UiTM in tech upgrade

UNIVERSITI Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has drawn up a five-year information and communications technology (ICT) strategic plan to undertake key tech initiatives to help position itself as a world- class institution of higher learning.

Among the initiatives under the strategic plan are optimising the ICT infrastructure, enhancing ICT applications, and providing more comprehensive networking facilities, said UiTM's centre for integrated information system (CIIS) director associate Professor Dr Mat Ikram Yusof.

According to him, the university expects to fully link up the main campus in Shah Alam and its other 14 branches nationwide with wireless local area network (WLAN) facilities by end of next year.

Efforts are also underway to upgrade, in stages, its databases and applications such as the financial accounting information system (Fais), students information system (Isis), and staff resources information system (Stars) to ensure better and efficient management of critical information and data, he told Tech&U last week.

Mat Ikram said UiTM recently called for a tender for an ICT infrastructure project that involves the supply of 2,500 new PCs, on top of the existing 12,000 PCs located at the main campus alone.

The batch of new PCs are expected to incorporate new security technologies to protect against malware and other viruses. The systems will come equipped with remote management facilities to ensure effective healing of virus-infected desktops without requiring site visits.

According to Mat Ikram, UiTM has an annual budget allocation of RM13 million for the maintenance of ICT systems.

Open University refocuses computing programmes to address IT skills gap

10 Jun 2011

The Open University has launched two new undergraduate Computing and IT degrees to help the UK overcome a recruitment crisis which sees employers struggling to fill an estimated 110,000 new IT jobs created this year [1]. Developed alongside e-skills UK and representatives from industry, the degrees incorporate work-based learning and offer credit for prior work experience to ensure they are fully compatible with current industry needs.

The BSc (Honours) Computing and IT and the BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject are a response to employer concern over the competency of the recruitment pool that is forcing companies to look overseas for their IT services. The Open University’s engagement with industry has highlighted a perceived lack of business acumen amongst those coming out of education and an inability to put technical skills to use in a work setting.

The new undergraduate Computing and IT programmes will fill this gap in expertise, whilst offering employers an opportunity to up-skill their whole IT team without taking them out of the office.

Kevin Streater, Executive Director for IT and Telecoms at The Open University said: “These new degrees are the result of years of industry engagement and tackle two major issues raised by employers. The joint degree programme allows candidates to study IT alongside commercial subjects, improving the business acumen of graduates, whilst the single award provides students with clear paths to specific IT roles giving them more specialised skills, and increasing their value to employers.”

The new degrees have been designed to accommodate the individual needs of students at various stages in their working life, as well as those of employers. Using a variety of inventive learning and assessment techniques, these courses can help both existing professionals progress their career and computer enthusiasts take the first step on the IT career ladder.

These techniques include work-based learning, where students continue to earn a salary while they study for an internationally recognised qualification; credit for placements and previous work experience; and a vendor certification pathway which recognises their skills worldwide.

Mark Ratcliffe, Director of Higher Education Engagement at e-skills UK, who worked alongside The Open University in developing these degrees, said: “If we are to secure a healthy pipeline of talent coming into the industry then we need to engage people at all stages in their career in relevant industry learning. As a flexible and adaptable education provider, The Open University is perfectly placed to do this.”

Revisions have also been made to the Foundation Degree in Computing & IT Practice and the top-up BSc in Computing & IT Practice, which form an integral part of the qualification suite. A new course, My Digital Life, is the recommended starting point and looks at technology of the future, where students will design, build and programme small ubiquitous computers.

on-line education and training programmes through Unitar.

KUALA LUMPUR--KUB Malaysia Berhad today announced a major strategy change in the company's operations--a shift of focus into the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as core business.

Listed on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, KUB is already well known for its diverse operations in the property and construction sector, plantation as well as its consumer products.

As for its shift of focus into the ICT industry, company chairman and chief executive officer Hassan Harun said the sector's contribution to company revenue last year "has amply justified it."

"We have found our calling, that is, we are now in ICT. Last year's revenue of 69 percent was derived from ICT and ICT-related businesses," he said.

Hassan was speaking to newsmen after chairing the company's 35th annual general meeting here.

He, however, stressed that KUB would not abandon or reduce its position as a major player in the properties and plantation sectors.

Instead, these sectors have been streamlined using ICT to make them more productive and cost-efficient, he said.

Among KUB's flagship business in its ICT division is its on-line education and training programmes through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Unitar).

Unitar also has the distinction of being Malaysia's maiden virtual university and KUB's first ICT application.

Hassan was also asked whether KUB would consider being a venture-capitalist to fund potential cyberpreneurs in setting up dot com entities.

"At the moment we do not have such plans. But KUB has the capability to turn existing business into e-commerce. KUB can assist existing world class companies in Malaysia who are in traditional business to go e-commerce," said Hassan.

For the year ended December 31, 1999, KUB posted a net profit of RM123.9 million, from a net loss of RM64.9 million in 1998.

Hassan also disclosed that KUB's capital expenditure for its ICT division this year would be RM90 million.

From that amount, its e-media subsidiary, VisionScape Sdn Bhd and Unitar would get the lion's share, each getting RM38 and RM15 million respectively, he said.

GTS - UTP TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION INITIATIVES (11 NOV 2008)

Group Technology Solutions (GTS) of Research & Technology Division in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has officially launched the GTS-UTP Technology Collaboration initiative on 11 November 2008. The event was officiated by Y.Bhg. Datuk Dr. Zainal Abidin b Hj. Kasim, Rector of UTP at the university. It was attended by GTS Management, UTP Management, Technology Provider’s representatives from Emerson, Honeywell, Foxboro, Yokogawa, Endress+Hauser, MTL, Pepperl+Fuchs, Fisher, Metso and Masoneilan.

The objectives of the collaboration are:

• To capitalise on PETRONAS’ experience in Oil & Gas industry for the development of technology
• To leverage on Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS experience in R&D & Technology Development
• To pave the way for the Industries and University to work together for future practical technology development
• To accelerate technology development as a catalyst for supporting PETRONAS Technology Agenda
• To instill innovation traits within PETRONAS and UTP, as a step toward inculcating a sustainable innovation culture

In his opening speech, Y.Bhg. Datuk Dr. Zainal stressed that UTP shall strive to work together closely with the industries in support of their activities, particularly in research & technology development. On the similar tone, besides the establishment of relationship as research partners, the industries are invited to contribute in the industrial internship and the adjunct lecture programmes that would support the university to develop the expertise required by the industry. Moreover, the collaboration can also act as a stepping stone for UTP to meet the aspirations to achieve “Research” University Status by 2010.

Ir. VR Harindran, Custodian Engineer, Instrument & Control, GTS in his reciprocating address thanked UTP for the assistance given so far and took the opportunity to highlight other activities that are in the pipeline, as part of the GTS – UTP collaboration.

Notable achievements of this unique collaboration is the completion of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus Testing Facilities and Partial Stroke Testing Facilities recently, with close cooperation and support from the technology providers. Both initiatives are driven by GTS, supported by the SKG14 Improvement Working Group (IWG) and the Electrical & Electronics Department of UTP. Testing activities are currently in progress, with the ultimate deliverables being a comprehensive guideline on the implementation of the respective technologies in PETRONAS OPUs.

The guests were then taken on a tour to both facilities, with explanations and demonstrations given to the guest of honour and others by the SKG14 IWG team members, namely Khairul Anwar Idris and Syaimaa A Rahim for the FOUNDATION Fieldbus Testing Facility and Mohd Rashdan Mahmood for the Partial Stroke Testing Facility.

Overall, the event was a huge success, thanks to the assistance and contributions from all collaborators concerned. It is hoped that this will mark the start of an enhanced collaboration between GTS and UTP, focusing on specific technology development. To ensure the sustainability and enhancement of the collaboration, the current GTS-GR-UTP Alliance Steering Committee will be a platform to monitor the progress of the R&D from the Strategic Alliance (SA) partners and Technology Development driven by GTS.

UKM’s Micro Chips Help Duck Farmer Improve Productivity

NUSAJAYA,  2 August 2011 – From far, the duck coop of vegetable farmer Zamberi Abu Hassan, 43, looks just like any other – built with planks and half covered with wire gauze and the roof formed by rusting zinc sheets.

However, with expertise from UKM’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE) in Bangi, the interior of the small shack has been transformed into a high technology coop – within a day and relieving its owner of a huge burden.

UKM brought its micro-controller project to Kampung Bukit Tempurung, at Gelang Patah, Nusajaya, and installed the miniature components at the coop housing the Khaki Cambell variety of ducks which are very sensitive to the way they are tended to.

The Head of the Electrical, Electronics and Systems Engineering Department (JKEES) at FEBE, Associate Professor Dr Hafizah Husain, said the hi-tech components installed have four functions:

· Regulate the eating schedule – a special trough installed with microchip controllers automatically pours grains from a machine three times daily according to a set schedule.

· Lighting is controlled - sensors are used to detect the amount of daylight so that bulbs glow to provide an extra four hours of light after sundown.

· Deliver water supply when necessary – the programming of the micro-chips enable them to check on the availability of water in the pen and increase the supply from a water drum.

· Keep away rodents – sensors are used to detect the presence of mice, iguana and monkeys, with special equipment installed to repel them.

It all started when Muhamad Amirul bin Zamberi, 17, a Form Five student at the Taman Nusa Jaya National Secondary School, found that every time his father leaves the farm to sell vegetables around Gelang Patah, his egg-laying ducks are left unsupervised, resulting in overfeeding, not being fed at regular times and at times lacking water.

It so happened that at that particular time, FEBE UKM, with the cooperation of UEMLand, was launching Micro-Controller Mentoring Program at Schools: An Initiative to Develop an Innovative Mindset Among Students at the school.  The staff of the UKM Faculty of Information Science and Technology were invited to contribute their expertise.

 
“In general, the project aims to develop an innovative culture among the younger generation through the multi-prong usage of micro controller chip technology,” said Dr Hafizah.

“Micro controller chips are easily programmed using computers. By connecting them to certain equipment, they can be programmed to carry out various tasks automatically, whether for toys or real applications in industries.

“In fact, their potential is limitless and depends entirely on the creativity of the students.

“Besides inculcating a creative and innovative mindset, students get the chance to explore technology which are not taught in the classroom, thus encouraging them to be more gainfully occupied in their spare time and keep them away from being involved in wayward activities.

“UKM undergraduates act as mentors and help the students in programming the microchip controllers,” she added.

At the school, the “i-itik” (e-ducks) project costing less than RM2,000 is headed by Amirul and three of his colleagues, also from Form Five - Raja Nurhayati binti Raja Mohamed, Sayangku Mahsuri binti Mohd Ali and Zuraini binti Zainuddin. The project was launched under the supervision of Senior Teacher Technical and Vocational Subjects, Siti Norittah binti Ahmad.


 
Raja Nurhayati said what is so special about the 20 ducks owned by Amirul’s father is that the Khaki Cambell variety is imported and used solely for laying eggs to be sold in the market.

The ducks can lay about 20 eggs a day and in a month supply about 600 eggs, but to ensure this, all the four functions need to be fully automated, hence the use of the micro controller chips.

Zamberi’s close observations showed that if he served a large basin of grain – meant to last the whole day - each morning, the ducks finished it immediately, meaning that they had no food in the afternoon and evenings when no one was around to tend to them. Likewise the flow of water; the ducks sometimes consumed more earlier in the day and the supply ran out towards late afternoon.

The situation used to get out of hand since Zamberi has to leave the farm to sell vegetables in the kampung or at the market while Amirul and his younger siblings are away at school.

What saddened Zamberi and Amirul was their inability to tend to the ducks regularly, which usually resulted in fewer eggs being laid since the ducks become stressful. Sometimes the ducks just move around without laying eggs for a week, especially if they spot mice around the coop.

Hence, it became clear that the grain needed to be dispensed at regular times, and this could now be done by using the microchip controllers. With the help of their UKM mentors, the four students managed to build a cereal dispenser that releases the grain at precisely 7 in the morning, in the afternoon and by night fall.

As the ducks require 16 hours of daylight a day, the extra four hours after sunset come from lamps with a computerised switch that come on just prior to full sunset.

Dr Hafizah, Zamberi and his son Amirul, as well as the students participating in the project, hope that the use of technology can be expanded to help other farmers in the village also.

“This particular project is being closely watched because it could spur the use of similar modern technology for other farming activities as well and thus make meaningful contributions to the villagers, while for the students they still have more room and opportunity to expand the use of the microchip controllers for other equipment and innovations,” said Dr Hafizah. 

IUS selected to provide ICT systems and solutions for UNISEL.

April 8, 2002

Intelligent Urban Systems Sdn. Bhd. (IUS), a member of the Aldrich group of companies, was recently selected to provide ICT systems and software applications, structured cabling systems, and library security systems to support Universiti Industri Selangor (UNISEL)'s operations and goals.

IUS has a strong track record in providing ICT systems to various projects including the Putrajaya's City Control Center (Phase 1), UNIMAS's Virtual Reality Competency Centre, amongst others. With IUS's capabilities in harnessing technology to improve the way UNISEL's campus is run, UNISEL would be capable to bring itself to cost effectively, provide better services to its students, as well as to Selangor Darul Ehsan. UNISEL is the first and only state-owned private university having recently established in 1999.

The project valued at approximately RM2.9 million includes the following modules:

1) Information Technology Equipment and software applications, including Network Architecture, Hardware Platform, and Communication Gateway. Design, Supply, Deliver, Installation, Testing, Commissioning and Post-Acceptance Support and Maintenance Services of Information Technology Equipment and Software Applications, which includes but not limited to Network Management Server, Firewall Server, Workstation, Network Equipment, Uninterrupted Power Supply, Color Laser Printer, Laser Printer, Photocopier, Voice over IP(VoIP), Photocopier + Printer + Fax + Scanner and their software applications

2) Advanced Structured Cabling System Design, Supply, Deliver, Installation, Testing, Commissioning and Post-Acceptance Support and Maintenance Services of the Structured Cabling System which include both Cat6 UTP Cable and Air Brown Fiber Optic.

3) Library Security System Infrastructure Design, Supply, Deliver, Installation, Testing, Commissioning and Post-Acceptance Support and Maintenance Services of the Library Security System.

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.

MMU Students Champions in i-Hack Challenge

MMU students won 1st and 3rd place in the i-Hack Competition 2010 held in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) main campus in Shah Alam. The 12-Hours Forensic Challenge - a security hacking challenge was held on 7 and 8 August.

Rezki Albertha, Lim Jun Yi, and Christian Rawis from the Faculty of Information Science and Technology (FIST) emerged as the best group in the 12-Hours Forensic Challenge Competition. Their teamm, MMU-ONE, returned with an RM 4,000.00 cash prize.

The MMU-THREE team which consists of Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) students Martha Wangui Githui, Anthony Kinyanjui, and Sentongo Samuel won third place. They won an RM 2,000.00 cash prize.

The MMU-TWO Team too did not disappoint - achieving fifth ranking among the 15 teams in the competition. MMU-TWO consisted of Tan Jin Fu (FIST), Jason Kuen Wen Yong (FIT), and Tee Kang Nan (FIST).

The biennial event that aims to grow future cyber-security professionals and talents, was organized by UiTM Shah Alam, in collaboration with Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). A 12-Hours Hacking and Defense Competition was the other challenge held at i-Hack 2010.

Nottingham academics study the impact of social media in Malaysia

In a country which has an Internet penetration of more than 66%, and with the popularity of Facebook, Twitter,MySpace and social/community blogs growing exponentially, cyberspace control and monitoring may be seen as a counter-productive step to exclude rather than include the population.

The Department of Higher Education (Malaysia) has awarded a RM50,000 research grant under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) for a study on ‘Social Media and the Agency of Youth in Malaysia’ led by Joanne Lim from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures (SMLC). Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with urban youth communities in both Peninsular and East Malaysia, the study will examine the use of social media as a space for independence from traditional structures and policies even while potentially preserving and supporting those same structures.

The study will also attempt to shed light on the politics of social media in Malaysia and the issues of youth as consumers, youth as representations and youth as creators, to offer an understanding of changing lives and frustrated desires, contradictions and dispersed sites of youth agency that are refracted into various degrees and forms. By comparing how young adults engage with social media based on their geographical location and social/political determinisms, it may be possible to observe different forces contend to fix their own meanings and (alternative) definitions in the construction of national-and-self identity.

In working closely with key experts in the field including co-researchers Zaharom Nain (SMLC) and Wang Lay Kim (School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia), the findings of this study will be useful to consider social media as an essential tool in the project of social, cultural and political restructuring. The research project is scheduled to commence in August 2011.

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Dr Lim is also country researcher in a 6-nation study funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC, Canada) PAN eGov Project entitled 'Youth, ICTs, and Political Engagements in Asia'. The project sets out to examine the role of ICT to mobilise and advocate (political) change among young Malaysians. The project is scheduled to deliver a series of reports and a book chapter by the end of November.

2010 Terengganu State Distinction & Skilled Student Development Program (TATI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE)

KEMAMAN, 13 June 2011: The successful operation of 2010 Terengganu State Distinction & Skilled Student Development  Program Course reflects the benefits gained by the participants involving all SPM leavers from all over Terengganu State as the strong effort from the State Government to train and give exposure to SPM school leavers on the skills available at the State’s Institution of Higher Learning, especially at TATIUC. Apparently all participants gain good advantages especially in terms of skill upgrading courses conducted at TATIUC. Teaching facilities and expertise offered by TATIUC are fully leveraged to provide training and knowledge to the participants. Many participants who may not know these courses at TATIUC now have been exposed to the latest knowledge skills which can contribute in attracting them to learn more in the near future. The TATIUC is proud with the results of this effort as they also contribute indirectly the facilities and the expertise in enhancing the student skills of the State of Terengganu.


TATIUC has successfully trained over 144 students who have recently completed the SPM 2010. They have conducted 7 courses in increasing the skills among SPM school leavers such as Multimedia & Graphic Design, Milling & Turning Basics, Basic Industrial Design/Draughtsman, Motorized Vehicle Maintenance, Basic Photography & Video Editing, PC Maintenance & Assembly and Basic Electrical & Electronics.


TATI University College will continue to function as the centre of knowledge in producing high-skilled students in various fields. This all at once can fulfill the government’s vision in producing more skilled workers among the locals to meet the needs of the industrial sectors in this country. With the expertise and facilities available at TATIUC, it is highly believed that the goal to produce more technocrats will be achieved.


The participants that TATIUC have engendered are the main medium to promote this institution to today’s society.  Positive developments from time to time have helped the progress of TATI University College. In the vibrancy of academic development agenda, TATIUC never leaves the aspect of human capital development. These participants have been taught with the spirit and the genuine principles of self-esteem so that they are able to compete at the higher level.


It is hoped that this program will continue to be conducted at TATIUC in the future. A great appreciation to all those involved in the success of this course and hope that all participants will succeed to further studies at higher learning and as well as will be able to contribute something meaningful to the families and the society.

Launch of first WTF newsletter (SEGi University College)

On the 12th of August 2011, the School of Communication Studies (SoCS), SEGi University College officially launched its first student newsletter. This annual newsletter which is spearheaded by the communication club, FOURSEGi, is named ‘Welcome to FOURSEGi’, or ‘WTF’ in short.

Ms. Zarina Zawawi, the Course lecturer cum Programme Coordinator of SoCS, unveiled the newsletter at the launch. With the help of Ms. Ung Wei Yenn, the public relations lecturer of SoCS, Bethany Teoh, who is also the editor created this newsletter, serving as an information hub for the students about the latest happenings in SEGi University College. It will feature updates on events around campus, a guide for new students, entertainment news and also a column for students to voice out their ideas and opinions.

“The newsletter provides Mass Communication students with the opportunity to practice journalistic writing and appreciate the existence of the print media. At SEGi University College, we are dedicated to provide education that is passion guided and industry driven,” said Faisal Ibrahim, the Head of SoCS.

To celebrate the victories of our forefather’s as youths of Malaysia, the theme for the inaugural issue of WTF is ‘Merdeka Day’. In conjunction with the launch of the newsletter, Fazrul Sher B. Mohamaed Rafique, a Mass Communication diploma student was announced as Mr. ‘WTF’.

Chosen based on several characteristics including ‘responsible’, ‘outspoken’ and an ‘exemplary role model’, Mr. ‘WTF’ will act as spokesperson to the newsletter. The selection was based on votes from SoCS students. Fazrul Sher was also featured in the cover story of the newsletter.

The first 40 students who registered at the launch received a copy of the brand new newsletter. Grab your copy today!

Sharing Technology- 21 Mar 2010 (Sunway University College)

A GROUP of 26 students from the School of Computer Technology at Sunway University College donated 17 units of desktop computers to an orang asli community in Kampung Jelintuh, Perak as part of their community service project.

The donations were made in two separate visits over eight months, during which the students installed the computers at the village’s community centre (balai rakyat)and provided some basic lessons to the children and adults there.

Receiving the computers on behalf of the community was Penghulu Ba Ayyeh.

The community project adviser Johnny Savarimuthu said: “This is a milestone event for the orang asli community in Malaysia as it is the first time that a donation of computers has been made to them.”

The college students posing with the orang asli children after setting up the new computers.

Current project advisor Christopher Ong added: “We will continue to work with and support the orang asli in order to provide more opportunities and access to the latest technologies.”

Although the project involved a lot of time and effort on top of their academic commitments, the students involved in the project were enthusiastic about giving something back to the community.

“This is a truly remarkable and new experience for me. It gave me an insight into the orang asli community, said student Hasan-Ul-Mokaddes from Bangladesh.

“I was touched by their hospitality and their eagerness to learn about computers.”

His coursemate, Joseph Gangadaran said: “There are still a lot of people in Malaysia that have missed out on technology and I am really glad we had a chance to help.

“Through this project, we learnt to work as a team and it was a great learning experience too.”

The computers were donated by the college’s School of Computer Technology.

The costs of travelling and accessories for the installation were covered by a fund raising lunch organised by the students.

The students also raised additional funds through a recent Tea and Fashion Show for computer classes for the orang asli, which will be provided by the Shalom Community Centre in Gopeng.

Students Awarded RM 50k in Mobile Content Competition (MMU)

Originally published on the MMU Homepage on 9 January 2007

20 December - A team of students from Multimedia University have emerged as a winner in the MSC Malaysia Mobile Content Competition 2006, held at the Cyberview Lodge Resort in Cyberjaya. As one of the five winners in the idea pitching competition, NexWave was awarded a RM 50,000 grant to develop the mobile and web content they presented.

The NexWave team consists of Hiew Chun Fatt, Yong Sau Heung, Moo Aun Li, and Chong Chee Chen, who are all MMU students.

"We worked hard and passionately throughout the whole competition. We conducted many discussions and brainstorming sessions in the process of preparing the proposal and presentation," says Hiew Chun Fatt. "We were really surprised when they announced us as winners since that we were one of the youngest groups there."

As a national competition, the competition saw a diverse group of participants including students from other IHLs, working individuals and experienced companies. A panel judges from the industry selected by MDeC had carefully reviewed over 40 submissions before choosing the finalists. The judges are from Maxis (Maxis Developer Program), Digi and Time DotCom.

The entries are judged based on criteria such as competitive analysis, development schedule and budget, completeness of documentation, commercialization prospects, strength of the idea and originality.

During the pitching day, the 13 teams that had been short listed made a 15 minutes presentation in three parts, 5 minutes for preparation, another 5 minutes to pitch their mobile content development, implementation, business module and ideas, and a final 5 minutes for questions and answers.

The NexWave team has since renamed itself to WaveRio, and will be an MMU startup under the CCTD Technopreneur Development Program (CCTD-TDP) for the development of user-centric Web 2.0 applications and mobile projects. With a team of undergraduates majoring in diverse fields such as IT, Engineering and Management, they are continuing to recruit members and staff to drive their ongoing projects.

memory school attact at melaka..

TARC students score big in IT contests

UNKU Abdul Rahman College (TARC), being a premier institution of higher learning with more than four decades of excellence is committed to provide active, collaborative, creative, integrative and evaluative aspects of education.

In line with this, TARC School of Arts and Science (SAS) has the privilege of hosting the next Cisco Malaysia Networking Skills Competition, NetRiders Malaysia 2011 after having bagged five wins, as champion, first runner-up, fifth and seventh positions as well as the Best Cisco Academy 2010 Award last year.The top two winners went on to represent Malaysia in the Asia-Pacific NetRiders Challenge 2010.The event will be held on April 2 at the Cyber Centre in KL Main Campus with student participation from IPTA, IPTS and Polytechnics nation-wide.This annual competition aims to showcase the students' talents in the networking field and serves as a platform for instructors to measure their students' competency level.On top of this grand hosting by TARC, a first year student of the Advanced Diploma in Science cum BS Degree (Computer Science and Computer Mathematics), Lim Wei Hsiang, obtained a Distinction Award inthe eGENTING Programming Competition 2010.These continuous wins of SAS students bear testimony to the fact that TARC provides an all-encompassing and evolving educational process of teaching, learning and knowledge.SAS offers various market-driven programmes such as Chemistry and Biology, Sport and Exercise Science, Information Systems Engineering, Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Microelectronics, Internet Technology and Interactive Software Technology and Food Science.The unique advantage of SAS students is that they are able to obtain an American degree from Campbell University without having to go overseas.The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, USA to award the BS Degree conducted at TAR College.Until last year, this dual qualification has benefited more than 12,371 graduates.These efforts bring TARC to an upper echelon of education as it continuously enters into collaborations and partnerships with organisations and institutions to provide students with the latest industry-based technical know-how.

Tomorrow IT wizards

MMU Eyes Future in Nanotechnology

SCOUTING for a degree programme after leaving school may be a daunting experience for most school leavers.

There are many considerations that need weighing, including the growth potential of the industry chosen and cost of the programme pursued as decisions made can make or break one's career path in events of economic downturn or business uncertainties.

But there is one industry that is on the rise in Malaysia. It is none other than nanotechnology. School leavers or any candidates considering engineering programme can the nanotechnology alternative.

Although the field is still in its infancy, there is growing interest and expenditure in it.

Multimedia University (MMU) vice-president of academic, Associate Professor Wong Eng Kiong says: "We are seeing a slow but steady increase in enrolment in our nanotechnology programme because of the government's emphasis under the 9th Malaysia Plan."

Under 9MP, RM124.3 million has been allocated for the nanotechnology industry. The inauguration of the Malaysia Nanotechnology Association (MNA), governmental support for nanotechnology is at an all-time high as the technology can revolutionise the entire manufacturing industry.

One way this is achieved is by generating new types of nanomaterials, applicable in the metal, chemical and nanoelectronics industries. Other industries that can benefit are automotive, pharmaceuticals and health sciences, as well as information technology.

Realising the huge potential in store for the industry, MMU recently launched its Bachelor of Engineering Electronics (hons) majoring in nanotechnology. It is among the first of nanotechnology courses to be offered in the country.

"This nanotechnology programme is a true landmark offering," says Wong.

He said previously, those who wished to pursue a career on nanotechnology must go overseas.

"Now, you can join as an undergraduate and be part of a growth industry."

He adds that the career prospect for a nanotechnologist is quite healthy and promising.

He adds that the past few years have seen an increase in mechanical engineering enrolment, due to the manufacturing industry in the country. Telecommunications engineering also remains a popular choice.

MMU is one of the very few institutions in the country offering an undergraduate programme in nanotechnology

Intakes are open this month in the fields of engineering, IT, management and creative multimedia.

TAYLOR'S Holds Web Design Workshop For Indonesian Students

Forty students from two secondary schools in Pontianak, Indonesia had an engaging time exploring about Web design at a workshop themed “Sell it to the World” led by Taylor’s School of Computing (SOCIT) Lecturer Mr. Lili Budiman. 

Mr. Budiman observes the participants

Held at SMA St. Paulus Pontianak, the four-hour workshop exposed participants from SMA St. Paulus and SMA Santo Emanuel to the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to create an effective and attractive Web page. They were guided to think creatively and innovatively to develop a “Hip, Funky and Cool” Web design.

Through interactions with Mr. Budiman and hands-on activities, participants learned about planning and developing Web pages using markup languages like HTML, Javascript and CSS. In addition, they also got to familiarise themselves with several software used to design sophisticated Websites, namely Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft FrontPage and Microsoft Powerpoint.

The highlight of the workshop for the students was creating an actual website to market a product of their choice. This assignment was divided into three phases:

• Phase 1 – Create a storyboard to detail the overall organisation of the websit
• Phase 2 – Develop a prototype using Microsoft Powerpoint
• Phase 3 – Implement the website by using Microsoft FrontPage

The participants were motivated to come up with the best ideas and designs as three awards were given out for Best Storyboard and Best Implementation, respectively.

Mr. Budiman said he enjoyed facilitating the workshop as the students were eager to learn.

“For many of them, it was their very first time to create a website, but they were fast learners and asked a lot of questions!

According to SOCIT Dean Ms. Banumathy Devi, this workshop was tailor-made to ensure students gain the right fundamentals, are able to apply what they have learned and have a fun time.“The Internet has become such an important tool in the 21st century and it has become a vital part of everyday life - providing everything from news to shopping to music to videos - and is likely to become even more important in the years to come. Having the ability to design a Webpage that catches people’s attention is certainly a valuable skill,” she added.

From Classroom to Satellite Control Room: INTI Students’ Learning Experience at MEASA

“Push the wrong button on the control panel and the whole satellite could tumble and go out of control,” said satellite expert En. Azih Md. Zin. “The slightest human error could spell disaster.”

The high level of commitment as well as intense concentration and alertness required of engineers in monitoring telemetry data from a satellite was made clear to INTI International University (INTI IU) students who were on a learning visit to the MEASAT Teleport and Broadcast Centre in Cyberjaya.

The students were part of the Advanced Mobile and Satellite Communications class under the University of Bradford franchise programme offered by INTI IU’s Faculty of Engineering and IT. The visitors included exchange students from école Centrale d'Electronique (ECE), Paris, studying at INTI IU under INTI’s Study Abroad Programme (SAP).

En. Azih, Head of Satellite Engineering and Operations at MEASAT, went on to explain that over 20% of satellite failures in orbit are due to design error and failure to anticipate every aspect of the harsh environment in space.

“Building a satellite is not simple and many factors need to be taken into consideration, especially its weight and durability in a hostile environment,” he said, drawing upon his over 10 years of experience as a satellite designer and operator.

Apart from learning about Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, the students had a glimpse into the working life and environment of a satellite engineer who typically works 12-hour shifts per day for three days in a week. They toured the satellite control room, network management room (with its array of flat screen TVs tuned to multiple channels), and antenna farm with 16 antennas linking the ground control centre with satellites in orbit.

Like his fellow students taking part in the eye-opening tour, Gilbert Gan found the experience fascinating.

“I never imagined that handling a satellite is far more complex than handling an aircraft!” he enthused. “It’s a great challenge and something that I might consider for a career.”

Sonia Lahcene, an exchange student from France, was surprised to learn about Malaysia’s advancement in satellite technology, saying that she will definitely share her experience with friends back in France.

“It’s good that MEASAT provided us this rare opportunity to visit their facilities,” said Kwong Chiew Foong, a faculty member who accompanied the students on the trip. “This is part of INTI’s initiative to bring industry into the classroom – to help our students develop insights into exciting careers and gain confidence through real life experiences.”

INTI’s programmes are developed and constantly fine tuned to cater towards the needs of employers and the industry. Students are constantly in touch with their potential employers, through visits to their work places, workshops, internships, and projects that provide them with real world work experience.

Students of INTI benefit not only from its 25 years of experience and strong track-record, but also gain from the global synergy and resources that Laureate International Universities provides. INTI is part of Laureate, the world’s largest private education network with a presence in 28 countries, with more than 60 accredited universities and 130 campuses, serving more than 650,000 students globally.