In recent years, there has been a growing trend among students to pursue diploma programs that offer hands-on experience and practical applications in the latest technologies and skills relevant to the industry. As a result, educational institutions are investing in enhancing their programs to meet the rising demands of a highly skilled workforce. MAHSA Avenue International College (MAIC), established in 2018 (formerly known as MAHSA Prima International College), a fully integrated educational establishment in Malaysia, is one such institution that offers a variety of certificate and diploma programs.
MAHSA, which stands for Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy, was founded in 2004 by YB Senator Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah who is the Pro-Chancellor of MAHSA University with a vision to produce qualified and compassionate professionals to serve the needs of the country in line with the national goals and the government transformation plans in the 21st century.
MAHSA group aims to produce competent and compassionate professionals aligned with national goals and government plans. MAHSA's reputation in Medicine, Biosciences, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Nursing, Business, Finance, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Engineering is well-established at Diploma, Degree, Master, and Doctoral levels through their expanding connections with industry partners and affiliates worldwide. The MAHSA Group offers a comprehensive education ecosystem that includes MAHSA University, MAHSA International School, MAHSA Avenue International College, MAHSA College Sabah, and MAHSA Academic Solutions, providing a continuum of education for students from primary to higher education levels.
MAIC was established to provide an education platform for students who are passionate about Business and Accountancy, Creative Media and Technology, and Beauty and Aesthetics areas at the certificate and diploma levels, MAIC aims to create a diverse and thriving learning environment that enables students to explore their potential and develop a sense of responsibility for their future. The college collaborates with NGOs, government authorities, and industry partners to focus on digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, and community services. MAIC has partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University for Creative Arts (UCA), UK, and its programs are accredited by the Malaysian government's Ministry Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Its Diploma in Business and Accounting programs are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), providing students with exemptions for CIMA qualifications. The institution endeavors to deliver a top-notch education to its students. Its success is reflected in the contributions of its alumni who leverage their expertise and knowledge as employees in the college's 42 specialized establishments.
Innovative Teaching Methods with Excellent Amenities
MAIC's certificate and diploma programs provide practical training, internships, and industry partnerships, and the PRIDE (Professional and Industry Driven Education) program offers professional certifications from reputable companies like Microsoft, Autodesk, and Adobe to help graduates stay competitive in their fields. Interactive workshops and seminars on topics such as photography, design, and career skills are led by experienced professionals in partnership with the MAHSA Group, while career talks, hands-on workshops, and skill-building
sessions like outdoor photography, resume writing, and image-building forums are organized to foster students' love for learning. The MAHSA Group's diverse professionals create structured internship programs that prepare students for real-world industry experience, with the Amaya Spa and Wellness Center serving as an excellent training ground for School of Beauty and Aesthetics students.
"At MAIC, the faculty members play a crucial role in providing quality education, and the institution places significant emphasis on providing them with the necessary tools to achieve this goal. Besides being qualified, the lecturers are encouraged to be open to creative ideas and resilient in the face of challenges", says Michelle Thong Foong Yen.
Michelle Thong Foong Yen, CEO & Principal
MAIC stands out from other educational institutions by incorporating innovative teaching methods, including flipped classrooms, gamification, and personalized learning, to facilitate an interactive and engaging learning experience for students. To assess students' skills and knowledge, MAIC practices various assessments, such as mock press conferences, entrepreneurship bazaars, and final artwork projects that involve industry partners. Also, lecturers from different programs work together to enhance students' potential to another level. MAIC's excellent amenities, such as the MAC Lab, computer lab, graphic design studio, photography studio, and recording studio, are designed to provide students with practical activities and maximize their potential.
MAIC aims to create an inclusive & diverse learning environment to attract a wide range of students & become a leading provider of creative & design education
Empowering Dreams with Affordable & Accessible Education
MAIC recognizes the importance of scholarships in promoting academic excellence and equal opportunities for higher education. Therefore, it offers a range of scholarship programs, including the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) loan, blue ribbon scholarships, Haji Abdullah Academic Excellence Scholarships, sports scholarships, school teacher scholarships, and single-parent scholarships. In addition, the institution offers a unique opportunity for students to enroll in a free certificate course and pursue a diploma program with MAIC, subject to specific terms and conditions. Through these programs, MAIC strives to make quality education affordable and accessible to all students committed to achieving academic and professional goals.
To create an inclusive and diverse learning environment, MAIC attracts a wide range of students and has become a leading provider of creative and design education. The institution plans to incorporate AI into its operations to improve efficiency, enhance capabilities, and provide better educational experiences for students. AI tools such as ChatGPT will be integrated to assist students in their learning process and prepare them for future challenges. Educating students about AI's benefits and how it can boost their careers will be an essential aspect of this process. Ultimately, MAIC's strategic plan is to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience that equips them for success in the real world.
YB Senator Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah, Founder & Chairman
YB Senator Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah founded MAHSA in 2004. His vision involves the creation of a stronghold academic excellence in the South-East Asian region. YB Senator Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah is a clinical practitioner of Medicine and is the Pro-Chancellor of MAHSA University and the Executive Chairman of MAHSA Group, under whose leadership, today MAHSA University has grown to a full-fledged Malaysian higher education institution with programs in the fields of Medicine, Biosciences, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Nursing, Business, Finance, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Engineering at Diploma, Degree, Masters, and Doctoral levels.
Michelle Thong Foong Yen, CEO & Principal
Michelle Thong Foong Yen is the CEO and Principal of MAHSA Avenue International College (MAIC). With over 20 years of experience in education, she leads the institution through comprehensive approach to equip students with the necessary resources to excel in their careers, making MAIC a top institution for diploma programs in business and accountancy, creative media and technology, and beauty and aesthetics.