JOHOR BAHRU, 6 March – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a strong proponent of lifelong learning, offering unique graduate programs that add value to students’ future prospects. Over the years, our learning methods have evolved to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and the demands of the market.

With this in mind, UTM Newshub spoke with the Chair of School of Graduate Studies (Sekolah Pengajian Siswazah) at UTM, Associate. Professor. Dr. Noor Hazarina Hashim, to gain insights into what makes our programs unique, initiatives aimed at enhancing their quality, and the achievements of graduate students.

1. What makes UTM unique in terms of its graduate program offerings?

The uniqueness of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) graduate program offerings lies in its pioneering approach to academic programs. UTM takes pride in being at the forefront of innovation within Malaysian academia.

Notably, UTM has led the way by introducing groundbreaking initiatives such as the industrial Ph.D. program, which was a pioneering venture in Malaysia. Additionally, UTM holds the distinction of being the first institution to offer a fully online Open and Distance Learning program, setting a precedent for accessible and flexible education in the country. Soon, we will be offering a new professional doctorate program, Doctor of Professional Practice, the first of its kind in Malaysia.

UTM’s graduate programs are widely recognized for their emphasis on innovation and their direct relevance to industry needs. This focus ensures that students have ample opportunities to engage in hands-on research, where they can integrate cutting-edge academic knowledge with practical applications in the fields of technology and engineering. Collaborative projects with industry partners further enrich the learning experience, allowing students to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world challenges.

This unique approach to graduate education, which emphasizes the seamless integration of research and industry application, has produced graduates who are exceptionally adept at navigating their fields. By being actively involved in the application of research to industry settings, UTM’s graduates emerge with a practical understanding of how to develop innovative solutions and address the challenges faced by various industries.

In essence, UTM’s graduate programs not only equip students with theoretical knowledge but also empower them to become hands-on contributors in their respective fields. Through a combination of pioneering academic initiatives and industry-focused learning experiences, UTM cultivates a new generation of professionals who are well-prepared to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to industry and society.

2. What initiatives has UTMs School of Graduate Studies undertaken to enhance the quality and relevance of graduate education and research within the university?

For taught courses and mixed-mode programs, we prioritize compliance with the curriculum review process to ensure the highest quality of education. During this meticulous procedure, the School of Graduate Studies collaborates closely with departments such as CAQ, CDex, ACE, and faculty members to review and update program curricula. This entails integrating new courses, syllabus, and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance the overall learning experience.

In research programs, we introduced new approaches to program delivery. Over the years, we have championed interdisciplinary research by fostering collaborative projects and facilitating joint supervision arrangements either with academic institution or industry. These initiatives empower students to explore diverse perspectives and methodologies, enriching their academic pursuits. To support this, we’ve undertaken a comprehensive revision of our supervision policy and allocated funding to facilitate such activities.

Recognizing the importance of ongoing professional development, UTM’s School of Graduate Studies offers tailored programs to meet the specific needs of graduate students. These programs cover essential skills in areas such as communication, leadership, and project management, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of their academic and professional endeavors. Moreover, each faculty and school, through their respective postgraduate student societies, receives funding to organize courses, training sessions, and activities customized to the research needs of students within the faculty.

In addition to student-focused training, we also prioritize the development of our lecturers. Through targeted programs aimed at enhancing supervision styles, publication strategies, and the management of long-distance students, we empower our faculty members to excel in their roles.

As a testament to the success of these initiatives, we are proud to share that three of our lecturers were honored with the UK Council for Graduate Education Research Supervision Recognition last year, acknowledging their exemplary practices in supervision.

3. How does UTMs School of Graduate Studies support the professional and academic development of its graduate students, particularly in terms of interdisciplinary collaboration and career readiness?

The current system and practices at our institution strongly support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research activities by facilitating the collaboration between students and supervisors across different faculties. For instance, we have Engineering students currently working on legal building issues under the co-supervision of Law lecturers from faculties such as the Faculty of Management, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying and Azman Hashim International Business School. Additionally, our Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Education program exemplifies our commitment to interdisciplinary education, as it combines supervision expertise from both engineering and engineering education disciplines.

JOHOR BAHRU, 27 Feb – UTM’s commitment to strengthen its international strategic collaboration is realized today through a fruitful visit and engagement by Nplus S.r.l, an energy and lighting company headquartered in Italy, for discussions on potential academic, research, and business collaborations.

The meeting was initiated by Dr. Yon Kong Chen, Director of VRG Dinamik Sdn Bhd, a UTM alumnus. He was first approached by Nplus to establish a business partnership in the field of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Having graduated from UTM’s Faculty of Civil Engineering and under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhisham Bakhary, Dr. Yon chose the entrepreneurial path to further his expertise in SHM. VRG Dinamik Sdn. Bhd. has since developed a client base including Dyson and MRT Corporation.

The seven-hour meeting focused on potential collaborations, including the possibility of sending undergraduate, postgraduate, and staff members for international internships in Italy. Nplus S.r.l expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and anticipates formal collaboration. Both parties agreed to sign an MoU and exchange proposals for Nplus to finalize candidate selection. Nplus S.r.l was represented by President Giodarno Riello, SHM specialist Miss Francesca Brighenti, and Southeast Asia Business Development Officer Mr. Fabio Cardani. UTM’s delegation included the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi bin Abu Bakar @ Mohd Ramli, along with his team, and representation from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office, including the Chair of the School of Graduate Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Hazarina Hashim, and the Chair of the School of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Intan Zaurah Mat Darus.

This initiative marks the first collaboration between Nplus S.r.l and UTM, signifying a significant step towards fostering interdisciplinary partnerships to advance research and business goals. Leveraging each other’s expertise and resources, this collaboration holds promise for driving innovation and creating tangible impact in the field of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). As both entities proceed with this partnership, they exemplify a commitment to excellence and a shared vision for progress through strategic collaborations.