Tag: Malaysia

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and academic partners The University of Queensland (Australia), Universitas Brawijaya (Indonesia), University of Nottingham (UK) and Queensland Health (Australia), successfully conducted an Inaugural Symposium of Research and Innovation for
Food (SoRIF) virtually from 23rd to 24th of June 2021.

The symposium provided a platform for sharing the latest food science and technology discoveries, and UiTM was honoured with the involvement of its international counterparts in the event.

The event attracted more than 270 local and international participants from diverse backgrounds, namely academic staff from various educational institutions, government agencies personnel, food industry players, and undergraduate and secondary school students.

The symposium is a step towards innovative assessment for the Department of Food Science and Technology (UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan) students’ final year project presentation.

With the collaboration of members of a Special Interest Group, Alliance of Research and Innovation for Food (ARIF) and the undergraduate members of the Bachelor of Science and Technology Association (B-FoST), students gain a meaningful experiential learning experience and a deeper understanding of the integration of theory with practice. This type of international outreach collaborative work has undoubtedly advanced the undergraduate students’ digital, leadership and communication skills, which are essential elements to enhancing graduate employability.

This webinar also achieved one of its main objectives.  As highlighted by Prof. Dr Yamin Yasin, the Rector of UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan who officiated the grand virtual Closing Ceremony of SoRIF 2021, “From the knowledge sharing by our international academic partners, I am glad that SoRIF 2021 has met its objective to strengthen international collaboration between students, lecturers and experts in food science and technology.”

As mentioned by the Patron of SoRIF, Dr Noorlis Ahmad, “This virtual Inaugural SoRIF that has been held for two (2) days via Webex, is the platform that nurtures the
students’ academic development, soft skills and leadership.”

The program also received praise from the Director of SoRIF, Dr Siti Azima Abdul Muttalib, who stated, “Organising a successful virtual program which is jointly organised with the undergraduate students that attract international audiences, is just like seeing the light in the darkness of Covid-19. Unbelievable, the adoption of digital skills in knowledge sharing and international collaboration is beyond the limitation of our old norm.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this program, it’s that it helped me face my mistake & failure and own up to them in a positive light. It helped me believe that I can excel and improve in my next attempt,” said Miss Nurul Izzati Medihi in her reflection on the effectiveness of the program. Nurul Izzati is one of the five students awarded as the Best Presenter in SoRIF 2021.

The Program of Msc of Heritage and Conservation Management, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying (FSPU), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has organized the Heritage Webinar Series 2, which was held on 30th June 2021 via Webex platform.

The main objective of this program is to initiate the relationship and collaboration between UiTM and the University of Hyogo as well as to share expertise’ knowledge and experience, namely in Heritage and Conservation Management field in Malaysia and Japan. Therefore, Professor Dr Yushi Utaka from the School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo was invited as a speaker for this webinar to deliver a lecture entitled ’The World Heritage in Japan and Hiroshima Peace Memorial; Transforming Legacy, Memories and Landscape’.

The webinar has been participated by 90 practitioners, lecturers, officers, administrative staff and students from AP777, FSPU, other faculties and campuses of UiTM, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Kolej Universiti Islam Pahang (KUIPSAS), Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS), UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, National Heritage Department, Selayang Municipal Council and Jabatan Muzium Sarawak.

Professor Dr Yushi Utaka delivered a very informative lecture, which provided a lot of new knowledge on the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb’s history, background and issues on its protection from the post-war era until today. This lecture has also exposed Malaysian practitioners, academic and administrative staff and students on the management and implementation of the protection of the World Heritage Site in Japan, mainly at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

To study the impact of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) on the surrounding localities and population, a 20-year study was conducted to evaluate its significance as a university since its declared change of status in 1999.

“It is a worthwhile return of investment for the community’s development and sustainability. The past (legacy of our forefathers) is the key to the future. Education empowers the community” says, Professor Ts. Dr. Roziah Mohd Janor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International) / Acting Vice-Chancellor, who is also the Co-lead Researcher, in her preamble.

Dato’ Prof. Dr. Rahmat Mohamad who the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Community and Alumni Network) and the Co-lead Researcher of the project added, “ It is undeniable that the original policy and goals of  UiTM’s establishment are still relevant in today’s context, as they have proven successful in balancing equity distribution for the Bumiputeras as well as improving their position in the country”.

He added, “UiTM has also had a positive impact in increasing socio-economic development, education and unity of races in Malaysia.”

Perspective outlines 10 vital facts comprising the study of land and its physical development, the increase in land value, graduate and alumni mobility, community feedback, and graduate employability.  To date, students’ enrolment has reached 189,008 and a recorded 890,334 have graduated with an employability rate ranging between 82 per cent to 83 per cent.

This 20-year UiTM impact study is a follow-up of a similar 2007-2008 study that focused on the economic impact of UiTM on the communities surrounding UiTM campuses. Both study summaries reveal the major impact that UiTM has had on the regeneration of socio-economic development of the surrounding communities.

It is hoped that these two consecutive 20-year studies are proof that UiTM should forge ahead in strengthening the education of the Malays and the Bumiputera through continuous engagement with the community and industry in its goals and efforts to advance national education development.

In line with the direction of universities to actively move to achieve sustainability missions, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perak Branch organized a virtual convention known as Low Carbon Campus Convention (LCCC) 2021 for five days from 15th to 19th March 2021. The program was organized by the Green Campus Committee led by Sr. Dr Nur Azfahani Ahmad. It was programmed to visible UiTM Perak Branch has mobilized various green practices and initiatives for the campus residents.

The program successfully gathered about 1,386 participants from various local and international universities and industries from the public and private sectors. The convention included multi-series programs such as a terrarium workshop, green-safe cities seminar, and green talk series comprising 12 speakers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Germany.

The green talk series discussed ideas, knowledge, and the country’s experience related to green practices, green procurement, green building design, agricultural efforts, and recycling practices (3R). One of the talk series highlights was a session by the famous Malaysian fashion designer Mr. Hatta Dolmat who shared his aspirations in addressing sustainable fashion using recycled products.

Another attention-grabbing session was from Ar. Shyuan Kuee, an award-winning architect from the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), shared her experience handling international and local projects on green building design. The convention was also attended by researchers and postgraduate students from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Nigeria.

Up to this date, the UiTM Perak’s Green Campus committee has launched various green programs, including solar panels and rainwater harvest installation to schools and mosques, energy efficiency projects, recycle campaign, green talk series, and community seminars on green education.

The LCCC program has benefited the academics and staff of various universities and hopefully inspire more green project initiatives to lower carbon emissions within universities. It has also successfully formed a research nexus and collaborations between academia, industries, and communities to enhance green technology and green practices.

Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) held its inaugural international-themed webinar entitled Pharmacy Perspectives on COVID-19 Vaccination from the 31st March to 1st April 2021.

Spearheaded by Dr Mathumalar Loganathan, the programme brought the industry and learning institutions together to discuss and share matters surrounding vaccination from Malaysia and the United Kingdom perspectives and the status of infection, prevention control, and vaccination in Thailand and Indonesia.

Given the concern around the increasing number of COVID-19 infection cases globally and the apprehension towards vaccination and its side effects, this webinar was timely and of significant importance to pharmaceutical industries and academia.

Over 700 participants attended the webinar involving Pharmaniaga Berhad (local pharmaceutical company), the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) Malaysia, Boots Pharmacy (UK-based community pharmacist) and two ASEAN education institutions Mahidol University, Thailand and Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia.

The seminar is also one of the activities planned as part of the memorandum of understanding UiTM has with the two education institutions mentioned above.

The virtual seminar served as an excellent platform for sharing knowledge and expertise on the current vaccination-related health policies and its challenges to increase vaccination uptake by the public. The web-based sessions were made interactive and engaging for teaching and learning purposes.

Post-graduate students attending the webinar were introduced to aspects relating to policies, management, operationalisation and sustainability of vaccine-related services and disciplines, including manufacturing and cold-chain management of COVID-19 vaccines.

The two half-day events drew participants from medical and health sciences backgrounds from various countries, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India and Malaysia.

The presence of all counterparts enabled a meaningful exchange of knowledge between medical and health sciences practitioners from public hospitals, namely Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, Klang General Hospital and academia from universities, such as UiTM, Management and Science University, the National University of Malaysia, Bandung Institute of Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada Indonesia, Mahidol University Thailand and Gitam University India.

It is also hoped that the event enabled a significant exchange of knowledge and expertise and fostered closer and strategic ties between all parties involved.

Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has been accepted as an affiliate member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

EFMD is a global, non-profit, membership-driven organisation that act as an accreditation body for business schools, business school programmes, and corporate universities based in Brussels, Belgium, with offices in Geneva, Hong Kong, Miami and Prague. With the support of more than 900 members across 90 countries, EFMD act as a catalyst to promote and enhance excellence in management
development globally.

As a member of EFMD, FBM has become part of the largest community of management development professionals worldwide, from both the academic and corporate worlds.  This will drive the faculty towards international recognition and be part of the most diverse business education network and stay ahead of the curve in management development.

The drive of getting this recognition from EFMD for FBM was initiated by the former dean of FBM and continued by the current leadership of Professor Dr. Noryati Ahmad. It was supported by the other top management members of the faculty headed by Dr. Nor Lelawati Jamaludin together with a team of dedicated committee members; Dr. Noor Ain Mohd Yunus, Dr. Azimah Daud, Dr. Aida Azlina Mansor, Pn. Norina Ahmad Jamil and Pn. Nurul Salizawatee Mahpar.  Together they made FBM-UiTM more visible globally and credible.

This initiative is aligned with the aspirations of UiTM towards achieving globally renowned university status. The former Vice-Chancellor of UiTM, Emeritus Professor Datuk Ir Dr. Mohd Azraai Kassim once stressed on the importance of visibility in a very crisp way and reminded that: “In this world, you not only need to be good, but people need to know that you are good”.

Thus, the spotlighted membership is a good measure to move UiTM and the Faculty of
Business and Management forward with international recognition and accreditation as well as making it more visible.