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Month: April 2024

Discovering cultural differences, bridging the gaps

Posted on by NURUL SALIZAWATEE MAHPAR, NUR UMAIRAH ZULKIFLI

As a testament to the strength of global cooperation, a delegation of seven individuals from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia’s esteemed partner university, recently embarked on a transformative journey lasting 14 days in mid-February 2024. The program offered a range of enriching experiences covering academia, community engagement, intercultural activities, and cultural immersion. Comprising two lecturers and five students, the delegation departed from KLIA airport on February 20, 2024, eagerly anticipating diverse traditions and perspectives while looking forward to engaging with counterparts at HTW Saar and beyond.

One notable highlight of their visit involved a touching community project alongside the local community at HTW Saar. This project took place at the AWO Hohenzollern Daycare Center, where the delegation interacted with local children, fostering strong bonds of affection and cultural understanding. During the project, the delegation had the opportunity to teach the children dance routines using Malaysian children’s songs and to engage in coloring activities depicting Malaysia’s iconic landmarks and buildings.

The entire program was initiated by Prof. Dr. Alexander Pöschl of HTW Saar and made possible through collaboration with and sponsorship from the Hager Group, making the company visit a must-do activity in Saarbrücken. Featuring company tours and sharing sessions between Hager personnel and Nurul Salizawatee Mahpar, an academician from FBM, the experience provided invaluable insights and knowledge.

Moreover, the delegation took advantage of the chance to introduce the diverse tapestry of Malaysian culture to students at HTW Saar, providing a glimpse into their homeland’s rich heritage and traditions. Talks regarding potential exchange programs were conducted with the International Office of HTW Saar, overseen by Doris Kollman in the presence of the esteemed Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Prof. Dr. Met Malte Beinhauer, indicating a bright future for academic cooperation and student exchange between the two institutions.

Venturing beyond the borders of Saarbrücken, the Malaysian delegation embarked on an enthralling journey for a cultural immersion experience in neighboring France and Baden-Württemberg, delving into the diverse cultural tapestry of Europe. From the picturesque streets of Paris to the historic charm of Metz and the cosmopolitan allure of Luxembourg, the delegation embraced the essence of these vibrant cities, forging connections and deepening their appreciation for cross-cultural exchange.

Remarkably, the delegation also had the privilege of gaining firsthand insights into Germany’s industrial prowess through a factory tour of the Hager Group in Blieskastel and a visit to the Völklinger Hütte Ironworks. Complemented by an intercultural workshop with employees, these experiences provided invaluable perspectives on intercultural communication and collaboration in a professional context, enhancing the delegation’s understanding of global business practices.

As the Malaysian delegation bids farewell to Saarbrücken, they leave behind a legacy of friendship, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Their visit not only strengthens the bonds between UiTM and HTW Saar but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of international cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges across continents. Most importantly, their expedition serves as an inspiring example for fellow UiTM students, showcasing the enriching encounters and meaningful relationships that await those who engage in global exchange initiatives. We extend our gratitude to each member of the delegation who played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and collaboration during their visit to HTW Saar in Saarbrücken, Germany.

IBAT College Dublin, Atlantic Technological University cement strategy partnership

Posted on by Global University Systems

March, 2024, saw IBAT College Dublin and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), cement a unique strategy partnership, following their 2023 July signing agreement.

An historic, educational first of a kind, in Ireland, a private public-partnership initially saw IBAT launch two master’s programmes, a MSc in Business Management and an MSc in Marketing at its campuses in Dublin.

In addition to the master’s degree, IBAT launched ATU’s Access for Higher Education programme, to provide a supportive educational environment which will prepare students academically for a full-time undergraduate degree.

The day began with guests meeting MSc in Marketing and Certificate in Access for Higher Education students on campus.

Aaron Etingen, Executive Chairman and Founder of GUS highlighted the importance of the IBAT/GUS partnership and the benefits of being a graduate in today’s labour force. He also encouraged the students present to contact him directly with any ideas or suggestions that they may have.

Elsewhere, Dr. Orla Flynn, President of ATU had an engaging and inspiring conversation on the profound impact of education and the significance of the strategic partnership between IBAT and ATU.

“The first cohort to come through can be quite challenging,” she said. “But you are pioneers and you’re paving the way for those students to come after you. I’m sure you will find many opportunities after the qualification as there has never been a partnership of this kind in Ireland. It is truly unique.“

The ATU and IBAT teams later convened at the iconic Shelbourne Hotel, where they enjoyed a lunch before proceeding to The Constitution Suite for the official signing ceremony.

This location holds immense historical significance, as it was the very room where The Constitution of The Irish Free State was signed in 1922. The symbolism of signing this document in such a significant space marks a pivotal moment for education on the island of Ireland, signifying a new era of collaboration and advancement.

Other attendees at IBAT included Boaz Arbel, Portfolio Managing Director; Nitin Gupta, Portfolio Managing Director; Dr. Brid Lane, Head of School; Dr.Finbarr Murphy, Registrar; Bharat Vaswani – Transformation & Strategic Partnership Director, and Mark Byrne, Managing Director IBAT.

Rose essential oil: A safe pesticide for organic agriculture

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Researchers find that rose essential oil activates tomato defense genes and attracts herbivore predators that protect the plants.

Following injury, plants release terpenoids to enhance their defenses. Researchers at the Tokyo University of Science studying terpenoid-enriched essential oils (EOs) have found that rose EO (REO) can stimulate defense genes in tomato leaves. Furthermore, REO attracts herbivores that protect the plant from the moth species, Spodoptera litura, and Tetranychus urticae, a mite pest. This suggests that applying REO could be a sustainable approach to pest management in organic farming.

Plants-derived essential oils (EOs) find applications in various industries, such as detergents, cosmetics, pharmacology, and food additives. Moreover, EOs have an exceptional safety profile, and their numerous bioactivities greatly benefit human health. Beyond these benefits, EOs have also been found to illicit insect-repellent responses by inducing neurotoxic effects.

Terpenoids are abundant in plant EOs and have garnered widespread attention as they can regulate plant defense responses by regulating the expression of defense genes. For example, soybean and komatsuna plants, when grown near mint, experience a significant improvement in defense properties and become resistant to herbivores. This phenomenon occurs through a process known as “eavesdropping,” wherein volatile compounds are released from the mint plant. These volatile compounds trigger the activation of defense genes, protecting against potential herbivore threats.

Today, applying chemical pesticides is the method of choice for crop protection, but the damage they cause to the environment and ecosystems, along with the need to increase food productivity, stresses the need for safer alternatives. Thus, there is an urgent need for investigation of plant defense potentiators. In this regard, the availability of EOs makes them attractive candidates as environmentally friendly plant defense activators. However, there is a lack of sufficient proven examples to meet the demand.

To address this, a research team led by Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura from the Department of Biological Science and Technology at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) assessed the efficacy of 11 EOs in activating tomato defense responses. “EOs used as fragrances for various purposes contain odor components, which may have the ability to work like volatile compounds in conferring pest resistance. We aimed to investigate the effects of these EOs on plants’ insect pest resistance,” says Prof. Arimura. The team’s findings were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry on March 18, 2024.

The team profiled the effects of terpenoid-enriched EOs on tomato plants. They applied ethanol-diluted solutions of 11 different EOs to the soil of potted tomato plants, performed molecular analyses to study the gene expression inside leaf tissue, and observed that rose EO (REO) increased the transcript levels of PIR1 and PIN2, the genes involved in plant defense. Additionally, tomato plants treated with REO exhibited reduced leaf damage caused by the Spodoptera litura (a moth species) larvae and Tetranychus urticae (a mite pest). Furthermore, to explore the possibility of broader application, the researchers conducted a field experiment to measure REO activity in field conditions. They observed a 45.5% reduction in tomato pest damage compared to the control solution. The researchers believe that REO could serve as a viable alternative to pesticides during the winter and spring seasons when pest infestation is less severe and could potentially reduce pesticide usage by almost 50% during summers.

Explaining the research findings, Prof. Arimura says, “REO is rich in β-citronellol, a recognized insect repellent, which enhances REO’s efficacy. Owing to this, damage caused by the moth larvae and mites was significantly minimized, confirming REO as an effective biostimulant. The findings also showed that a low concentration of REO did not repel T. urticae but attracted Phytoseiulus persimilis, a predator of these spider mites, thus exhibiting a dual function of REO.”

Overall, the study highlights the role of β-citronellol-enriched EO in activating defense genes in tomato leaves. Additionally, it provides evidence that REO is an effective biostimulant for enhancing plant defense against pests, which is also safe as it does not lead to phytotoxicity or leave any toxic residues behind. “Our study suggests a practical approach to promoting organic tomato production that encourages environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. This research may open doors for new organic farming systems. The dawn of potent environmentally friendly and natural pesticides is upon us,” concludes Prof. Arimura.

ITS Hemoglobest team garners attention from STMicroelectronics after Pimnas triumph

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Following their triumph at the 36th National Student Scientific Week (Pimnas) in the category of the Student Creativity Program on Creative Initiatives (PKM-KC) in 2023, the Hemoglobest Team at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) received an encouraging development: they were contacted by STMicroelectronics (STM). STMicroelectronics is a global high-tech company creating semiconductor technologies for various industries, who saw potential in the Hemoglobest innovation. They reached out to the Hemoglobest Team following their success story at Pimnas. This partnership prospect signifies a remarkable opportunity for Hemoglobest to advance its technology and potentially bring it to a wider audience.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Astria Nur Irfansyah, a senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, the team had successfully developed a pioneering hemoglobin detector named Hemoglobest. With a primary focus on lupus, an autoimmune disease associated with adverse effects like anemia, the Hemoglobest Team’s initiative aimed to introduce a non-invasive hemoglobin detector. This device, driven by artificial intelligence, facilitated the measurement of hemoglobin levels and predicted the likelihood of anemia without invasive procedures. Its non-invasive nature ensured ease of use and eliminated user discomfort. The operational mechanism involved the utilization of five light spectrums absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood vessels of the fingertips, surpassing traditional oximeters that typically rely on only two spectrums.

By employing an STM32 microcontroller, STMicroelectronics could enhance the capabilities of Hemoglobest. The STM32 microcontroller, known for its efficiency and advanced features, seamlessly integrated artificial intelligence functions into the device. This not only conserved power but also served as an early warning system for lupus patients. Moreover, the non-invasive design aimed to reduce medical waste associated with conventional procedures, offering a sustainable solution for patients. The potential impact of Hemoglobest on minimizing medical waste in Indonesia is significant, and with the collaboration with STMicroelectronics, its reach and effectiveness may be further amplified.

Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts celebrates 40 years, relaunches ART4C Gallery

Posted on by John Clewley

The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) at Chulalongkorn University celebrated its 40th anniversary on 29 February 2024, with a series of events, including awards ceremonies, merit making and concerts. In tandem with the celebrations, the FAA also relaunched ART4C, a gallery facility that showcases artworks from current students and FAA alumni.

During the past 40 years, the FAA has developed into one of Thailand’s top fine arts faculties with its graduates flourishing across diverse industries, both in Thailand and abroad. Presently, the faculty boasts 13 programs, including three international offerings, catering to 857 Thai and International students; FAA has a total of 58 full-time lecturers, including 12 professors.

Among 59 outstanding alumni who received awards at a ceremony on 29 February for their contributions to art and society, the FAA presented the Outstanding Honourable Alumni Award to Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, in honour of her work as a fashion designer.

FAA Dean Professor Kumkom Pornprasit noted in her keynote address that “the faculty stands as a beacon for the arts in Thailand, thanks to faculty members, retired lecturers, and renowned guest lecturers/artists, including national artists, and independent creative artists.”

Professor Pornprasit said that the FAA would continue to leverage the “transformative power of fine arts to serve society sustainably”. In an era dominated by digital innovations, she said that the FAA recognizes the profound impact of technology on our lives and is keen to harness its potential in art, through FAA’s initiatives, such as digital arts and the FAAMAI Digital Art Hub.

More recently, the FAA has pioneered music and expressive art therapy in Thailand through new international graduate courses and outreach programs with partner faculties to provide therapy for students and staff at the university. With emerging programs like music therapy and art therapy, the faculty is committed to serving society’s evolving needs.

On 1 March, students from the Department of Thai Traditional Music and the Department Dance performed at the faculty in a merit making ceremony. To complete the 40th anniversary celebrations, a Home Coming event was held in the evening of 2 March with talent shows, mini-concerts, and a ceremony for undergraduates known as the “artist lighting ceremony” to welcome the 41st batch of new undergraduates. By receiving a torch lit by current and past lecturers and alumni, new students are officially accepted as FAA students.

To coincide with the 40th anniversary of FAA’s founding, ART4C, the faculty’s dedicated gallery facility has been relaunched and repositioned to focus more on enabling artists to develop their portfolios and public visibility.

At the relaunch on 29 February, which featured an exhibition, The Map: A Survey of Works on Paper by Kade Javanalikhikara, ART4C Director Dr Haisang Javanalikhikara explained, “Art4C aims to promote sustainability in artistic practice. We decided to shift from a gallery and coffee shop to be an affordable art shop, showcasing Thai artists’ creativities. Exhibitions continue as before but our focus now is more on working with artists, building their profiles and connecting them to wider audiences. We also encourage art and cultural practitioners in any field to experiment with us.”

Communication FISIP USU holds training on importance of public speaking

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

Last 2023, on Saturday 9 September to be precise, the Communication Studies Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Sumatra Utara (USU) took an important step in community engagement. Led by the Department of Communication Studies, a team of dedicated lecturers organized a public speaking training session for 60 students, teachers and the principal of SMA Al Washliyah 1 Medan.

The training consisted of three main modules: “The Power of Public Speaking”, “Body Language” and “Master of Ceremony/Speech Delivery”. Under the guidance of the Community Engagement Team chaired by Dra. Fatma Wardy Lubis MA, and USU communication science students.

“Communication is very important and is needed in the world of work, so the ability to speak in public is very necessary,” said Fatma Wardy Lubis. In the presentation of material on public speaking, FISIP USU alumni Iffah Zulfah Imaroh shared insights on mastering the role of master of ceremony (MC).

According to Iffah, being an MC requires not only a melodious voice, but also a strong personality and intellectual depth. She said that an MC must have extensive knowledge, a large vocabulary, good language skills, and a good personality.

The training ended with Shevilla Mayori’s presentation on the importance of body language when speaking or presenting in public. She concluded that we cannot gesture carelessly, as it can show disrespect. It is recommended to use the thumb or the whole hand when speaking in public.

After the informative session, the event continued with a competition involving high school participants. They were given 20 minutes to prepare their speeches, after which they showcased their public speaking talents by giving speeches, MC-ing, and giving reviews.

To reflect on the experience, one of the participants said he thought the activities organized by Communication USU this public speaking training were very useful for them. Similarly, another participant said that the event was a lot of fun and the games enriched their experience. They felt it helped them correct their mistakes in public speaking.

Under the guidance of Fatma Wardy Lubis, the team of lecturers from the Communication Science Department, including Moulita and Munzaimah Masril, alongside a psychologist, Raras Sutatminingsih, spearheaded this community engagement initiative. Through such collaborative efforts, the University of Sumatera Utara continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing confident and articulate individuals, contributing to the broader societal development agenda.

Immerse yourself in arts and culture in London and Hong Kong, on Lingnan University and Goldsmiths’ dual-degree MA programme

Posted on by Editorial Team

The potential of the arts and culture sector to enrich lives, boost economies and generate new career opportunities, can be witnessed across the globe. In Hong Kong, the M+ art museum only debuted to the public in late 2021 but has already established itself as one of the most popular exhibition spaces in Asia. While on the Mainland, the boom in the construction of cultural infrastructure has continued apace since the early years of the century.

This growth is leading to a burgeoning demand for trained professionals who have both a broad perspective and an innovative approach, as well as the ability to run a wide range of facilities and events in this rapidly evolving field. That is why Lingnan University, Hong Kong, together with Goldsmiths, University of London, are launching a new MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy (MAAACP) this year. Students enrolled on this dual-degree programme will split their time between Hong Kong and London, and will have the opportunity to gain not only a unique international perspective but also two internationally-recognised degrees.

To underline the value of the MAAACP’s international aspect, programme co-director Professor Eric Chan, of Lingnan’s School of Graduate Studies, points out that successful professionals working in this sector are likely to move around the world in the course of their careers. “This mobility exposes these professionals to more diverse experiences, influences and ideas, that can enhance their creative outputs and their understanding of different cultural contexts.”

However, Prof Chan adds, an international perspective is also increasingly important for those who work solely in their home countries. “Local arts and culture professionals need to adopt a more global lens when presenting the local arts and cultural content to a global audience.”

A unique partnership and a unique opportunity

Professor Elle Li, School of Graduate Studies faculty and Prof Chan’s fellow programme co-director, believes the MAAACP will give students a wonderful chance to experience the differences, as well as the similarities, between the cultural environments in London and Hong Kong.

“In London they are likely to encounter a multicultural-metropolis scene that reflects its diverse population with a variety of cultural expressions from around the world,” she notes. “By contrast, Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene is shaped by its unique position as a nexus between East and West, its relatively recent colonial past, and its return to China.”

But beyond the opportunity students will have to immerse themselves in these exciting environments, the rich mix of theoretical and experiential learning in the programme’s curriculum is designed to leave them extremely well-positioned for life after graduation.

“We want to help our students enhance their employability in this super-competitive world,” says Prof Li. To that end, the MAAACP curriculum integrates theory and practice in areas such as arts management, cultural policy, curatorial practice, art projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, and professional education. “It is crucial that in arts education, nowadays, we provide out students with a broader and more diverse understanding of the global arts trends, theory, knowledge and practice.”