New Appointment

Prof. Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff appointed as UMP Deputy VC (Academic & International)

Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff, 51, has been appointed as Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International) for three years effective from December 1, 2018.

Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar, who is from Pasir Putih, Kelantan, holds a Bachelor Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan University, Ann Arbour, USA (1990), Masters’ in Science (Mechanical Engineering) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA (1992) and PhD in Advanced Manufacturing Technology from Universiti Sains Malaysia (2004).

He started working in UMP as a lecturer at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) since 2004 and was the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering (FKP) Dean for five years beginning 2012.

He had also been appointed as Director of Centre for Academic Innovation and Competitiveness (CAIC) from 2011 until 2013.

UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the university was pleased and expressed its gratitude to Minister of Education, Dr. Maszlee Malik for the appointment.

“We hope that with this appointment, UMP will continue to excel and become a leading technology university in engineering and technology, not only in Malaysia but also at the international level,” he said.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir also said the university conveyed their deepest appreciation to the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Dato’ Dr. Rosli Mohd Yunus who had contributed to putting UMP as among Asia’s best universities.

UMP, which is already on the right track, has always ensured that it continues to produce a more innovative academic curriculum that is supported by competent and professional staff and to have its academic infrastructure efficiently tailored to the needs of industry and society.

Campus Info

VC urges undergraduates to enrich their campus experience

By: MOHAMAD HAKIMI KAMARUDIN, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim said he wanted to see the leadership of Student Representative Council (MPP) 2018-2019 session play a bigger role in providing a world view for the university students so they would be more thoughtful and responsible in managing their welfares after leaving the campus life.

“As a leader, one must always remember this – respect should be earned, not demanded. The duty of MPP is to deliver an impactful leadership, one that is conducted with etiquette, professionalism and quality.

“The maturity of a leadership is distinguished by a sense for diplomacy, consultation and morality that should be picked up by MPP. That will be define their character and clout,” he said during the appointment and oath-taking ceremony held at Mangala Resort and Spa, Gambang on November 29, 2018.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yusserie Zainuddin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Mohd Yusoff and Chief Operation Officer/Registrar, Abd Hamid Majid.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir said interaction with the management by way of cordial and professional consultation should be maintained.

“The students will start to evaluate the performance and trustworthiness of all the student representatives in raising constructive agenda that will enrich their experience in campus.

“On this, among the important aspects that need to be given serious attention by MPP are to nurture the culture of joy, happiness, respect and humanity, which have been mentioned several times by Minister of Education, Dr. Maszlee Malik.

“As such, MPP is responsible in promoting all four cultures through various programmes and activities so UMP will continue to be a pleasant and conducive learning place that also promotes unity,” he said.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir also congratulates the student’s secretariat on their ability to run a smooth election that was held on November 26.

In line with the agenda set by the Minister of Education to empower the undergraduates, the election of MPP was handled by the undergraduates themselves.

With the success of this experiment, the university’s management was confident to have student involvement in the selection process to the maximum possible for the next election.

This positive development was not only significant in the context of enriching the students’ campus experience but was also important in giving exposure to the aspects of accountability, transparency and integrity that served as the basis of excellent organisational governance.

The MPP has 25 representatives and is led by its President Zakwan Zulkifle from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM).

Zakwan said MPP would play a role as an intermediary between the students and university management so their voices would be heard, adding, that would be the main element.

He also said although the relationship between the university management and students had already been established, it could still be improved.

He added that he would work hard to ensure that there would be a platform for students to increase their unique selling factor, regardless of the faculty.

Other aspects that would be given due attention was to empower the role of MPP, establish collaborations among the clubs in the university and to ensure the students’ welfare were taken good care of.

The university management also expressed their appreciation to the previous MPP representatives led by Muhammad Amrun Aniq Saidi. 

Campus Info

Pahang Media Practitioners feted by UMP

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) hosted a tea party for the media practitioners in the state on November 26, 2018 as a mark of appreciation on the latter’s commitment in providing news coverage to the university’s programmes.

It was also aimed at fostering closer ties between the university’s management and the media.

Extensive coverage has been given to UMP ever since it was established 17 years ago and the university is now well-known by the public as an institution that produces competitive engineers and technologists.

UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim said UMP was very pleased with the undivided cooperation from the media to convey the developments and achievements of the university to the public including highlighting the university’s listing as top 200 universities in Asia by QS University Ranking Asia: 2019. 

Also present at the event were Chief Operation Officer and UMP Registrar, Abd Hamid Majid, Sports and Culture Centre Director, Abd. Rahman Haji Safie, NSTP Bureau Chief, Abd. Razak Raaf, Bernama Bureau Chief, Noor Shamsiah Mohamed and Sinar Harian Bureau Chief, Nik Amirul Mu’min.

A pre-launching of UMP Vice-Chancellor Cup Media Badminton Tournament was also held. The competition, to be held on December 13, is aimed at promoting the sports and healthy lifestyle among the media practitioners.

Some 60 journalists and photographers attended the tea party. They were also entertained by UMP Kencana Pawana dance group.

Students’ Activities

Malaysians should appreciate their own country more – Mark O’Dea

By: MOHD MUKHRIS AWANG, OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR 

The experience of travelling and working in Malaysia for the past five years has made Englishman Mark O’Dea to fall in love with the country.

In fact, the native of Gravesend, Kent, was perplexed by the attitude of some Malaysians who cared less about their own country and were unable to master the national language.

That sentiment was shared by Mark, who is a TV host, actor and YouTube celebrity.

Mark was in town to speak the ‘Infinite Class: Express to Impress’ organised by InSmartive Club and Fourth Residential College Representative (PEKA 4) held at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Gambang Campus on November 24, 2018.

He also told his audience that one of his weekly activities was to watch a Malay movie so that he could improve his command in the language.

“Malulah saya kalau tidak pandai cakap Melayu dengan baik sedangkan saya bekerja dan tinggal di Malaysia. (It will be embarrassing if I do not know how to speak good Malay when I myself has been working and living in Malaysia)” he joked in Malay, to the loud applause of the audience.

It was his first time in the university, attracting some 300 students.

He spent more than an hour for the programme, sharing his experience in the arts and broadcasting world and answered questions posed by the audience.

He also surprised them with a song titled, ‘Sinaran’ made popular by Dato’ Sheila Majid.

Mark who was known for his character, ‘Mr James Blond’ in the ‘Oh My English’ series, started his career in Malaysia in 2013 at the age of 22. He is now more involved in emceeing and as a sports commentator in a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) pay TV company.

Educated in the field of performing arts from a leading theatre academy in the United Kingdom, Mark advised the UMP students to be bold and explore the world for career opportunities, take time off to know their strengths and to grow as a person, gain some experience and enhance their knowledge.

Also present at programme were Office of the Vice-Chancellor Head of Research, Wan Nazrul Helmy Wan Mohd Zain, PEKA 4 Principal, Nasrul Salim Pakheri, InSmartive President, Muhammad Aizat Azed and PEKA 4 President, Muhammad Haziq Mohamad Nazri.

Mark was also invited to speak at the interactive group programme which was an initiative under ‘Bridge of Love @KP House’ project in Kampung Kuala Pahang, Pekan and organised by the InSmartive Club and UMP Advanced Education. 

The programme is based on the English, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and is held every week for the local children involving UMP students. The objective is to transform the landscape of education in Kuala Pahang.

Students’ Activities

UMP students gained valuable experience on Cambodia’s social culture during a humanitarian mission in the country

By: EMMA MELATI BURHANUDDIN, FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING & EARTH RESOURCES (FKASA)

Ten Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) students from Faculty of Civil Engineering & Earth Resources (FKASA) and Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering (FKKSA) took part in the 2018 Cambodia Asean Mobility mission commenced on November 30, 2018.

The community service programme gave them the opportunity to learn about the social culture of people in the country.

The programme was organised by Department of Student Affairs and Alumni (JHEPA). It was aimed at fostering closer ties between the participants and the global community, sharing of technology and knowledge as well as to enhance the students’ interpersonal skills.

Programme director Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Asri said they went to Chnang village, one of the Islamic settlements and that the trip was very heartening.

“The village was located some 130km from city centre and that it was a bit behind in terms of development.

“Most of them still relied on wells and water pumps for clean water supply. The madrasah and surau lacked a lot of things and needed better necessities so it could be a more comfortable place.

“Programmes such as this can help instil the spirit of togetherness among the community. A lot of activities were organised that would help make some improvements in their lifestyle,” he said.

“As for UMP students, they too gained some benefits as these activities helped to enhance their personality and strengthen their teamwork,” he added.

He said when everyone got to experience a common problem, it made them more understanding, compassionate, tolerable and aware that not all people got to enjoy good wealth that led to one feeling very thankful of what they had enjoyed all this while.

“We organised various community activities with the villagers and distributed Al-Qurans, booklets of the Surah Yassin, book racks, telekungs, praying mats and cash contributed by UMP staff as well as 30 solar lamps,” he added.

They also visited the Al-Falah Madrasah in Phnom Penh where they spent some time teaching educational stuff to 60 students aged between seven and 16.

Posters with information about the university and about life in campus were distributed so they would have some ideas about tertiary education.

The UMP students also visited the Norton University which was Cambodia’s first private university. 

Students’ Activities

UMP Kencana Pawana Group won three MAKUM major awards

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Kencana Pawana Group won three major awards during the Malaysia Universities Cultural Council Zapin Festival that was held at Sultan Salahudin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Art Centre main hall, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang on December 2, 2018.

According to group leader, Mohamad Firdaus Ab Hadi, 21, they won the Best Makeup Award, Most Promising Group Award and Prime Award. They took home cash RM250 and a trophy for each of the awards.

Mohamad Firdaus, an undergraduate with Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology (FSTI) said they were all so excited and had not expected to win, let alone clinching three awards, as it was their first time competing in the highly competitive event.

“We chose to perform the Padang Sari Zapin and wore the Johor traditional costumes. There were 12 dancers and we were satisfied with our performance.

“This was the best present we could have ever had as we only have two weeks before the competition and we trained hard for it,” he added.

He also said they were grateful with the support given by everyone especially the trust given by the university in allowing them to participate and give their best award-winning performance.

UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim congratulated the group on their success and hoped that the win would inspire them to continue to make more successes.

“Although UMP is a university that focuses on technical and engineering courses, the university has always provided the opportunity and facility for its students to expand their interest in arts and culture,” he said.

MAKUM 2018 champion was UPM while Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) won second and third places, respectively.

Prizes were presented by UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Mohd Roslan Sulaiman.

MAKUM Festival is an annual event organised with the aim of producing a new generation of players that can further liven up and develop the arts and culture scene.

Sports and Recreational

The lakes of UMP – the attraction for speed boat remote control fans

The landscape of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) has a beautiful and tranquil panorama, attracting many visitors who enjoy basking in the serenity.

There are four lakes around the campus including one that is located opposite the library that covers an area of 44.26 acre. It has a 1,614 meter of jogging track and 1,524 meter of cycling track.

It also has become an attraction for a different kind of sports – speed boat remote control.

It was the location for the UMP RC Powerboat Fun Race 2018, held for the first time at UMP Pekan Water Recreational Centre on December 4, 2018. It was organised by UMP Sports and Recreational Centre.

The champion of the competition was Lim Hai Meng who won three categories - Tunnel/Catamaran Hull Local Modified Engine, Mono Hull Local Engine and Mono Hull Open Modified Engine.

The Tunnel/Catamaran Hull Open Import Engine was won by Nor Hisham Muhammad.

The Centre Director, Abd. Rahman Haji Safie said the competition provided the opportunity for members of the public to see the greenery and beauty of the campus landscape as well as to foster closer ties with the local community.

“In line with the call made by the university to make UMP Pekan Campus an edu-tourism centre, we organised this competition that attracted entries not only from Pahang but also from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Kuala Terengganu,” he said.

He also said the university was now working together with Pahang Boat Race RC Club to set up a team from UMP with plans to enter more competitions, be it locally or abroad.

Abdul Rahman also said there were efforts to upgrade the facilities around the campus especially the basic amenities so more water sports events could be organised.

He hoped that with the proposed new and additional facilities, there would be more new talents in remote control games who would represent the state, locally or abroad.

He also said the university put great emphasis on environment maintenance and protection to ensure the lake and its vicinity was clean with no disturbance to its eco-system.

The lake is an ideal place for the public to carry out sports activities and promote a healthy lifestyle. Not far from the lake is the Rimbunan Cendekia where various types of trees are planted.

There is also the Aromatic Garden with more than 20 types of aromatic trees planted such as sandalwood, jasmine, candle nut, ylang-ylang, tembusu and kulim.