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Month: April 2024

Lingnan’s President chairs digital panel at QS China Summit

Posted on by Editorial Team

The QS China Summit 2024 held in Shanghai on April 17-18 saw Professor S. Joe Qin, President of Lingnan University, chair a special session examining ways in which digital innovation is reshaping the world of higher education.

The high-profile participants in this Presidential Panel Discussion focused on the foreseeable impact of new technology like generative AI on course content and teaching.

More broadly though, they also considered how universities can help China become a global leader in an era when digital developments are driving rapid change in so many different spheres.

The invited panellists included Professor Zhang Dongxiao, Provost and Executive Vice President of the Eastern Institute of Technology in Ningbo and Professor Lyu Peiming, Executive Vice President of Tongji University in Shanghai.

Joining them on stage was Ms Alice Wei Wei, senior consultant for QS Quacquarelli Symonds, as well as Professor Chen Zhi, President and Chair Professor at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) in Zhuhai.

In addressing the given theme of “Fostering Distinction in Chinese Higher Education through Digital Innovation”, each of the speakers highlighted both challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and made it clear that, like it or not, every person on campus must be prepared for a period of significant transformation over the next few years.

In his preliminary remarks, Professor Qin outlined how Lingnan had been a pioneer in Hong Kong in terms of digital uptake since his appointment in 2023, for instance, the university has already made ChatGPT freely available for all students, faculty members and administrators – and expects them to make full use of its advantages.

In addition, as from the 2024/25 academic year, a core course on generative AI will be part of the curriculum for all first-year undergraduates. It will teach fundamental concepts and practical skills, while also dealing with ethical considerations, so that students can benefit from positives the technology offers and know to avoid the negatives.

Prof Joe Qin noted that such moves reflect Lingnan’s whole-person approach to higher education and, importantly, will give students and graduates the kind of skills needed to excel in their chosen careers.

“Digitalisation is really revolutionising our cognitive tasks,” he said. “And with the adoption of generative AI tools at university level, it feels like China is helping students to learn faster and in more individualised ways.”

These advances will have major implications not just for higher education, but also for the pace of economic development in South China’s Greater Bay Area and beyond. In short, many of today’s standard practices are set to be transformed by new possibilities.

To illustrate this, the panellists drew on their own experiences to show how AI adoption is changing the curriculum for sciences and humanities and why student skill sets must evolve, without sacrificing essentials like critical analysis and good writing.

Indeed, a recent QS survey found that problem solving and creativity are increasingly viewed as key workplace skills. AI will devise solutions but must be guided by human ingenuity.

Please click here for the detailed write-up.

Republican scientific and practical conference with international participation at Children’s City Clinical Hospital

Posted on by Asfendiyarov National Medical University

In Almaty, at the Children’s City Clinical Hospital No. 2, the two-day (April 18-19) Republican scientific and practical conference with international participation “Barlybaev Readings” completed its work today. Dedicated to the 135th anniversary KazNMU and the 100th anniversary of the outstanding pediatrician, scientist, one of the founders of the national pediatric school and science of Kazakhstan Nina Barlybaeva.

It should be noted that the conference was held to support the scientific interest of practical healthcare doctors in the health problems of the children’s population. Pediatricians, pediatric anesthesiologists and resuscitators, and pediatric cardiologists took part in it.

The main scientific directions of the conference covered clinical aspects of childhood pathology; rare diseases in pediatric practice; socially significant diseases in pediatric practice; vaccine prevention in pediatrics; medical rehabilitation in pediatric practice; nutrition of a healthy and sick child; emergency conditions in pediatrics and pediatric surgery.

As part of the conference, a master class was held with the participation of the director of the National Children’s Specialized Hospital ” Okhmatdit ” of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, pediatric resuscitator, professor Vladimir Zhovnir on the topic “Heart rhythm disorders in children – according to ECG.”

The organizers of the conference were Children’s City Clinical Hospital No. 2 of Almaty, the School of Pediatrics and the Department of Childhood Diseases named after Professor Barlybaeva of the KazNMU. As the organizers noted, the conference will be annual and will become a traditional platform for the exchange of experience and innovative technologies in pediatrics between leading experts, young scientists and practicing physicians.

Kyiv Polytechnic team soars to first place in international cybersecurity competition

Posted on by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

With rating points of 49,000, the dcua team of the Technical Information Security educational and research laboratory at Ukraine’s Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) took first place in the Space Heroes CTF competition. Led by Mykola Ilyin, an Associate Professor at the KPI Department of Information Security, who serves as both the head of the laboratory and the team’s coach, dcua comprises 10 adept members.

Space Heroes CTF was hosted by the Florida Institute of Technology in conjunction with Hack Space Con 2024, a cybersecurity conference at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A total of 614 teams from around the globe entered the competition, which unfolded in mid April.

During this annual online cybersecurity competition, challenges included all levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner to expert, for pwn, re, crypto, web, and forensics. This year’s event also included prizes for the top in-person competitors, as the organizers held it in coordination with Hack Space Con 2024.

More information:

https://ctftime.org/event/2254/

3 FISIP study programs at Universitas AIrlangga gain FIBAA international accreditation

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga has achieved another commendable milestone. Three study programs from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at UNAIR have officially attained international recognition. The Sociology, Political Science, and Anthropology programs have gained international accreditation by FIBAA.

FIBAA, Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation, is an international accreditation body that ensures the quality of education according to the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) criteria. FIBAA has globally recognized assessment standards, making it prestigious.

Accreditation process

The accreditation journey with FIBAA for these three programs has been quite extensive. Numerous stages and adjustments were carried out by the teams at FISIP UNAIR. Collaboration has involved all academics in the programs, including students and alumni.

Kalimah Wasis, S.IP., M.Sc., the FIBAA Accreditation Manager for the Political Science study program, explained efforts were made to conduct a workload study survey among students to ensure FIBAA standards are met. It is aimed to measure the students’ study loads.

Furthermore, a tracer study of alumni experiences during their studies was conducted, along with surveys involving stakeholders and alumni who are now employed.

“Students were involved in the preparation for FIBAA accreditation. Student assessments are crucial in this accreditation,” she explained.

After submitting curriculum documents, Semester Learning Plan (RPS) documents, Self Evaluation Report (SER), appendices, and other supporting documents, the next stage involved the three departments undergoing accreditation visits by FIBAA assessors and report evaluations.

Commitment to quality

One of the lecturers in the Department of Sociology, Ratna Azis Prasetyo, S.Sos., M.Sosio, explained that the main supporting factor for the success of FIBAA accreditation is the collective determination and commitment to improvement. Commitment to educational quality through national and international accreditation is crucial.

“So far, the Sociology national accreditation has been excellent, supplemented by previous accreditation by the international Accreditation Service for International Schools (ASIC). With FIBAA’s accreditation, it will undoubtedly strengthen the study program’s position both nationally and internationally,” she elaborated.

On the other hand, the Head of the Anthropology Department, Pudjio Santoso, Drs., M.Sosio, is highly optimistic that this FIBAA accreditation will give a positive impression. “The Anthropology program at FISIP UNAIR is the only anthropology study program in Indonesia specializing in socio-cultural and physical anthropology. That’s what impresses them (the FIBAA assessors),” he stated.

With this achievement, the three study programs remain committed to enhancing quality and welcome feedback from various stakeholders, including students and alumni.

The study program managements extend gratitude to all those who have assisted in the accreditation process. Without such assistance, the international accreditation process would not have proceeded smoothly.

Grant-based education at top foreign universities: New horizons for entrants, students of Satbayev University

Posted on by Satbayev University

In 2024, about two hundred students and teachers of Satbayev University will have the opportunity to study and work at top universities in the world: Pennsylvania State University, USA, Songyungwan University, South Korea, Glasgow University, Great Britain, as well as in CIS countries and neighboring countries. The signing of Memorandum of strategic partnership with CityU in Hong Kong also allows National Research Technical University to train bachelors and doctoral students, exchange personnel and conduct research with one of the best universities in the world.

“Satbayev University and CityU are preparing the younger generation for society evolvement of their countries and the whole world. We are proud to cooperate with the oldest technical university in Kazakhstan,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of CityU Board.

Mr. Lester Huang noted that after several months of fruitful dialogue and preparation for launching the double-degree programs, universities are ready to start their implementation.

During working meetings at CityU, the working groups including Rectors and Vice-rectors of universities, departments’ and laboratories’ heads worked out in detail further steps to organize a joint educational process in artificial intelligence, materials science, construction spheres and implementing the scientific projects.

“We are interested in close cooperation. The joint work of our students, undergraduates and doctoral students will ensure not only the exchange of knowledge, but also intercultural interaction,” says Professor Freddy Boy, President of CityU HK.

Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev, and CityU President Freddy Boy, signed documents that make it possible to open joint degree programs for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees.

In his speech at the signing ceremony, Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev noted: “From this moment on, a new era in the development of Polytech begins, which we open with the partnership agreement in the field of science and higher engineering education with one of the best universities in the world.”

Satbayev University delegation also got acquainted with the activities of CityU laboratories. Kazakh scientists have agreed with the heads of the best of them to conduct joint scientific research.

The project is being implemented with the support of Minister of RK Science and Higher Education Sayassat Nurbek. The signed memoranda were witnessed by Lester Huang and Mr. Almas Seytakynov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in SAR Hong Kong and Macao.

Satbayev University is actively working in the academic mobility field – in 2023-2024, the range of international partners of University was expanded at the expense of the USA, Hong Kong, Britain, South Korea and other countries’ universities.

Pesticides as “Medicine”, Investigating Pesticide Use Among Farmers by USU Student

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

The escalating use of pesticides has become a cause for concern. In just the past decade, pesticide usage has surpassed previous levels, raising significant alarm due to its impacts not only on the environment but also on farmers, with further implications extending to consumers. Clearly, this situation is quite worrisome.

Novi Fitriani Nazara, a student of the Social Anthropology Department at Universitas Sumatera Utara, conducted research to delve into pesticide usage in one of the largest agricultural areas in North Sumatra. “Indonesia’s position is alarming as it ranks among the top five countries in the world in terms of pesticide usage,” stated Novi, the researcher. “This is based on data from the FAO in 2024. However, we acknowledge that the actual data may be much larger”.

After conducting research for four months in the Karo Regency using a live-experienced approach, Novi elucidated, “I found that pesticide usage is intertwined with local perceptions. Farmers express that pesticides are their only option. They are facing changing climates, and they do not want to fail in their harvests. “Ironically even though they are aware of the health impacts of pesticides, they overlook them. They view pesticides as medicine for their plants, similar to how humans need treatment when they are sick.”

The research supervisor, Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, revealed that this study employs a structural violence approach. By utilizing the concept of structural violence, we reflect on the vulnerable position of farmers exposed to pesticides, while they are far from accessing health empowerment. This research demonstrates that farmers do not receive adequate protection to prevent continuous exposure to pesticides. “Thus, the use of pesticides by farmers is a long-standing consequence of human-nonhuman relations, leading to dependency effects. This cannot be severed as the government plays a limited role in protecting farmers, instead allowing these incidents to persist.”

Novi presented her research findings in a seminar organized by the Social Anthropology Department at the end of April 2024. It is hoped that this research will produce a policy brief that will benefit stakeholders.

Breakthrough Rice Bran Nanoparticles Show Promise as Affordable, Targeted Anticancer Agent

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Plant-derived nanoparticles have demonstrated significant anticancer effects. Researchers from Japan recently developed rice bran-derived nanoparticles (rbNPs) that efficiently suppressed cell proliferation and induced programmed cell death of only cancer cells. Furthermore, rbNPs successfully suppressed the growth of tumors in mice having aggressive adenocarcinoma in their peritoneal cavity, without any adverse effects. Given their low production costs and high efficacy, rbNPs hold great promise for developing affordable and safe anticancer agents.

Several types of conventional cancer therapies, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, destroy healthy cells along with cancer cells. In advanced stages of cancer, tissue loss from treatments can be substantial and even fatal. Cutting-edge cancer therapies that employ nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells, sparing healthy tissue. Recent studies have demonstrated that plant-derived nanoparticles (pdNPs) that have therapeutic effects can be an effective alternative to traditional cancer treatments. However, no pdNPs have been approved as anticancer therapeutic agents till date.

Rice bran is a byproduct generated during rice refining process that has limited utility and low commercial value. However, it contains several compounds with anticancer properties, such as γ-oryzanol and γ-tocotrienol. To explore these therapeutic properties of rice bran, a team of researchers led by Professor Makiya Nishikawa from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) in Japan developed nanoparticles from rice bran and tested their effectiveness in mice models. Their study, published in Volume 22 of Journal of Nanobiotechnology on 16 March 2024, was co-authored by Dr. Daisuke Sasaki, Ms. Hinako Suzuki, Associate Professor Kosuke Kusamori, and Assistant Professor Shoko Itakura from TUS.

“In recent years, an increasing number of new drug modalities are being developed. At the same time, development costs associated with novel therapies have increased dramatically, contributing to the burden of medical expenses. To address this issue, we used rice bran, an industrial waste with anticancer properties, to develop nanoparticles,” explains Prof. Nishikawa.

The study evaluated the anticancer effects of rice bran-derived nanoparticles (rbNPs), which were obtained by processing and purifying a suspension of Koshihikari rice bran in water. When a cancer cell line named colon26 was treated with rbNPs, cell division was arrested and programmed cell death was induced, indicating strong anticancer effects of the nanoparticles. The observed anticancer activity of rbNPs can be attributed to γ-tocotrienol and γ-oryzanol, that are easily taken up by cancer cells resulting in cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death. Additionally, rbNPs reduced the expression of proteins, such as β-catenin (a protein associated with Wnt signaling pathway involved in cell proliferation) and cyclin D1, which are known to promote cancer recurrence and metastases. Moreover, the rbNPs reduced the expression of β-catenin only in colon26 cells without affecting the non-cancerous cells.

“A key concern in the context of pdNPs is their low pharmacological activity compared to pharmaceutical drugs. However, rbNPs exhibited higher anticancer activity than DOXIL®, a liposomal pharmaceutical formulation of doxorubicin. Additionally, doxorubicin is cytotoxic to both cancer cells and non-cancerous cells, whereas rbNPs are specifically cytotoxic to cancer cells, suggesting that rbNPs are safer than doxorubicin,” highlights Prof. Nishikawa.

To confirm the anticancer properties of rbNPs in the living body, the researchers injected rbNPs into mice having aggressive adenocarcinoma in their peritoneal cavity (enclosed by the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and pelvis and houses organs like intestines, liver, and kidneys). They observed significant suppression of tumor growth with no adverse effects on the mice. Additionally, the rbNPs significantly inhibited metastatic growth of murine melanoma B16-BL6 cells in a lung metastasis mouse model.

Rice bran has several attributes that make it an excellent source of therapeutic pdNPs. Firstly, it is economic as compared to many other sources of pdNPs. Nearly 40% of the rice bran is discarded in Japan, providing a readily available source of raw material. Secondly, the preparation efficiency of rbNPs is higher than that of previously reported pdNPs. Besides being practical and safe as an anticancer therapeutic, the physicochemical properties of rbNPs are very stable. However, a few parameters, such as establishment of separation technologies at the pharmaceutical level, assessing production process control parameters, and evaluation of efficacy and safety in human cancer cell lines and xenograft animal models, must be investigated prior to clinical trials in humans.

In conclusion, rice bran, an agricultural waste product, is a source of therapeutic pdNPs that are affordable, effective, and safe, and has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment in the future.

“By establishing a manufacturing method for rice bran nanoparticles with stable quality and confirming their safety and effectiveness, we can develop drugs for cancer treatment that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and affordable. Consequently, we may be able to help more cancer patients maintain good physical and mental health after treatment,” concludes Prof. Nishikawa.

Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Singapore’s Republic Polytechnic Sign MOU for Student and Staff Exchange Program

Posted on by John Clewley

The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) at Chulalongkorn University and the Republic Polytechnic, School of Technology for the Arts (RP), Singapore signed an MOU on 27 March 2024 to collaborate in order to facilitate country, cultural, cognitive, social and emotional engagements amongst youths via staff-students exchange programs. FAA Dean Professor Dr Kumkom Pornprasit and Dr Terence Chong, Diector, International Relations, RP signed the document at a ceremony at FAA.

The exchange programme refers to Temasek Foundation Specialists’ Community Action and Leadership Exchange Programme 2024-2025 (or TF SCALE X), which extended an invitation to FAA to work on what is referred to as a “structured immersion programme”.

The MOU between the two educational institutes states that each party will select 20 student leaders and supervisory lecturers to be part of the exchange programme. The TF SCALE X programme includes, FAA, Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA), Bandung, Indonesia, University of Social Scinces nd Humanities (USSH) and RP.

For the agreement between FAA and RP, both institutions will exchange teams of 20 students leaders and supervisory lecturers for a two-week structured programme in September 2024. The programme runs for 18 months from the date of signing.

The programme was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since been reactivated. The RP campus news site, The Republican Post, noted in a quote by RP’s International Relations Director Dr Terence Chong that each intake is different, “It never ceases to amaze me. Every time is different but I can feel the love,” he said in October 2022.

One participant in the last group meeting in Singapore for the four participating institutions explained why she joined the programme. “We volunteered to participate in this programme because it seemed like a great opportunity to go overseas and learn about the cultures in other countries.”

KTU opens PhD in mathematics, joint degree with two top-class universities

Posted on by KTU

The contemporary world is made of ever-growing, often interconnected data. Managing it needs expertise, based on fundamental and applied knowledge in mathematics. The experts agree that international collaboration is the key to educating professionals for high-value-added industries.

With such an agenda in mind, Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania, Charles University in Prague, Czechia and the University of Göttingen in Germany have established a joint PhD programme in mathematics.

There is a clear shortage of highly qualified mathematicians across the EU, especially in applied mathematics. Thanks to international cooperation, the new PhD programme will effectively achieve the high level of quality demanded today by both businesses and academia.

One of the universities that makes up this PhD programme in mathematics is the University of Göttingen, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Germany.

“47 of the Nobel Prize winners in science are in one way or another connected to the city of Göttingen. Knowing the deep tradition of mathematical science at the University of Göttingen, we will now be able to offer a very high level of doctoral studies in mathematics in Kaunas. This PhD is important not only for KTU but also for the entire Lithuanian scientific community, as it promotes research in new areas of mathematics, educates highly qualified specialists and contributes to the country’s image in the world of science,” says Kęstutis Baltakys, KTU Vice-Rector for Research.

International PhD degree – more attractive to employers

Prof. Miloš Kopa, a mathematician and professor at Charles University in Prague, says that although Charles University is much larger than KTU, the same cosy academic spirit is characteristic of both.

“I am incredibly pleased to have been able to contribute to the joint PhD programme in mathematics,” said Prof. Kopa, adding that there are numerous benefits of studying in an international PhD programme.

Firstly, according to him, three universities together could offer a much wider range of courses, conferences, projects, and all kinds of cooperation than a single university. Secondly, for those students who are planning their future careers at a university or research institute, experiences at other universities are very valuable.

“Students can learn how to do research differently and perhaps better. They can establish research collaborations that will help them improve their academic careers. Moreover, students who move into business and industry will find that they are more attractive to employers, especially large international companies,” says Prof. Kopa.

The job market is thirsty for highly qualified mathematicians

According to Prof. Bronė Narkevičienė, the Dean of KTU Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the shortage of highly qualified mathematicians, especially in applied mathematics, is evident throughout the EU.

“Every year, companies turn to our researchers for a variety of mathematical solutions, as the application of mathematical methods can help optimise business and production processes, solve problems in medical diagnostics and drug research, optimize organization processes and many other areas,” says Prof. Narkevičienė.

The Dean emphasises the importance of the annual “Workshop of Mathematical Solutions in Business and Industry” where the scientists of the KTU Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences work on business cases.

She believes that the progress and economic success of any country depends on the quality education of its people, as well as on the ability of professionals to effectively apply their knowledge and unleash their talents.

“The need for highly skilled mathematics professionals in the job market is obvious. However, training such experts requires a high-quality, long-term PhD programme. We believe that international cooperation will enable the new programme to quickly reach the top level of quality demanded by both companies and academic institutions,” says Prof. Narkevičienė.

The new programme covers both applied and fundamental research

The Dean of KTU Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is convinced that mathematics opens the doors to successful careers as there is no field in the world where it is not applied. She believes that ample opportunities wait for highly qualified professionals and independent researchers who can choose a post-doctoral researcher’s path or seek a career in business and industry.

“Studying at three universities will provide the opportunity to receive a high quality and broad-spectrum education, learning and growing alongside world-renowned scientists,” says Prof. Narkevičienė.

The new programme will cover both fundamental and applied mathematical research in areas such as differential equations, financial mathematics, mathematical modelling of biomedical systems, and mathematical theory of operations and its applications. Therefore, the students will have a wide choice for their research and thesis topic.

“Those students who are thinking about careers in banking, medicine or defence may be inclined to choose applied topics. However, this doesn’t imply that fundamental research in mathematics lacks significance. I believe it will soon find applications in business which has been adopting modern technologies very rapidly. In addition, theoretical topics could be more attractive to students thinking about an academic career,” says The Dean of the KTU Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Joint research projects already ongoing

Prof. Kopa is convinced that the future students of the joint PhD programme will find the opportunity to travel across three campuses while studying, fascinating.

“I think that a temporary move to another country or university is beneficial. It helps to make new contacts, to participate in joint research projects, to feel the pulse of other colleagues from the visiting countries,” says Charles University in Prague mathematics professor.

He notes that there is an Erasmus agreement between KTU and Charles University in Prague in place, which should help to enhance student mobility between the two institutions.

The Czech professor says he always feels very welcome at KTU and enjoys its friendly atmosphere. With his KTU colleagues Dr Audrius Kabašinskas and Dr Kristina Šutienė, Prof. Kopa has published several research papers in recent years and more are coming.

“We are interested in financial mathematics, especially pension system analysis. As far as the pension system is concerned, Lithuania has a much more developed second pension pillar than the Czech Republic and other Central/Eastern European countries, that is why I like to analyse funds in Lithuania and other Baltic countries,” explains Prof. Kopa.

Since in Lithuania, the 2nd pension pillar was established more than 15 years ago, an analysis can draw upon not only theoretical concepts but also real data. The project is funded by the Research Council of Lithuania.

“I also enjoy lecturing to KTU undergraduates and postgraduates. While students may sometimes be shy, they are always interested in new topics,” says Prof. Kopa, who wishes the best of luck to the new PhD programme in mathematics, organised together by KTU, Charles University in Prague and The University of Göttingen in Germany.

Courtesy Visit, Benchmarking from Bali Tourism Polytechnic to Universiti Teknologi MARA

Posted on by Noorsuhada Md Nor

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Pulau Pinang branch, Penang, Malaysia received a courtesy visit and benchmarking from a delegation from Bali Tourism Polytechnic (BiTP), Indonesia, on various activities. The delegates were Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Puja (Director of BiTP), Dr. Luh Yusni Wiarti (Deputy Director 3 for Cooperation), Mdm. Lukia Zuraida (Head of Quality Assurance) and Mdm. Dewa Ayu Made Lily Diana Sari (Coordinator of Tourism Destination Programme). One of the activities is benchmarking for QS ranking (Quacquarelli Symonds ranking). The main programme of benchmarking by BiTP includes discussion sessions with university management and the implementation of the QS University Ranking, QS Ranking by Subject, and other related areas. From the UiTM Pulau Pinang Branch, six members were involved, led by Professor Dr. Hashim Fadzil Ariffin (Faculty Head of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FPHP)), who was joined by Dr. Anderson Ngelambong (Head of Bachelor\’s Programme of FPHP), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nor Azlan Othman (Head of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (PKE)), Associate Professor Dr. Noorsuhada Md Nor (Ranking Champion), Dr. Nor Khadijah Mohd Azhari (Coordinator of the International Affairs Office) and Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nor Salwa Damanhuri (Member for Solar Engineering). To get a clear picture of the implementation of the QS ranking, an exchange event was held on November 3, 2023, at Bilik Mesyuarat UiTM Global, UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor.

The benchmarking was officially chaired by Professor Dr. Ahmad Naqiyuddin Bakar, Director of Strategic Partnership. A lively discussion was held with the Chairman and delegates of BiTP, Indonesia, especially on QS ranking and strategic planning for the future between two universities from two countries. The Director of the Ranking Department, Ir. Dr. Amirul Abd Rashid, shared the QS ranking initiatives with all participants. He started with the organisation that produces the university ranking, the resident reviewers, the university’s strategic direction towards the ranking, the framework to improve the strategy, the Malaysia Education Blueprint, and others. The delegates were then honoured by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Internationalisation) of Professor Dr. Shahriman Zainal Abidin.

The session did not end at UiTM Global, in the afternoon, it continued with an exchange with the Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Associate Professor Dr. Norzuwana Sumarjan, and the Deputy of Academic Affairs. The session is closely related to the QS by Subject on Hospitality and Leisure Management, as the FPHP is ranked 52–100th (2023) in the global QS World University Ranking. As UiTM moves into the future, the commitment to excellence and continuous improvement remains steadfast. As benchmarking against global academic standards and striving for a higher QS ranking is an integral part of BiTP’s strategic vision, the strategic collaboration with UiTM will continue as a good partnership globally.