On 2–3 September 2024, the Compliance Audit for the Master of Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (Joint Degree) program with the University of Tsukuba, Japan was successfully conducted.
The session began with a warm welcome and opening briefing by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dayang Norulfairuz binti Abang Zaidel, Head of Department, ChEE, setting the tone for the two-day evaluation. This was followed by a detailed presentation of the program structure, implementation, and achievements delivered by myself as the MMJJ Program Coordinator.
The audit team was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Al Emran bin Ismail (UTHM) and Dr. Fazilah Abdul Manan (Faculty of Science, UTM Johor Bahru). Their review encompassed academic delivery, program governance, student outcomes, and compliance with both institutional and joint degree requirements. Constructive feedback and commendations were shared, which will help further enhance the program’s quality and alignment with international standards.
The audit concluded on a positive note, reaffirming the program’s commitment to delivering excellence in sustainability and environmental sciences education, while strengthening the collaborative partnership with the University of Tsukuba.
Today, I had the privilege of attending the Perhimpunan Bulanan Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT) Edisi Ogos 2025 on August 14. The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Higher Education, YB. Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir and YBhg. Prof. Ulung Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri bin Baharuddin from UKM who delivered an insightful Telaah session focusing on the RMK that left us with plenty to reflect on.
Another exciting highlight was the officiation of the KPT Podcast, an initiative to share knowledge and ideas in a fresh, accessible way.
I felt truly honoured to be invited as one of the young lecturers representing public universities. It was an inspiring experience, surrounded by passionate minds dedicated to advancing higher education in Malaysia.
On October 11, 2024, our team (Food Technology), headed by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Aminuddin bin Abu, Ir. Ts. Dr. Mariam Firdhaus binti Mad Nordin, and I visited the Centre of Food Science & Technology (TCH-CFoST) at Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (POLISAS), Kuantan, Pahang, as part of our Kajian Feasibility Rasionalisasi TVET and to gather insights for the establishment of TCH.
We were warmly welcomed by En. Nor Azian bin Nordin, Head of the Department of Food Technology, shared valuable information on POLISAS’s facilities, expertise, and initiatives. Recognised as a leading hub for food technology, POLISAS has an impressive track record in research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
Our visit included a tour of laboratories and specialised workspaces, where we observed hands-on training and innovative food product development in action. We also conducted interviews with students, gaining valuable perspectives on their learning experiences, industry exposure, and career aspirations in the food technology sector.
This engagement provided us with a comprehensive understanding of POLISAS’s operational framework, infrastructure, and academic-industry linkages — insights that will be instrumental in our feasibility study and in shaping the development of TCH.
On 8–9 August 2025, our team members together with the secretariat gathered at IBIS Hotel Kuala Lumpur for the TVET Rationalisation Feasibility Study Workshop. This was a focused two-day session with one clear purpose – to finalise the draft of the final report for the study.
With everyone around the table, we reviewed the findings, refined the recommendations, and ensured that the report reflects the collective insights from earlier engagements. The discussions were productive, the teamwork was seamless, and by the end, we were one step closer to delivering a solid roadmap for strengthening Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem.
On August 5, 2025, we were pleased to welcome Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoshiaki Maeda and Ms. Yukiko Maeda from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, to our lab as part of the NEXUS research collaboration. The meeting marked the beginning of an exciting partnership focusing on the potential anticancer activities of medicinal plants.
As part of this collaboration, Ms. Yukiko Maeda will be based at our MEMOBIO Tissue Engineering Lab, where she will conduct experimental work to evaluate the bioactivities of selected plant extracts. She will be closely supported by my research assistant, Ms. Husna Filzah Ismail, who will assist with technical training and research guidance.
We look forward to fruitful outcomes from this joint initiative and are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen international research ties in the field of natural product-based anticancer therapies.
Starting from August 29, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Kursus Future Leaders Mentoring & Coaching — a transformative program designed to enhance mentoring and coaching skills among future academic leaders.
A key highlight of the course was the coaching sessions conducted by YBhg. Profesor Emeritus Datuk Ir. Dr. Mohd Azraai bin Kassim, whose vast leadership experience and thoughtful guidance made a lasting impression. His practical insights on academic leadership, strategic direction, and nurturing future talents provided a solid foundation for applying coaching principles in real-world settings.
These sessions were not only informative but also deeply reflective, offering participants the opportunity to explore their leadership potential in a supportive environment.
Thank you to the organisers, trainers, and fellow participants for making this an engaging and meaningful experience. I look forward to integrating these learnings into my own mentoring and leadership journey.
On September 6, 2023, our department, the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (ChEE), MJIIT-UTM, successfully organized a Team Building Day in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, bringing together faculty members, staff, and administrators for a day of connection, collaboration, and core value alignment.
Held against a vibrant city backdrop, the event was more than just a break from the office. It was a meaningful initiative aimed at strengthening interpersonal relationships, enhancing leadership qualities, and promoting a collaborative culture within the department.
The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their experiences, insights, and key takeaways. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect on a personal level and to recharge with a shared sense of purpose and unity.
This team building event marks a step forward in fostering a more connected, innovative, and value-driven department culture, and sets the tone for more collaborative achievements in the future.
On March 7, 2024, the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, had the pleasure of hosting a distinguished delegation from Delightex Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based venture building and R&D firm with a strong focus on medical science, wellness, and digital health innovation.
Founded in January 2019, Delightex has grown rapidly into a global player in biomedical innovation, backed by SGD 13 million in paid-up capital. The company boasts an impressive library of over 5,000 natural substances, alongside a growing portfolio of patents, scientific publications, and active collaborations with more than 33 research institutions worldwide.
The purpose of the visit was to explore potential collaborations between MJIIT and Delightex in the areas of:
Biomedical research
Natural product discovery
Academic-venture partnerships
One of the focal points of the discussion was the potential for joint exploration of traditional and underutilized bioresources—particularly for their role in mental wellness, mood regulation, and novel therapeutic discovery. This aligns well with ongoing research efforts at MJIIT that aim to merge traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches.
Throughout the visit, both sides expressed enthusiasm for creating a bridge between academia and industry, especially in areas where natural products and technology intersect to solve real-world health challenges. The discussions also touched on venture creation, student research involvement, and knowledge transfer.
This meaningful exchange reflects MJIIT’s mission to not only advance scientific discovery but to also foster strategic partnerships that translate research into real-world impact. We sincerely thank the Delightex team for their visit and look forward to cultivating this exciting collaboration further in the months ahead.
On February 21, 2024, the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) successfully hosted the University of Tsukuba–MJIIT Joint Seminar 2024 at its Kuala Lumpur campus. The two-day seminar was held as part of the Master of Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (MMJJ) Joint Degree Program (JDP), a collaborative academic program between MJIIT and the University of Tsukuba, Japan.
The MMJJ program is designed to nurture professionals equipped to tackle complex global challenges—particularly in tropical Asia—through the lens of sustainability and environmental science. The program adopts a joint supervision model, leveraging the academic strengths and expertise of both institutions.
As a core component of the MMJJ curriculum, the annual joint seminar provides a valuable platform for students to present their ongoing research to academic supervisors from both universities. This year, 14 postgraduate students from Malaysia, Japan, and China, comprising both first- and second-year cohorts, presented their Master Projects 1 and 2. Their research focused on critical areas such as Environmental Sustainability, Energy Optimization, Pollution and Climate Challenges and Life Sciences and Emerging Innovations.
The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Dayang Norulfairuz Abang Zaidel, Head of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, who welcomed the delegation from the University of Tsukuba’s Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences. These esteemed faculty members served as co-supervisors and reviewers for the participating students.
The seminar was coordinated by Ts. Dr. Fazrena Nadia Md Akhir, Program Coordinator for the MMJJ Joint Degree Program, who played a key role in organizing and facilitating the academic exchange.
In addition to the seminar, several key academic and cultural activities were held, including the JDP Steering Committee Meeting, Campus Asia 6 discussions, and a cultural excursion to Kuala Lumpur city, aimed at enriching the cross-cultural and academic collaboration between both institutions.
The seminar concluded with a closing ceremony, where certificates of participation were awarded to all student presenters and the dedicated student organizing committee.
This successful event reaffirmed the shared commitment of MJIIT and the University of Tsukuba to producing globally competent graduates and strengthening academic partnerships in the field of sustainability science.
