heard that the University will employ Responsive Blended Learning. What does this mean?
Responsive Blended Learning or RBL combines active, supported online learning with contextually appropriate face-to-face learning opportunities, responding dynamically to the changing external context. This approach enables students to proceed with their studies alongside their peers, whatever pandemic-related restrictions are lifted or imposed in specific contexts. The RBL approach will allow students to begin the academic year on schedule, wherever they may be in the world. As conditions change, some students may be able to access face-to-face learning whilst others may continue to access learning online. Wherever students access their learning, they will remain part of the same core cohort of learners, sharing and developing their learning together. At the heart of this approach is our Heriot-Watt global learning community, our students and our staff collaborating together to inspire learning. More information on RBL can be found here.
Will class sizes remain the same, or is there a maximum capacity for those who are returning for Face to Face classes?
No face to face classes will be held during the CMCO period.
Class sizes will be restricted to a maximum which can accommodate physical distancing requirements of 1 meter as required by the SOP, if any face to face classes resume at a later stage.  
What are the arrangements like for tests and examinations?
The University will have no in person assessments in the first semester. All assessments will be either online or through course work.
I plan to return to campus for Face to Face sessions at a later date. When should I start registering for student accommodation?
We accept registrations for our student accommodation all year round. You can do so at any time. However, we will prioritise registrations for the nearest intake. Please send your applications via your Education Consultant.
I have applied to transfer to another campus under Go Global. Can I go?
No, you will not be able to transfer this year due to the uncertainty in the reopening of borders and in country situation. The situation will be reviewed again to consider the next opportunity to transfer in September 2021.

New international students

I am interested to apply to your campus but am unable to travel now. Can I apply and study online?

Yes, you can apply and study online. Offer letters will be issued as usual.

Once you have applied, we will submit your application to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Once your EMGS approval letter is issued, we will then be able to enrol you online and you will have access to the University’s online resources and learning platforms.

For detailed processes, you may refer to the latest SOPs from Education Malaysia Global Services.

Contact our International Student Support Office at MYinternationaloffice@hw.ac.uk should you need further clarification and the latest updates.

Will I be able to enter Malaysia to start my studies?

According to the latest government circular by the Department of Immigration on 18 Oct, existing international students from universities will be allowed entry into Malaysia to continue their studies, with exceptions for students who are from the 23 countries that are currently barred from entry. Please refer to Education Malaysia Global Services for the latest guidance

New international students will NOT be able to enter Malaysia until after 31 Dec 2020.

You may continue to study with us online through our Responsive Blended Learning.

As the situation is highly fluid, it is imperative that you contact our International Student Support Office at MYinternationaloffice@hw.ac.uk forfurther clarification and advice  you make any travel arrangements.

I have heard that the University will employ Responsive Blended Learning. What does this mean?
Responsive Blended Learning or RBL combines active, supported online learning with contextually appropriate face-to-face learning opportunities, responding dynamically to the changing external context. This approach enables students to proceed with their studies alongside their peers, whatever pandemic-related restrictions are lifted or imposed in specific contexts. The RBL approach will allow students to begin the academic year on schedule, wherever they may be in the world. As conditions change, some students may be able to access face-to-face learning whilst others may continue to access learning online. Wherever students access their learning, they will remain part of the same core cohort of learners, sharing and developing their learning together. At the heart of this approach is our Heriot-Watt global learning community, our students and our staff collaborating together to inspire learning. More information on RBL can be found here.
What happens if travel restrictions are still in place as I approach the second semester of my programme?
You can continue with your current courses online. Please contact our International Student Service Office for more information: MYinternationaloffice@hw.ac.uk.
What are the arrangements like for tests and examinations?
The University will have no in person assessments in the first semester. All assessments will be either online or through course work.

General campus enquiries

What are the procedures to enter the campus?

The campus is currently closed during 14 Oct – 6 Dec 2020 as a result of the CMCO imposed by the government

When the campus is open, all staff, students and visitors will have to be masked on arrival and will need to register at the designated campus entrance. Registration is compulsory as outlined by a government directive to enable contact tracing. Your temperature will also be taken by staff members You will not be allowed to enter the campus if your recorded temperature is above 37.5 Celsius or you show any symptoms. You will be required to sanitize your hands before you enter the campus. Please ensure you give your full cooperation to the staff members who are required to ensure strict adherence to the requirements for the health and safety of the campus community.

How will physical distancing be applied across the campus?
The University will be employing thorough physical distancing rules across all areas at the campus, including elevators, working spaces, study spaces, classrooms and lecture halls. We are required to restrict capacity on campus to 30% (until 1st October) and ensure that the 1 metre physical distancing is adhered to. The University has also invested in the installation of hand sanitisers across the campus.
Will bus services be affected when students are allowed to return to campus?

Bus services are suspended during the CMCO extension when all classes are being held online.

Bus service will resume at minimal service when students can return to campus. However, bus services may be subject to the number of students requiring the service. We will update and release the bus timetable from time to time. You may contact Student Support Services at MYStudentExperience@hw.ac.uk for the latest bus timetable. 

If you are using our shuttle buses, you are required to be scanned for your temperature upon entry and check-in with the MySejahtera app. We encourage that you sanitise your hands before entering the bus and upon exiting. A face mask is compulsory when you check-in, and as long as you are on the bus. Surfaces on our buses are cleaned 3 times a day, and once a week, the entire bus is deep cleaned.

In line with public transport Standard Operating Procedures issued by the government, there is no physical distancing on the bus. As such, you are encouraged to limit your interaction with other passengers on the bus.

Will I be able to eat at the cafeteria (Happy Café)?

The campus is currently closed.

Dine in is allowed at the Happy Café . Note that physical distancing will be practised and you are reminded to ensure adherence. Takeaway service will also be available for consumption at the open areas.  
What precautions should I take while I am on campus?

The campus is currently closed.

The University is ensuring strict adherence to the SOP issued by the government. As of 1st August 2020, the Malaysian government has made it compulsory to wear a face mask in public places. On campus, you are required to wear one when you enter the premises, and to and from classes or offices spaces. You have the option of removing them when you are in class or at your own office space.

All staff and students are encouraged to observe basic hand hygiene and wash your hands regularly. A no hand-shake policy is also currently in place. The campus has also installed hand sanitisers across the campus. If you are exhibiting any symptoms such as fever, cough or flu, you are strictly not allowed to come on to campus.