By: PROFFESOR. DATO’ DR. ISHAK ISMAIL, PROFESSOR DATO’ DR. HASNAH HARON  
      AND DR. IRENE TING FROM FIM GOVERNANCE AND INTEGRITY CENTRE

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) one of the local technical universities has many success stories to tell. First, it can proudly claim itself to be the finest of all the technical universities, as it is the only one that was bestowed the 5-Star Rating by QS. Technically it claimed itself to be of equivalent of standard to research universities as it was the only one to receive the same as that of the research universities. This honor reflects the quality of teaching, research, publication and community services that it has undertaken that be leader of its pack. Not forgetting UMP has also undertaken many continuous improvement and innovation to its curriculum to meet future challenges which reflects UMP as a state of the art technical university.

In calculating a high education standard to produce a high quality and skill graduates (which part of the Ministry of Education, Malaysia’s Objective), UMP has moved from the conventional point of reference to sought new experience from established Institute of Higher Learning in Germany. This is further assist by a refine Strategic Plan that is value based, strategy focused and result driven. But the above is not enough for UMP. Apart from producing capable and competent graduates, it saw the need to instill good values among its stakeholders. To accomplish this objective, its Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM) through the financial assistance from Yayasan Pahang has established the formation of the Governance and Integrity Centre (FGIC). 

FGIC was establish with the preamble of and the belief of doing business ethically. Henceforth, it is necessary to have a culture that promotes and sustain ethical deposition and behavior among its stakeholders (staff, students and administrators) not only in good times but also when business survival is severely tested during times of crisis. This jives well with the aspiration of the new government in the pursuit of building a New Malaysia. The 1MDB scandal was really a test to all Malaysians and it is this defining moments that organizations will have to confront conflicts and decide on the strength of its belief. 

It is on the basis of this belief that UMP feels strongly as academic institution that it should make its presence felt in issues that is critically important to the nation. So FGIC was established with the intention of cascading good values to the stakeholders through research, publication, seminars and training. To further exert its role in the region and in the country at large, FGIC has establish links with the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance (FGIC) and more recently on the 6th of August it has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (MII). One of the by-product of these initiatives is the development of the Anti-Bribery Management that was recognized by the Prime Minister’s Department and gained enormous publicity through the main stream media.

Although the 5-Star Ranking through QS, MyRA, MyMohes and SETARA, the Financial Accountability Management-Index from the Audit Department of Malaysia gives a competitive edge to its branding, UMP feels strongly that the governance and integrity agenda is also a priority. Producing highly competitive and competent graduates is a must but UMP would fail if they become dishonest entrepreneurs and employees. 

Therefore, educating them with good virtues and values is a must so that they would not act dishonestly or being accountable in their undertakings in exchange for material and self-comfort of which is detrimental to the nation.
 

Collaboration

Agreements Exchanged between UMP and Mercedes-Benz (M) Sdn. Bhd.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Mercedes-Benz (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. on October 12, 2018 at Banquet Hall, UMP Gambang Campus.

The MoU outlined collaborations in industrial networking, research, academic development, technical support and human resources development through industrial funding for dual degree programme. 

It would also pave the way for the establishment of smart partnerships in corporate social responsibility programme and training. 

UMP was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Ts. Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Community Network), Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail while Mercedes-Benz (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. by its Deputy Vice-President, Patrick Baur and General Manager, Human Resource, Norlida Shariff. 

Also present at the event was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Mohd Yusoff, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin and General Manager, Engineering & Planning, Gerhard Monorfalvi.

According to Professor Dato’ Sri Ts. Dr. Daing Nasir, strategic partnership between the two organizations has been established with the first MoU in 2013. 

The success of the German Engineering Programme that implemented the Fachhochschulei Model through a collaborative programme with the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in 2010 and Reutlingen University in 2014 is a prove that this relationship has been so fruitful to both organizations. 

“We are very pleased to know that Mercedes-Benz (M) agrees to fund for Industrial Human Capital Development Scholarship to those eligible student who are currently pursuing their studies in dual degree programme in UMP,” he elaborates further. 

He hopes for more opportunity can be explore with Mercedes-Benz (M) and other Germany organizations in this country in the context of academic globalization. 

Campus Info 

‘Gerobok Rezeki #BPACare’ Project launched

Concerned with the issue of the students, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) launched a project called ‘Gerobok Rezeki #BPACare’ in conjunction with the Academic Management Division Open Day 2018 (HTBPA) at UMP Gambang Campus on October 3, 2018.

The ‘Gerobok Rezeki #BPACare’ was launched by UMP Chief Operating Officer, Abd. Hamid Majid. Also present were the Manager of Academic Management Division, Zainuddin Mat Husin, the Senior Manager of Gambang Campus Administration, Haji Wan Abdul Rashid Wan Abdul Rahman and the General Manager of Finance & Investment, Azlizal Abu Bakar

According to Hamid, the management of UMP welcomes all sorts of feedback from the students in order to elevate the level of services provided in line with the 5 Star recognition by QS Ranking obtained by this university. 

“Hopefully, this initiative will be helpful to the students especially those who are in need.
“It can help cultivate good moral values and the habit of helping one another among UMPians to ensure the stock for the project is always adequate and replenished. 

“Among the essentials available at the ‘Gerobok Rezeki’ are foodstuff, stationery, and personal care items,” he explains.

The ‘Gerobok Rezeki #BPACare’, inspired from the ‘Gerobok Humanity’ project, has the objective of being a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme targeting UMP students with financial difficulties. 

Through this project, one shelf was assigned to each BPA offices in Gambang and Pekan to enable the students to obtain anything on that shelf that they needed for free. 
This project also in support of the UMP MyGift initiatives to help the students and local community.

BPA also welcomes all UMPians who would like to contribute towards this project. The contribution can be in the form of cash money or goods and can be delivered to BPA offices in Pekan or Gambang.

a meantime, BPA has organized an open day at its offices. A lot of activities were offered to visitors such as CGPA/CPA Calculation Clinic, Direct Entry and Academic briefing, Convocation Robe tryout, Quizzes, Lucky Draw, Mini Games and Photo Booth. 

In addition, the Bursary, the ICT Centre, and the International Office also opening their counters to assist the students who are having problems or enquiries.