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Month: April 2025

The International Community Program with UiTM Shah Alam and Universitas Warmadewa: Foodology – Food Arcade and Security

Posted on by Shadatul Hanom (Ranking Champion FSG)

The international community program FOODOLOGY: FOOD ARCADE AND SECURITY was successfully held on December 25-30, 2023, at the Faculty of Agriculture, Warmadewa University (UNWAR), Indonesia. This program is an initiative designed to carry out Service Learning Malaysia-University For Society (SULAM) activities for the Community Engagement (CMT680) and Food Processing Technology (FST548) subjects.

Two dedicated lecturers Ts Dr. Aida Firdaus Muhammad Nurul Azmi and Dr. Sharil Fadli Mohamad Zamri from the School of Industrial Technology and School of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences (FSG), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, along with 17 students from the Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Food Science and Technology and Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Applied Chemistry programs at FSG embarked on an amazing journey through research and collaboration activities, community service and industrial visits. This program aims to provide an opportunity for students from both universities to apply knowledge and gain new insights in food processing and green product development technology.

The program commenced with an exchange of ideas through research collaboration discussion regarding the possible joint research projects, research publications, and student exchanges in the areas of food technology and agricultural waste recycling between the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and the Faculty of Agriculture, Warmadewa University. Furthermore, both universities addressed the work schedule and contents of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) comprising industrial visits, community service, and seminar programs. UiTM students and lecturers also received a tour around the faculty, centers of excellence, and research laboratories at the Faculty of Agriculture, Warmadewa University.

In a UiTM-UNWAR Food Technology Seminar, students from both universities showcase the outcomes of their final-year projects in their respective fields. At the end of the session, students and lecturers from both universities will share ideas and perspectives to advance their research. The highlight of this program is a community activity involving the farmers from Desa Ban, Kubu, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia. Here, students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM have taught the Tani Dharma Santi Women Community in Desa Baru, Marga, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia about interesting food processing techniques that can be applied to generate income. Additionally, the community was trained to produce non-toxic insect-repellent spray to protect their crops. The program aims to encourage the use of these insect repellents in the agricultural activities of this community, as it is a simple and effective technique that can enhance crop productivity and save costs. Various interactive and engaging activities such as talks, exhibitions, demonstrations, informational sessions, and knowledge sharing on food science and technology, as well as environmental sustainability were carried out to provide exposure and awareness and to assist the local community.

During the last day of the program, an industrial visit was conducted to PT. Bali Maya Permai Food Canning Industry. It is a food processing plant where the students and lecturers observe and learn about the operations and management of food within the facility. In conclusion, the international community program strengthened relations between the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM Shah Alam, and the Faculty of Agriculture, Warmadewa University, laying the groundwork for future collaborations in promoting sustainability in higher education.

Faith & Finance

Posted on by Editorial Team

The global Islamic finance industry is growing rapidly. By 2026, total Sharia-compliant assets are expected to grow from US$3.9 trillion to US$5.95 trillion, according to a recent State of Global Islamic Economy report.

Different from conventional banking, Islamic finance is a way of banking, lending and investing that follows Sharia, or Islamic law. Investors are prohibited from investing in companies that engage in ‘forbidden’ activities – such as those connected with alcohol, pork-related products, tobacco, gambling, or sale of arms, for example. It also bans interest on loans, viewing lending as a relationship that unfairly favours the lender.

Widely viewed as an alternative and ethical approach to banking, Islamic finance represents just one percent of global financial assets worldwide. Despite this, it’s currently expanding much quicker than conventional finance with a compound annual growth rate of nine percent.

In the Western world, Islamic Finance is also experiencing a surge of interest among students. “Islamic finance has seen growing popularity and interest, particularly at the higher education levels, such as Advanced Master’s programmes, Honours, and PhD research,” says Dr Anas Iqtait, a Senior Lecturer in economics and political economy at the Australian National University’s (ANU) Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies.

“The sector is expanding rapidly, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and the Gulf, creating demand for professionals with specialised knowledge,” he adds. This expansion, he says, is driven by both market expansion and regulatory developments.

Expanding Islamic finance career options

At ANU, students are offered several modules in Islamic finance, including Islamic Economies in Practice and Islamic Banking. Interestingly, most enrolments on these courses come from non-Muslim students, Dr Iqtait tells QS Insights Magazine.

“There is a growing number of students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, not just those with prior exposure to Islamic studies or finance,” he reveals. “Many are drawn by the expanding career opportunities in the field, particularly as Islamic finance gains mainstream recognition in Australia and global financial markets.”

Islamic finance is also broadening its client base in Australia – not only to a growing Muslim population but also catering to non-Muslim clients interested in ethical finance and alternative financial models. This, Dr Iqait believes, is making the study of Islamic finance even more attractive to students seeking to enhance their understanding and take advantage of the expanding career opportunities in the field.

As ethical investment and Sharia-compliant finance are becoming more mainstream, interest has surged among these students looking to broaden their expertise in ethical and alternative financial systems, as well as those considering careers in banking, asset management, fintech and regulatory sectors.

The growth of Islamic finance is evident even within conventional banking. “Conventional banks, investment firms, and fintech companies are now seeking professionals with knowledge of Islamic financial principles to tap into new markets and diversify their service offerings,” explains Dr Iqait.

In Germany, the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management attracts a diverse range of students to its Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance course. “We have had students from around 20 countries,” says Dr Mohammed R. Kroessin, a lecturer on the course and Head of Islamic Relief’s Global Islamic Microfinance Unit.

Islamic microfinance is still a relatively young sector but is gaining significant traction, including support from UN agencies. Its appeal extends beyond the Muslim world, Dr Kroessin reveals, as profit-and-loss sharing offers stability during economic uncertainty and interest rate changes.

Financial exclusion remains high in the Muslim world, with many individuals avoiding interest-bearing loans for faith-based reasons. Frankfurt’s Islamic microfinance graduates play a key role in addressing this challenge, with many of them working in the development sector. Many come from government agencies such as central banks and finance ministries, as well as NGOs, UN agencies, and financial service providers, helping to expand ethical financial services.

Read the full article on QS Insights Magazine.

Gen Z customer experience strategy: Dealing with younger generations

Posted on by EHL Hospitality Business School

You have to be careful when making assumptions about customers based on generation-specific stereotypes, as there are exceptions to every rule. However, it’s fair to say that Generation Z consumers – born between the mid-1990s and 2010 – have different customer experience expectations, including customer service strategy. And really, it’s hardly surprising.

Generation Z is the first generation not to know a world without the internet. Their purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by social media. They favor a digital-first customer experience that is responsive and transparent, and they place a high value on ethical concerns when deciding which businesses to buy from.

Gen Z consumers have high expectations. Having always had the conveniences that other generations have learned to enjoy over time, they are less impressed with current customer experiences than previous generations, with a 50% satisfaction rate compared to the 71% of their predecessors. However, they are highly influential, with the incoming generation driving change and setting the standards older generations soon come to expect.

The truth is that organizations must work harder to deliver customer experiences that meet Gen Z expectations. But where should you start? Here’s our guide, complete with real-life examples of successful customer experience strategies for Gen Z.

The future of customer service? Let them help themselves

One of the most significant generational shifts is the preference for self-service customer support (FAQ pages, chatbots, virtual assistants, etc.). A Gartner survey of over 6,000 consumers found that 38% of Gen Zs would stop trying to resolve a customer service issue if they couldn’t do it themselves. That contrasts with just 11% of baby boomers, who would give up on an issue if they couldn’t find a self-service solution.

Gen Z’s preference for self-service support has a profound impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty. A staggering 52% of Gen Z consumers who could not resolve an issue in self-service would not buy from the company again, while 44% would say negative things about the company. This trend underscores the urgency for businesses to adapt to Gen Z’s preferences.

With that in mind, customer service leaders must work to provide resources that Gen Z can use to solve problems themselves. That includes multiple self-service touchpoints, such as an online knowledge base, useful FAQ pages, chatbots, virtual assistants, and product tutorials. Brands should also look for ways to seamlessly switch users from a self-service solution to an assisted service where the issues they’re experiencing are more complex. Proactive live chat options and prompts to call an agent are both potential solutions.

Create more personalized experiences

Having been force-fed targeted ads, personalized content and recommendations, and custom playlists their whole lives, it’s perhaps not surprising that Gen Z has a greater appetite than any other generation for customized experiences.

Personalization is not just a trend for Gen Z, it’s a key driver of brand loyalty. 41% of Gen Z are willing to give up their data in return for personalized experiences, 62% will pay extra, and 45% will leave a website if it doesn’t provide personalized recommendations. Given these numbers, personalization should be a cornerstone of your customer experience strategy.

Personalizing the customer experience can take different forms. You can provide tailored communications across your website, apps, and social media platforms to attract new customers and up-sell and cross-sell. You can also inject personalized elements into your customer support with personalized tips, follow-ups, and videos to help solve customer problems.

Gen Z attention span: Lean into video

Video was a nice-to-have rather than a business imperative until fairly recently, but the rise of Gen Z and its insatiable appetite for visual content is changing all that. People often cite that Gen Z has an attention span of just eight seconds, based on 2015 research from Microsoft. However, newer research shows they have no trouble concentrating on content they relate to and find interesting, such as Young Adult literature and deep dive videos. This tendency indicates that they are a good audience for easily digestible, short videos that can quickly and effectively tell stories, demonstrate products, share testimonials, and showcase a brand’s personality and values.

The platforms Gen Z favors for consuming video content include TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Importantly, they spend more time watching videos on their smartphones, so any video content you create must be optimized for mobile devices to increase engagement and ensure a seamless viewing experience. The effectiveness of video content is backed up by the stats, with one survey finding that 70% of Gen Z find videos very useful when making purchasing decisions.

Although visual content dominates, Gen Z consumers are discerning about what they watch. They value authenticity and transparency in their interactions with brands, with real customer stories and behind-the-scenes footage helping to strike the right chord. They also value brands that are transparent about their values and social responsibility initiatives and want to feel like they’re part of a community.

Embracing Gen Z values and morals: Building authentic connections for lasting customer engagement

We’ve already touched on the importance of authenticity and values to Gen Z consumers. Their constant exposure to global issues makes them more discerning than previous generations when deciding how they spend their hard-earned money.

Research suggests that Gen Z will walk away from brands that don’t share their values, with 68% wanting to buy from companies that support a primary social cause. However, those values must be something the brand lives and breathes and doesn’t merely pay lip service to. Suppose you want to showcase your company’s approach to sustainability, inclusion, diversity, and environmental issues. In that case, you must actively show your customers how you engage in those areas and your work.

You can also create a powerful community by engaging in meaningful conversations with your customers and asking for their feedback and opinions. Authenticity is key, so be careful not to overpromise or use exaggerated or misleading claims, as this could backfire.

Switch your focus: Align with Gen Z preferences

Gen Z can be a goldmine of possibilities, but only if you switch your focus from ‘how do we do things’ to ‘how do our consumers want things to be done.’ By ‘switching your focus ‘, we mean shifting your perspective and priorities to align with Gen Z’s preferences and expectations. Gen Z are uncompromising in their outlook, and if you don’t give them what they want, they will go elsewhere.

However, if you offer Gen Z personalized experiences, empower them to solve their problems, and align with the issues that matter to them, you can create a fiercely loyal customer base to help future-proof your business.

First published on EHL Insights.

UNAIR student team clinches international gold medal for IoT-based work fatigue measurement device

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

A team of students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again earned international recognition. At the International Invention and Innovation Competition (I3C) 2025, the UNAIR team secured a prestigious gold medal. Organized by the Malaysia Innovation Invention Creativity Association (MIICA), this year’s competition carried the theme Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures. The UNAIR team impressed judges with STIREACT, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based device designed to measure work fatigue.

The team consists of Ibrahim Al Khawwas, Nasywa Dhiyaul Haq, and Diva Firnanda Azzahra from the Faculty of Vocational Studies; Imamul Aziz from the Faculty of Pharmacy; and Farhan Aldan Khairian from the Faculty of Science and Technology. Competing against 1,500 teams from various countries, they showcased their innovative project in an online competition held on Sunday (March 10, 2025).

IoT-integrated work fatigue measurement

In this global innovation and invention contest, the UNAIR team developed the Smart Timer Reaction (STIREACT), a standardized device for measuring work fatigue. The invention was inspired by the widespread issue of occupational fatigue, which significantly affects industries by reducing productivity and increasing the risk of workplace accidents.

Many existing work fatigue measurement tools lack IoT integration. “This gap prompted us to develop an IoT-integrated work fatigue measurement device,” Ibrahim Al Khawwas explained.

Their research involved collecting data through the IoT-powered STIREACT device, supplemented by interviews and surveys. The data was then analyzed using internationally recognized work fatigue measurement standards. Results indicated that STIREACT demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in assessing work fatigue levels.

Strategies for international competition

Al Khawwas emphasized that success in international competitions requires ensuring the uniqueness and innovation of an invention through extensive literature reviews and global patent studies. “This step is essential to verify that STIREACT is a novel innovation with distinct advantages over existing technologies,” he noted.

Furthermore, strengthening teamwork and fostering collaboration were crucial in effectively distributing tasks, with support from supervisors. Careful time management and rigorous practice were also key to structuring a comprehensive competition strategy, ensuring thorough preparation in all areas.

Overcoming challenges

Securing an international title came with significant challenges. One major obstacle was refining the device’s design and IoT technology to ensure optimal functionality and accuracy. It was also crucial to validate STIREACT’s effectiveness by comparing it with globally standardized work fatigue measurement tools.

Another challenge, according to Al Khawwas, was balancing competition preparation with academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments, as the team comprised members from three different faculties. “Funding was also a major concern, as financial support was necessary for the device’s development and research,” he added.

Reflecting on their victory, Al Khawwas described winning an international competition as an incredible experience. He attributed their success to consistency, innovation, and dedication. “We hope this research-driven innovation will benefit many, aligning with our principle of staying humble regardless of our achievements,” he concluded.

Chula Faculty of Education Hosts International Education Development Fieldwork for Tohoku & Tsinghua Students

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Development Education Section, Department of Educational Policy, Management, and Leadership, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, organized an International Education & Development Fieldwork for 14 undergraduate and graduate students from Tohoku University, Japan, and Tsinghua University, China. The students were supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jing Liu from Tohoku University. Both institutions are ranked 107th and 20th in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025.

This project aims to help students understand Thailand’s formal, non-formal, and informal education systems, reflecting the relationship between education and development and sustainability. This understanding will then guide students on their research related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The activities in this project include lectures, classes with students from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education, and visits to various educational institutions of different types and affiliations, e.g., Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Elementary School, the Loose Parts Play Labs under Early Childhood Section, Suankularb Wittayalai School, Bangkok Christian College, Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, Setsatian School for the Deaf, and the Amphawa Chai Pattananurak Project. The activities culminated in the presentations of their future research topics.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/228906/

DeepRad.AI: Revolutionising medical imaging with AI innovation

Posted on by Taipei Medical University

Founded by Professor Cheng-Yu Chen of Taipei Medical University (TMU), DeepRad.AI is transforming the future of radiology through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence technologies and medical imaging. With a mission to bridge the gap between clinical practice and AI innovation, the company leverages the expertise of experienced radiologists and AI engineers to enhance diagnostic precision, reduce interpretation time, and improve patient outcomes.

DeepLung-CAC: Dual Screening with a Single LDCT Scan

DeepRad.AI’s flagship product,DeepLung-CAC, is an AI-powered pulmonary-coronary screening platform that utilizes a single low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan to simultaneously assess the risk of pulmonary nodules and coronary artery calcification (CAC). This dual-purpose screening not only improves efficiency but also reduces radiation exposure and costs associated with multiple tests.

The platform is certified by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) and recognized as the first domestically developed AI pulmonary-coronary screening system. One of its standout features is the LungRads module, which incorporates deep learning models for nodule detection, segmentation, and classification, trained on over 6,000 CT cases. Powered by state-of-the-art 3D deep learning, DeepLung-CAC can complete detailed analyses in under one minute.

Professor Chen emphasizes the significance of early detection in improving lung cancer survival rates. While traditional methods often require 25 to 30 minutes of physician review time, DeepLung-CAC reduces interpretation time to just 5 minutes—enabling radiologists to efficiently analyze images and provide quicker diagnoses. The platform also supports multi-disease risk assessment from a single scan, enhancing its
clinical utility.

DeepBrain-Cognito: Personalized Dementia Risk Assessment

Beyond thoracic imaging, DeepRad.AI has also developed DeepBrain-Cognito, a computational model designed for the early detection of cognitive decline. This platform provides personalized risk assessments for populations with suboptimal health, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions. By integrating AI with large-scale brain imaging data, DeepBrain-Cognito enables timely intervention for neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Recognition and Future Directions

In 2024, DeepRad.AI’s innovations were widely recognized. The company received several prestigious awards, including:

  • Future Tech Award
  • NBRP Pitch Day Outstanding Team Award
  • GenAI Stars Quality Innovation Award
  • National Pharmaceutical Technology & Research Development Award

These accolades reflect the platform’s strong potential for real-world clinical applications and its role in driving forward Taiwan’s biomedical AI industry. By combining AI with medical expertise, DeepRad.AI continues to push the boundaries of radiology, aiming to create faster, more accurate, and accessible diagnostic tools for global healthcare systems.

UTAR publishes groundbreaking study on global academic promotion policies

Posted on by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

UTAR reached a significant milestone on 23 January 2025 when Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Boon Han and his research team successfully published a comprehensive study on academic promotion policies in Nature—the world’s top-ranked scientific journal, boasting an impact factor of 50.5. This achievement cements UTAR’s position in the global research landscape and underscores its capacity to contribute to high-impact scholarly discussions.

Dr Lim collaborated closely with Prof Dr Chong Kok Keong, a distinguished senior professor at UTAR, to co-author one of the most in-depth analyses of global academic promotion policies ever conducted. Their research urges institutions to move beyond traditional research metrics and recognize contributions in education, leadership, and real-world applications of scholarly work.

This publication marks a distinction for a Malaysian institution—it is the first Malaysia-based first-authored Nature research paper since 2015. The achievement highlights UTAR’s growing research influence and Malaysia’s ability to contribute meaningfully to globally relevant scientific discussions.

In collaboration with the Global Young Academy (GYA), Dr Lim and his team conducted an extensive analysis of 190 academic institutions and 58 government agencies across 121 countries. Their research revealed significant disparities in faculty promotion policies worldwide.

Key findings include:

High-income countries emphasize research visibility, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Middle-income nations still prioritize number of publications, journal impact factor and citation count as primary promotion criteria.
These insights highlight the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to faculty evaluation. The study encourages institutions to reconsider their assessment frameworks and adopt broader, more equitable criteria for academic promotions.

Since its publication, the study has sparked discussions in global academic circles, with coverage in Nature, Science, Times Higher Education, the Global Young Academy, and other platforms. It has already influenced institutions worldwide to reassess their promotion policies, fostering a dialogue on fairer and more comprehensive faculty evaluation criteria.

Dr Lim and his team remain committed to engaging with policymakers, university administrators, and funding agencies to advocate for meaningful reforms in faculty assessment.

This Nature publication reinforces UTAR’s reputation as a research-driven university and signals Malaysia’s growing competitiveness in the global academic landscape. As the country strives to strengthen its research ecosystem, achievements like this solidify Malaysia’s position as a hub for high-impact scientific contributions.

For more details on the research, visit: Nature article.

Advancing sustainable funding for higher education

Posted on by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations, (pictured left) represented the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute at the meeting of CESAER’s Task Force Sustainable Funding, hosted by the Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) on March 26-27.

It is with great enthusiasm that he contributed to activities of this international association of leading specialised and comprehensive universities with a strong science and technology profile. Engaging in meaningful discussions about securing sustainable funding for higher education, and innovative financial strategies for universities is crucial to ensuring higher education’s resilience and global competitiveness.

Kyiv Polytechnic is committed to enhancing international collaboration, optimising funding mechanisms, and driving impactful projects. The insightful discussions at the meeting will undoubtedly strengthen university’s strategic international initiatives.

Special thanks are due to the CESAER team and WUT hosts for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation. The Kyiv Polytechnic’s International Collaboration Department eagerly anticipates further dialogue and the formation of new partnerships.

During his time in Poland, Andrii Shysholin also met with Ukrainian students studying at Polish universities, who have undertaken the “European Ukraine” initiative. This organisation works flat out to support, unite, and facilitate the social integration of Ukrainian students in Poland.

This meeting addressed key challenges faced by Ukrainian students abroad, including adaptation to the academic environment, career opportunities, preserving national identity, and fostering cooperation between universities in Ukraine and Poland. Participants in the meeting also outlined prospects for collaboration between “European Ukraine” and Kyiv Polytechnic’s student organisations. The Vice-Rector strongly believes that joining efforts will improve communication, advance new joint initiatives, and expand opportunities for students both in Ukraine and abroad.

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute remains open to cooperation and is committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the international development of Ukrainian youth.