Distinction
Student visa for full-time students and the possibility to bring dependents while studying in Malaysia.
Ph.D - Information Technology Studies
AMU - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) – Information Technology Studies
The Ph.D. in Information Technology Studies at AMU’s Malaysia campus—offered by Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), ranked 72nd in Asia—is powered by SIMI Swiss.
SIMI Swiss Doctor of Information Technology
The Ph.D – Information Technology Studies program focuses on addressing real-world challenges in the field of information technology, generating new knowledge, and providing effective solutions to drive innovation and enhance technological performance.
Courses & Research Activities
The program is widely recognized by the business community and partners, helping to optimize the use of the diploma after graduation.
Research Topic
Before beginning your doctoral journey, candidates usually have some initial research orientations, but you are not constrained or required to be exact from the outset. With guidance from your supervisor, you will gradually identify the most suitable topic. The suggestions below are for reference only, and you are completely free to choose a different research direction.
Some suggested research directions in Information Technology:
1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Deep learning, reinforcement learning.
- AI applications in healthcare, finance, and education.
- Ethical AI.
2. Data Science & Big Data Analytics
- Large-scale data mining.
- Analysis of unstructured data (social media, IoT).
- Forecasting with statistical and AI models.
3. Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
- Network security, cryptography, blockchain.
- Intrusion detection using AI.
- Data-protection policies and privacy.
4. Cloud Computing & Edge Computing
- Virtualization and containerization.
- Edge computing for IoT.
- Cloud resource management and cost optimization.
5. Internet of Things (IoT) & Smart Systems
- IoT systems for smart cities.
- IoT applications in Industry 4.0.
- Integrating IoT with AI and blockchain.
6. Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) & UX
- Interaction in VR/AR.
- Intelligent user interfaces.
- User experience on digital platforms.
7. Software Engineering & Systems Development
- Agile/DevOps software development.
- Automated software testing.
- Requirements engineering and complex systems architecture.
8. IT in Business & Society
- Digital transformation in organizations.
- FinTech, HealthTech, EduTech.
- Social impacts of technology (AI, big data, IoT).
9. Emerging Research Trends
- Quantum computing and its applications in cryptography.
- Digital twins in industry and smart cities.
- Explainable AI (XAI): interpreting machine-learning decisions.
- Metaverse & Extended Reality (XR) in education and commerce.
- Green IT and sustainable computing.
Course: Advanced Research Methodology
This course is designed to enhance existing knowledge of research methods by introducing complex research design and advanced techniques for analyzing and interpreting literature, as well as higher-level methods for analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
Upon completing the course, doctoral students will be confident in developing a Research Proposal and initiating the implementation of their doctoral thesis.
Task: Complete the Research Plan
The Research Plan outlines the orientation, timeline, resources, and implementation
strategies to support doctoral students in completing their thesis in a scientific and
effective manner. It serves as a roadmap for the entire research journey and ensures
feasibility and coherence before proceeding to the Research Proposal stage.
Task: Participate in Colloquium 1
Doctoral students will participate in Colloquium 1, organized by AMU and SIMI Swiss. Participation in the Colloquium is mandatory, and students can attend in various formats: on-campus or online.
The Colloquium serves as a platform for doctoral students to expand their specialized knowledge, engage with faculty members, supervisors, and fellow students to discuss and present their research directions and findings.
At the conclusion of the Colloquium 1, doctoral students will have the opportunity to meet individually with their supervisor to finalize their Research Proposal before proceeding to the defense stage.
Task: Complete and Defend the Research Proposal
Once the Research Proposal is completed, doctoral students will defend their proposal before the academic committee of AMU and SIMI Swiss. This defense allows doctoral students to receive valuable feedback and ensures their research aligns with the highest academic standards.
Successfully defending the proposal is a key milestone in the doctoral journey, setting the foundation for the subsequent phases of research and thesis development.
Task: Continue Research and Complete the Doctoral Thesis
Doctoral students will continue developing their Research Proposal into a complete doctoral thesis under the guidance and support of the following:
- Supervisor: Responsible for overseeing the entire research process of the doctoral student.
- Module Supervisors: Provide workshops or activities tailored to specific groups of students, ensuring they acquire the necessary knowledge to complete their research.
- Academic Support System: Offers assistance such as English language support, plagiarism checks, and formatting in APA or other required styles.
Task: Participate in Colloquium 2
Doctoral students will participate in Colloquium 2, organized by AMU and SIMI Swiss. Participation in the Colloquium is mandatory, and students can attend in various formats: on-campus or online.
The Colloquium serves as a platform for doctoral students to expand their specialized knowledge, engage with faculty members, supervisors, and fellow students to discuss and present their research directions and findings.
At the conclusion of Colloquium 2, doctoral students will have the opportunity to meet individually with their supervisors to finalize their Thesis before proceeding to the final defense before the academic committee of AMU and SIMI Swiss.
Task: Defend the Doctoral Thesis
After completing their research, doctoral students will bind their thesis and submit it to the academic committee of AMU and SIMI Swiss.
The students will then proceed to defend their doctoral thesis before the academic committee of AMU and SIMI Swiss.
Following the defense, students will receive feedback for potential improvements (if any) from the academic committee. Based on this feedback, they will refine their research until it is fully complete.
During this finalization process, students will continue to receive guidance from their supervisors and support from the academic support system.
Optional: Take the paper publication skills course
After completing their thesis, AMU offers an optional training module on academic
publishing skills. This equips doctoral students with techniques for converting
dissertations into publishable articles and enhances their academic profile.
Publish the Paper
Doctoral students submit their research for publication in relevant journals, preparing
manuscripts according to journal requirements and addressing editorial feedback.
For those seeking additional publications beyond program requirements, support is
available for submission to ISI/SCOPUS-indexed journals, including journal selection
consultation. Doctoral students cover associated service fees, while the academic team
provides guidance and support during the process.
Research Publication Stage
Modular Supervision Model
Structure: The Modular Supervision Model organizes the research supervision process by dividing it into distinct modules, with each module (such as a chapter or specific section) assigned to a specialist in that particular area. For example, one supervisor may oversee the introduction and literature review, while another focuses on methodology, and a third guides the data analysis and results sections. This structured approach ensures that each part of the research receives expert attention tailored to its specific requirements.
Benefits:
- Expertise and Specialized Guidance:
- Targeted Expertise: Each module is supervised by an expert in that specific field, ensuring that students receive high-quality, specialized advice tailored to the unique demands of each section of their research.
- Enhanced Quality: Specialized supervisors can provide deeper insights and more nuanced feedback, elevating the overall quality of the research.
- Focused and Efficient Support:
- Clear Responsibilities: By assigning specific sections to different supervisors, responsibilities are clearly delineated, reducing overlap and confusion.
- Timely Feedback: With multiple supervisors handling different modules, students can receive more timely and relevant feedback, facilitating steady progress.
- Comprehensive Coverage:
- Holistic Development: Each module is addressed thoroughly, ensuring that all aspects of the research are well-developed and cohesive.
- Balanced Perspectives: Exposure to multiple supervisors brings diverse viewpoints and methodologies, enriching the research process.
- Flexibility and Adaptability:
- Adaptive Supervision: As the research evolves, the modular approach allows for adjustments in supervision. If a particular section requires more attention, additional expertise can be allocated without disrupting the entire supervision framework.
- Scalability: This model is scalable to accommodate varying research complexities and student needs, making it suitable for a wide range of doctoral projects.
- Enhanced Collaboration and Networking:
- Collaborative Environment: Working with multiple supervisors fosters a collaborative academic environment, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and innovative solutions.
- Professional Networking: Students build relationships with several experts in their field, expanding their professional network and opening up more opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
- Efficient Management of Workload:
- Balanced Workload: Distributing supervision across modules helps manage the workload more effectively for both supervisors and students, preventing burnout and ensuring sustained productivity.
- Resource Optimization: Institutions can better utilize their academic resources by matching supervisors’ strengths to specific research needs.
- Personalized Learning Experience:
- Tailored Support: Students receive personalized guidance that aligns with their research interests and strengths, fostering a more engaging and supportive learning experience.
- Skill Development: Exposure to different supervisors’ expertise helps students develop a broader skill set and a more comprehensive understanding of their research topic.
Conclusion: The Modular Supervision Model offers a structured and flexible approach to doctoral supervision, leveraging specialized expertise to enhance the quality and efficiency of the research process. By dividing supervision responsibilities into manageable modules, this model ensures comprehensive coverage, fosters collaboration, and provides personalized support, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of high-caliber doctoral research.
Research Supervisor Process
SIMI Swiss understands that providing support and guidance to doctoral students throughout the research process and international publication not only reduces unnecessary stress and challenges for the doctoral students but also contributes valuable and high-quality research to society. With the unique Modular Supervision Model, doctoral students will gradually complete their PhD research, publish international papers, and meet the exceptionally rigorous standards of SIMI Swiss.
Learn more about the Research Supervision Process HERE.
Guidance on Publication
SIMI Swiss’s Doctorate by Publication program is renowned for its guidance and support, helping students not only complete their research but also successfully publish two international papers. The international publication guidance process at SIMI Swiss is implemented through the following steps:
- Guidance on selecting the appropriate journal
- Providing templates and methods for completing the submission
- Submitting the paper to the journal
- Guiding revisions based on feedback from the journal’s scientific board
- Finalizing the paper for publication
Guidance on Revisions and Format Support
After submitting a research paper to an international journal, the editorial board typically provides feedback, often suggesting revisions to improve the paper before it can be accepted for publication. At SIMI Swiss, students receive comprehensive support to successfully navigate this critical stage of the publication process. Support activities include:
- Detailed evaluation of the feedback with guidance from the research supervisor;
- Assistance in refining, analyzing, and revising the paper to ensure it meets the journal’s standards;
- Guidance in reformatting the paper according to the journal’s specific requirements;
- Coaching on how to professionally and effectively respond to reviewer feedback. With personalized guidance and formatting support, researchers can confidently resubmit their revised paper, significantly increasing the likelihood of acceptance and publication.
This process ensures that their research meets the high standards of international journals, enhancing both their academic credibility and professional expertise.
Entry requirements, Learning methods and Support system
Entry Requirements
In addition to the entry requirements, candidates applying to the program are also assessed for their suitability by the admissions committee before joining the program to ensure that they can acquire and benefit from the program.
Entry requirements:
To enroll in this program, learners must be over 24 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A Master’s qualification in Majors from accredited universities; or
- A Level 7 EQF diploma or equivalent. Level 7 Diploma must be from organizations that are authorized to issue qualifications and have been accredited
English requirements:
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 60
- Pearson Test of English: 59
- Cambridge English Qualifications and Test: 169
Please note:
- In case of not having proof of English language proficiency, learners must provide it within a year.
- SIMI Swiss and AMU does not accept entry qualifications from counterfeit universities, Diploma Mills, or universities accredited by unreliable accreditation agencies.
- SIMI and AMU reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.
Learning methods
Depending on the individual circumstances of the doctoral student, they may choose to apply for a full-time student visa or opt out. It is important to note that, if applying for a full-time student visa, doctoral students must comply with the regulations set by the Malaysian government, which include a health examination, a minimum residency period in Malaysia, and the payment of the student visa processing fee.
Group 1: Doctoral students Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa
- Doctoral students in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend their first course and apply for a full-time student visa.
- They are required to stay in Malaysia for a minimum of 4 weeks to complete all necessary procedures, including a health examination.
- During this period, doctoral students will take their first course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive a detailed introduction to the program structure and its requirements.
Group 2: Doctoral students Not Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa
- Doctoral students in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend the first course without applying for a full-time student visa.
- They will complete the first course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive an introduction to the program structure and requirements, similar to those applying for a visa.
- No mandatory 4-week stay in Malaysia is required, and they are free to return to their home country after completing the course without visa-related obligations.
Academic Support
We understand that pursuing an accredited postgraduate program can be both exciting and challenging, especially for busy adult learners. To help you overcome these challenges, we’ve created the SIMI Swiss Supporting Systems, designed to guide you through any difficulties during your studies.
For a full overview of the support available, be sure to watch our informative videos, offering help at every stage of your academic journey.
Study Abroad Support
StudyAbroader, a member of SIMI Swiss, is responsible for supporting Malaysia study-abroad activities for learners of SIMI Swiss Asia Campus programs. StudyAbroader is not an intermediary agency, so learners do not pay intermediary fees and may submit applications directly to the university.
- Provide information on visas, advantages, and benefits: Clearly explain the benefits of holding a student visa and the basic requirements.
- Advise on visa application documents and procedures: Detailed guidance on the required dossier and application steps.
- Guide the preparation of student visa applications: Instructions to prepare and complete the visa application file.
- Support submission of student visa applications: SIMI Swiss coordinates with AMU to receive and submit applications to EMGS in accordance with regulations.
- Support in arranging accommodation during study: Advice on options based on AMU’s available facilities (dormitories, nearby hotels, or other university-recommended accommodation).
- Support during immigration: Guidance on immigration procedures dedicated to international students.
- Support for post-entry health check and stay: Arrange post-arrival medical examination, complete paperwork, and track residence procedures.
- Academic support: Learners receive academic support throughout their studies.
References:
Accreditation & Recognition
Accreditation review guidelines by SIMI Swiss
SIMI is the first higher education institute in Zug, Switzerland, to achieve comprehensive international accreditations at both the organizational and program levels. The video below guides you through the step-by-step process of verifying and checking SIMI Swiss's accreditations and recognitions. All SIMI Swiss programs, owned by SIMI Swiss, benefit from these quality standards.
- Watch this video to learn how to verify SIMI Swiss's accreditations and recognitions HERE.
- View the complete accreditation system of SIMI Swiss HERE.
Reference - Sample degree of Doctor of Information Technology:
Refer to SIMI Swiss Program information in SVEB Switzerland
SVEB Switzerland (Schweizerischer Verband für Weiterbildung) is the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning and serves as the national umbrella organization for adult education in Switzerland. SVEB is recognized as the leading authority in Switzerland for promoting and supporting lifelong learning and professional development through a wide range of educational programs and certifications.
Benefits of the SIMI Swiss Programs Published in SVEB:
- Officially on the Swiss federal portal: Being published in SVEB gives the SIMI Swiss program official publication in Switzerland, validating its quality and adherence to Swiss educational standards.
- Increased Credibility: Membership and listing with SVEB enhance the credibility of the SIMI program, making it more attractive to prospective students and employers who value SVEB-approved programs.
- Professional Advancement: Programs listed with SVEB are often aligned with the needs of the Swiss job market, increasing graduates' employability and supporting their career progression within Switzerland.
- Access to a Wider Network: Association with SVEB connects the SIMI Swiss program to a broader network of educational institutions, professionals, and employers across Switzerland, offering opportunities for collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange.
- Compliance with Swiss Standards: SVEB ensures that SIMI Swiss programs meet high educational standards, including up-to-date content, qualified instructors, and effective teaching methods, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.
- Support for Lifelong Learning: SVEB’s focus on adult education means the SIMI Swissprogram aligns with lifelong learning principles, supporting students in their ongoing professional development.
Check the SIMI programs on SVEB HERE.
Notary Public and Apostille for SIMI Qualifications in Switzerland
In Switzerland, a Notary Public can certify copies of academic degrees and diplomas by verifying their authenticity and confirming that they match the original document. This notarized certification is often required for legal, academic, or professional purposes, such as further studies, job applications, or immigration procedures.
For international use, a notarized degree may also require an Apostille from the relevant Swiss authority (usually the cantonal State Chancellery) to ensure its recognition in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Sample:
Note: The information provided above is accurate at the time of publication. However, the content is subject to change in accordance with adjustments to the laws of each country and may be updated without prior notice.
Accreditation of Asia Metropolitan University
- Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) is a distinguished institution, currently ranked 72nd in the HE Higher Education Rankings.
- Fully recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, AMU upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and quality. SEE HERE
- Doctor of Philosoply (Ph.D) program are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), ensuring that they meet national and international benchmarks. SEE HERE
- With a strong reputation for academic rigor and comprehensive educational offerings, AMU is committed to developing professionals and leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in their respective fields.
Partnership between Asia Metropolitan University and SIMI Swiss
- Reference to the Letter confirming the partnership between Asia Metropolitan University and SIMI Swiss (issued by AMU): CLICK HERE
- Reference to the Letter confirming the partnership between Asia Metropolitan University and SIMI Swiss (issued by SIMI Swiss): CLICK HERE
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