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: , , , ,

Debriefing Meeting – PMMD and FD

Posted on July 14, 2025 ·
Examiners’ Report form for Qualifying Assessment to PhD

The last Debriefing Meeting I chaired was held in March 2025, during which Dr. Wan Hairul served as our Senior Research Manager (SRM). However, his tenure at the Research Management Centre (RMC) was short-lived, lasting only 40 days. Subsequently, Nur Fatimah Marwar took over the responsibilities. In line with recent organizational restructuring, we no longer use the title SRM; the role has since evolved into two separate leadership functions—Head of Profund Unit and Head of Promans Unit.

Now, four months later, we convened the next Debriefing Meeting, which marks a renewed commitment to holding these sessions regularly every month, InsyaAllah. Despite current manpower limitations, the Project Management and Monitoring Division (PMMD) continues to strive toward operational stability and effectiveness.

The Debriefing Meeting serves as a critical platform to:

-Discuss and resolve pressing issues faced by both PMMD and the Finance Department (FD).

-Align and synchronize work processes, particularly in areas of overlapping responsibilities, such as grant activation, fund disbursement, and reporting mechanisms.

Meeting Highlights – 8 July 2025:

  • Time: 2:30 PM – 4:50 PM
  • Venue: RMC’s BM1
  • Chaired by: Myself

This session proved to be particularly challenging and complex, with numerous issues tabled for discussion. Notably:

  • Two key issues require separate follow-up meetings due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders and the need for cross-unit consensus before a decision can be made.
  • Several other matters, however, were successfully deliberated and resolved, Alhamdulillah.

Despite the hurdles, the collaborative spirit between PMMD and FD was evident, and all parties demonstrated a shared commitment to improving workflows and service delivery.

As we move forward, these meetings will be instrumental in fostering a more responsive, accountable, and integrated research management ecosystem at UTM. Regular debriefings will not only improve efficiency but also enhance transparency and mutual understanding across divisions.

Other tasks of the day:

  • Endorsing several End Reports (ER)
  • Completing the Examiners Report form for Qualifying Assessment to PhD (MJIIT), for Engineering Education research —> Refer image above.
  • Brief meeting with my SPACE FYP student – Pik.
  • Dealt with various RMC issues (as usual).

#20242025 Day 014

#Monday

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

Discussion Related to Integrity Issues / LPBUTM Governance Committee Meeting No. 1 / 2025

Posted on July 7, 2025 ·

Today, I have been called to participate in a discussion (3 to 5pm) on the following matter (Perbincangan Berkaitan Isu Integriti / LPB Mesyuarat JK Tatakelola UTM Bil 1 / 2025). Despite having other important and urgent tasks, I allocated some time to attend this meeting.

Basically, there are some issues related to integrity. For me, something like this happens everywhere due to various reasons.

Other tasks today:

  • VIVA for my Engineering Education student that I co-supervised from UNIMAP. Unfortunately, I can’t attend due to some online unexpected technical fault.
  • Jabatan Audit Negara (JAN) feedback preparation with my Monitoring Unit and director.
  • Claim payment for the recent symposium that we attended.

#20242025 Day 007

#Monday

Filed Under: 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, Project Monitoring Tagged With: , , , ,

Pemantauan Berkaitan Projek R&D MOSTI- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) – Ts. Dr. Muhammad Hanif Bin Ramlee

Posted on August 30, 2024 ·

Pada keheningan Khamis petang lalu (29 Ogos 2024), Program Pemantauan Projek R&D MOSTI- UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA (UTM)( TDF12221651) -” In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of Bioabsorbable Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced Mg-Zn Composites as Orthopaedics Implant” (Milestone 1) telah diadakan seperti ketetapan berikut:

Tarikh : 29 Ogos 2024 (Khamis)

Masa : 2.30 petang – 4.30 petang

Tempat : Bilik Mesyuarat 1, Aras 2, Blok F54, Pusat Pengurusan Penyelidikan (RMC), 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor

Saya telah mempengerusikan sesi pemantauan tersebut. Alhamdulillah, pemantauan Milestone pertama telah berjalan lancar. Ini juga kali pertama saya bertemu dengan ahli panel subject matter expert baru, iaitu Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Hj. Solehuddin Shuib dari UiTM Shah Alam, pakar dalam bidang Kejuruteraan Mekanikal.

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 2 Research, Project Monitoring

Lawatan Tapak dan Pemantauan Kali Ketiga bagi Projek Malaysia Laboratories for Academia-Business Collaboration (MyLAB) 2/2020

Posted on August 23, 2024 ·

Lawatan Tapak dan Pemantauan Projek MyLab Prof. Dr. Suhairul Hashim di kilang research partnernya di Billion Prima Sdn. Bhd., Kulai. Walaupun ada beberapa cabaran dan perkara yang perlu dibuat. Saya telah mewakili RMC UTM bersama-sama pasukan pemantauan projek dan kewangan. Alhamdulillah dipermudahkan.

Panel Mylab kali ini diketuai oleh Prof. Dr. Azlan (UKM) dan disertai oleh Prof. Dr. Widad (USM), Puan Maryatinie, En. Azlan dan lagi 2 orang staf Mylab.

Projek MyLAB daripada Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) yang diketuai oleh Prof. Dr. Suhairul bin Hashim bertajuk “Wireless Transmission System For Radiation Portal Monitoring (MyRPM)” telah diadakan pada ketetapan seperti berikut:

Tarikh          :   22 Ogos 2024 (Khamis)

 Masa           :   9.00 – 11.45 pagi  

Tempat        :   Billion Prima Sdn. Bhd., Kawasan Perusahaan Sri Sengkang, 81000 Kulai, JOHOR

Filed Under: 2 Research, Project Monitoring Tagged With: , , , ,