Login
Register

Tag: Malaysia

Taanusiya Takes MSU Journey to Miss World

Posted on by ahmadibrahim

Taanusiya Chetty was crowned second runner-up at Miss World 2026 and won the Beauty with a Purpose award, recognising her commitment to humanitarian and community work.

The achievement marked a significant milestone for Taanusiya, who balanced her studies with pageant commitments, teaching and community advocacy. Her journey required months of preparation while balancing her studies with events, training, and advocacy work.

Taanusiya credits her experience at MSU with helping her grow in confidence and communication. She recalled being introverted when she first joined the university and initially finding it difficult to communicate with others.

“I didn’t even want to speak to anyone. I just got to the club and did my thing. I had to adapt to the new environment,” she said.

Her passion for communication and education has become central to her work with children and young people. As a TESL student, she is particularly interested in building children’s confidence through language and creating learning environments that encourage participation.

She believes educators must continue to adapt to changing classroom environments, particularly as digital tools become increasingly integrated into education.

Taanusiya’s passion for education extends to Be The Change Malaysia, which she founded in 2022 to support children and young people through education, mentorship and community engagement.

What began with small motivational workshops has grown into a wider platform addressing areas such as education, poverty and gender equality. Its activities have included English language learning, hygiene education, fitness activities and environmental initiatives such as recycling and tree planting.

“Even before I started to pursue a Bachelor in Education (TESL), my goals had been part of the inspiration and also the tool behind Be The Change Malaysia,” said Taanusiya.

Her Miss World experience also allowed her to highlight language and culture by speaking four languages during her appearance, reflecting her Malaysian identity and background.

Her journey has reinforced the importance of overcoming self-doubt and taking the first step, regardless of how small it may seem.

“I want to encourage all the students out there not to be afraid to start small. Even impacting one single soul out there matters the most.”

As she continues her studies at MSU, Taanusiya hopes to expand Be The Change Malaysia and reach more communities through education, advocacy and community engagement, showing that small actions can make a meaningful difference.

“Her journey embodies the University’s vision of transforming lives and giving back to the community,” said MSU Founder and President Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid. “She is a positive role model for future generations.”

Her work also supports SDG 4: Quality Education through her involvement in education, teaching, and mentorship, while her efforts to empower young people and address gender equality align with SDG 5: Gender Equality. Her community initiatives supporting children and young people from different backgrounds also contribute to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

MSU and HUCM Strengthen Collaborations

Posted on by ahmadibrahim

MSU President & Founder Professor Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid welcomed delegates from the People’s Republic of China and HUCM, highlighting a partnership between MSU and HUCM in TCM education, clinical services, research and community wellbeing.

“MSU is committed to building a high-standard hospital that integrates TCM and Western Medicine,” he said, and added that it will include treatment plans focused on patient outcomes, quality of life and holistic care.

Over the past decade, MSU and MSU Medical Centre (MSUMC) have also expanded TCM awareness among non-Chinese communities through public education and free medical outreach programmes. These initiatives promote TCM’s potential in areas such as chronic diseases, metabolic disorders and pain management, alongside the preventive health philosophy of Zhi Wei Bing, or treatment before disease onset.

The collaboration with HUCM focuses on five key areas: education and talent development, clinical excellence, scientific research, cultural exchange and TCM product development.

Through the partnership, outstanding HUCM and MSU graduates receive advanced clinical training. At the same time, MSUMC continues to develop integrated TCM and Western Medicine treatment options for suitable cases, including chronic illnesses, postpartum rehabilitation, sports injuries and stroke sequelae.

In research, MSUMC and HUCM are jointly conducting evidence-based studies to translate traditional clinical knowledge into modern medical data. A key national research project supported by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology has progressed to preparing experimental samples in compliance with National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) standards. A second official submission is scheduled for 26 October 2026, with clinical trials expected to begin in January 2027.

Professor Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri said the collaboration supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, while contributing to SDGs 4, 9, 10 and 17.

Aligned with the Healthy Silk Road and Belt and Road Initiative, MSU will continue working with HUCM and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen international TCM exchange, expand community access to integrated healthcare, and advance evidence-based holistic medicine in Malaysia and the region.

Learning Public Relations at Police

Posted on by elvirasrg

As a Communication Studies student at the Universitas Sumatera Utara, I gained valuable professional experience during my internship at the Public Relations Division of Padangsidimpuan Police Resort from June 22 to August 14, 2026. This experience provided me with the opportunity to apply communication theories in a real-world working environment and gain a deeper understanding of how public relations contributes to disseminating information within a police institution. 

During my internship, I contributed to the production of 77 social media content pieces, completed 14 copywriting and publication-writing assignments, and documented 25 activities. My responsibilities included preparing visual materials, writing captions, editing short-form videos, and documenting police activities through photography and videography. The content covered various activities, including patrols, press conferences, courtroom security operations, inter-agency visits, community outreach activities, and educational programs. The content was published through Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and the Tribrata News website. 

One of the key learning experiences I gained was understanding the process behind creating effective content. I used Canva to develop visual designs and CapCut to edit short videos and Reels. Through these assignments, I learned to pay close attention to color selection, typography, layout, imagery, and word choice to ensure that information was communicated clearly and tailored to the intended audience. I also realized that content production requires thorough preparation, accurate information, and a clear understanding of the message being conveyed. 

My copywriting assignments helped me improve my ability to identify relevant information and present it concisely. Writing captions about police activities required me to understand the context of each activity before preparing the publication materials. Meanwhile, documenting activities such as morning assemblies, press conferences, official visits, and community engagement programs taught me to pay attention to lighting, composition, camera angles, focus, and timing. These responsibilities helped me understand how visual and written communication complement each other in supporting the dissemination of information to the public. 

Throughout my internship, I also learned the importance of information accuracy and accountability in public communication. AKP Ida Meri, S.H., Head of the Public Relations Division of Padangsidimpuan Police Resort, emphasized that information published on social media must be clear, accurate, and aligned with its communication objectives. This perspective helped me realize that public relations is not merely about creating engaging content, but also about ensuring that information shared with the public is trustworthy and easily understood. 

Another important lesson came from collaborating with the public relations staff. Brigpol Mardiani Putri Harahap, S.H., M.H., explained that content production requires coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions in the field. I experienced this firsthand when activity schedules changed unexpectedly or publication requests had to be completed within a short timeframe. In such situations, I learned to reorganize work priorities, communicate with staff members, and adjust my approach to meet changing demands. 

These experiences also helped me identify the skills I still need to develop. I became increasingly aware of the importance of time management, teamwork, interpersonal communication, and flexibility. Although adapting to a professional working environment presented challenges, the experience encouraged me to become more organized, responsive, and responsible in completing my assignments. 

For me, this internship was more than just an academic requirement. It provided an opportunity to connect the knowledge I acquired in the classroom with practical experience and develop a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in public relations. I learned that effective communication requires not only technical skills and creativity, but also information accuracy, coordination, adaptability, and a commitment to serving the public. This experience has provided a valuable foundation for my future career while strengthening my confidence in applying communication knowledge and skills in a professional environment. 

UiTM -TAMCO Grow a Greener Future at SHORE 2026

Posted on by Marfiah Ab Wahid

KUALA LANGAT, 10 OCTOBER 2026 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), in collaboration with TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., successfully organized the Shaping Our Resilient Ecosystem (SHORE): Sijangkang Mangrove Conservation and Planting Program 2026 at Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang, Kuala Langat, Selangor.

Jointly organized by the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), UiTM, the Institute for Infrastructure Engineering and Sustainable Management (IIESM), UiTM, and TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. The program brought together approximately 200 participants from the university, industry, local community, and educational institutions.

The program was also carried out in collaboration with Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Langat, Kolej Mawar UiTM Shah Alam, Kolej Melati UiTM Shah Alam, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bumbun (A), reflecting the collective commitment of various stakeholders to strengthening biodiversity conservation and the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. Led by Dr. Muhammad Fuad Abdullah, Program Director of SHORE 2026, and Mr. Izzul Zulkifli, Head of ESH/ESG, TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. The initiative successfully brought together participants and strategic partners in advancing a shared sustainability agenda founded on collaboration, collective responsibility, and meaningful action on the ground. Also in attendance were Mr. Amri Ismail, President of Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Langat; Mr. Mohamad Rosli Azhar, Headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bumbun (A); and Mr. Mohd Suhaimi Sanusi, Manager of Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Sijangkang. Their presence further reinforced the spirit of cross-sector collaboration that contributed to the successful implementation of the program.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Associate Professor Dr. Siti Aekbal Salleh, Director of the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), UiTM, followed by Mr. Wong Jun Pin, Chief Executive Officer of TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. The program also featured an address by Professor Dr. Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

In her remarks, Professor Dr. Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches in advancing environmental conservation. She highlighted that the involvement of universities in community-impact initiatives such as SHORE 2026 reflects the important role of higher education institutions in translating knowledge, research, and expertise into meaningful actions that benefit both society and the environment.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Siti Aekbal Salleh highlighted that the program provided participants with valuable experiential learning opportunities while enhancing awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems. Direct participation in mangrove planting activities also helped foster a stronger sense of shared responsibility towards the conservation of natural resources.

Mr. Wong Jun Pin described the collaboration as part of TAMCO’s corporate commitment to advancing the sustainability agenda while strengthening strategic partnerships among industry, academia, local authorities, educational institutions, and the wider community.

Among the program’s key activities were a safety briefing, demonstration of mangrove planting techniques, light exercise, group formation, and distribution of equipment, followed by the planting of mangrove saplings. The program later continued with site cleanup and equipment collection before concluding at 2.00 p.m.

The implementation of SHORE 2026 also reflected the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) through the active participation of academia, industry, local authorities, educational institutions, and the community.

From an environmental perspective, the program focused on the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. From a social perspective, the participation of approximately 200 individuals helped strengthen environmental awareness, community engagement, and a shared sense of responsibility for sustainability.

From a governance perspective, the collaboration among multiple institutions demonstrated the importance of coordination, accountability, and strategic partnerships in advancing the sustainability agenda.

Mangrove ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of coastal areas while providing habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Conservation and restoration initiatives such as SHORE 2026 therefore provide a practical platform for enhancing environmental awareness and encouraging collective action towards the protection and preservation of natural ecosystems.

Beyond the planting activity, SHORE 2026 also strengthened the university–industry–government–community collaboration model, demonstrating how cross-sector partnerships can contribute to sustainable development, knowledge transfer, and community well-being.

Guided by the spirit of “Together in Preserving Our Natural Heritage,” SHORE 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for future conservation initiatives, sustainability education, and continued strategic collaboration among its participating partners.

ECO PRODUCT INNOVATION: UiTM WITH COMMUNITY

Posted on by Shadatul Hanom (Ranking Champion FSG)

KLANG, June 16, 2026 – A total of 294 students from the transition class, Form 1 and Form 2, along with 32 teachers from SMK Raja Lumu, Klang, participated in the Eco-Product Innovation and Circular Economy Principles Program organized by students of the Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Applied Chemistry Program, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. This program, based on the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) initiative, also received strong guidance from four advisory lecturers: Dr. Sharil Fadli Mohamad Zamri, Dr. Sabrina M Yahya, Dr. Shadatul Hanom Rashid, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shariff Che Ibrahim.

The program was implemented in an interactive manner in the form of exhibitions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities in each booth. In addition, activities such as quizzes, Q&A sessions, and games were conducted to reinforce the students’ understanding of the highlighted concepts. The goal of this program was to expose students to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so that they could use the knowledge they learned in their everyday lives. A total of 12 booths included a variety of interesting activities run in a calm and effective manner by the UiTM university students. These included Upcycling Coffee Puck Residues into Eco-Friendly Candles, Odour Shield Spray, Crack to Craft: Upcycled Notebook from Egg Trays, Cycle Fresh Soap, Eco-friendly Plantable Seed Paper, Biodegradable Plastic, Multi-Purpose Cleaner from Citrus Peel Waste, Upcycled Bottle Cap Keychain, Handcrafted Eco-Scented Candles Using Recycled Materials, Aromatic Candle from Used Crayons and Lipstick, Natural Odor Absorber from Charcoal, and Eco-Friendly Bowl.

The success of this program can be measured by the increased awareness among students of SMK Raja Lumu regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was evidenced by the student feedback forms collected after the program. The forms showed a clear shift; prior to the program, students had little exposure to environmental sustainability matters. However, after being exposed and briefed, the students were able to comprehend and recognize the importance of environmental sustainability. Furthermore, students were able to understand global issues. The participants’ level of understanding regarding poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation increased. This indirectly opened their eyes to matters they may have been less aware of previously. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this program could also be seen in the development of soft skills.

Students successfully sharpened their leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in real-world situations. In terms of applying academic knowledge, students could transfer and adapt learned theories to daily life problems and solve practical community issues. The school community also received new, sustainable knowledge that can be utilized continuously after the program’s end. Strategic collaborative networking was also successful, establishing an ongoing cooperative relationship between UiTM and the management team of SMK Raja Lumu.

UiTM–UNAND: Learning Beyond Borders

Posted on by Aidil Ibrahim

Students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and Universitas Andalas (UNAND), Indonesia, recently engaged in a meaningful cross-border academic collaboration centred on Food Microbiology. The initiative provided students with an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share academic perspectives, and learn from one another beyond the boundaries of their respective classrooms.

The knowledge exchange programme started with a hands-on workshop on practical food microbiology involving undergraduate students from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Andalas. The session was led by UiTM lecturers as invited speakers, while the UiTM laboratory personnel served as facilitators, guiding students through applied techniques in microbial handling, food safety testing, and laboratory workflow practices. The workshop emphasised not only technical skills, but also the importance of proper documentation, biosafety awareness, and quality assurance in microbiological analysis, which are competencies essential for future researchers and industry practitioners.

As part of the activity, students undertaking the Food Microbiology course at UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan shared their knowledge and learning experiences with the participating students from UNAND. In return, the UNAND students contributed their own perspectives, experiences, and knowledge related to their field of study. This reciprocal approach transformed the session into an active learning environment where students were not merely recipients of information, but also contributors to the learning process.

The cross-border collaboration supported experiential and collaborative learning by encouraging students to communicate, discuss ideas, compare perspectives, and apply their academic knowledge in a practical context. Through interactions with peers from another country and academic discipline, students were also exposed to different approaches to food safety, microbiological issues, and related challenges within the food production chain.

Beyond academic knowledge, the activity fostered important transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, confidence, and intercultural awareness. Students were encouraged to consider how food-related challenges can be viewed from multiple perspectives and how knowledge from different disciplines can complement one another in addressing real-world issues.

The collaboration also provided an opportunity for students to develop a broader global outlook. By engaging directly with international peers, students gained greater awareness of similarities and differences in educational experiences, professional practices, and food safety concerns across countries.

Overall, the UiTM–UNAND cross-border learning activity demonstrates the value of international academic collaboration in enriching student learning. Such initiatives can complement conventional classroom teaching by creating authentic opportunities for knowledge construction, cultural exchange, and global engagement. The experience is expected to serve as a foundation for future cross-border educational activities that further strengthen student competencies and prepare graduates to participate confidently in an increasingly interconnected academic and professional environment.

UiTM Powers Community Impact

Posted on by Aslizah Mohd-Aris

KARISMA Komuniti 2026: Moh Ghombau Beghompeh was held on 25 July 2026 at Masjid Jamek An-Nur, Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Organised in strategic collaboration with the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The initiative recorded 278 registrations, bringing together community members, school pupils, university staff and students, government representatives, healthcare professionals and strategic partners. The registrations reflect participation from UiTM campuses, schools, local communities, government agencies, healthcare institutions and other organisations.

A Quintuple Helix approach to community challenges

At the heart of the programme was the Quintuple Helix model, connecting academia, government, industry and strategic partners, civil society and environmental interests within a single community platform. UiTM collaborated with stakeholders including the Rembau District Council, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Negeri Sembilan Department of Agriculture, Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), Hanizah Optometri and other partners. Rather than operating as separate contributors, these stakeholders brought complementary expertise into a single community-centred initiative, demonstrating the university’s role as a connector between knowledge, resources and local needs.

Bringing university expertise into the community

Health and well-being formed a major pillar of the programme. The community engagement team from Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah (HASA), UiTM, delivered preventive healthcare activities, including basic health screenings, Pap smear screening and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Eye examinations were provided in collaboration with Hanizah Optometri. UiTM also extended professional expertise beyond healthcare. The Faculty of Law, UiTM also provided basic legal advisory services, while digital literacy activities promoted greater awareness of responsible and safe engagement in digital environments. Together, these activities brought professional services and practical knowledge beyond the university campus and directly into the community.

Turning knowledge into skills and opportunity

Knowledge transfer was another core component. UiTM academics and students introduced young participants to science and technology through interactive STEM activities, encouraging experiential learning beyond the conventional classroom. For community participants, practical entrepreneurship workshops focused on producing and packaging value-added products, including lotions, lip balms and traditional tempeh. The activities combined technical knowledge with basic product development and entrepreneurial skills, creating opportunities for participants to explore knowledge-based income generation. The diverse registration profile also highlights the programme’s intergenerational reach, encompassing school pupils and students alongside adults from communities, agencies and institutions.

Connecting well-being with culture and environment

KARISMA Komuniti 2026 integrated community development with Negeri Sembilan’s cultural identity. The Lenggang Budayo Brisk Walk combined physical activity with the celebration of traditional attire, while Rewang Rakyat strengthened social cohesion through the local tradition of collective food preparation and communal dining. Environmental stewardship complemented these activities through the planting of native Jambu Bol trees and a green corner designed to encourage environmental awareness. A Sudut KARISMA Cilik was also established as a space for leisure activities through reading among younger participants. This combination of health, knowledge, culture and environmental action reflects a broader understanding of community well-being. It recognises that sustainable development depends not only on economic opportunity but also on social cohesion, local identity and environmental responsibility.

Translating the SDGs into local action

The programme contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 15: Life on Land. More importantly, KARISMA Komuniti 2026 demonstrates how these global goals can be translated into tangible action at the local level – from preventive healthcare and STEM education to entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Through its collaboration with AKEPT and multiple community stakeholders, UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan positioned the university not simply as a provider of knowledge but as a catalyst that connects expertise, partnerships and community needs. Thus, KARISMA Komuniti 2026: Moh Ghombau Berghompeh illustrates how a university-led Quintuple Helix ecosystem can extend academic knowledge beyond campus boundaries and transform collaboration into inclusive, sustainable community impact.

Racing to Build Future STEM Talent

Posted on by Aslizah Mohd-Aris

REMBAU, Malaysia – The excitement of motorsport met experiential STEM education at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Rembau during the STEM Racing Southern Regional Finals 2026, held on 9–10 September 2026 at Dewan Biduanda. The event was organised through a strategic collaboration between UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan and STEM Racing Malaysia. The two-day programme brought together 28 school teams from the southern region of Malaysia, representing diverse educational backgrounds, including fully residential schools, daily secondary schools, vocational colleges and private schools. More than a racing competition, the event provided young learners with a platform to apply STEM knowledge in a practical environment while developing skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Turning STEM Knowledge into Real-World Skills

During the event, students participated in racing activities alongside verbal presentations and pit-display judging. This combination required teams not only to demonstrate technical preparation but also to communicate their ideas, collaborate effectively and respond to evaluation. Students were therefore challenged to move beyond knowing STEM concepts and to apply them through design, problem-solving and decision-making.

“STEM Racing uses project-based learning and engineering design to encourage students to translate scientific and mathematical concepts into practical solutions. The approach also emphasises 21st-century competencies such as leadership, communication, critical thinking and teamwork. These objectives are central to STEM Racing Malaysia’s approach to strengthening STEM education through project-based learning and engineering design,” said Mohd Nazrin Zulkifli, Chief Coordinator of STEM Racing Malaysia.

Building Capacity Beyond the Classroom

The participation of 28 teams from different educational settings created a shared platform for young STEM talent to compete, interact and learn within a university environment. Preparing for the competition required students to work in teams, manage responsibilities and make technical decisions. Pit displays challenged them to organise and communicate information, while verbal presentations developed their ability to articulate and defend their ideas. This combination makes the competition a capacity-building experience rather than simply a race. Technical knowledge is developed alongside creativity, communication, teamwork and confidence which are capabilities that are increasingly important for future education and technology-driven careers.

Connecting Schools with the University

Hosting the Southern Regional Finals at UiTM Kampus Rembau also gave school students early exposure to a higher education environment and potential STEM pathways. According to Professor Dr Muhammad Hussain Ismail, Director of the Industry Network Centre at the Office of Industry, Community & Alumni Network (ICAN) UiTM, “The collaboration reflects the university’s wider responsibility to contribute to talent development beyond its own students. Through collaborations such as STEM Racing, school students can be brought into the university environment, exposed to new possibilities and allowed to engage with UiTM staff and students as facilitators, volunteers and judges. This strengthens the connection between schools and universities while helping young people see STEM as a pathway they can pursue.”

Strengthening Malaysia’s STEM Talent Pipeline

The collaboration demonstrates how universities and specialist STEM organisations can complement classroom education by creating opportunities for students to learn through experience. For UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, hosting the Southern Regional Finals represents more than providing a venue for competition; it positions the university as part of a wider STEM talent development ecosystem, connecting school education, higher education and future career aspirations. For the students, meanwhile, the value extends beyond producing the fastest car. They leave the competition having experienced what it means to solve problems, communicate ideas, work under pressure and turn knowledge into something tangible. At UiTM Kampus Rembau, the finish line therefore represented more than the end of a race; it marked another starting point for Malaysia’s. next generation of STEM talent.

The Southern Regional Finals concluded with impressive achievements across multiple categories, recognising students not only for racing performance but also for engineering, innovation, technology, sustainability, verbal presentation, digital media, portfolio development, teamwork and industry collaboration. This breadth of awards reflects the multidisciplinary skills developed through STEM Racing. Most importantly, 25 teams qualified for the National Finals, where they will advance to the next stage of competition. Their progression demonstrates how the regional platform enables young participants to move from school-based STEM learning towards increasingly challenging competitive experiences at national level.

UiTM Fosters Quintuple Helix Collaboration

Posted on by Aslizah Mohd-Aris

Tempe Nismilan: UiTM Strengthens Quintuple Helix Collaborations on Food Production through Knowledge Transfer

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Negeri Sembilan Branch, is helping residents of Kampung Bemban in Senaling, Malaysia, translate food biotechnology knowledge into community enterprise through its Tempe Nismilan project. Delivered under the Komuniti@UniMadani programme, the initiative combines practical food production skills, food safety training and industry collaboration to support community-led development.

The project reached 50 community members, including 43 participants who obtained food handler training certificates and one who earned a Halal Executive Certificate. Participants learned to apply microbial fermentation to produce tempeh, a traditional fermented soybean food, alongside hygienic handling practices and an understanding of halal management. Project monitoring reported improvements in participants’ knowledge, attitudes, skills and practices related to food handling.

Supporting the aspirations of SDG 1 (No Poverty), Tempe Nismilan lays the foundation for income-generating activities through local production and sales. Follow-up monitoring showed that participants continued producing tempeh for the market after the training ended. These early achievements provide motivation and a practical starting point for community enterprise. Sustaining regular production and strengthening marketing capabilities are central to the project’s direction, helping participants develop their skills and pursue supplementary income opportunities.

The initiative also supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by strengthening the community’s capacity to produce nutritious food. Tempeh is a protein-rich, soy-based food that can contribute to a balanced diet. By combining fermentation skills with food safety training, the project equips participants to produce food with greater attention to nutritional value, hygiene and responsible handling.

Partnerships are central to these outcomes. In line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), UiTM worked with the Kampung Bemban Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) and Jempol Soya Enterprise to connect academic expertise with community resources and industry experience. Knowledge transfer subsequently extended beyond the original participants, and on 25 July 2026, Kampung Bemban participants served as speakers and facilitators at a tempeh workshop in the Moh Ghombau Berghompeh programme. This one-day, hands-on workshop was attended by members of the community in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. Their transition from learners to community trainers demonstrates the initiative’s capacity to extend the reach of university knowledge.

Viewed through an environmental, social and governance (ESG) lens, the project’s strongest contributions are community capability development and participatory coordination. Training supports the social dimension, while JPKK involvement and project monitoring provide a foundation for accountable implementation. Proposed environmental measures include reducing rejected products, managing organic waste and tracking water and energy use per kilogram of tempeh. These measures offer a practical direction for embedding resource efficiency into future production.

Together, these collaborations provide a foundation for a quintuple helix approach, linking academia, industry, government and civil society, with environmental sustainability as a further development priority. Tempe Nismilan demonstrates how university expertise can help communities build the capacity to produce, market and share knowledge. Participants’ continued involvement provides a strong basis for the next phase: strengthening product quality, expanding market connections and adopting responsible production practices so that the initiative can grow into a sustained, community-led enterprise.

UiTM MORPHICA: Bridging Academia + Industry

Posted on by norjienasire

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) strengthened industry-integrated design education through MORPHICA 2026, connecting final-year Interior Architecture students with professional mentors, industry partners and the wider community. Organised by the Centre of Studies for Architecture and Planning (Interior Architecture), Faculty of Built Environment, UiTM Cawangan Selangor, with IOI Mall Damansara as co-host, the Final Project Exhibition and Assessment was held from 31 July to 2 August 2026.

A total of 51 Semester 7 Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) students showcased their final design projects, demonstrating competencies in design thinking, spatial planning, technical resolution and professional communication. The three-day event attracted nearly 500 visitors, extending students’ learning and exposure beyond the university environment. The final-year studio was led by five lecturers: Ts. IDr Norji Nasir, Dr. Nur Maizura Ahmad Noorhani, IDr Mohd Noor Ariffin, IDr Saiful Hazmi Bachek and Nabilah Aris White, who guided the students throughout the development of their final projects.

A key component of IAD471 – Final Project of Interior Architecture was its industry mentorship initiative, which connected students with practising interior designers, architects and other industry professionals. Mentors contributed professional perspectives, design guidance and real-world insights, helping students relate academic learning to current professional practice. This industry-integrated approach was further strengthened through the involvement of more than 20 organisations and contributors, including Darn Lukis as Legacy Sponsor, and the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia and Daya One Sdn. Bhd. as Premier Sponsors, alongside other industry partners.

The exhibition was officially launched on 1 August 2026 by the Deputy Dean (Academic Affairs), Faculty of Built Environment, with university representatives, industry practitioners and Puan Noorazimah binti Sarkom @ Hj. Othman, Director of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) among the invited guests.

Through the integration of studio learning, professional mentorship, industry engagement and public exhibition, MORPHICA 2026 provided graduating students with an authentic environment to develop professional readiness while demonstrating UiTM’s commitment to connecting design education with industry practice. For the 51 graduating students, MORPHICA 2026 marked both the culmination of their academic journey and an important transition from the design studio to professional practice.