HELP’S GREEN TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY

HELP’s Green Technology Campus Ground Breaking Ceremony
Minister of Higher Education Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin commemorates event

Kuala Lumpur, Thursday, 30 June 2011 – HELP University College (HELP) held its groundbreaking ceremony today at its new campus in Subang 2.

The Minister of Higher Education Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin was present to commemorate the event.

During the past 25 years, HELP has grown in size and stature. As part of its expansion plans HELP is building a 23-acre fully integrated green technology campus which will accommodate 15,000 students. The green technology campus is an eco-friendly and eco-responsible architecture created in harmony with nature for the noble pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. The buildings will harness the elements of the earth, the rain, sun, and wind to create a natural ambience to enhance study, reflection and scholarly pursuit.

HELP’s new campus is strategically located in the new township of Subang 2, northeast of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, which places it conveniently between Kota Damansara, Subang Jaya, Sungei Buloh and Shah Alam. It is easily accessible by excellent highways. The proposed MRT system will be nearby.

The campus is community oriented and will energise Subang 2 as an education and conference hub, bringing in a new community, generating wealth, and economic opportunity.

The campus will be built in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed at the end of 2013. The first phase will have one million square feet of built up space, consisting of recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, football field, open amphitheatre, exhibition centre, and gym facilities. There will also be onsite student and staff accommodation and amenities.

Datuk Dr Paul Chan, President, HELP University College said: “The building of this beautiful campus is a dream come true for many of us at HELP. We visited many university campuses around the world, and studied their designs, and after several revisions we now have a university campus that we hope will be one of much admired around the world.”

“As a young university we have the opportunity to build a new campus from ground up, a campus that will reflect our ideals and beliefs. I visited the Suzhou museum conceived by IM Pei. It is an inspirational piece of art. We incorporated some of the features into our new campus’ library, especially the interplay of light, water and Chinese landscaping.  This iconic library will have natural greenery and will be an excellent place for reflection,” said Datuk Dr Paul Chan, who is a lover of books and reading.

“Many years ago I walked along the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto where Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan’s most famous philosopher, walked and meditated. It is serene and extraordinarily beautiful in Spring. I have always thought about this place. I would love to add this feature in the HELP Campus,” he added.

The original conceptual design of the campus was produced by MAP Architecture, an internationally renowned architectural firm based in Hong Kong, whose current projects include The Kowloon Commerce Centre, One Harbour East office tower in Hong Kong, The City of Dreams, and the MGM Grand Hotel in Macau.

The local design development and submission architect was awarded to Ahmad Mukif, AMA Architecture.

The overall concept of the HELP campus revolves around a ‘green and efficient’ idea with a strong cultural element about man. Incidentally, the logo of HELP International Corporation, the listed company, is the Chinese character ‘ren’, meaning the virtuous man.

The 6 academic blocks with a total of approximately 500 teaching classrooms were oriented East-West to minimize solar heat gain, and the two accommodation blocks are placed at the opposite end of the campus for privacy.

The academic blocks will also house the relevant faculties, including a tiered performing arts theatre, along with special facilities for the culinary, hospitality, engineering and science programmes. Parking needs will be resolved by a multi-level parking structure along with perimeter parking.

Dr Chan said: “I want a campus that is aesthetically beautiful, with an ambience for reflection and self cultivation, where there are bees, birds and butterflies, which gives students and staff cherished memories, friendship and fraternity, a charming oasis where people want to stay and not leave. I want a sweet spot for everyone.”

Property developer Merge Housing, which will be developing their township next to HELP, will provide complementary facilities for the campus. The place will become HELP University Garden.

RESOURCES FROM HELP University

Al-Madinah International University – Elevate knowledge through new technologies

12th October, 2009

Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU) with its headquarters in Shah Alam, Selangor is an Islamic University-based learning through online (virtual) or better known as e-learning. MEDIU has introduced a new method of education in this era of globalization, a learning management system with technology infrastructure, to make MEDIU as Malaysia’s First Islamic Online University and most comprehensive in the world.

In MEDIU, students do not have to leave their home and place of their own to gain knowledge as learning session is conducted at any time in accordance with the broad student. In the technology adopted by MEDIU system known as Advanced Learning and Interactive Management(ALIM) System, students and lecturers can communicate face to face through lecture sessions(video conferencing) and it can be discuss even anywhere.

RESOURCES FROM AL-MADINAH International University

Al-Madinah International University “ A gateway to gain Islamic knowledge through virtual learning.

23rd November, 2009

The sophistication of the modern technology, communications and information has been used by MEDIU in taking the comprehensive steps of using 100 percent of virtual (online) system for their learning process.

Establishment of MEDIU is to provide convenience to anyone from all around the world who would want to gain knowledge of Islam generally in the comfortable atmosphere at home in the modern era.

Malaysia has become the option to establish MEDIU due to the country impressive state, compared to the other Muslim countries that have not been keen to spread knowledge through virtual (online) classes.

According to the Deputy Rector of Student Affairs, Dr. Habeeb Rahman Mohd. Ibramsa, Learning opportunities in MEDIU is only for students who are committed, have computer skills and high self-discipline to succeed. As the learning process of this virtual learning depends heavily on students .

RESOURCES FROM AL-MADINAH International University

AIMST Students Exposed to Real Scenarios

THIRTY years ago, nobody would have imagined that information technology would undergo tremendous changes.

Within a short duration of time a lot of new inventions, new technologies, new peripherals and new ideas have been created that are based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Now, one can see that information technology is converging with every other field to create new paradigms.

ICT is not merely software development as many people think. It contributes to a lot more, from medical related fields to space exploration.

At the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST), the evolution of technology is closely monitored.

AIMST not only introduces theory but also exposes students to the real scenarios of ICT.

AIMST’s degree programmes in Computer Science and Information Technology are designed to meet the challenges in the current trend of ICT.

Degree in Computer Science, which has three specialisations, namely, software engineering, networking and multimedia, is blended with engineering background so that students will get first-hand exposure in the areas.

Three degree programmes in Information Technology are also offered at AIMST. They are Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) (Multimedia Systems), Bachelor Information Technology (Hons) (Information Systems) and Bachelor Information Technology (Management).

The degree courses are taught with the aim of producing quality knowledge workers in the area of information and communication technology.

This is further supported with the MSC initiative and the proliferation of MSC-status companies which has created a need in the ICT field.

AIMST is also offering a new diploma programme from April 2007.

The Diploma in Computer Networking offers students the opportunity to experience the rapid development of networking technologies.

Currently, the degree programmes are offered twice a year, with intakes in April and September.

Application forms are available at www.aimst. edu.

RESOURCES FROM AIMST University

INTI HEROS Takes Institution's Business Model to a Higher Plane

The process of managing a student’s entire life-cycle – from the moment of enrollment right up to graduation and beyond – has taken a quantum leap forward with the initiation of INTI HEROS.

 

A world class, comprehensive Cloud-based CRM system designed and implemented by Lava Protocols using Salesforce.com platform, INTI HEROS pioneers the Entrepreneurship Business Model in Malaysia’s education industry and its recent launch symbolizes the beginning of a ‘Business Process Transformation’ journey for INTI towards an entrepreneurship-minded business.

 

Mr Sevak launches INTI HEROS as project leaders Eddy Choo and Menaga Munisamy look on.

 

“INTI has taken bold and vigorous steps to ensure this transformation journey is tracked with the best and most efficient technology available in the world,” said Mr. Amit Sevak, CEO of Laureate Malaysia and Deputy CEO of INTI. “Delivering a superior educational experience for all our students is critically important and for this we require the right combination of talent, passion and IT resources to take our operations to the next level.”

 

The smart partnership between INTI, Lava Protocols and Salesforce.com had enabled the blue print of INTI HEROS to be successfully engineered.

 

The key to this successful partnership lies in Lava Protocol’s in-depth knowledge on both Salesforce.com technology and strategic alignment of INTI’s long-term business objectives. It only took Lava Protocols 32 days to complete the implementation of INTI HEROS ahead of time and within budget.

 

“The journey was a pleasure; the achievement was the ultimate satisfaction. But the most meaningful moment was when INTI believed in our technology and took the leap to foster productivity and growth,” said Mr. Gopi Ganesalingam, Managing Director of Lava Protocols.

 

Lava Protocols is the leading Cloud Computing Provider in Malaysia with an innovative partner – Salesforce.com, leader of Cloud-based CRM solutions in the world. Together, they have implemented this technology in large organizations across industries, including leaders in Telecommunication, Supply Chain Management, IT and Security, Aeronautical, Healthcare, Oil and Gas, Education, and Government Departments. Lava Protocol’s vision is to play a dynamic role in helping the nation foster economic growth with cloud computing technology.

 

Students benefit not only from INTI’s 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 International Universities, the world’s largest private education network with a presence in 28 countries, with more than 60 accredited campus-based and online universities and 130 campuses, serving over 650,000 students globally.

 

RESOURCES FROM INTI International & colleges 

Helping Where It Counts

The University offers learners a quality learning environment, even planning to set up “talking computers” and providing examinations in Braille for visually-impaired learners.

He may be visually impaired but Hishamudin Wahab, 41, has never lost sight of his vision in life. He does not wallow in self-pity but instead considers his physical limitation a challenge for him to strive for greater things in life.

Hishamudin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) at the recent 10th Convocation, joined the teaching profession a decade ago. He is also a professional masseur and had operated a massage centre in Kuala Lumpur.

In between teaching and running his business, Hishamudin enrolled in the bachelor’s degree programme at OUM in 2007, with full sponsorship from the Ministry of Education.

Now a teacher at Sekolah Rendah Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, Hishamudin feels that studying has enabled him to explore new areas of knowledge and advance professionally. Although his journey was fraught with difficulties, he was determined to complete his studies.

“It was difficult at first because facilities for the blind were limited then. However, the University resolved my problems. It came up with audio books and materials for every module that I signed up for, making studying a lot easier,” he says.

The University’s caring side also showed itself when it installed special software in computers to allow visually-impaired learners to tap into technology. “Thanks to OUM, we can make use of technology in our learning. We use the Internet a lot, from sourcing for learning materials to discussions with peers and tutors.”

An active sportsman, Hishamudin has represented the Kuala Lumpur lawn bowl contingent at the Malaysian Paralympic Tournament twice; the latest was in Melaka last year, where he won third place.

Two visually-impaired teachers in the SMP programme sitting for their examinations using Braille
A fervent believer in lifelong learning, Hishamudin is not ready to end his academic journey just yet and is already planning to pursue a master’s degree. 

He is eligible for a 75 per cent fee discount, as part of the University’s initiative to encourage the physically challenged to take up higher education. Senior citizens are also entitled to the fee discount. 

The learner-centred University takes the welfare of its learners seriously. It strives to provide the facilities and tools necessary for learning to ensure that learners enjoy a positive learning environment. 

Hishamudin receiving his scroll from Pro Chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim at the recent convocation
Recently, two visually-impaired teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching (Sarjana Muda Pengajaran or SMP) programme sat for their examinations using Braille. 

The duo, learners at the Johor Learning Centre, will soon be provided with “talking computers” to enable them to easily access reading materials through the computer. 

“These are some of the things we do for our learners,” says Johor Learning Centre director Abdul Rahim Mohamed Amin. 

As an open and distance learning institution, the University is constantly looking at ways to ease the passage for learners to realise their academic ambitions through innovative delivery of programmes and excellent support services as they are mostly working people who have to juggle multiple commitments


RESOURCES FROM OPEN UNIVERSITY

future diary - full swing lyric -

NewS - Full Swing -

Tachidomatteita to shitatte
Koko de owari janakute
Sou nando datte sai wo fure
Negai wo kometa
Full swing de

Kienai niji wo mitsuketa to
Hashaideita ne
Ano hi no boku ni wa nani ga mietandarou?

Nido to modoru koto no nai
Hibi wo ureu yori
Sukoshi demo sukoshi demo
Asu wo negaou

Kurushikute kurushikute namida nagareta nara
Kanashimi wa kanashimi de owari janainda
 Souzou mo dekinai kurai
Kanjou wo nigirishimete

Tachidomatteita to shitatte
Koko de owari janakute
Tamerai no hate mae wo muite
Jibun idomitai
Kuzurekaketa yume datte
Kanaetai to dake shinjite
Sou nando datte sai wo fure
Negai wo kometa
Full swing de

Mienai ashita datto shitemo
Hashiridashiteiku
Shitataru ase sae ki ni mo shinai de

Sou sa dare ni mo yuzurenai
Yume no naru hou e
Ippo demo, ippo demo
Fumidashite miyou

 Kuyashikute kuyashikute afuredasu omoi ga
Kono yume mo sono yume mo tsuyokushiteiku
Mou ichido sora wo miage
Jounetsu wo nigirinaosu

Tachidomatteita to shitatte
Koko de owari janakute
Tamerai no hate mae wo muite
Jibun idomitai
Kuzurekaketa yume datte
Kanaetai to dake shinjite
Sou nando datte sai wo fure
Negai wo kometa
Full swing de

Tachidomatteita to shitatte
Yume wa owari janakute
Sasurai no hate nani wo tou?
Jibun dake no tabi
Oikomaretatte mae e
Kimi dake ni aru asu e
Mou saigo made sai wo fure
Negai wo kometa
Full swing de
Full swing de

English lyric

I was coming to a stand still
This is not the end
Yes, I put all of my wishes in
So many throws of the die
In full swing

I found a rainbow that wouldn't disappear
And was in high spirits
What exactly did I see on that day?

Rather than lamenting on the days
That I can't go back to
Just a bit, even just a bit
I wished for tomorrow

If it's so painful that the tears start flowing
The sorrow won't end in sadness
Tightly grasp my feelings
Like I've never imagined before

I was coming to a stand still
This is not the end
It's the end of hesitation, face forward
And try to challenge myself
Even the dreams that are crumbling down
Just believe that they will come true
Yes, I put all of my wishes in
So many throws of the die
In full swing

Even if I can't see tomorrow
I start running
Not caring about the dripping sweat

That's right, towards the sound of dreams
Where I can't surrender to anyone
Just one step, just one step
Try and step forward

It's so frustrating, that my overflowing feelings
Make all of my dreams stronger
Look up at the sky once again
And grasp the passion all over again

I was coming to a stand still
This is not the end
It's the end of hestitation, face forward
And try to challenge myself
Even the dreams that are crumbling down
Just believe tht they will come true
Yes, I put all of my wishes in
So many throws of the die
In full swing

I was coming to a stand still
This is not the end of my dreams
It's the end of wandering, what else do I ask?
It's my own journey
Drive forward
There's a tomorrow just for you
Until my last moment, I throw the die
With all my wishes in it
In full swing
In full swing

UKM to Acquire Latest Technology to be Among the World’s Best University

By S. Sivaselvam

BANGI, 18 July 2011 –UKM has drawn up its ICT Strategic Plan for the period 2011-2015 to be spearheaded by the Information Technology Centre (PTM) as part of its efforts to become a world renowned university.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student and Alumni Affairs, Prof Ir Dr Othman A. Karim said the latest technology is needed to help spur the university’s principal activities to be on par with other institutions of higher learning on a global scale.

There needed to be comprehensive planning to achieve this, he said when opening PTM’s ICT Day here today.

He is confident that PTM will be able to meet requirements for the latest technology under the Strategic Plan, a blueprint that provides guidance for the implementation of ICT projects in a cost effective way in line with the need for priority to be placed on management and operational requirements within a specified period.

“This Strategic Plan also identifies the initiatives that will be supported by applications systems, technology, human capital development and ICT-based administration in supporting UKM’s mission and vision,” Prof Othman said.

In describing ICT as the driver of UKM’s transformation exercise, Prof. Othman said the level of ICT usage among UKM’s staff and students is high in view of the facilities and services that are being provided.

Even so, he hoped PTM will always seek feedback from the users of its services and look for ways to improve its delivery. He described the ICT Day as one such avenue for feedback and a way to re-evaluate the current technology, study problems that arise and ways to overcome them.

Prof. Othman was proud of the achievements of PTM in providing a wide range of facilities in terms of ICT infrastructure to help nurture research, teaching and learning while ensuring administrative excellence at the university.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin in her message for the ICT Day said that PTM, as a major service centre at UKM, has improved the quality of its service provisions in a comprehensive manner.

In 2010, PTM was awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification, which she described as proof that PTM succeeded in meeting its KPI, and she hoped that efforts to build upon this would be continued through control and monitoring mechanisms so that improvement in service quality is achieved more effectively.

PTM Director Associate Prof Dr Mohamad Shanudin Zakaria said the era where ICT was seen as a technical facilitator to overcome the technical issues facing organisations is over. ICT’s primary role now is to develop and provide services that are suited for the world of business, he said.

“This requires intellectual transformation that is geared towards the realisation of a knowledge economy,” he stressed.

“For this purpose, ICT must be regarded as the driver in powering smart partnership and not just focussed on resolving issues in terms of content and hardware.”

Among the exhibitors at the ICT Day are the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu), the OSS (Open Source Software) community, the amateur radio community, Telekom Malaysia, Symantec Corp (Malaysia) and Avaya (Malaysia).

RESOURCES FROM UKM

PTM Held Video Teleconferencing with Harvard University

BANGI, 7 July 2011- UKM Centre of Information Technology (PTM) successfully held a live video teleconferencing between Prof Dr Michael E. Porter from Harvard Business School in Boston with the National Professors Congress (MPN) at Putera World Trade Centre (PWTC ). 

The video teleconference with Dr Porter was held immediately after the live telecast of the Keynote Address by Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib. Najib in his key note address stressed the need for professors as icons of knowledge to be guided by good values. 

Prof Porter gave his views on what Malaysia needed to do to propel itself into becoming a high income nation. He said Malaysia needed to concentrate on its strengths and to be more productive in all areas, reduce corruption and accelerate innovations among other things.

Director of PTM Associate Prof Dr. Mohamad Shanudin Zakaria stayed up till 2.00 am the night before to ensure everything went on smoothly for viewers. The live telecast was sponsored by TM net to enable those who were unable to attend the MPN to take part in the Teleconferencing. 

Students, lecturers and UKM staff attended the live teleconferencing in UKM Centre of Information Technology between Harvard University in Boston and MPN congress in PWTC in Kuala Lumpur.


RESOURCES FROM UKM

FSKTM Students Represented UPM in Imagine Cup

The FSKTM team is led by their mentors, Dr. Lili Nurliyana Abdullah, Dr. Razali Yaakob and Dr. Rohaya Latip. 

Namely the Green P, they created the 'Botanic Sustainability Smart System', a web based software to identify the type of soil and suitable plants that can be planted with it.

A second year student in Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Networks), Mohamad Najib said the idea to develop the software was drawn from the famine situation in Africa. Thus we are inspired to help them in identifying suitable crops for their land. 

"It took us almost two months to develop this system as well as data collected from the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry (MOA), Institute for Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and assisted by Prof. Dr. Kamaruzaman Joseph from the Faculty of Forestry, "he said at the Malaysia 2011 Imagine Cup competition at the Pullman Hotel, Kuching. 

In addition, the system is able to analyze the crop price index, which enables those involved in the agricultural industry to determine their budget in order to initiate agricultural projects. 

Meanwhile, WASPending developed software that combines the teaching of general knowledge, science and math, and also a hero character as well as focused history for students aged 10 to 12 years old.

WASPending team leader, Wong Ching Yee said the system called 'Challenge the Difference "was developed in the form of games and educational software. 

"I hope that this software will draw attention from the children’s education related industry," he said. 

His friend, Tan Wee Chong, a final year student of Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) from The Frontiers said his group developed 'The 1 Cent Project' a micro donation system that integrates with telecommunication companies to further promote the culture of giving among students.

"Students can donate as low as one cent, and the use of the software can be promoted by the telecommunications company as a community service program (CSR). 

"By using this system, users can select their donation to be distributed for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the amount to be donated and the identification number and the data will be verified by the telecommunication companies after obtaining confirmation," he said. 

The 2011 Imagine Cup is a technology competition between the students of the Institution of Higher Education in promoting solutions to global problems. 

The competition aims to produce talented students in the world of software designers, programmers, game developers and digital media enthusiasts and simultaneously addressing issues related to humanitarian assistance, poverty, education, disease control, health, environment and global issues.


RESOURCES FROM UPM

The First 4G Outlet Launched in UTM

Skudai, March 11 – “YES Campus Store”, the first 4G outlet at an institution of higher learning in the country is launched at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia today.

The UTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang said, the initiative to open the said outlet enables the UTM community to get the 4G mobile internet services at an affordable rate.

 The package, Education Partner Program Campus Citizen Plan, facilitates the UTM community to use the 4G network which has been customised with a special package.

The Yes 4G mobile phone is also launched today exclusively for the UTM community.

The YES Campus Store was launched by Dr. Zaini.  Also present was the Executive Director of YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL Comms), Yasmin Mahmood.

Although more than 80 percent of the student residential colleges have been provided with internet coverage through the installation of almost 1,000 wireless hot spots, the 4G broad band services will extend the students’ accessibility to the online learning materials and services.

The facilities enable more than 20 thousand students to utilise the advanced communication and information technology as part of their learning process. The initiative is in tandem with UTM teaching and learning policy which emphasizes the use of e-learning while focusing on the development of soft skills among students.

The expansion of the broad band and internet accessibility will give great impact to the students of UTM as it enables them to obtain the information required particularly in research and development speedily and promptly. Such facilities are most appropriate as many of the learning references and materials are made available through the internet.

In addition the technopreneur program will get the advantage of the services provided by YTL Comms through high speed internet.

  RESOURCES FROM UNIVERSITY TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA ( UTM )

UMP to develop IT product with six firms

KUANTAN: UMP Holdings Sdn Bhd, the business arm of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), signed a memorandum of understanding with six companies to pave the way for collaboration to develop an information technology-based product.

It was UMP Holdings? first commercial collaboration with the private sector.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman said the product, an integrated management system called E-Management Enterprise Solution, was commercialised after it was developed by a UMP lecturers.

?It was developed by a team from the Computer Science and Software Engineering Faculty led by project manager Prof Madya Wan Maseri Wan Mohd,? he told reporters after the signing ceremony at the UMP campus in Gambang here on Thursday.

Also present was UMP vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim.

Abdul Aziz said that more business ventures were expected this year and the university had the right workforce and resources to develop marketable products.

He said that a good response had been received from publicity campaigns at state departments and agencies.

On other business plans, Abdul Aziz said that UMP Holdings would meet Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob to explore the possibility of working on matters pertaining to information technology.

In his speech, Abdul Aziz said the product was a management and administration solutions provider to minimise time and labour costs.

The companies that signed the MoU were Fifway System Sdn Bhd, MH Equal Management Sdn Bhd, Century Software Sdn Bhd, Casa Inovasi Sdn Bhd, Encoral Digital Solution Sdn Bhd and Maxima System Consultant Sdn Bhd.

The E-Management Enterprise Solution received a quality award under the information technology category from the Malaysian Modernisation and Management Planning Unit in 2004.

Source : The Star

Date    : February 3, 2009 (Tuesday)

RESOURCES FROM UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA PAHANG

USM, UTeM COLLABORATE TO PRODUCE HIGH-QUALITY ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES

PENANG, 3 May – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will explore greater opportunities to produce local engineers to help raise competitiveness in the production of the first electric motorcycles in the country by next year.

This effort will be implemented with the cooperation of another local university, that is, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). A Memorandum of Understanding, to this effect, was signed by both parties yesterday.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said that UteM has the infrastructure to help both universities to consolidate, strengthen and enhance their achievement especially in the area of engineering.

He said that the most significant effort that could be carried out jointly was in the production of the first electric motorcycle that met specific standards which were more environmentally-sensitive.

“In this context, we need a great deal of expertise to produce a motorcycle that is also sustainable and which will be an important innovation in propelling this field at the Asian level. We have been given to understand that Asian countries have not explored this aspect of producing electric motorcycles more deeply. Even if there is, the performance and quality can be improved upon and that is what we will do,” he said at a press conference after the MoU signing ceremony.

Also present were the Vice-Chancellor of UTeM, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Yusuff Hassan; Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Development, USM, Prof. Omar Osman; and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and International Affairs, UTeM, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Nor Husain.

Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli added that if the efforts to develop this area of producing electric motorcycles were successful, the country would have another area that utilizes the expertise and innovations of local universities.

“Indirectly, it will raise the quality of technology in the country and fulfill the aspirations of the government in enhancing the field of higher education in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Yusuff said that the efforts of both USM and UteM can be described as a strategic collaboration that can strengthen and enhance higher education and which is also in line with the concept of collegiality that has been put forward by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

He said that besides exploring opportunities in the field of engineering, USM and UTeM will look into the potential of several other areas, including information and communication technology (ICT) and management.

“We are prepared to work with well-established universities, especially USM in exploring issues that can help the bottom billions,” he said.

He added that UteM has state-of-the-art equipment that could be utilised optimally while USM has expertise in various fields and if the two come together, it will result in high-impact output.


RESOURCES FROM UNIVERSITY SAINS MALAYSIA

CAMP12ideal platform to solve technology challenges

SERDANG, March 14 – The International Conference of Information Retrieval and Knowledge Management (CAMP ‘12) which was held from 13-15 March 2012 was the ideal platform for academicians and researchers from various countries to discuss the challenges of Information Retrieval, Computational Linguistics, and Knowledge Management.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Industry and Community Network, Prof. Dr. Tai Shzee Yew said he was amazed by the rapid development of software and applications and noted that CAMP ’12 offered a great opportunity for participants from various countries to share information and create solutions for many technical challenges.

“Through this conference, there was transfer of knowledge and expertise and the promotion of research activities aimed at producing cost-effective base technology platforms,” said Prof Tai, who added that the  role of such a knowledge-sharing platform was vital to help the nation become a high knowledge society through innovation and creation.  

PECAMP President, Prof. Dr. Tengku Mohd T. Sembok believed that Malaysia needed its own search engine in order to manage the political, societal, and business sectors.

The three-day conference theme, “Towards Global Information Seeking and Knowledge Success” was targeted to bring together participants from private industry, government agencies, and academic institutions to share their ideas and findings gained from their research and creations. 

The keynote speakers for this conference were Prof. Dr. Fabio Crestani from the University of Glasgow, UK, Prof. Dr. Alan F. Smeton from Dublin City University (Ireland), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Enya Kong who is a well-known authority on machine translation.

The 100 participants were from various countries including India, Japan, the Middle East, Myanmar, USA, France and Malaysia while UPM was represented by a total of 30 participants.

The Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSI), UPM was the main organizer of this very successful conference.

RESOURCES FROM UNIVERSITY PUTRA MALAYSIA ( UPM )

NATIONWIDE KARNIVAL ICT SEKOLAH CONTINUES!

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today continued with its Karnival ICT Sekolah series of roadshow with the sixth stop at Sekolah Menengah Teknik Ipoh, Persiaran Brash in Ipoh, Perak after its fifth stop in Kuala Lumpur recently. Besides Perak, the carnival will be held at other secondary schools throughout the country until the end of the year.

A joint collaboration between TM and the Education Department of each state, the carnivals are held to expose the school community to the benefits and advantages of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in their everyday lives.

At the carnival, TM showcased its products and services to the school community as well as its surrounding areas. Among TM products and services showcased were Hypp.TV, BlueHyppo B-Smart Education content, e-browse, iTalk prepaid calling cards, iTalk Buddy, Streamyx Combo packages, and Let’s Talk fixed line packages.

In conjunction with the carnival, TM offered a special promotion for visitors who signed up for Streamyx exclusively at the event. Customers were given an option to choose either the FREE Wireless Modem promotion worth of RM 180.00 or WAIVER of the installation fees of RM 75.00 with any subscription of Streamyx Combo package.

Present to launch the carnival was Hj Mohd Radzi bin Abd Jabar, Perak Education Department Director together with Hj Mohd Ali Nordin, TM Perak State General Manager.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the carnival, Mohd Ali said, “We hope these carnivals will help to create awareness and assist teachers, parents and students in their daily teaching, learning and working activities using the latest ICT services and facilities offered by TM. This is in line with the mission set by the Educational Technology Division (ETD)’s under the Ministry of Education that is to develop and promote the use of educational technology amongst teachers and students towards increasing the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process. Hence, the carnivals present a great opportunity for us to not only showcase TM’s new products and services but also provide an avenue for us to interface with our customers and to understand their needs and requirements to suit every lifestyle and budget.” 

Visitors had a myriad of activities all lined up for them. “3 on 3 street soccer challenge”, PC assembling competitions, and telematch games were just the tip of the iceberg. There was also a state level inter-school ICT quiz held.

In addition, also made available only during the carnival, was a Special Student Package which offered Streamyx Combo and iTalk in a bonus bundle. Anyone aged 18 years old and above with official and valid documentation to proof that they are studying at any local universities, higher learning institutions and colleges in Malaysia were eligible to apply for the package. Students were given the options to sign-up for a selection of 3 speeds packages: 384kbps at RM60 per month, 512kbps at RM90 per month and 1Mbps at RM110 per month.

The package consisted of TM Homeline service which will included iTalk Hotline – 1800 87 3535 and Streamyx. With this special package, students would be able to enjoy the iTalk low call rates at 15 sen per minute for calls to fixed line; 17 sen per second for calls to mobile line and 10 sen per minute for calls to Singapore. Users will also enjoy low PC to phone iTalk Buddy call rates from as low as 5 sen per minute. Subscribers were provided with an iTalk Hotline telephone set that is connected to the iTalk Hotline server to save users from the hassles of dialing the Hotline number. For details of the package, log on to www.tm.com.my.

From Perak, the Karnival ICT Sekolah roadshow will move on to other locations in Malaysia until the end of the year.

Coming soon to a location near you, Karnival ICT Sekolah, join in the fun!

For more information on Karnival ICT Sekolah TM 2009, kindly log on to www.tm.com.my/events.

Resources from TM (GLC)

TM CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS TO INCREASE ICT LITERACY AMONG COMMUNITIES

23  April 2010

Serendah, Hulu Selangor Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today contributed additional computers to SJK (C) Serendah for its computer lab and honoured excellent students from 4 schools in Serendah and active users of the Serendah Community Broadband Centre (Serendah CBC) in a ceremony held at Serendah CBC in Taman Seri Serendah, Serendah, Hulu Selangor. TM, mindful of its role in boosting ICT literacy among the students and the local communities, today continues to play the role by giving away 2 computers for the computer lab of SJK (C) Serendah. The contributions were handed over by YB. Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, Minister of Information, Communications and Culture. Also present at the event was Dato’ Kairul Annuar Mohamed Zamzam, Executive Vice President, Government, TM. The 2 computers to SJK (C) Serendah are in addition to the 3 units of computers that were handed over to the school by YB. Senator Heng Seai Kie, Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Cultureyesterday. Earlier last night, TM also handed over 2 computers to SJK (C) Khing Ming and 1 computer equipped with broadband Internet connection to Serendah Community Centre in a ceremony held at Sen See Yeh Temple in Serendah. By providing the school with the computers, TM aims to encourage the younger generation to embrace ICT and be part of the information society by giving them a chance to be exposed to wider usage of the ICT facilities. It is hoped that the students of SJK (C) Serendah can acquire better computer skills while equipping themselves with better IT knowledge. With a three-pronged objective which is to introduce the use of ICT in education, to introduce schools as community centre for ICT knowledge dissemination and to bridge the digital divide, this initiative is yet another testament of TM’s commitment in supporting national aspirations of producing a knowledge community. At the same event, TM also honoured 11 high-achieving students from 4 primary and secondary schools in Serendah who obtained excellent results in their respective examinations recently. The students were from the following schools: a) SJK (C) Serendah – 3 UPSR students b) SK Antara Gapi – 1 UPSR student c) SK Serendah – 3 UPSR students d) SMK Serendah – 3 PMR and 1 SPM students  In recognition of their excellent results, each student received cash incentive of RM300 and TM school bag. The incentive is hoped to serve as an encouragement for them to continue their excellent performance in their future studies.   In addition, TM also rewarded 6 “Most Active Users” of the Serendah CBC. The 6 individuals, with 2 individuals each under the primary school, secondary school and adults categories were recognised as the most active users of the ICT facilities available at the Serendah CBC. Each active user walked away with a brand new laptop, courtesy of TM. This recognition is hoped to drive even more active usage among the local communities in Serendah for them to fully utilise the facilities at the Serendah CBC. The initiative is also aimed at cultivating a generation of Malaysians who are ICT-literate, will assist in bridging the digital divide. These initiatives form a part of TM’s larger Corporate Responsibilities (CR) initiative. TM champions a three-pronged CR approach, namely education, community as well as nation building and the environment. Under the education platform, among the initiatives are the establishment of Multimedia University (MMU) as the first private university in the country. Besides that, Yayasan TM, the social arm of TM, has awarded scholarships worth RM30 million this year to 823 deserving students to pursue their studies at government schools and universities in Malaysia and abroad. Since its inception in 1994, more than 11,000 students have benefited from this scholarship programme which amounted to over RM390 million. Under the Community and Nation-building platform, TM focuses on enriching the lives of the needy and less fortunate by bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities and offering donations to welfare homes, charitable organizations and NGOs. Resources from TM (GLC)

PNB : BUSINESS Information Technology

IT DIVISION

PNB pursues to adopt the latest information technology application solution across all business activities and customer related services.

PNB's involvement in the IT business segment ranges from the management of its vast Unit Trust Business namely it's Unit Trust System (UTS) to participating in IT-related ventures. PNB's UTS was developed in-house as early as 1985 to a system today that serves more than ten million account holders and spreads over nine major unit trust schemes. PNB's IT efforts sees the establishment of a comprehensive disaster recovery facility complete with a redundant network centre in 1993. PNB has also initiated integration of its unit trust with investment operations and financial system.

resources from Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)

Rais: Uniform laws needed for ICT

SINGAPORE: Malaysia has proposed that security systems and prevention methods for information and communication technology offences be made uniform to ensure effective implementation of laws related to ICT.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim made the proposal at a two-day Ministerial Forum on ICT here.

Rais said that at the moment, an important issue for Malaysia was ICT security and how prevention methods in the respective countries could be made uniform to ensure authenticity and the countries' sovereignty.

“I mention authenticity because many parties are unsure of this. They assume that the Internet, computers and online telecommunications technology are not governed by law or linked to the security of the respective countries.

All smiles: Rais (right) presenting a souvenir to Singapore’s Information, Communications and the Arts Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim after opening the Malaysia Pavilion at the CommunicAsia 2012 in Singapore. — Bernama

“We must pay serious attention to security issues, including the rule of law of the respective countries,” he said on Monday.

Rais said developed countries had already put several prime measures in place to deal with the issue to ensure the future of the industry.

Rais added that the telecommunications sector in Malaysia generated over RM40bil in revenue yearly and the figure was rising.

Yesterday, Rais said a learning method suitable for all ages and levels of society needed to be created to further encourage the use of ICT among the public in Malaysia.

“The relevant parties, like the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), should draw up an easily understood learning module for ICT to benefit the people, especially those in the rural areas.

“The important thing is to get the rural folk to change their attitude about learning, even in old age, about computers, the Internet and broadband, and the benefits of these facilities,” he added.

He said the Government was aiming to establish 3,100 wireless villages by the end of the year. There are 1,400 such locations now.

Rais said broadband penetration had increased to 63.4% from only 11% in 2006 while cellular subscription jumped 127% from 19.5 million to 37 million during the same period.

He later opened the Malaysia Pavilion at the CommunicAsia 2012 at the Marina Bay Sands here. - Bernama

AUTHOR : The star online

Teachers’ Council seeks ICT integration in learning

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has emphasised the need for professional teachers in Africa to embrace the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Mr Ojewuyi Muyiwa, TRCN’s  Head of Information.

The statement quoted TRCN’s Registrar, Prof. Addison-Mark Wokocha as making the call at the Africa Forum of Teachers Regulatory Agencies (AFTRA) conference in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Wokocha said this in a paper entitled: The need to integrate ICT in Teaching and Learning and the role of AFTRA at the conference.

He said ICT had become necessary in the teaching and learning transaction in the information age and knowledge-based economy.

“Teaching skills can be more readily acquired and improved through the use of ICT instruments such as e-learning and e-teaching, virtual library, virtual laboratory and video conference,’’ he said.

He noted that the creative use of ICT–related facilities to improve learning opportunities had eluded a lot of teachers in the educational systems of many African countries.

“These are undoubtedly, the pivot of dynamic pedagogy and must indeed be the indispensable instruments of transformation of the educational institutions as trained trainers in content teaching and transmission, ‘’ he said.

The Registrar of South Africa Council for Education, Mr Rej Brijraj who doubles as AFTRA Chairman, said the ability to use ICT in teaching e-learning transaction would provide the needed transformation in higher education on the continent.

“It will assist in making our continental knowledge bases institutions to be internationally competitive, ‘’ the statement quoted him as saying.  

The AFTRA Chairman noted that the benefits to be derived from making use of ICT include saving time taken to complete operations and saving energy spent in performing tasks.

 Brijraj added that the 1998 UNESCO World Education Report noted that the world of teaching and earning process was changing.

He said the new technologies challenge had overtaken traditional conceptions of teaching and learning, configuring how teachers and learners gain access to knowledge.

He said this had the potential to transform the teacher-centred and text-bound classroom into rich student-centred interactions knowledge environment. 

AUTHOR : The nation . The paperboy.com