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: , ,

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

#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: , , ,

Reviewing Papers for REES 2025 – A Meaningful Afternoon Task

Posted on August 4, 2025 ·

After lunch today, I had the opportunity to join the REES 2025 paper decision workshop — a critical and exciting session as part of the preparation for the upcoming Research in Engineering Education Symposium (REES 2025). For those unfamiliar, REES 2025 is a major international symposium that brings together researchers, educators, and practitioners focused on advancing engineering education. You can find more information about it on the official REES 2025 site.

The main purpose of today’s session was to review and decide on paper submissions. With over 200 papers submitted, the task was not only demanding but also required careful and objective evaluation to ensure that only papers aligning with the scope and quality standards of REES were accepted. As reviewers, we were guided to consider whether the papers fell within the symposium’s central themes and whether they contributed meaningfully to the field of engineering education research.

Despite the workload, it was a genuinely interesting and enriching experience. The diversity of topics submitted — from curriculum innovation to identity development in engineering — highlighted how vibrant and globally relevant engineering education research has become. It also gave us a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into maintaining the academic integrity of international conferences like REES.

I’m grateful to be part of this process and excited to see how REES 2025 unfolds. Looking forward to meeting fellow educators and researchers when the symposium takes place at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia next year!

Other tasks performed today include the preparation of slide from my program at Subway University this coming Thursday, as well as updating a little bit information in my CV.

#20242025 Day 035

#Monday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 2 Research, Conference, Workshop Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A New Challenge: Designing METE1153 for the Short Semester

Posted on August 3, 2025 ·

About three weeks ago, I received unexpected news: students had registered to take Occupational Safety in Energy Systems (METE1153) during the short semester break. I was honestly quite shocked, as I had been hoping for a well-deserved academic break—especially considering the heavy administrative workload currently on my plate.

Over the past academic year, my teaching responsibilities have been intense. I taught 6 credits in Session 1, followed by another 6 credits in Session 2. Last year during Session 2 alone, I carried a 12-credit load, which included multiple versions of METE1153 (full-time, part-time, and ODL) along with METW1153: Quality Management. Given that context, it’s clear why I was hoping for some breathing space this time around.

However, as it turns out, this will be my first time teaching a course during the short semester. My goal is to structure the course in a self-learning format, allowing students greater flexibility while managing the compressed timeline. There are currently 7 to 9 students enrolled in the course, and I’m hopeful this approach will work well for them.

Today, I spent some time setting up the eLearning platform for METE1153, using the ODL model as my reference. In fact, I’m also working on enhancing the full METE1153 ODL version in parallel. Should I be assigned to this course again next year, it would mark my third time handling METE1153—but that’s still eight months away.

Right now, the pressing challenge is how to compress a traditionally 14-week syllabus into just 8 weeks, without compromising learning quality. I believe I’ve managed to prepare at least 50% of the content and structure for students to begin their self-learning journey today. I hope that they’ll find the materials engaging and beneficial, and that this short semester will still provide meaningful learning, despite its condensed format.

Other official tasks today include coming out with a new novel review paper idea to collaborate with someone from Australia. InsyaAllah.

#20242025 Day 034

#Sunday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 11 Personal, 2 Research Tagged With: , , , , , ,

FRGS 2025: A Sudden Turn, a Tight Deadline, and a Research Mission That Matters

Posted on August 2, 2025 ·

The Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), faced an unexpected disruption in early February 2025 when the MyGRANTS system abruptly went offline. Since then, the fate of FRGS proposals and the many researchers who had applied, remained uncertain, leaving a cloud of doubt over the national research agenda.

However, today brought a surprising development. All FRGS applicants from the early 2025 cycle, including myself, received an email notification instructing us to improve and resubmit our proposals manually. Specifically, we were asked to include supporting quotations for V24000 (research materials), V28000 (professional services), and V29000 (rental and maintenance). What came as a shock was the urgency of the deadline, just 33 hours to revise, complete, and submit everything to our respective Research Alliance (RA).

Once verified for completeness and accuracy, the proposals will be forwarded to the Research Management Centre (RMC) for final submission to MOHE. The timeline is intense, but the mission remains clear.

My FRGS proposal this time focuses on a cutting-edge topic:
Converting Fuel Oil Blended Stock (FOBS) to Hydrogen using waste catalysts from refineries.
This project holds great promise in addressing the long-standing FOBS-related issues faced by refineries worldwide, particularly in sustainability and waste valorization. I believe strongly in the future relevance of this research, which is still in its early stages.

Since 2020, I have been working on this idea with the help of several research students. Together, we have built a foundation with experimental and thermodynamic studies and have already published several research articles. Alhamdulillah, the work is steadily gaining traction.

Despite the sudden rush and limited time, I remain committed to pushing this research forward. The road may be steep, but if successful, this project could contribute meaningfully to sustainable hydrogen production and industrial waste management.

Let’s hope this proposal finds its way to success and that FRGS continues to support transformative research like this for years to come.

#20242025 Day 033

#Saturday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 2 Research, 4 Publication, 6 Supervision, RMC Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »
UTM Open Day