Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Undergraduate Research Scheme (URS)



For more information, please visit http://research.utar.edu.my/news_update/news(8).jsp

Source: http://greenmetric.ui.ac.id/overall-ranking-2015/

UI GreenMetric Ranking of World Universities 2015
16th Universiti Putra Malaysia
44th Universiti Utara Malaysia
65th Universiti Malaya
106th Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
117th Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
173rd Universiti Malaysia Sabah
361st Islamic Science University of Malaysia

UTAR made it to the list

Source: http://www.rsc.org/Education/courses-and-c...urses/index.asp



Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chemistry is accredited by Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Besides that, HKU, NUS, Monash, UM, USM, UPM and Purdue Chemistry degree also accredited by RSC.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/dcinternetutar/

UTAR Student Exchange Programmes







Eligibility: UTAR full time undergraduate students who have completed at least two semester with a 2.5 CGPA or higher
Duration: One semester to one academic year

Application:
-Interested students should submit hard copies of all UTAR transcripts certified by Division of Examinations, awards and scholarship (DEAS) and the completed Preliminary Application Form for Outbound Student Exchange Programme to Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet).
-Do not staple your documents.
-Fill out the form by typing text into the appropriate areas.
-Download the preliminary application form
-All submitted documents will not be returned.
-The announcement of the selected candidates will be made via email by end of April 2016.
-Selected students who receive the offer have one week from date of offer to accept. If the offer is not accepted within one week, it will be cancelled.

For more information, please contact Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) or visit http://www.utar.edu.my/dcinternet/ website for more information.

Kampar Campus
Ms. Ally Chin / Ms. Khoo Shi Yin
Email: chinsl@utar.edu.my / khoosy@utar.edu.my
Tel: 05-468 8888 Ext: 2538

Sungai Long Campus
Ms. Furnny Ong / Ms. Soo Hui Wen
Email: ongyf@utar.edu.my / soohw@utar.edu.my
Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext: 138 / 137

This post has been edited by cnvery: Feb 11 2016, 02:14 PM

Source: https://sites.google.com/site/jjuspa2016/

Invitation to the JPA/JSPA/UTAR Seminar on Physiological Anthropology (JJU SPA) 2016



Dear Prof./Dr./Mr./Ms./Miss,

On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to invite you to join us in the Seminar on Physiological Anthropology 2016 jointly organized by the Journal of Physiological Anthropology (JPA), Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology (JSPA) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). We are deeply honoured that UTAR has been selected to host this seminar on 3 March 2016 in UTAR, Kampar Campus, Malaysia.

Physiological anthropology is a research on the physiological functions of modern mankind, with an emphasis on the bio-cultural effects on human adaptability to the current environment.

This seminar participation is open to all academicians, researchers, students (undergraduates and postgraduates) and the general public.

Undergraduate students who completed the seminar will awarded:
10 USSDC points under Lifelong Learning & Information Management.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.

For further information, please visit:
https://sites.google.com/site/jjuspa2016/

or email:
jjuspa2016@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Say Yee How
Organizing Chairperson
JSPA/JPA/UTAR Seminar on Physiological Anthropology 2016

Source: http://doctorjob.com.my/scholarship/matrix...rship-2016.aspx

Matrix Invent Scholarship 2016

Awarding Body
Matrix Invent MSC Sdn Bhd

Level Of Study
Undergraduate

Closing Date
Ongoing

About The Scholarship
Matrix Invent’s reputation and expertise has always been in the areas of Business Process Automation, Information Delivery and Security, and etc.

Eligibility
Open for Malaysian students
Possess good academic school results
Candidate who want to continue his / her study from Certificates to Diploma OR Diploma to Degree.
Candidate who is interested to enroll in Software Engineering course (PART-TIME).
Willing to serve in Matrix Invent for a specified period. This is a good starting point to begin your career at Matrix Invent.

Value Of Award
The rate of sponsorship varies depending on students’ course fees, duration of studies and college/ university’s placement.

How To Apply
Candidates may send their details (Resume, Cover Letter & Academic Result) to: konlian@matrixinvent.com or contact us at: 03-7722 2035 (Ext:180)

For More Info
http://www.matrixinvent.com/

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=51230

UTAR seeks to emulate successful hospitals

In order to better facilitate the training of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) medical and health science undergraduates, the university has embarked on the plan to set up a hospital in its Kampar Campus in Perak. The hospital is expected to function as an advanced teaching-learning hub for UTAR’s medical and health science students in addition to providing affordable medical services to the surrounding community.

The university has been visiting several hospitals in the country and overseas to look at the various models of operations and adopt best practices for its own hospital in Kampar. In addition to visiting hospitals in Taiwan, a recent trip was made to India.



UTAR Council Chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and his spouse Toh Puan Ena Ling together with UTAR Vice-President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, FMHS Deputy Dean of Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Emeritus Prof Dr Boo Nem Yun, Dato’ Dr Neoh Soon Bin and Datin Mah Swee Bee visited two hospitals in India; namely,Usha Mullapudi Cardiac Centre (UMCC) in Hyderabad and Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani (SSSS) Hospital in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The visits to the two hospitals in India aimed to look at good approaches and practices to adopt for UTAR’s hospital which is also a not-for-profit hospital. The visits also explored opportunities for collaborations such as educational visits, training, placements and staff and student exchanges. It is envisaged that the UTAR medical and health science students could seek placements at the SSSS Hospital for a period of between one and three months especially for those doing clinical placements. There could also be exchange visits for nurses and specialists especially cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in addition to providing assistance in setting up a paediatric cardiac centre in UTAR Kampar Hospital to serve the ASEAN communities.

Tun Ling said, “The teaching hospital will be run as a not-for-profit hospital and will be self-sustained. The university views this as a responsibility to contribute towards the community and nation in the provision of quality education and training of medical and health science students to meet the future needs of the community for improved quality of living and affordable health care services.”

UTAR FMHS was established on 16th November 2009. It aspires to be the preferred centre of education and research for medical and health sciences. The Faculty is devoted to providing a conducive environment for the acquisition of knowledge and skills for effective clinical practice; develop values and attitudes of dedication, ethics and professionalism in the delivery of healthcare; and produce graduates who would serve and improve the quality of life of the community.

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/tour

UTAR Guided Campus Tours For Kampar Campus



Session:
Morning 10.30am-12.30pm
Afternoon 2.30pm-4.30pm

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=51285

UTAR and TAM Seal Pact


Seated, from left: Dr Lo, Dr Yap, Ir Tang, and Ooi posing for a group photograph with senior officials from UTAR and TAM

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between UTAR and Technological Association Malaysia (TAM) at UTAR Kampar Campus on 26 February 2016.

Signing on behalf of the two parties were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik and TAM President Ir Tang Heap Seng, while UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Dr Yap Vooi Voon and TAM’s Vice President Ooi Kah Biew were the witnesses for the respective parties.


Dr Yap (left) and Ir Tang delivering their opening addresses

“This MoU signing marks the partnership between UTAR and TAM in the mutual interest of promoting the art and science of engineering. The collaboration between UTAR and TAM will include co-organising workshops, seminars, talks, technical visits, as well as funding for joint research in UTAR and other activities of common interest to TAM and UTAR. Besides that, the collaboration is also aimed to enhance the learning, teaching, and research at UTAR and to provide a valued channel to network and build industry link for our students,” said Dr Yap on behalf of Prof Chuah who signed the agreement earlier as he could not attend the ceremony. He also thanked all parties for their effort in making the collaboration possible, and conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Ir Tang for his support in fostering the UTAR-TAM partnership.

Ir Tang in his speech said that TAM is proud to be associated with UTAR and expressed his confidence that the collaboration with UTAR would be a fruitful partnership. “The MoU signed here today will provide us with a committed approach to working more closely with UTAR, especially in the disciplines of science and engineering.”


Dr Yap (second, from left) and Ir Tang signing the memorandum of understanding while Dr Lo and Ooi look on

After the MoU signing, Ir Tang delivered a talk titled “Engineering Mobility for Sustainable ASEAN Economic Community” to over 50 FEGT students. The ceremony also witnessed the launching of TAM’s website.

Also present at the signing ceremony were FEGT staff comprising Deputy Deans Dr Lo Po Kim, Dr Ng Choon Aun and Dr Tan Kok Tat, UTAR staff, students, as well as TAM members.

TAM is an organisation for all levels and disciplines of technologists, from the professionals to students and everyone whose career is technological in nature. TAM was established in the year 1946. It is the oldest serving technological organisation in Malaysia aimed at bringing about a clearer understanding and appreciation of technology, and to instill among members an impelling desire to achieve professional competence and the highest standard of technological skills.


Dr Yap presenting souvenirs to Ir Tang

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=51307

For Sustainable Future Cities

The first International Workshop on Sustainable Future Cities (IWSFC) was jointly organised by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), University of Strathclyde (UoS) Glasgow, and Sunway University Malaysia on 2 March 2016 at Le Meridien Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Present at the workshop were IWSFC Honorary Chair and UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik; Newton Programmes Manager Liew Siew Hui from British Council Malaysia; from British High Commission, Newton Fund Programme Manager Izza Ismail and Science and Innovation Officer Lee Ching Heong; and IWSFC Organising Chairman and UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Dr Liew Soung Yue.


Front, from left: Prof Ivan, Lee, Prof Chuah, Liew, Ismail, with Dr Liew (back, second from left), delegates from UoS, and some speakers

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prof Chuah emphasised, “The concept of Sustainable Future Cities brings together the integration of various technologies including contemporary automation and green engineering to create a future urban landscape that is more inter-connected. With this kind of urbanisation, we must be able to foresee the challenges in multiple areas such as transportation, water, environment, energy, and air. Therefore, professionals from different backgrounds and expertise in the areas of local and national policy, engineering, ICT, business, healthcare, and agriculture for instance, must work hand-in-hand to gear towards building more liveable future cities.” He said, “This workshop is a very important networking platform to allow us to share and exchange ideas. I am glad that the university through FICT can work with our friends from local and international universities and organisations for such meaningful collaboration.”


Prof Chuah delivering his opening remarks

The first IWSFC saw some 90 participants comprising 21 International and local universities, as well as representatives from the industries. The workshop also received delegates from UoS including Institute of Sustainable Cities and Engineering Policy Director Richard Bellingham, and Prof Ivan Andonovic, Dr Robert Atkinson, and Dr Christos Tachtatzis from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Besides, there were representatives from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, led by City Planning Department Director Tuan Haji Sahrom bin Ujang.

IWSFC was set with the primary goal to assemble academic researchers, industry players, administrative councils, and policy makers to explore ideas, problems, and solutions on the topic of Sustainable Future Cities. The workshop also intended to establish connections between research centres, faculties, and varsities with industries to explore more about future cities through aspects such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Industry 4.0. Besides, the workshop served as a platform for the invited UK and Malaysia experts to share their insights and research outcomes on future cities as well as to boost collaborative opportunities among the participants, and to further promote awareness of sustainable future cities lifestyles.

British Council’s Liew said, “The Newton-Ungu Omar Fund is part of the UK development assistant programme that uses UK research strength to promote social welfare, global initiatives and innovation, and economy in many countries around the world. It also helps to establish connections which are linked to a country’s needs. We believe by working together on research and innovation projects, the UK will be able to build strong and sustainable relationships with the partners, especially the developing countries. As in Malaysia, the focus is on climate change and sustainability. British Council received the highest number of application from Malaysia for potential projects in 2014 and 2015. It was really competitive but UTAR managed to win the grant.” The Newton Programmes Manager also mentioned, “Last December, the UK Minister for University and Science, Jo Johnson announced that the UK will extend the Newton Fund to 2021 instead of 2019. This will provide more opportunities for researchers from UK and Malaysia to work together in the future.”


Liew speaking at the opening of IWSFC

The highlight of the workshop was 10 keynote addresses by speakers from academia and industries who share common interest and expertise in the subject of sustainable future cities. Keynote addresses by speakers from universities were “Future Cities – Using City Observatories and Living Labs to Solve Key urban Challenges and Opportunities” by Bellingam, “Conserve: ICT-Enabled Smart City Solutions” by Dr Atkinson, “Sensing the City” by Dr Tactatzis, and “Smart Agriculture with Intelligent Transportation System for Sustainable Future Cities” by UTAR FICT Computer and Communication Technology Department head Dr Goh Hock Guan.

On the other hand, keynote addresses presented by the industry representatives were “Green Technology in City Development” by Tuan Haji, “Cognitive City: What a city can do” by IBM Malaysia Software License Governance Manager Tang Cheong Weng, “IoT Computing Platform for Smart Cities” by Intel IoT Group Software Validation Director Dr Kenny Puah Lai Kian, “Facilitate Smart Cities with IoT for A Better Living” by Huawei Malaysia Solution Manager Muhamad Hazwan, “IoT and Indoor Positioning” by National R&D Centre in ICT (MIMOS) IoT Location Services of Wireless Innovation Lab Head Dr David Chieng Heng Tze, and “Creating Resillient and Sustainable City with IoT – An Opportunity for Malaysia’s Cities to Be Competitive” by Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) IoT Project Delivery Manager Ooi Chong Kheng.


KL City Hall City Planning Development Director Tuan Haji Sahrom was one of the keynote speakers of the workshop


Participants listening attentively

FICT Dean Dr Liew said, "A comprehensive and forward-looking city plan is required to ensure cities are sustainable with a thriving community to solve issues like overpopulation, congestion, and resource scarcity. This is where technology plays a vital role to assist in diverse tasks such as monitoring, security, logistics, and communications. However, an effective and comprehensive research requires integrated expertise through cross-disciplinary collaborations. In UTAR, a number of research centres are also working on topics related to Sustainable Cities such as urban agriculture and food provisioning by the Centre of Information Systems and Software Technologies. I hope to see more collaborative partners from the faculties and other universities as well as industries for future research." The Dean enthused, "I am also glad to see participation from postgraduate students as I believe this workshop can provide them an exposure to the current research trend. It is also very important for these novice researchers to identify their role in the subject of Sustainable Future Cities."

The first IWSFC was sponsored by British Council, Newton-Ungku Omar Fund, Malaysian Industry-Government Group (MIGHT), and Science to Action (S2A).


Dr Goh presenting his research

Source: http://www.webometrics.info/en/Asia/Malaysia%20

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Webometrics Ranking January 2016

Ranked 4th place in the category of private universities in Malaysia.
Ranked 17th place overall in the category of Malaysian universities; out of 200 universities and colleges.
Ranked 49th place for Southeast Asia region universities; out of 1,375 universities.
Ranked 601th place for Asia region universities; out of 8,992 universities.
Ranked 2,052th place for worldwide universities; out of 12,000 universities around the world.

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=52320

Japanese Students Visit Urban Poor


PPR flats in Kota Damansara

Eight students from Rikyyo University, Japan paid a visit to Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) on 6 March 2016 in Kota Damansara, to learn more about public housing and urban poverty. PPR is a Malay acronym that stands for public housing project.

The students, ranging from a variety of courses such as management, philosophy, community studies, tourism, and law, were briefed about the history of PPR flats. They were also shown photos taken five years ago which depicted the deplorable conditions that the residents had to endure before intervention measures were taken by local NGO, Friends of Kota Damansara to improve them.


Phang (left) taking students on a tour of a PPR flat

The neglected infrastructure at the flats includes rusted railings which have caused the deaths of two children, one in 2013 and another in 2015. The transformation of the building only came about after news reports on the death of the second child. Furthermore, overgrown and unkempt fringe areas of the flats became breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which have caused many dengue cases among the residents.


Students learning about the mosquito breeding grounds

A visit to the home of a resident was also arranged where she talked about her experience of staying in the PPR flats. She is the sole breadwinner of the family as her husband is unable to work due to an earlier accident. She told the story of how one of her children hurt her backbone during a balcony accident. In addition, she revealed that two of her children are no longer attending school due to insufficient funds.


Rikkyo University students learning the function of the centre

This was followed by a visit to the community social entrepreneurship centre. “The centre employs residents from the PPR flats and teaches them sewing skills which they use to do piecemeal work to earn compensation. The goods are then sold to American companies,” said Friends of Kota Damansara representative Lena Yusuf.

“Most single mothers with the responsibility of looking after their children are not able to secure employment far from their homes. This initiative provides them with the opportunity to earn a living,” Lena explained.

Next, the students were taken to observe the English tuition classes for the children that have been taking place for over five years. The classes cater for different age groups and levels of English proficiency. The 25 tuition teachers are all individual volunteers; among them are a medical professional, a professor, government teachers, managers, and homemakers. Apart from classes for children, adult classes were also introduced in response to requests from those who seek to communicate in English.

Lena also spoke of exciting plans for 2016 as many funders and government agencies have expressed interest in seeing their model further developed and replicated to other communities of urban poor. She elucidated about the state survey that was recently conducted and that PPR will soon have a complete database of information that will help with identifying people in need more easily.

This educational visit was hosted by UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management lecturer and Friends of Kota Damansara Chairman Jeffrey Phang.

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=52323

Seminar on Physiological Anthropology


The seminar speakers and participants

It was a first for UTAR’s Centre for Biodiversity Research (CBR), the Journal of Physiological Anthropology (JPA), and the Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology (JSPA) to join hands in organising the JPA/JSPA/UTAR Seminar on Physiological Anthropology 2016 at UTAR Kampar Campus on 3 March 2016.

Over 80 participants including UTAR staff and students from the Faculty of Science (FSc), Faculty of Business and Finance, and Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) attended the inaugural physiological anthropology seminar which highlighted novel researches on physiological functions of modern man, focusing on the bio-cultural effects on human adaptability to the current environment.

According to Organising Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Say Yee How, the seminar was the fruit borne of a collaboration between UTAR CBR and JSPA, as the latter intended to promote and create awareness in the multi-disciplinary field of physiological anthropology in Malaysia, as well as to foster research exchange and collaborations between Malaysian and Japanese young researchers.


Dr Say welcoming the speakers and participants

Heartened by the success of the inaugural seminar, JPA Deputy Editor Prof Harunobu Nakamura said, “Today’s seminar is an opportunity for JPA to be introduced to many. And I’m happy that this is a platform which will promote academic exchanges involving young researchers from both Malaysia and Japan.”


Prof Nakamura extending his gratitude to the organising committee

Presenting the seminar topics were home turf researchers, namely LKC FES lecturer Chong Yu Zheng, Dr Victor Selvarajah a/l Selvanayagam from University of Malaya, Dr Ng Yee Guan from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Dr Cameron Teoh from HELP University, and Dr Yan See Wan from Taylor’s University. Other researchers hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun were Assoc Prof Dr Hitoshi Wakabayashi from Chiba Institute of Technology, Assoc Prof Dr Keita Ishibashi from Chiba University, Dr Takayuki Nishimura from Nagasaki University, Dr Yoshiki Yasukochi from Mie University, and Dr Yuko Tsunetsugu from Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute.

Topics discussed during the enriching sessions included ergonomics, occupational health, sports science, neuroscience, human nutrition, and biomedical engineering, further sparking interactive discussions amongst the speakers and participants.


Clockwise from top left: Dr Wakabayashi, Dr Teoh, Dr Ng, Dr Selvanayagam, Dr Yan, Chong, Dr Tsunetsugu, Dr Yasukochi, Dr Nishimura, and Dr Ishibashi

“Physiological Anthropology is something new to us. I’m sure we can learn something new from this as it will enrich our understanding on how humans live and how this will help improve our daily living,” said Dean of FSc Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng at the closing ceremony, who also expressed his anticipation for further collaborations in the near future.


Dr Lim giving the closing remarks

UTAR Biotechnology freshmen Keng Chan Ming and Krishni a/p Sugumaran were inspired by the research presentations, as well as the creativity and novelty showcased by the speakers. “We may be first year students who are still new to research but the seminar has given us a glimpse of how research benefits people,” Keng mentioned. Krishni concurred, and said that the topics have also enriched her list of potential research areas.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016...masters-degree/

Grandpa graduate eyes master’s degree

KAMPAR: Now that he has gotten his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Lim Yook Sai wants to continue to a master’s degree.

The only catch is that Lim is 70 years old with three grandchildren.

In fact, Lim even had to put off his studies at the foundation level after his first grandchild was born.

“I took a longer time to complete my foundation studies because I had to take care of the baby, who was just born then,” he said in an interview.

Lim received his scroll from Utar council member Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik here yesterday.

The former inspector of works in construction said it had always been his dream to have a degree but had to put this off due to family commitments.

“I couldn’t find the time and money to further my studies. Besides, I was based in Alor Setar.

“There weren’t many private institutions there that could offer me the course I was interested in,” he said.

Finally, in 2009, Lim saw the opportunity to begin his foundation studies at the Utar Kampar campus when his youngest daughter, then 18, enrolled there.

Although he had to defer his studies again at the degree level after injuring his right hand in an accident, Lim said he was excited by the tertiary experience.

“Surprisingly, I didn’t have any problems making friends as there were some who came forward.

“But there were many others who shied away from me because they might have thought that they were too young to talk to me or that we wouldn’t have anything in common,” he said.

Lim plans to move to Penang to do his master’s.

“My wife has no problem with me moving away for a while to pursue my dream,” he said, adding that he was grateful that his family was understanding and supportive of his goals.

Lim’s wife, children and grandchildren were present during Utar’s 22nd convocation ceremony.

UTAR-JACTIM Career Fair 2016

Source: https://www.facebook.com/utar4U/photos/a.59...?type=3&theater / http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=57344

UTAR and AICB sign MoU




From left: Prof Ewe, Prof Chuah, Tay, and Kristine

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 23 March 2016.

Signing on behalf of the parties were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik and AICB Chief Executive Officer Tay Kay Luan. It was witnessed by UTAR Vice-President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and AICB Head of Marketing and Communications Kristine Anne Williams.

The MoU established a base for UTAR and AICB to have future collaborations in sharing leading practices, knowledge in banking trends, and developments through industry surveys, publications, and talks at conferences and seminars. Other future collaborations that were agreed on include sharing of experience in research, teaching applications and pedagogical materials. Besides, there will be exchange of information, through thought leadership activities such as forums and seminars.

The MoU showcased UTAR’s continuing effort to collaborate with industry partners so that its students are qualified and well trained to become employable talent upon graduation. Banking and Finance degree graduates with a GPA of 3.0 and above will have the opportunity to attain professional membership with the Executive Banker certification awarded by AICB. This is the first level of the Chartered Banker qualification.

Both parties will map out the syllabus for Banking and Finance degree to identify exemptions for UTAR’s students. Depending on the outcome of the mapping, students may be exempted from taking all three modules in the Professional Banker level or only need to complete one or two modules and sit for the examinations by AICB.

“I hope this will be a meaningful and active collaboration with AICB. We will help each other to ensure students are well trained for the banking and finance industry. We also envision that this MoU will serve as the platform where intellectual discussions and new breakthroughs and ways of doing things may be discovered and tested,” said Prof Chuah.

Tay said, “We advocate for high quality in education and the sharing of intellectual properties in the banking and financial services industry. As the professional body of choice for bankers, we aim to assist universities such as UTAR to produce graduates with quality exposure that are ready for employment. We look forward to a meaningful partnership not only in intellectual development but also in other areas which include research and transfer of knowledge. Together, we can promote high standards of education excellence in the banking and financial services industry.”

Furthermore, AICB has generously agreed to sponsor the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers Industry Award to top students of Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Banking and Finance at the convocation ceremony of UTAR, in recognition of their achievements.

UTAR's Banking and Finance degree graduates will now be given exemptions by the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (ACIB) in pursuing the Chartered Banker education. Our graduates will be exempted fully from the Executive Banker (1st level) and 1 of 3 modules in the Professional Banker (2nd level). Two more modules plus another 3 in the final Chartered Banker level to be completed.

UTAR's BBA (Hons) Banking and Finance:
http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_proglist.j...ntid=8050&fid=9

This post has been edited by cnvery: Mar 29 2016, 12:13 AM

Source: http://www.mis-asia.com/tech/applications/...malaysias-utar/

Cloudera formalises big data analytics partnership with Malaysia's UTAR


Photo - Daniel Ng, Senior Director, APAC, Cloudera

Data management and analytics platform provider Cloudera has officially announced that Malaysia's Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) University has joined Cloudera's Academic Partnership, which will help equip students with big data analytics skillsets

The collaboration, which was recently mentioned by Cloudera's senior director of marketing for APAC Daniel Ng as part of plans to support Malaysia's ambitions to become a big data analytics (BDA) hub, will mean that UTAR students can access the latest Apache Hadoop curriculum and gain employment opportunities through Cloudera partnerships.

Previously, Ng said that industries were facing a global talent crunch for data professionals. In Malaysia, the number of IT graduates produced each year, which numbers about 30,000, is not enough to cater to the growth of the industry, according to the country's National ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Association (PIKOM). The Association also believed that the current workforce requires upgrading and upscaling.

"A rapidly evolving data landscape is giving rise to a strong demand for skilled professionals that are able to deploy and manage big data initiatives on the Apache Hadoop data platform. CAP is one of the ways that Cloudera is leading the way in putting more data-skilled talents into the workforce," he said.

"The CAP program not only equips students with valuable skillsets, but it also benefits public and private sector organisations as they can harness these data talents to drive innovation and gain competitive advantage. We are currently also working with partners across industries to form an ecosystem to groom more data professionals. More will be announced regarding this initiative in the coming weeks," he said.

Regional BDA hub

Ir Dr. Karl Ng, director of Innovation Capital at national ICT agency Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) said: "Data professionals are very much in demand right now and they are in short supply. Malaysia is poised to become one of South East Asia's leading BDA hubs and with Cloudera's CAP program, we hope to close the talent gap as well as spread the awareness on the need for more data professionals including data scientists."

"MDeC is set to embark on a major regional big data platform where the agency brings together innovative talent development models and showcases the latest Big Data Analytics (BDA) technologies," said Dr Ng. "MDeC believes that talents from the CAP programme will be able to fill the demand for skilful data scientists when the platform is launched."

UTAR is the first university in Malaysia to join the CAP program, which already counts over 100 academic institutions across the globe as members.

Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik, President/CEO, UTAR, said: "As a global university of educational excellence, we are committed to promote the use of ICT and IT-intensive learning through innovative courses and learning support systems. Cloudera's CAP program allows us to put together a strong curriculum that encourages the intellectual and personal development of students. The program also allows our students to gain valuable skills that are in demand across sectors in the industry."

Established in 2002 with just 411 students, today, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) offers more than 110 programmes in fields including Accounting, Business and Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Process Management, Agriculture and Food Science, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, Creative Industries and Design, Engineering and Built Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, and Medicine and Health Sciences to over 25,000 students in its nine faculties, three institutes and three centres located at the Sungai Long Campus and Kampar Campus. UTAR has more than 43,000 alumni.

For more info on UTAR, kindly visit http://www.utar.edu.my/

This post has been edited by cnvery: Apr 10 2016, 08:47 PM

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=59384

A closer relationship with Majlis Daerah Kampar

UTAR and Majlis Daerah Kampar (MD Kampar) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at MD Kampar office in Kampar on 6 April 2016.


YDP Khairul Amir (left) and Prof Chuah signing the MoU

Signing the MoU on behalf of the parties were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik and Yang Dipertua MD Kampar Khairul Amir bin Mohamad Zubir, while UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Alia Azalea and Secretary of MD Kampar Tuan Nor Akmal bin Yang Ghazali signed as witnesses. Also present at the MoU signing ceremony were District Officer Dato’ Latipah binti Sehibi, UTAR Vice-President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Assoc Prof Dr Teh Chee Seng, Huges Corporation Executive Director Hew Fen Yee, UTAR staff, and Kampar District Council Members.


Prof Chuah delivering his speech

“UTAR is very pleased to formalise this collaboration with MD Kampar which will establish a basis for both UTAR and MD Kampar to explore further areas of cooperation. We appreciate MD Kampar’s warm reception of our previous collaborations and initiatives which included the hosting of our students as interns, especially those from our FAS and Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology. There were several collaborative projects with our students on community service, new village projects, sporting activities, campaigns, municipality matters, and many more. UTAR is indeed thankful to MD Kampar for your constant support of our initiatives and your efforts for a closer working relationship.”

“We therefore look forward to this MoU for further collaborations that will include more community projects, talks, seminars, campaigns, and especially final year projects for our students in terms of research and surveys. Kampar has given our university a great environment for both staff and students to study, live, and work in. It’s a beautiful town full of synergies and we believe that working together with MD Kampar will further enhance the spirit of community living, which is also in line with UTAR’s goal to empower our staff and students to use their knowledge and education for the development of the communities around them. ”


YDP Khairul Amir delivering his speech

Prof Chuah’s sentiments were echoed by Khairul Amir. “Partnering with UTAR exemplifies our commitment to the academic community as well as to the local community in Kampar. The influx of UTAR and its students transformed Kampar into a young, vibrant, and international education hub, which also encouraged the growth of businesses and start-ups. Through this MoU, MD Kampar therefore looks forward to further win-win associations that will include more community projects, campaigns, and volunteerism projects.”


From left: Tuan Akmal, YDP Khairul Amir, Dato’ Latipah, Prof Chuah, and Dr Alia

The MoU was intended to establish a basis upon which UTAR and MD Kampar may explore areas of cooperation. In this regard, the parties agreed to the following goals and objectives as part of their international collaboration programmes, namely to organise and participate in joint collaborative activities such as new village projects, career talks, conferences, workshops, publications, and seminars; to facilitate internships for UTAR students; and to promote collaborations between the two parties in final year projects of students and other activities.


Prof Chuah presenting a token of appreciation to YDP Khairul Amir while Tuan Akmal looks on

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=59386

Big wins at iCompEx'16

Setting yet another rousing example, four teams from the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) were awarded medals and certificates for their innovative inventions in the National Innovation and Invention Competition through Exhibition 2016 (iCompEx’16). The competition, which took place from 22 to 24 March 2016, was held at Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (POLIMAS), Jitra, Kedah.

Organised by POLIMAS, the event saw the FEGT teams win in the category of Agriculture, Environment & Renewable Energy. Each team presented their winning inventions, with which one team won a gold medal and cash prize of RM400, two teams won a silver medal and a certificate each, and the last team won a bronze medal.

As part of the students’ final year project, their participation in the competition has given them the opportunity to gain experience in the research field and exposure to various new innovations. Nor was the competition only an eye opener, but was also a platform for all innovators and inventors to present their inventions to the world.

“Winners never stop trying,” expressed Engineering doctorate student Sharmeeni Murugan joyfully when her research project won the gold medal. The team also walked home with a certificate. Her teammate, final year Petrochemical Engineering student Chai Chun Leong also expressed his gratitude to their advisor, Department of Petrochemical Engineering Head Assoc Prof Dr Yamuna a/p Munusamy, for being their pillar of support throughout the competition. “Through this competition, we were able to promote our research project which uses eggshells to replace commercial calcium carbonate,” continued Chai.

The gold award winning research project, titled “Development of New Bio-Filler for Polymer Product from Waste Chicken Eggshell”, functions by using waste eggshells as a bio-filler for polymer products, thus minimising the requirement of obtaining calcium carbonate from the natural environment. With this invention, natural resources such as limestone can be conserved, while also reducing the quantity of waste eggshells at landfills.


From left: Sharmeeni, Dr Yamuna, and Chai displaying their gold medal and certificate

As for final year Environmental Engineering students Klinsmann Ng Weng Sum and Leong Wai Lun, alongside their advisor, FEGT lecturer Dr Sumathi a/p Sethupathi, their research project titled “Microwave Assisted Palm Oil Sludge Char: The Heavy Metal Remover” earned them a silver medal. Their invention is meant to help create a safe environment by eliminating waste and reutilising the waste to suppress soil contamination and water pollution. It works by using a microwave heat technique to modify palm oil sludge (POS). The carbonised POS will then be converted to a carbonaceous inert material. The invention also tested positively for removing certain heavy metals.

Another entry that bagged a silver medal was “A Novel Absorbent Produced from Unwanted Sea Mango by Microwave Induced KOH Activation”,by final year Environmental Engineering students Chia Ken Lin and Tay Ming Xian, with their advisor, FEGT Department of Environmental Engineering Head Dr Mohammed J. K. Bashir. Their eco-friendly invention works as an adsorbent to simultaneously remove organic and inorganic compounds, which is a treatment solution to the problem of hazardous landfill leachate. Using a microwave heating technique, the adsorbent converts unwanted materials to value-added products, with little energy and time consumption.


From left: Ng, Leong, Tay, and Chia displaying their silver medals and certificates

Regardless of winning a bronze medal, final year student Chai Huey Yee was delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the competition. “The competition is a good event that enables students to share knowledge with others and to enhance our innovative projects,” said Chai. Given that it was her first time participating, she was grateful to her advisor, Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Ng Choon Aun, for being the source of motivation throughout the competition.

Joining Chai in the project were teammates Lim Ping Feng and Tai Chee Yong, with their research titled “Performance of Innovative Hybrid Microbial Fuel Cell (MCF) in Treating Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)”.The MCF technology functions by using microorganisms to oxidise organic and inorganic wastewater compounds while generating electricity. The brilliant invention also demonstrated significant improvements in electricity production, Chemical Oxygen Demand removal rate, and biogas production.


From left: Lim, Dr Ng, Chai, and Tai displaying their bronze medal

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=60387

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Seminar


Presentation of cheque to National Cancer Society of Malaysia

The UTAR Centre for Cancer Research (CCR) organised the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Seminar on 31 March 2016 at the Multi-purpose Hall in Sungai Long Campus.

The seminar aimed to create public awareness about colorectal cancer and to promote an understanding of healthy lifestyles in accordance with the CCR’s commitment to educating the public on the importance of screening and prevention.

The seminar’s chairperson, Sheela Devi in her opening speech said that World Cancer Day is a chance to make a change. There is much to be done to eradicate colorectal cancer and we must first understand that early detection can save lives. She also said that UTAR CCR has always shown support in order to bestow awareness of cancer and its prevention strategies.

“Awareness is very important. In UTAR we not only encourage staff and students to do research in cancer, but also to go out and get involved with society to heighten awareness,” said UTAR Vice-President R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei in his speech. He also said that medical expenses can be reduced if society learns to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The one day seminar comprised of six talks, which include “Colorectal Cancer: A Lifestyle Cancer”, “Updates on Colorectal Cancer”, “Cancer Prevention using Traditional Chinese Medicine”, “Bowel Screening for Colorectal Cancer”, Benefits of Probiotics on Gut Health”, and “Benefits of Exercise & Oncology Rehabilitation for Colorectal Cancer”.

Centre for Cancer Research Chairperson Prof Dr Lim Yang Mooi introduced the six speakers who were experts in their respective fields, namely National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Cancer and Health Screening Clinic Head Dr Dalilah Kamaruddin, KPJ Kajang Specialist Hospital Consultant General, Gastrointestinal, Endo-laparospic Minimally surgeon Dr S. Kumar, National Cancer Institute, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Unit Head Dr Lim Ren Jye, UTAR Department of Medicine Head Prof Dr Shelly Soo, Chr. Hansen sales manager in Asean region Cheah Tien Keat, and UTAR Physiotherapy lecturer Imtiyaz Ali.

“By coming to this seminar, we have learnt how to give correct information to the patients and society,” said Aisyah, a nurse from the National Cancer Institute. Her colleague Haslina added that they learned from the seminar new techniques to handle patients in certain cases and that the talks really helped them in their line of work.

During the seminar, Prof Lee presented a cheque worth RM1,048 by UTAR CCR to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. The donation came from 50 percent of the proceeds from sales of cancer support ribbons.The participants in the seminar came from the National Cancer Institute, Tung Shin Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Sungai Long Medical Center, and UCSI University, besides those from UTAR and the public.


From left: Sheela Devi, Imtiyaz, Prof Lim, Prof Lee, Dr Dalilah, and Prof Soo


Prof Lim introducing the speakers


Dr Dalilah presenting her talk “Colorectal Cancer: A Lifestyle Cancer”


Cheah elucidating the benefits of probiotics


An exhibition booth by the National Cancer Institute


Colorectal cancer models


Sungai Long Medical Center delegates


Nurses from the National Cancer Institute