Academic & International
UMP should seriously look into Artificial Intelligence development as future driver of tertiary education - Chancellor
The Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and the country’s reigning King, His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, has urged the university to place more emphasis on the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one of the future drivers of tertiary education.
In his royal address at the recent UMP’s 14th convocation – held at the Sports Complex of the university’s Gambang Campus on November 16, 2019 – His Majesty also called on the university to move rapidly forward and ensure the success of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, in line with Malaysia’s present aspiration on higher learning.
His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah said he believed these two focus areas will elevate the country to a higher level, and sincerely hoped that UMP will continue to shoulder such national agenda to fruition.
“The close-knit collaborations between UMP and the industrial sectors, both domestically and globally, will certainly strengthen the university’s fundamental role in producing highly capable human capital to meet the country’s employment demand, and even for the international level as well,” he added.
His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah complimented the university’s administrative team on their plan to establish ‘Yayasan UMP’ early next year, as part of the latter’s efforts to pool fund in order to help the less fortunate gain access and opportunities to finance their pursuit of tertiary education.
“This is truly hailed as a noble effort and should garner full support from all parties involved. Notwithstanding, UMP should not depend too much on endowments in its drive for excellence.
“Instead, the university should continue to identify new strategic business partners in its efforts to boost UMP’s capabilities in competing with other universities,” stressed the Chancellor.
Turning his royal address to the graduates, His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah advised them to utilize the knowledge and experience gained at the university for the benefit of the masses.
He also expressed his hopes that the graduates will tirelessly explore other opportunities that will lead them to bigger success in the future.
He stressed that aside from being responsible citizens who can contribute to the prosperity of the nation, the graduates actually shoulder a bigger responsibility in shaping the future direction of the country and its people – they will be the new line-up of leaders.
Speaking of leadership role, His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah congratulated his son, the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, who had just been appointed his deputy and UMP’s Pro-Chancellor, along with Chairman of Heitech Padu Bhd, Tan Sri Abi Musa Asaari Mohamed Nor.
The installation ceremony for Tengku Hassanal as the Pro-Chancellor will be held at a later date as his royal highness is still attending to his studies at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
UMP’s two-day 14th Convocation saw some 3,782 graduates took to the stage to collect their scrolls – of which 2,633 completed their Bachelor’s Degree; 77 for Doctors of Philosophy; 158 for Master’s Degree; and 914 for Diploma under the executive and professional programmes conducted by the Lifelong Learning Centre of UMP Advanced Education.
Academic and International
UMP to drive forward with ‘Social Enterprise Technological University’ concept - VC
Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) looks forward to move ahead with its ‘Social Enterprise Technological University’ concept to ensure long-term self-sustainability, and reduce its financial dependency on the Federal Government’s annual budget provision.
According to UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff, such concept is already embedded in the university’s long-term Strategic Planning, and its imminent implementation will help UMP be more independent in its drive for excellence while competing with other institutions of higher learning.
“Under the ‘Social Enterprise Technological University’ concept, UMP will further boost its strengths in research, entrepreneurial development and high-integrity administration as we prepare for future challenges,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
Speaking at the university’s recent 14th convocation – held at the Sports Complex of the university’s Gambang Campus on November 16-17, 2019 – Professor Ir. Dr .Wan Azhar said UMP will also enhance its capabilities in the areas of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as the university is one of several institutions of higher learning pre-selected by the Ministry of Education to drive such academic field.
In carrying out the Government’s aspiration on TVET, he highlighted that UMP has initiated an organizational transformation programme, including planning and implementation of several initiatives, to create a direct route for graduates with the Malaysian diplomas of vocational and skills to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at the university.
“UMP now ranks as the 7th best university in the country and 271st in the world, for its engineering programmes. It also stands at 741st best in chemistry among universities worldwide,” said Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar proudly.
Quoting the standings cited in the US News & World Report website, he said the engineering programme rankings were based on 13 factors, including global and local research credibility, number of publications and their percentages, as well as international collaboration.
Academic and International
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Abi Musa Asaari proclaimed as UMP
Pro-Chancellor
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Abi Musa Asaari Mohamed Nor was proclaimed as Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Pro-Chancellor during the university’s 14th convocation that was graced by UMP Chancellor, His Royal Highness Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah A-Musta’in Billah.
The ceremony was held at UMP Gambang Campus Sports Complex on November 16, 2019.
He also conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Information Technology to President and Deputy Executive Chairman of HeiTech Padu Berhad, Dato’ Sri Mohd Hilmey Mohd Taib, who is also former UMP Board of Directors’ Chairman.
The award was given in recognition of his stature, contributions and leadership in administration, organisational transformation, technology and innovation, and development especially to the university, influences and inputs contributed over the years.
In his speech, Al-Sultan Abdullah congratulated the graduates and their families who came to celebrate the future success of the graduates.
“Deepest appreciation is also conveyed to all the lecturers and teachers who have been committed to educating the students over the years.
“I also urge the students to make use of the knowledge and experience and to take advantage of every opportunity given to create greater success in the future. Be a citizen who continues to contribute to the development and wellbeing of our beloved country,” he said.
The King also expressed his hopes that serious attention be given on higher education in the country that was based on Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET) and on the development of strategic areas including the Artificial Intelligence (AI) field that could elevate the country onto the next higher level.
Top university awards were also given to outstanding students during the convocation.
For the Royal Academic Award (Excellent Medal), the recipient was Azriel Tan Zhe Khen, a graduate in Bachelor of Computer Science (Graphics & Multimedia Technology) with Honours and Umi Fatiha Md Kosnin@Md Seropil, a graduate in Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Honours) Material Technology.
The Chancellor Award recipient was Khairun Nisa Mazlan, a graduate in Bachelor of Project Management with Hons.
Lai Chor Kiew, who graduated in Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Systems & Networking) with Honours received the Vice-Chancellor Award.
The University Gold Award was presented to Janet Jong Jin Joo, a graduate of B.Eng. (Hons.) Chemical Engineering and Khaizuran Aqhar Ubaidillah, a graduate of Diploma in Computer Science.
The King also conferred a Posthumous Award to Roslan Jodin, father to the late Mohd. Hakim Roslan, a graduate of Bachelor in Engineering Technology (Electrical) with Honours who died because of colon cancer on June 25.
The award was given in the Chambers of the UMP Sports Complex Hall.
For the first time, 35 people would graduate from the Competency Based Talent Management Professional (CBTM) Diploma programme comprising personnel who were directly involved with the talent leadership management and development initiative at the Ministry of Education.
It was a programme resulted from a collaboration between UMP Advanced Education (UMPA) and the ministry’s Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT).
A total of 3,782 graduates received their scrolls during the convocation comprising 2,106 holders of bachelor degree, dual degree and franchise programmes, 77 doctorate degree holders, 158 masters’ degree holders, 527 diploma holders and 914 graduates from executive and professional study programmes – under the UMP Advanced Education who graduated on November 16 and 17, 2019.
Also present at the ceremony were UMP Board of Directors’ Chairman Dato’ Sri Ibrahim Ahmad and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff.
Academic and International
Father receives posthumous award on behalf of son
Translation by: DR. ROZAIMI ABU SAMAH, FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Roslan Jodin, 56, the father of Mohamad Hakim Roslan never expected to receive a posthumous degree award of Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) with Honours on behalf of his son during the first session of the UMP’s 14th Convocation Ceremony in a room at the UMP Sports Complex Gambang Campus on 16 November 2019.
To make it even more memorable, the award was bestowed by His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, the Chancellor of UMP.
Also in attendance were the Pro-Chancellor of UMP, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Abi Musa Asaari Mohamed Nor, the Chairman of UMP’s Board of Directors, Dato’ Sri Ibrahim Ahmad and the Vice-Chancellor of UMP, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff.
The late Mohamad Hakim was the eldest in the family and passed away on 25 June 2019 during his final year due to colon cancer since 2017.
According to Roslan Jodin, his son missed most of his classes during treatment.
“However, we are amazed at the supports given by his friends and lecturers. We still remember his friends gathered to teach him at the transit house on campus with our family,” he said, who was accompanied by his wife, Siti Zanariah Mohd. Ripin, 46 and his three children.
The fighting spirit of the late Mohamad Hakim was also shared by his lecturer, Dr. Abdul Nasir Abd. Ghafar from the Faculty of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology.
Dr. Abdul Nasir said that the spirit of the late Mohamad Hakim should be emulated by other students.
“As a lecturer and the advisor of the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2018 electrical car competition, he was approached by the late Mohamad Hakim who was interested in joining the team.
“He volunteered to do fabrication tasks and told about his experience in boat repairing with his father, a skill that no other team members had.
“However, about two weeks after the first team meeting, I received a phone message from him to withdraw from the team due to health issue and was unable to go to the workshop to finish the tasks with his team members,” said Dr. Abdul Nasir.
Also, a fellow lecturer said the late Mohamad Hakim was unable to attend his final year project presentation because he was hospitalised.
At the same time, he handled the electrical and electronic tasks.
The late Mohamad Hakim answered the questions from the panel online from the hospital.
Several lecturers verified that he managed to complete all his coursework and only had problems in terms of class attendance due to his treatment in the hospital.
In the meantime, his mother told that the passing of her son is a great loss to the family, but they accept the fate and hope the award will inspire the other children.
“We are grateful to UMP for inviting us to the 14th Convocation Ceremony,” she said.
Collaboration
MARii, UMP ink MoU to expand technology expertise through new academic programmes
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) on November 18, 2019 at Kuala Lumpur.
The MoU outlined collaborations in research, academic and student exchange programmes and dual degree programmes, and would also pave the way for the establishment of smart partnerships in knowledge sharing between the two parties.
Today’s MoU signing will be a breakthrough for UMP and MARii to introduce a Dual Degree Master of Automotive Engineering Programme at MARii Academy of Technology in Rawang.
This Master’s degree programme offers courses on topics like electrification of drivetrains, artificial intelligence (AI) processes in automation, battery system for modern drives, BUS Systems and diagnosis protocol and many other areas related to automotive engineering.
The students will be taught by experienced professors from HsKA and UMP. They will also get the opportunity to conduct their final projects under supervision of German professors in Malaysia or Germany.
UMP was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff while MARii by its Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Madani Sahari.
Also present at the event were Chairman of UMP Board of Directors, Dato’ Sri Ibrahim Ahmad and Professor Dr.-Ing. Maurice Kettner from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences Germany.
“The continuous advancement of technology has given birth to new trends that will change the way we approach manufacturing.
“New areas in the automotive industry such as next-generation vehicles (NxGV), Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Industry 4.0, requires new skills, knowledge and familiarisation of expertise in order to smoothen the transition towards realising future mobility,” Dato’ Madani explained.
He also said that, this dual master’s degree programme will pave the way for our students and future workforce to enhance their knowledge and experience in the automotive industry, especially in the areas of new mobility such as AI, automation and electrification of drivetrains.
Meanwhile, Professor Ir. Dr Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff said, for ten years, UMP has built good partnership with Germany’s higher education institutions through academic and research collaboration, students and academics mobility, conferences, and many more.
"We are not far away from achieving our target to emulate Germany’s Hochschule education system. UMP has been collaborating with Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HsKA), offering dual degree programme for automotive engineering since 2012," he said.
To date, UMP has produced 57 automotive engineering dual degree graduates, many of them working with German multinational companies, while others are undergoing their master’s degree with full scholarships from German institutions.
Collaborations with HsKA have also enabled UMP students to find opportunities to go to Germany for student mobility, projects and internship as well.
With this MoU, UMP and MARii hope to increase opportunities to contribute and collaborate with each other in the field of research, teaching and learning, services, professional development and other related activities and mutual benefits of both parties.
MARii, an agency under MITI, has been at the forefront of technology adoption within the automotive and mobility sectors.
It has established numerous centres of excellence such as the MARii Design Centre, MARii Academy of Technology and the National Emissions Test Centre to expedite the penetration of high value activities within the industry, which can be applied to other sectors beyond transportation and mobility.
UMP is an established and competency-based technical university that specialises in the fields of engineering and technology and it strives to further enhance and strengthen its international linkage.
The university has taken various initiatives to add to its educational excellence and has entered into various collaborative arrangements with respectable parties to enrich its academic and research activities.
Academic and International
Flexible education - Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)
The ASEM MOOC Stakeholders’ Forum 2019 successfully gathered the expertise from the ASEM MOOC network focusing on the content development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) involving universities and ASEM strategic partners in the region.
More than 130 participants from the local and international academics including Japan, Korea, Thailand and the Philippines shared experiences in applying the concept of technology and innovation in teaching and learning via the use of information technology in line with the latest development of online learning.
The forum was officiated by the Director General of Higher Education, Department of Higher Education, the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), Datuk Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir.
Also present were the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff, the Director of K-MOOC Centre, National Institute of Lifelong Education (NILE), Ministry of Education Korea, Jaedong Cho, the Director of Academic Excellence Department MOE, Associate Professor Dr. Wan Zuhainis Saad who is also a member of Board of Directors UMP and the Director of Centre for Instructional Resources & e-Learning (CIReL), Ts. Dr. Adzhar Kamaludin.
According to Datuk Ir. Dr. Sit Hamisah, distance and special learning has become a current learning trend in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) in Asia and Europe.
“Students need to prepare themselves to develop skills and capabilities in gaining knowledge and adapting data in the learning process.
“The forum organised by MOE and UMP focuses on the development of UMP MOOC and Global Classroom among the educators around the world in line with the latest advancement of the education system,” she said at the opening of the ASEM MOOC Stakeholders’ Forum 2019 held in the Zenith Hotel Putrajaya on 7 November 2019.
She supports the efforts by UMP and Malaysian Technological University Network (MTUN) to implement MOOC by focusing on knowledge and hands-on skills to meet the requirements of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in this country.
Meanwhile, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar said UMP had initiated a collaboration in this MOOC programme since 2017 with Tan Chong Education (Tan Chong Group) which enables the mechanics to participate in the Tan Chong Automotive Technology (TCAT) programme.
A total of 30 students enrolled in the Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) Hybrid System programme under MOOC handled by CIReL, and this year 13 students have participated in a 5-module training programme in Kota Bharu Training Centre for three months.
This flexible education provides an opportunity to the students to participate in the hands-on MOOC programme by applying the knowledge of internet of things (IoT), robotic technology, data analytics, Arduino application and manufacturing integration related to the needs of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0)
Among the presenters in this forum were the representative of KMOOC, Professor Dr. Eunsil Hong and Dr. Wonsook Hyun form the Sungkyunkwan University, Korea, Associate Professor Dr. Jintavee Khiasang from the Chulalongkorn University, Thailand and Professor Natthakan Iam-on, Mae Fah Luang University representing ThaiMOOC.
Dr. Gan Leong Ming (UMP) also shared about the MalaysiaMOOC, while JMOOC was represented by Professor Yasushi Kodama from the Hosei University Jepun and PhilippineMOOC was represented by Dr. Ria Mae H. Borromeo from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
Academic and International
Azriel Tan, recipient of The Royal Academic Award
(Medal of Excellence)
Translation by: DR. ROZAIMI ABU SAMAH, FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Photo by: ALUWI MOHD SIKAH, CENTRE FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
‘You only live once, live life to the fullest’ is the philosophy held by the recipient of Royal Academy Award (Medal of Excellence), Azriel Tan Zhe Khen, 24, the son of 54-year-old Tan Chong Phor, who works as an administrator and his mother Leong Wai Choy, 53, who is a housewife.
This Penangite holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Graphics & Multimedia Technology) with Honours from the Faculty of Computer Systems & Software Engineering with a CGPA of 3.88.
In addition to receiving the Dean’s Award for each semester of his study at UMP, the eldest of the two siblings was also a top student in school with a CGPA of 3.42 in the Malaysian High School Certificate (STPM) and 3A+, 2A, and 4A- in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM).
His academic excellence did not impede his continued involvement in association and club activities.
Throughout his study years in UMP, he held various positions in association and club activities, including being appointed as the Multimedia Exco for Kelab Alam Sekitar & Lestari (EcoSiswa) UMP. He was responsible for planning and managing multimedia activities and promotion such as a visit to National Park in 2016 and Earth Week in 2017.
He was also the Head of Publicity Unit of the Pahang Engineer Run Program in 2018. His active involvement in co-curriculum activities has helped hone his leadership skill as well as highlight his potential and self-confidence.
This is evidenced by his appointment as the chair of the organising committee of the talk show ‘ICT ke Arah Hijau’.
He was also active in sports activities by participating in various running events such as Sky Run, Crazy Run, Neon Night Run, Splash Run, Titan Challenge: Survival of The Fittest, and Run for Life.
In addition to his hobbies, he also participated in hiking activities by joining the ‘Hiking in Style’ programme in Bukit Broga.
He also took part in several programmes to increase his knowledge such as Industrial Talk in conjunction with the International Fiesta (2017): Mobility for Employability, Microsoft Campus Day (2017), Town Hall Forum: TN50 and Students, and cultural events such as Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Winter Solstice, Drum Night Carnival, Festival of Light, and Hanabi Night (2016).
His most exciting experience during his term as a UMP student was when he successfully presented his final year project entitled ‘Cloud-Based Intelligent Waste Management Robots for Open Public Spaces’.
Graduating from UMP has provided very invaluable experience. To him, UMP is an institution that offers equal opportunities for all students to acquire and master knowledge and skills, and train themselves to be more independent and mature physically and mentally.
Adhering to the principle of ‘Meeting the challenge with dedication and not giving up’ and his strong desire to become an information technology expert, he is now pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
He hopes that all the knowledge gained could be leveraged to assist in the development of information technology in the country.
He hopes to continue to contribute his services and reward his parents who have been the pillar and catalyst for every success he has achieved.
Academic and International
Umi Fatiha farmer’s daughter wins Royal Academic Award
(Medal of Excellence)
Translation by: DR. ROZAIMI ABU SAMAH, FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Photo by: ALUWI MOHD SIKAH, CENTRE FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Umi Fatiha Md Kosnin@Md Seropil, born in Sungai Balang, Muar, Johor, is the recipient of the Royal Academy Award (Medal of Excellence) at the 14th Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Convocation Ceremony.
She attributes her success to her parents, Md Kosnin @ Md Seopil, 71, a farmer and Nurmah Sukarman, 62, a housewife. The youngest of five siblings was born on 7 January 1996, at the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital, Muar, Johor.
Her success is driven by the sacrifices of her parents. She hopes to make her whole family proud of her and repay them for their sacrifices over the years.
Umi Fatiha holds a bachelor’s degree in Materials Technology from the Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology, UMP with a CGPA of 3.72. She was on the Dean’s List for seven semesters and has also won a gold medal at the Creation, Innovation, Technology and Research Exposition (CITREx 2019) and a silver medal at the 30th International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2019) during her study at UMP.
Her passion is also reflected in her active involvement in various associations and clubs. She had served as the Secretary of the Secretariat for Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission UMP (SPRUMP) in 2015– 2017, committee member of the International Festival of Innovation of Green Technology (i-FINOG 2017), Deputy Director of Secretariat for Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission UMP Explorace (SPRUMP) in 2015, and Exco for Bowling for Fitness and Bonding in 2015.
She was also involved as one of the main committee members in Minggu Induksi Siswa (MINDS) and Hari Suai Kenal in 2016. She was also appointed as the Secretary of Freedom Run 1.0: Free from Corruption (2016) and the Secretary of Corruption Night with Student Leaders (2017). She was also assigned as the Exco for various programmes such as Bayu Kenyalang Festival (2017), Led Dance Music Run (2018), and Saintis Turun ke Desa (2019).
While studying at UMP, she was delighted with the facilities provided. She also acknowledged that the lecturers in UMP played an essential role in producing knowledgeable and ethical students, especially the lecturers of the Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology (FSTI).
To her, they were among the most influential educators in teaching and producing excellent graduates. They did not only educate but were also involved in the off-campus activities with the students and the community.
She works as a Junior Quality Control Executive responsible for quality assurance in manufacturing at Panwrite Plastic Industries Sdn. Bhd., in Shah Alam, Selangor.
“Do your best and Allah will do the rest” is what she holds dearly in her life. She aspires to acquire additional knowledge and skills by engaging in the areas she enjoys most.
Academic and International
7 times Dean’s Award Khairun Nisa was awarded the
Chancellor Award
By : SHALFARINA BINTI SHAHRIMAN, UMP PRESS
Translation by: DR. ROZAIMI ABU SAMAH, FACULTY OF CHEMICAL & PROCESS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Photo by: ALUWI MOHD SIKAH, CENTRE FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
With the rising cost of living, Khairun Nisa, 23, used to work as a part-time banquet crew at one of the hotels in Gambang during her third-year study. That was the experience of the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award at the 14th Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Convocation Ceremony.
That experience had been a turning point in her success today to prove that determination and perseverance in acquiring knowledge are the keys in a difficult journey to success.
Khairun Nisa was born on 23 November 1996 at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM). She was the eldest of four siblings. The passing of his beloved father, Mazlan Bidin, due to leukaemia, at her age of 12 became a bitter blow for her.
Since then, she has been determined to study diligently after witnessing her mother, Noorasiah David, 48, who works as support staff at Telekom Malaysia, help her to raise four siblings.
She pursued her study in Project Management at the Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM), UMP. She had been the recipient of the Dean's Award for seven consecutive semesters.
Despite struggling to adjust from studying Science at Banting Matriculation College, Selangor to Project Management at UMP, she was determined to prove to her mother that nothing is impossible if we work hard.
As a result, she achieved CGPA 3.70 and subsequently awarded the Chancellor's Award at this glorious ceremony. This success proves her principle that good deeds will be well rewarded.
She does not have any secrets to staying successful every semester. She just made sure that every time before sitting the exam, she would set high goals and surely more effort would be made to achieve that success.
Her focus on academic achievements did not deter her from engaging in co-curricular activities. She had participated in nearly 40 activities organised both inside and outside UMP.
To name a few, she was appointed as the Director of the Closed Netball Tournament organised by UMP Women's Association (MATAHARI), the Deputy Director of the Final Year Exhibition 2017, the Programme Coordinator for an Industrial Revolution 4.0 forum entitled Blockchain Technology 4.0, the Secretary of 10,000-Step Walking Program for Zero HIV organised by GENESIS, the Secretary of the Women's Grooming Program, the invited panel for Circle Talk Forum 3.0 hosted by the PMSB club, as well as the Exco of various activities organised by clubs and associations at UMP.
As a world-class university student, she is proud to be a UMP alumnus. For her, UMP is a comfortable university with various facilities that are continually being upgraded.
Now, all the hardships she endured had paid off when she was hired to work as the Commodity Command Standard System (CCSS) Representative 1, Global Support Contact Centre at HSBC Data Processing (M) (HDPM) before graduating.
The message is that to succeed in life, you must always set goals and plan carefully to achieve them. Regular planning and management are essential for setting goals.
She also believes that it is vital to maintain our relationship with the Creator and the people around us.
Not to forget, the parental blessing is also crucial as a guide to progress in life. Lastly, share your knowledge because the more you share, the more you will get.
Academic & International
VC Award recipient Lai Chor Kiew attributes his success to mother Kwai Fong
By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
Photo by: ALUWI MOHD SIKAH, CENTRE FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Lai Chor Kiew, 24, who coveted the Vice-Chancellor Award at Universiti Malaysia Pahang’s (UMP) 14th Convocation, professed that his strength to persevere came from his mother, Loh Kwai Fong, 48, who had to raise her children single-handedly after her husband passed on 10 years ago.
Speaking to UMP’s Corporate Communication Division after the recent convocation – which took place at the Sports Complex of the university’s Gambang Campus on November 16 & 17, 2019 – Lai Chor Kiew said family’s support and encouragement have been the backbone of his success, especially in overcoming every obstacle that came his way.
As the eldest of four siblings, the Vice-Chancellor Award recipient was also on the Dean’s List for every semester he was pursuing the Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Systems & Networking) with Honours. He graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.82.
Referring to his mom’s strong spirit, Chor Kiew reflected that there are parents who would reprimand their children for failing academically, but never was the case with his parents.
“My parents would, instead, continue to encourage and spur me to do better and improve, and this form of upbringing has a profound effect on my attitude towards learning and life, generally,” he highlighted.
“I will work hard to ensure that every goal I set my sight on will be achieved,” said the Award recipient, adding that every single and small accomplishment is in itself considered a success.
“My principles, which are never to give up, always be inquisitive and continue to acquire new knowledge, are the key to my success today,” Chor Kiew emphasized.
The Kampar, Perak-born graduate commended that UMP is a great university, which has significantly helped young adults progress in life with the relevant and interesting courses to pursue for their tertiary studies in.
Chor Kiew, who now works as an Automation Engineer, was also active in co-curricular activities at the university – including in several associations and programmes, like the Millennium Exploration, Chinese New Year Cultural Night 2017 and Motorola Embedded Wireless Communication (M-Wicom Modules A & B).
Academic and International
35 pioneer graduates of UMP and AKEPT collaboration programme in talent development
A total of 35 graduands for the collaboration programme between Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) received their diploma from the Vice-Chancellor of UMP, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff on the second day of the UMP’s 14th Convocation Ceremony on 17 November 2019 at the UMP’s Sports Complex Gambang Campus.
The pilot programme is offered through a lifelong learning centre, UMP Advanced Education (UMPA) which produces graduates with the Professional Diploma in Competency-Based Talent Management (CBTM).
The human capital development and talent management are in line with the importance of human resources development of higher education and the scholarly world towards enhancing the high-performance job delivery in the future.
The Director of AKEPT, Professor Dr. Nordin Yahaya holds a view that management agenda and empowerment of leadership talent are vital in the ecosystem of organisations and institutions of higher learning.
“AKEPT’s aspiration in providing a platform for CBTM is realised via a strategic partnership between AKEPT and UMP by having competency as the pillar in nurturing credible talent management in Public Universities (UA).
“The first alumni of AKEPT–UMP CBTM Professional Diploma is a valuable investment for MOE in general and UA in particular.
“The exposure to the knowledge of human resources in 10 modules successfully produces a more competent officer in structured and transparent talent management,” he said.
He added that the first CBTM cohort would empower a more transparent, holistic and objective leadership talent management.
“AKEPT and UA walk hand in hand and this strategic networking is also a continuous platform for knowledge sharing in achieving sustainable competency-based leadership talent management.
“I hope this AKEPT–UMP effort will continue to manoeuvre the agenda of UA credible leadership continuity for the excellence of the nation’s higher education.
“This comprehensive programme through a blended learning approach is under the supervision of the Centre for Leadership Profiling (CeLP) with AKEPT and UMP being the strategic partners.
“Blended learning is a method that combines face-to-face and online learning modes,” he said.
The Director of the Centre for Academic Excellence and Scholarship, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Professor Ts. Dr. Faaizah Shahbodin said that CBTM is an important programme not only for university’s managers but also for the whole university’s community to comprehend competency and talent development.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the Centre for Talent & Training Management, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Dr. Syamsul Azri Abdul Rahman said that learning while working is a new experience that specifically benefits his duties and responsibilities in UniSZA.
“This programme provides exposures and latest information on human resources talent management and enhances working relationship with other UA talent managers,” he said.
According to Azizi Ismail, the Head of Succession Planning Section in Registrar Office, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), CBTM is the best platform from AKEPT and UMP’s original and creative idea to improve the competency of UA talent managers in line with the latest human resources approach.
At the same time, a book entitled 'Memimpin Yang Terpimpin: Model Kompetensi Sumber Manusia Universiti Awam' written by authors from UMP, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), UnisZA and AKEPT, led by Dr. Mohd Rozi Hassan, a lecturer from the Faculty of Industrial Management, UMP and the Deputy Director of AKEPT, Associate Professor Dr. Ismie Roha Mohd Jais was launched at the dinner to honour the CBTM graduands, organised by UMPA at Vistana Hotel,Kuantan.
A series of books, journals, articles, modules and other publications will also be published as references for UA and relevant agencies.
