UMPSA showcases research innovations and forges collaborations at the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (FOI)

PUTRAJAYA, 29 November 2024 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) participated in the inaugural Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (FOI), held from 27 to 29 November 2024 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

Organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) in collaboration with the Putrajaya Corporation, the two-day festival provided a platform to share ideas, thoughts, research, and innovations with the public.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustapha, who attended the programme, described the festival as a vital initiative.

“This inaugural festival is an important effort by the KPT to promote ideas and higher education.

“It also positions Malaysia as a hub for intellectual discourse and innovation at both regional and global levels.

“The public has the opportunity to experience first-hand the latest innovations and research products produced by researchers, especially from UMPSA,” she said.

Professor Ts. Dr Aida also highlighted the Meet and Greet with International Students in Malaysia (MAGNET) programme as an exciting cross-cultural initiative, exposing the local community to diverse international cultures.

“For this festival, UMPSA’s international students participated by showcasing the vibrant culture of the Yemeni community,” she added.

The festival featured various activities, including the Malaysian Idea Conference (MYIDEAS), a national event bringing together prominent scientists, leaders, and industry figures to address current issues, societal challenges, and industrial solutions. MYIDEAS included programmes such as Titah Diraja, Forum, Bual Bicara, Sidang Selari, Putrajaya Talk, and Temu Anwar.

MYIDEAS CONNECT exhibited 65 innovative products and new technologies from public and private higher education institutions (IPTA/IPTS), highlighting a 3R approach: Ready to Collaborate, Ready to Commercialise, and Ready to Serve the Community.

UMPSA contributed to the exhibition with innovative products developed by its researchers, including ‘E-ANFUN’ by Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Sharfi Najib and ‘CRAWLER’ by Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr Wan Sharuzi Wan Harun.

In addition to the exhibitions, UMPSA strengthened its industry relationships through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Altair and Liuzhou Railway Vocational & Technical College (LRVTC), China.

The MoU Exchange Ceremony, held at the Plenary Hall of the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, was attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, representing Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustapha. 

Joining him were Altair Engineer Manager (ASEAN), Mr Eng Ban Wee, and Director of International Relations and Cooperation Division of LRVTC, Lei Shengyong, who exchanged documents during the ceremony.

The MoU outlines strategic collaboration between UMPSA’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (CAlDaS) and Altair Engineering Sdn. Bhd. in areas such as research and development, artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis, automation, product innovation, technology transfer, as well as training and skills development.

UMPSA also signed an MoU earlier this year under the Malaysia-China Modern Craftmanship Railway programme agenda, further aligning with the university’s aspirations to promote TVET and prepare students to meet industry challenges.

The festival also featured programmes beneficial to visitors, such as civic services provided by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and scholarship opportunities. 

Additionally, the Civil Service Career Carnival offered 2,000 career opportunities through more than 100 participating companies.

The cross-cultural initiative MAGNET connected local and international students, fostering global understanding and collaboration.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)