FYI,

http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/04/136942/worlds-first-utm-developing-sensor-detect-hot-weather-12-hours-ahead

FYI,

https://www.facebook.com/univteknologimalaysia/photos/a.83877756926.94076.81362036926/10153366467776927/?type=3&theater

Johor Bahru, 21^st March 2016 – The Johor Strategic Innovation Institute has been established as an entity under the Johor State Government in collaboration with 47 local and international universities, colleges and institutions located in the state of Johor, with UTM and the Johor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) as joint Secretariat.

Establishment of the Johor Strategic Innovation Institute was announced by YAB Dato’ Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, the Chief Minister of Johor at the Higher Education Insitution, Idustry and Johor State Synergistic Symposium held at the UTM Johor Bahru Campus.

Its establishment would contribute towards the realisation of the Iskandar Innovation Valley that aims to position the state of Johor as a center of high-tech economy with global interests in the region.

Based in Johor since 1985, UTM continues to forge alliances with the state government and various agencies across the state. This cooperation continues to be strengthened in line with UTM as an institution of knowledge, thereby becoming part of the main force in making the State of Johor as an Innovation and Economy Power House, at the same time realizing the Johor State Economic Growth Strategic Plan.

Dato’ Mohamed Khaled in his opening address stated that when he first mooted the idea of the Iskandar Innovation Valley, the main limitation voiced by many parties was with regards to infrastructure. This, in fact, is a common concern as most parties are too focused on challenges resulting from inadequate infrastructure, as well as land and commercial development issues.

However, he believes that what is paramount is not related to infrastructure issues, rather, the focus should be on the human will and spirit or unleashing of the true potential of the human spirit. It is this competitive and inquisitive spirit that will lead to the discovery of new knowledge, leading towards better quality of life.

The love of science and knowledge will stimulate the zeal and curiosity for more knowledge, which in turn will lead to creativity. And with adequate entrepreneurial know-how, thsi creativity can be nurtured and enhanced to become a world class moder innovation.

This is what UTM and all education institutions must collectively implement together with the Johor State Government as Universities should elevate ideas and new inventions to greater heights.

However, the presence of the University alone is far from adequate. Advanced ideas and innovations will not go far without the involvement of the industry and investors. Thus, all these stakeholders must do their part. Support form both the industry and investors is cruicial in bringing innovation to the market for commercial purposes. Assistance in terms of capital and marketing expertise of industry players will result in the innovations reaching a wider market.

It is hoped that the institute will grow and develop, and become a catalyst in positioning the State of Johor as Innovation Valley of global reputation.

ohor Bahru, 21st March 2016 – This year saw more than 50 companies participating in various events and exhibitions. Among participating companies include MSM, Honda, Maybank, Sony, Bosch, and many more.

7 companies, namely, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, Bosch Malaysia, Globalfoundaries Singapore, Micron, Maybank, Syarikat pembinaan Yeoh Tiong Lay Sdn Bhd, and Polyplastics Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd conducted career talks by sharing industry insights and what it takes to be part of their organizations.

The Career Carnival was officiated by YB Datuk Haji Ahmad Haji Maslan, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI)

In his address, he urged universities to embed both global and regional flavours in their student development and academic programmes. This is because students and graduates must be able to function at the national level, fulfilling employer needs across all sectors and industries. Additionally, students should also be able to understand the needs of countries within the region, and developments happening globally. Students must have the passion and drive to be mobilised across the region and globally for employment and investment opportunities. At the end of the day, the nation needs capable engineers, scientists, and technocrats to develop the economy, and contribute to regional development.

Prof Datuk Dr Ir Wahid Omar, the Vice-Chancellor of UTM reminded students that the profile of a global workforce entails a multitude of characteristics. This includes not only the “standard” requirements of technical knowledge and communication skills, but also other additional requirements like active listening, or the ability to give full attention and understand what others are saying.

He also stressed on the importance of cognitive flexibility, or the “synthesising” of the mind. This involves the integration of ideas from different disciplines or spheres into a UTM Career Carnival 2016 – Unleashing Students’ Potential.

He hopes that UTM students would leave UTM not only with paper qualifications, skills and competencies required by the job market, but also with community values, good moral ethics, and strong spiritual standing, with the ability to adapt and respond to any situations and challenges that come their way.

This UTM annual career event has grown in scale, scope and significance since its inaugural inception 22 years ago, and continues to make a significant contribution to the university’s graduate employability agenda.

Climate change usually affects water supply and demand depending on geographic location and climatic conditions. A researcher from UTM Faculty of Civil Engineering has conducted a study to understand the possible impacts of climate change on water demands and to identify possible water management strategies that can deal with uncertainty in managing water resources in the context of climate change.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shamsuddin Shahid in his publication, entitled ‘Adaptation to climate change impacts on water demand’climate change is inevitable, and the sustainable management of water resources is essential in order to adapt to changing scenarios.

In this study, Dr. Shamsuddin suggests that combination of water demand and water supply management strategies is most important, with an aim of creating a system that is more able to adapt to changing states of water balance, due not only to climate change but also to rapid growths in populations and economies.

The study was published at  Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change (January 2016, Volume 21, Issue 1, pp 81-99).