QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS | ISSUE 49 | JAN – MAR 2014 | ISSN 1675-2023
UTP
In The Top 200
QS World University
Subject Rankings
At a Glance:
Highlights
• UTP in the Top 200 QS World University Subject Rankings
• Soft Launch of World Engineering, Science and Technology
Congress 2014 (ESTCON 2014)
• UTP MBA-EM Received its Second Cohort
Feature Story
• PETRONAS and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS:
Leadership and Business Sustainability
Achievements
• Standards Malaysia Endorsed Centralized Analytical
Laboratory (CAL)
• RM1.13 million for “Rescue-I Monitoring System”
• UTP Crowned Champion in 2014 Dis.Rupt.Edu
Events
• Towards a Distinctive Reputation
• Meet UTP @ PETRONAS F1 Showcase
• Reaching Out to the Community through ICT
• Collaboration Forays with KOSEN, Japan
Essence
contents
Highlights
the essence
Moving towards the right direction to distinctiveness.
04 UTP in the Top 200 QS World University Subject
Rankings
05 Soft Launch of World Engineering, Science and
Technology Congress 2014 (ESTCON 2014)
16 UTP MBA-EM Received its Second Cohort
Feature Story
06 PETRONAS and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS:
Leadership and Business Sustainability
Achievements
08 Standards Malaysia Endorsed Centralized
Analytical Laboratory (CAL)
09 RM1.13 million for “Rescue-I Monitoring
System”
10 UTP Crowned Champion in 2014 Dis.Rupt.Edu
10 UTP Achievement in Malaysian Tech Expo
Events
11 Towards a Distinctive Reputation
12 Meet UTP @ PETRONAS F1 Showcase
CSR
13 Reaching Out to the Community through ICT
Collaborations
14 UTP inks MOU with NanoMalaysia Berhad
15 Collaboration Forays with KOSEN, Japan
Being among the Top 200 QS World University Subject Rankings, six years
earlier than the projected timeline, is truly a celebrated moment for the University.
Considering the ranking criteria, the reasons for the position attained, above all,
hinge on the strength of our extremely influential research quality and results, and the
performance of our graduates amongst the employers.
The accomplishment aptly echoed the theme “Towards a Distinctive Reputation” that
anchored Financial Year 2013 performance. The University has shown an all-round
achievements at various fronts – academic, research, innovation, collaboration, art
and culture, sports and corporate social investments.
With the appointment of YBhg Puan Raiha Azni Abd Rahman, Senior Vice-President
of the Group Human Resource Management (GHRM) as Chairman of Institute
Technology of PETRONAS on 1 December 2013, the board that governs UTP, it is
hoped that the trajectory for excellence could be enhanced in realising its vision and
mission.
News and stories in this quarter had only reaffirmed the University’s commitment
and focus. The highlights included Centralized Analytical Laboratory (CAL) being
endorsed by Standards Malaysia, UTP securing TechnoFund by MOSTI worth
RM1.13 million and MOUs with National Colleges of Technology (KOSEN), Japan
and NanoMalaysia Berhad. Also, UTP’s MBA-Energy Management programme has
also stepped into the second edition with 13 scholars registered into the programme.
On CSR front, the University optimised its resources in improving the quality of life of
the surrounding community with its ICT modules and programmes. In collaboration
with Parent-Teacher Association of SK Sultan Yussuf, Batu Gajah, a programme
was designed and organised to facilitate children’s assimilation to the world of web
including the challenges that come with the accessibility of the internet.
It was a busy quarter, as of before. We remember a quote by T.S Elliot, “The historical
sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past, but of its presence”.
I look forward to more quarters with more exciting events and news.
Editorial Team
UTP Quarterly is the quarterly bulletin of Universiti
Teknologi PETRONAS. The views and opinions expressed
or implied are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the University’s management. No
article in part of in whole should be reprinted without
written permission.
Editorial correspondence and contributions can be
addressed to:
The Editor-In-Chief UTP Quarterly
Corporate Affairs, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
31750 Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Tel: 605-368 8230 Fax: 605-365 4088
For enquiries on photographs featured in this quarterly,
please contact: Mohd Hazrin Ismail at 605-368 8235
2
editorial team
Advisor
Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hj Hashim
Editor-In-Chief
Shamsina Shaharun
Editor
Aslinda Jamaludin
Tajul Ariffin Shamsuddin
Staff Writer
Suhaila Sharaini
Contributors
Ahmad PG Abdullah
Raja Shoman Raja Rosdin
M Thavasegaran
Photographers
Mohd Hazrin Ismail
Khalid Asyril Ismail
Circulation
Azfulredza Abdul Aziz
Ainnur Shahira Zahir Supian
Welcome Aboard & Diary
welcome aboard | jan – mar 2014
Iswadi bin Radzali
Technologist, Lab. Facilities & Service Unit
Nur Farahin binti Abdul Razak
Executive, Centre for Student Intership, Mobility
and Adjunct Lectureship
Khor Wei Chung
Lecturer, Faculty of Geosciences & Petroleum
Engineering
Shadfikze bin Shamsudin
Technologist, Lab. Facilities & Service Unit
Vincent Ravin A/L Selvarayan
Executive, Finance and Asset Management
Siti Aminah binti Mustafa
Clerk, Research & Innovation Office
Tan Wei Leng
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Research & Innovation Office
Syed Saad Azhar Ali
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering
Muhammad Ayoub
Lecturer, Faculty of Geosciences & Petroleum
Petroleum Engineering
Nor Hamizah binti Ahmad
Counselor, Student Support Services
Ting Jean Nee
Counselor, Student Support Services
Viswanatha Sharma Korada
Professor, Faculty of Engineering
Solomon Kassa Feleke
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Research & Innovation Office
Syed Muhammad Raza Naqvi
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Faculty of Science &
Information Technology
Syed Mohammad Mahmood
Associate Professor, Faculty of Geosciences &
Petroleum Engineering
Pradip Chandra Mandal
Lecturer, Faculty of Geosciences & Petroleum
Engineering
Fiseha Mekonnen Guangul
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Faculty of Engineering
Siti Nor A’isyah binti Subuhuddin
Clerk, Student Support Service
Md Fadhli Helmi bin Noor Kamaruzaman
Executive, Finance and Asset Management
Jaszmin Hanim binti Hussain
Customer Relation Assistant, Corporate Services
Nurulhuda binti Mohd Hashim
Academic Executive, Faculty of Science & Information
Technology
Md Abdus Salam
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Research & Innovation Office
Jebaraj Sargunam Azariah
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering
Fatin Nurlaily binti Zainurin
Executive, Faculty of Engineering
Srinivasa Rao Pedapati
Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering
diary | jan – mar 2014
January 2014
2
7
11-19
15-16
21
22
23
24
28
Majlis Sambutan Maulidur Rasul 1435H
Visit by Energy Institute Malaysia
Minggu Aluan Siswa (MAS JANUARY 2014)
Dis.Rupt.Edu International 2014
Lawatan Fizikal Pengauditan oleh Jabatan
Audit Negara bagi Program Penyelidikan dan
Pembangunan (R&D) MOSTI
Visit by School of Architecture, ALFA International
College, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Vice Chancellor Annual Address
Lecture by Dr Ahmad Bashir on Maulidur Rasul
1435
Visit by Sultan Abdul Halim Muad’zam Shah
Polytechnic (POLIMAS)
Visit by Capability Management Department Plan
PETRONAS
Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with
Chinese New Year Festive Season 2014
February 2014
6
The MoU Signing Ceremony between UTP & Nine
(9) National Colleges of Technology in KyushuOkinawa Region, Japan
7
Visit by Dr Salah Aziz (President) Kurdistan’s KOMAR
University of Science and Technology (KUST)
13
Program Multaqa Imam, Guru Takmin dan
Jawatankuasa Masjid Peringkat Negeri Perak
Visit by Kelab Robotiks Sekolah Marian Convent
Ipoh
14
Siri 1 – Usrah FIQH NISA’
18-20 Kejohanan Bola Tampar antara Jabatan anjuran
KSKKU 2014
19
MoU Signing Ceremony between UTP & Silterra
Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Adjunct Lecture Series Speaker: Brian Crowley
“Topic: Transforming a Remarkable Idea into a
Lucrative Business”
20
22
25
26
28
ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Accreditation Certificate
Presentation Ceremony
BANANA Relay Run 2014
Lecture on Live Demo FNIR 1st in Malaysia” by Dr
Kiguchi Masashi from Central Research Laboratory
Hitachi Ltd Japan – Topic : “Light Opens Novel
Applied Brain Science”
Public lecture by Dr Hermann Brandt, former
Managing Director of BASF PETRONAS Chemicals
Sdn Bhd – Topic: Industrial Research Management
– Intellectual Property Management”
ITPM Adjunct Lecture by UTP graduate (Class of
2002): Puan Raihanah Ahmad
Student Representative Council Election 2014
Co-Q Night
Visit by Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mineral
PETRONITA Car Boot Sale
March 2014
1-3
2-3
3-7 4
5
6
7
8
13
14
TAHSIN Taranum Bil Quran Terbuka UTP
Shell Engagement Day
American Society of Mechanical Engineering
(ASME) Conference
Kaneka visit to UTP
Program Sepetang Bersama Ustazah Sharifah
Khasif
Engagement Session with Baker Hughes
Communicate Like A Leader by GE Corp. by
Ms Wong Xiao Qing from Operation and Talent
Development, General Electric Corporation
Lawatan Kerja KUISAS ke UTP
Visit by SMK Zainab (1), Kota Bharu, Kelantan
PRESTIGE 2014 ( Corporate Grooming Course)
Sek Keb Kg Pasir Puteh, Ipoh
International Culture Night 2014
Siri 2 Usrah Fiqh Nisa’
14-16 Konferens Kaunselor Rakan Siswa bersama
Pembimbing Rakan Siswa
15
Kursus Kepimpinan dan Motivasi Murid Sek Keb
Simpang Pulai
18
Visit by Politeknik Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang
19
Visit by SMK Jelai, Batu Kurau, Perak
Masjid An-Nur Bersama Pencetus Ummah Yeop
22
Seminar In Pursuit of Happiness (A collaboration
between UTP and Qabeelat Ihsan AlMaghrib
Institute Malaysia)
Exclusive 1-Day Islamic Education Seminar
21-24 Basic Occupational First Aid, CPR and AED
Training
24
MoU Signing Ceremony between UTP and
NanoMalaysia Berhad
Visit by MRSM Kubang Pasu, Kedah to UTP
MoU Signing Ceremony between UTP and
NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB)
Visit by YBhg Datuk Abu Talib from Media Prima
26
Visit by SNU Korea
Public Lecture Series by YBhg Distinguished
Professor Datuk Dr Looi Lai-Meng, Department
of Pathology, University of Malaya | Title :
Understanding Cancer
27
Visit by Minister of Petroleum, Sudan
Visit by Lampang Rajabhat University, Thailand
Adjunct Lecture Series by Hasrizal Abdul Jamil Title: “Tamadun Utmaniah, Pengalaman Interaksi
Tamadun Islam dan Modenisasi”
28
Ukhuwah Humanitarian Drive (Charity Dinner)
Visit by South Sudanese Delegations Business
28-30 UTP SUPER REGATTA 2014
29
Earth Hour 2014
Visit by Minister, Ministry of Petroleum, Sudan and
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy, Myanmar
3
Highlights
UTP in the Top 200 QS World University
Subject Rankings
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS make it to the top 200 in the
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject (Chemical Engineering).
This outstanding achievement indicated that UTP has reached its
objective to be in the top 200 World University Rankings in Chemical
Engineering, much earlier than the university has planned. Based on
UTP’s 30-year aspiration roadmap, this feat is only to be achieved in
the year 2020.
QS formulates the World University Ranking by Subject based on
two important criteria which are research quality and graduates
employability.
Criteria
Indicator
Research Quality
Academic Peer Review (based on the assessment year)
Citations per faculty (based on 5-year data)
Graduates Employability
Recruiter Review (based on the year assessment year)
In the assessment process, QS accesses three extensive datasets
which are the global academic and employer reputation surveys,
and the Scopus data used for the citations per paper indicator in the
overall QS World University Rankings. These three components are
combined to produce the results of the QS World University Rankings
by Subject, with weightings adapted by discipline.
Global academic reputation
QS’s global survey of academics has been the centerpiece of the QS
World University Rankings. In 2014, results were based on responses
from 62,000 academics worldwide. Having provided their name,
contact details, job title and the institution where they are based,
respondents identify the countries, regions and faculty areas that they
have most familiarity with, and up to two narrower subject disciplines
in which they consider themselves expert. For each of the (up to five)
4
faculty areas they identify, respondents are asked to list up to 10
domestic and 30 international institutions that they consider excellent
for research in the given area. They are not allowed to select their own
institution.
Global employer reputation
The QS World University Rankings are unique in incorporating
employability as a key factor in the evaluation of international
universities. The employer reputation survey works on a similar basis
to the academic one, only without the channelling for different faculty
areas. Employers are asked to identify up to 10 domestic and 30
international institutions they consider excellent for the recruitment of
graduates. They are also asked to identify from which disciplines they
prefer to recruit. After examining where these two questions intersect,
QS can infer a measure of excellence in a given discipline.
Citations per paper
For the purpose of the QS World University Rankings by Subject,
QS under citations per paper rather than per faculty member. Both
the minimum publications threshold and the weighting applied to
the citations indicator are adapted in order to best reflect prevalent
publication and citation patterns in a given discipline. All citation data
are sourced from Scopus, the world’s most comprehensive research
citations database. As of 2013, a score based on ‘h-index’ has been
added to the QS World University Rankings by Subject. The h-index is
a way of measuring both the productivity and impact of the published
work of a scientist or scholar. The index is based on the set of the
scientist’s most cited papers and the number of citations that she/he
has received in other publications.
This accomplishment marked another significant milestone for UTP.
Only 17 years since its establishment, the University has progressively
developed into one of the top 200 universities in the world, and is on
track on becoming a recognised research university.
Highlights
Soft Launch of World Engineering, Science and
Technology Congress 2014 (ESTCON 2014)
R&D experts from around the world together with government and
industry players looking to determine a more sustainable future will
converge at World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress
2014 (ESTCON 2014) from 3 to 5 June 2014.
ESTCON 2014 themed “Engineering, Science, Technology and
Humanities: Convergence for a Sustainable Future” is expecting more
than 1,400 participants from over 50 countries with an expected
turnout of 3,000 crowd from universities, corporations and public
during the congress. UTP is organising this congress, deemed as one
of the largest world congresses Malaysia has ever hosted, at Kuala
Lumpur Convention Centre.
The 3-day congress will present and share ideas through 9
simultaneously held conferences, exhibitions, innovation pitching and
networking activities with an objective of bridging ideas to the market.
ESTCON 2014 is one of the premier R&D conferences in the Asian
region and to date has more than 1,000 confirmed registered
delegates. Organised since 2010, this biennial event has emphasised
the importance of innovation, creativity and commercialisation
and continuing in this tradition, ESTCON 2014 has introduced a
new section on Innovation Pitching to facilitate commercialisation
opportunities. It is a platform that creates opportunities to bridge
the gap between R&D and commercialisation to further drive the
push towards developing an innovation-led economy. It is dedicated
to providing collaborative opportunities between private sector,
government and researchers to leverage their combined expertise to
realise higher quality research, industry desired solutions and strategic
national objectives.
According to Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim, Vice Chancellor of
UTP, the Innovation Pitching sessions allows inventors to pitch their
new technologies to potential investors. This will take ESTCON
2014 to the next level as it connects researchers and inventors
to the right investors and business partners, at the same time
creating opportunities to increase university revenues and create
new job opportunities in an innovation driven economy through
commercialisation of R&D.
The congress is not just for academics, but a collaboration with
industry and government agencies that deliver ideas to the market.
With such collaborations, participants can earn up to 20 CCD
hours and 18 CPD hours from Construction Industry Development
Board Malaysia and Board for Engineers Malaysia respectively for a
continuous professionalism development.
This congress is timely, especially in light of the Malaysian
government’s efforts to make Malaysia an education hub in the region.
It also supports the cause of Yayasan UTP (UTP Foundation) that was
established in 2007 to promote and further the cause of education in
Malaysia. ESTCON 2014 is also supported by Ministry of Education
(MOE), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI),
Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM), KPerak and Yayasan UTP.
Speaking at a press conference after the Soft Launch, Mr Mark
Rozario, CEO of Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM), also announced that
AIM has set-up of an office in UTP campus. This is the first of its kind in
the region and the first step in achieving AIMs objective of expanding
its footprint in major regions and States in Malaysia to drive its vision of
creating an innovation-led economy.
As UTP places strong emphasis on R&D, the collaboration will
stimulate and enhance the innovation sector in the region. This
partnership will enable AIM’s Innovation Business Opportunities (IBO)
team to consult and assist UTP researchers to commercialise their
inventions, at the same time allowing them the use of a dedicated
space to conduct meetings with companies and entrepreneurs based
in Perak. This allows AIM’s staff to bridge the industry-academia gap
and underpin AIM’s presence within the university and in the region.
5
Feature Story
PETRONAS and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Leadership and business
sustainability
Leadership and business sustainability go hand in hand. PETRONAS believes
that business sustainability rely on effective leadership. Hence, PETRONAS is
committed to nurturing talents and developing leaders to serve its diverse business
portfolios. This is the first interview with Puan Raiha Azni Abd Rahman, Senior
Vice-President of the Group Human Resource Management (GHRM), since her
appointment as Chairman of Institute Technology of PETRONAS – the board that
governs Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) – on 1 December 2013.
Puan Raiha Azni began by commending Datuk Ainon Marziah Wahi, Puan Mariam Rahimah Mukhtar, Puan
Juniwati Rahmat Hussin, Datuk Dr Rosti Saruwono and Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Haji Kasim for the solid
foundation every fore-leaders of the University had collectively laid in positioning the institution to what it
is today. She is confident with YBhg Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim – who has extensive experience in
the oil and gas industry – helming the University now. UTP is in good hands of a leader who will steer it to
support the industry through innovation in technology, engineering, education and research.
6
Feature Story
Propelled by its vision to become a leading oil and gas multinational
of choice, PETRONAS strives to balance business excellence with its
objective to contribute to the well-being of the people and the nation
wherever it operates. Anchored on this and its commitment to human
capital development, UTP was established in 1997 to develop a
competent and skilled talent base for PETRONAS and its host nations
overseas, particularly in the field of science and technology for the
petroleum industry.
Energy remains a key driving force for overall economic growth and
resources are becoming more diversified in the coming years as a
result of renewable energy development. Hence,
possessing skilled and knowledgeable talents,
as well as effective leaders in this industry
amidst the challenging global environment are
crucial than ever before.
PETRONAS, as Puan Raiha proudly stated,
today is placed sixth in the global ranking of oil
and gas (O&G) firms in 2013, which is topped
by super-majors such as Shell, Chevron and
ExxonMobil. It has business presence in 50
countries spreading over five continents.
Therefore, PETRONAS puts high focus on
development of its talents to ensure that its
assets are managed safely, reliably and efficiently
in delivering the intended business results.
graduation, they could fit almost instantaneously into the industry
because the strong University fundamentals have prepared them well.
When the graduates move on to PETRONAS, the assessment still
continues. The development of PETRONAS’ technical professionals
such as engineers and technical specialists are achieved through skill
groups assigned for the specific engineering/technical discipline. If
at UTP, the lecturers provide the needed guidance and facilitation, at
PETRONAS, the Skill Group Advisors assisted by Technical Experts
are the ones to lend the required support. This serves as a benchmark
to monitor competency and readiness of PETRONAS’ talents.
Energy remains a
key driving force for
overall economic
growth and resources
are becoming more
diversified in the
coming years as a
result of renewable
energy development.
In this context, the University has been instrumental and effective.
The students have been developed to be equipped with industry
requirements. The curriculum and the internship programmes provide
required foundation for students to assimilate into the industry. Being
part of PETRONAS also means that the faculty members and the
students have access to learn from PETRONAS’ latest technology
and industry’s trends and practices. The students would be familiar
with the challenges of the industry. Upon their final assessment and
Interestingly, Puan Raiha said that Datuk Ir
(Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim, UTP’s VC was
instrumental in the establishment of this system
to identify and match the talents for leadership
roles in PETRONAS. The structure enables
PETRONAS to manage its 46,000 employees
globally and identifying talents for business
tasks and assignments.
To date, Puan Raiha said that UTP graduates
have been absorbed into various sectors with
PETRONAS and its subsidiaries. Many have
assumed middle-management positions with
assignments including overseas ventures. The
graduates during their University years have
embraced PETRONAS’ shared values and
those values continue to guide them in their transitional years as
PETRONAS’ employees.
“We believe in ‘growing our own timber’, not just for PETRONAS,
but also for the industry” for then not only do we develop any kind of
leaders, but leaders with integrity who uphold PETRONAS’ corporate
philosophy and values, the same philosophy and values that have
made PETRONAS sustainable and strong for the past 40 years.
7
Achievements
Endorsements on the University’s expertise,
performance and capabilities
During the quarter, the University boasted several milestones resulting from endorsement on its
expertise, performance and capabilities. Standards Malaysia recognised CAL’s calibration and testing
capabilities while MOSTI through its TechnoFund rewarded the University with RM1.13 million
worth of grant, the highest amount thus far for research. Malaysia International Technology Expo
also endorsed the University’s innovation with 3 golds, 4 silvers and 6 bronzes, in addition to 2 special
recognition mentions.
Standards Malaysia Endorsed Centralized Analytical
Laboratory (CAL)
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS’ Centralized Analytical Laboratory
(CAL) and Control and Instrumentation Laboratory have been
recognised for its calibration and testing by Standards Malaysia.
Both laboratories, which have been attested as meeting international
standards, were conferred the MS ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification
by Madam Fadilah Baharin, Director General of Department of
Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) to YBhg Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul
Rahim Hj Hashim, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
(UTP) at a presentation ceremony, held at UTP on 20 February 2014.
The laboratories were accredited under Laboratory Accreditation
Scheme of Malaysia (SAMM), as they not only meet both technical and
management requirements for testing and calibration competency, but
also operate in accordance with MS ISO 9001, Quality Management
Systems.
“Congratulations to UTP which now has three accredited laboratories
under Standards Malaysia. As education is becoming an emerging
area of focus in the standardisation arena, it is important to instill quality
in their everyday learnings. Accreditation of Institute of Higher Learning
(IHL) laboratories is a demonstration of the importance of quality
through compliance to standards,” said Fadilah at the ceremony.
The accreditation also endorses both Laboratories’ well-trained
personnel, equipment for measurement of traceability and methods
of testing towards accurate and credible testing and calibration data.
Furthermore, accreditation is part of a quality infrastructure that
facilitates trade and promotes global competitiveness.
8
“I hope that obtaining accreditation for their laboratories is just the
initial step. In the future, we wish to further collaborate with UTP by
introducing standards into their courses and syllabus further foster
a quality culture in the education as this will benefit them when they
enter the workforce;” added Fadilah.
To date, Standards Malaysia has accredited 632 laboratories for
various types of testing and calibration where 16 laboratories are
from higher education institutions. More than 200 assessors/experts
from various fields under Standards Malaysia are supporting its
accreditation services to fullfill the international technical requirements.
“With a vision to become a leader in technology education and
centre for creativity and innovation, the university has progressively
developed into one of the top universities in Malaysia over a very short
span of time. It is our priority to ensure that our academic programmes
conform to international standards and meet the expectations of the
relevant industries by taking important strategic development and
quality assurance measures,” said Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim.
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) also formulate plans and
strategies to ensure effective laboratory teaching and learning
processes, research, consultancy and development activities for
students and staff through provision of adequate, reliable and well
maintained engineering laboratory equipment, facilities and utilities
that comply with relevant authority rules and regulations as well as
conform to international standards. This is evident when its Centralized
Analytical Laboratory (CAL) and Control and Instrumentation
Laboratory receive accreditation from Standards Malaysia.
Achievements
RM1.13 million for
“Rescue-I Monitoring System”
UTP has been awarded the highest Science, Technology and
Innovation Ministry’s (MOSTI) TechnoFund amounting to RM1.13
million, for a single project. Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister, YB Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin presented the award to UTP at
a special presentation ceremony held at Putrajaya.
TechnoFund is a grant scheme which aims to stimulate the growth
and successful innovation of Malaysian enterprises by increasing the
level of R&D and its commercialisation. The scheme provides funding
for technology development, up to pre-commercialisation stage, with
the commercial potential to create new businesses and generate
economic wealth for the nation.
Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) Perak has been supportive
of this project since its inception, where BOMBA Perak has played
a vital role in providing user requirements, conducting field tests and
obtaining international certification. As such, the gadget will naturally
qualify as a potential market and it could be further extended to the
whole of Malaysia and abroad.
The award is for UTP’s research project titled “Rescue-I Monitoring
System” led by Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Kamil Mahmood, Dean, Faculty
of Science and Technology UTP, with Dr Hanita Daud, Assoc Prof Dr
Jafreezal Jaafar, Ir Dr Nursyarizal Mohd Nor, Assoc Prof Dr Irraivan
Elamvazuthi, Azwin Azrina Ahmad and Ruzaini Rahmad as the key
researchers.
The project is a result of concerted efforts and smart partnerships
between Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Kamil, his team and members with
Semarak Motivasi Sdn. Bhd.
The project is about equipping fire-fighters with IT gadget during
fire breakouts operation. The gadget comprises of four in-house
developed patents at UTP namely the physiology monitor, integrated
transceiver, breathing air level transmitter and portable control unit. The
integration of the gadgets forms a new and novel integrated system as
an innovative solution for rescuers – first of its kind in Malaysia and
ASEAN countries at competitive price.
With this achievement, it has demonstrated UTP’s continuous
commitment in research, development and innovation in line with its
aspiration to become a reputable research university.
Apart from UTP, MOSTI also awarded funds totalling RM2.82 million
million to five other recipients namely Aquatech Bio Resources Sdn.
Bhd. (TechnoFund), Universiti Sains Malaysia (ScienceFund), Universiti
Putra Malaysia (ScienceFund), SIFT Center Sdn. Bhd. (InnoFund) and
Mohamad Rizvi Othman (InnoFund).
9
Achievements
UTP Crowned Champion in 2014 Dis.Rupt.Edu
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) emerged as champion and
bagged two other prizes for the university category in the Dis.Rupt.
Edu competition held at UTP from 15 to 16 January 2014. Dis.Rupt.
Edu is an application development competition, or better known
as “Startup”, which emulates the famous TechCrunch in the United
States. The event was held for the first time in 2012 at SEGi University.
The three top teams from UTP were Stutter Aid, Diversity and The
Victory. As champion, Stutter Aid walked away with a replica cup,
RM5,000.00 and an all-expenses-paid trip to TechCrunch DisRupt
2014, San Francisco USA, worth more than RM20,000.00. The first
runner-up went to Diversity winning RM3,000.00 and a plaque, while
the second runner-up belonged to The Victory, winning RM 2,000.00
and a plaque.
For the junior’s category, Intan Genius of SMK Tengku Ampuan Intan,
Terengganu was announced the champion winning RM1,000.00 and
a plaque, the first runner-up went to Excelsior, SMK Sultan Yussuf,
Perak receiving RM750.00 and a plaque while the second runner-up
prize of RM500.00 and a plaque went to SMK (FELDA) Bandar Baru
Serting, Negeri Sembilan.
This year, Dis.Rupt.Edu successfully attracted participation from 22
teams from various universities, as well as 10 from secondary schools.
Among those who participated were Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti
Tenaga Nasional, UiTM Shah Alam, SMK Lepar Hilir, Pahang, SMK
Pondok Upeh, Pulau Pinang and SMK Tengku Ampuan Intan,
Terengganu. This year, UTP collaborated with Anise Asia Cloud Sdn.
Bhd to host the 2014 Dis.Rupt.Edu
YBhg. Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hj Hashim, UTP Vice Chancellor in his
speech said that Dis.Rupt.Edu was organised with the aim to support
UTP’s efforts towards cultivating innovativeness. This is because it
allowed students to apply skills learnt in class, such as thinking out of
the box, presentation and entrepreneurship skills.
UTP Achievement in Malaysian Tech Expo
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has once again done itself
proud, this time at the Malaysia International Technology Expo (MTE)
2014 where it took home a total of 15 awards in this annual prestigious
event.
The university won three (3) Gold, four (4) Silver and six (6) Bronze
awards, with two of its entries also accorded special recognition.
These achievements are especially significant as all but one of the total
14 entries forwarded by UTP won awards.
Gold with Special Award
• Development of a Novel Small Scale Two-Stroke Crank-Rocker
Combustion Engine – led by Assoc Prof Ir Dr Masri Baharom
• High Pressure Free-Piston Linear Generator – led by Prof Dr Abd
Rashid Abd Aziz
Bronze
• Adjustable-angle Fixture for Friction Stir Welding (FSW) – led by
Assoc Prof Dr Mokhtar Awang
Gold
• Thermo Eco Rubbercrete Hollow Block – led by Assoc Prof Dr
Bashar S. Mohammed
• iRobot & eRobot: Enabling In-Situ Test and Debug of On-Board
Integrated Circuit – led by Assoc Prof Dr Fawnizu Azmadi Hussin
• CoDe - Eco-Moisture Sorption System Utilizing Waste Cockle
Shells – led by Mohd Zamri Abdullah
Silver
• CMOS Compatible MEMS Magnetometer – led by Assoc Prof Dr
John Ojur Dennis
• Stutter Aid Mobile Application – led by Dr Noreen Izza Arshad
• AVS-E100 – Automated Visualization System for Epilepsy Surgical
Evaluation – led by Assoc Prof Dr Tang Tong Boon
• Integrated Submerged Wastewater Treatment Reactor for New
DOE Guideline Limits – led by Assoc Prof Dr Shamsul Rahman
Kutty
• Multiple Resonances Resonator – led by Dr Wong Peng Wen
• RF-PWP Predictor: A Novel Prediction Model – led by Dr
Muhammad Raza Ul Mustafa
• Automated Accident Location Detection System (AALD System) –
led by Penny Goh Kim Nee
These awards from the MTE bear testimony to UTP’s commitment for
continual progress and advancement.
10
Events
Towards a Distinctive Reputation
More than 450 UTP staff gathered for the 2014 UTP Vice Chancellor’s
Annual Address held at Chancellor Hall, UTP on 22 January 2014.
Organised by UTP’s Finance and Asset Management Department,
the address was delivered by YBhg. Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hj.
Hashim. Conducted since 2009, the theme for this year’s address was
“Towards a Distinctive Reputation”.
This yearly event provides a platform for the Vice Chancellor to update
UTP’s staff on the university’s overall performance and achievements
for Financial Year 2013. Some of the achievements that were
highlighted were:
• securing two new Professorial Chairs in Enhanced Oil Recovery
(PETRONAS Carigali) and Deepwater Drilling & Construction
Technology (Sapura Kencana)
• winning 87 medals in the 2013 International Invention, Innovation
and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2013)
• winning 18 medals and 4 special award at the British Invention
Show (BIS 2013) and International Trade Fair, Ideas, Inventions and
New Products Exhibition (iENA 2013)
• launching of the first gamelan album in Malaysia and
• champion of the International Students Sports Carnival for the
fourth consecutive year.
The address also provided opportunities for the Vice Chancellor
to deliver his aspiration for the university, as well as the university’s
direction for 2014. Furthermore, it allowed for UTP Management and
staff to have intellectual discourse, especially on issues related to
academic and research activities.
In YBhg. Datuk’s address, he shared his insights on global education
trends, university-industry partnership and internationalisation, and
how they will affect the university as a whole. He also emphasised on
the importance of improving the structure of UTP’s programmes and
addressing customers’ satisfaction as part of the key focus areas for
the university. YBhg. Datuk also mentioned that the university should
continuously improve for sustainability and greater achievements and
address its challenges accordingly, in line with its aspiration to become
a reputable research university.
YBhg. Datuk also announced that UTP is embarking on the
establishment of its very own Centre for Excellence in Teaching and
Learning (CETaL). The key aims of the Centre is to be the catalyst
to encourage lecturers to be innovative in designing flexible models
of learning, and provide promotion pathways which can lead to
professorship for lecturers who have developed innovative teaching
and learning methods and shown excellence in teaching. The CETaL
task force was formed to spur this initiative, and preparations are
currently being made for the soft-launch in April. CETaL will be housed
at the UTP’s Multipurpose Hall and accessible to all UTP staff and
students.
During the Q&A session, there were suggestions and feedback from
staff on attracting top talents from industry, career progression,
operational excellence and extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. In response,
YBhg.Datuk said that some of these issues will be addressed by the
establishment of the Star (Sustainable Environment for Talent Attraction
and Retention) Lab. The Lab team members will conduct a thorough
analysis of the issues and propose concrete solutions of attracting and
retaining staff. YBhg. Datuk also welcomed staff to syndicate ideas
and suggestions with this team and said that more Lab teams will be
formed to provide strategic solutions for the university.
11
Events
Meet UTP @ PETRONAS F1 Showcase
UTP joined the excitement of the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix
by having a mini exhibition to recruit students at PETRONAS
Malaysia Grand Prix Showcase at Esplanade KLCC (Near Suria
KLCC Park Entrance) from 22 to 30 March 2014. More than 3,000
visitors swamped the place. UTP promoted its undergraduate
and postgraduate programmes and availed direct platform for the
public to enquire about career prospects in oil and gas and higher
education opportunities. At the exhibition, UTP also showcased its
campus and facilities through a virtual tour.
12
CSR
Reaching Out to the Community through ICT
Department of Computer and Information Sciences (DCIS), Universiti
Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and Parent-Teacher Association, SK
Sultan Yussuf Batu Gajah recently organised the ‘IT and Societies’
event on 1 March 2014 at Undercroft, UTP.
Officiated by Dr Shuib Basri, Deputy Head of DCIS, UTP, the objective
of the event was to educate the community, especially parents and
children, on the challenges of living in today’s society, with the growing
accessibility of the Internet. For this purpose, renowned motivational
speakers in parenting, Encik Ahmad Fakhri Hamzah and his wife,
Puan Jamilah Samian were invited to share their tips on bringing up
children in the globalisation era.
Both husband and wife are certified professional trainers at Malaysian
Institute of Management (MIM) and have been delivering talks in many
organisations, agencies, institutions, colleges and schools in Malaysia
and abroad. They are the authors of Cool Mum Super Dad, a guide for
today’s parents in overcoming parenting challenges in today’s society.
The half-day event was divided into two sessions. The first session was
a motivational session for 120 school children while the second one
was dedicated to the parents. Issues on globalisation among children,
methods and techniques on how to prepare children to succeed,
to become happy and informed global citizens were discussed.
Children were advised to respect their parents, make their parents feel
comfortable and put their parents’ needs above everything else.
For the year 2014, DCIS has planned a series of CSR activities
involving primary and secondary school children around Perak. The
activities include Little Programmers Camp for primary schools and
Mobile Apps Challenge for secondary schools, where students will be
exposed to interesting IT related modules and tutored by a team of
experienced DCIS students.
DCIS will also organise the second Young Programmers Camp (YPC),
a problem-based programming competition for secondary schools.
Participants are required to solve a set of problems in specified time
frame using a common programming language learnt at schools.
A team of students from the Information Communication and
Technology (ICT) programme also assisted the event by demonstrating
their robotic project, the LEGO Mindstorm Robotic, to the participants.
The project was part of UTP’s mission to involve its students in CSR
activities as the university believes that such activities will help in
producing well-rounded students and assist students in achieving a
balanced university life.
UTP in general and Department of Computer and Information Sciences
(DCIS) in particular, is aware of its social responsibility in improving the
quality of life of the people of its surrounding community. DCIS believes
high impact Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are
achievable through a long term investment in education. Event such
as IT and Societies will assist in promoting education and knowledge
to all, irrespective of race, creed or political belief. In addition, it will
also help in enhancing the leadership and communication skills among
UTP students.
13
Collaborations
More collaboration and partnership
UTP cements its position regionally by collaborating with industry and academic partners. Recently,
the University inked MOUs with NanoMalaysia Berhad and KOSEN, Japan.
UTP inks MOU with NanoMalaysia Berhad
NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB) officially signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), at
a special ceremony held on 24 March 2014. NMB was represented
by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad while UTP
was represented by its Vice Chancellor, Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim
Hj Hashim. The ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Secretary
General (Science) of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
(MOSTI), Yang Berusaha Dr Zulkifli Mohamed Hashim.
In conjunction with MOSTI Commercialisation Year 2014, this
ceremony marked an important occasion for both parties and MOSTI,
as the technology transfer and commercialisation of nanotechnology
will play an important role in the development and roll out of thermal
management for LED industry in Malaysia, which is also one of the
goals to be achieved for MOSTI.
“These collaboration efforts are to exploit UTP’s background
technology and technology know-how by forming general framework
for new business development with potential business partners of
new invention and/or innovation of nanotechnology product through
14
various commercialisation processes, including creating awareness
and promotion to the industry. The first point of this collaboration is on
the copper-carbon nanotubes nanocomposite thermal management
product which features a significant improvement in heat dissipation.
This achievement will be very relevant in many sectors such as
electronics, automotive, IT, etc.” Dr Rezal said.
In his speech, Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim said that “The signing of
this MoU is another important milestone for UTP’s journey towards
becoming an internationally recognised higher learning institution.
Indeed, we are honoured to have NanoMalaysia Berhad to collaborate
with us in joint cooperation in the areas of technical education,
training, research and innovation. Certainly, this significant alliance will
augur well towards the holistic development of the university and the
NanoMalaysia and further help us to remain competitive and relevant
to the industry and nation at large.
Also present at the ceremony were YBhg Prof Emeritus Dato’ Ir
Dr Mohamad Zawawi Ismail, Chairman of NanoMalaysia Berhad,
delegates from NanoMalaysia Berhad as well as from UTP.
Collaborations
Collaboration Forays with KOSEN, Japan
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) to collaborate with nine renowned Institute of
National Colleges of Technology (KOSEN), Japan In Kyushu-Okinawa
Region, Japan, namely the Kurume National College of Technology,
Ariake National College of Technology, Kitakyushu National College
of Technology, Sasebo National College of Technology, Kumamoto
National College of Technology, Oita National College of Technology,
Miyakonojo National College of Technology, Kagoshima National
College of Technology and Okinawa National College of Technology
The collaboration will focus on various academic activities including
staff and student exchange; exchange of academic materials and
publications; joint research activities; organising joint lectures,
symposia and conferences; and other activities such as student
internship, cultural and study trips.
The signing of this MOU is a historic event for UTP as it is the first
university in Malaysia to collaborate with KOSEN. The significant
alliance will augur well towards the holistic development of the
university and KOSEN, and further help UTP to remain competitive and
relevant to the industry and nation at large. It is also another important
milestone for UTP’s journey towards becoming an internationally
recognised higher learning institution of distinctive reputation.
The agreement was signed by YBhg. Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim
Hj. Hashim, Vice Chancellor of UTP; Dr Hiroshi Akasaka, President
of Kagoshima National College of Technology, Supervisor for the
Project, The Council on Inter-College Education Project; Dr Hirofumi
Kuwabara, President of Miyakonojo National College of Technology,
The Council on Inter-College Education Project and Dr Shigeru Itoh,
President of Okinawa National College of Technology, The Council on
Inter-College Education Project.
“This MoU with KOSEN is a step towards establishing a livelier
climate that offers new opportunities for UTP students and staff to be
exposed to an internationalised educational experience. Through this
collaboration, UTP’s networking activity will be enhanced, and this will
be advantageous to the staff and students especially in the current
challenging global scenario,” said Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim.
UTP has also collaborated with other universities in Japan including
Meiji, Sojo, Osaka, Hiroshima and recently Tokyo, as well as other top
Japanese multinational corporations such as Mitsubishi and Hitachi.
With these partnerships, UTP not only experience the exchange
of students and academic staff but also academic materials and
publications. In addition, there were also cooperation for joint lectures,
research, symposia and conferences and other activities such as
student internship, cultural and study trips. In August and September
2012, 14 students from University of Tokyo (UT), Japan underwent
the UTP-UT Summer Programme at UTP. During the students’ stay
in UTP, they enrolled in short courses and were involved in various
programmes such as educational trips, cultural and recreational
activities within and outside the university compound.
15
Highlight
UTP MBA-EM Receives its Second Cohort
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) received its second cohort of
off-campus Master of Business Administration in Energy Management
(MBA-EM) programme on 11 January 2014.
The second cohort saw 13 scholars registered for the January 2014
semester intake. The registration and induction (R&I) session for the
new cohort took place at PETRONAS Petroleum Resource Centre
(PRC), level 4, PETRONAS Twin Towers 1. Petroleum Resource Centre
is the Programme Delivery Partner for the MBA-EM programme in
which the off-campus studies will be conducted.
Apart from Associate Professor Dr Shahrina Md Nordin, UTP Head of
Management and Humanities Department; Dr Lai Fong Woon, MBAEM Programme Manager; Associate Professor Dr Azrai Abdullah, UTP
former Head of Management and Humanities Department; En Tajul
Ariffin Shamsuddin from UTP Registry, also present at the R&I event
welcoming the new scholars were Pn Nelly Francis Shariah, Head of
Education and Learning Division; En Azahar M Noor, Senior Manager,
Petroleum Resource Centre; En Ismail Isa, Manager, Petroleum
Resource Centre; En Ibrahim Mohamed, Manager, Petroleum
Resource Centre; lecturers and staff from UTP and Petroleum
Resource Centre.
Of the 13 new scholars for January 2014 intake, 8 are PETRONAS
staff, while the rest are employees from MISC Bhd, Technip Malaysia,
Senergy International, Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd and one is a private
consultant. The average professional working experience for this
cohort is 9.4 years.
The enrolment number for the second intake saw a 63% increase
compared to the first intake in September 2013, which consists of 8
students whose affiliations include companies from within and outside
of PETRONAS group. “We are happy and encouraged by the increase
in enrolment number for the second cohort. We do not expect a large
number of enrolment in each intake. After all the MBA-EM programme
is a very niche programme catering for a specific industry of the
economy. We emphasise in quality recruitment than quantity”, said Dr Lai.
“The MBA-EM is highly relevant to business executives as well as to
those professionals in the technical line who need to sharpen their
business acumen and managerial capability for the industry. As such,
the MBA-EM programme aims at attracting top talent candidates from
the energy sector along with other professionals serving the sector
such as bankers, lawyers and regulators alike”, said Dr Lai.
The 50 credit hours, 20 months MBA-EM programme features a
dynamic yet comprehensive curriculum design which includes 9
business core and 5 energy management specialisation modules,
namely Energy Value Chain, Energy Management, Energy Technology
and Innovation, Low Carbon Economy and Sustainability, Energy
Regulations and Policies. In addition, the programme structure also
incorporates business research methodology and consultancy
management modules together with a project report.
To enrich the learning experience as well as provide a global
perspective to scholars, the MBA-EM programme forges a
collaboration with the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute
(RASEI) of University of Colorado at Boulder, USA. The collaboration
will see the 5 energy management specialisation modules to be
delivered by RASEI’s visiting professors. The RASEI’s professors are
led by Professor Dr Paul Komor, who in 2007 shared in the Nobel
Peace Prize awarded to Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC).
PETRONAS Human Resources Management Division in September
2013 had made the MBA-EM programme available for the group wide’s
Career Enhancement Programme (full scholarship) and Educational
Enhancement Programme (financial assistance of RM5,000).
All of the MBA-EM off-campus classes will be conducted over the
weekends with the exception of 5 energy management modules in
which some weekday classes will be involved. This arrangement will
facilitate working professionals attending the classes without affecting
much of their daily work. All the off-campus classes will be held at
PRC, PETRONAS Twin Towers 1, Kuala Lumpur City Center.
For further enquiries about the MBA-EM programme, please contact
Dr Lai Fong Woon at phone: 05-3687743; email:laifongwoon@
petronas.com.my, or visit the programme’s website http://www.utp.
edu.my/MBA
16