Tag: Malaysia

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.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses occupy the highest rank in the hierarchy of evidence in evidence-based medicine and practice. This understanding is crucial for clinicians and health researchers who wish to practice evidence-based medicine, conduct high quality research, or make use of (interpret) existing studies. However, not many academics and researchers are adequately exposed to systematic reviews, despite their importance and the feasibility to conduct this type of study without the need for huge financial resources.

On 29 June 2022, the Faculty of Medicine of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) organized a talk titled “Systematic Review: What’s New?” as part of its effort to promote high quality research among its staff and students. The event was organized by the Biostatistics Consultancy Service (BCS) team in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Medicine and the office of Deputy Dean (Research & Innovation). The talk aimed to: (i) expose new researchers (beginners) to systematic reviews in order to cultivate interest in, and familiarize them with, this study design; (ii) inform the audience (researchers and academics) of the latest developments about systematic reviews and how to address emerging/new challenges, and (iii) further polish the skills of researchers with experience in systematic reviews.

UiTM was privileged to have Professor Dr. Philip Baker as the speaker, who is a Professor of Epidemiology and currently teaches at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia. Dr. Baker completed a BSc from the University of Toronto and a PhD from QUT. His areas of expertise span across evidence-based practice and clinical epidemiology, systematic reviews, knowledge translation in public health decision-making, and public health epidemiological services that include health surveillance of communicable and chronic diseases. Dr. Baker also collaborates with the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a Member of Cochrane Collaboration, and was nominated as American College of Epidemiology Fellow.

In the opening ceremony officiated by the Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Associate Professor Dr Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah, she highlighted that the talk was an opportunity for international engagement to enhance research and academic collaborations with external academic institutions. More specifically, this would pave the way for more meaningful academic endeavors such as exchange of students and lecturers, cross-country research work and data sharing, and incorporation of diverse and global perspectives.

Approximately 100 participants from various local universities (such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Malaysia), private medical institutions and members of the public participated in the event. It is hoped that the talk has promoted a greater understanding about systematic reviews and inspired more students, academics and researchers to employ this study design in their work.

Prepared by Dr Chen Xin Wee, Department of Public Health Medicine

On 7th June 2022, the Research and Industrial Linkages Division, Faculty of Applied Science and Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology of Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang Branch held a working visit to the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary (MBRS), Ayer Keroh, Melaka. This visit was a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between UiTM and MBRS on 23rd September 2021 which complied with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships of the Goals).

During the visit, a discussion between the two parties was conducted, where UiTM was represented by Dr. Nurrohana binti Ahmad as the ICAN Coordinator, Dr. Noor Izyan Mohamad Adnan as the Coordinator of Innovation and Commercialization, Dr. Shaari bin Daud as the Head of School of Science, Faculty of Applied Science, Puan Roziana binti Bujang as the Director of the MoU Program between UiTM and MBRS, Ts. Fazidah binti Rosli as the Head of School, Faculty of Plantation & Agrotechnology, and Puan Wan Siti Atikah binti Wan Omar as the Science (Hons) Program Coordinator of Bachelor of Biodiversity Management (AS255). Meanwhile, representatives from MBRS were the MBRS Managing Director, Mr. Gerard Wong, the MBRS Manager, Mrs. Qurratu Ain binti Rohaminordin, the MBRS Marketing Executive Officer, Mrs. Juwairiyah binti Hashim, the MBRS Finance and Development Manager, Ms. Elaine Leong, the Head of the Butterfly Laboratory and Insects, Ms. Elysia Yeo Ee Chiew, and the Head of the Lizard Reptiles Division, Ms. Michelle Yee Zi Yen.

The objective of this visit and discussion was to strengthen the cooperative relationship between UiTM and MBRS, thus reflecting what was agreed during the MoU signing. Among the matters discussed during the working visit were the placement of industrial training students from the Faculty of Applied Science and the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology as well as an academic visit that was expected to be held this year. Also, UiTM was suggested by MBRS to hold a celebration of World Insect Day in June every year to inculcate public awareness on the importance of preserving the diversity of insects. MBRS also announced that a 30% discount on the entrance fee to MBRS will be given to all UiTM students throughout Malaysia where students only needed to show their student cards at the entrance. Overall, the working visit went smoothly, and it is hoped that all plans would be able to be carried out successfully.