Malays needed to be skilled in Science and Technology

By Abdul Ghani Nasir
Pix by Saliman Leman

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 Dec. 2010 – The Malays needed to further increase their knowledge and skills in science and technology, in order to improve themselves as such achievements were crucial in ensuring the country’s move towards becoming a developed nation.
The Vice Chancellor of University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shababudin said here today that many innovations in science and technology in the old Malay community were closely related to their day to day activities and work.
Many products of science and technology were also brought into the country through Melaka from Venice, West Asia, China and even the Portugese who had planned to setup a factory when they were in control in Melaka, she said at the International Conference of Science and Technology in the Malay World (SALAM1)
Even during the last moments of the fall of Melaka, the science and technology at the disposal of the Malays then were of no match to the technologically advanced power of the Portuguese armada, or even against the attacks of the Dutch or the British.
“We needed to learn from those events in our history” she said expressing the hope that the conference would help to reorientate views of the orientalists who were more interested in researching on unscientific things, such as myths and legends, as if there were no scientific thinking or technological advancement within the Malay world.
Her speech was read by the Director of Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA), Prof. Dr Abdul Latif Saiman.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nusantara Technologies Sdn. Bhd. Datuk Ghazali Mohamed Yusoff said that, Malays should change the way they think and their perceptions about  science and technology.
The Muslim community and the Malays needed to be conversant in such knowledge. After all science and technology is also a part of knowledge in Islam, he said.
Over 60 papers will be discussed at the three day conference, attended by 150 participants from UKM, University Kuala Lumpur, University Malaya, University Putara Malaysia, University Pendidikan Sultan Idris,

University Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Riau, Universiti Yarsi, Universiti Negeri Yogyakarta, Universiti Gadjah Mada, University Brunei Darussalam and Fu Guang University (Taiwan)

Workshop for Technology Transfer Professionals in Universities to Learn Business

BANGI, 27 Dec. 2010 – Fifty technology transfer professionals from various universities in the nation were given an intensive hands-on training to prepare them for the business world.

Jointly organized by Multimedia Development Corporation Malaysia (MDec), the Centre for Collaborative Innovation of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and UKM Technology Sdn Bhd, the workshop from 13-16 December 2010 was conducted by Dr David Baghurst and Mr Terry Pollard, head and senior consultant of ISIS Enterprise, respectively.

ISIS Enterprise is a division of ISIS Innovation, the technology transfer company of the University of Oxford, United Kingdom (UK). Mr Pollard is also an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Centre for Collaborative Innovation of UKM.  

The technology transfer professionals were from UKM, Universiti Putera Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Technology Malaysia (UTM), Multi-Media University (MMU), Universiti Tenaga (UNITEN) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)

The hands-on workshop covered various aspects involved in the process of technology transfer including patenting, licensing, market research, sales & marketing, negotiations, spinning off companies as well as developing a business model and business plan.

The participants were also exposed to how ISIS Innovation conducts technology transfer at the University of Oxford, besides looking at the best practices in this business.

This “cradle to grave” approach allowed the participants to learn the whole chain of the technology transfer process from the start when the researcher discloses his or her invention to the university, to the end when the invention is commercialized via licensing or a spin-off company.

The participants were also divided into three groups where they were given case studies to evaluate before making their presentation.

Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin made a short visit to the workshop, accompanied by UKM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabuddin. 

                                                                   Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Problematic Software Courts Disaster, Says ICT Expert

By Kuah Guan Oo
Pix by Saliman Leman

BANGI, 21 Feb. 2011 – Software with problems can cause disaster if they are not detected, tested and rectified in a framework of quality certification, says an ICT expert here today.

Prof Dr Aziz Deraman, who is the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), said softwares, like humans, are always exposed to diseases like heart attack which can be prevented if it is detected early.

He cited the case of the “SCUD vs Patriot” missiles during the Gulf War where 20 American soldiers were killed and 100 others injured when their Patriot guided missile missed hitting the Iraqi’s SCUD missile as an example where software with problems had brought about disasters.

An arithmetic rectification found that the time calculated for the Patriot to hit the SCUD was 0.34 seconds late and that even though corrections had been made earlier, it was not done to all its programming codes, said Prof Dr Aziz when delivering his inaugural professorial lecture titled “In Search for Quality Software”.

In the case of the rocket launcher Ariane 5 disaster in June 1996, the rocket exploded 40 seconds after take-off because the software specifications for Ariane 4 were used for Ariane 5 when the specifications of the two rockets were different.

“Pre-launch tests on the software were not conducted until the actual launch,” said Prof Dr Aziz who had served in UKM in various capacities for 28 years, including as Dean of the Faculty of Information Science and Technology before he was appointed Vice Chancellor of UMT last year.

He said with the ever-growing dependence on software, the challenges for research in search of quality software were to safeguard the harmony between the software and users; to detect software “illnesses” before disasters strike and to face the situation of attempting to measure the unmeasurable.

But the biggest challenge in the search for quality software was to try to measure the software because “we cannot control what we cannot measure”.

 

For this reason, several approaches had been developed to try to measure the quality of software such as quantitative values to explain a certain phenomenon; matrix size of the software which is getting less and less relevant and user evaluation that is directed at only external factors and matrix as a measurement of “quality software”.  

Prof Aziz, who had held the post of Deputy Director of the UKM Computer Centre, said the approach they had used to evaluate the software quality of the university’s  Centre for Information Technology was based on “Goal/Question/Matrix” or GQM which is a technique to identify the important matrix in the lifespan of the software. .

This approach could lead to the certification of the software by a third party similar to ISO certification, said Prof Dr Aziz who was born at di Kampong Tok ku, Cabang Tiga Kuala Terengganu in 1959.

He had his primary education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusat Cabang Tiga Kuala Terengganu and secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Sains Pahang before doing his matriculation at Sekolah Alam Shah.

He was offered a place to do medicine at UKM but he switched to Computer Science where he graduated with his first degree in 1982. He obtained his Masters from Glasgow University in 1984 and his PhD from UMIST Manchester in 1992.

Apart from his lectures and research works and publications, Prof Aziz is also active with organisations outside the campus where he had served as advisor, panel member and consultant in ICT. He has to date supervised 37 Master students and 20 PhD candidates.

                                                           Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

                                                                                

UPM Tangga ke-25 Pengguna ICT Tertinggi di Asia - Muncul IPT Teratas di Malaysia

SYABAS KEPADA WARGA UPM. UPM telah berjaya berada di kedudukan ke-25 dalam senarai 100 Pengguna ICT yang tertinggi di Asia oleh Majalah M.I.S Managing Information Strategies keluaran khas 2007. Kejayaan tersebut juga meletakkan UPM di kedudukan ke-4 di kalangan Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Asia yang tersenarai dan sebagai Institusi Pengajian Tinggi yang teratas di Malaysia.



Majalah tersebut telah melaksanakan penilaian dalam penggunaan strategik IT serta faedah yang diperoleh ke atas 200 organisasi terpilih di Asia. Pemilihan 200 organisasi tersebut adalah berpandukan kepada pengiraan bilangan terminal, PC dan server serta jumlah perolehan organisasi.

Tiga (3) kriteria utama yang digunakan dalam penilaian seterusnya ialah untuk –

1. potensi perbelanjaan dalam ICT (potential IT spending);
2. Perbelanjaan IT yang sebenar (actual IT spending);
3. Penggunaan IT yang Strategik (Strategic Use of IT);

Syabas kepada warga UPM di atas kejayaan ini. Semoga penggunaan ICT yang strategik akan dapat menyokong penyampaian perkhidmatan dalam fungsi utama Universiti Putra Malaysia dalam bidang pengajaran dan pembelajaran, penyelidikan dan perkhidmatan profesional yang dilaksanakan di UPM. 

FSKTM ,SSP Cyberjaya anjur seminar tingkat kemahiran ICT

CYBERJAYA, 29 Jun – Jabatan Sains Komputer, Fakulti Sains Komputer dan Teknolgi Maklumat (FSKTM) Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) telah menganjurkan Program Seminar ICT di Sekolah Seri Puteri (SSP) iaitu sekolah kluster UPM (sekolah angkat) untuk meningkatkan kemahiran pelajar dalam bidang teknologi maklumat.

Ketua Jabatan Sains Komputer FSKTM, Dr. Lilly Suriani Affendey berkata usaha itu dapat memberi pendedahan tentang etika dan keselamatan penggunaan media rangkaian sosial. 

“SSP dipilih kerana statusnya sebagai Sekolah Kecemerlangan Kluster (SKK) UPM dalam program kesedaran teknologi maklumat selain merapatkan jaringan di antara pihak universiti dan komuniti luar,” katanya.

Aktiviti dalam seminar ICT itu ialah “Etika Penggunaan Internet” oleh Dr. Fatimah Sidi dan “Keselamatan Penggunaan Internet” oleh Dr. Mohd. Taufik Abdullah.

Sementara itu, Penolong Kanan SSP, Umi Nafisah Md Sirat berkata penglibatan universiti menjalinkan hubungan dengan pihak sekolah amat bersesuaian pada masa kini selari dengan objektif SSP iaitu sekolah berprestij tinggi. 

“Diharapkan, program ini akan terus dilaksanakan dari masa ke semasa dan bukan sahaja melibatkan FSKTM sahaja tetapi dengan semua fakulti di UPM,” katanya. 

Universiti Putra Malaysia

USE TECHNOLOGY TO SEEK KNOWLEDGE

Penang, 31 May: Developments in communications and information technology have brought about changes to society and university students, specifically those in distance education. This group of people should use technology in seeking knowledge.

According to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of USM, Assoc. Prof. Omar bin Osman, technological developments have created societies that are information-based that will enable them to compete globally.

“However, all knowledge available at the finger tips will not be of use if students do not strive to master the technology. The ability to master technology such as the Internet will give students the competitive edge and ensure that they are not left behind in their pursuit of knowledge,” he said at the Distance Education Students Welcoming Ceremony in conjunction with the Distance Education Orientation Week from 28 May to 1 June 2007.



He said that USM has taken the initiative to enhance the e-Learning portal of the School of Education, USM, hence, students are able to attend video conferencing sessions anywhere.

“Commencing this Academic Session, students who face difficulty in attending lectures at the district centres of the School of Distance Education can follow the video conference and download lecture videos if they have Internet lines.”


“Based on the study related to the initiative and feedback from students, we believe that this will greatly benefit students. We are also looking into the technology that will enable students to interact with their lecturers during video sessions which we hope to implement in the near future,” he said.




Through the School of Distance Education e-Learning portal, students can access additional notes, assignment questions, sel-access learning modules and others available at http://el.usm.my/pppjj/.

For the 2007/2008 Academic Session, 1,732 students from all over the country will pursue their Bachelor of Arts [Humanities], Bachelor of Social Sciences, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Management degrees.

From this total, 53 students will undergo the orientation programme at Maktab Sabah, Kota Kinabalu from 5 June and 74 students will undergo this progmme at the Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Hj. Abdillah, Petra Jaya, Sarawak.

USM also accepted 26 senior citizens and 32 students with different abilities.


DISABILITY AND AGE NO BARRIER IN STUDIES
Penang, 31 May 2007: If there's a will, there's a way. Believing in this saying, 32 students with different ability and 26 senior citizens made a vow to continue their studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to fulfil their dreams of earning a degree.



These students registered for the university's Distance Education Programme on 28 may 2007.

Among them, Norhayati binti Mohd. Yusoff, 27, a polio victim at the age of 13, said that she was determined to take up the challenge to further her studies at the university.

“I dropped out in Form 1. But I realised that importance of knowledge and I continued to study from home on my own. After completing my SPM in 2003 and STPM in 2006, I applied to continue my studies at USM.”


“I believe that I can overcome all obstacles with a strong will. My family members and close friends have always been supportive and they've encouraged me to continue my studies. Their support and encouragement will strengthen me in my journey which I believe will be an uphill struggle,” she said. She's pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Arts.

As for senior citizen, Hj. Ahmad bin Eunos, 62, he will be achieve him aim of continuing his studies as he's offered the Bachelor of Social Sciences programme. He retired in 1998 as the Deputy Commissioner of Commerce at the Foreign Ministy in South Africa. He holds a Diploma in Law.



“I've always wanted to continue my studies but had had to postpone my plans due to work commitments. And now, I'm able to achieve my plan despite my age.”

“I think USM's effort in providing senior citizens with the opportunities to further their studies is commendable. With the initiatives such as reduced fees and a conducive environment, I see no reason why senior citizens like me should reject the offer to continue our studies,” he said.


Another senior citizen student, K. Jayalakshme, 58, describes the opportunity as the university's recognition of their work experience. He was a teacher.

According to him, developments in technological have enabled everyone in all levels of society to continue their studies and this opportunity should be put to good use.


“I believe that age is not barrier in pursuing a degree. USM, for instance, has provided vast opportunities through its e-Learning Portal for its students in their pursuit of knowledge. If there's a will, age is not a barrier,” he said.

Caption: DETERMINATION...Acting Vice-Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Omar bin Osman [right] with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Prof. Dato' Rosihan M. Ali (centre) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Dato' Prof. Muhammad Idiris Saleh sharing their experiences with Norhayati Mohd Yusoff, student with different ability, and senior citizen students at the Welcoming Ceremony for new students of USM's distance education programme today.






           Universiti Sains Malaysia

GLOBAL COLLABORATION STEPPING STONE FOR ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE

PENANG, 14 Dec. – Knowledge and information will be enhanced if it is generated collaboratively, said the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said this when speaking on the need for the academia from all over the world to join forces in order to enhance the acquisition of knowledge.

He said that the growth of knowledge requires the participation of many parties, especially at international level in order to obtain effective and holistic output.

“We have to move away from a silo mentality mindset and instead work collaboratively. In disseminating information, the process of information exchange in vital as without it we will be unable to achieve our desired objectives,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating at the Global Higher Education Forum 2009 (GHEF), and the launching of the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) at Parkroyal Hotel, Batu Feringghi here, today.

Also present were the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Dato’ Dr. Zulkefle A. Hassan, the Director General of the Higher Education Department, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Radin Umar Radin Sohadi and USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.

Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled added that all parties, especially local academicians should always be prepared to collaborate with others in order to achieve the objectives of enhancing and expanding knowledge down to the grassroot level.

“GHEF was held to look at the current issues related to global higher education. It is the best platform for those who are involved to meet, discuss and find the most effective solutions to increase the quality of higher education. We are confident that USM as the first university to be selected for the APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) mission will ensure that this forum will be one of the many ways to develop best practises in order to improve our performance,” he explained.

He added that the key areas that would be looked into in greater detail by the participants included areas such as education, sustainability issues, research development and the sharing of experiences among each other.

More than 200 participants from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Jordan, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Mexico, Finland and others participated in the forum that had an impressive line-up of paper presenters from different parts of the world.

In another development, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled also looked into the need to establish research centres like the CGSS in the efforts of the Ministry to raise local institutions of higher learning to international status.

“With research centres such as these, we can prove ourselves, thereby achieving our objective of emerging as a world-class institution of higher learning,” he explained.
He added that CGSS, USM can help to launch the Malaysian higher education sector and help in placing Malaysia among the list of nations known for their high standards in offering higher education courses.

            Universiti Sains Malaysia