Campus Info

UMP placed in 2019 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) can now stand tall among the world’s elite universities after it is listed in the QS World University Rankings by Subjects 2019 for three categories: Engineering (Chemical), Engineering-Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing, and Engineering and Technology.

For the Engineering (Chemical), UMP is listed in the ranking of 251-300, Engineering-Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing ranks at 301-350 while Engineering and Technology, it is positioned at 401-450.

UMP is also the only university in Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) to be listed in the subjects of Engineering (Chemical), and Engineering and Technology.

This was announced by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) on February 27, 2019 and with this announcement, it further elevated UMP’s position which had already attained a level of excellence after earning five stars in all aspects of rating including the Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA), Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education (SETARA), Ministry of Education Data Collection System (MyMohes) and Financial Management Excellence based on the National Audit Department Accountability Index.

The Engineering-Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing ranking at 301-350 was a result of continued increase of support from employers and the number of citations for each publication in the area.

It was also a moment to be proud of when for the first time, UMP was listed in the subjects of Engineering (Chemical), and Engineering and Technology.

This reflected the university’s impressive performance in all four indicators – academic reputation, employer reputation, citation for each publication and the H-Index.

According to UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim, this achievement highlighted the high quality of UMP’s teaching and learning that focused on all kinds of technical and technological aspects.

“The ranking of subjects is often used by students when making evaluations and decisions before selecting their choice of university.

“UMP management highly appreciates the excellent services, contributions and commitment made, because success will be impossible without the participation of all staff from the various Centres of Responsibility, who worked hard to collect and scrutinise strategic data before submitting the data to the related rating platforms,” he said.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir said this in his speech at a special gathering to mark its success in achieving five-star ratings in QS Stars, MyRA, MyMoheS and SETARA as well as a show of the university’s appreciation to its staff.

The event was organised by the Department of Corporate Affairs and Quality at Ancasa Royale Hotel in Pekan.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff,  Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Mohd Yusoff, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Affairs & Quality), Professor Dato’ Dr. Ishak Ismail and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industrial & Community Relations), Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail.

Other guests included the university’s senior officials, deans, directors, heads of department and data contributors.

UMP’s strings of accomplishments began in July 17, 2018 when it obtained five stars in the QS Stars, followed by its listing at 188th in the QS Asia University Ranking on October 24 and placed at 97th in the UI Greenmetric World University Ranking on December 19.

UMP also received five stars in MyRA, MyMoheS and SETARA which positioned the university at par with the country’s five research universities, especially in the aspects of publications and citations.

These achievements put UMP at a level that was so sustainable and competitive that it was not only a leading MTUN university but was also among today’s most dynamic and progressive public universities.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir said the challenge now was how the sustainability and competitiveness aspects be maintained as one formidable quality.

“As such, in the draft of UMP’s 2025 Mission, the management team and staff from all departments will have to play bigger roles to elevate the university from being good to being great, to ensure that UMP remains on a sustainable, strategic platform,” he added.

There was also a presentation of certificates and new-designed lanyards that marked the celebration of UMP’s excellence, in line with its image of a world-class and five-star technology university.

MyGift

UMP study showed Bank Rakyat Foundation offered the best education financial aids

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) carried out a study on ‘Competitive Analysis of Selected Successful Corporate Foundations in Malaysia’ involving four corporate foundations and found out that Bank Rakyat Foundation (YBR) was the best in providing education aids to the highly potentials and less privileged.

The study was made based on competitiveness and contributions towards human capital in education management.

The team of lecturers who conducted the study was from Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM) and led by Professor Dato’ Dr. Ishak Ismail who is also the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Corporate Affairs and Quality).

Others in the team were UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim, Institute of Postgraduate Studies Dean, Professor Dato’ Dr. Hasnah Haron, FIM Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd. Ridzuan Darun and Dr. Mohd. Hanafiah Ahmad.

According to Professor Dato’ Dr. Hasnah, who presented the finding, YBR was the best in terms of innovative approach that they used in to reduce cost and enhance efficiency of its programme resulted from smart partnership forged.

“In fact, YBR applied a holistic approach in education management that is able to fulfil the needs of people from all walks of life.

“Scholarship are offered not only to students with outstanding results but also to those who are less privileged, students from families of the B40 background because they have potentials. It is an initiative under YBR’s corporate social responsibility (CSR),” she said.

Professor Dato’ Dr. Hasnah said this at the launching of Bank Rakyat Scholarship in Kuala Lumpur on March 12, 2019.

She also said UMP had identified challenges and strategies that had been successfully adopted by the foundation in overcoming their challenges, and these measures could be adopted by other foundations as best practices implemented in their organisations.

She added that at the same time, findings from the research could be used as a case study to help in the process of teaching and learning.

“In a move to tackle constraints often faced in human resource management, foundations and organisations can directly establish smart partnership with stakeholders.
“It is the same in efforts taken to enhance graduates’ employability as foundations and organisations can provide learning work experience to prepare them for actual working life upon completion of their studies,” she said.

Also present at the event were Bank Rakyat Chairman and YBR Chairman, Datuk Noripah Kamso and Bank Rakyat General Manager, Norashikin Shaharudin.

She announced that YBR was now offering scholarships to outstanding students to continue their studies at the foundation level and bachelor’s degree level in public universities as well as in private institutes of higher learning in the country and abroad.

Every year, YBR would set aside 70 percent of its allocation from funds received from Bank Rakyat and its members for financial aids and scholarships to deserving students, she added.

“YBR allocates RM2.25 million for its scholarship programme this year and it is from the allocation for education sponsorship programme totalling RM24.88 million.

“I believe that with the provisions of the scholarship programme and with the development of a comprehensive human capital agenda, it will be able to drive excellence among students with the potentials and thus, fulfilling the government’s mission towards generating quality human capital of first class mentality,” she said.

Scholarships are now open to Malaysians aged between 18 and 30 who wish to continue their studies in data science, computing, engineering, information technology and management and humanities.

Applicants who wish to further their studies at the foundation or matriculation level must obtain at least eight A’s in the 2018 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.

For those applying for the bachelor’s degree programme, they must obtain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.50 in Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM), foundation, matriculation or diploma.

Application is opened from now until March 28, 2019. Application can be made using the smartphone application, MyBR, or from its website, www.yayasanbankrakyat.com.my.

Students’ Activities

Keen interest and leadership talent reward Siti Aisyah with UMP Role Model Award

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) undergraduate, Siti Aisyah Darmawansyah, 23, was recently crowned ‘UMP Student Role Model’, for her unwavering interest and leadership role in many of the volunteer activities organized by the university.

Held at the Vistana Kuantan City Centre on February 28, 2019, the award presentation was part of the 2018 Co-curricular Award & Students Appreciation ceremony, conducted annually by the Department of Student Affairs & Alumni.

At the ceremony, Siti Aisyah also coveted the Student Appreciation Award for volunteerism, bringing home a trophy, certificate, cash prize and a holiday package.

Fifteen other students also received their awards that night - the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor awards went to Muhammad Ameen Abdul Azis and Muhammad Amrun Aniq Muhammad Saidi, respectively, while Kelab Penyayang coveted the Best Club Award and Rozana Shahadan took home the Best Advisor Award.

The awards were presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr, Yusserie Zainudin, in the presence of the Director of Sports & Culture Centre, Abd Rahman Haji Safie.

According to the Professor Dato’ Dr. Yusserie, what all of the award recipients share in common were outstanding performance and unwavering commitment in their co-curricular participation throughout last year.

“This award recognition is hoped to inspire and encourage other students to continue to participate in various activities held at the university,” he said.

“Students’ participation in such activities will be duly recorded in the Student Development System as well as in the Extra Co-Curricular System (x-CGPA), and will be translated into a second transcript known as the Co-curricular Transcript,” he added, stressing that he believed the additional transcript will prove worthy to help the students land a good job.

As repeatedly emphasized by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maszlee Malik, Professor Dato’ Dr. Yusserie said the university is also focusing on the three elements – namely happiness, love and mutual respect – to be embedded in many of its activities and acculturated as part of campus life. 

Meanwhile, Siti Aisyah said she did not expect to win the award as the nominees for her category were lined up with outstanding students. Notwithstanding, she felt blessed and would share the prizes with her parents.

“Winning the award has truly uplifted my spirit, and I am further encouraged to continue with my volunteer work to help out the needy,” said the daughter of couple Darmawansyah Abdullah and Sri Umiaty Saubari.

As a concerned student, Siti Aisyah said she has always taken the opportunity to participate in community and social service programmes conducted by the university, among which were the Global Student Outreach at Satun, Thailand, and the volunteer service work with the homeless in Kuala Lumpur. 

And despite a hectic study time-table at the Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM), it certainly did not become an obstacle for her to shoulder the responsibilities of an Executive Committee member (Exco) for Volunteers within the Students Council for the 2017/2018 session. 

In fact, she took on several more leading roles – being directors of the ExpoConvo 2018, a Leadership Course, and the Aceh Global Exploration and International Community Service Programme in Indonesia. Other activities to her credit were Go Green SASET and mural painting at the Sultanah Hajah Kalsom Children Home.

Corporate Social Responsibility

KUB and UMP held digital literacy programme for pre-schoolers

KUB Malaysia Berhad (KUB) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) worked together to organise a digital literacy programme involving 25 pre-schoolers under a corporate social responsibility programme aimed at enhancing their knowledge in the subject.

The children were from SK PPR Lembah Subang, Petaling Jaya, involving 20 facilitators from KUB and UMP. It was held on March 7, 2019.

The programme was officially launched by KUB President/Managing Director, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Zin. 

Also present were UMP Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industrial & Community Relations), Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail, Industry Community Network Department (ICON) Director, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin, ICON Manager, Mohd Raizalhilmy Mohd Rais and SK PPR Lembah Subang Headmistress, Hajah Shamsinar Hayati Mohd Shith,

In his speech, Datuk Abdul Rahim said the aim was to create awareness and share information about the world of technology with the younger generation.

“I believe that the best place to mould the generation of the future is at school.

“The programme focuses on the children and families from the B40 group. This will be in line with the aspirations of the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail who wants the private sector to work together with the government in helping the people.

“We also plan to make a series of programme such as this one in several other states,” he added.

Datuk Abdul Rahim said he was pleased to see the dedication showed by KUB and UMP staff and hoped that it would help motivate the children.

Professor Dr. Jamil said the digital literacy programme began two years ago and to date, six schools involving 350 pre-schoolers and pupils from Pekan and Kuantan had participated in the programme.

“They got to learn more about digital devices such as computers, smart phones and televisions, with guidance by UMP lecturers also known as The Reading Makchixx.

“The programme helped them to use the devices responsibly and ethically, and to understand the operation and safety aspect of the digital devices,” he added.

Hajah Shamsinar said she was heartened by the efforts taken by KUB and UMP to include the pre-schoolers from her school and hoped that more would come forward as programmes such as this would greatly benefit the pupils.

Research and Innovation 

UMP postgraduate student created her own skin care product – RenoSkin

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

One of the keys to success is high commitment, something postgraduate student Nor Mahirah Mustapha has showed for she is now a proud owner of her own skin care product called RenoSkin that has sold more than 25,000 units since 2016.

It is something that drives her to continue doing what she likes and help those suffering from sensitive skin while at the same time, able to pursue her studies too.

Nor Mahirah is a postgraduate student with the Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM).

Students like Nor Mahirah can be successful because Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) is open in providing guidance to its students to become entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship is no longer an unfamiliar thing among them and it should be extended and included in the business syllabus so more students can be involved in business.

Nor Mahirah said the reality of the business world was that it had a lot of challenges that could help mould students to be more competitive, independent and courageous.

“These traits will help them face risks of the future once they graduated.

“They should not just hope to land jobs after completing their studies but on the contrary, they should create job opportunities for the society,” she added.

On dividing her time between studies and business, Nor Mahirah said one must be sensible in doing this so as not to compromise the quality of either one.

Looking at the onset of her business venture, Nor Mahirah said her product was the result of a research carried out together with her husband, Shahid Ali, who was at that time studying in the same university.

Her husband is now pursuing his doctorate degree at the Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering (FKKSA).

On her product, Nor Mahirah said it was made from natural material and among the ingredients were coconut oil and rice bran.

“The focus is on those with sensitive skin. The product will moisturise and nourish the skin as well as make it fairer,” she added.
Nor Mahirah also said initially, the product was able to sell well because they were traded using free-cost marketing channel but now she was finding some difficulty to further expand her business due to financial constraint.

Despite the financial hiccup, she could still be proud of her product because she managed to engage agents in Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia as well.

It was her dream to have her product exported to other countries as well, making it a brand name at the international market.

For those who are interested to get the RenoSkin product, they can get from agents available throughout the country, or through the online shopping channel such as Lazada and Shoppe. For more information, they can visit its website at www.renoskin.com.my.
 

Research and Innovation

Functional dairy food seen as potential remedy to cancer and diabetes

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
 
A team of researchers from the Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) – comprising lecturers and undergraduates – has embarked on a study of possible remedy for cancer and diabetes via the development of functional dairy food.

Headed by FSTI lecturer, Dr Jaya Vejayan Palliah, the research has successfully identified selected herbal plants within the country that are found capable of dual functions – to convert fresh milk that has gone through its coagulation processes into curd, as well as enhance the latter’s efficacy to create further biological activities. 

“As we are well aware, societies in developed nations are increasingly concerned about healthy diet, to the extent that they have begun to emphasize on functional food.

“Our very own research into such functional food was originally mooted in 2016, with the initial intent to study how the snake venom of a Malayan Pit Viper can be used as a milk coagulant,” he emphasized.

At the initial stage of the research, he said, the group of researchers was able to isolate and extract the enzyme with coagulant characteristic from the snake’s venom. 

“However, due to safety concerns, they eventually turned to herbal plants to expand their research findings on how to manufacture the coagulated milk-based food products. 

“It was certainly a challenge for us to identify and locate herbal plants that can act as such coagulant. After much effort, we discovered four types of possible herbs,” he highlighted. 

According to Dr. Jaya, these selected herbs, recognized as super-coagulants, were subsequently formulated to ensure that their hydrolysis enzymes and compounded constituents are hyper-active. 

“These hydrolysis enzymes can act as the milk protein-cutter, and convert the liquid form into a solid one, while simultaneously adding efficacies like anti-oxidant, anti-diabetes and anti-microbes,” he said. 

Malaysia’s tropical rainforest, with its biodiversity of plants and herbs, is seen by many to hold sources of potential remedies to various modern-day diseases. 

It is also a cradle of functional food sources, attracting the interest of the global population as they continue to move towards healthy lifestyle and diet. 

Dr Jaya, who coveted the gold and special medals at UMP’s CITREX 2019 (Staff Category), said the team will continue to conduct series of para-clinical testing to fortify the capability of the super-coagulants, in order to substantiate the university’s application for patent and copyright, for its future pursuit of commercialization. 

He’s hopeful that the university’s research will get its due attention from external agencies, which could lead to future collaborations – for both parties to reap mutual benefits in business diversification from the production of long-lasting and quality curd.

Academic and International

UMP offers more than 30 engineering and technology programmes

The Ministry of Education held the annual ‘Program Jom Masuk IPT’ simultaneously this year at two places - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang for the northern zone and Oceanus Waterfront Mall in Kota Kinabalu for the Sabah zone.

It was held on March 10 and 11, 2019 which gave ample time for school leavers to get the latest information on tertiary education.

Results of Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) are out on March 11 while results of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) are released on March 14, 2019.

The programme was also opened to those with diploma and of equivalent qualifications, their families, teachers and members of the public to obtain more details on education and opportunities available in order to pursue their studies at a higher level.

Among the information they could obtain were about accreditation and sponsorships for those with SPM, STPM or about foundation, diploma and first degree programmes in public or private universities as well as certificate and diploma programme offered by public institutes of skills training (ILKA).

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) was one of the universities that took part in the programme.

According to its Marketing and Student Admission Division (MID) Manager, Helmi Mohamed Isa, UMP offered 29 bachelor’s degree programmes and five diploma programmes.

He said Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering (FKEE) and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing (FKMP) were located in Pekan while other faculties were based in Gambang.

“The programme highlights information about the many institutes of higher learning available nationwide for the intake of 2019/2020. It is a platform that facilitates the public about academic programmes offered by the institutes including 20 of the public universities, polytechnics, community colleges, ILKA and private institutes of higher learning. 

“The ‘Program Jom Masuk IPT’ will also be held at AEON Mall, Kota Bharu in Kelantan on March 16 and 17 (eastern zone),  Mydin Mall, Petra Jaya in Kuching on March 23 and 24 (Sarawak zone) and MAEPS in Serdang on March 30 and 31 (middle zone),” he said. 

MID Senior Executive, Rosilavi Mat Jusoh said they would also go to schools and matriculation colleges for a career fair road tour to provide information about programmes and the qualifications required of the programmes.

“UMP also offers quality and accredited engineering and technology-based programmes as well as international programmes such as dual-degree programmes in mechatronic engineering and automotive engineering.

“The programme is a collaboration between UMP and Hochscule Karlsruhe Und Wirtschaft (HsKA) from Germany.

“Another dual-degree programme offered is in business engineering, another collaboration between UMP and Reutlingen University (HsR), Germany,” he said.
 
UMP has been the choice of many school leavers and working adults to pursue their studies at the level of diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate degree.

In fact, its UMP Advanced Education also provides the opportunity for the public to take up professional courses as well as life-long learning programme.

Students’ Activities

UMP holds life-saving programme to inculcate culture of empathy 

By: NAUWAR ALI, AWANI RANGERS & UMP MASS MEDIA CLUB 

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) recently held a ‘Let’s be a Hero’ programme, coordinated by its student-representatives from the Residential College 3 (PEKA 3), in collaboration with the university’s Gambang Campus Health Centre, Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) and the Kuantan District Dental Care Centre.

Held on February 12, 2019, the programme was organized with the objective of inculcating the intrinsic virtues of concern and kind heart, as well as empathy towards the needy, among UMP students. 
 
According to Programme Director, Aisyah Yunus, 23, ‘Let’s be a Hero’ also aimed to acculturate little-known healthy lifestyle via blood donation – through which drive, the students were also informed of the importance of organ donation to save lives – and dental hygiene.

She alluded that the programme contributions may seem small, but they do produce such big impacts, and at times, may even be life-saving.

“This is my second contribution in a blood donation drive, and it has been such a precious experience. I feel blessed and excited to be of service to the community,” exclaimed Nadzirah Azhary, who participated in the programme.  

For her, there should be more of such programme to expose the students to community service via blood donation drive.

Meanwhile, there were also potential blood donors who were declined, as they did not meet the strict prerequisites determined by the medical officers and nurses in attendance at the programme.

One such potential donor was UMP undergraduate Ummi Alia Mohd Zahari, 21; but she was not discouraged by the incident, and vouched to continue to contribute to the community through other channels.

“Since I could not contribute at the blood donation drive, I’ve taken the initiative to register as an organ donor, instead. Hopefully, someday this effort will help an ailing person in need,” she lamented.

With such programme, UMP hoped to boost the awareness and acculturate the trait of empathy among its students as the university endeavours to produce future high-quality wholesome and holistic graduates.