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: , , ,

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: , ,

Mesyuarat JK Pentadbiran RMC BIL. 10/2025

Posted on July 18, 2025 ·

Today, the Jawatankuasa Pengurusan RMC (JKP RMC) meeting was held from 9:00 AM to 12:40 PM.
As usual, various issues related to all divisions and RMC operations were discussed. Updates were presented by both the Project Management and Monitoring Division (PMMD) and the Finance Division (FD). Several important decisions were also made during the meeting.

After lunch, I managed to chair the NYR meeting briefly. One NYR student, who had completed one semester, informed us of his decision to withdraw from the program, having secured a decent job opportunity. Unfortunately, about 10–15 minutes into the meeting, I had to excuse myself due to an urgent matter.

Later in the afternoon, in preparation for the iMAP grant submission, I was required to provide comments on behalf of RMC regarding the research progress of five of our researchers.

Now I need to prepare and pack my back for tomorrow’s trip to Tadom Hill Resort, Banting for RMC Team Building.

#20242025 Day 018

#Friday

Filed Under: 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, Meeting 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: , , , ,

Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS) 2025 Briefing

Posted on July 10, 2025 ·

It’s that time of the year again. UTM has just received notification from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) regarding the release of the Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS). In response, I was entrusted to conduct the PRGS briefing session, which took place earlier today and began at 9.30 a.m. The session was well attended, with approximately 70 participants comprising academic staff and researchers. Including the Q&A session, the briefing concluded at around 11.10 a.m.

Together with RMC and the Research Alliance, and on behalf of UTM as a whole, we sincerely hope to see a strong response from our research community. Ideally, we are targeting at least 10 applications, with hopes of reaching up to 20 submissions. With a conversion rate of approximately 25%, this could potentially translate into 3 to 6 successful PRGS recipients, a highly encouraging outcome that would contribute meaningfully to our research performance and innovation agenda.

Other tasks of the day: (1) Evaluation of Nexus Pesara Grant (8.15am); (2) Mesyuarat JK Penilaian Dana PPMu Bil.5/2025 (2.30pm); Mesyuarat RA x RMC July 2025 (4.15pm)

Evaluation of Nexus Pesara Grant (8.15am)
Mesyuarat RA x RMC July 2025

#20242025 Day 010

#Thursday

Filed Under: 1 Activity 1 Day, 10 Administrative, 2 Research, Meeting 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: , , , ,

2021 Day 91 Tasks – CEE Core Group Meeting

Posted on April 2, 2021 ·

As the new CEE Director, I am still in need of opinion and advice from far more experienced research fellow. And because of that I hosted a meeting with Prof. Khairiyah and Prof. Fatin to discuss few important CEE issues that requires some discussion and decision. Despite of our hectic schedule on the weekdays, we had to have the meeting on a Friday, which is our public weekend holiday, which at the same time, I am in Desaru taking a weekend get away with my family and parents. Alhamdulillah, several issues were decided and resolved. I appreciate both Fellows help. Definitely.

Filed Under: 2 Research Tagged With: ,

2021 Day 90 Tasks – Mesyuarat Pengurusan Jabatan Timbalan Naib Cancelor (Penyelidikan & Inovasi) Bil 2/2021

Posted on April 1, 2021 ·

This is the first time I participated in the Mesyuarat Pengurusan Jabatan Timbalan Naib Cancelor (Penyelidikan & Innovation) Bil 2/2021 as my capacity as the Director of CEE. InsyaAllah I looked forward to participate and contribute as much as I can. Next TNCPI program that I will participated is next week which will be help in Pulai Spring.

Other highlighted tasks of the day:

  • Checked Turnitin and submitted 3 of my ReCASE2021 paper.
  • Checked MyCEB documentation and forms.
  • Preparation for Teaching Award portfolio.
Filed Under: 1 Academic, 1 Activity 1 Day Tagged With: ,
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