EXPLORE THE WORLD OF STEM WITH INTERACTIVE STEM MODULE
Thursday, 16/11/2023
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) bring society to the era of industrial revolution 4.0 that demands society’s progress, innovation, and empowerment through knowledge and skills. In Terengganu, the state government has established policies in an effort to strengthen STEM education and development in all schools.
However, there is a challenge faced in the world of education in that there has been a decline in the number of students choosing STEM when furthering their studies. This happened because students consider STEM too complicated to explore. In fact, students’ exposure to STEM application is limited and schools in remote areas are neglected. Indirectly, graduates produced fail to meet industry’s requirements.
STEM education needs to be further strengthened considering its role is great in producing competent human capital to break the complex challenges and subsequently help create a better future for society.
Realizing this, Terengganu STEM Implementation Committee chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Laili Haji Che Rose, UMT STEM Foundation Centre Director, has taken the responsibility to produce Kembara STEM module that has been successfully launched.
Kembara STEM consists of five hybrid STEM modules that become the backbone of all activities. These five modules were developed by experts form five different organizations. Ocean STEM was developed by experts from UMT, Health STEM by experts from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Exploration STEM by Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mahmud, Creativity and Innovation STEM by Terengganu Science and Creativity Centre, and Robotic STEM by Jazro Robotik.
Kembara STEM is aimed at increasing the interest in STEM among school students and teachers in Terengganu specifically and Malaysia in general. The module that highlights the different niche areas is considered special and it is hoped the schools given the module can use it well.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar in his opening speech read by Ustaz Haji Ahmad Shah Muhamed, Deputy Chairman of the state’s Education, Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Human Development Committee, said Kembara STEM functions as a reference and guide to students in Terengganu to explore the world of STEM in much more detail. The module will also become one of the teaching aids in knowledge transfer.
He added this process needs guidance from trained facilitators and mentors for the purpose of developing strong fundamental knowledge for a better future.
The module has been successfully implemented through two main programmes. The first was Terengganu Peers STEM Coaching in 2022 involving 25 elite schools and 625 students and 125 day schools and 3125 students. The second programme was STEM Educators Bootcamp 2023 involving 233 teachers from 124 schools around Terengganu.
Meanwhile, UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Mazlan Abd Ghaffar said Kembara STEM represents a great achievement in terms of empowering STEM among school teachers and students in Terengganu.
The state government through the Terengganu Group Incorporated Sdn Bhd has contributed RM210,000. Terengganu Incorporated Sdn Bhd as the parent company that manages the commercial investment of the state government and its subsidiary company Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd (SATU) helped conduct a study on empowering STEM among school students through Terengganu Peers STEM Coaching Programme. Among the outcomes of the study are Kembara STEM and journal article publications.
The production of the module also confirmed the efforts made by institutions of higher learning under the Ministry of Higher Education in helping the Ministry of Education promote STEM and attract students to explore STEM. With RM149,000 donation from Tun Hussein Onn Teachers’ Foundation, STEM Educators Bootcamp 2023 could be organized successfully, focussing on knowledge transfer to teachers through expert writers from all areas.
“The module serves as one of the solutions in the effort to overcome the decline in students’ involvement in STEM. The most important effort is changing students’ perspectives towards STEM, by transforming STEM delivery techniques to make them more creative and make STEM subjects easy to learn and understand.
“From the aspect of exposure, the module needs to be promoted around the entire state including rural areas with limited access to STEM,” he said.
It is hoped the creation of the module will lead to more opportunities for students to learn about STEM and subsequently support the government’s aspiration to produce more students in the field of STEM to fulfil market demand.
UMT INSTILLS THE IMPORTANCE OF SHIPWRECK HERITAGE TREASURE AT TERENGGANU'S WATERS THROUGH SULAM
Monday, 03/07/2023
The Centre for Knowledge Transfer, Industrial Linkages, and Society (PPIJIM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), has recently implemented the Services Learning Malaysia University for Society Program (SULAM).
The program coordinator Dr Nik Nurhalida binti Nik Hariry said the program is intended to encourage sharing to generate knowledge that can contribute towards improvement in intellectual level, creation of new technology, and promotion of dynamic culture in line with the country’s aspiration.
She added the programme can indirectly provide early exposure to students about the importance of ship wreck treasures at the country’s waters.
The subject Marine Salvage & Underwater Heritage (MMM3673) has been selected to implement the SULAM proposal for semester II 2022/2023. The subject’s lecturer Dr. Nik Nurhalida Nik Hariry herself has collaborated with Lembah Bidong Secondary School, Setiu, Terengganu, to conduct a programme titled The Importance of Ship Wreck Heritage Treasure at Terengganu’s waters.
The school was selected because of its reputation as the best school and its location is suitable for the programme’s objectives.
A total of 50 students from the Bachelor of Maritime Management, Faculty of Maritime Studies (FPM) were involved in the programme. Dr. Nik Nurhalida gave a briefing on the topic of The Importance of Ship Wreck Heritage Treasure.
I’m addition, UMT students gave presentations on ship wrecks at Malaysian waters. For slot 2, students from the school worked in groups to build ship models from recyclable materials.
The officiating ceremony was completed by Puan Hayati A.Rahman, the school’s principal. Also present at the event on 25 June were UMT lecturers and students and teachers from the school.
TWO UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES ESTABLISH COOPERATION
Monday, 09/10/2023
Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library (PSNZ) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Al-Wathiqu Billah Library of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to improve the collaborative networking with each other.
The cooperation is expected to increase reference sources for research, scholarship, and life-long learning at both libraries.
UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazlan Abd Ghaffar said the collaboration will enhance the efficiency of library services and enable various joined programs to be offered.
“Both parties ought to show high commitment towards the widening of access, resource sharing, talent development, and programs of international standards,” Prof. Mazlan said while delivering his speech recently at the LoI signing ceremony, which also saw the launching of UMT Book Cafe.
Dr. Mazlan said that the collaboration is important so that wider and more diverse information can be accessed and further shared use in terms of resources, services and facilities.
“Until now, the total reference collection at PSNZ is 3,426,671 titles and 3,466,195 copies involving printed, electronic and digital reference materials”
“While the facilities are such as Auditorium with a capacity of 220 people, Karel Room (27 rooms), Discussion Room (10 rooms), Smart Learning Space (4 rooms), Post Graduate Lounge, Silent Room (40 users), Interactive Discussion Room (2 rooms ), Game Room, Maker Room, Mini Studio and Multimedia Room (40 users), Mohamad Hariri said, the collaboration is important so that wider and more diverse information can be accessed and further shared use in terms of resources, services and facilities”.
According to him, greater benefits will be enjoyed by library users, especially students who often access the resource center as the main reference material to obtain information if the collaboration is fully successful.
UMT, UMRAH STRENGTHEN COOPERATION
Wednesday, 15/11/2023
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universitas Maritime Raja Ali Haji (UMRAH), Indonesia, further strengthening its cross-country collaborations.
UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr Mazlan Abd Ghaffar said the collaboration is expected to create many opportunities related to fisheries and maritime that will positively impact both parties.
“UMT and UMRAH have established a relationship since several years ago and both have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) previously.
“We expect the recently signed MoU to become the springboard for many opportunities for research and developments students and lecturers from both universities can grab.
He said UMT and UMRAH share several similarities in terms of niche and location.
“This will make it possible to organize various activities, including research projects, publications, seminars, and development programmes, for the benefits of the two institutions and the local communities.
He added UMT welcomes staff from UMRAH to further their studies at the university.
“We have four institutes at UMT focussing on specialized research. They are Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology (ICAMB), and Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IPBTL) as well as Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education (PPAL).
“We can help UMRAH increase the number of its lecturers with a PhD degree from 40 percent to 80 percent if its staff joins our academic programmes.
Prof. Mazlan said outcomes of research carried out by universities need to be assimilated into the communities to be benefitted in line with the policy of the Ministry of Higher Education and the slogan “University for Society”.
UMT library makes use of IR4.0 technology, offers efficient, conducive services
Wednesday, 01/03/2023
Owned by organizations or individuals, a library’s main function is to keep various materials, books, or media for reference.
With the advancement of technology over the years, the resource centre needs to adapt to current changes to remain relevant. It needs to incorporate the latest technological tools in its facilities so as to improve the accesibility of information.
The Malaysian government has expressed its commitment to upgrade the libraries at universities in the country so that they can provide the best services to the students.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has been awarded an allocation of RM82 million in the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK—11). From the amount, RM10 million has been set aside for UMT IR 4.0 Infrastructure and Infostructure Facilities.
In line with UMT’s establishment as a university focussing on marine science and aquatic resources, its library, Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library, or PSNZ, has also received an allocation totalling RM3 million under the element of UMT ICT 4.0 Higher Education Teaching and Learning/UMT Marine’s 4.0.
UMT PSNZ management has been implementing various innovations in an effort to provide the best services to customers, majority of which are students and researchers.
UMT Head Librarian Abu Hasan Ghazali said the management has conducted several phases of facility upgrading.
“PSNZ is always on the look out for improving the quality of informaion delivery and management, including using Industrial Revolution 4.0 based technology, which is inline with UMT’s strategic plans.
“The approved project involves two phases and is divided according to three main categories, which are software, equipment/machine, and platform/space modificiation. Phase 1 was fully completed in 2022 after postponement due to the nation-wide Movement Control Order and the subsequent project readjustment in light of the increased cost of raw materials and services. At present, Phase 2 is ongoing, with the expected date of full completion in 2024.
He said among the items to be upgraded throught the project are Recording Studio, 24-Hour Reading Space, Digital Archive, UM Repository System (which keeps theses, project reports, UMT publications), Self-service delivery machine/Bookdrop, Video wall/Digital Signage, Aduino & raspebrry kit, Smart TV, and Google Home.
“We also developed a special application that helps customers to book rooms, search, and borrow materials from the library through the use of a smartphone.
In addition, the library has set up PSNZ Corporate Corner as part of an effort to entice corporations to help develop PSNZ.
“PSNZ Corporate Corner is one of the initiatives by the management to establish a collaboration with corporations to improve the collection, services, and facilities at the library for the benefit of the users. For this purpose, the management has been in contact with Etiqa General Takaful Berhad and Bank Rakyat Foundation.
Etiqa, in collaboration with Zakat Academy (AZKA-PPZ), has set up at the library the AZKA Corner, which houses reading materials on zakat, wakaf, Islamic finances, involving RM14,980 fund that came from zakat allocation from zakat payment made by Etiqa to the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) Zakat Collection Centre.
In addition, Etiqa also donated RM65,000 to poor schools, which are also UMT’s foster schools, as part of its zakat payment. The money will be used to purchase new equipment and furniture for the schools’ resource centres, which are managed by PSNZ.
Rozily Jaafar, Etiqa East Coast Region acting CEO, said, “It is an honour for us being able to take part in this noble effort by UMT. Our contribution is one of our efforts to help with the development of human capital, for our next generation’s brighter future. It is hoped that the facilities will be made use of to the maximum.”
“The project, which is under the corporate social responsibility programm, with the slogan “Etiqa Cares”, is another proof of Etiqa’s commitment to helping the society improve its social, economic, and life quality. It is line with our vision of making the world a better place,” he said.
The establishment of digital SIR (Serambi Ilmu Rakyat) Corner – Bank Rakyat Foundation serves as the first positive sign of the strategic partnership between PSNZ and Bank Rakyat Foundation to improve the quality of services. The foundation allocated RM15,000 for setting up the corner, which offers access to digital reading materials.
The foundation will also sponsor the annual subscription fees, which total RM350,000, for the reading materials so that students will always have access to information needed for completing theses and assignments.
UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazlan Abd Ghaffar said that the digital library service innovation is in line with the current trend in the society of using electronic devices such as smartphones to obtain reference materials.
“The university management is always taking into consideration aspects of improvement that can be implemented for the library, especially regarding the use of the latest technology such as the smartphones, enhancement of digital contents, and the library infrastructure that is conducive. A university library is a place that keeps and disseminates the knowledge of the institution,” he said.
UMT STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH NRU, UZBEKISTAN
21-12-23
The leading university in the field of marine science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) reached an agreement through a network of cooperation agreements with the National Research University (NRU, TIIAME), Uzbekistan.
The strategic partnership involving cultural differences was officially sealed in a ceremony in Uzbekistan on December 16, represented by the UMT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazlan Abd Ghaffar and Rector of NRU, Prof. Dr. Bakhadir Suyunovich Mirzaev.
The ceremony was also accompanied by an official visit to several locations that have the potential to be developed in addition to strengthen the diplomatic relations that have existed between Malaysia and Uzbekistan since 1992.
Also present at the ceremony was the Malaysian Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan, TYT IIham Tuah Illias together with the UMT delegation to witness the signing ceremony of the MOU document.
The signed Memorandum of Understanding is a document that details the commitment and mutual desire to cooperate in various fields, especially in the sharing of expertise and research.
According to Prof. Dr. Mazlan, one of the aspects emphasized in this memorandum is the sharing of cultural and historical values between the two countries.
“Uzbekistan is a unique country with a rich historical heritage and it has great potential to be developed and utilized.
“UMT has students from the countries involved and with this collaboration we will also hold student exchange programs, organize seminars and share expertise and we hope this effort will benefit both parties.
He said, UMT plans to open an English Center in a country rich in the history of civilization.
“The collaboration starts with the implementation of activities with the university, where UMT lecturers have been appointed as visiting lecturers to deliver lessons at the universities here”
“In addition, we made a site visit to see the suitability of creating an English Language Center to be developed at Termez Universiy of Uzbekistan”.
He added that the effort will have a big impact on the development and achievements of the university which is now at the best level in the history of its establishment.
“We plan that UMT will accept more international students from Uzbekistan to UMT which will contribute to the KPI as well as the generation of UMT’s income through international student fees”
In addition, he said, the planning model planned through the ISF franchise program in Uzbekistan also acts as a strategic promotion plan for the recruitment of students from the International STEM Foundation program offered at UMT.
The memorandum signing ceremony and the official visit to Uzbekistan have created a solid foundation for future cooperation between the two universities with its diverse historical heritage, now not only an attractive tourist destination, but also an important strategic partner in shaping the regional and global educational landscape.
