Adapting to the new normal arises from COVID-19 pandemic has evolved digitalization initiatives within the Faculty of Applied Sciences’ (FSG, UiTM) various operational systems. In the key operational systems, the faculty began the transition from manual to digital logging. These processes involve the synergy of both academic and administrative staff. These include the centralised log of chemical stocks, which previously faced challenges of excess orders due to non-centered laboratories and a wide range of research fields. The existence of a digital platform called “Setulus” that records the availability of chemical stock; remarkably, no more redundancy in orders, cutting the cost by 50% and allowing researchers and students to find chemicals 60% quicker.
The final year students may still be affected by the uncertain conditions post-COVID-19. During their internships, the report now has been accomplished via digital logbook. Faculty are concerned that the majority of articles produced as a result of final year research projects went unpublished, thus we established, Junior Science Communication (JSC); an online publication where final-year students may publish short articles on their research findings. In 2021, 12 issues were produced, including contributions from all UiTM platforms.
As a top research faculty, communications are vital for reporting the achievements. The RIA page was created to serve as the official website for the department of research, industry, and alumni. All research procedures and processes are centralised on a single platform to eliminate under-reporting and misunderstandings among employees over where to report, Single Chanel Reporting was created. This digital platform simplifies the process of locating the required information, and has now processed over a hundred data points. Hence, academics interested in joining the research track will be able to apply entirely online. This permits year-round applications and the approval procedure is speedier than the traditional approach, requiring just two weeks instead of two months, and had assisted about a third of FSG’s research track aspiring.
As all creative minds at all levels are celebrated, various innovations have emerged in 2021. The anti-locked door knob was created by technical and academic staff of FSG. Missing the key in the room has been remedied at a very low installation cost. Other discoveries include the Thumb Print Analysis Box, based on a forensic powder experiment, that keeps the powder out of the lab and keeps it clean.
FSG researchers continue creating substantial advances for society. AgroFarm2U exemplifies FSG and a local enterprise working together. They built an Agrofarm2U IoT-based vegetable growing system. The Internet of Things optimises fertiliser and water consumption, allowing farmers to monitor plant settings. FSG textile scientists designed the Malaysian Olympic Sailing team’s outfit in partnership with Fitech Asia Plt. Our athletes’ textiles are designed to be breathable and comfortable. Sternazip was created to help heart patients prevent infection after open chest surgery. Together with a heart surgeon, FSG scientists created an anti-bacterial silicon substance that has gained worldwide renown. These key insights will help build in intrinsic agility which further strike that right digital balance and disrupt to make FSG different.