Tag: Malaysia

Continuous professional development and awareness have always been one of the efforts to provide information and allow two-way communication between various fields of medicine and healthcare professionals. Amidst the pandemic, the past two years have been a challenging battle for conferences and talks to be done face to face. However, as we enter the endemic phase in Malaysia, the Clinical Pathological Conference (CPC) Team of Universiti Teknologi MARA has taken the step to conduct the CPC session via a hybrid method, physical and online.

On the 21st of September 2022, the Faculty of Dentistry Universiti Teknologi MARA, represented by the Centre of Periodontology Studies, was invited to present a talk. It was held at the newly launched state-of-the-art Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah in Puncak Alam, Selangor. The CPC talk was held at its auditorium, which allows social distancing whenever necessary. There were close to 120 participants who attended the talk physically and online from all backgrounds, such as medical students, dental students, medical, pharmacy and dental specialists in various fields of specialities, and other supporting medical healthcare professionals.

The topic highlighted during the CPD talk was Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its Relation to Periodontal Disease, with a presentation entitled: “Gum and Glucose: The gloomy truth”. The topic was chosen to be showcased during the CPC talk to create awareness and encourage healthcare professionals at various levels regarding the existence of the bidirectional relationship between these two “silent diseases” that was also one of the causes of the current global economic burden in healthcare.

Centre for Periodontology Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA was represented by the Head of Department, Dr Mohd Faizal Hafez Hidayat, and two other senior members; Dr Farha Ariffin and Dr Muhammad Hilmi Zainal Ariffin; who firstly provided the information on what is the periodontology speciality, that involves in the care of the gum and its supporting structure, the information regarding stages of periodontal disease development, how it occurs in an individual, followed by the sharing of two clinical cases that presented with both diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease.

The presenters also highlighted the input on the latest Clinical Practise Guideline 2020 by the Ministry of Health Malaysia on managing DM. The evidence that dental and periodontal problems are common in patients with DM with a long-established bi-directional influence was also shared. Thus, paying attention to addressing one disease may produce a benefit to the other. The session summarises an important point regarding the value of referral from medical peers for DM patients seen, as well as the advice to have regular oral examinations.

Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) hosted a visit from the University of Sydney on the 5th of September 2022, aimed to explore opportunities for bioinformatics research collaboration and post-graduate student mobility between UiTM & University of Sydney.

Professor Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed, Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy welcomed Jake Chen, representative from University of Sydney, and member of Australian Molecular Modellers Association. The session was also attended by Dr. Norkasihan Ibrahim, Deputy Dean (Industry, Community, Alumni & Network), Professor Kalavathy Ramasamy, Head of Collaborative Discovery Research Group, Dr. Gurmeet Kaur Surindar Singh, Head of Brain Degeneration and Therapeutics Research Group, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sadia Sultan, Head of Biotransformation Research Group, Dr. Mohd Nadzri Mohd Najib, Head of Department (UiTM Bertam Campus) and fellow academicians from the faculty.

Representatives from the UiTM Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Advanced Medical and Dental Institute took part in the session via virtual platform.

The visit started with sharing session by Jake Chen on laboratory simulation software for teaching and learning as well as research activity. During the hybrid session, he highlighted the benefits of Peppy software which has advanced programming capability and the ability to provide personalised student experience during the conduct of chemical experiments. This software has benefited students during the COVID-19 pandemic online learning period and according to Professor Gareth Denyer, creator of the virtual laboratory data generator, it is available for free with the possibility to customise practical needs for a small fee.

Following that, Dr. Ruzianisra Mohamed, served as the representative of Bioinformatics Unit, UiTM presented the expertise of the unit members and ongoing bioinformatics research works at the faculty. The meeting then discussed on research grants for Southeast Asia, postgraduate student mobility grants, and areas of research collaboration. It is anticipated that the exchange of knowledge and expertise at this meeting will foster closer and more strategic ties between both institutions, as well as open new and expanded opportunities for future collaboration.

Strategic partnership and internationalisation are the key factors to produce holistic, dynamic, and competitive faculty members in achieving Globally Renowned University by 2025. This makes everyone in Faculty of Applied Sciences (FSG) a major and sought-after asset. The direction and scope of FSG Internationalisation Strategy is determined by priorities outlined in UiTM2025 Strategic Plan and takes into consideration a global trend that shape the current international education and research environment. Internationalisation was encouraged via staff and student mobility programmes such as exchange programmes, summer programmes and sabbaticals, a collaborative network involving academic programmes, research, and consultancy activities as well as through an increase in international academic staff.

The faculty always strive to enhance our international research and funding through international joint publications, acquiring international grants, and establishing university and industrial research partnerships.

In 2021, the faculty recognises that the international landscape has significantly changed due to COVID-19 pandemic, thus we promote virtual-based internationalisation activities during travel restrictions. We were fast to adapt with the virtual Mobility Student Exchange Programme, Conference, Summer Programmes and Lecture Series which enable students to receive international education and experiences without having to leave home, both outbound and inbound.

FSG has received a total of 45 inbound and 174 outbound students from ASEAN countries, Japan, UK, Austria, Qatar and Portugal, making it the highest mobility throughout the history of FSG. The virtual mobility amongst staff members were also escalating through joint webinar and lecture series, research co-supervision and meetings to initiate international collaborations. FSG has successfully organised joint events such as EnvChem2021, InSoFoST2021 and FB UKSW-FSG UiTM2021 to strengthen the relationship between universities.

In facing the challenge brought by the pandemic, FSG adopted proactive global engagement strategies by deepening the existing and exploring new partnerships with universities and industries. To date, FSG has established partnerships with 22 international universities through MoU/MoA in which 4 of them are from Top 300 QS World University, and 4 partnerships with international industries through MoU/LoA.

Series of programmes were executed to guide our staff to write papers or applying grants. Through the Ace-Pub Series Programme, incentives were given for articles published in indexed journals, proceedings and chapters in books. In 2021, a total of 194 Scopus indexed publications were produced of which 99 involved international collaborators. Under Ace-Grant Series Programme, webinars and workshops were conducted in which grant recipients were given a platform to share tips on writing high quality research proposal papers.

Consequently, FSG has received more than double the number of internationally funded grants in 2021 than the previous year. FSG also succeeded to earn a spot for Chemistry as one of the 13 subjects listed in UiTM by QS World University Ranking (WUR) by subject 2021. This achievement has granted UiTM to be recognised as the 8th best institution that offers Chemistry subject in Malaysia. FSG will thrive on going above and beyond and with this momentum, it is not impossible that FSG, together with the people of UiTM will reach GRU2025 in style.

Datuk Dr. Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, the education minister of Malaysia emphasized, “The current decreasing of younger generations’ interest in the science and technology field is worrying”.

This generation can be seen to be more interested in public relations, business, social careers, becoming social media influencers, and digital-related careers. Experts in the science and technology (S&T) field are important and consistently needed for the development of the world for the better of our future generations. One of the possible ways to solve this declining interest is to diversify the methods of conducting scientific experiments right from the primary school level. There is nothing wrong with the conventional way, however, with the vast propagation of technology, the skill set, and interests of the younger generations have evolved tremendously. Teaching methods must also evolve to match the interest of the younger generations in order to conduct more efficient teaching and learning activities.

In realizing this mission, a group of senior lecturer researchers from the Universiti Teknologi MARA, Negeri Sembilan branch (UiTMCNS), Malaysia, has developed a scientific experimental kit named “Let’s Science Up Kit” to approach primary school students and to investigate how this kit can aid in increasing their interest in S&T field. The group of researchers comprised of the group leader, Ts. Dr. Aslizah Mohd Aris, members, Dr. Muhammad Aidil Ibrahim, Dr. Amirul Adli Abd Aziz, Dr. Mu’adz Ahmad Mazian, Dr. Wahidah Mohd Zain, Mdm Wan Admiza Wan Hassan, Mdm Siti Hajar Md Jani, and the facilitator, Mdm Norshamsina Daud.

Through questionnaires, the researchers discovered that the primary schools, especially in the rural area of the Kuala Pilah district in Negeri Sembilan are lacking scientific instruments. This led to minimal scientific experimental exposure for the students leading to a decrease in interest in this field of concern. Additionally, the younger generations preferred more visualization, practical and hands-on activities. They preferred a more personal practical approach, more visualization in their reference books, and the integration of technology during learning activities. All of the demands were taken into consideration during the development of the experimental kit.

The “Let’s Science Up Kit” comprised of four sets of microbiology experiments including algae, environmental microscopic organisms, yeast, and virus. The experiments are based on the scientific experiments listed in the syllabus set by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. This will allow students to have fun with the experiments while still abiding by the syllabus. The kit was aimed to increase the understanding of the students in a very fun and enjoyable way. On top of that, integrating the element of instructional education, reference book, lab manuals, and practical videos were also included inside the kit that can be assessed through the scanning of QR codes. The practical manual and videos were incorporated so that students could perform the experiments individually in the comfort of their homes. To satisfy the demand for more visualization in teaching and learning, the kit was incorporated with a very colorful reference book, filled with images of the microorganisms that they are learning, and the practical video was also included to maximize the practical experience where the video was made professionally showing an easy step by step procedure of how to conduct the experiments by professional instructors. The materials included are very safe, which can allow the students to conduct the experiments at home while involving younger siblings to perform the experiments for early exposure to the S&T field. This will eventually have the potential to elevate the interest of the primary school students in S&T.

The researchers are very confident that the kit developed can effectively increase the understanding of the students on the microbiology subject through a fun practical approach and eventually increasing their interest in S&T. Feedback from the students after using the kit was remarkable, proving that fun practical activities as such can increase students’ interest in a particular subject.

The “Let’s Science Up Kit” was awarded the gold medal and the team was crowned the champion of the Malaysian southern region, Innovative and Creative Group Convention 2022, and is soon to compete in the National Innovative and Creative Group Convention 2022. The kit has obtained numerous supports from the local authorities in the development of teaching and learning activities. Mr. Mohd Mulub Mohd Yusuf, the deputy of School Management sector, Education Office of Kuala Pilah district mentioned, “The ‘Chalk and Talk’ teaching method cannot bring the real experience (of conducting experiments) to students. This kit is interesting and can give that experience the students deserve”.

It is hoped that more fun scientific experimental kits like the “Let’s Science Up Kit” can be developed in the future to increase the interest of the younger generations. This can influence the increasing enrollment of students in the S&T field and eventually, more S&T experts can be made that can ensure the propagation of the world’s modernization for future generations.

UiTM, via its branch campus, UiTM Kedah Branch, seeks to consolidate its connection with the institutions in India, this time with K.J. Somaiya College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Maharashtra, India. This linkage is cemented with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between both institutions on 14 July 2022. The signing was conducted via Gmeet at 2.30 pm. The signees are Professor Dr. Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi, the Rector of UiTM Kedah Branch (now retired), witnessed by Dr. Kamarudin Othman on behalf of UiTM; and Principal Dr. Birendra Singh Yadav, witnessed by Dr. Ravindra Ashok Jadhav on behalf of K.J. Somaiya College of Arts, Commerce & Science.

This MoU signing ceremony was made possible by the MoU project manager and coordinator for both institutions who are Puan Syazliyati Ibrahim from UiTM Kedah Branch and Dr. Ravindra Ashok Jadhav on behalf of K.J. Somaiya College of Arts, Commerce & Science respectively. The collaboration between both institutions started in September 2021 which the initial discussions regarding the online intercultural project named Window to the Bordeless World involving more than 300 students and 30 lecturers which started in November 2021 and ended in February 2022.

Professor Dr. Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi said in his speech that this MoU will enable both institutions to work together more closely towards the common goal which are the pursuit of internationalisation of education in both countries. Such a connection will also allow both institutions to establish the reputation in the international arena. Proposed future activities include institutional exchanges between faculty and staff from each partner institution; acceptance of undergraduate and graduate students of each partner institution for periods of study or research; organising of workshops, conferences, short courses, innovative competitions and meetings on research issues; and exchange of information pertaining to developments in teaching, student development and research institutions as agreed by the parties from time to time. Principal Dr. Birendra Singh Yadav also expressed similar sentiments in his speech and he was truly grateful for the efforts taken to formalise the linkage between both institutions.

This MoU signing marks the beginning of a solid collaboration between UiTM generally and UiTM Kedah Branch specifically with K.J. Somaiya College of Arts, Commerce & Science in numerous areas as stipulated in the document.

World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is a significant milestone achieved by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) together with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the effort to promote and raise awareness about the importance of food safety at all levels. The United Nations (UN) had designated June 7 each year as WFSD. In response to the call of the UN, a synergistic effort between Food Safety and Quality Division, Negeri Sembilan State’s Health Department (FSQD), Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Negeri Sembilan (UiTMCNS) and Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (MYDIN) had jointly organised the WFSD celebration on 17 July 2022.

The UN aims for WFSD to be a celebration that encourages collective actions from all parties whether government, policymakers, food businesses, suppliers, stakeholders, educational institutions as well as consumers in order to ensure the food eaten is safe and in line with the concept of ‘from farm to table’.

This matter is similarly asserted by Dato’ Dr. Harlina Bt. Abdul Rashid, the Director of Negeri Sembilan State’s Health Department, “The public or also known as consumers are the end user in the food chain, in which they have the power to ensure the food taken is clean and safe” during the WFSD 2022 event at MYDIN Mall Seremban 2.

This year, the WFSD centralises the theme “Safer Food, Better Health”. “This theme was chosen to ensure the food taken by consumers is always safe, low in contamination risks and food poisoning, thereby ensuring better health,” said Madam Jamilah Binti Salikin, the Deputy Director of Negeri Sembilan State’s Health Department, in the similar event.

The state-level WFSD celebration in Negeri Sembilan executed a few activities that can be participated by the public of all layers of age. These included food safety-related colouring contest for kids, a treasure hunt for teenagers, a cake decoration contest for students from higher institutions, and an online quiz for the public. The event also highlighted the importance of food businesses to comply with the Malaysian Food Act 1983 and related regulations by awarding 17 local food producers that are able to attain accreditation and certification under the FSQD’s Program. Besides that, awards and cash prizes were also given to the food courts that deemed to have particular qualities.

The involvement of lecturer and students of the Food Science and Technology Department, UiTMCNS Kuala Pilah Campus in co-organising the event has prevailed with positive outcomes. The students are able to boost their interventional communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Not only that but students also are given opportunities to lead and contribute to decision-making in making this event feasible.

Furthermore, the event also involved exhibitions from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Negeri Sembilan, Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department, Nutrition Division, Pharmacy Services Department, Oral Health Division, Public Health Division and Food Safety, and Quality Division Negeri Sembilan.

On 17th June 2022 (Friday), the Centre for Applied Management (PPPG), Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus organised an online knowledge transfer webinar on Stress, Anxiety and Depression Among Students: Issues and Challenges through Cisco Webex and Facebook Live platforms targeted to primary school students from an identified rural area in Malaysia.

This program was participated by the Felda community of the Jengka region, which consisted of teachers, parents and pupils of two primary schools: SK Felda Jengka 11 and SK Felda Jengka 15. In Malaysia, the community of Felda, or Federal Land Development Authority, is a community of once-impoverished rural settlers who, under the Felda initiative, cultivate either rubber or oil palm and were paid wages until their crops matured. Due to the rural location of the community within Malaysia, the need to overcome issues of stress, anxiety and depression brought on by online and distance learning due to the pandemic among primary school students was identified, which led to the inception of this program.

The webinar featured two panelists who were experts in their respective fields: Hazlin Hasan, the Head Researcher and Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Pahang Branch, and Anita Kassim, a senior psychology officer from the UiTM Pahang Branch. The program managed to attract a total of 132 participants who were teachers, parents, and pupils of year 5 and year 6 (aged between 11 to 12 years old) from the two schools.

One of the objectives of the program was to support the university’s aspiration to foster knowledge sharing practices among the community and NGOs through knowledge transfer by utilising the resources, expertise, and knowledge of the faculty. The program also aimed to share the findings of a grant-based research led by Hazlin Hasan to participants on current issues and challenges faced by students related to stress, anxiety, and depression. Knowledge was also shared from a psychological perspective on the appropriate actions that can be taken by stakeholders to address this issue at an early stage before it becomes severe.

The Centre for Applied Management (PPPG) is very grateful to all parties who have made this program a success, especially the headmasters, teachers, and PTA of SK Felda Jengka 11 and SK Felda Jengka 15. It is hoped that this cooperation can be nurtured and strengthened further in the future for mutual benefits and in turn give positive impacts to the local community.

This webinar program has successfully accomplished two Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) namely SDG3 (Good Health and Well Being) and SDG4 (Quality Education), particularly in response to the need for inclusive, fair and equal access to education amidst challenges brought by the pandemic which has necessitated online learning even among the rural communities.