Collaboration

Closer ties between Malaysia-Bosnia following MoU signed by UMP and MBTCA

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Bosnia Trade Cooperation Association (MBTCA) that would pave the way for collaborations in the fields of engineering and technology with universities in Bosnia.

The MoU was signed on April 5, 2019, involving programmes such as Bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering, mechatronic, civil engineering, manufacturing, computer, electrical, chemical and science as well as possible joint research works.

UMP was represented by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff while MBTCA by its Board of Members’ Director, Najib Abbas. 

It was witnessed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Datuk Seri Dr. Mujahid Yusof and MBTCA Chairman, Datuk Subhi Haji Dziyauddin. 

Also present was Automotive Excellence Centre (AEC) Director, Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Adam Abdullah.

Professor Ir. Dr Wan Azhar said the collaboration with MBTCA would involve developing research works and sharing of facilities, data, knowledge and skills as well as other resources that would bring mutual benefits.

“This amicable ties forged will benefit the good ties enjoyed by the country’s learning institutes especially in offering courses related to engineering and technology.

“This will also include having joint conferences, developing human resource and human capital and exchange student programme,” he said after the signing ceremony that was held at the Islamic Complex in Putrajaya.

The patron of MBTCA is Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad while the advisor is Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Mujahid Yusof.
 
MBTCA is a platform where strategic planning, drafting of policies and conducive framework are carried out to promote bilateral trade ties between the two countries.

It involves six clusters – relationship between countries, education, business, tourism, halal industry and establishment of institutions.

Strategic Collaboration

UMP explores international collaboration with Turkey’s BAIBU

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) continues to enhance its strategic international relations by exploring academic and research opportunities with Bolu Aybant Izzet University (BAIBU) of Turkey at the recent Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Convention 2019, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on March 27, 2019. 

At the international convention, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BAIBU Rector, Professor Dr. Mustafa Alisarli, to explore academic and research developments between the two universities.

Also present at the signing ceremony were UMP Director of International Office, Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi, and BAIBU International Students and Staff Coordinator, Özlem Yelda Dilmen.

“Through this MoU, both universities can now embark on collaborations in academic and research developments, including students and staff exchange programme, as well as the opportunity to explore other academic frontiers,” stressed Professor Dato’ Sri Dr Daing Nasir.

Concurring, Professor Dr. Mustafa said the MoU is just the starting point for future collaborations, and BAIBU appreciates the efforts made by UMP to initiate and strengthen the two universities’ international relations. 

“Furthermore, this memorandum of understanding will encourage more students and staff mobility programmes to be developed, similar to the Erasmus and Mevlana,” he emphasized.

According to Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir, UMP is presently enlisted in and well-ranked by QS World University by Subject Ranking 2019 for its engineering subjects of mechanical, aeronautical, manufacturing, chemical and technological. 

“This world ranking accomplishment is a testament to the excellent methodology of teaching and learning at UMP, which focused on a variety of technical and technological aspects,” exclaimed the Vice-Chancellor.

“The ranking of subjects matter to the students, especially when making choices and assessing the right university to pursue studies in their fields of interest,” he said.

Established in 1992, BAIBU is among the well-recognized universities in Turkey – especially proactive in promoting international students and staff exchange programmes to countries in Asia, East Asia, Africa and Europe.  

The recently signed MoU will also allow UMP students and staff to explore opportunities to initiate new relations and collaborate in the fields of engineering and technology, with other universities in Turkey, like Yildiz Technical University, Sakarya University, Karabuk University, Akdeniz University and Manisa Celal Bayar University.

Campus Info

PPTI colloquium focused on professional management of the future

Some 100 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) administrators attended the Administrator Transformation Colloquium titled, ‘Professional Managers of the Future’ that was organised by the Association of Administrative and Professional Officers (PPTI), together with the Registrar Office.

It was held at the Banquet Hall, Tun Abdul Razak Chancellery, UMP Pekan Campus on March 27, 2019.

The event was held in conjunction with PPTI annual general meeting and consisted of university officers from Grade 41 and above as well as those of various positions and field works.

According to PPTI President and Industry & Community Network Department (ICoN) Manager, Mohd Raizalhilmy Mohd Rais, the programme was a platform for them to share their expertise and experience in a move to enhance competency in governance.

He also announced that PPTI had agreed to rename its name to Association of Professional University Managers (PUMA).

He said PPTI also expressed its gratitude to two panels who spoke on their experience that would greatly help the administrators to further strive and drive the university towards excellence.

They were UMP Board of Directors’ Member and Managing Director of Asturi Metal Builders (M) Sdn. Bhd., Dato’ Sri Md Sharif Shamsuddin and former UMP Department of Research and Innovation General Manager, Datin Sri Hajah Fazia Ali.

The moderator was UMP Senior Publication Officer, Muhammad Azli Shukri.

Dato’ Sri Md Sharif said a leader was a khalifah whose responsibility and principles were based on the Al-Quran.

“Employees should also be trustworthy and should not cause any destruction on this earth which means one must stay away from corruption, backstabbing and other negative acts.

“In the Al-Quran, there are many guidelines stated for one to be a good worker. UMP being the best university should have administrators who can manage and increase a lot of products, and can move on its own just like a private university.

“That is the challenge thrown at us all,” he said.

He added that everything that was being done must have an objective and planning in order to produce the best result.

“An association in an organisation plays an important role in order to attain achievement. No matter how great a person is in his work, he needs others to complement and complete the work. Work done by a team of workers is of course far better than work done by one person, in terms of quality and quantity,” he said.

Datin Sri Hajah Fazia also shared her own experience of working in the civil service for 36 years.

She started her career in Univesiti Sains Malaysia (USM), gaining invaluable experience along the way while working in various departments and faculties.

According to her, an administrator must be smart when carrying out the tasks assigned.

“One of the challenging tasks in UMP was when we were assigned to launch the endowment initiative and MyGift UMP.

“It was an initiative to raise funds for various purposes such as sponsorship and scholarship, to build facilities for students and to help the needy.

“In 2011, the university also realised that there was a need to continue to move ahead in making effective, cost-saving measures and boost its revenues. Alhamdulillah, we were able to save costs up to RM10 million,” she said.

Datin Sri Hajah Fazia gave an advice that as a manager, one must be bold in giving opinion and at times, must also consider opinions of the staff so everyone could advance together.

She also shared her experience in dividing her time as a career woman and as a mother, something that was doable.

“Rise early in the morning will make you more proactive and you can manage your household better,” she said.

Also present at the programme were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli.

Academic and International

Dr. Hari Narayanan shares his industrial experience

By: SITI NURFARMY, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

In a move to boost the country’s economic development, it was essential to have a competitive and highly-skilled workforce and realising its importance, the Industry & Community Network Department (ICoN) and Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM) jointly organised the ‘Professional Talk Series’ with USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. Director, Dr. Hari Narayanan invited as the guest speaker.

The event was held on March 26 and 27, 2019 at UMP Gambang Campus and Pekan Campus.

Dr. Hari Narayanan was formerly Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) CEO@Faculty, a programme initiated by the Ministry of Education. 

He had made a lot of contributions to the university, benefitting the students and lecturers since 2015.

He is now Chairman of Board of Directors, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) after retiring from Motorola Solutions (M) Sdn. Bhd. He was the company’s Managing Director and had been with the company for about 25 years.

In the talk, Dr. Hari Narayanan spoke on current issues relating to the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) titled, ‘Biz Development: Successful Commercialisation’ and ‘Performance Management: Driving the Innovative & Productive Team’.

According to ICoN Manager, Mohd Raizalhilmy Mohd Rais, the programme started in 2015 and the sharing of experience and knowledge was seen as an ongoing effort by the university in providing some form of exposure to students on the real working world from a viewpoint of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or a prominent industrial personality from various backgrounds.

“By getting the industry to participate into the university setting, it will ensure an effective and high-impact collaboration, a strategic partnership forged that will pave the way for an integration and synergy between industrial experts and students.

“This affiliation will be more significant in helping to enhance the students’ learning experience,” he said.

More than 1,000 students were involved in the two-day event, organised under the Managing Human Capital programme by Faculty of Industrial Management and the Entrepreneurship Centre.

Research and Innovation

UMP language teachers won three gold medals and a silver medal at INNOPLEN 2019

The hard work put into developing innovative teaching techniques paid off for four language teachers with Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)’s Centre for Modern Languages & Human Sciences (CMLHS) as they won three gold medals and one silver medal in the Innovation, Product Launching and Entrepreneurship (INNOPLEN) 2019 Competition.

The competition was held at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Polytechnic (POLISAS) in Kuantan on March 28, 2019.

The gold medal winners were Rosjuliana Hidayu Rosli, Juwairiah Osman and Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan while the silver medal was contributed by Azlina Mohd Ariffin.

Prizes were presented by Ministry of Education’s Polytechnic and Community College Division Director General, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Ismail Abd Aziz.

A total of 125 research teams comprising 445 participants took part in the competition that was divided into two categories - technical and non-technical. The participants were from public and private institutes of higher education, polytechnics, community colleges, government agencies and industries.

Rosjuliana Hidayu’s project titled, ‘Transformation in the Learning Technique of Arabic Language through EL RESALA. ARABIC Interactive e-Learning’ won first place for the non-technical category. It was also presented with the ‘Certificate Honour as Presenter.’

The technique helps students in improving their skills to memorise Arabic vocabulary faster. It also helps engineers set to work in the Middle East to learn the language during preparatory classes.

As for Juwairiah, she created a flow chart ‘It’s Fun to Speak Malay Language using Kolb Model (CAS-BM: International Malay Language) that won second place for the non-technical category. She was also presented with the ‘Certificate Honour as Presenter.’

She said the innovation and research works carried out were to further improve the teaching and learning method of the Malay language for foreign students in UMP.

“The innovative method is implemented in e-learning activity - be it in the classroom or outside of the classroom and in programmes carried out in the university or outside of the university, conducted at the state-level or international level.

“As for non-native speakers comprising the foreign students, they have to be motivated, taught using interactive learning method and dealt with easy, casual approach by the language teachers themselves so they are driven to learn a different language,” she said.

Others in the group were teachers in the Foreign Language Department - Mardhiyyah Zamani, Rosjuliana Hidayu Rosli, Jamilah Bebe Mohamad, Mohammad Baihaqi Hasni and Farah Hanan Aminallah.

They had the full support from the Head of Department, Dr. Jamal Rizal Razali.

The third gold was contributed by Siti Ainun Jariyah for the English Language learning technique using the Drama-tive approach. She also received the ‘Certificate Honour as Presenter’.

In this approach, students are tasked to come up with a drama based on a given situation. The technique encourages students to think creatively and critically and that it can help to build up their self-confidence in mastering the language.

Azlina won the silver medal for her research, ‘Techniques to learn Spanish through websites and Estudiar Español Conmigo courseware’. It is used to teach students who take up Spanish language in the university.

The efforts taken to come up with the innovative means are preparations taken to meet challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and that the teaching and learning methods need to stay relevant and effective with the current trends, in line with the changes that are fast taking place in the world of technology.

Academic & International

CHEST’S empowerment programme trip to Bangkok, Thailand

A group of lecturers and students from Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) comprising Dr. Azizul Helmi Sofian, Dr. Nor Hanuni Ramli and eight undergraduates from Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering went for a four-day educational trip to Bangkok, Thailand recently.

The programme was part of the initiatives taken to expose students to the international arena by expanding their horizon, experiencing different educational system and culture and in the process, help them to be forward-thinking and globally competitive.

The trip began with a very inspiring session at the Yunus Centre, Asian Institute of Technology, the first collaboration of its kind by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and an educational institution – the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). It was established in 2009.

The Centre’s Director, Dr. Faiz H. Shah and Senior Programme Officer, Rowena Alcoba were present at the session that included discussion where the students were enlightened on the social business philosophy and its impact when implemented accordingly.

Dr. Faiz described social business as a normal business but one with ‘heart and soul’.

UMP Programme Director, Wan Hamizan said he hoped that UMP and the centre would form a collaboration that would pave the way for a new Yunus Centre be set up in the east coast region.

The UMP group also visited the King Mongkut`s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), one of the prominent technical universities in Thailand. It was the first visit by the Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering.

They were greeted by Dean for Faculty of Engineering, Professor Dr. Chai Jaturapitakkul and its Associate Dean for International Affairs, Assistant Professor Dr. Chawin Chantharasenawong.

Also present were Head of Chemical Engineering Department, Associate Professor Dr. Piyabutr Wanichpongpan and Associate Professor Dr. Asawin Meechai who represented KMUTT’s Chemical Engineering Department.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with UMP and both universities took the opportunity to exchange information about their academic programme, mobility programme, possible joint cooperation and the International Festival of Innovation of Green Technology (i-Finog) and National Chemical Engineering Symposium (NACES) 2019.

The group also took to sightseeing and visited various popular attractions but the highlight of the whole trip was the experience learned at the Yunus Centre and possible academic and cultural collaboration with KMUTT.

CHEST President, Alief Uzair said he hoped that the society’s future committee members would continue to work on all the initiatives that had been laid out as there were a lot benefits that could be gained by students as well as the faculty.

Academic and International

PIMPIN organised a workshop on al-Quran reading using sign language and braille

By: NUR SA’ADATUL AFZAN JUSOH, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION 

Concerned over the plight of people with disabilities (OKU), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)’s Islamic Centre and Human Development (PIMPIN) organised a special workshop for the public including for the disabled especially those with hearing and sight impairment on March 26, 2019.

The participants learned about al-Quran reading in sign language and braille in the workshop which was organised in conjunction with the Mahabbah Carnival 9.0.

A total of 15 programmes have been outlined during the two-week carnival which received the support from the Council of Islamic Religion and Malay Customs of Pahang (MUIP), UMP Holdings (UMPH), Department of Academic and International Affairs (JHEAA), Vice-Chancellor’s Office (PNC), Department of Student Affairs and Alumni (JHEPA) and Centre for Modern Languages & Human Sciences (CMLHS).

On the workshop, it attracted 45 participants comprising UMP staff, government agency personnel and members of the public.

Programme Director, Muhammad Sallehudin Md Derus said the programme provided an opportunity for the participants to enhance their knowledge and understanding on braille and to learn about the facilities available that could provide aids to the disabled.

“The workshop was carried out for four hours, consisting of two slots. The first slot was a briefing on the sign language technique, carried out through group activities. The participants were taught the basic technique as well as the sign language to read the surah of Al-Fatihah and other surahs.

“The second slot involved a briefing on the braille technique and the participants were taught its basic technique,” he said.

The instructor of the workshop was Norakyairee Mohd Ruas, a lecturer with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). She is also the Coordinator for Ibnu Ummi Maktum Research Unit (UMMI).

Norakyairee said public awareness towards the disabled should be further enhanced because they were among the groups of people who were often side-lined and received less attention.

“We want to ensure that the disabled such as the deaf and blind do not miss the opportunity to learn al-Quran more in-depth,” she added.

She also said a workshop such as this should not only be attended by the disabled but also by the normal and abled-bodied people to help increase awareness on the importance of learning basic sign language and on ways to bond with them.

She lauded the efforts taken by PIMPIN in organising the workshop and hoped that more of such classes could be held in the future.

Students’ Activities

‘Gotong-Royong’ by UMP students to clean up Batu Hitam beach

By: AMIR HAZIQ IBRAHIM, SISWA BRIGADE SECTION 19G HEAD 

A total of 40 volunteers comprising Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) students from the Siswa Brigade Section 19G took part in a programme called, ‘Stay Clean with UMP’ which involved cleaning up the popular beach of Batu Hitam in Beserah here on March 30, 2019.

The programme, aimed at highlighting the importance of protecting the environment, was jointly organised by the Centre of Co-Curriculum, Department of Student Affairs and Kuantan Municipal Council. 

Programme Director and Faculty of Civil Engineering & Earth Resources (FKASA) undergraduate, Nur Ailah Taklima Zukri said the focus was on the cleaning activity and to make it a sustainable area so the beach would be cleaner, sunnier and more conducive.

“With a cleaner beach and beautiful scenery, it will be able to attract the public to come here for recreational activities or simply have a family outing.

“Also, the place is one of the popular attractions in Pahang,” she said.

She also said they had placed garbage bins that were created by the undergraduates that were made from recycled items such as bottles and old tyres in a bid to encourage the locals to be more appreciative of the beach and its beauty.

UMP Psychology Officer and Programme Director, Paridah Mohd Ali said activities such as this were in line with university’s aspiration in instilling the spirit of volunteerism and for students to be more concerned about the environment.

“They must always be nurtured with the values of being helpful to one another including in making the university more social-friendly with the outside community.

“This will be seen as supporting the implementation of a green campus aimed at creating a healthy surrounding and instil a sense of responsibility and thoughtfulness among UMP community towards the environment,” she said.

She hoped that the efforts taken by the UMP volunteers would educate visitors to the beach to work together to make the beach a cleaner and beautiful place.

Tracks of Alumni

Nurul Akma, an exemplary of a strong-willed and hard-working young engineer

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

“Having a strong will to succeed is the main key which every student must have, regardless of the field one is venturing into,” said Nurul Akma Mohamad Rani, 25, a graduate of Bachelor in Applied Science (Hons.) Material Technology, Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology (FIST), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

Those were the inspirational words that Nurul Akma had always hold onto.
 
Nurul Akma, who is from Kelantan, is now a quality and reliability engineer with Intel Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Her task was to see to it that products manufactured were of industrial standard and functioning well when used by consumers.

“Quality assurance is the main key in product manufacturing,” she said.

It was interesting to note that Nurul Akma had initially wanted to be a veterinarian so much so that she was called a ‘frog doctor’ by her friends due to her keen interest in animals and their wellbeing.

However, she was unable to pursue her interest because of her fear of cats or Ailurophobia.

On her current work, Nurul Akma described it as an opportunity for her to further advance her potentials and career path which had now spread wide open.

True to her own words, Nurul Akma was named the bright spot employee after six months into work.

She had indeed make full use of the opportunity given to do her best and showed that she was a dedicated engineer.

The recognition given to Nurul Akma was a reflection of her being a responsible and determined employee to ensure that the workplace was a conducive working environment.

“My job involves providing support to the development of multimedia communications and information network, data which is now something that can be accessed at one’s fingertips.

“This is also in line with the efforts taken by the government to enhance the Internet of Things (IoT) that will support the domestic and international market,” she said.

After graduation, Nurul Akma had worked as a research assistant, contracted for a year with UMP under a joint venture project with Syarikat Nano Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
 
However, she spent a few months on the project which was completed well ahead of the scheduled time.

She then applied for work at Intel Technology and landed a job with the company.

Nurul Akma was no stranger to success as her impressive achievements had already began when she was an undergraduate with UMP. She won a gold medal and Vice-Chancellor Special Award during the Creation, Innovation, Technology and Research Exposition (Citrex) in 2017.

It was the start of many other accomplishments, be it at the local scene or abroad.

Nurul Akma said her principles were simple, to view every situation with a positive outlook and that there would always be room for self-improvement.

On her achievements, Nurul Akma credited the people around her for providing the support in everything that she did as well as to UMP for giving her the opportunity to grow and be involved in various activities

She said the many activities that she had participated during university had helped towards her character building and improve her social skills, adding, these had also helped towards preparing for working life.