EDUCATION Malaysia

[rizalhakim]

UKM plans to offer PhD in nursing
By : June Ramli


KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is aiming to become the first Malaysian university to offer a PhD in nursing.

UKM Faculty of Medicine lecturer Samsiah Mat yesterday said the university was working hard to achieve this.

"We have sent several lecturers abroad to pursue their doctorates and when they come back, we will start our PhD course in nursing."

She said, at present, no local university or private college in the country was offering PhD courses in nursing.

She said UKM offered, among others, diploma-level nursing courses and an advanced diploma for mid-wives.

"We plan to introduce a masters in nursing by July."

She said nursing was now a lucrative career as nurses were in high demand in the Middle East.

"A person with a nursing degree and some working experience can earn up to RM10,000 a month, " she said, adding salaries would match the qualification.

Samsiah said the faculty was planning to introduce more courses for nurses to boost their soft skills when dealing with patients.

"We will be conducting the first-ever research nursing workshop this year from March 2 to 6 and hope to attract as many participants as possible."

She said the workshop would provide a platform for the dissemination of knowledge and advancement in nursing and healthcare.

"It is limited to 300 participants and targeted at nursing lecturers, staff nurses and tutors and will be conducted at the auditorium of UKM Hospital."

The registration fee is RM500 per participant.

Registration forms are available at www.ukmk.com.my.

The closing date for registration is Feb 23. Call 03-91735308 for details.

[nazrey]

UKM plans to set record straight on warriors
Friday February 6, 2009

KUANTAN: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia wants to “set straight” some historical records on Malay warriors who fought the British in the 1800s and were labelled as rebels.

Deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation affairs) Prof Dr Rahmah Mohamed said some facts regarding the intention and struggles to uphold Malay land and rights had been twisted by Western historians.

For a start, UKM will embark on a three-year fact-finding mission on Pahang’s famous warrior Mat Kilau, who fought the British in the 1880s and 1890s in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and right up to Siam (Thailand).

The findings will be documented in a book on the warrior.

“There are efforts to promote and project our local warriors who can be idols for the younger generation.

“We have many local personalities and great people that need to be highlighted,” Dr Rahmah told reporters after the opening of a forum on Mat Kilau yesterday.

Three descendents of Mat Kilau – Azmi Nong, Nazda Kusuma Mohd Nazar and Dr Haizam Hassan – were present.

Azmi is the deputy chairman of Tok Shahrom-Tok Gajah-Mat Kilau Descendents Association while Nazda Kusuma is the secretary and Dr Haizam the treasurer.

The university’s Academic Heritage Museum guest scholar, Datuk Dr Adi Taha, said Mat Kilau was chosen because he was a real person unlike Hang Tuah who was more legendary.

“Apart from his prowess in martial arts and spiritual skills, Mat Kilau was a strategist, intelligent, courageous and had sharp sense of political awareness.

“These are traits that should be highlighted in a more positive way,” he added.

[rizalhakim]

Universiti Newcastle mula ambil pelajar

JOHOR BAHRU 10 Feb. - Universiti Newcastle yang akan dibuka di Edu-City Iskandar Malaysia dekat sini dijangka mengambil kumpulan pertama penuntutnya seramai 40 orang pada September ini.

Sumber Iskandar Investment Bhd. (IIB) yang mengendalikan pembangunan Edu-City Iskandar Malaysia berkata, kumpulan pertama itu bagaimanapun akan memulakan pengajian di kampus induk di Universiti Newcastle, United Kingdom (UK) dalam tempoh dua tahun sementara menunggu kampus di Edu-City siap sepenuhnya.

''Kampus Universiti Newcastle Iskandar Malaysia dijadual siap Mei 2011.

''Ini bermakna, selepas dua tahun menuntut di UK, barulah mereka menyambung pengajian di kampus di Iskandar Malaysia pada September 2011,'' katanya.

Sumber itu berkata, kumpulan pertama penuntut berkenaan akan mengikuti kursus ijazah pertama dalam bidang perubatan dan pengambilan seterusnya akan diteruskan setiap tahun.

Katanya, penuntut universiti itu akan memiliki kualiti pendidikan yang sama taraf dengan pembelajaran di kampus United Kingdom walaupun menuntut di Iskandar Malaysia.

Menurutnya, kelulusan siswazah itu nanti akan diiktiraf setanding dengan ijazah yang sama seperti rakan mereka di UK.

Mengenai pembinaan kampus berkeluasan 5.2 hektar itu, menurut sumber itu kerja-kerja tanah termasuk menanam cerucuk dan membersihkan kawasan telah dimulakan oleh syarikat kontraktor.

Katanya, kampus itu akan dilengkapi bangunan pentadbiran, dewan syarahan, pusat pembelajaran sumber, perpustakaan, makmal, kelas dan bilik seminar.

Sumber itu memberitahu, Universiti Newcastle merupakan salah satu daripada lapan pusat pengajian tinggi (IPT) yang akan beroperasi di Edu-City yang berkeluasan 123.4 hektar.

Katanya, antara sekolah dan IPT yang akan dibuka ialah Sekolah Boarding UK, Sekolah Antarabangsa Cempaka dan beberapa universiti antarabangsa lain.

Menurutnya, Edu-City akan dilengkapi kemudahan yang dikongsi bersama antara IPT berkenaan seperti hostel, kedai-kedai, kompleks sukan, stadium, kolam renang dan kemudahan rekreasi.

Sementara itu, katanya, projek pembinaan Medini Iskandar berjalan mengikut jadual dan ia dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada 2014.

Menurutnya, zon ekonomi dalam Iskandar Malaysia pula kini di peringkat kerja-kerja pembinaan infrastruktur dan kerja-kerja tanah.

''Pembangunan pemangkin ini dijangka memberi nilai pembangunan purata sebanyak RM76 bilion (AS$20 bilion) dalam tempoh 15 hingga 20 tahun," katanya.

[nazrey]

UM duo on their way to Antarctica
Wednesday February 11, 2009
By KAREN CHAPMAN



Special mission: Thary and Munira will be taking part
in workshops and hands-on activities while on the expedition.

PETALING JAYA: Two Universiti Malaya students will go on an adventure of a lifetime as they will represent Malaysia at the Students on Ice expedition to Antarctica.

UM deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin said second year student Thary Gazi and Master’s student Munira Shaipudin Shah would join 70 students from around the world, scientists and other experts on the two-week expedition to Antarctica on board the MV Ushuaia.

“The students are not there as tourists but will participate in lectures, workshops and hands-on activities related to the polar environment and wildlife,” he told reporters at the university.

Munira and Thary left for Buenos Aires, Argentina last night where they will board the ship, and return to Malaysia on March 3.

“We are very proud that the university is the first university among non-polar countries to send students to the Antarctic,” said Prof Mohd Amin.

He said the university and the National Antarctic Research Centre worked together to select Thary and Munira from 10 students who wrote an essay on why polar regions were important to the tropics.

From the 10, five students were shortlisted for an interview, he said, adding that the cost of the trip for each student was RM50,000.

“This expedition is special because it has been endorsed by the International Polar Year Joint Committee as an official event of the International Polar Year 2007-2009,” said Prof Mohd Amin.

Arts and Social Science Faculty deputy dean Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, who also heads the centre, said he had accompanied former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to the Antarctic in 2002.

“The students will be following the route he was on,” he said.

Describing the experience as an opportunity of a life time, Munira who is a Master’s student in behavioural biology, said she could not wait to explore the Antarctic.

“I am not worried about being sea sick as I am used to carrying out research on water,” she said.

Thary, who is majoring in ecology and biodiversity, said he looked forward to exploring the Antarctic mainland using zodiac inflatable boats from the ship.

“It is going to be an adventure and my mum who is a nurse, has given me some seasick pills.

“She has also bought me bangles with magnets which are supposed to help with seasickness,” he said.

[rizalhakim]

VI dijadi Warisan Kebangsaan

Oleh TARMIZI ABDUL RAHIM
pengarang@utusan.com.my



SEBAHAGIAN daripada bangunan asal Victoria Institution yang bakal mencecah usia 116 tahun, Sabtu ini.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KUALA LUMPUR 11 Feb. - Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Victoria (VI) di sini yang bakal berusia 116 tahun pada 14 Februari ini akan diisytiharkan sebagai Warisan Kebangsaan.

Keputusan bersejarah itu sekali gus menjadikan Victoria Institution atau VI muncul sekolah pertama di negara ini yang memperoleh pengiktirafan berprestij itu.

VI yang diasaskan oleh Sultan Abdul Samad, William Hood Treacher, Loke Yew, Thamboosamy Pillay dan Yap Kwan Seng pada 14 Ogos 1893 berjaya mengekalkan kecemerlangannya dalam melahirkan ramai tokoh terbilang dalam pelbagai bidang.

Yang Dipertua Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) VI, Raja Amir Shah Raja Abdul Aziz berkata, matlamat utama VI selepas mendapat pengiktirafan itu ialah meneruskan lagi kegemilangannya sehingga beratus-ratus tahun lagi.

Beliau berkata, pengiktirafan itu akan menjadi pemangkin kepada PIBG, pelajar dan Persatuan Bekas Pelajar VI (VIOBA) untuk terus melahirkan pelajar cemerlang dalam akademik dan kokurikulum serta berketerampilan sebagai pemimpin berwibawa.

"Kita akui sejak kebelakangan ini produk VI agak tenggelam sehinggakan masyarakat luar membandingkannya dengan VIOBA yang terdahulu, seolah-olah tidak wujudnya kesinambungan yang mewarisi kecemerlangan dan kewibawaan sekolah itu,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Antara bekas pelajar VI ialah Sultan Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Tan Sri Yaacob Latiff, Datuk Mahadev Shankar, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Mohd. Shafie Apdal, Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique dan Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen.

Dalam bidang ekonomi, VI berjaya melahirkan pengasas Kumpulan Sapura, Tan Sri Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir; T. Ananda Krishnan, Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, Tan Sri Dr. Ramon Navaratnam dan Tan Sri Kamarul Ariffin Mohd. Yassin.

VI juga berjaya melahirkan tokoh sukan antaranya Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan, Datuk P. S. Nathan, Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, Datuk Misbun Sidek dan adik-beradiknya, Foo Kok Keong dan Ishtiaq Mubarak.

Ia juga merupakan sekolah selebriti tanah air seperti Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, Krishen Jit, Datuk K. Kamalesvaran atau Datuk Kamahl, Zarul Al Bakri, Wan Zaleha Radzi, Jit Murad, Ahadiat Akashah, Aidit Alfian, Amir Muhammad dan Ashraf Sinclair.

Semasa Perang Dunia Kedua, VI menjadi markas pentadbiran tentera Jepun pada 13 September 1945 dan selepas Jepun menyerah kalah, majlis penyerahan kembali kepada Inggeris turut diadakan di sekolah itu pada 22 Februari 1946.

Raja Amir Shah menambah, sempena majlis pengisytiharan yang akan disempurnakan oleh Menteri Perpaduan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan, ahli VIOBA telah menyatakan komitmen untuk menghadiri majlis bersejarah itu yang akan bermula pukul 9.30 pagi.

"Secara kebetulan, sehari sebelum acara itu berlangsung, Shamsuddin akan menghadiri majlis kesyukuran di surau yang beliau wakafkan kepada VI pada tahun 1996,'' katanya.

Menurutnya, VI akan mengadakan pelbagai majlis seperti makan malam, pertandingan golf amal, konsert 100 tahun pancaragam VI, larian merentas kota amal, pertandingan bolasepak Piala Mokhtar Dahari, futsal dan paintball.

"Pada hari itu juga akan berlangsung acara khas bagi Pasukan Kor Kadet Pancaragam VI yang menyambut ulang tahun penubuhannya yang ke-100 tahun iaitu pasukan pancaragam tertua di Asia Tenggara.

"Ini bakal menyaksikan sejumlah besar bekas ahli pancaragam akan berhimpun dan membantu pasukan membuat persiapan ke kejohanan pancaragam dunia yang bakal berlangsung di Monza, Itali tidak lama lagi,'' katanya.

[nazrey]

UIAM Introduces "Graduation-in-Council" For Students
February 14, 2009 19:51 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- Graduates of the Malaysian International Islamic University (UIAM), especially foreign students, can now apply to be given their scrolls a week upon completion of their studies through the "Graduation-in-Council" (GIC) system, effective this year.

UIAM Rector Prof Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Idid said the system was introduced to avoid the inconvenience, especially of its foreign students, to attend the university's convocation to receive their scrolls.

"For example, international students whose visa have expired will not have to renew their visa or have to wait long for the convocation ceremony, which is normally held two to 10 months after they complete their studies.

"(Even) local students intending to pursue studies or with job offers overseas will also benefit from this GIC," he told reporters after opening the UIAM Students carnival here today.

However, he said students who opted for GIC would not be allowed to attend the convocation ceremony.

Meanwhile, Syed Arabi advised UIAM students against becoming engrossed with political parties in the country, but to look at politics on a wider perspective instead of only on the country's political development.

"They should think about not just Malaysian politics but international politics, businesses or international networkings," he added.

-- BERNAMA

[rizalhakim]

Originally Posted by khosim

Coming Soon - Albukhary International University, Alor Setar

Originally Posted by khosim

Master plan of the
Sharifah Rokiah Complex


School of Information Technology



female Dining Halls


male Dining Halls


School of Business Studies



School of Information Technology



School of Core Subjects



Yayasan Albukhary Foundation



Lecture Theatre



Student Hostel

cool..

[rizalhakim]

Kolej matrikulasi bakal dibina di Jerantut


JERANTUT 15 Feb. - Sebuah kolej matrikulasi bakal dibina di daerah ini bagi menyediakan pelajar yang ingin mengikuti jurusan pertanian dan pelancongan.

Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Tahan, Datuk Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Razak berkata, Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi kini dalam usaha mendapatkan tapak yang sesuai bagi pembinaan projek itu yang akan dilaksanakan sepenuhnya di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Kesepuluh (RMK-10).

Beliau berkata, pembinaan kolej berkenaan amat tepat kerana Jerantut pesat membangun dalam sektor pertanian, sementara dalam sektor pelancongan pula, Taman Negara di Kuala Tahan amat dikenali di seluruh dunia.

"Pembinaan kolej matrikulasi itu termasuk Kolej Komuniti dan Pusat Latihan Industri (Astec) di Temin yang kini giat dalam pembinaan, merupakan antara mekanisme utama yang diambil oleh kerajaan negeri untuk menjadikan daerah ini pusat perkembangan ilmu bagi manfaat penduduk tempatan," katanya di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis penyampaian sumbangan Yayasan Pahang berjumlah RM29,850 kepada 264 pelajar cemerlang Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) dan Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) 2008 di sini.

Hadir sama Pegawai Pelajaran Daerah Jerantut, Mohamad Hamid; Naib Ketua UMNO Bahagian Jerantut, Nazri Ngah; dan Ketua Wanita UMNO Bahagian, Norkhelan Mahmod.

Dalam pada itu, Wan Amizan yang juga Ketua Pemuda UMNO Bahagian berkata, sumbangan tersebut merupakan agihan daripada peruntukan sebanyak RM52 juta yang disediakan oleh Yayasan Pahang pada tahun ini termasuk bantuan biasiswa melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat institusi pengajian tinggi tempatan dan luar negara.

Katanya, daripada jumlah itu, sebanyak RM19,500 merupakan sumbangan wang tunai kepada 195 murid yang berjaya memperoleh 5A dalam peperiksaan UPSR dengan masing-masing menerima RM100.

Sementara bakinya sebanyak RM10,350 lagi disumbangkan kepada 69 pelajar yang memperoleh 7A, 8A dan 9A dalam PMR tahun lalu dengan masing-masing menerima RM150 seorang.

"Sumbangan ini merupakan galakan untuk pelajar setelah bertungkus-lumus belajar sehingga memperoleh kecemerlangan dalam peperiksaan masing-masing," katanya.

[nazrey]

Dutch Lady ties up with Universiti Putra for study
By Zurinna Raja AdamPublished: 2009/02/17



DUTCH Lady Milk Industries (M) Bhd (3026) has signed a partnership with a local university to conduct a clinical trial on milk nutrition and its effects on children's mental performance.

The group, which will spend some half a million ringgit for the purpose, has formed a tie-up with Universiti Putra Malaysia's (UPM) Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to carry out research on 30 Malaysian five-year-olds who attend pre-school in the Klang Valley.

The project is aimed at providing information on children's nutrition intake of milk and how it affects their mental development and performance.

Besides sharing the outcome with other units within the group, the findings will also benefit Dutch Lady Malaysia in product development for the dedicated target group.
"This is the first study of its kind to be conducted by Dutch Lady Malaysia and we hope the results can become a valuable scientific resource base to validate and uphold our nutrition statement locally," managing director Hans Laarakker said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Dr Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib, head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, will lead a team of three lecturers for the trial.

The 30 children will be given four types of milk each and the test will be conducted via a UK-based software.

Meanwhile, Laarakker said Dutch Lady Malaysia will evaluate whether to continue with its price reduction campaign once the campaign ends on March 31.

"Response has been tremendous. But we will only evaluate it at the end of March as to whether we will continue with the campaign," he said.

The campaign period, which began early this month, saw Dutch Lady Malaysia slash prices of 48 of its dairy products between 5 per cent and 17 per cent in a move to assist consumers in the current economic crisis.

[nazrey]

Tuanku Mizan Conferred Honorary Doctorate
February 17, 2009 19:06 PM

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin was conferred an honorary doctorate by Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, for his support for higher education and for Malaysia's links with the university over the last 50 years.

Queen's University President and Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Gregson conferred the honorary doctorate in laws on Tuanku Mizan in a ceremony at Istana Melawati here on Tuesday.

It is the first time in its 160 years history that the university has conferred an honorary doctorate on a reigning monarch.

The ceremony was the highlight of a week-long visit to Malaysia by Prof Gregson.

Present were Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Idris Haron and the university's alumni including former Perak menteri besar Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib, Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and ex-Gerakan president Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

Queen's University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of top 20 research-intensive universities in the United Kingdom.

Currently there are more than 120 Malaysian students studying at the university.

Prof Gregson said this was a truly momentous day for Queen's University and one that reinforced the special relationship between Malaysia and Northern Ireland.

"Queen's welcomes the support the King gives to this special relationship and we are keen to further develop this bond for the mutual benefit of both countries," he said.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Unitar developing smart news reader
Updated: Tuesday February 17, 2009 MYT 11:50:12 AM

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Unitar) said it has received an RM163,000 grant from the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to conduct research into what it is calling an “interactive news engine.”

The proposed interactive news reader which will respond to a viewer’s request to extract and retrieve information from its news database, particularly those relevant to current news, Unitar said in a statement Tuesday.

The research is scheduled to be completed by May 2010.

[nazrey]

UMP boosts short-term research grant
Tuesday February 17, 2009

KUANTAN: University Malaysia Pahang (UMP) will increase its short-term research grant from RM20,000 to RM43,000, said its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim.

Dr Daing said he hoped the university would take serious action to reinvent itself via its staff and undergraduates.

He was speaking to academic staff and undergraduates during a special assembly at the campus near here recently.

“The basis of open-minded thinking is creativity. Creativity is more than just reinventing or creating.

“It is more than taking a shortcut by having policies that benefit one party but bring trouble to another.

“Creativity is a mental and social pro*cess that involves the generation of new ideas,” he said.

He urged everyone not to pay attention to petty details but attend to things that matter such as hands-on experience.

Dr Daing explained that, with a creatively-open mind, one would be able to better approach and embrace technology and engineering.

[rizalhakim]

Albukhary International University, Alor Setar

Originally Posted by ra_ace

AERIAL VIEW

[rizalhakim]

Limkokwing to set up more campuses
By JACK WONG


KUCHING: The Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is planning for campuses in 20 more countries in the next five years.

Founder Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said the university had received invitations from countries in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe to set up campuses.

The university now has 12 campuses in seven countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia, China and England. It has some 25,000 students from 145 nations. Its Kuala Lumpur campus has 9,000 students from 135 countries.

“We should be reaching one million students in the next 10 years,” Lim said after the opening of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday.

He said the target would include those taking online courses.

Limkokwing Sarawak chief executive officer Prof Datuk Parid Wardi said Limkokwing had built up a collegial network of more than 170 universities in over 77 countries in support of its “global classroom” concept.

“We receive more than 4 million visitors from 188 countries every month to our website, making it one of the most popular university sites in the world,” he added.

Limkokwing now offers a 3+0 degree programme through partnership with the 150-year-old Anglia Ruskin University of Cambridge, Britain.

Parid said the Sarawak institute now had 500 students and there were plans to upgrade it to a university in three years.

He said some western countries had now moved from knowledge to creative economy.

.....................so proud with LImKOK Wing.........the best malaysia college ever!!!............

[rizalhakim]

Limkokwing to expand to 20 more countries
By : Desmond Davidson



Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud signing a plaque at the opening of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology Sarawak in Kuching yesterday. With him are (from left) Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, university president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and its chief executive officer Prof Datuk Parid Wardi.


KUCHING: Limkokwing University of Creative Technology plans to build campuses in 20 more countries in the next five years.

The university's founder president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said here yesterday the campuses would be in countries "where we can make a difference, where we can make a contribution".

This, he said, included Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe.

He was speaking after the opening of the university's Sarawak campus in Jalan Nanas by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Lim said the long-term plan over 10 years was to build 30 or more campuses.

"The global economic downturn may slow us down but we will get there. Our target is 30,000 students across 30 countries in 10 years."

The university has 12 campuses in seven countries: Indonesia, China, Cambodia, Lesotho, Botswana, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

Its 25,000 students come from 145 countries. The Sarawak campus has more than 500 students from 10 countries.

Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology Sarawak chief executive officer Prof Datuk Parid Wardi said while the institute had set a target to become a full university in 10 years, its short-term goal was to gain university college status within three years.

He said the institute hoped to have more linkages, industry collaboration and collegial networking with foreign educational institutions.

[nazrey]

USM hosts conference on advanced materials
Friday February 20, 2009

UNIVERSITI Sains Malaysia (USM) hosted the first Regional Conference on Materials (RCM) in Penang recently.

It was organised to provide a platform for information and experience exchange on materials engineering research and education and the role of this field in other engineering disciplines.

RCM organising chairman and USM AUN/Seed-Net programme steering committee chairman Prof Radzali Othman said the two-day conference at Hotel Equatorial Penang covered research and industrial studies on all advanced materials like advanced polymers, advanced biomaterials, composites, nanomaterials and others.

“We had workshops and round table forums that will help determine the direction of research and education in this field,” he said.

Themed‘Materials Engineering: Leading the Path Towards Sustainable Future’, the conference featured 170 participants from Asean countries.

Almost all Malaysian universities took part in the conference as well.

Prof Radzali said USM was the selected institution for material engineering in the Asean region under the AUN/Seed-Net programme.

“We hope USM, as an Apex university, can extend its expertise in the field to other institutions, especially the newer local universities,” he said.

USM currently has 18 postgraduate students from Asean countries pursuing their Masters and PhDs at USM’s School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering in Nibong Tebal.

Prof Radzali said the students were recipients of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) scholarships.

“Due to the JICA-AUN/SEED-Net programme, the school has become popular with material engineering postgraduate students.

“Last year, 20 applied but we only had five JICA scholarships to give out.

“So the selection process was very strict to help us ensure we get a group of hardworking scholars,” he said.

AUN/SEED-Net is short for Asean University Network/Southeast Asia Engineering Education Development Net-work project.

It promotes human resource development in engineering within the region.

AUN/SEED-Net is mainly supported by the Japanese Government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and partially by the Asean Foundation.

[nazrey]

UTM to research rise in water under Medina
Friday February 20, 2009

JOHOR BARU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and University Taibah (UT) in Medina will conduct joint research on the cause of rising water beneath the Saudi Arabian city.

UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Zaini Ujang said the RM4mil research was important as the water could affect the structure of Masjid Nabawi, the second holiest site for Muslims.

“Rising water levels underground can have a negative impact on highways and residential areas and threaten the development of Medina if not handled quickly,” he said.

The situation could worsen as the population of Medina had grown due to the opening of new residential and commercial areas, he added.

Dr Zaini was speaking at a press conference after receiving the UT vice-rector on research and studies, Prof Dr Talal Halawani, who is on an official visit here.

Dr Zaini said an invitation to do the joint research was extended by UT president Prof Dr Mansoor Al Nozha during a trip by UTM officials to UT on Jan 20.

Dr Zaini said the officials also visited King Saud University in Riyadh where he was elected as one of three international advisers on water research to Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Chair.

They were satisfied with UTM’s expertise and experience in environment and water management, he said.

Dr Zaini said the research would be conducted over three years and University King Abdul Aziz Institute of Mineral and Petroleum Research would assist UTM.

Among the methods to be used in the research were the building a simulation model to measure and predict the reason behind the rise in underground water.

Meanwhile, Dr Talal said, besides collaborating on the research project, UT was interested in UTM’s online English lessons.

“We hope UTM will share its expertise in biotechnology application and research on information technology, communication and wireless communication,” he said.

[rizalhakim]

UiTM buka cawangan di Tepoh
Oleh Hanneeyzah Bariah Baharin
hanneeyzah@bharian.com.my

KUALA TERENGGANU: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) akan membuka kampus di Tepoh, dekat sini, sekali gus membantu kerajaan negeri merealisasikan matlamat menjadikan Terengganu pusat pendidikan dan ilmu di pantai timur.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelajaran, Pengajian Tinggi, Sains dan Teknologi dan Sumber Manusia negeri, Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman, berkata cadangan pembukaan kampus ketiga UiTM di Terengganu itu sudah dibincangkan dengan Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi (KPT) dan kerajaan negeri sudah mengenal pasti tapak seluas 40 hektar di Sungai Ikan, Tepoh.

Beliau berkata, pembukaan kampus ketiga selepas Dungun dan Bukit Besi membolehkan sasaran UiTM melahirkan lebih 200,000 graduan setiap tahun tercapai, selain menyediakan tempat untuk menampung keperluan pengajian tinggi pelajar cemerlang di pantai timur terutama Terengganu sendiri.



"Kita mahu jadikan kawasan Parlimen Kuala Nerus sebagai hab pendidikan sehingga peringkat antarabangsa. Kita sudah ada Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) serta Universiti Darul Iman (UDM) di Gong Badak dan UiTM di Tepoh ini akan memperluaskan jaringan pendidikan, khususnya di peringkat pengajian tinggi.

"Kita juga tidak mahu pelajar cemerlang di negeri ini tidak ada tempat untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat lebih tinggi. Kita suruh mereka belajar bersungguh-sungguh di peringkat sekolah, tetapi apabila dapat keputusan cemerlang, tidak ada tempat untuk belajar di universiti. Ia akan meninggalkan kesan tidak baik untuk jangka panjang.

"Macam mana kita nak lahirkan graduan cemerlang jika kita tidak sediakan pusat pengajian. Ini juga akan membantu hasrat melahirkan sekurang-kurangnya seorang graduan dalam satu keluarga. Dengan cara ini saja mereka dapat membawa keluarga keluar daripada kepompong kemiskinan," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang media selepas merasmikan Ekspo Pendidikan, Latihan dan Kerjaya (Edu-Care) 2009 di UMT di sini, semalam. Hadir sama Pengerusi Edu-Care, Prof Madya Dr Khalid Samo.

Edu-Care kali ke-13 dianjurkan UMT dengan kerjasama kerajaan negeri itu diadakan bertujuan mengembangkan maklumat pendidikan, penajaan dan kerjaya di pantai timur, memasarkan program pendidikan tinggi dan peluang latihan, membantu negara memartabatkan pendidikan ke taraf antarabangsa dan mempersiapkan warga negara dengan maklumat pendidikan mantap.

Sebanyak 26 IPTA dan institusi pengajian tinggi swasta serta 20 institusi kemahiran dan agensi di bawah kelolaan KPT menyertai Edu-Care kali ini.

Selain itu, Ahmad Razif berkata, UiTM Tepoh yang dijangka menawarkan beberapa kursus penting untuk memenuhi permintaan pasaran pekerjaan tempatan juga akan memberi pulangan ekonomi yang besar khususnya kepada penduduk setempat dan kerajaan negeri.

[nazrey]

College in JB offers diploma in hospitality
Monday February 23, 2009

JOHOR BARU: Sunway College Johor Baru is offering a new diploma in hospitality to train students for jobs in the multi-billion-ringgit Iskandar Malaysia project.

Its programme coordinator Linda Lim said the service industry remained as one of the biggest employers worldwide, and hospitality, which was a major component, was labour intensive.

“As Iskandar gears up for the future, a skilled and qualified work force is essential to feed the demands of hotels, resorts, theme parks, restaurants and retail establishments,” she said.

She said the full-time course, which will start on March 19, would equip students with the expertise to embark on successful career paths.

“There will be a myriad of methods of lesson delivery including classroom lectures, tutorials, case studies, hands-on training and field trips.

“There will also be a 20-week supervised work stint where students will put their learning into practice,” said Lim.

Lim said the fee for the two years and 20 weeks course would be under RM30,000.

Scholarships are available for students with good SPM results.

Successful diploma graduates may apply for direct entry into Year Two of the International Hospitality Management degree offered at Sunway University College in affiliation with Lancaster University of Britain.

To kick-start the course, Sunway College Johor Baru will conduct hospitality workshops for interested students and the general public during open days on March 14 and 15.

Visitors can pick up tips on table setting, dining etiquette, colour coordination and grooming to fit personal profiles.

A talk on career opportunities in hotel management will be presented on March 15.

For more information, call Sunway College Johor Baru at 07-359 6880.

[nazrey]

UMS told to boost agriculture sector
Tuesday February 24, 2009

SANDAKAN: University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) should pursue the setting up of an Agricultural Services Laboratory and a Centre for Advance Agricultural Studies to further strengthen the agricultural industry in Sabah.

“The agriculture campus it has set up in this east coast town will play a role in providing the much-needed support for the sector,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new UMS School of Sustainable Agriculture campus here. Also present was Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.

Musa said the new campus was a key component of the Sandakan education hub – which was part of the Ninth Malaysia Plan – and the Sabah Development Corridor to develop the state’s agriculture industry.