Bakrie Uni and Leeds Beckett Uni Sign MoU

Bakrie University, through the Informatics Study Program, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom. This signing marks a significant milestone in the effort to internationalize higher education and strengthen global academic networks.

The MoU signed by the Rector of Bakrie University, Prof. Sofia W. Alisjahbana, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., and Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, Professor Peter Slee, marks the beginning of a strategic relationship aimed at developing long-term collaboration in various fields.

The main objectives of this MoU include:

-Joint curriculum development to ensure high-quality education,

-Collaboration in scientific research and development,

-Exchange of students and lecturers,

-Professional development opportunities for academic staff,

-Preparation of an articulation agreement in the field of computer science, especially in the BSc (Hons) Computer Science program,

-Exploration of the development of executive education, short courses, and international lecture series.

This collaboration is expected to expand access to higher education geographically and socially, while increasing the contribution of both institutions to society, industry, and the global community. In addition, both institutions agree to maintain quality standards and cost effectiveness in every form of collaboration.

The signing of this MoU was also attended by representatives from Leeds Beckett University, including Liam Howarth, Regional Manager for East and South East Asia, based in the UK, and Agung Adi Nugraha, Regional Officer for South East Asia, based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In addition, this meeting also involved Noble Solutions as the institution’s liaison partner, represented by Michael Noble as Chief Executive Officer, Hoang Nam Pham as Managing Director, and Gari Soedarjo as Business Development.

From Bakrie University, this activity was attended by Muhammad Tri Andhika Kurniawan as Vice Rector II, Dr. Mohammad Ihsan as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. Iwan Adhicandra as Head of the Informatics Study Program, Hollila Hatta as Head of the International Affairs Office, and Kurniati Putri Haerina as Head of Public Relations and Cooperation of Bakrie University.

With this MoU, Bakrie University continues to demonstrate its commitment to establishing strategic relationships with world-renowned higher education institutions, preparing graduates who are not only competent at the national level but also ready to compete at the international level.

HKAPA School of Chinese Opera in Italy

Exciting news from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts!

Our 20-member delegation, led by the Dean of Chinese Opera Professor Martin Lau, proudly supported by HKETO Brussels, has arrived Italy.

After a warm welcome in Milan, they wowed the audience at the Conservatory of Music “G. Nicolini” in Piacenza with captivating Cantonese opera excerpts and stunning Chinese music solos! The response was incredible and attracted local media coverage:

  1. https://cinainitalia.com/2025/11/06/opera-cantonese-unarte-millenaria-tutta-da-scoprire/
  2. https://www.ilrestodelcarlino.it/pesaro/cronaca/lopera-tradizionale-cinese-in-scena-4d478c46

We can’t wait to bring more of the unique charm of Cantonese opera to European stages!

TMU Professor Ya-Tin Lin Receives IUPS

Dr. Ya-Tin Lin, Assistant Professor at the Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University (TMU), has been awarded the 2024 Early-Stage Faculty Prize by the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS).

She is the first scholar from an Asian academic institution to receive this honor, which is a significant recognition of Taiwan’s growing influence in global physiological research.

The IUPS, representing physiological societies from over 60 countries, is the world’s most recognized academic organization in physiology. It is dedicated to promoting the advancement of physiological research and teaching, while fostering platforms for international exchange. The IUPS International Early-Stage Faculty Prize recognizes up to four promising young scholars each year, selected for the quality of their research contributions, dedication to teaching, and engagement in academic development.

Dr. Lin’s research focuses on neuronal regulation of metabolism, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases. Her research team has conducted extensive studies on neuropeptide FF (NPFF), investigating its physiological roles in energy homeostasis, pain transmission, and stress responses. A key discovery revealed that NPFF receptor type 2 (NPFFR2) is co-expressed with insulin receptors in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, and its activation impaired the hypothalamic insulin downstream signaling. Notably, modulating NPFFR2 significantly impacts obesity- and diabetes-related metabolic dysfunctions, offering new directions for clinical treatment strategies. Parts of the findings were published in Clinical Nutrition, entitled “Hypothalamic NPFFR2 attenuates central insulin signaling and its knockout diminishes metabolic dysfunction in mouse models of diabetes mellitus”.

In addition to research relating to metabolic disorders, Dr. Lin also conducted pioneering research on the use of focused ultrasound for pain management. Her research demonstrated that low-intensity focused ultrasound can activate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the dorsal root ganglion, which further reduces the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) cascade, and relieve chronic and neuropathic pain. Her study, titled “Stimulation of dorsal root ganglion with low-intensity focused ultrasound ameliorates pain responses through the GABA inhibitory pathway”, was published in Life Sciences and showcases significant clinical translation potential.

Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Lin serves as the Secretary-General of the Chinese Physiological Society, where she contributes significantly to the society’s efforts to foster Taiwan’s international links in physiology, strengthen physiology education, and advance research in the field. As a recipient of the 2024 IUPS International Early-Stage Faculty Prize, Dr. Lin is recognized not only for her innovative contributions to science but also for marking a significant milestone for TMU in the global academic community. This recognition further strengthens Taiwan’s international academic presence and fosters deeper collaboration in translational studies.

The University and the Hero City

On 22 August 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» held a grand opening ceremony for the «50th Parallel» monument. This symbolic place connects Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The architectural structure is a stele on which a globe «spins», with color photographs of NTU «KhPI» buildings on glass on either side. The monument, weighing about three tons, is made of a solid block of labradorite stone and is installed near the Electrical Engineering Building of NTU «KhPI», where the 50th parallel of northern latitude passes. The festive event was attended by representatives of the rectorate, the Supervisory Board, and employees of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, as well as the leadership of Kharkiv. The event was dedicated to the Day of the Hero City of Kharkiv and the 140th anniversary of the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», which will be celebrated this autumn. 

In his welcoming speech, the rector of NTU «KhPI», Professor Yevgen Sokol, noted that the installation of the «50th Parallel» monument at the university was a landmark event dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Kharkiv Polytechnic. «This small square near our famous Electrical Engineering Building has become a symbolic place that unites the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The 50th Parallel, which connects Kharkiv and Kharkiv Polytechnic with the whole world, passes not only through our globe, but also through our hearts. We are proud of the large number of international agreements — over 200 — that enable our university to cooperate effectively at the global level. It is especially important today that online education provides a solid theoretical foundation, but there are difficulties with the practical application of knowledge. That is why we are creating new opportunities: we have signed 16 double degree agreements and 57 Erasmus+ KA1 agreements, which allow students to intern at leading European universities, combining theoretical training with practical skills. On the eve of Day of the City, we are proud of the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of Kharkiv and once again confirm that our city is global and rightfully ranks among the best cities in the world,» the Rector emphasized.

The scale and significance of this project for Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» was noted in his speech by Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov: «It is very symbolic that within the walls of such an educational institution, which embodies the city of Kharkiv — our NTU «KhPI» — a commemorative sign has appeared that will become a real landmark of the city. Today is a special day, because we have gathered on the eve of great holidays — Kharkiv City Day and Ukraine’s Independence Day. This is a time when we feel pride in our city, our university, and everyone who shapes its present and future. I sincerely hope that we will continue to celebrate such events, and I believe that next year’s celebration will be completely different — in a peaceful, calm atmosphere, without alarms and fear. I am confident that we will definitely achieve a just peace, that our city has always been and will remain a student city, and that NTU «KhPI» will remain the heart of student life. I want Kharkiv, located on the 50th parallel, to become a city of unity — of science, education, industry, production, and entrepreneurship. I want it to inspire new achievements and open new horizons for all of us. And I dream that we will celebrate the next festivities together here, near this memorial sign, in a peaceful, joyful city, with lots of students, laughter, and a festive mood. Thank you for your work, your dedication, and your love for our university. I am proud of you. And I congratulate everyone on the holiday!»

Volodymyr Semynozhenko, member of the Supervisory Board and head of the North-Eastern Scientific Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, congratulated the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute on the creation of the new monument: «Today is truly an extraordinary occasion. We are used to talking about front lines, demarcation lines, and, God willing, lines of reconciliation. But today we are talking about other lines—parallels that can only be imagined geographically. However, they are so significant because they unite and pass through different countries. And countries are not just territories; they are, first and foremost, people. Thus, these lines pass through people and through our current understanding of the world. This symbolic 50th parallel is our sign, our property, our benchmark for ensuring that in the future we will only talk about unity, about lines that bring us closer together and bring peace. Therefore, I sincerely congratulate everyone on this unique event, and let us count the days from today until the moment when everything we have said today comes true,» said Volodymyr Semynozhenko.

Speeches were also given by Volodymyr Sklyarov, Director General of the National Scientific Center «Institute of Metrology,» and Ruslan Poedinets, sculptor and author of the «50th Parallel» monument.

It should be noted that the exact location of the 50th Parallel on the territory of Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute was determined by experts from the scientific center of the state enterprise «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya.» NTU «KhPI» received the corresponding certificate in 2023.

Note:

The monument «50th Parallel» on the territory of NTU «KhPI» is made of a solid block of labradorite stone from the Korostyshiv quarry in Zhytomyr region. The stele, decorated with colour photographs on glass depicting views of Kharkiv Polytechnic, measures 900x900x900 mm. The diameter of the globe installed on the stele is 800 mm. The total weight of the architectural structure is about 3 tons. The monument was financed by the NTU «KhPI» Alumni Association.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company BAZA STONE. The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed more than 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company «BAZA STONE». The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed over 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The 50th parallel north is a line of latitude 50 degrees north of the Earth’s equator. It crosses Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. In particular, the parallel passes through Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries. At this latitude, the Sun is visible for 16 hours and 22 minutes during the summer solstice and 8 hours and 4 minutes on the day of the winter solstice. In 2023, experts from the scientific center SE «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya» determined the exact location of the 50th Parallel north. It is a site near the Electrical Engineering Building of the National Technical University «KhPI». We should note that Kharkiv is considered the largest city in the world located on the 50th Parallel. An original sign was dedicated to this phenomenon and installed in the Shevchenko City Garden in 2010.

The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» is one of the leading and largest technical higher education institutions in Ukraine, founded in 1885. Today, NTU «KhPI» consists of 10 educational and scientific institutes and 103 departments, with over 15,000 students enrolled. Kharkiv Polytechnic is among the TOP-5 best universities in Ukraine and ranks high among domestic higher education institutions in prestigious international ratings. In 2010, NTU «KhPI» received the status of a national research university. In 2022, NTU «KhPI»’s unique IT specialist training program «Innovation Campus» won the global «silver» award in the field of education.

In 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» will celebrate its 140th anniversary. It has come a long way from being the first technical higher education institution in eastern Ukraine to one of the best universities in our country and a renowned international scientific and educational center. During this time, Kharkiv Polytech has trained hundreds of thousands of specialists who have changed the country and made a significant contribution to the development of science, industry, education, culture, IT, and the defense industry.

NTU «KhPI» graduates work in leading companies around the world and teach at prestigious universities. Since Ukraine gained independence, 53 NTU «KhPI» scientists have been awarded State Prizes in Science and Technology, and 39 talented researchers from the university have become laureates of the President’s Prizes for Young Scientists. NTU «KhPI» actively implements modern educational formats, expands international cooperation, modernizes infrastructure, and participates in important research projects. The university has cooperation agreements with more than 240 higher education institutions and scientific institutions in more than 40 countries around the world and is a permanent member of prestigious international academic associations. Within the framework of the European Union’s «ERASMUS+» program, NTU «KhPI» implements 57 projects and develops 16 double degree programs with the best foreign universities.

One Degree Warmer Korea: Briquette Sharing

▲Participants of the “One Degree Warmer Korea: Briquette of Love Sharing” event pose for a commemorative photo.

INHA University carried out the “Briquette of Love Sharing Volunteer Activity” on the 14th.

This volunteer activity, now in its 8th year with sponsorship from the Korean Air Social Volunteer Group, was joined by about 150 people, including students, President Cho Myoung-woo, and faculty and staff members.

The volunteer activity was part of the “One Degree Warmer Korea: Briquette of Love Sharing” campaign to help neighbors stay warm during the winter. Volunteers visited a village in Hakik-dong, Michuhol-gu, and personally delivered more than 3,000 briquettes to about 20 neighboring households.

By directly practicing acts of goodwill within the community, students are able to grow into individuals who go beyond learning to put sharing into action, spreading positive influence throughout the local community.

Our university continues to carry out various community contribution activities centered around Inharang, INHA University Student Volunteer Group.

A representative example is the mentoring program conducted each semester for local high school students. Inharang students provide college entrance information and offer career exploration mentoring that helps high school students gain opportunities to explore future paths.

President Cho Myoung-woo said, “Volunteer work is not only Inha University’s founding spirit but also a fundamental value of education. I hope that through this activity, students will experience the meaning of sharing and continue the Inha spirit of growing together with the local community,” adding, “We will continue to fulfill our role as a university that ‘benefits the world through learning and service’ through various community engagement activities alongside our region.”

▲President Cho Myoung-woo delivers remarks at  INHA University’s “One Degree Warmer Korea: Briquette of Love Sharing” event.

▲Participants of the “One Degree Warmer Korea: Briquette of Love Sharing” event are delivering briquettes.

Original Article Link

NTU Reconstruct 120-Day Blood Sugar Levels

Scientists at National Taiwan University (NTU) have created a pioneering optical microscopy method capable of reconstructing a person’s long-term blood glucose history from a single blood sample. Led by Professors Chi-Kuang Sun and Tzung-Dau Wang, the team developed colour-resolved third-harmonic-generation microscopy (cTHGM), a label-free imaging technique that distinguishes glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from normal haemoglobin within individual red blood cells.

Unlike conventional monitoring systems that capture short-term glucose fluctuations, this method tracks sugar exposure over the entire 120-day lifespan of red blood cells. Using a broadband femtosecond-laser microscope, the technique detects nanometre-scale wavelength shifts caused by chemical differences in haemoglobin molecules, producing a high-resolution chemical map of long-term blood sugar exposure.

The NTU researchers suggest that cTHGM could improve precision diabetes management and provide early detection of metabolic disorders associated with cancer. Beyond clinical applications, the technique demonstrates the potential for real-time, colour-sensitive molecular imaging in living tissues, turning subtle biochemical traces into actionable diagnostic information.

Chula Leads in Preservation of Thai Music

Prof. Dr. Kumkom Pornprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, presided over the opening of the academic seminar on Thai music, “The Role of Phleng Rueang: Context, Development, and Practice.” The opening ceremony was attended by Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirichaichan Fachamroon, National Artist and University Artist, who conducted the traditional incense-lighting ritual in tribute to the masters. The seminar was jointly organized by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, the Office of Art and Culture Management, and the Center of Excellence in Thai Music Culture, Chulalongkorn University, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Music Auditorium, Art and Culture Building, Chulalongkorn University. 

Understanding Phleng Rueang 

Phleng Rueang (“narrative pieces” or “extended compositions”) are considered a treasure trove for Thai music learners. Performing Phleng Rueang involves playing a sequence of connected pieces with specific performance methods designated for special occasions—for instance, the Royal Kathina Ceremony. Phleng Rueang differs in style, or “muue khong” (gong-hand techniques), from other forms such as tup, chut, kret, thao, theatrical music, and hom rong overtures. 

Phleng Rueang holds exceptional importance as a repertoire that every Thai musician must study. Each set contains foundational to advanced techniques, culminating in solo performances. It serves as an indicator of the competency of both teachers and learners, reflecting the culture, spirit, and wisdom of Thai musical artistry in systematically organizing and categorizing musical knowledge. Carefully structured classification systems lend Phleng Rueang its grace and sanctity, contributing to the completeness of ceremonial performances. The repertoire is invaluable for developing both practical skills and theoretical understanding—truly a wellspring of knowledge for Thai musicians. 

Chulalongkorn University’s Archival Project 

For over four decades, Chulalongkorn University, through the Office of Art and Culture Management, has carried out a project to document all forms of Thai music—particularly Phleng Rueang—to form a sound and visual archive stored and publicized at the Thai Music Library, Chulalongkorn University. The project has also responded to the royal initiatives of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who recognizes the cultural value of Phleng Rueang. This support has led to collaboration with numerous organizations and music institutions, resulting in one of the most culturally significant archives at Chulalongkorn University. 

In the early stages of the Thai music documentation project, the former Chulalongkorn University Cultural Promotion Center (now the Office of Art and Culture Management) invited renowned Thai musicians to record at the home of Master Prasit Thawon—National Artist and the university’s first Artist-in-Residence and creator of the Thai music curriculum for the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Today, Chulalongkorn’s archive of Phleng Rueang stands as an immensely valuable cultural resource for future researchers and enthusiasts. 

The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts’ initiative to organize the seminar on Phleng Rueang continues Chulalongkorn University’s longstanding commitment to deepening understanding and raising awareness of the repertoire’s cultural value. It provides a platform for scholars, music teachers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and perspectives, paving the way for preservation, transmission, and appropriate adaptation of Phleng Rueang in contemporary society. 

Opening Performance 

The seminar opened with a commemorative performance of Phleng Rueang Nang Hong by the Thai music ensemble of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, conducted and trained by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pattara Komkam, Head of the Department of Thai Music, in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. 

This seminar was enriched by knowledgeable lecturers who provided demonstrations and insights into Phleng Rueang, supporting its preservation and transmission. Participants gained clearer understanding and inspiration for further study. Honored speakers included Assoc. Prof. Phichit Chaiseri (Thai music expert), Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirichaichan Fachamroon (National Artist), Master Peep Konglaithong, and Master Chaiya Thangmeesri (National Artist), who served as project advisors. Speakers also joined from music departments of government agencies, academic institutions, and the military bands of the Royal Thai ArmyRoyal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force, as well as the Fine Arts Department’s Music Division, Burapha University, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, and Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. 

The faculty also expresses gratitude to Master Sakchai Ladda-on (retired officer, Fine Arts Department Music Division), Master Chatri Obnual (senior teacher and special lecturer, Thai Music Department, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University), Master Phithak Channayot (senior specialist, Department of Music, Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University), and Master Piya Sawangpanich (senior music artist, Fine Arts Department Music Division). 

Student Involvement and Academic Integration 

This seminar forms part of the course Seminar in Thai Music for 3rd-year students in Thai Music at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Students conducted research, reviewed related literature, interviewed experts, and consulted lecturers to present differences between past and contemporary practices of Phleng Rueang, shaped by changing social contexts. The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pattara Komkam. Students, university participants, and school groups from Rayong, Chonburi, Uthai Thani, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces took part. Participants—from primary students to university level—engaged actively with experts through questions and discussions. This promising engagement signals a bright future for the continued transmission of Phleng Rueang to the next generations. 

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/272200/

KPI talents among winners of AI competition

Every year, the International Student Research Competition in Artificial Intelligence brings together young researchers who come up with innovative solutions and new ideas while exploring the latest trends in artificial intelligence, ranging from computer vision to natural language processing.

 

Among 15 projects that reached the finals this year, three winners came from the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI).

 

Danil Brovko, a Kyiv Polytechnic student at the Institute for Applied System Analysis (IASA), took first place and received a cash certificate in the amount of 30,000 Ukrainian hryvnias from the general sponsor of the competition, Credit Agricole Bank, for his project “SpectralCA: Bi-Direction Cross-Attention for Next-Generation UAV Hyperspectral Vision”.

 

Svitlana Mykhailenko at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering earned third place for the project “Identification of predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis based on the parameters of BOLD signal connectivity models of brain structures.” Another sponsor, the DataArt AI software development company, presented gifts to her.

 

IASA student Artem Golovachov also won third place for the project “Aircraft Trajectory Generation Method Based on Visual Transformer,” receiving gifts from DataArt.

 

Congratulations to the winners from Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, with best wishes for their new successes and for many more inspiring projects.

 

Special thanks are due to the sponsors – Credit Agricole, DataArt, EvoLogics GmbH, the SoftServe software development and consulting company, the Solidgate payment processing and orchestration platform, and the Unicorn company – as well as to the competition’s partner, Sikorsky Challenge Innovation Ecosystem, for supporting innovation and student research.

UiTM Oil & Gas Wins 2nd Runner-Up at IRIS 2025

The Oil and Gas Engineering students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) demonstrated their technical excellence and competitive spirit by winning 2nd Runner-Up at the International Rig IQ Showdown (IRIS 2025), held on 4–6 July 2025 at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).

Organized by the IADC UTP Student Chapter and co-sponsored by Rhazes Well Control, the prestigious competition brought together leading regional talents in drilling engineering and well control operations. It served as a platform for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world field challenges through both technical and practical assessments.

Designed to simulate actual drilling operations, IRIS 2025 evaluated teams through a 50% written examination and 50% hands-on simulator performance. Participants underwent intensive training and testing sessions led by industry professionals.

Day 1: Well control training session conducted by Mr Yusuf Hashim (Rhazes Well Control).

Day 2: Written test on well control fundamentals, followed by a well control simulator hands-on training led by Mr Yusuf Hashim and Mr Md Zulhilmi Tajul Ariffin.

Day 3: Practical examination using the Well Control Simulator, where UiTM’s Team DRILLGEIST scored full marks and Team Pressure Patrol missed only two points from perfection.

The Oil and Gas Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM, was represented by two teams:

UiTM 1 – Pressure Patrol:

Ain Khaliesah binti Saifol, Muhammad Adam Mirza bin Mohd Afandi, Mohamad Amirul Haikal bin Zakaria

UiTM 2 – UiTM DRILLGEIST:

Nabilah binti Adam, Muhammad Danish Haikal bin Shaiful Naim, Muhammad Danial Hakim bin Ahmad Daud

Both teams were accompanied by Dr Nurul Aimi Ghazali, senior lecturer in Oil and Gas Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam. The teams received mentorship and support from Mr Nik Khairul Irfan and Dr Arina Sauki, whose guidance contributed greatly to their competition success.

UiTM’s consistent success in international competitions underscores its focus on experiential learning and industry collaboration. The Oil and Gas Engineering Programme integrates simulation-based training, industrial partnerships, and research-driven instruction to cultivate technically proficient and confident graduates. Students are also encouraged to engage with professional bodies such as the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) for global exposure.

Oil and Gas Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam, extends sincere appreciation to Mr Nik Khairul Irfan and Dr Arina Sauki for their dedicated guidance, and to Rhazes Well Control and the IADC UTP Student Chapter for organizing this invaluable platform. This achievement reinforces UiTM’s position as a regional leader in petroleum and energy engineering education, committed to producing competent, creative, and globally competitive engineers ready to meet future energy challenges.

Keywords: Oil and Gas Engineering UiTM, UiTM

NATGEO Club was opened at Satbayev University

A ceremonial opening of the NATGEO Qazaqstan Club took place at Satbayev University, established in partnership with the editorial office of National Geographic Qazaqstan. This new student platform will serve as a unique space dedicated to promoting science, studying ecosystem sustainability, and implementing projects “from idea to public outcome.”

The new NATGEO Qazaqstan Club will continue work in ecology and sustainable development, including master classes and discussions, scientific projects, field research, and environmental initiatives conducted jointly with schools and youth communities.

“We expect that the NATGEO Qazaqstan Club will become one of the catalysts for developing students’ research, project, and media competencies in the field of sustainable development,” noted Satbayev University Rector Meiram Begentayev. “Undoubtedly, the initiative developed together with the Kazakhstani editorial office of one of the world’s most renowned magazines will inspire greater student engagement and stimulate the emergence of new projects in this critically important field.”

An important area of focus will be building partnerships with National Geographic Qazaqstan, environmental NGOs, research centers, and business organizations, enabling the creation of a sustainable platform for the development of student initiatives and the expansion of international cooperation.

Great attention will be paid to the rich natural heritage and cultural legacy of Kazakhstan, which aligns seamlessly with the mission of the NATGEO Qazaqstan Club. As is well known, National Geographic magazine, specializing in articles on geography, biodiversity, history, science, and culture, is traditionally accompanied by extensive photographic content. Continuing this tradition, the opening featured a photo exhibition that allowed guests to see Kazakhstan through the lenses of both renowned Kazakh photographers and talented students.

We hope that the NATGEO Qazaqstan Club will become a point of attraction for everyone who seeks to explore, preserve, and tell the story of the world around us, inspiring a new generation of students toward scientific discovery and responsible environmental stewardship.