hello there.

yes, u can continue anywhere for ur masters, subject to the requirements of that particular university. however, regarding chance, it's a bit complicated. australia has its own regulation regarding profession that no longer recognizes overseas qualifications. but there are way around this by sitting for their professional exams (equivalent to part 1). but yes, it is actually much easier to do everything in australia. for other countries, it's much easier.

I cant say much for NZ, but australia recently made some major changes that even UK qualifications are no longer recognized. It means u have to sit for their part1 even if u already hold a part 1 from other commonwealth countries.

UK on the otherhand is much more liberal. They even allow u to enroll into their part 2 while u sort out the part 1 exam in the UK.

Architecture programmes in commonwealth countries are mostly compatible with each other. This effectively made our accredited programmes as equal to international standard. The only difference is mainly cultural, funding, research focus and opportunity to study under master architects (many famous architects are attached to one school or the other).

Regarding continuing ur part 2 in IPTAs from IPTS, i can say the challenge is always there but i wouldnt say its about preference of own students. Bear in mind major IPTAs have been around for decades. They have a strong tradition of excellence.

So when they produce graduates, they tend to be more attuned to the criteria ppl are looking for in part 2. Im not saying they are better per se. Just more suitable, particularly on the technical aspect.

For UTM, we always interview all candidates and do not differentiate between our own grads with those from outside. Merit is valued higher than familiarity.

Well if u plan to work in Australia, u better think well before hand as it is very unlikely for u to secure a job there nowadays due to immigration policies. Many of my friends have returned after over 10 years working there. Same goes with UK and EU.

It's easier to find a job and settle down in the US, China and Singapore than those countries.

And, Malaysia is also following Aussie footsteps. By 2017, no overseas degrees will be recognized in Malaysia. U will need to take the LAM parts 1 and 2 exams independently. Even if you come the highest ranking university.

Regarding working hours: it's 25 hours a day, 8 days a week kinda job. There's no way around it.

At the moment, LAM is organizing accreditation on school-by-school basis. Previously, it's by country. This could be dangerous as not all school in a particular country is up to par. So the safer way is to stop recognition based on countries (effective 2017), and start recognition based on schools.

If I'm not mistaken, several overseas schools have requested to be accredited by LAM (including Australia). Yes, many people were skeptical on why an international reputable school would want to be accredited by Malaysia. Well it boils down to money and student skills. Malaysia is a very large exporter of students and we have little problem acquiring funding even for a developing country. And we also are never short of excellent students who can easily acquire scholarships, not to mention our strong(er) command of language and compatible primary and secondary education (despite many locals not believing in the system).

Eventually, we expect more overseas schools to request to be accredited as they will be losing a lot of money if Malaysian students stop enrolling to their schools.

* * *

The thing about working hours is, it's YOUR OWN TIME MANAGEMENT. We don't tell you to work like that.

Design is ever evolving. The more time your spend on it, the better it grows. So there's an unwritten understanding that "your work is not done until you've submitted it!". That's why people keep on working and working on it to achieve perfection.

That list is the old list that hasn't been updated since the 80s. The new list will be released once we have a few schools in the pocket. It should be released by next year, so you could decide which Australian school to go to and be secured for accreditation in Australia and in Malaysia.

On these stuffs, it's better just wait for official announcements. Even if they could tell you unofficially, things can change depending on policies and foreign relations. So until the deal is fully secured, then only should you make your move.

On these stuffs, it's better just wait for official announcements. Even if they could tell you unofficially, things can change depending on policies and foreign relations. So until the deal is fully secured, then only should you make your move.

Technically u're not architecture student yet, right? There might be some firms who're willing to entertain, but u might have to sign some non-disclosure agreements and what not. They dont want u to reveal trade secrets away.

Yes, do try and write and explain ur situation and what u want from them. Thats the best way.

Regarding firma in PJ, i might know a few. Let me ask around.

go to LAM website. they have a list of practices in malaysia including their address.