Surface Pro is actually a very great choice, if you can still find one
The 128GB version is selling at ~Rm1.9k only, just need to add another ~RM300 to get the type cover and you're good to go- affordable, portable and high quality device. Of course, you do know that its 10" in size right? Might be too small if your work requires a lot of workspace

Can consider this one as well:
14"
Lenovo Ideapad Flex 14, i5-4200U + Nvidia GT820M +(1366x768; touch) + 8GB SSHD + 500GB HDD@RM2299, 4GB (soldered), W8, 2 yrs; colors: black/orange
Ultrabooks are basically slim and light notebooks aimed at portability and battery life but compromising on performance
Normal PC notebooks are relatively bulkier but packs a punch for the price you pay
Surface Pro is a Hybrid Convertible that can be "switched" from tablet to laptop mode vice versa, very convenient for those on the go, or those who needs to make presentations using tablets.

Perhaps these?
14"
Acer E1-432-29574G50, Intel 2957U + Intel HD@RM1299, 2GB, 500GB, W8.1; 3 years local warranty upgrade@RM50

Asus X401A-091/092/093R, B820 + Intel HD3000@RM1299[1.85kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8; colors: black/white/green; 1 year warranty

Dell Inspiron 14-3421, 2127U + Intel HD + (1366x768;touch)@RM1599[1.99kg], Win8SL, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), 6-cell

HP 14-d006TU, Pentium 2020M + Intel HD@RM1299[1.95kg], 2B, 500GB(5400rpm), W8.1

Lenovo G400s, Pentium 2020 + Intel HD@RM1349, 4GB, 500GB, W8

Toshiba Satellite C40-A103E, Pentium 2020M + Intel HD4000@RM1449, 2GB, 500GB, W8SL; 2 years local warranty; color: black

*prices in RRP
*upgrade to 4GB RAM with remaining budget 

What does your niece do that requires such specifications?
Anyways, that's the best you can get with your budget 

Eh? Why not buy there?
Usually they have special rates for students in the college/university one right? Can get for really cheap 

I don't think live sciences require a very powerful notebook, but still, can consider these if you want
14"
Lenovo
G400s, i3-3110M + Intel HD4000@RM1349, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS; W8@RM1499

G400s, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT720M@RM1799, 4GB, 500GB, W8
G400s, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT720M@RM1899, 4GB, 1TB, W8

Dell Inspiron 14-3437, i3-4010U + Intel HD4400@RM1399[1.99kg], Ubuntu, 4GB, 750GB(5400rpm), 4-cell; W8SL@RM1549

Holy... I understand what you mean man
The notebooks they offer are really high-end, and in most cases, overkilled haha 

Personally I think its okay to buy from Malaysia, but you have to make sure that warranty support works over in Singapore, just in case 

11.6"
Apple MacBookAir 11", i5-4250U + Intel HD5000 + 128GB SSD@RM2999[1.08kg], 4GB, backlit keyboard, Mac OSX

Lenovo
Yoga 11s, i3-3229Y + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1366x768, IPS touch)@RM2599[1.19kg], 4GB, W8, 2 years; colors: grey/orange
Yoga 11s, i5-3339Y + Intel HD4000 + 256GB SSD + (1366x768; IPS touch)@RM3299[1.19kg], 8GB, W8, 2 years; colors: grey/orange

Sony
Vaio SVT11213CG, Pentium 3560Y + Intel HD + 128GB SSD + (1920x1080;touch)@RM2999, 2GB, W8SL; colors: white; stylus, KB included

*prices in RRp