Collaborations

UMP and PERHEBAT to help empower former army personnel

By: MOHD. FERDAUS MUSA, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) are working together to empower former army personnel by providing skills training that will help them to have better economic standing.

The programme, conducted by UMP through its subsidiary - UMP Advanced Education (UMPA), will not only include human resource development programme such as the life-long education programme but also other forms of cooperation such as consultation and expertise services and in any field necessary that will support the needs of industries for trained workers.

Under this transition training programme, the army personnel will acquire added values that can support the needs of industries or they can opt to work on their own after completing their services with the armed forces.

The cooperation between UMP and PERHEBAT was formally inked in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim and PERHEBAT Chairman Lt. Jen. Dato’ Sri Abdul Aziz Ibrahim (R) and witnessed by Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Mohamad Sabu who represented the Prime Minister.

It was held in conjunction with PERHEBAT’s 52nd Convocation which was held at Wisma Perwira, Kuala Lumpur on December 23, 2018.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir said under the strategic partnership, UMP would set up a PERHEBAT satellite campus that would streamline all training activities.

“The campus will act as a one-stop centre that will manage the training programmes provided to army veterans especially those in Pahang.

“UMP will offer its internal expertise to implement the training programmes including those of experienced lecturers,” he said.

Also present at the event were UMPA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohamad Rozi Hassan and university officials.

The programme targets between 400 and 500 participants to undergo training programme at UMPA for 2019. 

Alumni Trail

More than 100 UMP alumni attended Hi-Tea aimed at fostering closer ties

By: NURIZZATUL ALIN AHMAD BASTANI, DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ALUMNI

A total of 124 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) alumni turned up for the Alumni Industry Networking Hi-Tea for the western zone organised by Department of Student Affairs and Alumni (JHEPA)’s Alumni Relation Unit, together with Department of Industrial and Community Relation (JJIM).

It was held at Grand Blue Wave Hotel, Shah Alam on December 22, 2018.

It was an opportunity for the alumni to meet up again with UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim and the university’s management where they got to share about their latest development.

They also discussed about the Industry Network Alumni Platform (INAP) and gathered new ideas from the alumni on how to thrust the university to further excellence.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir said UMP could now be proud of its alumni which had numbered to 24,786.

“The graduates and alumni have proven that they are not only competent engineers or technologists but they are also able entrepreneurs who run their own companies and commercial chains.

“However, they are also needed to play the role and given the opportunity to give back to UMP which is their alma mater. They can do so in any capacity or platforms, be it official or unofficial.

“As such, the university’s management always opens its door to UMP Alumni Association to explore the possibilities on bringing graduates back to campus so they can be a source of inspiration to their juniors who are still studying.

“They can also be actively involved in helping faculties to strengthen industrial links, form strategic collaborations and professional connections,” he said.

He added that the Industry Network Alumni Platform (INAP) pioneered by JJIM was seen as very significant in providing invaluable added values on the many activities planned by the university.

The Department of Corporate Affairs and Quality (JHKK) Director, Dr. Irene Ting Wei Kiong also presented details on UMP’s achievements in the university ranking while INAP Action Council member Mohd Faiz Zulkifli shared information about INAP committee structure and plans of collaborations between the alumni and university.

The session also allowed for the e-Graduate System to be updated. The system was developed in 2012 and acted as an alumni data search medium.

Also present at the hi-tea were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for ICON, Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail and JHEPA General Manager, Abd. Rahman Haji Safie.

Human Resource Development

UMP Ulul Albab Tahfiz Certification Programme to produce hafiz technocrat

The Ulul Albab Tahfiz Certification Programme introduced by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) aims to produce professionals, technocrats and entrepreneurs who are also hafiz.

Its pilot project, Huffaz Engineer, is conducted by the Islamic and Human Development Centre (PIMPIN). The objective is to provide a balanced education, one that even up the worldly affairs and the ukhrawi aspects, involving 41 undergraduates of two batches.

They will undergo the programme for four years.

The aim is for them to memorise 30 juzuks of the Al-Quran based on modules such as Adab Hamalatul Quran, Asas Qiraat, Asbabun Nuzul, interpretation of selected surahs and a foundation course in Arabic language.

UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim presented certification of participation to the programme’s participants recently, in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration that was held at the university’s Gambang Campus on December 28, 2018.

There were 29 contingents involved in a procession that started from the Sports Complex right up to UMP Mosque. Some 600 people turned up for the celebration.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, Chief Operation Officer and Registrar, Abd Hamid Majid and, Sports and Cultural Centre Director Abd. Rahman Haji Safie.

Professor Dr. Daing Nasir said Maulidur Rasul was an annual event that marked the celebration of love to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

“The gathering is a reminder to UMP community on the necessity to emulate the Prophet’s moral values and principles covering all aspects of life.

“In the context of the services rendered by us or undergraduates seeking knowledge, it is clear that there are many lessons that can be learned from Prophet Muhammad S.A.W and for these to be translated into actions in our daily life.

“Among the moral aspects that we can heed to is the Prophet’s style of management and approach in an organisation and effectively leading his people.

“We have been told of the many stories of the Prophet’s integrity and of him upholding values at the highest level, making him the leader that we should justly and essentially be when playing our role as a public servant in the university,” he said.

He also said although the campus was rather quiet at the end of December 2018 and that it was a study break for the final exam of the first semester, they still managed to celebrate the special day, even by doing so at a moderate scale.

Guest speaker and prominent religious scholar, Ustaz Muhadir Haji Joll, delivered a talk on the leadership of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. that could be emulated by the Muslims of today. 

Academic and International

‘Scientist Goes to Village’ programme aims to enrich STEM

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

The Renaissance of Science Educators (ROSE) community organised the ‘Scientist Goes to Village’ programme at Kampung Kuala Wau, Maran on January 2, 2019.

ROSE community consisted of lecturers, students and alumni from Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology (FIST), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and aimed at enhancing literacy and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among the youngsters and local people.

Sixty students from primary and secondary schools from Kampung Kuala Wau were involved in the programme that helped to develop their potentials.

Fifteen teachers, 16 foster families and 70 facilitators comprising UMP students of material technology, industry biotechnology and industrial chemical course also took part in the programme.

Among the guests present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff, Head of School Management Unit, Mohamed Bakri Abdul Malek who represented Maran head education officer, Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Wu Headmaster, Saharul Nizam Haji Bahaman, Kampung Kuala Wau Village Community Management Council (MPKK) Chairman, Mohd Zurin Md Jais and Programme Director, Ts. Dr. Saifful Kamaluddin Muzakir@Lokman.

Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar said the university was pleased that the programme took off to a good start and that it was one of the efforts taken to increase students’ interest in STEM.

“The programme indirectly supports the National Education Philosophy. The objective of STEM education is to produce students of STEM literacy who are able to identify, apply and integrate STEM concept in solving problem, creatively and innovatively.

“STEM needs to be strengthened as now, there are a lot of technology applications that involve machines and computers, as outlined in the Industrial Revolution 4.0. This trend no longer focuses on the industrial context but also in all routine and daily operations of a community.

“We will see the creation of all kinds of new jobs with forms not even thinkable yet,” he said.

He hoped that more academicians, technologists, alumni and UMP students would join forces in a move to further develop talents in STEM.

In fact, he hoped that a programme such as this would get the attention from the industries who were also part of the stakeholders in the nation building agenda.

Ts. Dr. Saifful Kamaluddin said in the programme, pupils and students were trained to think in a critical and logical way when conducting science and mathematics experiments using resources found in their homes.

“They are also taught on how to build up their confidence when making decisions by using hypothesis that is based on facts and the importance of having strong virtues such as honesty, trustworthy, sharing of knowledge and leadership,” he added.

The ROSE community has carried out several other programmes such as ‘Lighting Up Community’, ‘Young Scientist Camp’ and ‘Science Hero’ in schools since 2017 that served as an early exposure on STEM subjects and aimed at easing on the common perception about the subjects being difficult and could not be applied outside of classroom.

The country targets an annual intake of 270,000 to take up STEM-related courses as part of the efforts to prepare for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 as compared to 79,200 recorded as of 2017.

Research and Innovation

RiTA International Conference focused on future robotic application research

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

The Sixth International Conference on Robot Intelligence Technology and Applications (RiTA) that was held in Putrajaya on December 20, 2018 had attracted more than 60 local and international entries.

This year’s theme was ‘Robotics and Machine Intelligence: Building Blocks for Industry 4.0’.

The entries were submitted by academicians, researchers, university students and industrial players with focus on robotic intelligence research. 
They were from Korea, Japan, Portugal, Australia, Singapore, India, Norway, Columbia, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

Among the guests present were Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Partnership & Community Relation Department), Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail, RiTA Honorary Chairman, Professor Dr. Jong-Hwan Kim and RiTA Joint Chairman, Professor Dr. Hyun Myung and Professor Dr. Zahari Taha.

Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail said the conference was a platform where experts in robotic technology gathered.

“The government provides grants and initiatives that encourage the universities and industries to share expertise when conducting research and development in robotic technology.

“It will also help bring about a conducive environment in tackling the challenges of Industry 4.0.

“The conference is a platform especially in Malaysia that will lead to industrial revolution, driven by a smart, inter-connected environment. Robotics and automation will be the central pillar of the industry’s growth,” he said.

He added that the conference also set out to help universities in promoting the Industry 4.0 technology to the community and develop new technology together with industrial partners.

He also said there were 80 working papers presented that discussed about special issues relating to robotic - based on cognitive, social and collective intelligence.

Among the speakers were Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Statistical Inference and Information Theory Laboratory Director, Professor Dr. Junmo Kim and Associate Professor Marcelo H Ang Jr from National University of Singapore.

The conference was organised by Innovative Manufacturing, Mechatronics and Sports Laboratory (iMAMSLab), under Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, together with KAIST.

It also received sponsorships and support from Korea Robotics Society (KROS), UMP Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology Malaysia (CREST), Springer, SilTerra (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Malaysian Journal of Movement, Health and Exercise, MyDuino.com and DZUKI Consultancy and Training.

Campus Info

Twins excited to get new sets of school items

Two pairs of twins were simply excited to start schooling again after receiving new sets of school items given to them during the ‘Back-To-School’ programme, ‘Give Them Our Heart, Give Them Happiness’ recently.

Farish Daniel Johari and Faris Danish Johari, nine, and Nur Syaza Anna Wardina Mohd. Zali and Nur Syaza Anna Mashitah Mohd. Zali, 10, were among the 34 recipients of the programme which was held at Pekan Mydin on December 27, 2018.

The programme was organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), together with UMP Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (UMPH).

Both sets of twins said they did not expect to get the items but now they were really happy and could not wait to go to school.

As for Daniel, he was thrilled to be able to choose his own uniform, bag and shoes of his choice.

“I had not expected to get new sets of uniforms because of financial difficulty. My father does odd work jobs while my mother is a housewife,” he said.

Rozilaili Rashid, 36, who is mother to Daniel and Danish, said his family was very grateful and thanked UMP and UMPH for the assistance provided in helping to reduce their burden.

UMP Technology Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director, Dr. Nur Aainaa Syaffini Mohd Radzi said the programme involved volunteers from the university and UMPH and the aim was to help orphans, students and parents earning low income.

“We feel the hardship of those in need, who live around UMP and we try to help ease their difficulty,” she said when met at the banquet hall of the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellery Building in Pekan where the students and their families were treated to a sumptuous lunch.

She added that the contributions were part of UMP and UMPH’s corporate social responsibility.

She also expressed her gratitude to the donations given by the campus community, individuals and the public and hoped that the contributions would motivate the students to study more diligently.

Among the guests who attended the programme was UMP Women Association President, Professor Datin Dr. Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim.

A total of 20 volunteers comprising staff from UMPH, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Registrar Office and Department of Research and Innovation took part in the programme. 

Research and Innovation

UMP TRIZ produced 150 innovative projects

A total of 150 innovative projects were produced in UMP TRIZ Programme, Innovation Exposition 3.0, involving 866 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) students that was held at the Sports Complex, UMP Gambang Campus on December 16, 2018.

The competition, which was held for the third time, was a platform to evaluate the participants’ soft skills in tackling problems relating to engineering and technology that could be applied in daily life.

There were many technics and methodologies in problem solving and one of them was the TRIZ method.

TRIZ is the short form of a method in the Russian language, Teorija Resenija Isobretatelskih Zadac or Inventive Problem Solving Theory. TRIZ was developed between 1960 and 1980 by Russian scientist Genrich Altshutler.

According to Programme Director and Centre for Modern Languages & Human Sciences (CMLHS) lecturer, Imaduddin Abidin, the competition was the highlight of the teaching and learning subject of UHS2021 Soft Skill II.

“It was an innovative-based problem solving tool,” he added.

“TRIZ is an unbiased law developed from the evolution of the technical system. The discovery and structuring to the TRIZ theory is the result of research and analysis carried out globally over many, many years.

“TRIZ innovative technology has many advantages that includes increase in marketing in producing creative products and the ability to find inventive and innovative solution quickly. TRIZ is a scientific approach based on technology, product and process forecast revolution system.

“In addition, the conventional and modern system of market research can be more effectively facilitated with TRIZ in analysing future market needs. It is the latest inventive problem solving tool that emphasises on problem solving in a systematic, structured way, highlighting the aspects of better, cheaper and faster,” he said.

In the competition, each group used the TRIZ method to solve problem relating to security issue. 

The programme was also seen as a platform that could enhance the graduates’ marketability through the Professional TRIZ Level 1 for Practitioner Certificate.

Imaduddin said all aspects of skills were very important and were the main key in securing a job.

He added that through the competition, their soft skills could be honed and they learned to think critically in order to solve a problem.

The projects displayed were the students’ final projects and were evaluated by a panel comprising internal staff and those from the industry.

The Industrial Special Award (ICON) was won by Kum Yong Fang, Allen Lee Wei Kiat, Sean Senn s/o Pow Chiok, Yong Yan Li and Teong Chi Qi with their project, ‘Multifunctional Dustbin’.

The My TRIZ Special Creativity Award went to a group comprising Muhammad Syamil Sulaiman, Radfan Abdul Malek Mohammed Abdo AlQadhi, Teng Kar Hooi, Nur Syahirah Mohd Razi, Tan Choo Chien, Muhammad Hanif Kamarudin and Muhammad Asyraf Hasan with their project, ‘Plastic Waste Collector’.

The Department of Industrial and Community Relation (JJIM) Special Award was won by a team who created ‘Waterproof Umbrella Holder’ - Noor Iswandy Ismail, Siti Masyithah Zainol, Nurul Ahzani Roslan, Nur Syafiqa Yusri, Amir Firdaus Basirun, Muhammad Nur Asyraf Zazali and Noor Iswandy Ismail.

Student Activities

UMP students helped victims of earthquake in Lombok

By: MUHAMMAD ASYRAF HASAN, SECRETARY OF HUMANITY MISSION PROGRAMME, ‘LET’S HELP LOMBOK EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS’ AND MOHD. FERDAUS MUSA, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

Touched by the plight affected by victims of the earthquake in Lombok, whose homes were damaged and whose lost their loved ones in the disaster that happened on July 29, 2018, and again on August 6 and 19, 2018, a group of 10 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) students organised a humanity mission and were in the country from December 7 until 11, 2018.

The mission, ‘Let’s Help Lombok Earthquake Victims’, was organised by Residential College Student Representative (PEKA) 2, with the cooperation of Vice-Chancellor Office, Lombok’s Mataram Teaching and Knowledge Institute (IKIP) and Indonesia’s Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT), a non-governmental organisation. 

Their destination was Desa Selengen, Kecamatan Kayangan which was located at north of Lombok, Indonesia. Lombok was badly affected by the earthquake.

According to the Programme Director, Muhammad Sa’id Rifqi Muhammad Musal from Faculty of Engineering Technology, the mission was an eye-opener for the volunteers and that it was a learning experience in strengthening their values in volunteerism.

“The values were something that could be practised in everyday life,” he added.

“There were a lot activities carried out such as repairing the water drainage system to the storage tank of a temporary mosque, cleaning up areas from building materials that had collapsed due to the earthquake and strengthening the infrastructure of the mosque.

“We helped to repair several homes and provided water drainage system from the hill to the mosque, lavatories and bathrooms for the locals to use,” he said, adding they also took time off to mingle with the locals, distributed ice-creams and held motivational programme for the children.

One the volunteers, Muhammad Aimran Amzar Kamarudin from Faculty of Civil Engineering & Earth Resources (FKASA) said he was grateful to be part of the mission group and to see for himself the aftermath of a natural disaster.

“It was also a reminder on the greatness of Allah,” he added.

The UMP students also took the opportunity to share their experience with students from Mataram IKIP, Lombok.