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: , , ,

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: , , , , , , ,

Spending My Sunday for METE1153: Occupational Safety in Energy System eLearning for Short Semester

Posted on August 10, 2025 ·

Today, while most people were enjoying a relaxing Sunday, I spent a big chunk of my day preparing the e-learning materials for my Master of Energy course, METE1153 – Occupational Safety in Energy Systems. This short semester is my first, and I have six students enrolled.

Since this is my first time teaching during a short semester, I decided to take an approach that empowers self-learning. The idea is to design the course so that my students can learn almost independently, with clear and engaging content that guides them step by step.

For a short semester, combining e-learning with a self-learning strategy is both a smart and important choice because it addresses the challenges of compressed academic timelines while still supporting student success. Short semesters often have tight schedules and limited time for in-depth discussion, so e-learning provides students with the flexibility to access materials anytime and anywhere. This allows them to review and understand concepts at their own pace, revisiting complex topics as needed without being restricted to fixed class hours. A self-learning approach also maximizes student autonomy, encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning, manage their time effectively, and develop critical thinking skills, all of which are valuable beyond the classroom.

Another benefit is that this strategy frees up more time for application. With less emphasis on live lectures, students can focus on assignments, quizzes, and projects that reinforce their understanding, while class time can be used to clarify doubts and discuss real-world applications. For lecturers, once the content is prepared, such as notes, videos, and quizzes, it becomes a reusable resource for future semesters, including Online Distance Learning formats, ensuring consistent quality while reducing workload in the long term. This method also caters to different learning styles, providing materials that suit visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, and supporting students who may need to move faster or slower than the average pace. Ultimately, by having access to comprehensive resources and the freedom to learn at their own pace, students in short semesters are better prepared for quizzes, assignments, and final assessments, making this approach a win-win for both learners and educators.

Two weeks ago, I had already completed the materials for Week 1. Today, I managed to prepare for Weeks 2 through 6, Alhamdulillah, it was a productive and fulfilling day. My aim is not just to teach this semester, but also to lay the foundation for my upcoming Online Distance Learning (ODL) version of METE1153 over the next two semesters. By doing the heavy lifting now, I believe the process will be much smoother later.

The content I prepared includes:

  • PDF lecture notes
  • Instructional videos
  • Self-quizzes
  • Report assignments
  • Video assignments
  • And other interactive elements

This week, InsyaAllah, I plan to continue developing Week 7 to Week 10 content and also work on marking Assignment 1 and Assignment 2. It’s a lot of work, but I’m genuinely happy to invest the time now so that my students — and future cohorts — will have a meaningful and enriching learning experience.

In the end, it’s all about giving our best effort today so that tomorrow becomes easier.

#20242025 Day 041

#Sunday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 3 Writing, personal Tagged With: , ,

Engineering Identity Development: A National Responsibility

Posted on August 1, 2025 ·

Today, after lunch, I set aside time for a PhD consultancy session with my engineering education student, Izwan. He has been a full-time PhD candidate for the past three years, and his research focuses on the development of a framework for Engineering Identity Development (EID) within the Malaysian context.

Our discussion today reminded me of how critical EID is for our younger generation. In recent years, we’ve seen a worrying trend: a decline in student interest in STEM, particularly engineering. This shift has become even more apparent with the rise of social media, which often pulls young minds toward instant gratification and away from long-term, intellectually challenging pursuits like science and engineering.

This begs the question: Are we, as a nation, doing enough?
Are we on the right track, as a government, ministry, school system, teachers, parents, and as a community?

We must not take this lightly. Engineering is not just another field; it is a pillar of national development. Engineers are the ones who build, design, and solve the grand challenges of our time. If we fail to inspire our youth to pursue engineering, we risk weakening the very foundation of our nation’s future progress.

That’s why developing a strong engineering identity among students must be a collective priority. We need more programs, more initiatives, more mentorship, and more exposure to real-world STEM experiences at all levels—from primary school to university. We need to celebrate engineers, share their stories, and let students see how science and technology can shape a better Malaysia.

It’s time we all do our part, in whatever capacity we can, to reignite the love for STEM and ensure our next generation proudly identifies as engineers, scientists, and innovators.

Other tasks today include managing AJEE submissions and reviewing.

#20242025 Day 032

#Friday

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 2 Research, 3 Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Message From UTM Vice Chancellor Day 4 – Work From Home

Posted on March 21, 2020 ·

Day 4 (21 Mac 2020) – Sabtu

Assalamu’alaikum, Salam Sejahtera Warga UTM,

Pertamanya saya mendoakan semoga seluruh warga UTM, ahli keluarga kita, sahabat handai dan seluruh warga Malaysia dan lain-lain negara yang menghadapi ancaman COVID19 terpelihara dari musibah. Hari ini hari ke 4, Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) dan UTM sedang melaksanakan perintah ini.

  1. Pertamanya mohon semua warga UTM terus mematuhi PKP.  Kita semua maklum, laporan yang dikeluarkan oleh KKM, keadaan masih sangat kritikal. Kita boleh berperanan memutuskan rantaian jangkitan ini insyaAllah, dengan mematuhi PKP. Seperti mana pesan YAB Perdana Menteri, ‘stay where you are’
  2. Bagi makluman bersama, team PKU UTM masih bekerja keras menguruskan kes yang ada risiko kepada UTM. Risiko masih besar sekiranya kita tidak bertindak pantas. Saya kongsi di sini betapa sukarnya menguruskan sesuatu kes. Supaya kita memahami kesukaran dan cabaran team PKU. Dan betul2 mendisiplinkan diri kita mematuhi segala arahan Kerajaan.
  3. Saya bersama mereka setiap hari dari hari pertama UTM mengendalikan COVID19. Pada peringkat awal COVID, kita membuat tindakan pencegahan mengendalikan pelajar dari negara China dan warga UTM yang pulang dari negara berisiko. Ketika itu pengurusan lebih mudah. Membuat pemeriksaan dan setiap mereka ini perlu diletak dibawah ‘home surveillance (HS)’ selama 14 hari-untuk pelajar antarabangsa di S47, dan bagi staf di rumah masing-masing. Ketika HS ini pelajar dipantau setiap hari sebagaimana SOP KKM.
  4. Apabila timbul gelombang kedua, UTM juga ada kes ‘close contact’ dan perlu diuruskan dengan kaedah HS dan perbersihan tempat2 dimana mereka yang dalam kategori PUI berada. Cabaran besar ialah menguruskan kebimbangan warga UTM dan memberi informasi yang tepat dan telus. PKU terpaksa mencari mereka yang dalam kategori ‘close contact’ untuk dibuat pemeriksaan dan jika perlu menjalani HS.
  5. Apabila timbul cluster Sri Petaling keadaan lebih membimbangkan dan pengendalian kes berkaitan masih berjalan di UTM. Kita telah maklumkan satu kes positif pelajar PhD dan lanjutan kes ini seorang HS telah menjalani HS di rumah selama 14 hari. Dan alhamdulillah telah tamat tempoh 14 hari tanpa ada symptom. Pembersihan bilik-bilik terlibat juga telah dibuat.
  6. Saya berkongsi maklumat ini bagi menyedarkan kita semua betapa sukarnya mengendalikan risiko COVID19 di UTM. Team PKU terpaksa berhempas pulas mengendalikannya bagi mempastikan tiada risiko yang berlaku kepada warga UTM.
  7. Kita boleh bayangkan kesukaran dan cabaran yang dihadapi oleh team KKM dalam mengendalikan kes COVID19 ini. Dan kita maklum team PKU UTM adalah kecil berbanding bilangan staf dan pelajar yang perlu dikendalikan. Dan mereka juga terdedah kepada risiko yang tinggi berdepan dengan pesakit yang berkunjung ke PKU.
  8. Kita hanya perlu lebih berdisiplin, bertanggungjawab, sentiasa berhati-hati dan mematuhi sepenuhnya arahan Kerajaan dan SOP yang disediakan. Jangan ada sikap mengambil mudah sehingga akhirnya menyusahkan semua pihak termasuk keluarga dan sahabat handai kita sendiri.

Sekian terimakasih. Mohon doakan yang baik-baik.

‘Stay where you are’

Wahid

36, TSPP

(Day 4 work from home)

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 3 Writing Tagged With: , ,

Engineering capability review raises safety concerns

Posted on March 21, 2020 ·

The Article which was categorized under Risk and Safety section was written by Adam Duckett and published in The New Chemical Engineer Online portal on the 16th of March 2020.

FATALITIES and accidents at work are likely to increase, and a better understanding of engineering capacity and capability is needed for engineering to intervene, says a report from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Global Engineering Capability Review, the first report from a new £15m (US$18.7m) partnership between RAEng and Lloyds Register, reviews the ability of 99 countries to conduct key engineering activities in a safe and innovative way. It notes that around 1,000 people die every day due to an accident at work, and that data from the International Labour Organization shows that fatal accidents are on the rise in many developing economies as more money is pumped into new infrastructure projects and upgrades.

Continue reading the full article from the link below:

https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/engineering-capability-review-raises-safety-concerns/

Ejen Viral memang awesome

Filed Under: 1 New Knowledge Per Day, 3 Writing, 7 Professional Services Tagged With: , , ,

Day 71 Task – Done Reviewing 2 Technical Papers for ICPEAM2020

Posted on March 11, 2020 ·

Read all my “1 Official Task Per Day Record Challenge for 2020” —> https://people.utm.my/zakiyamani/category/1-activity-1-day/

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day, 2 Research, 3 Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Penyerahan Borang Penyertaan Anugerah Buku PNM 2020 ke Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia

Posted on March 11, 2020 ·

Setelah menerima satu email dari Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia beberapa minggu lepas berkenaan Anugerah Buku PNM 2020, saya dengan  penuh rasa rendah diri mengisi borang penyertaan untuk buku saya yang bertajuk Ramblings of A Chemical Engineer. InsyaAllah, kiranya ada rezeki, ada lah tu. Kalau takde, tak mengapa. Yang penting saya dah berusaha mengisi dan menghantar borang.

BORANG PENYERTAAN Zaki Yamani Zakaria

Filed Under: 1 Academic, 3 Writing Tagged With: ,

Engineering 2 Volleyball Team @ UTM Interdepartment Sports

Posted on December 6, 2019 ·

Today is the day – the volleyball inter department game and Engineering 2 team that comprises School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, School of Civil engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering will compete against other departments.

All the best to our women team yeahhh…

 

Filed Under: 10 Administrative, 2 Research, 3 Writing, 9 Sports Tagged With: , , ,
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