Overall, my experience with UTAR actuarial science is quite good (course-wise only, not environment, facilities etc).
The course structure is relevant to your SOA preliminary papers as well as work.
However, some of the lecturer have already changed since I graduated..
So, I can only comment on the course structure.

Are you an actuarial science student as well?
For preliminary papers, we generally use ASM manual. I find that ASM manual is the best for preliminary.
I think that should still be unchanged (but I can't be entirely sure as it's been awhile since I graduated...)

Yup, I'm fortunate enough to enter the actuarial department.
Though, if you are really interested, you have a lot to work on. Generally, UTAR itself has about 150-200 graduates per year (2 semester). Considering all other university (UCSI, UM, UKM, overseas university), I'm guessing the number could be as high as 500 or more.
On the other hand, I'm guessing Malaysia would only require at most 20-30 fresh grads a year (could be less, unlikely to be more unless I've severely underestimated the insurance industry turn-over).
So, in terms of simple maths, you are competing 20-30 jobs with 500+ ppl.
Nevertheless, out of the 500+, I'm guessing only about 10-20% would actually be actively looking for actuarial job (after paper progress, interest etc.).
IF you really aspire to be an actuary, you'll have to ensure you fall within the 10-20%, persist and never give up.
And, external papers (SOA/IFoA/IOAA) are very important for you to have a chance to get an interview in this competitive market.

Disclaimer: all the info above are just my guess and may not be accurate at the end of the day. So, don't sue me if my info is wrong!

This post has been edited by Searingmage: Feb 10 2016, 09:27 PM

I know a few people uses the online tutorial and exam (I can't remember the name) and find them very useful. But I think it's quite costly (about USD200++ maybe?).
Though, many others just need to depend on the ASM manual to complete their preliminary exams. If you have the spare money and interested to know, let me know, I'll try check for you. But generally, I think ASM is sufficient.