The 'A' Levels is one of the preferred entry routes towards any degree, Husna Yusop finds out.
The 'A' Levels is one of the most well respected pre-university qualifications worldwide. It is the preferred entry route to various degrees such as accounting, business, management, commerce,
economics, finance, information technology, communications,
law and marketing.
Brickfields College is offering the 'A' Levels programme from the University of Cambridge,
one of the top universities in the world, and its programme is recognised throughout Commonwealth countries.
According to Brickfields Asia Corp Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jothi Ram, many students are reluctant to take the 'A' Levels
because they are terrified by the cost which could reach
between RM10,000 and RM15,000 at most local colleges.
COURSE FEE WAIVERS
But, he says, the advantage of studying at Brickfields College is that students only need to pay RM4,400 for the whole one-year course. including tuition fee and registration fee.
In addition, Jothi says, the college recently launched a RM2 million education fund meant for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders who wish to take up the 'A' Levels programme.
Under the fund, the college is waiving the entire course fee for the University of Cambridge ''A' Levels programme. Students will only need to pay RM750 for the registration and resource fee.
"This is our social commitment to the public after being in the business for 13 years," explains Jothi.
The fund is open to any Malaysian who meets the entry requirements to do the 'A' Levels.
"The idea is to make education affordable. So, we decided to attract good students by giving them a chance to start off early on pre-university studies.
"The 'A' Levels is a stepping stone towards any degree and is the initial foundation before students embark on tertiary education," he told the Sun.
It is noteworthy that recipients of the Brickfields Education Fund scholarship are not bound by the college and can opt to further their studies at any local or foreign university.
However, Jothi says, those who feel they have benefited from the college can continue with the LLB Intermediate programme offered by the college and they will be entitled to waivers in course fee for the following years.
Under the package, high achievers who within the top 10 per cent of the class will b? entitled to full scholarships while the following 20 per cent will only need to pay half the tuition fee.
"The fund is based on performance. Nevertheless, recipients of the scholarships are not bound by the college as this is our social gesture to help good students," he adds.
FULLY EQUIPPED, WELL-STOCKED LIBRARY
The college boasts a fully equipped and well-stocked library with the latest books and reports. It also has dedicated and experienced lecturers to guide and help students achieve their best.
It has established itself as one of the leading private colleges over the last 12 years and is the largest post-graduate law school in Malaysia.
Brickfields College chief operations officer Aria Singham says they have received many applications and 
numerous enquiries regarding the fund since it was advertised in June.
On the fate of students whose SPM results do not meet the requirements, Aria says they are careful when selecting students for the programme.
Alternatively, candidates who fail to meet the requirements can take up other suitable courses available at the college, based on their qualifications and capabilities.
Students can call the college at 03-2274 4165 for any queries or download the application forms from the college website at www.brickfieldscorp.com or email admin@brickfieldscorp.com
Aria also advises students not to be discouraged by -the government's three month National Service programme due to start this February as not all 18-year-olds will be selected.
"Nevertheless, the college has agreed to grant the students leave should they be selected. It should not be a problem for them to catch up with the others later," he assures.
They may use their forecast results to apply for the fund.
But this does not mean that this is charity, Jothi says, adding that they vet students.
"We take in students who can complete the course. We do not want students who simply finishes the course but he or she has to do well also.
"We currently have some very good students and we're working hard on them," he adds.
Students who qualify for this scholarship will have their tuition fees completely waived.
"They will only pay RM750 for registration and exams fees," says Harcharan Singh, general manager of Brickfields Asia Corporation.
If you are among the top 10% of the 'A' level class, you automatically qualify for a full scholarship for the law programme.
The next 20% will get a partial scholarship, in that they will have to pay half the tuition fees.
Students who continue to perform well each year will have their tuition fees waived.
Everything else like notes, material handouts will be provided. "Students who are chosen for the scholarship can expect lots of drilling, they're not in here just for a ride," says Harcharan.
"On a regular basis, students will be made to write out essay answers. It's good practice."
Students who skip classes constantly will be terminated.
"We do not want to compromise on quality," says Harcharan.
"Our lecturers here are completely dedicated, and we feel that is our reason for success. We avoid lecturers who cannot commit 100%. Most of them have years of experience, ranging from 10 to 20 years. When it comes to quality, it is definitely assured and 1 am very confident that we will deliver," says Jothi.
The beauty of this fund is that it does not bind its students. Students who have completed their A-levels can choose to study in other colleges if they desire. Students who complete their three years in Brickfields are not in any way bound to work in the college either. Brickfields is also an associate partner of the University of Cambridge.
For more enquiries, please call 03-2274 4165 or visit their premise at Brickfields Asia Corporation, 210 Jalan Tun Sambanthan Brickfields.
