Tag: Malaysia

The Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) under the Centre of Studies for Construction, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying (FSPU) in collaboration with the Alumni Universities of Texas Association (PAUT) has successfully organised an expedition adventure to the summit of Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal. The 12-days expedition in March 2022 has been long overdue and delayed amidst to the strikes of Covid-19 thus the official launching of this expedition was postponed to 3^rd December 2021 attended by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Datuk Ts Dr. Roziah Mohd Janor, Vice-Chancellor of UITM and Tan Sri Dato’ Ir Hj Zaini Omar, the Chairman of Mohhashi Space Gateway Bhd. The ceremony involves signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UiTM and Mohhashi Space Gateway Berhad at Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC).

A total of 16 climbers, including students and lecturers from the Centre of Studies for Construction, the Alumni from both Texas Universities Association (PAUT) , and Built Environment Organisation (PAAB), along with the training coach, medical doctors, and cameraman, managed to collaborate as a team after gaining approval from the by Vice Chancellor of UiTM in February 2021.

Four faculties in UiTM comprising Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Faculty of Business and Management and Faculty of Medicine has shared their expertise and experiences in the long preparation of the climbers’ in terms of their physical and mental well being.  The joint-effort for the expedition has come to its fruition and successfully achieved its target and objectives.

Nevertheless, hiking was not the only objective of this expedition but also the involvement of conducting research and development. Wide-range of research interest which covers the Nepalese cultures and native people, resilient disaster environment management at high altitudes and adaptation of human comfort along the pathway of hiking trails at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). This opportunity enables the lecturers and students to conduct data collection along the 96km hiking trails to the base camp and back to initial spot of Jhinu Danda. Annapurna Base Camp is one of famous hiking trails in Nepal with frequent seasonal visiting of avid hikers all around the world. The mission attracts many opportunities for students and professionals alike to study about mountain architecture, sustainable development, resilient disaster management and environment.

Apart from that, the expedition also helps to strengthen the spirit teamwork and identity among the students.   The students would then becoming the role-model for their peers to lead by example and to find their inner strength within to face any obstacles and challenges in future path.

Dr Soo Wincci was appointed as the ambassador of this expedition, which she involved in promoting and marketing including Signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UiTM and Kathmandu University, and also the Corporate Social Responsible (CSR) Program in Madrasa, Kathmandu on 19 and 20 March 2022. Both of the programs were organised by UiTM with the NGO’s like Girl Scouts. The main sponsors of the expedition were Malaysia Airlines Berhad, Bubbles O2, SD Advance, Yayasan RI, and MKH Berhad.

Finally, the success of this expedition could not be achieved without the relentless support by the government bodies, NGO’s and collaboration among the faculties per se. Future endeavour such as this expedition will set a cornerstone to universities to develop a meaningful partnership with the government bodies and extending  affiliation with the NGO’s to support more educational programs, research collaboration, as well as enhancing the overall visibility of  the university.

Aimi Ashikin Hanib & Dr Sheikh Ali Azzran

Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has successfully organized Malaysia’s first-ever National Pitching Research Competition (NPRC).

The competition was launched on 1st November 2021 whereby Professor Robert Faff’s (2015) Pitching Research Tool was used as the main tool for the participants to communicate their research ideas. Participants had to pitch their research at a national-level and whoever was selected as the winner will then proceed to the global stage.

This prestigious competition was spawned from the InSPiR2eS International Research Network’s networking initiatives and collaboration with Professor Robert Faff. It received quite an overwhelmed response, whereby about 40 pitching scripts were submitted by the postgraduate research students and early career researchers (ECR) throughout Malaysia.

There were three categories in this competition: Early Career Researchers, PhD students, and Master’s students.

For each category, only five best scripts were chosen by the appointed academic judges to advance to the final stage. During the grand finale, held on 23 February 2022 via online platform, each contender was given two minutes to pitch his or her research. Three distinguished academicians, Associate Professor Dr. Amirul Afif (UiTM), Dr. Abdul Rais Abdul Latiff from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Dr. Ihtisham Malik from University of Queensland, judged the finalists.

Winners from each category were awarded with cash prizes and e-certificates. Dr. Yvonne Ang, from FBM, UiTM Puncak Alam campus won the competition (for the ECR category) and has qualified for the semi-final round of the InSPiR2eS Global Pitching Research Competition (IGPRC).

She will be competing against several others contestants from various universities in this pitching competition.

The 1st NPRC was a success under the leadership of its chairperson, Dr. Norliza Che Yahya, support from its advisors, Professor Dr. Noryati Ahmad (Dean of FBM) and Associate Professor Dr. Amirul Afif Muhamat (FBM Deputy Dean of Research) and commitment from the organizing committees.

The organizing committee, and in particular FBM, were honoured to host to this inaugural prominent event and to collaborate with InSPiR2eS network. It was a milestone for the faculty and participants to share their research ideas and expand their networking with various universities.

Taking the challenge of making Universiti Teknologi MARA into a globally renowned university, the Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch invests in the culture of togetherness towards excellence by launching several initiatives. Capitalising on its house talent, banking on its collective wisdom and strengthening its visibility to a global audience have been its priority agenda.

Academy of Language Studies has collaborated with local and international partners in teaching, learning, research and community under the helm of Ms Noorazalia and Mr Adi. It has secured a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with higher education institutions, communities and professional associations such as Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis (KUIPs), University of Finance and Economics, Mongolia, Cangzhou Normal University, Xinyang Normal University, French Lebanese University, Darul Aman English Language Learning and Teaching Association and Little Hiccup which were spearheaded by Dr Latisha, Mr Chan Swee Kai, Dr Ummi, Dr Hafizah and Ms Noorazalia. Thus, collaborative activities can be conducted with these institutions. For example, two students from the Department of Foreign Languages, Normal University, conducted their teaching practicum being supervised by Ms Fazmawati and Mr Badrul Hisham.

In 2020, the Academy organised International Scholarly Talk Webinar with Yangon Technological University (Myanmar) and the University of Mandalay (Myanmar). The practice was continued in 2021 with the Foreign Language Institute, University of Finance and Economics, Mongolia.

In April 2021, The 1st International Conference on Language Education (iCOLE 2021) was successfully co-organised with the Foreign Language Institute, University of Finance and Economics, Mongolia under Dr Nadhilah. Arau International Poetry Festival made its international appearance on 6th November 2021 with participants from Indonesia and China headed by Ms Nor Azira.

In 2022, the Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch launched International Innovation Competition on Languages, Education and Societies (IINNCOME2022) with Humanising Learning, Teaching and Societies in Digitalised Contexts as its theme under Dr Razlina and Dr Hafizah. The inaugural event showcases innovative practices of students, lecturers, professionals and communities. Its closing ceremony will be conducted during ICoLE 22.

Meanwhile, The 2nd International Conference On Language & Education 2022 (ICoLE 2022) will be conducted on 7-8 July 2022. The theme is Redesigning & Rehumanising Learning, Teaching and Research towards Education 5.0. Its program directors; Dr Razlina and Dr Lew, the conference is expected to highlight local and international research in teaching and learning, languages and education. In November 2022, Arau International Poetry Festival 2022 will continue to gather and inspire the audience with the poets’ creative wisdom under its competent director, Ms Nor Azira.

Moving towards research by securing local and international grants enables the Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Perlis Branch to be innovative and competitive. Activities to encourage journal writing and grant writing such as Online Writing Marathon, Publishing in Indexed Journals for Novice Writers, Writing Workshop Series and Scholar Talk Series: Learn from Excellent Journal Articles were conducted to encourage lecturers to publish in high-index journals.

Future-proofing the team of today by investing in the culture of togetherness towards excellence has been fruitful to the Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis Branch. Daring to dream and acting on the dreams propel the Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Perlis Branch to make Universiti Teknologi MARA a globally renowned university.

The James Dyson Foundation and Innovation Lab UiTM-UTHM in collaboration with the Office of Industry, Community and Alumni Networking (ICAN), College of Engineering (CoE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia, has conducted an ICAN CoE Outreach, Series 2022: The James Dyson Award 2022 – Live Sharing and Q&A Session on the April 13, 2022 via the Microsoft Teams meeting platform.

The James Dyson Foundation (JDF) is a Dyson foundation based in the UK. The foundation is introducing young people to the real world of engineering by encouraging them to think creatively and innovatively, learn to make mistakes and realize their engineering potential.

Each year JDF will organize a competition called The James Dyson Award (JDA) to unearth creative and innovative talents and ideas among university students from around the world, especially those in the field of engineering. For 2022, entries have opened on March 16 and will end on July 6, 2022. The College of Engineering through the Office of Industry, Community and Alumni Network (ICAN) has received an invitation from JDF to be the co-organizer in a series of partnerships to promote and attract more students to participate in this prestigious competition.

This partnership session was co-organized with Innovation Lab UiTM-UTHM along with the Fraunhofer IEM, Germany.

The objectives of this sharing session are to introduce The James Dyson Award (JDA) to students and staff of the College of Engineering, and to provide exposure to students and staff on the actual design concept by expert engineers from Dyson. This shall encourage the participation of more students in generating creative and innovative ideas through the JDA2022 competition.

The session started with opening remarks from Ms. Manyi Ho, representative from the James Dyson Foundation, followed by a welcoming speech from Prof. Dr. Hajah Hamidah Mohd Saman, Dean of ICAN, College of Engineering, UiTM. The highlight of the session is a sharing session from two Dyson’s engineers, Mr. Haikal Isa, Design Engineer, Dyson Malaysia and second speaker is Mr. Azri Masran, Engineer on Motor and Pick Up System Lead.

Both engineers were sharing on the iterative design process conducted in Dyson on their product and how engineers work in Dyson environment to achieve their goals. They also inspired the audience with their Dyson’s design philosophy – different, authentic, and pioneering.

The sharing session was closed with a short conclusion from our collaborator from Germany, Mr Laban Asmar of Fraunhofer IEM Germany. In his speech, Mr Laban motivates the students to participate in the James Dyson Award as it is the real practice of engineering and product design, and it is important to have that kind of experiences in addition to the fundamental engineering learned in the university. Overall, the sharing session is a success with total of 50 participants joining it from inside UiTM and from outside as well.

Taking this session as the first step along the road to the James Dyson Award, innovationlabs of UiTM and UTHM offers space and expertise to help students who would like to participate and give full support for the students’ interest.

The details of the James Dyson Award can be access through the website, https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/en-MY/.

Muhammad Hussain Ismail, UiTM

After five decades of pioneering the field of communications and media, the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is set to celebrate its golden jubilee this year. Affectionally known as MassComm, FCMS is optimistic to remain on top with its market driven curricular, research and development as well as industry network in this fast-paced world of information sharing, digital media and the looming Industrial Revolution 5.0. Parallel to the University’s objective in building resilience among its academic members and students alike, FCMS has been a respected and resourceful centre for strategic communications and humanities studies.

In conjunction with its 50th celebration, FCMS will be hosting a media marathon to commemorate the golden jubilee through ‘50 Years, 50 Hours of Mediathon’. This unique event is a collaborative effort between students, alumni, industry players and media partners. The programme is to celebrate FCMS’ establishment after 50 years for being the first and most prolific school of communication and media in Malaysia. Aside from media marathon, interesting activities has been arranged for the next six months which include, DNA MassComm, MasterClass, Alumni of the Week, CSR programme and an online marathon, among others prior to the highlights of its gala dinner.

To date, the world has benefitted from 20,000 FCMS graduates spanning over five decades of educational, vocational, and technological revolution. Through leaps and bounds, FCMS has been visible in championing best practices in the industry and the peering Universities, offering hours of consultations, hosting media initiatives and academic conferences. At community level, FCMS has been quick in responding proactively with corporate social responsibility efforts to those in needs. With strong alumni network and relationship with Captains of the Industry, FCMS have been able to keep abreast with changes affecting the industries’ ecosystem to ensure its students’ employability.

Present at the soft launch for the golden jubilee celebration, YBhg. Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Ibrahim Abu Shah stated that MassComm has produced wholesome graduates who would later be exemplary members of the society with outstanding contribution globally. This was due to an industry-based curricular laced with teaching and learning techniques from its teaching members. Also present was the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Associate Prof. Dr. Massila Hamzah where she pointed that after half a century, FCMS has been going through from strength to strength, surpassing many hurdles and overcoming challenges along the way into relevance, with a renewed sense of purpose.

For FCMS, the testament of excellence for any education institution is to create graduates who are balanced, empathetic and dynamic prior to serving the community and ultimately, the country. With ever changing industry’s landscapes, comes with it greater challenges to solve and learn. Thus, fair, and intuitive writing, immersive content creation and quality work should be assets best put forward for any MassComm graduates as they step foot into the industry.

Caulerpa lentillifera or locally known in Malaysia as ‘laktut’ or ‘latok’ is a type of seaweed that lives in the Indo-Pacific waters.

The unique taste of laktut and its high nutritional value makes it a potential to be commercialized.

Realising this, a group of marine technology researchers from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Malaysia in collaboration with the Kedah State Fisheries Department have implemented a laktut cultivation project using an in-land culture-based tank system with the fishing community of Kampung Kubang Badak, Langkawi, Malaysia.

The project which started in June 2020 has successfully mentored a total of six residents from the local community. They have been given exposure to ways to preserve and maintain breeding of the algae. Indirectly, the project becomes a new source of income for the fishing community especially families whose income were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, through the guidance of the researchers, the local community has successfully obtained a cultivation site development grant through the National Food Security Policy programme worth RM50,000.00 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries Malaysia.

Rector of UiTM Perlis Branch, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Shukor Sanim bin Mohd Fauzi, during a recent visit to the project site said he was proud of the success of the project, especially with the commitment from researchers and the local community. He also hoped that this project will be sustained, especially in driving Malaysia towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) namely, SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 14: Life Under Water.