Skip to main content
UMP E-Newsletter
 

Academic and International
 

UMP Chancellor called on efforts to strengthen the culture of integrity and happiness in the education system

UMP Chancellor called on efforts to strengthen the culture of integrity and happiness in the education system

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Chancellor, His Royal Highness Regent of Pahang Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah called on for some strategic adjustments that emphasised on the transparency aspect in governance based on integrity, accountability and ethics.

“These values were not to be at all compromised by the university management,” he said.
 
“In fact, the Ministry of Education’s goal to create an education system that is centred on the culture of joy, happiness, compassion, humanity and respect is a timely one.
 
“This moral culture is not only relevant in the enrichment of the students’ experience in campus but should also be instilled when implementing community projects, be it in the country or abroad,” he said in his speech during the university’s 13th Convocation Ceremony held at UMP Gambang Campus on November 10, 2018.
 
Among the guests present were UMP Board of Directors’ Chairman, Dato’ Sri Ibrahim Ahmad and UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim.
 
Tengku Abdullah also said at the same time, strategic and professional networking was important for university branding, student development, research expansion and to boost the university’s wakaf and endowment ecosystem. 

UMP Chancellor called on efforts to strengthen the culture of integrity and happiness in the education system

As such, he expected UMP management to give special attention to Industry Network Alumni Platform (INAP) initiative and style it as a strategic inter-cluster and intra-cluster interaction medium for its alumni.
 
“It is also a challenge for graduates to start thinking about making contributions back to UMP, a very fertile nursery that has encouraged their growth to success,” he said.
 
Tengku Abdullah also conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering (Electronics) to former Managing Director of Motorola Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Hari Narayanan P Ondiveeran, as a mark of appreciation and recognition of his notable personage, credibility and leadership.
 
Dr. Hari Narayanan is currently Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Board of Governors’ Chairman.
 
A total of 28 recipients were presented with excellence awards and prizes based on their outstanding performance in academics, community service and other fields.
 
The Royal Academic Award (Excellence Medal) recipients were Joanne Bong Shan Shan from Faculty of Industrial Management (FPI) and Umi Zaidatul Azeera Mohd Nawi from Faculty of Computer Systems & Software Engineering (FSKKP).
 
Tan Jia Shun of FPI was the recipient of the Chancellor Award while Lee Wei Keat of FSKKP received the Vice-Chancellor Award.
 
The Lifelong Learning Professionals Award for Professional/Executive Programme was conferred to YM Tengku Dato’ Sri Kamarulzaman Al Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar and Kumaran s/o Alagamuthu Nadar from UMP Advanced Education.
 
There were a total of 15 other awards and prizes presented during the convocation. The awards and prizes were contributed by individuals and companies.
 
They are the Gold Award, Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Mohd Yusoff Award, Srikandi Matahari Award, Puspanita Caring Community Award, Hei Tech Excellence Award, Ir. Kee Book Hee Excellence Award, Sapura Industrial Berhad Excellence Award, Telekom Malaysia Berhad Excellence Award, Perodua Excellence Award, Dimension Bid Excellence Award and Soho Niaga Excellence Award.
 
Others included Pahang Foundation Excellence Prize, Association of German Engineers Dual-Degree Programme Excellence Prize, BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. Excellence Prize and Setegap Ventures Petroleum Sdn. Bhd. Excellence Prize.
 
A total of 652 graduates received their scrolls during the first session of the convocation which was also attended by school students from Kuala Pahang, Pekan. 
 
They were from several fishing villages in Kuala Pahang who took part in the ‘Bridge of Love Project@KP House organised by UMP.
 
UMP celebrated its 2,773 graduates during the two-day convocation held over in four sessions. They included 63 who received their doctorate degrees, 172 for their Masters’ degrees, 221 for their Executive Masters’ degrees, 52 for their Executive Bachelor’s degrees, 1,713 for their Bachelor’s degrees, 40 for their dual-degrees, 270 for their diplomas and 242 for their executive diplomas.
 
They were graduates from nine faculties and two learning centres.      


 Academic and International

UMP the first public university in the country to use Blockchain Technology for cert validation for its 2,773 graduates

UMP the first public university in the country to use Blockchain Technology for cert validation for its 2,773 graduates

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) became the first public university in the country to use Blockchain technology for UMP Valid8 - a new application to validate the authenticity of graduation certificates.

It would benefit the 2,773 of its graduates who received their scrolls during the university’s 13th Convocation Ceremony held on November 10 and 11, 2018 at the Gambang Campus Sports Complex.

According to UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim, UMP Valid8 was an application to validate the authenticity of certificates based on the QR Code.

“Each certificate is equipped with a unique QR Code to ascertain the authenticity of the graduate’s certificate. By scanning the QR Code, it will display the graduate’s photo, full name, academic programme and year of graduation.

UMP the first public university in the country to use Blockchain Technology for cert validation for its 2,773 graduates

“The QR Code itself will be a network of confidential data record, a data storage system that contains all information of the graduate, using the Blockchain Technology.

“The system is developed to function as a record storage on the education information of UMP graduates. This mobile application can validate the authenticity of a degree using the QR Code embedded in the certificate. All their data is stored in the blockchain form that cannot be hacked or forged,” he said.

Likewise, UMP also introduced the convocation e-book, in a move to support the green practise and in line with the using of technology to facilitate parents, graduates, students and members of the public to get quick information on the convocation.

UMP the first public university in the country to use Blockchain Technology for cert validation for its 2,773 graduates

The convocation e-book can be accessed via UMP Konvo application with 4.0 version for Android user and 8.0 version for iOS user.

This pilot project was conducted by IBM Centre of Excellence that has the IT expertise, together with UMP Alumni and Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM) that has the expertise in supply chain.

There are also plans to explore the potentials of Blockchain technology to develop the halal supply network management system as well as to design the halal industry’s technical system for commercial prospects.

This application can be further extended into the National Institute of Higher Learning and other university and industrial partners in Malaysia and abroad.

With this kind of expertise, UMP is in the position to offer its services in Blockchain Certificate Authentication to any institutes and agencies.
 


Academic and International

Sultan Pahang’s Brother conferred with UMP Lifelong Professional Learning Award

Sultan Pahang’s Brother conferred with UMP Lifelong Professional Learning Award

By: SHALFARINA SHAHRIMAN

Despite being a busy businessman and serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion 505 Territorial Army Regiment, it did not stop Lieutenant Colonel Tengku Dato’ Sri Kamarulzaman Al-Haj Ibni AlMarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar from continuing to pursue an Executive Masters’ Degree in Project Management in Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

The Regent of Pahang and UMP Chancellor, His Royal Highness Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah presented the scroll to Lieutenant Colonel Tengku Dato’ Sri Kamarulzaman during the university’s 13th convocation ceremony that was held at UMP Gambang Campus on November 10 and 11, 2018.

Lieutenant Colonel Tengku Dato’ Sri Kamarulzaman, who is the younger brother of Sultan of Pahang, said he planned to continue his studies at the doctorate level and advised young people to seek knowledge so they could improve their skills and themselves, and their careers too.

Sultan Pahang’s Brother conferred with UMP Lifelong Professional Learning Award

Another recipient of the same award was Kumaran s/o Alagamuthu Nadar, a graduate of Executive Masters’ in Safety, Health and Environment. He now works as a manager at Daya CMT Sdn. Bhd. 

Kumaran said discipline and effective time management were top on his list in order to achieve excellence.

“I believe that if we have good discipline, it would shape us into being excellent people. We can attain the success that we have always wanted.

“The experience of seeking knowledge in UMP will be a pleasant memory because we have study groups and hold discussions among us. The lecturers are also accomplished professionals.

“My hope is that one day I will get to be a Professor and train more graduates in this field,” he added.

He also said that he had not expected to receive the award, given to a graduate of UMP Advanced Education, adding, those who were working should be given the opportunity to improve themselves and enhance their skills.

“Even working adults, housewives and senior citizens who wished to make their own contributions to the country need to improve and diversify their skills,” he added.


Academic and International

Joanne, 7 times Dean’s List awarded with Royal Academic Award

Joanne, 7 Times Dean’s List Awarded with Royal Academic Award

Joanne Bong Shan Shan, 24, is the recipient of the Royal Academic Award (Excellence Medal) presented during Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony.

The Kuching-born lass is the holder of Bachelor of Project Management with Hons from Faculty of Industrial Management. She scored a CGPA of 3.90. She is not only outstanding in her academics as reflected in her being on the Dean’s List seven times throughout her study years in UMP but is also actively involved in associations, programmes and club activities, holding various important posts.

Joanne was the treasurer of UMP Student Representative Council (MPP) for two terms – 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. 

For these activities that she had been part of, Joanne said the experience gained formed a platform that led to many opportunities because she had participated in many programmes and met many people from all walks of life.

Joanne, 7 Times Dean’s List Awarded with Royal Academic Award

She also received the Srikandi Award 2015, Most Promising Award 2017 and won three best programmes in the Tokoh Siswa Award 2016 (Student Representative Council Leader Category).

She was also the student development exco member for PEKA3 2014/2015, MPP Advisor for the Chinese New Year Cultural Night 2016, ExpoConvo Treasurer 2016, Treasurer for the induction week (MINDS) 2017, Deputy Director for UMP Career Fair 2016 and 2017, Director for Utilisation & Management Perspective of Bauxite Residue, an active marathon runner and a finalist of the Student Co-Curriculum and Appreciation Award 2017.

Joanne also has a tender side. She may have received good offers from big companies including one from KPMG International Cooperative but the youngest child in the family, she prefers, when necessary, to be with her parents, Bong Shoot Fatt, 64, a pensioner and Yen Ye Guak, 60, a housewife.

Her source of motivation derives from a book titled, ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne. The book is about expressing one’s thought that can help change the world – subscribing to the mantra of ‘if one wants something to happen, it will happen’.

In her final year, Joanne presented a project titled, ‘Quality Management Toward Enhancing Performance of Herbal Company: The Role of Organisational Citizenship Behaviour as Mediator’.

Joanne is now working as a digital analyst at Orion Social Media Sdn. Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur, doing digital market analysis in various digital platforms such Facebook, Instagram and Google.

Among the tasks undertaken included preparing tender proposals, sourcing of potential customers, managing customers’ identities in the digital platforms, managing crisis and making data analysis and report.

She viewed that whatever that she had learned in UMP had been very useful such as from managing groups of interest to managing changes.

As a graduate of project management, Joanne said she was clueless about matters relating to marketing and digital advertisement when first started working. However, she persevered and learned the ropes of the trade and eventually, she succeeded. 

“Life was a learning curve and it would continue to be a life-long learning process. She admitted to making mistakes but she learned from these mistakes,” she added. 

She has her expectations in life but these do not revolve around money, house, car or a rich lifestyle. All she wants is to be happy and hopes that whatever that she is doing, it will impact or serve as an inspiration to others.
 


Academic and International

Daughter of Felda Settler presented with Royal Academic Award (Excellence Award)

Daughter of Felda Settler presented with Royal Academic Award (Excellence Award)

Seeing how dedicated her parents were to see to it that she got the best education although they themselves were not highly educated was the defining moment for Umi Zaidatul Azeera Mohd Nawi to not to take her studies lightly.

Their dedication and her perseverance paid off when Umi Zaidatul Azeera was named as the Royal Academic Award (Excellence Award) recipient during Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony that was held on November 10, 2018. 

Seeing her parents, Mohd Nawi Abdul Latif, 55, and Sabariah Anang, 55, toiled with sweat and tears to raise her and her siblings continued to spur her to change their lifestyle for the better, elevate the prestige of Felda children and for them to be successful in various fields.

She also attributed her success to her lecturers and friends.

Umi Zaidatul Azeera is the holder of Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Systems & Networking) with Honours from Faculty of Computer Systems & Software Engineering (FSKKP). Her CGPA is 3.75.

Daughter of Felda Settler presented with Royal Academic Award (Excellence Award)

She was also in the Dean’s List for every semester throughout her study years in UMP and named Personality of Faculty in 2017.

The third in a family of four siblings, Umi Zaidatul Azeera was born in Dungun and raised at Felda Kerteh 4, Ketengah Jaya in Terengganu.

She was also an active person while in UMP and was involved in various programmes and associations which helped to hone her leadership skills and build up her character to become a more confident, courageous and competitive person.

Among the important posts that she had held were Secretary of the Environment and Sustainability (EcoSiswa – 2016/2017), Deputy Director for Earth Week Programme 2017, Secretary of ICT Forum – Towards Greenery, Secretary of Programme Away from Keyboard 2016, an exco member for Hiking in Style@Broga Hills 2017, an exco member for Semaian Budi programme (Pendang, Kedah) and an exco member for ICT class for special students 2015.

She was also a volunteer in the Candy Pencil Project in Sarawak and a participant in the National Park Exploration and Environmental Forum with Sultan Ahmad Shah Environmental Trust (SASET).

Umi Zaidatul Azeera now works as an IT Analyst at Event Monitoring (Network) in Intel Corporation (M) Sdn. Bhd.

According to Umi Zaidatul, the syllabus in UMP did not only emphasise on theories but also on hands-on approach that helped to mould a graduate who was armed with knowledge, technical skill and sound understanding of the theories.

“These workability skills have helped graduates to be competitive in putting themselves in the workforce,” she said, adding that she was proud that UMP had been ranked as 188th best in Asia.

She was also grateful with UMP for all the opportunities provided and responsibilities tasked to her that contributed to her success and landing a job with one of the most prominent companies in Malaysia.

She viewed that the work scope work now was in accordance with the syllabus that had been taught.

And, her hope now is to be someone that is constructive and able to serve the community and becomes a role model for the younger generation.


Academic and International

Rahmad Mega gave his blessings to son’s interest in Engineering

Rahmad Mega gave his blessings to son’s interest in Engineering

Suhazri Amrin Rahmad, 23, is the son of a 90’s popular rock singer in the country Rahmad Tohak or better known as Rahmad Mega, who preferred electrical engineering to singing.

Suhazri Amrin got full blessing from his father who was thankful with his son’s academic achievement.

Rahmad said he had never stopped his son from pursuing his interest in engineering.

“I have always given my support to my children who prefer to pursue their academic interests. I always pray that they will achieve what they aspire to be,” he said.

Suhazri Amrin, who is the eldest child, said he dedicated his achievement to his parents who had always supported him.

He also said the secret to his success was to work hard and not to get self-conscious about asking questions.

Suhazri Amrin, who is now pursuing his Master in Science in UMP, received his degree in B.Eng. (Hons) Electrical Engineering (Electronics) at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held on November 10 and 11.

His ambition is to be an engineer or a lecturer, while singing was just a hobby. 

At the convocation, Rahmad made a surprise by singing one of his popular tunes, ‘Bayangan Gurauan’ on stage which moved his son so much that he too went on stage and hugged his father.

The audience was also moved by the gesture of father and son and gave them a loud applause.

Suhazri Amrin said he had not expected his father to sing during the convocation.
 


Academic and International

61 old father and grandfather obtained Executive Masters’ from UMP

61 old father and grandfather obtained Executive Masters’ from UMP

By: SHALFARINA BINTI SHAHRIMAN, UMP PUBLISHER

Mohamed Hamdan A Aziz, 61, thirst for education has never ceased to fade, the burning yearning perhaps stemmed from not being able to pursue his studies when he was younger because their livelihood only depended on his father who was a rubber tapper.

The father of four and grandfather of nine is now a proud holder of the Executive Master in Safety, Health and Environment, a dream realised when he was presented with the scroll at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony held on November 10 and 11, 2018.

Mohamed Hamdan, who is an occupational safety and health officer with a construction company, described his success as ‘paying a debt to himself’.

“I could not afford to further my studies when younger because of poverty but the desire to have a Masters’ degree was triggered when I have a job and my own income, and I challenged myself to make my dream a reality.

“Before pursuing my studies, I have asked one of my children to pursue a Masters’ degree but it was declined and the reason given was too tired to study again.

“And so I thought if my children did not want to continue their studies, why not just the father do so,” he said.

Mohamed Hamdan, who is from Johor Bahru, Johor, also dedicated the degree to his wife, Rohani Mohamad, 61, saying it was a gift to her.

He said his wife never failed to motivate and encourage him to not to give up, adding, she understood the need for him to attend classes every weekends for the last two years.

“It turns out not to be easy actually because I need to follow the fast pace of the young people. I cannot be timid, instead I need to be at par with them in order to gain knowledge,” he said.


Academic and International

Identical twins received their degrees at UMP 13th Convocation

Identical twins received their degrees at UMP 13th Convocation

Identical twins Farah Alia Fauzi and Farah Ayuni Fauzi, 27, were among the graduates of University Malaysia Pahang (UMP) who received their scrolls during the 13th Convocation Ceremony that was held on November 10 and 11, 2018 at the University's Sports Complex, Gambang Campus. 

The two, who have never been separated since birth, were graduates of Master of Science (Mechanical Engineering).

Both have always dreamed of being in the teaching line since in school, just like their father, Fauzi Ismail, 53, who is a teacher.

However, for the time being, both of them are working in a different line. 

Upon completion of their studies, Farah Ayuni now works as a Project Officer with a company at Seri Kembangan while Farah Alia is a part time Research Assistant at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang.

Fate has it that even their working places are not far from each other.

"It is true that we have not been far apart, even our working places are in the same state," said Farah Ayuni and her sister when met after the convocation.

The twins who are from Pulau Chondong, Kelantan said they worked hard to get good grades and were happy to be able to prove their worth to their father and mother, Rohani Hamat, 50, who had made a lot of sacrifices.

"It is the responsibility as the eldest in the family to help reduce the burden of my parents and to be a good example for the rest of the siblings.

"We are grateful to have parents who have always prayed for our well-being and their prayers are answered today with the achievements that we have attained.

"We would always exchange views and do revisions together. Moreover, we were placed in the same class which made things much easier for us," she said.

She also said without knowledge, one could not be competitive, adding, they planned to work first and eventually, further their studies at the doctorate level.


Academic and International

2 best friends received Excellence Prizes in Dual-Degree Programme (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure Award)

2 best friends received Excellence Prizes in Dual-Degree Programme (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure Award)

By: NORHIDAYAH MOHAMAD

It was indeed a moment to cherish for these two best friends, Nor Amirah Mohamad Radzuan and Nur Syakiroh Saidin for each received the Excellence Prize for the Dual-Degree Programme (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure Award) during Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) 13th Convocation Ceremony that was held on November 10 and 11, 2018.

Nor Amirah, 24, and Nur Syakiroh, also 24, were graduates of B.Eng. (Hons) Mechatronics Engineering (Collaboration Programme with HsKA, Germany from Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering (FKP).

Both of them who are from Kuala Lumpur also went to Germany for eight weeks to learn the language.

Nur Syakiroh said they needed to entirely speak in the language so they could understand it faster and this would help them to master the subjects in their courses.

“We were able to practise our oral skills and had daily conversations with the locals over there. This course was compulsory so as to make us master the language and sit for the examinations that were all in German,” she said.

Nur Syakiroh, who is the second in a family of three siblings, was a stickler when it came to completing her tasks, a trait inherited from her father who is in the police force.

She added that she learned a lot during her days in UMP that had helped to build up her character.

She is also the Dean’s List Award recipient for six semesters out of the nine semesters and was actively involved in many programmes.

As for Nur Amirah, who is the youngest in the family of three siblings, she had always held on fast on the principle of putting the interests of her parents because that was the key to getting the blessings of Allah.

On her experience in UMP, Nur Amirah said the unpleasant ones were actually those that had taught her to be more appreciative of her surroundings as the lessons learned would be beneficial when she started working.

'Have a goal in life and strive to achieve the goal.' That is her motivation and life principle.

For her, every memory created in the fresh and breezy environment of UMP would be something that she would not get to experience elsewhere.


Students’ Activity

Jimba Fest Tour Concert wraps up UMP Expoconvo

Jimba Fest Tour Concert wraps up UMP Expoconvo

The 13th Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Convocation Celebration or Expoconvo managed to get a good reception from its visitors and local community.

More than 1,000 people were present to enjoy the Jimba Fest Tour Concert featuring artists namely Datin Alyah, Awi Rafael and many more. 

The concert, which is the main event of the Expoconvo, is brought by Digi and Warner Music. UMP Advanced Education and Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) are also sponsoring the event.

During the 13th UMP Convocation Ceremony and Expoconvo, graduands and their parents as well as other visitors were able to come and participate in the organized activities and programmes.

With the theme 'Recalling Memories', this Expoconvo offered many attractive and interesting activities as well as inviting alumni to come back to the campus and enliven the Convocation Ceremony.

The director of the 13th Expoconvo, Siti Aishah Dermawanshah said that the activities this time around also include activities for children namely Kid Zone. 

Other activities are Cake Decoration Contest, Let’s Eat Fruit, UMP Got Talent and Cooking Competition which target the local community. 

“The Expoconvo started a month earlier with activities such as Santai Seni Warisan, Zumbathon, Black Night Run, Explorace Race and LGBT Awareness Talk which attracted a good number of crowd.

"They were able to know more about UMP and experience the campus life. It is also an effective promotional medium in communitising the university with the local community” she explained. 

In addition, Aisyah also said that in order to attract school children to be interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in line with the STEM initiatives, there are also showcase involving the winners of Pahang Hackacton 2018 for public viewing. 

Moreover, there are also charity sales involving clothes, scarves, women accessories and other items contributed by the public.

A total of 63 stalls including food trucks were available during this Expoconvo.

The visitors also were able to get information regarding the PRIMA housing scheme and also information regarding other government agencies under the supervision of the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), Kuantan at the Expoconvo site.