Saving the Softshell Turtle

Kg. Gol, Jerantut, Pahang, 1 November – UiTM, IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu), PERHILITAN, along with the community of Kampung Gol, unite in safeguarding the sustainability of rivers and freshwater habitats.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), through the Centre of Studies for Park and Amenity Management, Faculty of Built Environment (FAB), organised the “Guardians of the River: UiTM–IJMC Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu) Softshell Turtle Community-Based Conservation Initiative” in Kampung Gol, Jerantut, Pahang, on 1st November 2025.

The effort to conserve freshwater biodiversity, which forms the habitat of the softshell turtle species Pelochelys cantorii (Labi-labi Besar) and Chitra chitra (Labi-labi Bintang) — both listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List — is strengthened through collaboration between UiTM, IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu), the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Peninsular Malaysia, and the local community.

This initiative is also supported by the Sustainable Community Development Centre (SCDC) under the Office of Industry, Community and Alumni Network (ICAN) UiTM, as a strategic partner in empowering community engagement and student participation in high-impact social programs.

The ceremony was officiated by Professor Ts. Dr Hajah Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, UiTM; Mr Rozaimy bin Amiruddin, General Manager (HSE) of IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu); and Mr Abu Jamil Awang Mahmud, Chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) Kampung Gol. Also present were Mr Dzumie Heriman bin Mohd Nor, Senior Assistant Director (Wildlife Conservation Division), PERHILITAN; Professor Dato’ Dr Rahmat Mohamad, Director of INTEC Education College; Tuan Haji Mohd. Khaidir bin Shamsudin, Chief of Mukim Tembeling Tengah; academicians and students of the Park and Amenity Management programme, IJM Construction (Rimbayu) staff, and residents of Kampung Gol.

During the event, IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu) contributed RM30,000 to UiTM to support research, hatchery development, habitat monitoring, community education, and local stewardship of natural resources. This effort reflects UiTM’s commitment to knowledge transfer, grassroots empowerment, and sustainable biodiversity governance.

The ceremony also featured the Launch of the UiTM–IJM Construction (Bandar Rimbayu) Conservation Book, a site visit to the conservation area, tree-planting activities, river exploration, and the symbolic release of soft-shell turtle hatchlings into their natural habitat as a commitment to long-term ecological sustainability.

In her address, the Dean expressed appreciation to all partners and emphasised that this initiative reflects UiTM’s commitment to the “University for Society” agenda. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land.

She also expressed gratitude to the Kampung Gol community for their active role in conserving the river and its natural habitat, and extended thanks to IJM Construction (Bandar Rimbayu) for the financial support toward the softshell turtle conservation efforts in Kampung Gol.

The program also involved UiTM lecturers and students in field activities such as community program development, softshell turtle habitat monitoring, and the design of environmental interpretation materials. Together, we shape a future where universities, industry partners, and communities work hand in hand to protect rivers, wildlife, and natural heritage for generations to come.

Issued by: Corporate Communication Coordinator, Centre of Studies for Park and Amenity Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

Date: 1 November 2025.

Exploring Career Opportunities for Graduates

Shah Alam, October 17, 2025 — The Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers UiTM Student Chapter (SPE UiTM SC), successfully organized a webinar titled “First Step Into Oil & Gas: Career Opportunities After Graduates.” The virtual session, held via Microsoft Teams, aimed to provide students with valuable insights into the oil and gas industry and guide them in preparing for future career pathways.

The session featured Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Razmi Ziqri, a Reservoir Engineer at PETRONAS, as the invited speaker. Moderated by Dr. Husna Aini Swarno, Senior Lecturer at UiTM Shah Alam, the event attracted participation from final year students and young graduates eager to learn about the evolving energy sector. Throughout the two-hour session, Dr. Razmi shared his professional journey and highlighted the diverse career prospects available in the oil and gas industry. He emphasized the importance of technical competence, adaptability, and continuous learning in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

The event also featured an interactive Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.

The webinar concluded with an encouraging message from the organizing committee, reminding students that entering the oil and gas industry requires both passion and perseverance, qualities that UiTM aims to nurture in all its graduates. For more updates on upcoming events, follow SPE-UiTM SCon Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

UNAIR students conduct research in Malaysia

Strengthening its commitment to sustainable research and international collaboration, the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has sent its students to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak, Mukah Campus. The academic exchange was conducted over two months, from October 18 to December 18, 2025.

The full-time student mobility program involved Fidela Rachmadania Azra and Andini Putri Carolina. Azra explained that the initiative centered on research aimed at transforming local fisheries resources into products with greater commercial value for the community.

“Our study focused on fisheries commodities native to the Mukah region, specifically pelata and puput fish. These species are plentiful in local waters but are often discarded by fishermen because they are seen as having little market value. Through collaboration with UiTM, our team sought to innovate by developing value-added products from these fish,” she said.

According to Azra, the key innovation developed by the UNAIR–UiTM research team was gelatin produced from pelata and puput fish. The use of these species was intended not only to raise their economic value but also to offer a halal and safe alternative to conventional gelatin products.

“This research posed significant challenges. We had to carefully define the research direction, determine suitable methodologies, and work with limited academic references, as these fish had not previously been studied for gelatin production. The findings will contribute to our undergraduate theses and are planned for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal,” she explained.

Beyond research activities, Azra noted that the team also took part in team-building sessions and academic visits to other universities during their stay at UiTM. They additionally had the opportunity to engage in collaborative testing with Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS).

“Looking ahead, we hope this research will provide a halal and safe gelatin option for consumers. At the same time, it is expected to enhance the economic value of pelata and puput fish, which were previously discarded, and help stimulate the local economy,” she said.

Electrical Safety for the Shah Alam Community

SHAH ALAM – The SULAM Program: Energy Efficiency and Safety Outreach was conducted with the community around Section 7, Shah Alam, at the MPP Zone 3 Community Service Centre on 16 December 2025. The program aimed to provide practical exposure to the functions, components, and safety aspects of residential electrical distribution boards (DB), as well as to enhance community awareness on the importance of efficient and prudent electricity usage.

More than 20 community members from the Section 7 area participated in the program. The initiative involved a group of UiTM students from the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Hons) programme, who shared knowledge on basic electrical safety measures to be observed before carrying out minor electrical work at home.

One of the main highlights of the program was a demonstration session using a mock-up model of an electrical distribution board (DB), along with simulations of MCB tripping due to short circuits and overload conditions. Through this hands-on approach, fundamental electrical engineering concepts were explained in a practical and easily understandable manner. Participants were also allowed to practice resetting the MCB and safely identifying the causes of power supply interruptions.

In addition, the sharing session covered energy-saving tips and good electrical safety practices at home. These activities helped community members evaluate their own electricity consumption patterns, identify potential energy wastage, and adopt safer and more responsible electricity usage habits.

Overall, the program successfully increased community awareness of the function and safety of residential distribution boards, reduced the risk of electrical shock or fire hazards, and built community confidence in responding appropriately during electrical supply disruptions.

Electrical Science for Young Minds

KUALA LUMPUR – The SULAM Program: Spark of Light, Spark of Knowledge was conducted with more than 30 students from Sekolah Rendah Setiabudi, Jalan Gombak, on 16 December 2025. The program aimed to nurture early interest and awareness in the fields of electrical science and engineering among primary school students from Year 4 and above.

The program involved 16 UiTM students who played an active role in delivering academic knowledge related to Electrical Engineering through a series of engaging activities. These activities covered basic concepts of electrostatics, electrical conductors and insulators through demonstrations and hands-on experiments that were interactive and easy to understand. In addition, participants were introduced to the concept of electric current flow in a closed circuit and the functions of key components such as batteries, switches, wires, and LEDs.

The program also highlighted a comparison between LED lamps and fluorescent lamps in terms of energy efficiency, durability, and lighting stability. This was demonstrated through practical activities involving the measurement of light intensity using lux units to determine the most suitable type of lighting.

Overall, the program successfully inspired school students by demonstrating real-life applications of engineering knowledge and provided them with a fundamental understanding of electrical principles, including series and parallel circuits, voltage, current, resistance, and the functions of essential components in electrical circuits.

Students expand global perspective at UniKL

Nineteen students from the Department of Business, Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), participated in a series of international academic activities hosted by Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Malaysia. The program, held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, was designed to enhance students’ global perspectives through a Guest Lecture Series focused on key economic and business issues.

The discussions addressed a range of timely topics, including community-based tourism, innovations in tax literacy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and the transformation of the Islamic industry. Program coordinator Arhamu Zafi Arrusyda explained the considerations behind choosing UniKL as the partner institution.

“UniKL places a strong emphasis on applied education and business, which aligns well with the academic orientation of the Department of Business at FV UNAIR. Moreover, UniKL’s location within the ASEAN region offers an international learning environment that is both relevant and accessible for our students,” he said.

He noted that the program went beyond a formal academic visit. According to him, its most valuable aspect was the integration of academic learning with international networking opportunities. “The Lecture Series provided fresh perspectives on business practices and economic policies in Malaysia. Interactions with UniKL students also exposed us to different academic cultures and ways of thinking through informal discussions,” he said.

As the program coordinator, he expressed hope that the collaboration between UNAIR FV and UniKL would continue in the future. “If possible, this partnership could be expanded through initiatives such as student exchange programs or joint academic projects to offer students a more immersive international experience,” he added.

Faculty advisor Vivi Rodliyatuz Zulfa, SM, MSM, praised the students for their active participation throughout the program. She observed that they were highly engaged, contributed thoughtfully to discussions, and were able to articulate their ideas clearly. “Based on the topics discussed in the lecture series, many of the concepts and practices are highly relevant, as Indonesia and Malaysia share relatively similar cultural backgrounds. The main differences tend to arise from national policies and institutional contexts,” she said.

She further emphasized that the program supports the learning outcomes of the Department of Business at FV UNAIR, particularly in strengthening cross-cultural communication skills and critical thinking. “Students not only gained theoretical knowledge but also learned through direct interaction with international lecturers and peers. This kind of experience enhances vocational competencies and better prepares them to face global challenges,” she concluded.

UiTM Strengthens Learning at Velesto-INSTEP

On 10 November 2025, the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Oil and Gas students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) under the Faculty of Chemical Engineering experienced a transformative learning opportunity through an academic visit to the Velesto Drilling Academy and the Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas (INSTEP) in Batu Rakit, Terengganu.

A total of 60 students participated in this experiential learning programme aimed at bridging classroom theory with real industrial practice. Throughout the visit, they explored the Onshore Training Rig NAGA 100, the Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP), and the Exploration & Production (E&P) Workshop, gaining valuable exposure to drilling operations, upstream and downstream processes, production systems, and petroleum refining technologies.

The programme offered students a unique opportunity to understand the full oil and gas value chain while strengthening their grasp of concepts learned in Drilling Engineering courses. Demonstrations, technical briefings, equipment walkthroughs, and operational insights provided by trainers from Velesto Drilling Academy and INSTEP enabled students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical industry settings. This collaboration highlighted the importance of safety culture, engineering professionalism, and technical competency in the energy sector.

The success of this visit was supported by UiTM’s academic team and faculty units, whose guidance ensured alignment with curriculum objectives and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives. The student organising committee also played a significant role in managing the logistics and coordination of the programme. This initiative reflects UiTM’s commitment to producing industry-ready, globally competitive graduates who are equipped with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to excel in the dynamic oil and gas sector.

The partnership between UiTM, Velesto Drilling Academy, and INSTEP stands as a strong example of academia–industry collaboration that enriches student learning and inspires future engineers to pursue excellence in their field.

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

FKK UiTM LEGASI 1.0 Boosts Student Growth

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), through the Faculty of Chemical Engineering (FKK) and its Office of Research & Industry Networking, successfully held the inaugural FKK LEGASI (Linking Engagement of Graduates & Alumni for Strategic Impact) 1.0 on 30 July 2025 at Dewan Al Hidayah, UiTM Shah Alam.

 

The program brought together 83 final-year Chemical Engineering students, lecturers, and two distinguished alumni for a focused session on professional development and industry perspectives. Alumni speakers shared their expertise in safety, leadership, and workplace challenges.

 

Students actively engaged through Q&A sessions, gaining valuable insights into real-world practices while building confidence for their career transitions. The event underscored the importance of complementing technical competencies with essential soft skills, including communication, leadership, and critical thinking.

 

In his closing remarks, PM Ir. Dr Azil Bahri, Dean of FKK, emphasised the importance of sustained alumni–faculty collaboration as a catalyst for educational excellence. FKK LEGASI 1.0 reinforced UiTM’s commitment to leveraging alumni expertise in nurturing industry-ready graduates who will lead Malaysia’s engineering future.

#FKK UiTM Shah Alam #Universiti Teknologi MARA #Malaysia

STEM4FUN: UiTM FKE Inspire STEM Learning

On October 30, 2025, students from UiTM Shah Alam’s Electrical Engineering program (CEEE222C7A and CEEE222T7A) organized a community outreach program titled STEM4FUN at SMK Rantau Panjang, Klang. The program was conducted under the Engineers in Society (EEE621) course in collaboration with the IEEE Electron Devices Society Malaysia Chapter.

Supervised by Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Sabirin bin Zoolfakar, Ir. Dr. Maizatul binti Zolkapli and Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Rozina Abdul Rani, along with a total of 36 facilitators, guided 163 Form 3 students in various interactive STEM activities. Participants explored the world of electronics through hands-on sessions using Electronic Block, Zoombit, and TinyBit kits to understand basic circuit concepts, sensors, and system control in a fun and engaging way.

The initiative successfully sparked students’ curiosity and interest toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while nurturing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. At the same time, it provided UiTM students with a meaningful platform to share their technical knowledge and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Supported by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam (FKE) and the IEEE Electron Devices Society, the program reflects UiTM’s ongoing commitment to cultivating innovative, future-ready graduates equipped for the digital and sustainable era.

Reported by: Ir. Dr. Maizatul binti Zolkapli, Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Sabirin bin Zoolfakar, and Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Rozina Abdul Rani