2 Research

Driving UTM’s Research Mission Through eJournal Management and Academic Commitments

Posted on September 18, 2025 ·

Management Meeting of UTM eJournal No. 1/2025

This afternoon, I attended the UTM eJournal Management Meeting No. 1/2025, held at the Meeting Room of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Sultan Ibrahim Chancellery Building (BCSI), UTM Johor Bahru. The meeting began at 2.30 p.m. and was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Rahmah Bt. Awang, Director of UTM Press.

As the Chief Editor for the ASEAN Journal of Engineering Education (AJEE), which is published under Penerbit UTM, I joined fellow editors and committee members to discuss matters related to the strategic direction, quality assurance, and operational management of UTM eJournals. The meeting also revisited the minutes from the 2024 session and deliberated on action items to strengthen UTM’s academic publishing ecosystem.

The importance of this meeting cannot be overstated. As a research university, UTM places strong emphasis on knowledge dissemination and impact through scholarly publications. The UTM eJournals serve not only as platforms for academic exchange but also as benchmarks for quality, visibility, and global engagement. Effective management ensures that these journals uphold international publishing standards, attract high-quality manuscripts, and contribute significantly to UTM’s reputation and standing in the global academic community.

A Side Note on Today’s Tasks

Besides the meeting, today was also filled with several key responsibilities related to teaching, research management, and academic service:

✅ I made substantial progress in preparing the final exam paper and answers for Occupational Safety in Energy System (METE1153). The paper is about 90% complete, with the exam scheduled for next week.
✅ I invigilated an online test for a student who missed the METE1153 test conducted two weeks ago, ensuring fairness and academic integrity.
✅ I responded to the Laporan Perkara Berbangkit (LPB) for the upcoming Management Committee on Research Grants (JKPD) meeting, scheduled for Monday.
✅ At 11.30 a.m., I joined a Pra-JKPD meeting with the Director and Registrar of RMC to finalize preparations ahead of the main session.
✅ I requested the preparation of the project monitoring report to be tabled at both the JKP and JKPD meetings.
✅ I also took some time to watch the Vice-Chancellor’s speech, Amanat NC 2025, streamed live via Facebook, which provided valuable insights into UTM’s direction and strategic priorities for the year.

Reflection

It was a productive day that balanced editorial responsibilities, academic commitments, and research management duties. Being part of the UTM eJournal Management Meeting as Chief Editor of AJEE further reinforced my appreciation of how crucial collaborative effort is in sustaining UTM’s publishing excellence. At the same time, attending to exam preparation, student assessment, and research governance matters, while keeping abreast with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for UTM, reminded me of the multifaceted nature of academic life, where teaching, research, service, and leadership converge.

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 2 Research, 3 Writing, 4 Publication, RMC Tagged With: ajee, eJournal UTM, meeting, METE1153

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: end report, KPT, MOHE, Pitching, PRGS, project, radis, research

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: RMC, role theory, work–life balance theories

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: audit, CQI, CRR, ibd, IBD wellness day

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: meeting, phd assessment, phd examiner, RMC

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: meeting, postdoc, research

Sustainability in Engineering Education: Reflections from the International Engineering Education Symposium 2025

Posted on August 9, 2025 ·

Today marked a vibrant exchange of ideas and innovations at the International Engineering Education Symposium 2025, themed “Sustainability in Engineering Education”, hosted by Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Bangladesh. The symposium brought together esteemed academics, industry leaders, and education experts from across the globe to explore how engineering education can align with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and prepare future engineers for a rapidly changing world.

The day opened with a keynote speech by Professor Mazharul Islam, Director of CES, AUST, who shared a compelling Washington Accord roadmap for achieving the SDG agenda in engineering education. This set the tone for the day — a blend of visionary thought and practical strategies for making sustainability an integral part of the engineering curriculum.

Technical Session 2: A Chair’s Perspective

In the afternoon, I had the privilege of serving as Chair for Technical Session 2, my second time in this role for this very symposium. My first experience was back in 2022, a rather memorable occasion when I chaired the session remotely from my MPV while traveling from Kuantan to Johor Bahru. This time, I was fully immersed in the live session, and the energy in the (virtual) room was just as remarkable.

The line-up of speakers was nothing short of inspiring:

Dr. James P. Ewen (Imperial College London, UK) explored The Role of Tribology in a Sustainable Future, opening our eyes to the hidden yet critical contribution of surface engineering to energy efficiency and longevity in mechanical systems.
Prof. Shamsuddin Ahmed (MPE, IUT OIC, Bangladesh) delivered Engineering a Sustainable Future: A Mandate for Education, reminding us that sustainability must be embedded in engineering pedagogy as a non-negotiable core.
Dr. Taskin Jamal (AUST, Bangladesh) focused on Engineering Education for SDG 7: Advancing a Just Energy Transition in Asia-Pacific, highlighting the importance of equity in global energy strategies.
Prof. Lal Mohan Baral (AUST, Bangladesh) concluded with Introducing Sustainability in Textile Engineering Curriculum through an International Academia-Industry Collaboration, offering a powerful case study on integrating sustainability into a specific engineering discipline.

As Chair, my role was to facilitate meaningful discussions, keep the session on schedule, and encourage participants to engage with the speakers’ ideas. The exchange was dynamic, participants posed insightful questions, and speakers responded with depth and clarity. The result was an atmosphere of collaborative learning that truly embodied the spirit of the symposium.

Why This Matters

Being part of this event, and having chaired two technical sessions over the years, reinforces my belief that engineering education must constantly evolve to address global sustainability challenges. The speakers’ research and initiatives today showed that sustainability is not a siloed concept; it intersects with mechanical systems, energy policy, education strategy, and industry collaboration.

As the world faces pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges, platforms like this symposium are essential. They not only advance academic discourse but also inspire practical actions that ripple far beyond the conference hall.

Closing Thoughts

The International Engineering Education Symposium 2025 was a testament to the global commitment to sustainable engineering education. For me personally, chairing Technical Session 2 was both an honor and a reminder of the critical role we, as educators and practitioners, play in shaping the next generation of engineers.

I look forward to continuing this journey, perhaps even chairing again in the future, though hopefully from somewhere more stationary than a moving vehicle!

#20242025 Day 040

#Saturday

Filed Under: 2 Research

Morning to Afternoon with the PDRU Postdoc Monitoring Team

Posted on August 8, 2025 ·

Today, my morning and early afternoon were dedicated to an important task, serving as part of the PDRU postdoc monitoring team. The monitoring session was held at UTM RMC, divided into two panels. The first team consisted of Prof. Dr. Farid Said and PM Dr. Ezza Syuhada Sazali, while the second team, hosted in my office, was made up of myself and Prof. Hafiz Dzarfan. Each team was assigned to review 10 postdoctoral researchers who were appointed in 2023 (the majority) and 2024. Off course, the Postdoc secretariat were with us.

The session was engaging and insightful, with each postdoc presenting their progress, challenges, and research outputs. By 12.30 pm, we had completed all our scheduled reviews for the day.

Monitoring postdocs is a crucial exercise for the university. These researchers are appointed with the clear expectation of producing high-quality Q1 and Q2 journal papers, contributing significantly to UTM’s research excellence and global reputation. Through structured monitoring, we ensure that they are on track with their research objectives, receiving the guidance they need, and delivering outputs that strengthen the university’s standing in international rankings.

For me, it was not just a formal evaluation. It was also an opportunity to interact with highly talented researchers, understand their work in depth, and help them navigate challenges so they can produce impactful results. In the end, effective postdoc monitoring is not just about accountability; it is about nurturing excellence and driving innovation for the benefit of the university and the broader research community.

Other tasks today include attending the Pra-JKPD meeting of PPMU at T03.

#20242025 Day 039

#Friday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 2 Research, 4 Publication, Meeting, Workshop

2025 Career Discovery Workshop at Sunway University

Posted on August 7, 2025 ·

On Thursday, 7 August 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the 2025 Career Discovery Workshop at Sunway University, themed “Eco-Tech Revolution: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future”. The program ran from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and brought together academia, industry leaders, and aspiring engineers for a full day of knowledge sharing, networking, and inspiration.

The opening ceremony was led by IChemE Chair, Ir. Zainab Kayat from PETRONAS, alongside the Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology at Sunway University, Prof. Ir. Danny Ng.

The day began with an engaging Keynote Speech on Sustainability in Water Technology, delivered by Mr. Upathiran from Putrionas Group Technical Solution. He highlighted 3R initiatives in processing plants, current trends in water technology and treatment, and career development opportunities — a strong reminder that chemical engineers can lead impactful environmental projects while exploring new career paths.

I was invited to be a panelist in the Forum Session on Integrating Palm Oil-Based Biofuels into Existing Oil & Gas Infrastructure: Challenges and Innovations for a Sustainable Energy Transition. Together with other experts, including Sr Suthagram Suppiah from PETRONAS and Prof. Dr. Dominic Foo from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, we explored critical topics such as infrastructure compatibility, performance issues, supply chain logistics, economic viability, environmental impacts, advanced processing technologies, and policy support. My contribution focused on the integration of palm oil-based biofuels and the technological advances needed for successful adoption.

The workshop also included a Resume Building session by Ms. Iman Raufan, who shared practical tips for writing impactful resumes in PDF format and demonstrated how AI tools can enhance precision and efficiency while maintaining a personal touch.

Beyond the sessions, we were taken on a lab tour of Sunway University’s Engineering Department. The facilities were world-class — modern, advanced, and still expanding. We visited four floors of laboratories, including several chemical engineering labs still under construction. It was impressive to see the commitment to providing cutting-edge resources for students and researchers.

The event was also a great opportunity to network. I met new experts from IChemE, PETRONAS, a professional resume service company, and fellow academics from Monash University and Sunway University. It was inspiring to see Sunway’s remarkable progress — having leapt more than 150 positions in the QS World University Rankings, the largest jump for any university globally, and currently employing 2 of the world’s top 1% researchers and 36 of the top 2% researchers.

Overall, it was a marvelous experience — a day that not only allowed me to share knowledge but also witness firsthand the passion, ambition, and world-class growth of Sunway University as it works tirelessly to be among the best.

#20242025 Day 038

#Thursday

Filed Under: 2 Research

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