Issue 3/2014

A scenic lakeview of UTAR Campus Main Library 02 Collaboration at Work MoU handover UTAR-OTH pact sets off and collaborative new chapter seminar with HKSYU here was a simple ceremony speakers with four speakers from Tto mark the UTAR-Hong each university, the seminar Kong Shue Yan University attracted both UTAR lecturers (HKSYU) collaboration with the and postgraduate students. hand over of the Memorandum The speakers from HKSYU of Understanding (MoU) Department of History were document by UTAR Division of its Head Prof Danny Paau, Community and International Associate Head Associate Networking Director Dr Tan Sin Prof Dr Lo Wing Sang, Prof Leng to HKSYU Department Cheung Wai Kwok and Dr Au Head of History Prof Danny Chi Kin and their presentation Prof Chuah (fifth from left) and Prof Baier exchanging the signed MoUs, flanked by (from left) Tan, Dr Yap, Prof Lee, Paau at Campus on topics included China and Hew, Peter, Prof Rieger, Dr Schnieders and Prof Schreiner 20 May 2014. globalisation, studies on the Prof Paau receiving MoU document from Dr Tan (right) A seminar named Sui and Ming dynasties and the TAR and Ostbayerische Technische for supporting UTAR through a substantial Traditional, Local and Chinese migration to South-East Siong and lecturer Tan Ai Boay. were ICS Dean Dr Chong Siou UHochschule (OTH) Regensburg, amount of grant for the university’s academic Globalisation: International Asia. Their presentation topics were Wei, Deputy Dean (Academic Germany signed a Memorandum of leadership programme. Seminar and Historical From UTAR ICS, the skewed to the local history of Development & Undergraduate Understanding (MoU) which sets off a new Speaking on his first visit to UTAR, Prof Fieldwork on Chinese History speakers were the Deputy the Chinese in and Programmes) Dr Tee Boon chapter of the collaboration with the offer of Baier described the UTAR-OTH project as was also jointly organised by Dean (R&D and Postgraduate included socio-economic roles Chuan, Modern Chinese postgraduate qualification. The signing was the convergence of two different cultures UTAR Institute of Chinese Programmes) Dr Wong Wun of Malaysian Chinese before Literature Studies Unit Head Lee at the UTAR Perak Campus on 28 May 2014. that would bring success and co-operation Studies (ICS) and HKSYU Bin, Head of Department World War II and Sun Yat-Sen’s Soo Chee, Assistant Prof Dr Liau Signing on behalf of both universities especially with the growing number of receive recognition and benefits as regular Department of History to (Chinese Studies ( Valley ethnic policy and its impact to Ping Leng, Assistant Prof Dr were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician OTH Regensburg students who are seeking full-time students of both institutions. Upon cement the partnership ties. Campus) Dr Chin Chong Foh, the world. Pua Shiau Chen and lecturer Ng Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik and OTH internships abroad and the very good completion of the Master’s programme and Featuring a total of eight Assistant Professor Dr Er Lee Also present at the seminar Bung Chen. Regensburg President Prof Dr Wolfgang ranking that the university receives in the having fulfilled all the requirements of both Baier. The ceremony was witnessed by UTAR international student barometer. institutions, students will be awarded a representatives who comprised Council The MoU recognises subject credits Master’s degree from both UTAR and OTH Member Hew Fen Yee, Vice President for earned by students of both institutions Regensburg. he Department of Media which attracted students, tutors R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr to facilitate student exchanges for Later in the afternoon was the German Inaugural Tat the Faculty of Creative and lecturers was conducted in Lee Sze Wei, Faculty of Engineering and those enrolled in the UTAR Master of Day which comprised a booth exhibition and Industries (FCI) and the two parallel sessions; one session Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Dr Yap Engineering (Electronic Systems) and the a series of talks on education opportunities Centre of Media and Creative focused on the topics of culture, Vooi Voon and other parties that included, OTH Regensburg International Master’s in Germany. Dr Schnieders started the symposium on Communication jointly organised gender and film genres and the German National Agency for International programme. Students enrolled in the UTAR talk series with an informative session an inaugural symposium entitled other on media and art. Academic Cooperation (DAAD) Director Master of Engineering (Electronic Systems) titled ‘Postgraduate Studies and Research Trends in Culture, C.A.M. DEN: Trends in Culture, The session culture, gender Dr Guido Schnieders, Infineon Technologies can apply to study in the OTH Regensburg in Germany’, followed by Prof Rieger who Arts and Media Symposium at and film genres has topics that (Kulim) Sdn Bhd (IFKM) Vice President and International Master’s programme as an captivated the audience with a descriptive the UTAR Petaling Jaya Campus ranged from the Malaysian Chief Financial Officer Halm Peter, IFKM exchange student, subject to fulfilling talk titled ‘Introduction to Regensburg’. Arts and Media on 19 May 2014. cinemas, gender discrimination Technology Director Tan Soon Keong, OTH the credit and admission requirements The third talk titled ‘Introduction to Bringing together a total of in film and the portrayal of Regensburg Faculty of General Sciences and prior to transfer. Similarly, students of the Master Programme and Student Exchange eleven presenters, comprising femininity on travel magazines. Microsystems Engineering Dean Prof Dr OTH Regensburg International Master’s Programme’ was jointly delivered by Prof seven from UTAR, and one All the presentations in the Walter Rieger and academic counsellor Prof programme can seek to enrol in the UTAR Schreiner and FEGT Master of Engineering each from Universiti Sains media and art session were by Dr Rupert Schreiner, DAAD staff, UTAR Master of Engineering (Electronic Systems) (Electronic Systems) programme head Dr Malaysia, University of Malaya, UTAR FCI lecturers with the staff and students. programme, also subject to fulfilling the Teh Peh Chiong. Monash University Malaysia exception of one presentation on “This recognition at postgraduate level is credit and admission requirements prior to The fourth and fifth session were by and Taylor’s University, the Sino Malaysian identities in the the first for UTAR. The mutual recognition transfer. the IFKM representatives; Tan spoke on inaugural symposium aimed Modern Malaysian Art during of credit hours for the International Master’s Students of the UTAR Master of ‘University Collaboration: Nurture Future to be a platform to encourage the 1950s-60s by Emelia Ong lan degree in OTH Regensburg and the Master Engineering (Electronic Systems) who Talent’ which focused on IFKM-academia research and knowledge trends Li from the University of Malaya. of Engineering (Electronic Systems) in seek to embark on this exchange must collaboration and Peter, the final speaker in the fields of cultural studies, The topics presented included UTAR, will further enhance student complete at least 70 percent of the total spoke on ‘Zero Defect - Culture or Mission arts and media and to promote art criticism, effectiveness of exchanges and promote inter-cultural credit hours at UTAR and at least 30 credits Impossible’ which emphasised on the inter-disciplinary research advertisement messages, media learning as well,” said Prof Chuah who from the curriculum of OTH Regensburg importance of doing it right the first time and collaborations amongst online dependency and the also expressed his appreciation to FEGT International Master’s programme, not and every time, anticipating the risk and academicians. documentaries of two Malaysian and OTH Regensburg staff for laying the including credits obtained for the Master’s mitigating it and preventing the defect rather Lim (left) and Dr Lee speaking to the audience The one-day symposium filmmakers. ground work for the MoU and to DAAD thesis. Students enrolled under this MoU will than correcting it. 04 Collaboration at Work In Search of Excellence 05 R&D UTAR researchers awarded Co-PIs in Colloquium international project 2014

n line with the Strengthening of Cross IDisciplinary Research Centres under the UTAR 10-year Strategic Plan, the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) organised UTAR’s maiden R&D Colloquium 2014 which was held at the Perak Campus on Group photo of the participants 31 May 2014. Touted as a key initiative in providing 2014. competition for research funds. continuous updates of research outcomes In his opening address, UTAR Vice There were a total of 25 presentations on to the twenty-seven UTAR research President for RDC Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei topics that range from media, youth, disaster centres, faculties, IPSR and Vice President’s said, “Today’s R&D Colloquium will help management, organisational support, office for Research, Development and to contribute to the dynamism of our R&D international currency, renewable energy, Commercialisation (VP RDC), the R&D innovative ecosystem. It creates exciting online learning, linguistic identities to Colloquium 2014 will also foster networking opportunities for collaboration and joint medicinal and technological related issues. among the researchers and enhancing cross growth among researchers, attract support The R&D Colloquium 2014 ended with research co-operation and bidding for and active engagement in the evaluation and thunderous applause in response to Prof Ir research funding. creation of multi-disciplinary researches Dr Lee’s closing remarks on looking forward More than 120 participants comprising among our community of scholars. He to the sprouting of new ideas, follow-ups and both local and foreign researchers from the also mentioned on the role of R&D in the collaborative proposals. UTAR research centres, lecturers, staff and university, the need for more quality research Details of the topics are at www.utar.edu. postgraduate students attended the event ideas to address the increasingly more my/colloquium2014/ which would be held twice annually effective complex socio-economic issues and the

ITE Singapore The Co-PIs; (from left) Dr Lee, Dr Lai, Prof Chong and King posing in front of the lobby of FES, UTAR Campus TAR Faculty of Engineering and Science (FES) has another my role comes in.” Dr Lai will lend his expertise in embedded Ucause to celebrate after four of its academics were appointed as systems and micro-controller to the project. visits UTAR Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) for the 2014 Presidents’ Forum of Playing pivotal roles in the project would be Dr Lee and King Southeast and South Asia and Taiwan Universities (SATU) Research whose respective expertise on Mechatronics and offshore engineering Scheme which is hosted annually by National Cheng Kung University and marine technology would support the research project. total of 77 visitors from the Institute of (NCKU) in Taiwan. The award will cover travel support for the Co-PIs whose ATechnical Education (ITE), Singapore The awarded Co-PIs comprise FES Master and PhD programme institutions are outside of Taiwan. It includes a visit to NCKU visited the UTAR Perak Campus on 17 June head Prof Chong Kok Keong, FES Electrical and Electronic between July and September 2014, a two-night stay at Zenda Suite 2014. Engineering Department head Dr Lai An Chow, Dr Lee Jer Vui which is approximately a five-minute walk from NCKU and a The ITE group comprising seven ITE and King Yeong Jin. They share the Co-PIs Award with a team of reimbursement of not more than NTD20,000 (about USD670) for a staff and 70 Bridge Leader students were on researchers from Universiti Malaya in Malaysia. The two teams will round-trip economy class airfare. their five-day-four-night Overseas Cultural collaborate on the project titled ‘Grid Connection and Hybrid Wind, The aim of the project is to develop grid-connected, high- and Educational Visit. They were cordially PV and Ocean Energy Using Flexible AC Transmission System capacity hybrid wind, PV and ocean energy systems and available received by UTAR staff and students from (FACTS)’ which is spearheaded by Prof Wang Li, the Principal FACTS model by different partners of different universities. Both the UTAR Peer Mentoring Programme Investigator from the host unit, NCKU College of Engineering and grid-connected, high-capacity hybrid system and FACTS are (PMP). Science. combined together while the associated damping controller of the The itinerary for the ITE group at Group photo of the ITE Singapore students and staff “This multi-disciplinary project incorporates three components. proposed FACTS has to be designed using modern control theories the Perak Campus included the UTAR We will first build an offshore platform that has the ability to float like to improve the stability of the connected power systems under Corporate Video presentation on the (DSA) Perak Campus student counsellors Ng campus. “This campus environment is very an offshore oil rig,” explained Dr Lai, “But the offshore platform is various disturbance conditions. university’s history and progress, a briefing Foo Yek and Melanie Lee Yen Ying. attractive and beautiful with naturalistic used in a different way as we will install a Concentrated Photovoltaics SATU President’s Forum was first held in 2003 to provide a by PMP representative Lim Jing Wei on the The campus tour left a lasting impression values,” she said. (CPV) system along with a novel solar tracking algorithm on its venue for academics to share their experiences to improve the quality purpose and activities of PMP and a campus on the visitors who were in awe of the The ITE Bridge Leaders play a pivotal surface to harvest solar energy and mount a specially-designed wave of higher education and international cooperation in the region. tour. pristine surroundings and excellent facilities role in student peer mentoring by assisting generator beneath the platform to extract wave energy. The major The SATU International Secretariat, established in NCKU in 2005, A Q&A session ensued with the that support UTAR’s approach to learning, the new students to adapt to college life and challenges are the platform stability and the non-static sun-tracking launched the SATU Joint Research Scheme to initiate the engagement enthusiastic visitors learning more about teaching and research. ITE student Neo at the same time, providing peer support to capability as the offshore platform is subject to unpredictable wave and mutual cooperation of researchers within SATU member the various bonding activities of PMP from Yuxiu expressed her delight to visit the ex-tin current students through events that spur fluctuation and change of sun orientation; hence, we will need an universities through integration of academic resources and linkage of UTAR Department of Students Affairs mining town of Kampar and the beautiful interaction amongst students. embedded control system to address these challenges. This is where research interest among researchers in the region. 06 In Search of Excellence 07 UTAR aces MBR Outstanding National Individual Award for Microsoft UTAR alumna TAR alumna Dr Hue Seow Mun made her alma mater proud Uby being one of the proud recipients of the “Outstanding Imagine Cup Individual Award - Young Achievers Category” awarded by The Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) during the MBR Night of ortune favours those who never quit Achievers award ceremony held at One World Hotel on 30 April trying. The saying was exceptionally true F 2014. for UTAR whose students finally clinched Dr Hue received the highly-acclaimed award of a certificate the National Microsoft Imagine Cup in the and trophy from Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor for being the World Citizenship Category after five years Champion at last: (From left) Chong Shen, Sin Hong, Tan and Law posing with their mock cheque youngest PhD holder in the country at the age of 24 years and four of relentless pursuit and spirited attempt. The months. She first received her degree at UTAR and graduated at the crowning moment took place at a recently- Technology lecturer, Tan Teik Boon. premier student technology competition top of her class with a First Class Honours in Biotechnology in 2009. concluded grand finale at Menara Telekom in Members of the winning team pocketed focused on finding solutions to real-world The science prodigy subsequently pursued her PhD in Bio-Chemical Kuala Lumpur. a Nokia Lumia 1520 and a certificate each. issues. It is one of the premier student and Plant Biotechnology at Universiti Malaya under the University of Nicknamed Team A-Ware, the winning They will now represent Malaysia to compete application development competitions held Malaya Fellowship Scheme and was awarded her doctorate in 2012. team consisted of Business Information in the semi-final round with winners from annually in Malaysia. In the category of From left: Founder of MBR Datuk Danny Ooi, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah and Dr Hue Dr Hue said, “Throughout my three years in UTAR, the lecturers Systems student Benson Law, Advertising other Asia Pacific countries using video World Citizenship, participants are required were helpful and inspiring, and the programme syllabus was relevant source of inspiration and support for me,” Dr Hue enthused. student Lim Shye Er and Computer Science submission. The winner of the Asia Pacific to find a problem in the world which affects to the Biotechnology industry.” According to the successful KL-ite, The brainy lass’ message to UTAR alumni is that UTAR has students Lim Chong Shen and Lim Sin round shall then be shortlisted to compete in many people and work towards finding a her prior laboratory experience while working for the final year provided the solid educational foundation, so all they need to do is to Hong. They were mentored by UTAR Seattle, USA for the Worldwide Finals. solution by building a project that could project enabled her to be more prepared in facing research project carve their future paths. “Once a UTARian, always a UTARian. Good Faculty of Information and Communication Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s transform lives. challenges at the PhD level. “I would like to extend my gratitude luck comrades,” quipped the humble record-holder. and appreciation to UTAR and the lecturers who have guided me UTAR congratulates its alumna Dr Hue on this exemplary throughout the three years of study at UTAR. I am still in touch with achievement and hopes that her success story will inspire its AcuTest Systems IGP Award some of them. They were, and most definitely, will continue to be a plenitude of alumni, current and future students. TAR Mechatronics Engineering Ugraduates Chay Kwok Hong and Lim Impressive win Yee Hern clinched the AcuTest Systems Innovative Group Project (IGP) Award at the presentation ceremony that was held at UTAR Kuala Lumpur Campus on 5 May in IEM CED 2014. The duo’s winning project was called Upper Extremities Powered Exoskeleton System for Rehabilitation. Competition The duo received the award with a prize money of RM1,000 and a certificate each from AcuTest Systems Managing Director 2013-2014 Teh Lam Sam. The award presentation team of three UTAR students from ceremony was witnessed by AcuTest Systems Athe Faculty of Engineering and Green From left: Fan, Ooi, Chan and Ir Dr Low posing after the prize giving ceremony Finance and Administration Manager Annie Technology (FEGT) impressed the judges Chan, Customer Service and Logistics with their holistic approach of theory and phases until the finals. objective of the competition,” said Chan, the Manager Irmalisa binti Samsuri, Faculty practice to win the top third prize at the The UTAR team comprising final- leader of the winning team. of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Institution of Engineering Malaysia (IEM) year petrochemical engineering students The trio winners expressed their Dr Yow Ho Kwang, Deputy Dean (Student Chemical Engineering Design (CED) Chan Jiun Haur, Fan Kar Hoe and Ooi San gratitude to their mentor, FEGT lecturer Development and Industrial Training) Dr Lai Competition 2013-2014 Design of a Palm- Nee won cash prizes worth RM750 and Ir Dr Low Chong Yu, other lecturers and Soon Onn, Department of Mechatronics and From left: Irmalisa, Chan, Dr Lai, Prof Yow, Lim, Chay, Teh, Chong and Dr Yogeswaran based Biomass Plant - Production and certificates of appreciation. “The competition friends for the support and encouragement. Biomedical Engineering lecturer Chong Yu Utilisation at its finals held at Armada Hotel was extraordinary as it inspired us to The IEM CED Competition 2013-2014 Zheng and Dr Yogeswaran a/l Mohan. participate in the competition. AcuTest Systems, one of our Industry in Petaling Jaya on 26 April 2014. visualise the design as well as grasping the Design of a Palm-based Biomass Plant - Chay quipped that the win was a big “Thank you Mr Teh Lam Sam, Ms Advisory Panel member for supporting Open to all third-year and final-year concepts of sustainability, environmental and Production and Utilisation was initiated by surprise and the duo winners expressed Annie Chan and Puan Irmalisa for visiting UTAR and its students all these years,” said Chemical Engineering students of public safety in a holistic manner. We need to apply Chemical Engineering Technical Division gratitude to their supervisor Chong Yu UTAR KL Campus. This is the first time our Prof Yow. and private universities in Malaysia, the theoretical knowledge with understanding of the IEM with the objective of enhancing Zheng for his guidance and thanked UTAR students are awarded the AcuTest Systems competition required each team to design of the synergies in real life plant design the practicality and methodology of design and AcuTest Systems for the opportunity to Innovative Group Project Award. I thank a plant by utilising palm-based biomass for situations as well as the global trend of bio- competency. production with a progressive report in three plastic market to successfully achieve the key 08 In Search of Excellence 09 Science student shines in The power of 8 he number ‘8’ is the symbol of infinity with a literary competition Tconstant flow of energy in perpetual motion. Also often associated with competition, eight was TAR Biotechnology degree student Tay was elated to learn that he bagged the total number of medals brought home by UTAR UTay Yi Lun proved his special affinity the fifth prize in the “Modern Poetry” students from the INTI International University for literature when he was announced category. “Most people generally think (IU) Badminton Inter-University Challenge one of the winners in the 12th Religious that science students are always busy 2014 held from 21 to 23 March, and the MMU Literary Award in February 2014. He with their laboratory reports and are Invitational Taekwondo Tournament 2014 held from received a cash prize of NTD8000 and a not literary inclined,” said the year two 28 to 30 March. plaque. trimester three degree student. “The The Taekwondo tournament which was held The literary competition was jointly demands of a science degree programme at the Exam Hall of the MMU Campus in organised by Taiwan’s United Daily leave little time for literary writing. saw the participation of seven UTAR students from News Supplement, Ling Jiou Mountain Therefore, this award came as a surprise the Sungai Long Campus. They were Wong Zhi Buddhist Foundation and the Museum and it would motivate me to continue Ying, Leonard Ng Chin Liang, Tay Shan Jing, Ham of World Religions. The award ceremony writing as well as re-fuel my passion for Khai Mun, Yeoh Kok Hoong, Hee Zhen Khoon, and was held at Taipei, Taiwan on 29 March Chinese literature even more. This is also Phun Rong Zhen. There were eight categories in the 2014. Themed “Loving Life, Listening to a testament that a science student can be tournament which were wholly individual events, Serenity,” the competition was opened to passionate about literature,” the lad and Yeoh won the Gold medal in the Heavy Weight, avid writers all over the world regardless continued. while Ham won the Bronze medal in the Feather A group photo of all the winners in the badminton challenge of religious beliefs and aimed to foster Tay’s winning poem titled Soaring is Weight category. a deeper understanding of life through about youths growing up, facing problems “I had previously participated in a few other The UTAR delegation performed remarkably well as they brought home the most literature. and overcoming challenges along the way. Tay with his award taekwondo tournaments, but this is my very first number of medals with six in total. Gold medal, so I am very happy especially this being In the Badminton challenge, Chan and Hong won the first runner-up of the my first tournament representing UTAR.” said Yeoh Women’s Doubles, where Chan was also awarded as a semi-finalist in the Women’s who is pursuing his Bachelor of Accounting. Singles category. Meanwhile, Lee won as a semi-finalist in the Men’s Singles t was a well-deserved win Competing against more than two dozen category while Jun Wei, and Soon Kiat won the same award in the Men’s Doubles Ifor the UTAR MH Unilodge other institutions of higher learning, UTAR was category. 1 Perak Campus Basketball as Wins in the Kampar Open Men represented by eight of its students in the INTI IU “Winning in the Women’s Doubles came as a surprise to me; it was rather they clinched the top prize in the Badminton challenge. They were Yong Jun Wei, unexpected as I felt that the competition was stiff. Hong Lin and I make a good Kampar Open Men Basketball Yong Soon Kiat, Lee Shen Jet, Kok Jia Ning, Tan Fu pair as we have been training together for about two years,” said Chan, a year two Championship 2014 after Basketball Championship Tzen, Chan Ai Ying, Chow Yi Lin, and Hong Lin. student in the UTAR Bachelor of Science (Hons) Architecture degree programme. months of intensive training and workouts. The championship performance in the game. A team from and won with a in different age groups was held on 1 June 2014 at the beaming Ooi said, “I’m happy score of 75-60. They walked away including veteran players. The team of eleven UTAR students from the Department of Kampar basketball cover court. to get the award. The regular with an overall champion trophy, Kampar Open Men Basketball ASurveying, Faculty of Engineering and Science (FES) Making the victory even practices with my team-mates cash prize worth RM1,000 and a Championship 2014, a state-level An amazing win! won first runner-up in the amazing race competition under sweeter was the award of perfected my skills, built my total of 12 individual medals. annual tournament, aims to the “Expanding QS Boundaries Seminar and QS Amazing the Most Valuable Player to stamina and prepared me well Organised by the LLCM promote and raise the standard Race 2014” which was organised by the Royal Institution of Financial Economics student for the competition.” Sports Accessories Enterprise, of basketball game among Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Quantity Surveying Division Brian Ooi Wei Shern in The UTAR team proved to the championship attracted youngsters in Malaysia. Junior Organisation. The competition aimed to enhance the recognition of his outstanding be too strong for the defendant the participation of 13 teams junior students’ standard of professionalism, skills, integrity, leadership, teamwork and non-traditional fields as well as to promote more interaction among the students from partner universities. The team received a trophy and certificates at the awards presentation ceremony held on 31 March 2014 at the RISM Secretariat, Bangunan Jurukur, Petaling Jaya. The eleven students in the winning team were Soon Sok Kuan, Wee Seik Fhyn, Ayu Shiee Li, Nicholas Ian Jones, Choi Huan Chean, Low Jun Sheng, Lee Wen Kai, Chin Hui Ling, Martin Saw Wei Jie, Eugene Mok Jo-Lyn and Er Chiah Shien. The team was led by Li Zi Qian, the academic staff from the Department of Surveying, FES. The Amazing Race consisted of three tasks; namely a Bills of Quantity (BQ) preparation, community service (painting work) at the RISM Secretariat and designing a poster on the prayer for flight MH370. The team won first place in the BQ preparation and second runner-up in The jubilant team holding their certificates. First row from left to right: Choi, Wee, Ayu, Soon, Li, community service/painting work. Hence, overall, the UTAR Er, Mok and Chin. Back row from left to right: Low, Nicholas, Lee and Saw Champions of the Kampar Open Men Basketball Championship team clinched the first overall runner-up in the competition. 10 Special Feature 11

o support the reach Promoting STEM through KLESF 2014 of Science, and Maktab Rendah Sains Mara the educational landscape, Datuk TTechnology, from Bentong, ; just to Hong in his welcome speech name a few. said, “KLESF 2014 was initiated Engineering and The Minister of Education with the objectives of organising Mathematics II YB Dato’ Seri Idris Bin Jusoh activities which can enrich the (STEM) education officiated KLESF 2014 at the experiences of students in STEM Atrium of PSN on 26 April learning and complementing the to the community 2014 with a launch gambit school STEM curriculum.” at large, UTAR has of releasing a giant-sized Meanwhile Dr Yusof in his ‘KLESF 2014’ balloon banner speech encouraged students to jointly collaborated followed by Robot Nao’s dance. pursue their interest in STEM with the ASEAN The Minister of Education II subjects through discovery Academy of was accompanied by Prime and learning. KLESF 2014 Minister’s Science Adviser YBhg is a programme under the Engineering Emeritus Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Zakri Government Science to Action From Left to Right; Assoc Prof Dr Irmawati Ramli, Prof Chuah, Dr Mohd Yusoff and Technology Abdul Hamid, UTAR President (S2A) initiative to increase Sulaiman, Ir Choo Kok Beng, YB Dato’ Seri Idris, YBhg Emeritus Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Zakri Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr society’s understanding of the and Datuk Hong with the Officiating KLESF 2014 banner (AAET), the Chuah Hean Teik, members of importance of STEM. Malaysian Industry- the KLESF Steering Committee The SESDMP participating Azreen Syafiah binti Toshiba, DreamEdge Sdn Bhd, Roslee, Ainnursyanida binti EDU360, Funcel Sdn Bhd, Government Group comprising Chairman Datuk schools from Kampar namely, Ir Hong Lee Pee, the Joint SMJK Pei Yuan, SMK Methodist Muhamad Nizam and Nuraaela Iwitness Sdn Bhd, Makerzone for High Technology Chairman Dr Mohd Yusoff (ACS) and Pei Yuan High binti Nordin who are form two Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Invention (MIGHT), the Sulaiman, the past president School showcased their winning science students from Maktab and Design Society, Multimedia of IEM Ir Choo Kok Beng, the entries from Robo Olympics Rendah Sains Mara, Batu Pahat, Development Corporation Institution of Director of NSC Assoc Prof 2014 such as robotic Walkie all gushed with enthusiasm (MDeC), National Instruments, Engineers Malaysia Dr Irmawati Ramli and UTAR Doggies and Floor-Turtle. The at the various hands-on Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM), Young learners observing an experiment at the lab activities where industry tutors Silverlake group, Spirit (IEM) and the Vice President for R&D and SESDMP participating schools UTAR Vice President for R&D and the Science Hands-on Demos and Experiments Commercialisation Prof Lee. in KL namely Kuen Cheng facilitated their understanding Aerosystems (M) Sdn Bhd, National Science Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei said, (SHDEs) led by UTAR Centre for Foundation In his inspiring speech, High School and SMK Taman on ‘kriptografi’ at the Silverlake Stevianas Corporation Sdn Bhd, Centre (NSC) under “Science and technology are the fundamentals Studies (CFS) Petaling Jaya Campus. The other the Education Minister Melati displayed projects like booth. The Institution of Engineers of our understanding of the universe. What can activities at the Fair were the displays of the acknowledged the support bacteria culture from yoghurt, Both DreamCatcher Malaysia, Young Engineers the Ministry of be better than nurturing our future generations award-winning STEM projects of schools namely of KLESF 2014 Committee DX anti-pollutant rainmaker Consulting Sdn Bhd Account Section, The Malaysia Mensa Science Technology to venture into science and technology for SMK USJ 13 (, ), SMK USJ and added the need to drive device, wire loop game and the Manager Siti Aishah Mohd Esa Society, Universiti Kebangsan and the Marketing Manager Malaysia (UKM), Universiti and Innovation the betterment of life and the environment?” 4 (Subang Jaya, Selangor), SMK Sains Hulu interest in science, technology, electric glove for self-defence. These words underlined the significant aim of Selangor (Batang Kali, Selangor) and Yuk Chai engineering and mathematics The science teacher from Kuen from National Instruments Putra Malaysia (UPM) and (MOSTI), to the inaugural KLESF 2014 which was to ignite team Robowis (Petaling Jaya, Selangor), the STEM (STEM) among school children Cheng High School, Chan Wooi Erdawaty binti Suhaili praised Universiti Teknologi Mara organise the the interests in STEM especially among school projects of industry exhibitors, mental literacy is critical in building up Hou enthused that his students KLESF 2014 as a landmark (UiTM), not forgetting UTAR. children. KLESF 2014 was held from 25 to 27 April talks, posters and videos. Adding to the fun and future talent to drive national benefited from the UTAR - initiative to provide the much- KLESF attracted more inaugural Kuala 2014 at the Pusat Sains Negara in Kuala Lumpur. enjoyment of KLESF 2014 were the science of development. SESDMP and they viewed needed networking between than 30,000 visitors including Lumpur Engineering With free admission to the public, the fair magic, quizzes and even lucky draws. Expressing confidence that KLESF 2014 as the treasure trove industry and academia to foster students from more than 100 learning and career development mostly government schools Science Fair (KLESF) saw the well-received displays of the engineering The science demonstrations and experiments KLESF will be an annual event in of discoveries and knowledge. science projects from the participating schools which were held at the laboratories attracted in STEM - related areas. in the country. The inaugural 2014. under the UTAR School Engineering and Science not only students but also parents, toddlers and KLESF 2014 attracted KLESF 2014 was well received Design Mentorship Programme (SESDMP) and families like the Lim siblings; Lim Jing Ren, Lim the support of sponsors by parents, students, teachers, Yue Ying and Lim Xin Ying who elbowed for a including UEM Group Bhd, mentors, industry exhibitors chance to do the chlorophyll experiments. Their Muhibbah Engineering Sdn and others in the community. beaming mother Madam Yau Siew Lee remarked Bhd, Multimedia Development The Secretary of the KLESF that her children truly enjoyed the hands-on Corporation (MDeC), Telekom 2014 Steering Committee experiments. Such a case exemplified the joy of Malaysia Berhad, Indocafe, and Assistant General learning and discovery that resonated throughout Cytron Technologies Sdn Bhd, Manager in UTAR R&D and the three-day fair. MBO Cinemas, Phisontech Commercialisation Office Yeoh The other popular science experiments were Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Siew Wan said, “It was gratifying the mathematical “Tower of Hanoi” and binary Corpacer Malaysia Sdn Bhd and to see the school students and numbers which captivated the students who came Pizza Hut Restaurants Sdn Bhd. families excitedly participating from different schools across the country including The corporations which in the various activities of schools such as SMK Taman Sejahtera in Bukit set up booths at KLESF 2014 KLESF. We are pleased to have Mertajam, SMK Jelai in Batu Kurau, Perak, SJKC were Cytron Technologies contributed to their increased Lick Hung in Subang Jaya, Sri Damesh School in Sdn Bhd, Dassault Aviation, interest in STEM which was the Brickfields, SK (ASLI) Bukit Kemandol in Banting DreamCatcher/Freescale/ objective of KLESF 2014.” Proud students with their award winning robots Students at the KLESF2014 12 From Talks to Forums 13 n conjunction with the global Big Data IWeek, UTAR Perak Campus Faculty NPFASS returns! of Information and Communication Big Data mining workshop he UTAR National Postgraduate Fundamental and Applied Technology (FICT) organised a one-day TSciences Seminar (NPFASS) made a second comeback this year workshop, entitled Mining Big Data: A from 14 to 15 June 2014 at UTAR Perak Campus. How-To at the FICT Building, UTAR Perak The successful seminar was jointly organised by UTAR Centre Campus on 8 May 2014. for Biodiversity Research (CBR), Faculty of Science and Institute of The workshop aimed to shed light on Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR). NPFASS this year saw the technical expertise of Big Data Analytics more than 50 presenters comprising postgraduate students from and to stimulate discussions on the new local public and private institutions of higher learning converging at knowledge in Big Data mining, which is the award-winning campus for presentations of their R&D findings fast becoming an important research tool of and experiences of their studies, ranging from chemical to biological choice in the business sectors. Hilti Asia IT sciences. Services and Fusionex were sponsors of the In his officiating address, Faculty of Science Deputy Dean (R&D workshop. and Postgraduate Programmes) Assoc Prof Dr Tee Chong Siang In his welcome address, UTAR Vice Participants pose for a group photograph congratulated the organising committee for making the seminar The winners of both oral and poster presentations posing with keynote speakers and NPFASS 2014 organisers President for Internationalisation and possible and extended a warm welcome to the presenters and Academic Development Prof Dr Ewe Hong of Singapore (NUS), educators, bank Narayanan, the CEO of BigTapp Pte Ltd participants. which is a long-time model for genetics and developmental biology Tat said, “UTAR is indeed proud to organise employees, UTAR staff and students. shared on multiple ways to exploit insights The Chairman of the NPFASS 2014 Organising Committee Ng as a tool to understand the biosynthesis and the role of LC-PUFA. such a workshop that provides insights on Assoc Prof Dr Leong Hon Wai, from from data mining and how to integrate Wen Jie also expressed his gratitude to the speakers, Royal Society of Dr Chan delivered his lecture entitled “Unleashing The Power Big Data mining which is considered as the Department of Computer Science of business processes in a seamless manner. Chemistry (RSC) and the many sponsors for the support to NPFASS. of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): Solving The Mystery in one of the most exciting opportunities in NUS was the first speaker to present on the Dr Kheng Cheng Wai, a lecturer from The invited keynote speakers for the one-and-half day Microbial & Human Genomes, Metagenomes and Microbiomes” by this decade. As a progressive university that needs of Big Data to detect communities the Department of Computer Science of seminar included Assoc Prof Dr Leong Weng Kee from Nanyang introducing the roles and immense benefits of NGS as a technology is committed to educational excellence, in social networks followed by Assoc Prof FICT was the last speaker who highlighted Technological University (NTU), Singapore, Prof Dr Alexander of sequencing in today’s biological research as well as the finding UTAR constantly organises academic Dr Ngo Chong-ah from the Department of on the machine learning for Big Data Chong from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Dr Chan Kok Gan, on human microbiome that uncover unique microbial diversity and conferences, workshops and forums to Computer Science of the City University of Analysis with elaborations on the theories Prof Dr Ramesh a/l T Subramaniam and Prof Dr Emeritus Yong Hoi genes functions. promote collaborations, networking and the Hong Kong who spoke on the hyper linking and the applications. The audience was also Sen from University of Malaya (UM) who shared with the audience “Influence of Silicon/Silver Based Oxides Functionality on advancement of knowledge and research.” videos for large video collections. given hands-on through Octave and Weka. insights of their promising discoveries from years of dedication in Polymer Electrolyte Properties” was presented by fourth keynote The workshop which incorporated both Dr Li Shuai Cheng from the Department There was also a special session on Real- R&D. speaker Prof Ramesh on the following day. The UM professor talks and practice on the software attracted of Computer Science of the City University World Big Data challenges by Hilti Asia IT Dr Leong was the first keynote speaker who presented on elaborated on the studies demonstrating the effect of incorporation participants that included government of Hong Kong conducted a workshop on Services. “Organometallic Clusters - A Personal Journey from Chemistry to of two different functional amphoteric nanofillers into the triblock personnel, students of National University Mining Data Associations and Venkat Biology and Nanoscience”. He took the audience through his personal acrylate-based copolymer electrolytes. journey in organometallic clusters research, from the “classical” The closing keynote lecture was “Genetics and Systematics of synthesis and structural studies, through his and other researchers’ Murine Rodents” by Prof Yong, who explained that understanding attempts at reinvigoration through its applications in the biomedical the genetics and systematics of the two species of Murine rodents TAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science and nanometrical sciences. - Rattusnorvegicus and Musmusculus which are widely used as U(FAS) and Department of Soft Skills “Fatty Fish, Small Fish, Big Fish” was the following keynote laboratory animals for research experiments, are vital in relation to Competency (DSSC) jointly organised a Forum on importance of lecture delivered by Prof Dr Chong, who spoke on long-chained their control and management. forum titled ‘Employers’ dialogue session unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and explained the challenges of NPFASS 2014, mainly sponsored by RSC and Perkin Elmer Sdn with undergraduates on employers’ sustaining a dependable source of these fatty acids through proper Bhd, concluded with a prize giving ceremony to winners of the oral expectation of soft skills at the Perak Campus soft skills for career aquaculture. Prof Chong also discussed the potential of zebrafish, and poster presentations. recently. The aim of the forum was to highlight the importance of soft skills and to encourage student participation in DSSC- n conjunction with the UTAR May organised soft skills activities. IOrientation, the Crime Prevention Society Moderated by FAS Deputy Dean for joined hands with the Department of Safety Advocating road safety with Student Development and Training Gan and Security (DSS) and Department of Pei Lee, the forum featured three speakers; Student Affairs (DSA) to organise a road namely, Project Manager Litsa Francis from safety mini exhibition-cum-talks at the talks and exhibition Flying Fox Airways, Event Head Shas Fung Heritage Hall, Perak Campus on 2 June 2014. from Event Plus, and Operation Department The event which attracted around 200 increasing numbers of road accidents, Retail Executive Samuel Sum from Popular attendees aimed to create more awareness on preventive measures such as wearing safety Book Co. (M) Sdn Bhd. Both Fung and Sum road safety and to instil a sense of road safety helmets and the need for society to adopt are UTAR alumnus. consciousness among the students and staff safer and more cautious driving habits in her Francis pointed out that communication in addition to providing more information topic “Road Safety - Pedestrian, Motorists skill is one of the important soft skills. on road rules and regulations. and Motorcyclist.” Dato’ Ooi explained about She said, “Do not feel embarrassed to UTAR students and staff listening at the forum The speakers for the talks were Puan the safety, confidence, environment and cost convey your opinions. Enquire and clarify Wan Shahbanun binti Zulkifli, Deputy in vehicle inspection under the topic “Road on matters that you are doubtful of. Be scarcely bother what you previously know so skills ensure your survival in a company and Director from the Road Safety Department Safety - Benefits of Vehicle Inspection” proactive, ask for advice and help others, do long as you learn and adapt to their culture. that includes good attitude, multitasking, of Malaysia, Perak Branch (JKJR) and JKJR and PUSPAKOM also set-up not be afraid of constructive criticism and Your initiative to learn about the industry teamwork and problem-solving.” Dato’ Ooi Win Juat, Head of Operations booths and displayed safety gears such work on your weaknesses as mistakes are the would bring innovation to the workplace.” The forum ended with a Q&A session Liaison and Advisory of Pusat Pemeriksaan as reflective vest at the mini exhibition to best things you could ever make.” “It’s a realistic world out there,” began and a memento presentation to Gan and the Kenderaan Berkomputer (PUSPAKOM). educate the UTAR community on preventive Meanwhile, Fung agreed with Litsa’s Sum, adding, “Your university degree gets panelists by FAS Dean Dr Cheah Phaik Kin. Puan Wan and Dato’ Ooi (right) Puan Wan Shahbanun elaborated the measures in the road safety paradigm. point on initiative. He advised, “Employers you through the interview stage, but soft 14 From Talks to Forums Students in Action 15 rominent American activist, Cesar PChavez, once claimed, “Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt Harmony through culture BESPOKE - the or disrespect for other cultures.” Such was the multiculturalism spirit that was captured during the Cultural Extravaganza held process-based recently at Heritage Hall at UTAR Perak Campus. The extravaganza, organised by Department of Soft Skills Competency Architecture of (DSSC), was in tune with UTAR’s 10- year strategic plan to promote soft-skills development and cultural competency Design Collective among students. It aimed to expose students to various local and international cultures through the showcase of various dances and Architects Ar. David Chan (left) and Ar. Chan cultural performances. The scintillating night opened when TAR’s three divisions; Centre for Extension Education, relationship for his clients. According to him, as an architect he has students garbed in motley ethnic costumes UDepartment of Architecture & Sustainable Design under an obligation to exceed his clients’ vision and simultaneously seek paraded an arresting 1Malaysia dance the Faculty of Engineering and Science and the Architecture simple yet comprehensive solutions that best serve them. on stage. Following suit was the emcee Society of UTAR jointly organised a talk entitled ‘BESPOKE - The On the other hand, Ar. Chan Mun Inn stated that great description on dance culture, and a speech Process-Based Architecture of Design Collective Architects’ by two buildings result not only from creative problem solving skills and each by event director and the event VIP and prestigious speakers, Ar. David Chan and Ar. Chan Mun Inn from innovative designs, but by engaging a well established teamwork and Head for DSSC for Perak Campus, Lok Bee Poetry in motion: Students performing dance symbolic of the aboriginal tribes in Malaysia Design Collective Architects (DCA). The talk was held at the Kuala collaboration with their clients. Such engagement ensured that both Lan. Lumpur Campus on 23 April 2013. parties explore and innovate together, resulting in an award winning Students showcased their artistic musical vaudevilles. The fusion of Korean culture show that saw the audience clapping The talk addressed issues concerning the complexity of home and cost effective masterpiece. prowess into a potpourri of indigenous and pop, Japanese pop and mime dance added on their feet. owner requirements today, which extend beyond the simple need of The two speakers also captivated their audience with their urban contemporary dance, singing and dynamism and richness to the colourful just having shelter, and also resurgence of multi functional homes. creative works which were indeed fascinating. Much hard work, time Ar. David Chan emphasised that a good home always has and ingenuity were needed to actualise their clients’ designs in a something memorable in it and it is his job to create that special functional and realistic manner. D’Elegance a first for UTAR FAS nvited by UTAR Department of IConsultancy and Commercialisation n 12 April 2014, UTAR (DCC), Executive Chairman of Dialog Bhd Words of wisdom by Ostudents inundated Grand Dr Ngau Boon Keat delivered an inspiring Kampar Hotel in Kampar, Perak, talk at the Perak Campus on 18 April 2014. for the first ever prom night Besides the students, staff and academics engineer-cum-entrepreneur organised by all departments from different faculties, the entrepreneurial of UTAR Faculty of Arts and talk entitled “My Journey in Life and Social Science (FAS). Themed Entrepreneurship” was also attended D’Elegance, the night featured by UTAR Planning and Development impeccably dressed students and Committee Advisor Tan Sri Hew See a litany of riveting performances. Tong, Council Member Hew Fen Yee, Vice Speaking at the opening President (R&D and Commercialisation) ceremony, organising Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, and Malaysia Mental chairperson Lim Kai Xian said, Literacy Movement (MMLM) Committee “The objective of D’Elegance Member Datuk Lim Si Cheng. Prom Night is to strengthen the The China-born speaker began by first bond between FAS students and reminiscing his childhood days, from the students from other faculties struggle from the sharp vicissitudes of the and campuses in UTAR.” He Dr Cheah (left) officiating the night by leaving a message on the commemorative board family’s fortune during the early communist added, “This event is a golden From left: Hew, Prof Lee, Dr Ngau, Tan Sri Hew and Datuk Lim period to the bold but wise decision made opportunity for students to expressed hope that Lim has board. performances of salsa and belly by his mother to migrate to Malaya to seek different races. you to refine your knowledge and the way unwind, meet new friends and trained juniors to assume his The night started with a dance. There was also the prom a brighter future for her off-springs. “My Dr Ngau also impressed upon the you perceive things,” he advised. relish the atmosphere of an reins as event organiser. She also bang when English Language king and queen contest where mother’s expectations were very simple - students the importance of being receptive The successful entrepreneur mentioned elegant ball in a formal setting.” thanked FAS departmental heads student Biith Siew emerged winners were determined by to study hard, to never give up in difficult to new ideas, tapping on lecturers for that he was indebted to his kind neighbours A total of 81 committee and crew and advisors of course-based from the floor and performed a votes from the crowd. At the end times and to be brave enough to take risks,” guidance and acquiring the technical in China who gave him food during times of members were enlisted to assist societies for offering invaluable medley of infectious jazz songs. of the night, Lady Luck smiled continued Dr Ngau in fluent English, who “know-how” especially on extraction of trouble. This inspired him to start MyKasih in the event. assistance to the organising The next performance after at Psychology student Gan also shared with the audience his sheer natural resources. “Our country is blessed Foundation out of his gratitude to the In her welcome speech, committee. Her speech was Siew’s was illusionist Edison Lim Tsai Wee and Public Relations determination in learning and adaptability with natural resources which we can tap kindred souls he had met throughout his UTAR FAS Dean Dr Cheah followed by a launching whose spellbinding acts such as student Cheang Lai Sin, who to a new environment back then. He went to for development and progress. The more life and also to commemorate such act of Phaik Kin commended the ceremony where all VIPs were fork bending offered audience a were inaugurated as the prom night classes to improve himself and got to knowledgeable you are, the further you kindness of helping the less fortunate. organising committee for invited to the stage to leave their glimpse into mentalism. king and queen respectively. mix with the other classmates who were of could see. Your working experience will help their cohesive team work, and message on a commemorative Other highlights included 16 Community at Heart 17 Nursing staff and students School visits by UTAR Council Chairman TAR as a not-for-profit university that in community work Uwas established for the people and by the people strives to provide educational taff and students from the Department to know their BMIs and participated in a opportunities for deserving students in the Sof Nursing under the UTAR Faculty lucky draw to win small prizes. They were country. Education can transform lives of of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) also encouraged to maintain good habits of youths and broaden their horizons to build a volunteered their services in support of healthy eating and physical activities. brighter and better tomorrow. community welfare when they visited SMK For students with relatively higher BMI, In line with the objective to reach the Seafield on 13 March 2014 to conduct the their blood pressure readings were taken and students in the rural schools of Malaysia, Body Mass Index (BMI) Analysis among they were then given diet counselling by the UTAR Council Chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong secondary school children and subsequently FMHS nutritionist and diet educator. Their Sik with senior officials from UTAR and made two visits to Rumah Seri Kenangan screening reports were then submitted to the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College on 25 April and 2 May 2014 to provide school counsellor for follow-ups with diet (TARUC) embarked on a “meet-and-greet” health guidance, screening and treatment on educational programmes for the students. visit to each of the four selected schools that scabies. The Department of Nursing staff and are currently under Teach-For-Malaysia In support of the Ministry of Health’s students also visited a home for the elderly (TFM) scheme. UTAR is a collaborative goal to prevent obesity and promote healthy at Rumah Seri Kenangan in Cheras over partner of TFM which is an independent, eating, the nursing staff conducted a BMI two different days. The aim of the visit was UTAR staff explaining the importance of a healthy BMI not-for-profit organisation dedicated to help to SMK Seafield students measurement screening at SMK Seafield, to educate the caregivers and residents the needy to further their studies. Subang Jaya. The aim of the programme was on treatment and prevention of scabies These selected schools were SMK Mak to analyse overweight patterns and educate which is a contagious skin infection that The FMHS nursing staff together with Mandin, Butterworth, SMK Hutchings, the schoolchildren on the importance spreads rapidly in crowded conditions. The the students gave free screenings to all the Penang, SMK Kuala Kurau, Perak and SMK of maintaining ideal BMI through diet educational session focused on personal residents in Rumah Seri Kenangan and Alor Pongsu, Perak. counselling. hygiene, adequate supply of clean water treated those who were infected. A follow-up The highlights in Tun Ling’s speeches Tun Dr Ling signing the guestbook for Tuan Haji Yusoff from SMK Alor Pongsu as Perak State Executive Councillor Height and weight measurements were and other related preventive measures treatment and screening was done a week to the four schools were the encouragement Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon looks on taken to determine the BMI of around which prompted many questions from the later and there were improvements for those and motivation to the students to study hard 200 students. Most students were happy participants. diagnosed with scabies at the home. and to make full use of their education at To further strengthen the “meet Kalimullah bin Masheerul Hassan joined in school. He also announced the scholarships and greet” exercise was the university the visit to SMK Kuala Kurau. available to deserving students to apply for collaborative efforts to rope in companies Tun Ling said that the collaborations tepping-up efforts to and grammar practice. enrolment into UTAR Foundation studies from the private sector such as the Soon between the selected schools and the private Sbring education to the less Collaborative efforts Guided by the instructors, will also come with a monthly allowance of Soon Group to assist the schools. The Chief sectors would help to facilitate the upgrading fortunate in the community, the students had the whale RM500. Operating Officer of Soon Soon Oil Mills of the schools facilities and addressing UTAR collaborated with ECM of time with mind-drilling There were discussions with the Sdn Bhd Heng Chee Cheng and the Group critical needs such as functional projectors Libra Foundation to organise language games such as scrabble, respective TFM teachers and school Human Resource Manager of Soon Soon and supply of textbooks. a five-month comprehensive to boost English charade, Station Games, Wonder principals to review the students’ educational Group Lee Kam Fong joined in the visits The students in SMK Mak Mandin, SMK English Tuition Programme for Words, quizzes, and group needs such as English language proficiency to SMK Mak Mandin on the 30 May, SMK Hutchings, and SMK Kuala Kurau were also 31 May 2014 and 6 June 2014 in such a way that it would primary school students from projects. numeracy level, absenteeism, as well as Hutchings on 2 May, SMK Kuala Kurau on given a surprise treat to an enjoyable session respectively. provide something different SJK (C) Balakong, Selangor and Describing the English disciplinary problems and the low sense of 7 May and SMK Alor Pongsu on 20 May. on memorisation techniques and study skills The latter workshop had 32 from the in-door activities the SJK (C) Batu 11, Cheras. Motivational Workshop as “an urgency. ECM Libra Foundation Chairman Dato’Seri by Buzan Licensed Instructor S Jeyaraman. The two schools were standard six students who were students have been having in excellent and creative way to identified from the UTAR guided in the language activities tuition and schools. We use teach English in a fun way”, New Village Community by the English Language Unit songs, music, and games to ECM Libra Foundation Senior Project, conducted by UTAR assistant lecturers from DSSC motivate them to learn English,” Manager Cheah Sook Lian Department of Soft Skills and they were Fatimah binti said Fatimah, representing lauded the passion shown by Competency (DSSC) as in need Abdul Halim Koh, Chan Siew her colleagues. The workshop all the instructors as well as of assistance to boost their Fen, and Nurulain binti Mohd engaged the students in activities the efforts in nurturing a bond students’ English Language Salihuddin. which involved speaking, between themselves and the proficiency and to intensify “We planned the workshop listening, vocabulary building students. their preparations for UPSR examination by the end of this year. The components of the English Language Tuition Programme were the two-hour in-class Saturday lessons held from February till June 2014 and the English Language Motivational workshops. The workshops were conducted at the Sungai Long Campus and The delegates in a group photo with students and officers of SMK Hutchings giving the Petaling Jaya Campus on Joyful participants and their instructors posing for a group photo their “High-Fives”, a TFM trademark Students stood up to greet Tun Dr Ling at the SMK Mak Mandin Library 18 拉大视野 19

成了特殊的声调变异。这不同于一 担忧并不是这一社会语言变体的衰 曼大学多位讲师及约60 般受方言影响的华语变异，而是更 亡，而是目前居銮社区成员对这一 拉位学生参与了由华社研 邱 倾向于一种社会的变异。 衰亡现象的冷漠态度。对他而言， 究中心所举办以“变迁中的马 拉大师生参与华研国际双年会 邱博士于会上分享了“居銮华 虽然语言有标准和不标准的问题， 来西亚和华人社会”为主题的 林志敏师、郑文泉师、系主任 语”的变异形态特点及其流传的阶 但语言是一种现象，必定会受到特 2014年第二届马来西亚华人研 陈中和师、余曆雄师、曾维龙 克 段特性。值得一提的是，全盛时期 定社区的影响，并承载这一个社会 究国际双年会。此为期两天的 师、李树枝师、杜忠全师、陈 的“居銮华语”，不仅是居銮市区 群体共同的历史记忆，所有变异形 研讨会于2014年6月20日至21 爱梅师和文学与社会科学学院 的通行用语，更在外地移居者及华 态都是语言与社会互动影响下的合 日在精英大学理工与艺术学院 的谢保全师、王淑敏师、沈嘉 威 族英校生间被广泛使用。但可惜的 理现象，因此不宜轻易用标准或不 （吉隆坡校区）进行。 宝师、陈瑞美师、 关志华师 是“居銮华语”于1980年代开始不 标准来否定任何一种语言现象。 第一天亮相发表论文的拉 及陈慧萍师。第二天亮相的则 再通用，时至今日，虽未完全消 讲座尾声，邱博士也于问答环节 大成员包括中华研究院副院长 有中华研究院的方美富师、理 谈 亡，但已萎缩成一种封闭式的社群 中为在座的学生解答一些关于语言 内用语。 现象及心理的提问，并与大家作更 邱博士在总结时感叹，从“居 深入的讨论。 居 銮华语”的个案分析来看，最叫人 銮 中华研究院院长张晓威（前排右五）及陈爱梅（前排右六）和学生们于研 华 讨会正式开始前合影。 工学院的张运华师及日语老师 《铁树开花：拉曼大学中文系 叶惠师。此外，中文系博士生 十二年论略》为题的论文，尝 语 汤嵋厢及硕士毕业生周美芬也 试从创校建系的时事背景与系 于会中发表论文。 史分期之视角切入，探讨拉曼 曼大学中华研究中心汉学组于2014年4月30 余曆雄师在发表会上以拉 大学中文系十二年的开创与发 拉日有幸邀得博特拉大学外文系中文组高级讲 余曆雄（左）于会上发表其论文，旁为郑文泉及陈慧萍。 曼大学为研究对象，发表了以 展。 师邱克威博士前来主讲，讲题为“居銮华语—— 马来西亚一种特殊的华语社会变异个案分析”。 邱博士于会上和大家介绍曾经盛行一时，但今已 拉曼大学同侪辅导 衰亡的一种华语变体——“居銮华语”的来龙去 员于2014年5月11日 脉，及其独到的研究心得。 20位 至19日赴台参与拉曼大学咨商辅 “居銮华语”是上世纪50年代至80年代通行于 拉 导处所主办为期九天的学习之 居銮市区的华语特殊社会变体。对于其产生的原 旅。此行旨在让本校的同侪辅导 因，邱博士在梳理现有的几种说法后，认为“居 员与当地的大学师生进行与心理 銮华语”是由中华学校学生模仿四川老师的口音 大 辅导相关的交流。 开始，而其最初通行的“豆沙村”的客家方言为 这趟台湾学习之旅让学生们 其形态确立的重要基础，两者结合之下，最终形 邱克威（左）赠送《学文》期刊予中华研究院。 有机会参访了逢甲大学（逢大） 同 及中国文化大学（文大）。这两 所大学分别为本校生安排了艺术 治疗工作坊、参观咨商辅导中心 侪 及提供辅导课程的简介，让学生 们对辅导有更深一层的了解。除 程可欣谈写作的多种选择 了艺术治疗工作坊，逢大及文大 辅 也开放了其身心灵舒压室及辅导 曼大学中华研究中心现代华文文学研究组有幸邀得马 辅助器材供本校生参观与体验。 华著名作家程可欣于2014年4月2日前来霹雳校区主讲 拉 另一方面，本校生也安排了 《写作的多种选择》。 导 学习不忘观光，以更深入地了解当地的文化和环境。 一些游戏以和逢大及文大的学生 在自我介绍的环节中，程女士与学生分享了其在金宝和 进行文化交流。与此同时，本校 怡保两地中学的求学生涯、在马大中文系的日子、写作爬格 学生代表也以演讲的方式为两校 子的日子、成家立业的历程以及文化创意产业过程等等的生 团 的师生介绍本校的校史以及大马 活点滴。她不忘强调，前述的学习生涯、成家立业的奋斗历 的文化、地理与美食。两场的文 程、自我不断成长的生活历程成为了她写作的基石和泉源。 化交流会让本校生对于台湾的上 此外，程女士也提及早年加入天狼星诗社，受到诗社导 赴 课环境、文化、历史与辅导系有 师的鼓励、师兄师姐的指导下，畅游于宽广的文学天地，并 更深入的了解。 在诗社接触和积极学习现代主义文学书写理念和技艺。 除了与当地的大学交流之 随后，程女士清晰地指出“写作的多种选择”，特别是 台 外，本校咨商辅导处也安排了让 从“小众”之纯文艺创作领域，迈向“大众”的亲情书写， 本校生透过自助旅行的方式，对 扩大了自身写作的领域。 台湾的本土文化与特色有更深一 这些年来，程女士透过报章、部落格、面子书等管道， 交 层的认识。值得一提的是，台湾 作为其书写个人的所想所思，且记载生活及生命里的点滴历 人的彬彬有礼、对环保意识的重 程。程女士生动地分享她个人每段生命的进程，让中文系的 视及文明有序的社会让本校生对 学生们获益匪浅。 流 本校生与台湾的学生于交流会上相见欢。 台留下了深刻及良好的印象。 20 Sudut Utarian UTAR anjur kursus kemahiran melakar peta minda Para peserta khusyuk mendengar taklimat daripada pihak penganjur

eramai 130 warga pendidik dari yang lain daripada Jabatan Teknologi dalam sesi pengajaran. Seorang lagi guru, SSMJK Nan Hwa telah menghadiri Maklumat FICT, iaitu, Lim Ean Heng, Soong Ling Siew Lean berasa kagum terhadap kursus bertemakan pemikiran kreatif dan Hoong Cheng and Chuah Min Hooi. pensyarah UTAR yang berdedikasi dalam kemahiran melakar peta minda bertempat “Antara manfaat yang boleh dikecapi penyampaian maklumat mengenai teknik di UTAR Kampus Perak pada 24 Mei 2014. oleh para peserta melalui kursus lakaran peta minda. “Para pensyarah dari UTAR Latihan Dalam Perkhidmatan (LADAP) peta minda ini termasuk memahami bahawa amat berpengetahuan. Mereka telah ini merupakan usahasama antara Fakulti peta minda mampu memberi gambaran membuat dengan terbaik dengan perkongsian Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (FICT) keseluruhan mengenai suatu subjek atau pengetahuan tentang kemahiran melakar peta dan Bahagian Promosi Program UTAR. topik utama dengan cara yang lebih mudah minda menggunakan sistem berkomputer. Kursus ini bertujuan untuk memerikan dan ringkas,” kata Dr Khor. “Kemahiran Pensyarah-pensyarah UTAR membolehkan pengetahuan tentang kepentingan kemahiran peta minda merupakan satu kemahiran yang kami mempelajari kemahiran tersebut melakar peta minda dalam proses pengajaran serba guna dan digunakan secara meluas. dengan mudah,” kata guru mata pelajaran dan pembelajaran serta menunjukkan kaedah Berdasarkan sebuah laporan, lebih 250 juta Matematik Tambahan tersebut. melakar peta minda menggunakan komputer. orang di seluruh dunia menggunakan peta Selepas tamatnya latihan itu, guru-guru Latihan ini bermula dengan ucapan alu- minda untuk tujuan perbincangan, mengenal dibawa untuk melawat sekitar kampus UTAR aluan oleh Ketua Program (Program pasti peluang-peluang baru, pengajaran dan Perak. “Kampus ini memang cantik dan Pascasiswazah) FICT Dr Khor Siak Wang. pembelajaran,” tambah Dr Khor. mempunyai persekitaran yang indah. Ia juga Kemudian, para peserta dibahagikan kepada Salah seorang guru, Lin Geak Choo merupakan suatu tempat yang kondusif buat empat kumpulan dan dibawa ke makmal berpendapat bahawa kemahiran melakar para pelajar untuk melanjutkan pelajaran,” komputer untuk menghadiri sesi latihan peta minda merupakan salah satu kemahiran kata guru mata pelajaran Geografi Puan bawah bimbingan Dr Khor dan pensyarah yang amat berguna untuk para pendidik Kamelawati Ibrahim.

Para peserta dari SMJK Nan Hwa bergambar di UTAR Sebahagian daripada peserta yang mengikuti kursus kemahiran melakar peta minda

UTAR CAMPUSES Petaling Jaya Campus Kuala Lumpur Campus Sungai Long Campus Perak Campus (KPT/JPS/DFT/US/B07) (KPT/JPS/DFT/US/W05) (KPT/JPS/DFT/US/B12) (KPT/JPS/DFT/US/A04) 9 Jalan Bersatu 13/4 Jalan Genting Kelang Lot PT 21144 Jalan Universiti 46200 Petaling Jaya 53300 Kuala Lumpur Jalan Sungai Long Bandar Barat Selangor Darul Ehsan Bandar Sg. Long 31900 Kampar Cheras, 43000 Kajang

Publisher : Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Printer : Percetakan Ronson Sdn Bhd 9, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan No. 18, Jalan P/18, Tmn Industri Selaman, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor