Robot Explorer Challenge Sparks STEM

Malaysia, August 2025 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), in collaboration with the IEEE Photonics Society Malaysia Chapter, has introduced the “STEM Robotic: My Robot Explorer Challenge” to ignite students’ passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Targeted at Year 4 and Year 5 students, the initiative combines theory and hands-on robot building to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and technological awareness. The program includes a Training of Trainers workshop (8 August 2025) for facilitators and a Robotics Challenge Day (21 August 2025) at SK Salak, featuring interactive sessions, robot development, and competitions.

Led by UiTM academics with support from IEEE Photonics Society, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to community engagement and sustainable STEM education. Students will be recognized with certificates, prizes, and robotic kits, fostering long-term interest in robotics and innovation.

UiTM x SKBA: KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PROGRAM

Ten students, accompanied by five teachers from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Anggerik, Section 6, Shah Alam, participated in the Knowledge Transfer Program: Preparation of Organic Insect Repellent Spray (SOPES) at UiTM Shah Alam. This program was jointly organized by the School of Chemistry and Environment (PPKP) and the Research, Industry Networking and Alumni Office (PJIA) of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM Shah Alam. The participants of the program were given information, guidance and hands-on sessions with lecturers from the School of Chemistry and Environment, consisting of Dr. Sharil Fadli Mohamad Zamri, Dr. Sabrina M Yahya, Dr. Shadatul Hanom Rashid and Puan Norjanah Yuri. This one-day program exposed students and teachers to the introduction and effects of the use of pesticides on the environment and health. Insecticides are widely used in agriculture to control, prevent and destroy pests affecting agricultural production. However, excessive and uncontrolled use can cause various negative effects such as food poisoning in humans, complications to the skin, nerves and human body systems, pollution of clean water and air sources and harm to the environment. Innovations in reducing the risk of pesticide use have begun to receive everyone’s attention. One of them is the preparation of organic insect repellent sprays (SOPES), which have been produced by researchers at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM Shah Alam. SOPES was developed to provide effective protection to plants and homes without harming beneficial insects and is environmentally friendly and reduces the use of chemicals. The highlight of this program was a hands-on session in preparing organic sprays from natural ingredients as an alternative to insecticides. The students were taken to the Chemistry laboratory at the Faculty of Applied Sciences and taught to prepare the organic spray. The excitement of the students in the laboratory in trying to produce organic insect repellent spray products, can be seen. It is hoped that the experience and knowledge gained from this program can be practiced by students at school and in their daily lives and disseminated for the benefit of all in general.

Cultivating Sustainability: UiTM researchers empower elementary students in green innovation

Researchers from the School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering at UiTM Shah Alam have actively engaged with the community, since 2022, by implementing a knowledge transfer project that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Designed to bring academic expertise into real-world application, the project aims to foster sustainable practices within local communities, starting with a primary school, SK Bukit Kemuning 2.

Supported by a RM20,000.00 UiTM Lestari grant, the project introduces teachers and students to environmentally-friendly techniques for creating organic plant fertilizer. Using mechanized composting methods and effective microbes derived from canteen food waste, the school community has been empowered to produce its own fertilizers, promoting waste reduction and sustainable agriculture at the school environment.

The project has been implemented in phases, allowing for thorough community engagement and skill-building. Evidence of its success can be seen in the active participation of both teachers and students, who are now equipped with practical knowledge to address agricultural and food waste management challenges. Demonstrating the project’s impact, SK Bukit Kemuning 2 has showcased their accomplishments by entering agricultural innovation competitions, securing a bronze award at the Selangor
state level.

Through this initiative, the The School of Civil Engineering at UiTM Shah Alam exemplifies how universities can extend their skills and knowledge to promote sustainable community practices, guaranteeing a positive and enduring impact on society.

UiTM and Toyama University unite for global impact: Advancing SDG-based learning through international online program for elementary schools

The Malaysian Education Philosophy envisions education as a means of fostering students’ holistic development. The introduction of SDG-based learning in education was formulated as a result of this goal. UNESCO introduced SDG-based learning at the school level to empower the children, and they can participate to find solutions based on their point of view and cognitive level. It is known as education for sustainable development (ESD). Some schools have benefited from increased awareness
and have seized the chance to foster creativity and environmental responsibility in their students. Nonetheless, some schools continue to struggle with its comprehension and application. The online exchange program has created a new space for comprehending and raising awareness of the SDGs
among the students and teachers.

To increase the understanding of SDGs and its importance, collaborative learning is considered to provide effective knowledge transfer. An international online exchange program involving collaborative learning with an ESD approach has been implemented between Japan and Malaysia since 2021. Due to the positive feedback from both parties, the program has continued until now. The program received good feedback from the teachers and students involved. In this program, the students from both countries shared their activities. The students exchange the information and questions to inquire more knowledge. The program is facilitated by Faculty of Education , University of Toyama and School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, UiTM Malaysia.

The impact of this program led to the schools participating in sustainability programs, which promote environmental management and education, science, and design technology. The program helps
schools implement green practices and educate students about sustainability. Programs like this encourage students to involve with innovation development. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their work by participating in various competitions at the school, state, national, and international levels. The students feel happy because they can share their activities and achievement
with their partner schools in Japan.

The school takes the opportunity with SDG-based learning to provide space for students to engage in various activities that can foster their awareness and improve their thinking skills. They also have the opportunity to showcase their talents in designing and share their innovations with others.

The school’s teacher used SDG as a theme in teaching and learning activities, Activities such as growing the fish in support of SDGs 1 and 2 teach the students about the importance of generating
income from their own efforts and the importance of getting nutritious food every day. In addition, these SDG-related activities have made the school a sustainable space by creating a comfortable ambient for them to learn every day. Students also take care of the school environment and make it a shared responsibility. Indirect education through SDG-based education has improved soft skills among
students.

The exciting thing achieved through this program for teachers is the improvement of professionalism of teachers and their understanding of the SDGs. With the opportunity to communicate with teachers from Toyama, Japan, the teachers involved in Malaysia have been able to develop their knowledge and skills in the field of global education and the SDGs. This gives them a new perspective and is a useful tool for teaching. The exchange of shared experiences and indirect learning of different teaching methods from their counterparts in Japan has enriched their teaching practices. The teachers involved have opened up the scope of their thinking of SDG with collaboration with the teachers in Japan in practicing ESD among students. This opportunity is to form an international with counterparts that can lead to future collaboration opportunities and a more constructive exchange of ideas.

It can be concluded that, international exchange programmes through collaborative learning on the SDGs not only enhance knowledge and skills but also build better relationships globally. More important is the students understand and aware about SDGs and can participate to take action for the solutions.

UiTM and UNJ foster global connections through International Volunteerism program

In a remarkable display of cross-border collaboration, student leaders from Faculty of Applied Sciences (FSG), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) participated in the International Volunteerism Programs held at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ). The event, organized by UNJ and supported by UiTM\’s FSG along with various other faculties, took place from September 18 to 21, 2023. The event was also graced by the presence of deans and representatives from the Faculty of Education, College of Built Environment, Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, and Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies. Their participation demonstrated the value of cross-border cooperation and UiTM\’s dedication to supporting students\’ holistic development.

This four-day program focused on inspiring students, fostering leadership, and promoting mental health awareness among participants. The main objective of the event was to establish a platform for students from different cultural and academic backgrounds to convene and exchange ideas, participate in significant dialogues, and inspire one another. By addressing topics such as mental health and leadership, the program sought to provide students the skills they needed to meet the demands of modern education and society.

Throughout the program, students engaged in various activities, including Leadership Talk, Cultural Exchange Event and Social Activities. The significance of this event lies in its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 4: Quality Education. By addressing mental health and leadership, the program contributes to improving the well-being of students and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

In conclusion, the International Volunteerism Programs at Universitas Negeri Jakarta provided an invaluable experience for the students of UiTM as well as contributed to the broader goal of sustainable development. As these young leaders return to their home institutions, they bring with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

UiTM Perak partners with Urbanice Malaysia to launch dockless e-scooters for a low-carbon campus initiative

The Green Campus Committee of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch with strategic partner Urbanice Malaysia has recently launched the dockless e-scooter via Micro@Mobility program towards low carbon campus initiatives. UiTM Perak Branch is the first UiTM campus that has initiated and launched the utilization of e-scooter, where this program is part of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UiTM Perak and Urbanice Malaysia. The program is also in collaboration with strategic partners of Perak Tengah District Council, Malaysian Green Technology Society, Beam Scooter Malaysia, Green Safe Cities (Gresafe), Sustainable Campus Club, HEP UiTM Perak Branch, and UiTM Green Centre (UGC). The initiative helps to accelerate the concept of “Green Lifestyles”, “Green Transportation” and “Low Carbon Initiatives” by reducing the number of utilized vehicles, thus reducing carbon emissions and environmental pollution. This project also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The program was launched by the Rector of UiTM Perak Branch, Associate Professor Dr. Nur Hisham Ibrahim, together with the head of the Green Campus Committee, Associate Professor Sr Dr. Nur Azfahani Ahmad, the project director, Gs. Norhazlan Haron and all strategic partners’ representatives. According to Associate Professor Sr Dr. Nur Azfahani, 100 e-scooters are provided to 13 stations in the UiTM Perak campus, and plan to increase the number of e-scooters in the future. The users can use it with a scanned QR code via the BEAM application, and the app can be downloaded via the Apple store (for IOS users) or Google Play Store (for Android users). UiTM Perak hopes that this project shall spark the movement of low-carbon neighbourhoods and foster green, healthy, and quality lifestyles among campus users.

An eye-opening summer program: linguistic journey at FBM, UiTM

The Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, Puncak Alam Campus, hosted a summer program for 11 non-business students from the National Institute of Technology, Ube College (NITUC), Japan. The main objective of the summer program was for the students to embark on a linguistic journey to acquire English while learning the fundamentals of business. To attend to this, customised business modules were created for this group of students.  Several senior faculty members of FBM participated as facilitators and speakers for this one-month summer program, which ran from August 25th to September 24th of 2022. They shared their business experience, expertise and knowledge with the students.

The NITUC students found this summer program to be eye-opening as it enriched their business knowledge and experience while improving their English skills. The program offers a variety of activities with several buddy sessions and provide opportunities for cultural immersion. In addition to learning about business matters, the program added more colour into the students’ lives as it allowed them to experiment with different learning styles, foster connections with their peers, facilitators, and lecturers from Malaysia as well as discover Malaysian history, cultures and traditions. As students were encouraged to talk, ask questions, and contribute throughout the program, it boosted the students’ English proficiency.

Yamashita Kao, 16, a student from the Department of Chemistry and Materials Technology, said that the program was “a good experience for me because I learned a lot about Malaysian traditions and was able to communicate in English with the buddies and teachers in a fun and easy way.  I look forward to meet everyone again in the future”. Similarly, Sasamoto Keita, 17, a student from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering stated that “the summer program is fun and exciting. I wish to visit Malaysia again”.

Kamimura Tsukino, 18, from the Department of Control and Information Engineering explained the summer program was “exciting since I can communicate in English with my buddies and teachers. They were all very kind”.

Not only did the students give the program great reviews, NITUC’s Sensei, Ms. Siti Aisyah Mokhtar concurred.  She said, “During this program, the students gained so much knowledge and experience that they could not have learned anywhere else.  They enjoyed their time at UiTM and found that after a month, they could communicate more effectively in English. Their improvement has impressed us.”

With the enormous success and accomplishment of this 2022’s summer program, NITUC, Japan eagerly anticipating the Linguistic Journey @ FBM, UiTM 2.0, which is set to begin in September 2023. For both FBM, UiTM and NITUC, Japan, they are committed to making the summer program a yearly event. This summer program is part of FBM’s international mobility drive in supporting UiTM’s aspiration to become a globally renowned university (GRU) in 2025.

For the program’s video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yxT96p1zw.

UiTM, UTAR and ISSES collaborate on energy-efficient improvement on rubber glove drying oven system

The School of Mechanical Engineering from College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (e-MoU) with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and industrial partner, Industry Supply System & Engineering Services Sdn Bhd (ISSES) in a virtual ceremony held on 24th January 2022.

The session began with an opening speech by Ir. Prof. Dr Ewe Hong Tat, President of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). The president congratulated UiTM, UTAR and ISSES for their initiative and commitment towards the success of the e-MoU program and emphasised that the signing sets a significant milestone for closer research collaboration between UiTM, UTAR and ISSES.

The session continued with a speech by Prof. Ts. Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor, Vice-Chancellor UiTM. The Vice-Chancellor of UiTM encouraged more collaborations and hoped that the MoU would be a gateway for more industry and academia joint projects on renewable energy. These include a two-way flow of ideas: results can flow out to industry, and they can also be in-bound to fuel research that benefits all community levels. Bi-directional relationship between the university and industry entities, established to enable the diffusion of creativity, ideas, skills and people to create mutual value over time.

Mr Sam Sir Yong, the managing director of ISSES talked about the importance of industry and academia engagement and commitment in solving industrial problems. He concurs that most academics and industry leaders are like-minded when it comes to collaborations. Smart collaborations benefit the collaborators and, most importantly, the community. These collaborations often come in the form of joint research projects, innovative commercial products, improved teaching and learning, and funding sources for tertiary institutions.

The main expected outcome through this collaboration between UiTM, UTAR and ISSES is to strengthen cooperation, collaboration, academic and scientific thought regarding energy-efficient improvement on rubber glove drying oven systems and move beyond to other areas of sustainability and energy conservation for mutual benefits to both academia and industry. The expected outcome is aligned with the United Nations sustainable development agenda SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)

 

 

UiTMLaw expert joins ASEAN project studying needs in Malaysia’s consumer redress system

Dr Ibtisam @ Ilyana Ilias from the Faculty of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTMLaw), who specialises in consumer protection law, was selected by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) to participate in a regional project, Consumer Protection in ASEAN (PROTECT).

This project strives to strengthen the national consumer protection systems of the ASEAN member states through regional and country-level assistance. Under this project, she was assigned to conduct a desk study on the needs and gaps in the consumer redress system in Malaysia and formulate policy recommendations with reference to selected international best practices.

Her involvement in the project commenced from 15 July 2021 until 15 September 2021.

The study examined seven consumer redress mechanisms established in Malaysia, namely the Small Claims Court, the Tribunal for Consumer Claims, the Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims, the Securities Investment Dispute Resolution Centre, the Ombudsman for Financial Services and the Malaysian Aviation Commission.

The establishment of these alternative dispute resolution (ADR) institutions reflects the government’s commitment to reinforce consumer protection, mainly by providing simple, cheap and flexible redress mechanisms to deal with disputes involving consumers. The study also appraised the role of the different actors, including regulators, ADR bodies, industry players and consumer associations towards elevating the efficiency of these dispute settlement mechanisms.

The study highlighted that Malaysia has developed a laudable consumer redress regime that enables consumers to uphold their legal rights when faced with negative experiences in their dealings with goods and services providers. Several recommendations were formulated to ensure more effective performance and delivery of these dispute settlement mechanisms. The proposals include strengthening collaboration among ADR bodies locally, regionally and internationally to refine their services and adopt best practices.

Furthermore, the study held the view that there is a need to plan continuous quality improvements in terms of organisational capability or capacity building and technology infrastructure. Additionally, leveraging various social media, websites and mass media to increase consumer awareness is also a vital step to raise consumer awareness of the existence and functions of different consumer redress mechanisms. Lastly, Dr Ibtisam @ Ilyana’s involvement in the project presented an avenue for regional exposure and networking.

Art & Design students selected for UiTM’s unicorn scholar program

Two students from the Faculty of Art & Design were chosen as the 30 Finalists for the UiTM Unicorn Scholar Program. Abdul Hafy Shah bin Abd Halim Shah from the Printing Technology Department and Siti Nur Nadia from the Textile Design Department were selected for their unique business interest and innovative products.

Abdul Hafy Shah has a company called AHS Ideas that focuses on robotics classes. It is a start-up company that invented advanced products that can be used in the classroom by utilising robotic and augmented reality technology.

Meanwhile, Siti Nur Nadia runs a retail business that specialises in selling printed scarves. Dinda Apparel, her company, also created an innovative solution for textile printing and digital fashion, by using augmented reality on its website to achieve virtual fitting through online purchase.

UiTM Unicorn Scholar Program (USP) is a premier program organised by UiTM in partnership between Malaysian Academy of SME & Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED), UiTM, Malaysia, the Entrepreneurship Unit, Education Planning & Research Division, Ministry of Higher Education, and UiTM Business Network Alumni (ALUMNI BIZNET).

The program allows UiTM residents, particularly students, to put their entrepreneurial skills to practice in the context of real-world business. The programme also serves as a platform for students to improve their entrepreneurial skills and provide prospects for employment and business opportunities for UiTM students while studying or upon graduation.

Through this flagship programme, students will receive mentoring from successful UiTM entrepreneurial alumni and be exposed to the skills and techniques needed to venture into the field of entrepreneurship.

Smart collaborations between universities and the industry through such programmes are critical in enhancing the entrepreneurial culture and forming a supportive ecosystem that will ensure student business sustainability. This collaboration is one of UiTM’s ongoing efforts to develop holistic graduates, enhance graduate employability, and increase the number of entrepreneurial graduates who choose entrepreneurship as a career option.