Tag: UiTM

Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) Japan, together with School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia, have been awarded the Sakura Science Exchange Program in 2019 in Science and Technology. The grant is funded under the Japan Science and Technology (JST) Agency, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Japan. 10 students from UiTM Malaysia were scheduled to attend the program in Japan in March 2020, but it has been postponed and subsequently cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently replaced with a hybrid online training program, International Training – Introduction to Embedded Programming (EIP). The program is a collaboration between four countries namely Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

The program was conducted from February 28 to March 5, 2022, supported by Innovation Lab UiTM. The aim of the program is to exchange ideas in the field of science and technology in addition to 1) Strengthen good relations between Japan and other countries and regions, 2) Encourage the globalization of Japanese educational and research institutes and 3) Support the development of talented students abroad who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science and technology; and support the continued interaction between Japan and other countries and regions.

The EIP was participated by 86 students in total from SIT Japan, UiTM Malaysia, I-Shou University (ISU) Taiwan, and Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Indonesia.

The 6-days online short course programme is carried out via Zoom and the main goal is to develop students’ interest in learning embedded programming and encourage the creativity in designing a control system. The programme is divided into 14 sessions and hosted by excellence professors from SIT Japan. Introduction session is managed by Prof. Takumi Misyoshi and Prof. Manabu Ichikawa. During this session, students are elucidated to Basics of C language language such as variables, branch, loops and functions.

On the third day, the programme becoming more interesting since the students are introduced to Arduino and Autodesk Tinkercad, demonstrated by the instructor, Prof. Akihiko Hanafusa. Students are required to learn input and output of electric circuit by using Arduino microcontroller board. After that, all students are divided into 15 small groups and students need to discuss and develop a simple project using provided Arduino kit. The group is diversified between students from SIT, UiTM, ISU and ITS to encourage students’ communication with participants from other country. Each project is presented online through Zoom platform and were given marks with voting score from all students and facilitators. As a result, group B obtained the highest mark and announced as a winner with a project title, Smart Curtain Opener.

In overall, International Training – Introduction to Embedded Programming (EIP) programme helps the students to get better exposure into embedded programming system and its applications. It is a good significant starting point to promote students’ interest to embedded programming and mechatronic. Therefore, a similar programme should be continued in the future for more students to gain benefits from this collaboration. It is also encouraging exploration and strengthen educational activities between researchers and further establish cooperation between Japan and Malaysia.

Although the prime role of lecturers is to teach, educate and cultivate the potential in their students, in certain situations, they are also expected to help students with mental health issues. The student population can be facing mental issues because they are stressed out by a number of factors which include intense studying, continuous assessments and being away from the comfort of family.

To improve the prevention and intervention in instances involving mental health issues, the role of lecturers is indispensable. To what extent will lecturers react to these issues? Are they equipped with the knowledge to deal with mental health issues among their students and do they know how and where to get help for the students?

In view of these issues, the Faculty of Law of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTMLaw) in collaboration with UiTM Health Centre and UiTM Career and Counselling Centre organised a webinar on 20 May 2022 with the principal objective of creating awareness among the lecturers on their subsidiary role to deal with mental health issues among students.

It is submitted that in the absence of appropriate knowledge, the effort to assist the student may lead to a fruitless outcome. The keynote speaker was Dr Zaiton Nasir, the Director of UiTM Health Centre. The panellists comprise Dr Norhazlina Hashim, Medical Officer, UiTM Health Centre, Ms Wan Nurhashima Wan Sahid, Psychology Officer, UiTM Career and Counselling Centre and Dr Nor Jannah Nasution Raduan, Psychiatrist, UiTM Hospital. The webinar was moderated by Dr Diyana Sulaiman, UiTMLaw Lecturer.

The keynote speaker explained the common types of mental health conditions suffered by students namely depression, anxiety, panic attack, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress and sleep disorders. She also added that UiTM has established an integrated approach to ensure an effective mechanism to address this issue involving relevant stakeholders including UiTM Health Centre, UiTM Career and Career Centre, Islamic Affairs Division and Psychiatry Department. Additionally, UiTM has set up Healthy Mind Clinic under Health Centre in 2019 with the objective of providing easy access to treatment, reducing stigma and increasing life quality.

According to her, a comprehensive Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) has been developed highlighting proper process flow to be observed when facing mental health issues among students. The said SOP emphasises compliance with ethical requirements to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the party involved. The first panellist talked about some tips for the educators in creating trusting relationships that centres upon care for the students and guided by a sense of belonging. It is important for the lecturers to equip themselves with the right knowledge regarding mental health issues. As best as possible, lecturers are encouraged in improving their communication skills that is essential in developing trust among students and conduct their actions without being judgemental. The lecturers are anticipated to have knowledge about the existing facilities which can be reached to help the students such as counselling services whether internally or externally and try to reduce the barriers to getting access to existing mental health facilities.

The second panellist provided her insight from the counsellors’ perspective. According to her, currently, the number of UiTM certified counsellors nationwide is 74. In helping the students, the lecturers may opt either to offer personal advice or guidance. Alternatively, if they are not able to do so, they may advise the students to get professional help through registration via the Counselling2U platform or directly call the respective counsellor in charge of the faculty. One of the important points highlighted by the last panellist is that the lecturers themselves must take care of their mental health before they can effectively offer a helping hand to the students.

It is hoped that this webinar will shed some light on the important role of the lecturers to detect the early signs of mental health among students and guide them on the right way in handling their situations.

In March 2020, to curb the spread of the Covid-19 infection in Malaysia, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, had imposed the Movement Control Order (MCO) which led to the closure of all pre-schools, public and private schools, as well as university institutions nationwide. Online and distance learning (ODL) replaced physical classes in the education system until 2021, and both students and educators were required to remain at home while classes were conducted virtually. Despite the drawbacks of ODL implementation, however, the challenge has successfully led to other achievements.

Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Utiliti Negeri (JPUN) Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang (UCPh) initiated an energy conservation management project during this period. While the students and staff were away from campus, the campus buildings and colleges were not fully operational. This was a great opportunity for PPII to analyze opportunities to enhance the campus’s energy conservation. By referring to the Dasar dan Garis Panduan Pengurusan Tenaga (the Energy Management Guide and Policy document) UCPh, JPUN had successfully accomplished the aim to improve the efficiency and conservation of energy, water, and fuel. UCPh also managed to comply with the Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008 and Akta Bekalan Elektrik 1990.

In January, February and March 2020, when students and staff were still in campus, UCPh had spent RM278,922.03 (639,773.00 kWH), RM224,603.80 (488,079.00 kWH) and RM267,151.41 (583,044.00 kWH) respectively on electric consumption. However, beginning April 2020 when the first MCO was enforced, the bills reduced significantly until December 2020. UCPh had spent RM115,308.45 (289,764.00 kWH) in April 2020, RM120,658.61 (282,219.00 kWH) in May 2020, RM138,714.50 (317,305.00 kWH) in June 2020, RM151,885.91 (373,053.00 kWH) in July 2020, RM159,347.17 (377,390.00 kWH) in August 2020, 174,661.65 (418,066.00 kWH) in September 2020, RM183,710.97 (441,604.00 kWH) in October 2020, RM176,281.93 (418,598.00 kWH) in November 2020, and RM168304.70 (403330.00 kWH) in December 2020. UCPh had effectively reduced energy consumption by 44.49% and saved RM1,730,880.12 in electricity bills in 2020. This was acknowledged as a major achievement of the efforts made by UCPh, Pejabat Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Infostruktur (PPII) (the Office of Infrastructure Management and Infostructure), and the UCPh staff.

JPUN is now actively raising the awareness of energy consumption among the UCPh staff. Behavior adjustments are recognized to have the highest potential to drive utility savings and is very simple to perform. For instance, turning off lights or appliances when they are not needed, and minimizing the use of air conditioning at the office, can contribute not only to energy conservation, but help save the Earth. With the cooperation from PPII, traditional incandescent light bulbs are replaced with light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), which utilize from 25 to 80 percent less electricity and last 3 to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Even tough LEDs are more expensive, its higher efficiency and longer lifetime cost less in the long run. Although there are many other methods to conserve energy, from simple behavioral adjustments to extensive office improvements, these two actions to conserve energy in UCPh had successfully lowered the cost of utility bills and, at the same time, help protect the environment.

This initiative reflects UCPh’s initiative to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 and ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. To expand on energy access, it is crucial to enhance energy efficiency and invest in renewable energy. From 2021 until now, UCPh has begun to replace the main building’s energy consumption from traditional electricity to solar energy. This project also aligns with SDG 11 with the aim to renew and plan UCPh and other quarters in a way that offers opportunities for all with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and green public spaces, while reducing resource use and environmental impact.

The Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor (UCS) Kampus Puncak Alam (KPA), coordinated the International Sustainability Invention, Innovation and Design Showcase (ISIIDS) 2022 with collaboration from Creative Media & Technology Hub UiTM (CMT) UiTM, International University College (PICOMS), Nilai Polytechnic and Faculty of Business, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, Indonesia. It was established in response to the call of the global vision which encourages transformation in the world of research and innovation.

With the theme “Pathways to Sustainability Innovation”, it provides opportunities and space for inventors and industries to showcase their creative innovations as well as to highlight the use and application of inventions in a sustainable environment. Targeted at researchers from institutions of higher learning and industry, as well as potential researchers, namely secondary and primary school students, from both the public and private sectors, it had attracted 169 participations, including international participants from Thailand and Indonesia. To assist and encourage the culture of innovation and invention among the participants, several activities such as innovation and invention competitions through video presentations and webinars from the industry experts were organized.

Prior to the ISIIDS 2022 Awarding Ceremony, a one-day coaching and mentoring workshop titled ‘The Coaching and Mentoring Workshop: from Ideation to Commercialization’ was held on the 9th of February 2022 to guide and advise participants in preparing their innovation and invention products for the competition. Several prominent speakers from the industries, academicians, and university students with vast experience and had won numerous awards internationally, were invited to share their experiences with the participants during the workshop.

The inauguration and award ceremony of ISIIDS was virtually held on 22nd March 2022 and officiated by Professor Ts. Dr. Asmah Awal, Deputy Rector (Research & Innovation), Universiti Cawangan Selangor (UCS), and attended by the program advisor Professor Dr. Noryati Ahmad (Dean of the Faculty Business and Management), program collaborators and the participants. The ISIIDS 2022 Awarding Ceremony reached more than 1000 views and it can be viewed via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srgaf4-Hhzw. It offered Gold, Silver, Bronze, best poster, video, and extended abstract awards to be won by professionals, university students, and school students. In addition, specials awards, namely ‘Al-Khawarizmi,’ were also given to each category.

May the success of ISIIDS 2022 inspire other faculties and UiTM campuses to create similar or other fruitful events in the near future focusing on the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (17 SDG Goals).

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.