ISSUE 61 I ISSN 1675 - 2023 I JANUARY - MARCH 2017

UTP Quarterly

Celebration!

Congratulations UTP! We are now 20 years old.

Much has been accomplished and much has been done

to bring UTP from a small and humble teaching centre to

its standing of a premier university today.

Basking in the successes of the past 20 years, and

especially so in the year we just left behind, we must

be mindful however that our journey as a world class

university has just begun. We have much more to

accomplish and much more to do.

Our road ahead has been mapped out and in fact we

have already started taking our first steps toward our

future. Many plans have been set in place and many steps

to be taken to position us on a successful journey. It is

now up to us to set the pace, as ultimately the whole

machinery and all the plans we have laid out will only

come to fruition if we put in the work necessary.

While hard work is undoubtedly a key factor and a key

virtue as well, today’s environment with technology and

fast-paced continuous changes demand that we also

work smart. This means being constantly aware of the

myriad of global developments, not only in technology

but also in the way we learn, work and play.

This is so that as we take UTP forward, we will continue

to remain relevant and contemporary, as a nurturer of

valuable graduates, a prolific and recognised research

centre and as a university with strength and good

standing.

I thank all our staff who have tirelessly worked with us

these two decades, with special commendation for our

long-serving employees. I look forward to continue

working together with each and every one of you and

those who will join us along the way, as we reach for our

dreams.

Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hj Hashim

Messagefrom the VC

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Celebration

Excellenceof20 Years

Every milestone deserves its own special recognition and for UTP, 10 January 2017 is an especially significant one as it marks our 20th anniversary. We have so much to be proud of and to celebrate, growing from a small education institution to a high profile university topped with a 6-Star MyRA rating in just two short decades.

So we kicked off our year-long celebrations with a special dinner to especially recognise and honour all our leaders throughout the years who have contributed

much to our university. It was also to honour our partners, stakeholders and alumni who continue to support us on our journey.

We also released our anniversary book, telling the story of UTP. It’s a good one!

Happy Anniversary UTP!

It’s our birthday!

For more detailswww.utp.edu.my

After 2 years in the making we finally opened the doors to our latest research facility

We Have a

Brand NewR&D Building

Sitting in the heart of our Research Park, the two brand new buildings give us 65 more labs and office space for up to 550 researchers and staff, with a floor area of 21,225 square meters.

It has two special features. Firstly, it is designed to be in compliance with the Green Building Index Certification. Secondly, the whole roof-top area is a designated research laboratory space, ready to be used for research

in renewable energy where solar panels will be installed for research purposes and at the same time generating electricity for the building’s consumption.

The Carbon Dioxide Management and Enhanced Oil Recovery centres will soon move in here and Agensi Inovasi Malaysia has also set up office.

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For more detailswww.utp.edu.my

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Feat

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Sto

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Research has shown that employees have three prime needs, namely interesting and worthwhile work, recognition for doing a good job and being let in on things that are going on in the company.

If these be true, then we are doing a good job here at UTP for our work in education and research is certainly interesting and worthwhile, all our employees know where we stand and where we are headed and yes, we recognise and reward our employees.

Kicking off the year early on in January, UTP held a special Employee Recognition Night to reward and show our appreciation to 177 of our staff for their long service and dedication. Of the 177 honoured guests, 68 were recognised for having worked 10 years, 97 for 15 years of service and 12 were honoured for being with us since we were established in 1997.

“At the end of the day, the strength of any organisation is marked by the strength of its people. We have people of great strength, determination and a passion for success,”said Vice Chancellor YBhg Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim.

He added that this was right and fitting in view of the fact that UTP is not only leading its students towards becoming global citizens of the finest repute and

calibre but more importantly creating generations who effectively be the foundation for the future.

The dedication, support and loyalty of UTP staff bear testimony to the reputation and quality of the institution. They also set fine examples for students to follow and reflect worthiness of the work they are dedicated to.

Relationships and camaraderie between and among staff is also a crucial factor in teamwork and moving forward as one unit. UTP staff is largely a family unit, all working together in sync to take the university towards its goals and aspirations. This cordial relationships, friendships and affinity is continually fostered through the many events which bring the staff together. These include celebratory functions during festive seasons, team building activities, games and corporate outings which very often include the families of staff members too.

Each of the 177 employees were presented with a certificate of appreciation and a BSN Premium savings certificate.

These awards were part and parcel of UTP’s 20th anniversary celebrations which also included a grand celebratory dinner and the launch of our anniversary book “20 Transformational Years 1997 - 2017”.

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Feat

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Prof. Dr Abd. Rashid bin Abd. AzizMechanical Engineering DepartmentJanuary 1996

Working with UTP has done wonders for my career development

It provides a happy working environment and this has been an important and satisfying factor for me to keep on going all these years.

UTP has evolved together with people empowerment - Towards Global Prominence.

Azwa binti Md TaibCentre for Graduate StudiesDecember 1996

Muhamad Baharum bin KartajiResidential VillageJuly 1996

Assoc. Prof. Dr Nasiman bin SapariCivil Engineering DepartmentDecember 1996

“UTP offers the thrill of minds wrestling with endless initiatives and delights of being an academic to strive for excellence.”

I love the fact that I can work with such an esteemed university that is also close to my hometown.

There is much to be happy about when you work with UTP, from the working environment, to the benefits and our co-workers.

Megat Hariri bin Megat Abd HamidFinance and Asset Management DepartmentJuly 1996

Nor Fadzilatul Hanuzah Bt Md NoorFinance and Asset Management DepartmentJuly 1996

Dr A’fza binti ShafieFundamental & Applied Sciences DepartmentAugust 1995

UTP is a very encouraging environment which has provided me the impetus for me to be better.

Working with UTP gives me great pride and satisfaction as I feel I am contributing to something worthwhile.

“Focus, discipline and commitment, three important elements for career longevity”

Mohamed Azaman bin IsmailUTP PressOctober 1996

Rosli bin MohdLab. Facilities & Services DepartmentJuly 1996

Dr Sumathi A/P RenganathanManagement and Humanities DepartmentNovember 1996

The benefits UTP has offered are manifold and I am happy to contribute towards its success and goals.

UTP was built on teamwork and attitude of its people. The University needs to continue embracing the culture for sustainability“UTP Boleh”.

Working with UTP is a perfect combination of being able to do good work with good remuneration while being close to home and family.

Mohd Azminuddin bin AfandiInformation Resource CentreOctober 1996

Sallehan bin DinInformation Technology & Media ServicesJuly 1996

20 YEARS LONG SERVICE AWARD

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Prof. Dr Hilmi bin MukhtarProf. Dr Nasir ShafiqProf. Dr Norani Muti binti MohamedProf. Dr Varun JeotiAssoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Abd Halim Shah bin MauludAssoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Masri bin BaharomAssoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Mohd Amin bin Abd MajidAssoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Nursyarizal bin Mohd NorAssoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Rosdiazli bin IbrahimAssoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Shaharin Anwar bin SulaimanAssoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Zuhairi bin BaharudinAssoc. Prof. Dr Ainul Akmar binti MokhtarAssoc. Prof. Dr Azuraien binti Japper @ JaafarAssoc. Prof. Dr Fakhruldin bin Mohd HashimAssoc. Prof. Dr Fawnizu Azmadi bin HussinAssoc. Prof. Dr Jafreezal bin JaafarAssoc. Prof. Dr Lai Fong WoonAssoc. Prof. Dr Madzlan bin NapiahAssoc. Prof. Dr Maizatul Shima binti ShaharunAssoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Fadzil bin HassanAssoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Zuki bin YusoffAssoc. Prof. Dr Noor Asmawati binti Mohd ZabidiAssoc. Prof. Dr Othman bin MamatAssoc. Prof. Dr Risza binti RusliAssoc. Prof. Dr Saravanan A/L KaruppananAssoc. Prof. Dr Shahrina binti Md NordinAssoc. Prof. Dr Suriati binti SufianAssoc. Prof. Dr Suzana binti YusupAssoc. Prof. Dr Taib bin IbrahimAssoc. Prof. Dr Zainal Arif bin BurhanudinAssoc. Prof. Ir. Abdul Aziz bin OmarDr Chong Su LiDr Ena Bhattacharyya

Prof. Dr Hussain H. Jaafer Al KayiemProf. Dr Murugesan ThanabalanAssoc. Prof. Dr Dhanapal Durai Dominic Panneer SelvamAssoc. Prof. Dr Indra Sati Hamonangan HarahapAssoc. Prof. Dr Marappa Gounder RamasamyAssoc. Prof. Dr Mohamad Azmi bin Bustam @ KhalilAssoc. Prof. Dr Mohamad Naufal bin Mohamad SaadAssoc. Prof. Dr Patthi bin HussainAssoc. Prof. Dr Vijanth Sagayan A/L AsirvadamAssoc. Prof. Wan Ismail bin Wan YusoffDr Emy Elyanee binti MustaphaDr Lila Iznita binti IzharDr Mazeyanti binti Mohd AriffinDr Micheal DriebergDr Mior Azman bin Meor Said @ Mior SaidDr Mohammad Tazli bin AzizanDr Mohd Fakhizan bin RomlieDr Narahari MarneniDr Noreen Izza binti ArshadDr Norlaili binti AmirAdiley bin Abdullah

Dr Helmi bin Md RaisDr Mohd Azman bin ZakariyaDr Normawati binti Mohamad YunusDr Nurhayati binti MellonDr Rohiza binti AhmadDr Ruzaimah binti Nik Mohamad KamilDr Syed Baharom Azahar bin Syed OsmanDr Zullina binti Hussain ShaariAbd Rahim bin ShamsudinAdnan bin Mohd SallehAhmad Rasky bin AsorudinAmzairi bin AmarAsnizam Helmy bin TarmiziAzhan bin HasanAzirawati binti AzizBadrulnizam bin Ni @ Abdul RaniChe Azizi bin Che’ RusDawi Cahyono bin NurdinFaizal bin Ahmad FadzilHafiz bin SafianHafizah binti Abdul FatahHaslina binti Noor HasniHazizi bin LailiHazlin Hazlina binti ZainunIntan Zairina binti KamaruddinKamaliah binti MohdMohamad Yasin bin BaharudinMohamed Yunus bin SalehMohd Azim bin Mohd YutamMohd Faisal bin TahaMohd Faizairi bin Mohd NorMohd Hazrin bin IsmailMohd Hazrin bin Zainudin

Ahmad Suhairi bin Mohamed LazimAslinda binti JamaludinAzhar bin Mohd IsaHellina binti Ahmad KamilHelmi Iskandar bin SuitoIrwan bin OthmanIrwan Shah bin SaharuddinJafni bin Abu Bakar @ AliKamaliah binti AnuarKhairul Anuar bin OsmanKhairul Anwar bin AhmadKhairul Nisak binti MD HasanKhalidah binti Khalid AliManiza binti MansorMazlin binti IdressMeor Asniwan bin Mew GhazaliMior Puzaili bin Mior NazriMohd Azian bin MontelMohd Fadil bin Mohd AriffMohd Fadzli bin RosliMohd Hatta bin AmranMohd Khalid bin Ka’abMohd Ramli bin Abdul RazakMohd Shahrul Izuan bin Mohd Khairami

Mohd Jailani bin KassimMohd Mokrim bin HassanMohd Razali bin MohidinMohd Shahafizan bin ZulkifliMohd Shaharuddin bin Abdul RahmanMohd Shairul bin HarunMohd Zamri bin AbdullahMuhamad Anuar bin Abdul MuinMuhammad Firdaus bin Mohd HashimNoor Affendy bin Mohamed AliNor Aizian Bt YusofNor Hasneyza binti ZakariaNoraini binti Zainal AbidinNorfazila binti Mohd SuaidNorkamar Faridatul Salwa binti KamarudinPuspa Dahlia binti Abdul RahmanRabi’atul Ahya binti Md SharifRiduan bin SallehRoslina binti Nordin AliRuslan bin IdrisSamsul Jefri bin NordinSiti Rusianawati binti Abdul RahmanSuhaidi bin MustafaSuhaili binti Mohd SauriTalhah bin HasanYusmiza binti Abdul JabarZafri bin ZainudinZaidah binti MahmudZamil bin KhairuddinZazilah binti MayZurina binti Musa

Mohd SharulNizam bin Abd RahmanMohd Zamani bin Mohd ZainMohd Zuraimi bin RahmanMuhamad Hazri bin Ahmad ShahpinNazleeni Samiha binti Haron @ BaharonNiraku Rosmawati binti AhmadNoor Azura binti Abdul ShukorNoor Idahwati binti Mohd ZainNoorsyawaliza binti IdrisNoralyza binti Mohammed TamjisNurhashimah binti HashimNurul Fazilah binti EsaNurul Wahida binti HoodOmar bin RamliRafidah binti ZulkapliRahmat bin Abu SemanSaadiah binti SaharuddinSavita A/P K. SugathanSiti Rohkmah binti Mohd ShukriSuhaila binti SharainiSuhana Albakri binti Abu BakarYew Kwang HooiZahari Effendi bin Zulkifli

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.19.20.21.22.23.24.25.26.27.28.29.30.31.32.33.

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10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.19.20.21.

34.35.36.37.38.39.40.41.42.43.44.45.46.47.48.49.50.51.52.53.54.55.56.57.58.59.60.61.62.63.64.65.66.

22.23.24.25.26.27.28.29.30.31.32.33.34.35.36.37.38.39.40.41.42.43.44.45.

67.68.69.70.71.72.73.74.75.76.77.78.79.80.81.82.83.84.85.86.87.88.89.90.91.92.93.94.95.96.97.

46.47.48.49.50.51.52.53.54.55.56.57.58.59.60.61.62.63.64.65.66.67.68.

15 YEARS LONG SERVICES AWARD

10 YEARS LONG SERVICES AWARD

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It’s Time Once Again for Biennial

Tapestryof Colours

As usual, the funds raised will be channeled to Yayasan UTP which funds deserving students in UTP and other student development activities.

We expect to see more than 200 UTP students, local and international, taking a break from science and engineering and delving into the art of music and dance. This will be the fourth concert of its kind and this time around our guest artiste will be Dayang Nurfaizah.

Tickets for the concert, to be held at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), are now available.

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Come 29 July 2017, our students will once again take to the stage in a full regalia of colours, costume and tradition for a good and noble cause

For more detailswww.utp.edu.my

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This will be the first ever Optical Topography-Hub outside of Japan and will be the hub for an open invitation network for universities, hospitals and companies for work in Applied Brain Science.

UTP’s CISIR will work with Hitachi Ltd and Hitachi Asia Ltd in driving research and will collaborate with partners in medicine, education and industry research and development activities.

The CISIR-OT Hub is anticipated to better serve the research and clinical community in their journey to learn more about the brain, and ultimately benefit the community at large.

It’s all about the brain. So UTP and Hitachi is setting up a research hub for joint research on Optical Topography

A BrainyAlliance

For more detailswww.utp.edu.my

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A Coalition for

Socio-EconomicDevelopment

They will also work with other Yunus Centres around the world to significantly contribute to societal development through social business.

The group will also work in other areas such as education, capacity and capability building activities for social business education, R&D, student attachment and adjunct lecturer/professorship programmes, among others.

This collaborative effort follows UTP’s collaboration with the Yunus Social Business Centre in September 2016 when we set up CoSI’s Yunus unit to foster social business innovation within the campus.

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Five parties-UTP, UKM USM, Youth Trust Foundation and IDR-have agreed to work together to design potential social business models for community development with the establishment of the Malaysian Yunus Social Business Network

For more detailswww.utp.edu.my

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inGold MedalOlympics?

Nevertheless, gold is still gold, and we were crowned the Institutional Champion at the games in BINUS University in Jakarta.

This competition saw 82 institutions from 10 countries pitting their English Language skills in debates, speeches, spelling bees, short story writing, newscasting, scrabble, storytelling and radio dramas.

Now we know that UTP students certainly have strong English skills. Well done team!

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Yes indeed! However it was the Asian English Olympics 2017 and not the global sports event

For more detailswww.utp.edu.my

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ASTARChampions

Our Malay Junior Debate Team outdid themselves and brought home the cup, beating rival International Islamic University Malaysia. This is the second time UTP won this competition, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious Malay debate competitions. The first time was in 2005.

UTP was represented in both categories - the Main Category and the Junior Category, which collectively made up 44 teams from both public and private universities for the entire competition. Our champions walked away with trophies and RM3,000.

Meanwhile, debater Anis Syazwani Bashari, also did us proud when she emerged as one of the Top 10 Best Speakers in the Main Debate category. Incidentally she was part of the Junior Team that brought back the champion’s trophy.

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We as a champion university and a university of champions… once again proven by our victory in the Inter-varsity ASTAR Open Debate competition

For more detailswww.utp.edu.my

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welcome aboard21 new staff members joined us during the months of January to March this year. We welcome our new

colleagues from both far and near and we wish you a great journey with us here at UTP.

Abdul Lateef BalogunSenior LecturerFaculty of Engineering

Ahmad Mahamad Al-YacoubyPost Doctoral ResearcherFaculty of Engineering

Amjad ShamimLecturerManagement and Humanities

Azlina Binti Mohd LazimCounselorStudent Support Services

Azlinda Binti Abdul MalikLecturerFaculty of Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering

Azri Safwan Bin ZulkifliExecutiveInformation Technology and Media Services

Dimas Bayu EndrayanaLecturerFaculty of Engineering

Eko Widi PurnomoPost Doctoral ResearcherResearch and Innovation Office

Fathin Suraya Binti JainlabdinExecutive TraineeResidential Village

Moacyr Bartholomeu LarucciaAssociate ProfessorFaculty of Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering

Mohamad Nazmi Zaidi Bin MoniResearch ScientistResearch and Innovation Office

Mohamed Afzanizal Bin Mohd AzharExecutiveInformation Technology and Media Services

Mohamed Zamrud Bin ZainalLecturerFaculty of Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering

Muhamad Zulfadhli Bin Mohd FadzilExecutiveInformation Technology and Media Services

Nik Azrin-Azmi Bin Nik Ahmad AzmiExecutiveCorporate Services

Nik Mohd Hamidi Bin MohamadExecutiveInformation Resource Centre

Nur Aminah Binti OthmanExecutiveQuality Management Unit

Nur Syairah Binti Mohamad SabriExecutive TraineeCorporate Services

Robabeh BashiriResearch ScientistResearch and Innovation Office

Sharifah Nur Syahirah Binti Syed LuthfiExecutive TraineeFinance and Asset Management

Taimur KhanPost Doctoral ResearcherResearch and Innovation Office

UTP Quarterly is the quarterly newsletter of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. The views and opinions expressed or implied are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University’s management. No article in part or in

whole should be reprinted without written permission.

Editorial correspondence and contributions can be addressed to: The Editor-In-Chief, UTP Quarterly, Corporate Services,

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia Tel: 605-368 8230