Moderating Forum 1 at ICChee 2025: Bridging Innovation, Talent & Technology in Energy Transition

Posted on September 8, 2025 ·

Today was a defining moment in my professional journey as I was entrusted with the role of Forum Chair and Moderator for Forum 1 at ICChee 2025. The forum, titled “Bridging Innovation, Talent & Technology in Energy Transition,” brought together an impressive panel of distinguished leaders from industry and academia. My responsibility was to steer the discussion, ensuring the dialogue flowed seamlessly and touched on critical aspects of Malaysia’s energy future.

The panelists were:

  • Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, Chairman, Automotive Productivity Nexus, Malaysia

  • Dr. Thirupathi Rao, Custodian Petronas Group HSE, Petronas Malaysia

  • Mr. Mustafa Akbar Reza, Senior Vice President/Head, Operations MPRC, Malaysia

  • Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Alias, Professor, UNITEN, Malaysia

Each of them brought unique perspectives—from industrial productivity and safety to operations leadership and academic insights—making the forum an intellectually rich session.

Understanding the 5D Energy Transition and Net Zero

The theme of the conference revolved around the 5D Energy Transition, a framework capturing five key shifts: Decarbonisation, Decentralisation, Digitalisation, Democratisation, and Diversification. These dimensions represent the pathway toward a sustainable energy future, where fossil fuels are phased down, renewable energy becomes central, technology drives efficiency, and energy access is broadened across communities.

Aligned with this is the pursuit of Net Zero, an ambitious goal requiring nations, industries, and individuals to balance carbon emissions with removals. For Malaysia, this means rethinking energy generation, industrial practices, and consumption patterns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while still meeting the energy demands of a growing economy. Net Zero is not merely an environmental commitment but a socio-economic transformation—driving innovation, nurturing talent, and demanding stronger integration between policy, academia, and industry.

Other Official Commitments of the Day

While moderating the forum was a highlight, my day did not end there. I also attended and chaired a pre-meeting with the Jabatan Audit Negara (JAN) auditors, who will be visiting RMC on 9–10 September 2025. The meeting was critical in finalizing the tentative agenda and clarifying expectations from the auditors. Their requirements are detailed and precise, meaning that every presentation and dataset must be prepared exactly to their standard.

To add to the challenge, I had to travel from Kuala Lumpur (for ICChee 2025) back to Johor Bahru on the same day, in order to be physically present for the audit tomorrow. The pressure mounted as my team and I had to work late into the night, burning the midnight oil to refine our presentations and data submissions to meet JAN’s expectations.

Balancing between moderating a high-level energy forum in Kuala Lumpur and preparing for a national audit in Johor Bahru epitomized the complexity and intensity of today’s responsibilities. Yet, it also reinforced the importance of resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to both academic and administrative excellence.

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, Conference, Meeting, RMC, Speaker Tagged With: , , ,

Pre-Viva Milestone: Engineering Identity Development Framework for Malaysian Students

Posted on September 3, 2025 ·

Today marked an important academic milestone for my PhD student, Izwan, who is pursuing his doctorate in engineering education at UTM. His pre-viva session focused on his thesis, “Engineering Identity Development Framework for Engineering Students in Malaysia.”

Why a Pre-Viva Matters

A pre-viva is a crucial rehearsal before the actual viva voce (oral defense). It allows students to present their research to a panel of academics and receive constructive feedback on their arguments, methodology, and presentation style. The process helps identify gaps, anticipate potential questions from examiners, and refine the overall flow of the thesis. In short, the pre-viva strengthens both confidence and readiness.

At MJIIT UTM, the pre-viva is organized through the ikohza system, where research groups serve as nurturing platforms for postgraduate students. This system not only prepares students academically but also provides them with a supportive community of peers and mentors. For Izwan, presenting within this framework gave him valuable input from multiple perspectives, a reflection of the collaborative spirit embedded in UTM’s research culture.

I would like to sincerely thank the panel members: Dr. Aziatul Niza Sadikin, Dr. Tengku Nur Zulaikha Tengku Busu, and the Chairman of the session, Dr. Aishah Rosli, for their time, insights, and constructive feedback. Their thoughtful comments will undoubtedly help strengthen Izwan’s thesis as he prepares for the final viva.

Why Engineering Identity Development Matters

Izwan’s work on an engineering identity development framework carries deep significance in the Malaysian context. As the nation pushes forward with IR4.0, sustainability, and global competitiveness, engineering graduates are expected not only to have technical expertise but also a strong sense of professional identity. Developing this identity ensures that students see themselves as capable engineers, ready to contribute to society, industry, and innovation. In Malaysia, where talent development is critical to national growth, this framework could help universities better shape curricula, mentoring, and experiential learning for future-ready engineers.

As the saying goes, “Sharpening the axe does not delay the work.” The pre-viva serves exactly this purpose: it is the sharpening process before the real test. By taking the time to prepare, receive feedback, and refine his arguments, Izwan is ensuring that when the final viva comes, he will be ready to strike with clarity and confidence. Far from being a delay, this step is an investment in excellence and a reminder that careful preparation is what ultimately leads to success.

Side Notes from the Day

While Izwan’s pre-viva was the highlight, my day didn’t end there. Earlier, 1 hour after the pre-viva commences, I drove to KPT Putrajaya for a PRGS pitching session, just one team today, unlike the ten UTM teams yesterday. Alhamdulillah, it went smoothly. Later, I chaired a Task Force online meeting to coordinate preparations for the Jabatan Audit Negara (JAN) auditors’ visit on 9–10 September. These coordination meetings are essential to ensure smooth audits, especially given the complexity of research management.

In the evening, I turned my attention to reviewing the NALI Award submissions for the second time. I deliberately chose to re-examine the projects carefully because, in jurying, it is vital to remain calm, objective, and fair. Rushing through evaluations risks overlooking important details, while a measured approach ensures every project receives due recognition.

Today’s journey was a reminder of how academic life intertwines mentorship, research governance, and institutional responsibilities. But the highlight remains Izwan’s pre-viva, a step closer to contributing new knowledge that can transform how we prepare engineers in Malaysia.

#20242025 Day 065

#Wednesday

Filed Under: 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 3 Writing, 4 Publication, Meeting, RMC Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Day of Endless Tasks: Between PRGS at the Ministry, PhD Students, and End Reports

Posted on September 2, 2025 ·

Today tested both my stamina and patience. As early as 5 a.m., I began my journey to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Putrajaya, to attend the Pembentangan Permohonan Skim Geran Penyelidikan Pembangunan Prototaip (PRGS) Tahun 2025. This is an important milestone for UTM, with 15 researchers invited to pitch their proposals at the ministry.

The PRGS sessions are scheduled from 2–4 September 2025 (Tuesday–Thursday), 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., at Jabatan Pendidikan Tinggi, Putrajaya. I arrived around 9.15 a.m. and although the first session was planned for 10.30 a.m., it was eventually delayed. That was only the beginning of what became a super hectic, tightly packed day.

From morning until evening, I had to attend 10 pitching sessions, spread across Level 5, 7, and 8. In the rush, I had no time to eat or even to perform prayers in between. Thankfully, as a musafir (traveler), I was able to pray later at my hotel after checking in.

Check out this FB post, another photo after PRGS pitching from PM Dr. Roswaniwara and team.

Why is PRGS so important? Unlike fundamental research grants, PRGS focuses on bridging the gap between research and commercialization. It helps transform promising prototypes into viable products that can benefit industries and society. For UTM researchers, securing PRGS means turning ideas into innovations that bring real-world impact.

But my responsibilities didn’t end when the pitching sessions were over. After a short rest at the hotel, I turned back to other official tasks. I arranged the pre-viva PhD session for my engineering education student, set for tomorrow morning at 8.30 a.m. At the same time, I checked on his progress in publication, and Alhamdulillah, both of his papers were accepted today, though revisions are still needed.

After Isya, my night shifted into yet another demanding phase. I sat down to settle over 50 End Reports requiring my endorsement. This is the part I dislike, not because I don’t value the work, but because I wish I wasn’t always doing it so late. The reality is that audits and endless administrative demands keep pushing these tasks down the line, and eventually, they pile up.

As I reflect on today, I realize how academic life in research management is often about navigating multiple layers of responsibility, supporting researchers in winning grants, mentoring students, ensuring compliance, and somehow finding time to complete my own scholarly commitments. It is a cycle of service, sacrifice, and silent resilience.

Tomorrow awaits, with more pitching sessions, student matters, and administrative duties. For now, I rest, hoping to find the strength to continue this journey with patience and purpose.

#20242025 Day 064

#Tuesday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, 3 Writing, 4 Publication Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A Day of Governance and Grants: JKP JTNCPI, JKP RMC, Grant Briefings, and Audit in Motion

Posted on August 29, 2025 ·

Today unfolded as one of those days where the boundaries between leadership, scholarship, and administration seemed to blur into one continuous flow of responsibility.

The morning began at Dewan Senat Ainuddin Wahid, Canseleri UTM, where I attended the MESYUARAT JAWATANKUASA PENGURUSAN JABATAN TIMBALAN NAIB CANSELOR (PENYELIDIKAN DAN INOVASI) BIL. 4/2025 at 9:00 AM. My role was as a member of the meeting and also (for today) to present a paper work outlining the requirements for academic staff traveling abroad to have complete insurance coverage. Our management is taking interim steps to support staff performing official research activities by covering insurance premium costs, while simultaneously encouraging researchers to include such costs in their research proposals. Arriving early allowed me to prepare for the presentation, and also to polish my NALI Educator Award 2025 slides, where I added two more reflecting my 2024 and 2025 scholarly engagements.

Right after Friday prayers, my pace quickened again as I rushed back to RMC for the JKP RMC Management Meeting at 2:15 PM. I was glad I had suggested an earlier start time; otherwise, the meeting would have drifted to 2:45 PM, losing valuable minutes. Here, I presented my Laporan Perkara Berbangkit (LPB), which focused on synthesizing a new document to streamline research expenditure. The proposal aims to reduce unnecessary bottlenecks, moving away from repeatedly asking sponsors for permission when research expenses don’t perfectly mirror proposals. In theory, this aligns with Weber’s critique of bureaucratic rigidity, where efficiency often gets lost in layers of rules. Our initiative is a small step toward more flexible governance in research management. Just wait for it to be finalized, perfected, and announced.

But I couldn’t stay long. By 3:00 PM, I had to be at the JTNCPI office, Bilik Mesyuarat Belian, for a Grant Briefing. As the sole RMC representative, I was there to provide my support and expertist. We commenced at 3.05pm via Webex (with nearly 400 people joined), listened to Prof. Farid, who spoke on research alliances, followed by Prof. Johari Surip and PM Dr. Sabrina Adam, who shared insights on community grants. I helped to respond several questions asked in Webex chat, and at times, explain verbally too. This multiplicity of roles, teaching, administering, advocating for researchers, reminded me of role theory in sociology, where individuals constantly juggle multiple, and sometimes conflicting, social expectations.

After the briefing, I returned to the JKP meeting, which stretched until 6:20 PM. By then, our discussions had shifted to Audit Lanjutan feedback requiring responses to Unit Audit Dalaman (UAD), UTM. Exhausting as it was, it also reinforced the principle of Durkheim’s functionalism: every piece of this process, however tedious, contributes to the larger stability and integrity of the institution.

And yet, even as the day’s formal agenda ended, my responsibilities did not. Hanging over the weekend is the continuing task of preparing documents for Jabatan Audit Negara’s Research University (RU) audit. In moments like these, I am reminded of work–life balance theories, which argue for clear separation between personal time and professional duties. But in practice, especially in academia and administration, that line is porous. The audit doesn’t wait for weekends, and responsibility stretches beyond the calendar.

As Merdeka season reminds us, freedom often comes with responsibility. Today’s string of meetings, presentations, and preparations may feel relentless, but they are all part of the collective endeavor to strengthen UTM’s role in research and education, an institutional “independence” built on accountability, teamwork, and vision.

#20242025 Day 060

#Friday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, Meeting, RMC Tagged With: , ,

From Classroom to Community: CQI Reporting and IBD Wellness Day Presentation

Posted on August 28, 2025 ·

Today was one of those days where official responsibilities seemed to overlap endlessly. I began by presenting my CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) and CRR (Course Review Report) for two courses I taught last semester: Occupational Safety in Energy System (METE1153) with 29 students, and Quality Standard (METL1153) with just 2 students. I must admit, I was fortunate to have my better half guide me through the technicalities, especially with the CQI documentation and the uploading process. With the constant stream of administrative duties at RMC, some procedural details tend to slip my mind.

Before and after this task, I turned my attention to preparing for my session on Contract Research Double Tax Deduction grant opportunities. This presentation will be delivered during the IBD Wellness Day 2025 at the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), UTM. Events like these are important platforms to connect research with societal impact, demonstrating how academia supports industry and the economy at large.

In between these two commitments, I also worked on my slides for a 2:30 PM meeting, which I chaired, focusing on preparations for the upcoming two-day visit by Jabatan Audit Negara (JAN) officers in September. The session brought together staff from RMC’s Governance and Finance divisions, alongside my own team. It was encouraging to see the collaborative energy, everyone understood the stakes and contributed to ensuring a solid plan ahead.

Reflecting on today through a social theory lens, I see strong elements of role theory at play. In one moment, I was performing my role as an educator, ensuring accountability through CQI and CRR. In the next, I stepped into my role as a UTM research administrator, strategizing for grant opportunities and audits. Each role carries different expectations, norms, and pressures, yet they coexist within the same individual. Navigating these multiple roles can be demanding, but it also highlights the adaptability required in academic life.

At the same time, today’s teamwork resonates with structural functionalism, the idea that each part of the system must function well to maintain stability. From colleagues assisting in audit preparation to my spouse guiding me in academic reporting, every contribution ensured the larger “system” of my workday remained intact.

By 5:00 PM, I switched gears completely and joined a game of volleyball at the Arena, at UTM Stadium area. It was a refreshing way to loosen up after a packed day, a small attempt to balance work and life. But of course, in true academic fashion, balance is never absolute, just before playing, I had a short discussion with my postdoc right there at the volleyball court. Work and life don’t always separate neatly, but sometimes, that’s where the most genuine collaborations and conversations happen.

In the evening, after Isya’, my day was far from over. I devoted nearly three hours, stretching close to midnight, to prepare and finalize my slides for the NALI Educator Award 2025. It was a race against time, but I managed to submit them just before the deadline. Alhamdulillah, the task was completed. At that point, all that remained was to leave the outcome to Allah, tawakal, trusting that I had given my best effort.

This experience reminded me that dedication and discipline are seen as virtues that shape not only personal success but also institutional progress. Yet, my submission also resonates with the Islamic philosophy of balance: while we strive relentlessly with our intellectual and physical energy (ikhtiar), the final results are ultimately in God’s hands (tawakal).

In a way, this balance reflects the paradox of academic life: we are always caught between deadlines, expectations, and accountability, while at the same time needing to cultivate humility and acceptance. Just as Giddens’ structuration theory suggests, human agency operates within enabling and constraining structures, in this case, tight deadlines, institutional requirements, and our own inner drive to contribute meaningfully.

Closing the day on that note gave me a sense of calm after the turbulence of endless CQI presentations, talk at IBD, meetings, rushing deadlines etc. It was a reminder that even in the busiest of schedules, the act of surrender, acknowledging what lies beyond our control, is what makes the academic journey sustainable and meaningful.

Though tiring, days like this remind me that academia is not just about individual performance but about interdependence, the network of support, collaboration, and shared responsibility that sustains us all.

#20242025 Day 059

#Thursday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, Meeting, RMC, Speaker Tagged With: , , , ,

From Early Morning Assessments to Strategic Research Meetings – A Day in Service of UTM’s Research Management

Posted on August 13, 2025 ·

Today started early, by 8:00 a.m., I was already engaged in the Fast Track Qualifying Assessment for Iyliana Hylda Fitri Haron, conducted online via Cisco Webex. I had informed the panel beforehand that I could only stay until 9:00 a.m., as I needed to attend the Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Dana (JKPD) immediately after.

The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Fatin Aliah Phang, with the examiner panel comprising myself (Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Zaki Yamani Zakaria), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahyuddin bin Arsat, and Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Liew Peng Yen. The main supervisor was Ts. Dr. Zulhasni bin Abdul Rahim. The research title, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration among Malaysian Engineering Graduates”, is both timely and impactful, reflecting the growing importance of inclusive practices in engineering collaborations.

At exactly 9:00 a.m., I had to excuse myself from the assessment to join the JKPD meeting — a crucial platform for steering UTM’s Research, Development, Commercialisation, and Innovation (R&D&C&I) priorities. While the details of the meeting remain confidential, its focus was squarely on strengthening UTM’s research direction and aligning with strategic priorities.

After lunch, my attention shifted to Project Management and Monitoring Division (PMMD) matters, resolving various operational issues that keep our research projects running smoothly. I also managed to squeeze in time to register an R&D Fund in RADIS, ensuring that administrative processes for research funding are properly in place.

It was a full and purposeful day — moving from nurturing future researchers in the morning, to shaping research priorities at the institutional level, and finally, keeping the engine of project management running. Days like this remind me how interconnected every role is in building and sustaining a strong research ecosystem at UTM.

#20242025 Day 044

#Wednesday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, Meeting, RMC Tagged With: , , ,

A Rare Free Morning, Productive Work, and an Afternoon of Strategic Discussions

Posted on August 12, 2025 ·

Today, I was fortunate to have an unexpectedly free morning after the Postdoc Monitoring Session scheduled earlier was cancelled. For someone in an administrative role like mine, uninterrupted time during office hours is a rare and precious commodity. Those three to four hours without meetings or official commitments allowed me to focus fully on my personal official tasks — particularly research-related work and publication matters. Alhamdulillah, I managed to complete several important items on my to-do list, and the sense of progress was deeply satisfying. In the busy world of administration, such blocks of time are gold, enabling deep, focused work that is otherwise difficult to achieve amidst back-to-back meetings.

During the morning, I also had the chance to meet Dr. Nor Farahwahida to discuss strategies and review the progress of our Engineering Education PhD student. These one-to-one discussions are crucial in ensuring that students remain on track and that supervisory teams are aligned in their guidance.

After lunch, I attended a mock presentation session at the RMC Meeting Room for Dr. Norhafiza Khalid’s KKP project proposal, which has been shortlisted for presentation in the KKP 2025 Proposal Presentation Session on 21 August 2025. This mock session was an opportunity to refine the proposal pitch and strengthen its content before the actual presentation. It was an engaging session, filled with constructive feedback and ideas for improvement. Unfortunately, I could not stay until the end, as I received an unexpected call from my superior, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation).

I immediately proceeded to his office for a lengthy discussion on a particular matter concerning research funding. The issue at hand was complex, and while we explored several possible solutions, none felt like the perfect fit. We agreed to revisit the topic in greater detail during tomorrow morning’s JKPD meeting, where more stakeholders can weigh in.

By the time the discussion ended, I realised how mentally demanding the day had been. The meeting required deep concentration, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making — the kind of cognitive effort that leaves you both mentally drained and professionally fulfilled.

It was a day of unexpected openings, productive use of precious time, and high-level problem-solving — a reminder that in the world of research management, flexibility and readiness to pivot are as important as planning itself.

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, 6 Supervision Tagged With: , ,

A Day at the RMC: Driving Research Excellence Through Strategic Management (via JKP Meeting)

Posted on August 11, 2025 ·

Today’s main focus was participating in the Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Pengurusan (JKP) of the Research Management Centre (RMC), a vital platform for steering UTM’s research ecosystem towards greater impact.

The day began early, at 7:30 am, with me settling the Laporan Perkara Berbangkit (LPB) for the JKP RMC. This preparatory work was essential to ensure that every outstanding issue from the previous meeting was properly documented and ready for discussion.

At 2:00 pm, we convened in Bilik Mesyuarat 1, Aras 2, RMC for the Mesyuarat Pentadbiran Pusat Pengurusan Penyelidikan Bil. 11/2025. The session, which lasted until 6:00 pm, was packed with updates, approvals, and strategic deliberations.

The agenda reflected the breadth and depth of RMC’s role:

  • Postdoctoral & Junior Visiting Researcher Reports – assessing talent contributions and outcomes.
  • Blueprint@enVision 2025 Achievements – measuring progress towards our institutional research vision.
  • Division Performance Updates – from Research University & Impact (RUID) to Governance (GD), ensuring every arm of RMC is aligned and delivering.
  • Approval Requests – including the organization of a Data Analytics course using Google Sheet & Looker Studio, and operational matters such as office phone provisions.
  • Outstanding Issues – tackling technical challenges like the RADIS system tickets and the closure of completed research grants.
  • Other Matters – ranging from strategic workshop resolutions, budgetary needs, and NYR appointments to collaborative grant proposals and contract research criteria improvements.

The importance of this meeting cannot be overstated. It is here that several technical decisions within RMC’s scope and power are made to shape UTM’s research direction, resolve operational bottlenecks, and approve initiatives that strengthen our capabilities. Every discussion and decision has a ripple effect on research funding, execution, governance, and ultimately, impact.

Following the JKP RMC, we moved straight into the JKPBPP meeting, ensuring that the day’s momentum in research governance continued seamlessly.

By the end of the day, the hours of discussion and careful deliberation left me feeling both intellectually enriched and deeply aware of the collaborative effort it takes to keep a research institution running efficiently.

Some other tasks accomplished today include meeting with my ex-student, SG (image above), who has completed his bachelor Chemical Engineering studies and will fly to Australia early September 2025. I also had a discussion with my Postdoc about several projects, and also settled other RMC related tasks and also JKPD LPB.

#20242025 Day 042

#Monday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, Meeting, RMC Tagged With: , ,

From RMC Teh Tarik to Sunway: A Day of Projects, Consultations, and Preparation for IChemE Career Discovery Workshop 2025

Posted on August 6, 2025 ·

This morning began like many others at the Project Management and Monitoring Division (PMMD) of RMC, juggling multiple project-related tasks, monitoring updates, and assisting researchers with their grants (from far). Today, however, had an extra twist: it was RMC Teh Tarik Day. This is our monthly open-door session where researchers are encouraged to drop by and consult directly with our PMMD and Finance teams on any project management or funding-related matters.

I had the opportunity to sit down with PM Dr. Lee Ting Hun and Dr. Nardiah from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FCEE). Both had questions and uncertainties regarding their projects, and we were able to walk through their concerns together. It’s always fulfilling to see how these sessions not only resolve immediate issues but also help researchers feel more confident in navigating the administrative side of their work.

After lunch, the day shifted gears as we travelled to Sunway Hotel, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, for the upcoming IChemE Career Discovery Workshop 2025, jointly organized by IChemE, Sunway University, and Monash University. I made the decision to arrive a day earlier to avoid the rush of same-day travel.

This time, I was joined by my wife and Marsya. I thought it would be a great opportunity for Marsya to gain some early exposure to professional events and to experience the inspiring environment of Sunway University. We took the scenic route, walking (burning some caloories) via the canopy walk from Sunway Pyramid, and arrived at the campus around 6.30pm.

The first impression was nothing short of super impressive. Sunway University’s facilities are modern, spacious, and thoughtfully designed to encourage collaboration. Everywhere we looked, there were open discussion areas, well-equipped study spaces, and visible Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) signage. It’s clear that Sunway doesn’t just talk about sustainability, they live it.

After returning to the hotel, I shifted into presentation mode. Tomorrow, I’ll be delivering my session on Renewable Energy, and I spent the evening finalizing my slides. The content includes pie charts, key policy references, graphics, and discussions on both challenges and innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. It’s always exciting to be part of a platform that connects academia, industry, and young engineers, and tomorrow promises to be one of those days.

#20242025 Day 037

#Wednesday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, Conference, Meeting, Project Monitoring, Workshop Tagged With: , , , ,

Understanding QS World University Rankings: Insights from the Special Briefing at UTM

Posted on August 5, 2025 ·

Today, I had the opportunity to attend a special talk on the QS World University Rankings, by Mr. E. Way Chong, held at Dewan Kuliah 7, N24, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The session was conducted by representatives from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the organization behind this globally recognized university ranking system. The event saw the attendance of many UTM administrators, reflecting the importance of the QS ranking to the university’s strategic direction and global standing.

The QS World University Rankings are an annual evaluation of universities worldwide, providing comparative insights across various indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, citations per faculty (research impact), international faculty and student ratio, and more recently, sustainability and international collaboration. These rankings are highly regarded by students, academic institutions, researchers, and even governments, who use them to benchmark excellence in higher education.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is a British higher education analytics company established in 1990. Since publishing its first global ranking in 2004, QS has grown to become one of the most influential ranking bodies in the world, providing insights that guide institutional improvement and student decision-making globally. The QS rankings exist not only to assist students in making informed choices about where to study but also to help universities benchmark their performance, guide institutional planning, attract international collaborations, and support government and funding decisions.

For universities like UTM, the QS rankings are highly relevant. They influence the university’s global reputation, impact international student recruitment, guide internal strategy, and provide a framework for institutional improvement. Rankings also affect funding prospects, partnerships, and how employers view the institution’s graduates. In short, rankings matter, and they offer tangible benefits beyond prestige.

In the most recent QS World University Rankings, UTM continues to show commendable performance. UTM’s latest rank at 153 (2026). It ranks within the top 100–200 globally, particularly excelling in engineering and technology fields. UTM has demonstrated improvements in areas such as research output, international faculty recruitment, and sustainability initiatives, while maintaining a strong reputation among employers. These results reflect UTM’s dedication to maintaining high academic standards and expanding its global impact.

The impact of the QS World Rankings on UTM is significant. It enhances UTM’s global visibility, making it more attractive to international students, collaborators, and institutions. Rankings also serve as a benchmark for internal improvement, motivating faculties and departments to improve research, teaching quality, and student outcomes. Additionally, as the Ministry of Higher Education often references global rankings in policy and funding decisions, QS performance can indirectly influence national recognition and support.

In summary, today’s briefing was a valuable reminder that rankings such as QS are more than just numbers, they represent the university’s broader mission to strive for excellence in education, research, and global engagement. As UTM continues to advance its status as a leading research university, the QS World University Rankings will remain a key indicator and driver of its international aspirations and institutional progress.

#20242025 Day 036

#Tuesday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, 4 Publication Tagged With: , , ,
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