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Year: 2022

The role of strategic partnership and internationalisation

Posted on by norashirene (Ranking Champion, FSG)

Strategic partnership and internationalisation are the key factors to produce holistic, dynamic, and competitive faculty members in achieving Globally Renowned University by 2025. This makes everyone in Faculty of Applied Sciences (FSG) a major and sought-after asset. The direction and scope of FSG Internationalisation Strategy is determined by priorities outlined in UiTM2025 Strategic Plan and takes into consideration a global trend that shape the current international education and research environment. Internationalisation was encouraged via staff and student mobility programmes such as exchange programmes, summer programmes and sabbaticals, a collaborative network involving academic programmes, research, and consultancy activities as well as through an increase in international academic staff.

The faculty always strive to enhance our international research and funding through international joint publications, acquiring international grants, and establishing university and industrial research partnerships.

In 2021, the faculty recognises that the international landscape has significantly changed due to COVID-19 pandemic, thus we promote virtual-based internationalisation activities during travel restrictions. We were fast to adapt with the virtual Mobility Student Exchange Programme, Conference, Summer Programmes and Lecture Series which enable students to receive international education and experiences without having to leave home, both outbound and inbound.

FSG has received a total of 45 inbound and 174 outbound students from ASEAN countries, Japan, UK, Austria, Qatar and Portugal, making it the highest mobility throughout the history of FSG. The virtual mobility amongst staff members were also escalating through joint webinar and lecture series, research co-supervision and meetings to initiate international collaborations. FSG has successfully organised joint events such as EnvChem2021, InSoFoST2021 and FB UKSW-FSG UiTM2021 to strengthen the relationship between universities.

In facing the challenge brought by the pandemic, FSG adopted proactive global engagement strategies by deepening the existing and exploring new partnerships with universities and industries. To date, FSG has established partnerships with 22 international universities through MoU/MoA in which 4 of them are from Top 300 QS World University, and 4 partnerships with international industries through MoU/LoA.

Series of programmes were executed to guide our staff to write papers or applying grants. Through the Ace-Pub Series Programme, incentives were given for articles published in indexed journals, proceedings and chapters in books. In 2021, a total of 194 Scopus indexed publications were produced of which 99 involved international collaborators. Under Ace-Grant Series Programme, webinars and workshops were conducted in which grant recipients were given a platform to share tips on writing high quality research proposal papers.

Consequently, FSG has received more than double the number of internationally funded grants in 2021 than the previous year. FSG also succeeded to earn a spot for Chemistry as one of the 13 subjects listed in UiTM by QS World University Ranking (WUR) by subject 2021. This achievement has granted UiTM to be recognised as the 8th best institution that offers Chemistry subject in Malaysia. FSG will thrive on going above and beyond and with this momentum, it is not impossible that FSG, together with the people of UiTM will reach GRU2025 in style.

Chula develops small ruminant production model for small-scale farmers to transform into smart farmers

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The School of Agricultural Resources (SAR) has developed goat and sheep production as an alternative to monoculture plantation. The School of Agricultural Resources, in cooperation with the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Nan Provincial Livestock Office, has developed a project to replace feed corn production in the highlands of Nan. Named “The development of small ruminant production model for small-scale farmers to transform the farmers into smart farmers”, the project was carried out from March 2020 to April 2023 with a target group of farmers from 10 sub-districts in 7 districts of Nan.

The production of feed corn in unsuitable areas has caused a negative impact to the environment, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and the burning of agricultural raw materials to prepare land for cultivation. The use of unsuitable areas actually renders higher production cost, but low income, causing a number of farmers to seek alternative sources of income. Goat and sheep rearing become popular choices as they are small, easy to manage and can be fed with a variety of feed types.

The project was conducted in collaboration with 10 organizations to provide knowledge and skill for farmers, including breeding, feeding, appropriate hygiene management, and production plan for efficient goat and sheep production. An additional gain from the cooperation between the research team, farmers and related organizations was the successful establishment of a systematic and developed channel for the goat and sheep market.

Joining the project, there was a total of 58 farmers, of which 18 showed leadership and capability to become community innovators. The project contributed to the success in career development for the farmers, as goat and sheep rearing can be promoted as an alternative to growing feed corn. With this new value chain of the agricultural production sector in Nan, the farmers could earn more income and have a better quality of life.

Sustainable brand Sohuman holds inspiring fashion show at London College of Contemporary Arts

Posted on by Global University Systems

With the start of London Fashion Week, Spanish sustainable brand Sohuman presents an inspirational and hopeful new clothing and accessories collection. Hosted by London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA), it highlights a bright new beginning finally blossoming after many times of darkness.

With the start of this Fall/Winter season, Sohuman is sharing a colourful and playful lifestyle through its collection, like roses that bloom after a long wait, full of youth, light and brightness. The brand, however, does not forget that darkness exists too, but can do nothing but fight against it with its fair, bright and active spirit. Sohuman never forgets its three pillars: exceptional quality, ethical manufacturing and radical transparency, as the brand looks to share and delicately nourish its incredible new collection with the public.

“The brand works towards a better future in fashion and women’s lives within the Fashion industry. We believe Sohuman is part of the beginning of a new era, and we don’t forget our responsibility in it. We want to dedicate this collection to the daring, powerful and sophisticated women that inspired us,” says designer Javier Aparici.

The show is hosted by London College of Contemporary Arts, a pioneer Fashion, Arts and Business college for creative, innovative, and artistic individuals. Commenting on hosting the show, Deborah Hayes, Managing Director, says. “We are extremely proud and happy that such an inspiring brand chose our campus for its fashion show during London Fashion Week. This week is crucial for our passionate students and LCCA is particularly committed to teaching sustainable and ethical fashion to durably change the industry”.

Sohuman thanks all the women that have inspired and work with it through this collection that reflects the work toward a better future with a bright and hopeful spirit.

Impactful research into the changing world of work

Posted on by Editorial Team

The quiet ambition of every academic is to have an impact, whether through teaching, research, publications, or involvement in public debate and discourse.

For that to happen, though, they also need the support and guidance of an institution which can provide opportunities and bring breakthrough work to the attention of a wider international audience.

Over the years, Lingnan University in Hong Kong has proved adept at doing just that, as confirmed by two significant metrics. One is the impressive number of citations, accolades and invitations its professors receive to speak at influential symposia and conferences. Another is the university’s consistently high position in comparative rankings of tertiary institutions in Asia and around the world.

Indeed, the mid-2022 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings placed Lingnan third in the world for “quality education”. Within the Greater China region, it was in the top ten for overall impact and sixth for work related to promoting “decent work and economic growth”, which is one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This particular SDG aims to facilitate sustainable and inclusive local economies, where people have decent job opportunities, fair pay, and the chance to create better lives for themselves and their families.

To that end, Lingnan has adopted governance practices to ensure staff well-being and prepare graduates for the world of work. And it is supporting important research into current economic models and modern workplace conditions.

The topics range from corporate leadership, psychological health, labour welfare and the loss traditional jobs to income inequality and the poverty trap. This allows scholars to engage with society, inspire knowledge transfer, and instigate real change.

For instance, from Lingnan’s Department of Management, Wang Nan is now exploring “Within-person dynamics of employee performance after disruption events”, something especially relevant after Covid-19. Chen Tingting is researching the phenomenon of employee silence at work plus what it means for bosses, colleagues and team productivity. And Yolanda Li Na is investigating the internet’s impact on employees’ daily work and outcomes, as well as how delivery couriers react to social media posts and frequent mistreatment by customers.

Exemplifying the interdisciplinary nature of much Lingnan research, Francis Cheung Yue Lok of the Department of Applied Psychology is conducting a pilot study on occupational health differences between locals and new migrants from mainland China. A team at the Department of Economics is asking if Hong Kong’s current competition policy is ready for increasing economic integration with the Greater Bay Area. And Pun Ngai of the Department of Cultural Studies is spearheading a project on “Migration, mobility and labour”.

Its objective is to assess labour conditions and measures in place to protect the interests of migrant workers in mainland China, with a special focus on newer sectors of the economy such as logistics, high-speed rail services, and online e-commerce platforms. The findings will help in understanding China’s new working class in the context of the country’s evolving “infrastructural capitalism”.

All the latest Lingnan University publications related to stress management, psychological health, working conditions, leadership and labour welfare can be found in the webpage.

Fighting wildfire with GPS data

Posted on by Editorial Team

A new research tool could be used to help predict wildfire evacuation behaviour, potentially saving lives in the process.

Developed by an international multidisciplinary team, led by the University of Florida and including Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Professor Daniel Nilsson, the tool uses GPS data in conjunction with qualitative data, to track people’s movements during a wildfire. This data can then be used to help emergency services to best prepare for future events.

“To effectively plan for wildfire events, it is important to understand how people behave,” says Professor Nilsson. “By using GPS data, we are able to understand when people started their evacuation, what routes they chose, and where they evacuated to. We can also understand how many ignored official warnings and remained in their homes. We are one of the first groups applying GPS data to wildfire evacuation, enabling us to bring a new perspective and provide novel insights.”

Initially the research was based on surveys following wildfire incidents, such as the 2019 Pigeon Valley Fire in Nelson. While the surveys collected extremely valuable data, Professor Nilsson says there were clear biases in the responses.

“People do not always remember things accurately, especially a long time after the fire, or even just after the fire if they are emotionally distressed. Also, people may not want to admit to behaviour in a questionnaire study that may contradict official advice, such as when to evacuate.”

The use of GPS data was then piloted in a study led by the University of Florida with the collaboration of University of Canterbury, Massey University, RMIT University, and University of Utah to study the 2019 Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, USA, which forced 200,000 people to evacuate. The study is funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“The study in the US was extremely useful as it involved thousands of people in a very populated area, providing a more nuanced set of data,” says Professor Nilsson. “However it also showed that GPS datasets can be associated with their own set of limitations, such as the age of smartphone users, and passengers rather than drivers are more likely to be using their phones. So GPS data are complementary to questionnaire data.”

Currently the team is working on a real-time evacuation prediction model that could be used by emergency services during a wildfire.

“The idea is that real-time GPS data, along with other input, such as weather and socio-demographic factors, can be used to predict the evacuation process. This can then inform emergency services to know what areas to prioritise to get everyone out in time. Globally, wildfire events are going to increase with greater severity due to climate change and urban spread, so we need to be better prepared in the years to come.”

Rates of unique names increase in Japan over 40 years from 1980s

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

An analysis of baby names published in municipality newsletters between 1979 and 2018 by Assistant Professor Yuji Ogihara of Tokyo University of Science and Atsuki Ito of Hitotsubashi University revealed that the rates of unique names increased in Japan over 40 years, suggesting a rise in uniqueness-seeking and individualism. This increase was observed from the 1980s, indicating that this phenomenon is not new. Their research provides important insights into changes in Japanese names and culture.

Previous research has analyzed baby names displayed by private companies and indicated that the rates of unique names increased in Japan between 2004 and 2018 (Ogihara, 2021; Ogihara et al., 2015). However, changes over a longer period were not analyzed because of the lack of a comprehensive and systematic database on baby names in Japan, unlike in other nations such as the United States and China. Therefore, it was unclear whether this increase in unique names was recent or had occurred before the 2000s. There was a possibility that the increase in unique names were found only after the 2000s.

Examining whether the rates of unique names increased for a longer period provides a betternunderstanding of not only historical changes in names and naming practices, but also cultural changes toward greater individualism which emphasizes uniqueness and independence.

To this end, Assistant Professor Yuji Ogihara of Tokyo University of Science and Atsuki Ito of Hitotsubashi University collected baby names from municipality newsletters and investigated historical changes in the rates of unique names in Japan over a longer period. Municipalities share important information such as major events (e.g., sports activities, lecture meetings), services (e.g., educational, medical), and basic statistics (e.g., financial, population) in newsletters. In these newsletters, the names of persons who are born, die, and marry in each municipality are listed.

For their study, the researchers collected municipality newsletters that fulfilled some criteria. The municipalities surveyed were geographically diverse. They were located all over Japan, from the southern part (Kyushu) to the northern part (Hokkaido). Some municipalities were located near the coast, while others were inland. The municipalities were also demographically diverse. They were located in both rural and urban areas.

The researchers analyzed 58,485 baby names published in these municipality newsletters between 1979 and 2018. They calculated the rates of the names that were not duplicated in each of the municipalities in each year. Then, they analyzed their historical changes. Furthermore, they calculated the rates of unique names not only within a given year (e.g., 2000) but also within a three-year unit (the target year, the year before it, and the year after it; e.g., 1999, 2000, 2001), and performed the same analysis.

They found that the rates of unique names increased within both time frames. Thus, unique names increased not only after the 2000s, but also from the 1980s for 40 years. This result shows that parents increasingly gave unique names to their babies and that Japanese culture increasingly emphasized uniqueness and independence for the 40 years, providing further evidence of the rise in uniqueness-seeking and individualism in Japan. This finding is also consistent with prior studies showing the rise in individualism in other aspects such as family structure and values.

Moreover, the findings reported in previous research (Ogihara, 2021; Ogihara et al., 2015) were replicated in this study: unique names increased in Japan in the 2000s and 2010s. In addition, the rates of unique names increased more rapidly for girls than for boys. This result may suggest that parents came to have stronger hope for their daughters to become unique and independent than for their sons. This means that the same phenomena were observed in a dataset different from that analyzed in previous research, indicating that the finding of an increase in unique names in Japan is robust. These findings were made available online on April 28, 2022, and published on June 21, 2022, in volume 3 of the international journal Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology.

This study reveals an increase in the rates of unique names in Japan via an analysis of baby names published in municipality newsletters. Unique names increased from at least the 1980s in Japan. It shows that Japanese culture has changed toward greater individualism which emphasizes uniqueness and independence. Therefore, this research contributes to the understanding of changes in not only Japanese names and naming practices but also Japanese culture.

Assistant Professor Ogihara plans to continue investigating the historical changes in names and naming practices in Japan. In the near future, he aims to examine whether these changes have continued in the last few years recently and how COVID-19 has affected naming practices in Japan.

Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cresp.2022.100046

Joint degree program graduation ceremony between ITS, Mokpo National University

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to intensify the Joint Degree Program with foreign universities. On Friday, August 19, 2022, Mokpo National University (MNU) – South Korea and ITS held a graduation ceremony for the Joint Degree Students of the Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding Department in Mokpo. Twenty-seven students of ITS attended the graduation ceremony. They had spent the last one year at Mokpo National University.

The Head of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding Department, Ir. Wasis Dwi Aryawan, M.Sc., Ph.D., explained that the joint degree program offers students a double degree, a Bachelor of Engineering (ST) from ITS and a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) from MNU. Students have to take around 83 credits at ITS (3 years) and 62 credits (1 year) at MNU.

Among the twenty-seven students, seven graduates are accepted at a South Korean shipbuilding company, and three graduates received scholarships for a master’s degree program at MNU. The graduation ceremony in Mokpo was attended by the parents, the representatives from ITS, and the companies that accept the graduates, such as BOWON M&P Co., Ltd., KR Engineering Co., Ltd., YUIL Co., Ltd., and KHAN Co., Ltd.

Dr. Wasis hopes the graduates may expand and apply the knowledge regarding the national shipping industry they learned in South Korea. Last but not least, the Department of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding ITS will broaden the joint degree for the master’s program.

UiTM develops experimental kit boosting primary schoolers’ interest in science, technology

Posted on by Aidil Ibrahim

Datuk Dr. Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, the education minister of Malaysia emphasized, “The current decreasing of younger generations’ interest in the science and technology field is worrying”.

This generation can be seen to be more interested in public relations, business, social careers, becoming social media influencers, and digital-related careers. Experts in the science and technology (S&T) field are important and consistently needed for the development of the world for the better of our future generations. One of the possible ways to solve this declining interest is to diversify the methods of conducting scientific experiments right from the primary school level. There is nothing wrong with the conventional way, however, with the vast propagation of technology, the skill set, and interests of the younger generations have evolved tremendously. Teaching methods must also evolve to match the interest of the younger generations in order to conduct more efficient teaching and learning activities.

In realizing this mission, a group of senior lecturer researchers from the Universiti Teknologi MARA, Negeri Sembilan branch (UiTMCNS), Malaysia, has developed a scientific experimental kit named “Let’s Science Up Kit” to approach primary school students and to investigate how this kit can aid in increasing their interest in S&T field. The group of researchers comprised of the group leader, Ts. Dr. Aslizah Mohd Aris, members, Dr. Muhammad Aidil Ibrahim, Dr. Amirul Adli Abd Aziz, Dr. Mu’adz Ahmad Mazian, Dr. Wahidah Mohd Zain, Mdm Wan Admiza Wan Hassan, Mdm Siti Hajar Md Jani, and the facilitator, Mdm Norshamsina Daud.

Through questionnaires, the researchers discovered that the primary schools, especially in the rural area of the Kuala Pilah district in Negeri Sembilan are lacking scientific instruments. This led to minimal scientific experimental exposure for the students leading to a decrease in interest in this field of concern. Additionally, the younger generations preferred more visualization, practical and hands-on activities. They preferred a more personal practical approach, more visualization in their reference books, and the integration of technology during learning activities. All of the demands were taken into consideration during the development of the experimental kit.

The “Let’s Science Up Kit” comprised of four sets of microbiology experiments including algae, environmental microscopic organisms, yeast, and virus. The experiments are based on the scientific experiments listed in the syllabus set by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. This will allow students to have fun with the experiments while still abiding by the syllabus. The kit was aimed to increase the understanding of the students in a very fun and enjoyable way. On top of that, integrating the element of instructional education, reference book, lab manuals, and practical videos were also included inside the kit that can be assessed through the scanning of QR codes. The practical manual and videos were incorporated so that students could perform the experiments individually in the comfort of their homes. To satisfy the demand for more visualization in teaching and learning, the kit was incorporated with a very colorful reference book, filled with images of the microorganisms that they are learning, and the practical video was also included to maximize the practical experience where the video was made professionally showing an easy step by step procedure of how to conduct the experiments by professional instructors. The materials included are very safe, which can allow the students to conduct the experiments at home while involving younger siblings to perform the experiments for early exposure to the S&T field. This will eventually have the potential to elevate the interest of the primary school students in S&T.

The researchers are very confident that the kit developed can effectively increase the understanding of the students on the microbiology subject through a fun practical approach and eventually increasing their interest in S&T. Feedback from the students after using the kit was remarkable, proving that fun practical activities as such can increase students’ interest in a particular subject.

The “Let’s Science Up Kit” was awarded the gold medal and the team was crowned the champion of the Malaysian southern region, Innovative and Creative Group Convention 2022, and is soon to compete in the National Innovative and Creative Group Convention 2022. The kit has obtained numerous supports from the local authorities in the development of teaching and learning activities. Mr. Mohd Mulub Mohd Yusuf, the deputy of School Management sector, Education Office of Kuala Pilah district mentioned, “The ‘Chalk and Talk’ teaching method cannot bring the real experience (of conducting experiments) to students. This kit is interesting and can give that experience the students deserve”.

It is hoped that more fun scientific experimental kits like the “Let’s Science Up Kit” can be developed in the future to increase the interest of the younger generations. This can influence the increasing enrollment of students in the S&T field and eventually, more S&T experts can be made that can ensure the propagation of the world’s modernization for future generations.

UMY’s International Relations Study Program sends intern students across the globe

Posted on by umy

The Internationalization Program is one of the flagship programs of the International Relations Study Program (HI) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). To facilitate this, HI UMY provides opportunities for its students to take part in an internship program held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in several countries including; Indonesian Consulate General in New York, Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, Indonesian Consulate General in Davao, Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, and Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi. A total of 10 students were dispatched to carry out internship assignments for the next 2 to 3 months in this program, which is being implemented for the first time.

When contacted on Monday (5/9), the Head of UMY’s International Relations Study Program, Dr. Sugito, revealed that the purpose of this program, other than as additional work experience for the students, is to implement theory and practice gained during education. “In addition, students also get other benefits such as additional soft skills and hard skills, increasing relationships when meeting with the international community, taking roles in discussions held at the Consulate General and the Indonesian Embassy, ​​and participating directly in resolving issues related to Indonesia that occur in that country. The results of the internship are expected to become a report that can replace the final project and can be published,” he explained.

Sugito also conveyed a message to UMY International Relations students who will do their internships abroad, to always maintain the good name of UMY International Relations. “Work well, maintain your attitude, and behave according to applicable norms. This program can be a bridge for HI UMY to carry out various other collaborations with the Consulate General and the Indonesian Embassy, ​​as well as with related countries,” he added.

The release ceremony for the interns was held on Wednesday (31/8) at the UMY International Relations Study Program, represented by Sandi Prayogi, an intern at the Indonesian Consulate General in New York, and Nandhita Zahra, an intern at the Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah. When met after the release ceremony, Sandi admitted that he felt proud, happy, and nervous because this was his first experience for an internship at a government agency, especially since this one will be located in another country.

“I hope that through this program, I can get an extraordinary experience, especially about how a real diplomat works,” said the student who will have the opportunity to become a companion under the Economic Attache in trade, tourism, investment forums and exhibitions. In addition to his internship obligations, Sandi also admitted that he would conduct research on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the United States as a condition for his final assignment.

Thammasat University professor invents innovation for breast cancer patients, promoting post-surgery rehabilitation

Posted on by Thammasat University

Asst. Prof. Supawadee Tubklum, Nursing Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University foresaw problems that arise after breast cancer surgery which affect patients both physically and mentally, thus led to the invention of innovative solutions ‘the devices to promote physical rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery’ by which the latest version won a gold medal from the International Innovation Competition “XXV Moscow International Inventions and Innovative Technologies Salon (ARCHIMEDES-2022)”, the largest international innovation exhibition in Eastern Europe. The innovation are in the process of authorizing grant protection from the Department of Intellectual Property.

Asst. Prof. Supawadee said that these devices, in addition to supporting arm physical therapy after surgery, promoting self-help, reducing postoperative complications such as frozen shoulders and reducing inflammation, they also increasing a sense of self-worth through the patient’s ability to support themselves in their daily lives. The innovation consists of 3 inventions:

1. Elastic bandage to restore movement of the arms and shoulder joints with a sensor to visualize the degree of the arm movement.

2. Bathroom routines self-help promotion bathrobe.

3. Waterproof bag for blood and lymphatic drainage bottles (Hands-free design)

All three devices help to systematically rehabilitate patients’ body after surgery, promote learning readiness and ability to exercise continuous arm and shoulder physical therapy and display visual feedback of the progression of arm movement degree, rejuvenate the body, prevent post-surgery complications along with mental rehabilitation to provide the patient a sense of self-worth, promote confidence in conducting various activities on their own and not feeling like having to rely on others’ assistance. The patients will have a state of mind that is ready to receive treatment consequently.