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| APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (DEVELOPMENT), UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA | |
The University of Malaya (UM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Dr. Kurunathan Ratnavelu as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) for three years with effect from September 1st, 2010 until August 31st, 2013. |
Professor Dr. Kurunathan Ratnavelu |
Professor Kurunathan succeeds Professor Datuk Dr. Khaw Lake Tee, whose term ends on August 31st, 2010. An expert in Theoretical Collision Processes with specific interest in positron collisions with atoms, Professor Kurunathan obtained his Bachelor of Science (First Class Hons.) and his Master of Science by research from the Department of Mathematics, University of Malaya, and furthered his PhD study in Atomic Physics in Flinders University, Australia. He started off as a lecturer in UM in 1989, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1994 and subsequently as Professor in 2001.
His outstanding contributions include the recent development and demonstration of an optical potential method to positron-hydrogen atom scattering process and its extension to other hydrogenic-type atoms. His scientific contributions are evidenced by over 40 international publications in Tier 1 & Tier 2 ISI journals with more than 360 citations, his role as a reviewer for international journals, and his collaboration with eminent international researchers. |
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Among the many accolades Professor Kurunathan has received include a number of international awards including The Young Scientist Award (Strategic Sector) in 1996 by MOSTI and the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation Science & Technology Award in 2004. In 2006, he was one of the 40 awardees for the Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award by Flinders University of South Australia for his contribution to physics and education.
His portfolio includes being the Honorary Secretary for the Malaysian Institute of Physics (1996 - 2009) and Malaysian Mathematical Society (1990 - 1993) and Editor of the Journal of Science and Technology in the Tropics. He was elected as a Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Physics in 2000 and Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia in 2005 for his contribution to sciences in Malaysia.
At the University of Malaya, he has served as a Deputy Dean (Research & Higher Degree), Faculty of Science (1999-2000, 2003-2006) and Deputy Dean (Development), Faculty of Science (2009-2010)
** Issued by : International & Corporate Relations Office (ICR), 30 August 2010
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| | | APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (STUDENT FFAIRS & ALUMNI), UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA | |
The University of Malaya (UM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Dr. Rohana Yusof as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) for three years with effect from August 8th, 2010 until August 7th, 2013. |
Professor Dr. Rohana Yusof |
Professor Rohana succeeds Associate Professor Datuk Dr. Azarae Haji Idris, whose term ended on August 7th, 2010. An expert in Dengue Virus Protease, Major Histocompability Class I Gene Expression, Molecular Virology-Dengue Virus and Human Papillomavirus, Professor Rohana has a PhD in Biochemistry from University of Leeds, UK, Master of Science from UM and a Bachelor in Science (Biochemistry) from Lancaster University. She was awarded the High Commissioner’s Award for Academic Excellence in London, UK for her work on Adenovirus for her PhD. Upon her return to Malaysia in 1993, she was appointed as a lecturer in UM.
Among the many accolades Professor Rohana has received include a number of international awards. The Japanese Society for Promotion of Science had awarded her a fellowship in 1996 that allowed her to be attached to Kinki University, Japan. She also obtained a fellowship from the ASEAN Molecular Biology Organization (1997) to work at the National Institute of Genetics, in Mishima, Japan. In 1998, she received the Fulbright Scholar award following which she spent 8 months at the Kansas University Medical Centre, USA. |
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Professor Rohana is also passionate about student activities, and was appointed as a Fellow of a student’s residential college for four years. In 2003, she was appointed Principal of the Ibnu Sina Residential College. During this time, she was on a number of advisory boards for student activities in the Student Affairs and Alumni Department.
Her portfolio also includes leading the Centre of Leadership Research and Innovation in the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, as the Deputy Director from January 14th, 2008 until August 7th, 2010.
** Issued by : International & Corporate Relations Office (ICR), 7 August 2010
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| | | UM, PANASONIC JOINT PROGRAMME TO EXPOSE STUDENT TO WORKING ENVIRONMENT | |
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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaya (UM) and Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd will jointly implement a structured training programme for university students to enhance soft skills and expose them to the working environment.
The programme, 'From Cradle to Career', which is the first of its kind between academia and industry, targets first-year students from various faculties to participate in Panasonic's sales ambassadorship.
Set to begin next year, the three-year programme offers structured training and development for UM students.
UM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Ghauth Jasmon said the programme would provide a path for students to become industry leaders and help the university to continue being top-ranked.
He also welcomed other industries to provide work-based learning or other forms of collaboration, such as joint research and commercialisation of research output.
"Many top universities in China, Korea and Japan have worked closely with the industries to produce a great graduates. Thus, I want to see more industries train our students and staff," he said at the signing ceremony of the programme's memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UM and Panasonic Malaysia here Tuesday.
In the first year, students under the programme will become mobile promoters at Panasonic outlets.
If they excel in their performance, they would be offered to undergo a three to six-month internship program, the following year.
During the final year of training, students will participate in Panasonic's retail sales certification programme and be offered the posts of sales ambassador if their performance and work discipline were exemplary.
Panasonic Malaysia managing director Jeff Lee Wee Leong said the programme was in line with the government's call to industry leaders to provide a platform for students to increase their employability skills, as well promote sales ambassadorship as a career of choice.
** Source - Bernama, Aug, 17, 2010
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| | | MERDEKA AWARDS 2010 : PROFESSOR EMERITUS YONG HOI SEN AND PROFESSOR DR. HARITH AHMAD | |
Professor Emeritus Dr Yong Hoi Sen |
The selection of
Professor Emeritus Dr Yong Hoi Sen
was based on his outstanding contribution towards the development of basic and applied knowledged of Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biological Systematics, Evolutionary Biology and Biological Diversity of Malaysian flora and fauna.
Among his outstanding achievements include the discovery of female mammals with XO sex chromosome, new species and new records of living organisms, besides confirming the existence of many other species in Malaysia.
A noteworthy new species, the Trypanosoma raksasa- the largest trypanosome parasite of frogs and toads in the world - was discovered by him in the Universiti Malaya campus.
For his achievement, Yong, who is currently attached to Insitute of Biological Sciences, Universiti Malaya, has had various species named after him, including Topomyia yongi, Cladomyrma yongi and Kalophrynus yongi. |
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Meanwhile,Professor Dr Harith Ahmad
is a prominent name in the field of photonics in Malaysia. One of the earliest and high impact achievements was his role in kick-starting the virtually non-existent field of solid state lasers in Malaysia.
He is currently attached to the Phontnics Research Lab, Department of Physics, Universiti Malaya, where he and his research team have successfully produced various components used in the nationwide optical network by Telekom Malaysia such as fused couplers, optical amplifiers, optical fibres, Brillonis sources, Ring lasers, C-band Edfa and white light sources.
*Source : Bernama, Aug 4, 2010 |
Professor Dr Harith Ahmad |
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| | | OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: NEW FINDING IN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH | |
Title holder. Lurking within a tightly packed stellar cluster, the supergiant R 136a1 is the most massive star ever found. Credit: ESO
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A team of researchers from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya (UM), recorded an outstanding achievement when their collaborative research with the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom and universities in Germany discovered a new finding in astronomy and astrophysics research.
The research has discovered the most massive stars to date, weighing more than 300 times the mass of the Sun at birth, or twice as much as the currently accepted limit of 150 solar masses.
The team is composed of Paul A. Crowther, Richard J. Parker, and Simon P. Goodwin (University of Sheffield, UK), Olivier Schnurr (University of Sheffield and Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany), Raphael Hirschi (Keele University, UK), as well as Norhasliza Yusof and Associate Professor Dr. Hasan Abu Kassim (University of Malaya, Malaysia). |
A press release on this new discovery was issued by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) on July 21, 2010, and it was reported by Science News, BBC and the Discovery Channel.
| For more information on this new discovery, please refer to the links below: |
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International & Corporate Relations Office (ICR)
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| | | ESMR BRINGS NEW HOPE TO CORONARY HEART PATIENTS | | Tuesday May 4, 2010
PETALING JAYA: Good news awaits coronary heart patients who cannot undergo angioplasty or bypass surgery.
The Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) now has a therapy called the Ex-tracorporeal Shockwave Myocardial Revascula-risation (ESMR) procedure, which provides treatment without surgery.
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New procedure, new hope: Dr Wan Azman explaining to Universiti Malaya vicechancellor Prof Datuk Ghauth Jasmon as PPUM faculty dean Prof Dr Datuk Ikram Shah Ismail looks on during the presentation yesterday. — Bernama
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UMMC Head of Cardiology Unit Prof Dr Wan Azman Wan Ahmad said the ESMR was a shockwave treatment directed to the heart muscle lacking in blood flow.
“The therapy will stimulate growth of new blood vessels in the heart muscle,” he told a news conference after delivery of the RM2.8mil ESMR equipment to UMMC here yesterday.
The non-invasive procedure is done by relieving blockages to the heart and allowing oxygen flow by using a special generator that produces low-intensity shockwaves.
“Each session takes about an hour, three times a week. Patients do not have to stay at UMMC. After undergoing treatment for a week, they rest for three weeks before the next treatment. Patients need to undergo treatment nine times,” said Dr Wan Azman.
He said the device would be used on patients for the first time tomorrow, and the procedure would cost RM2,500.
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“The availability of the medical technology for the fist time in the country could spur research opportunities at UMMC.” - Bernama
*Source : TheStar, May 4, 2010
Releted News:
Bernama
Utusan Malaysia
| | | TIDREC, UM IS LAUNCHING THE NEWLY-INSTALLED MODULAR BIOSAFETY LEVEL 3 (BSL 3) RESEARCH FACILITY | |
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| Dato Seri Mohamed Khaled watched Dr. Chang Li Yen conducting an experiment. With him is UM s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Prof. Dr. Hamzah Abdul Rahman |
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya s newly launched RMl0mil research facility to combat and prevent infectious tropical diseases like dengue can cut dependence on foreign research labs.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Sen Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that with the appropriate biosafety facilities to conduct research on disease samples the centre was expected to cut local dependence on foreign research labs and at the same time forge collaborative links with local and foreign research institutions.
Previously, disease samples had to be sent to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta United States for further study.
Recognised as the most advanced facility in its class by the French Government the Modular Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Research Facility was installed by the university s Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (Tidrec) at the Faculty of Medicine.
Mohamed Khaled said that the facility would enhance Tidrec s role in the study and prevention of infectious tropical diseases.
"We hope that the lab will produce results through the development of vaccines and the commercialisation of research findings," he said in a press conference when launching the centre.
"I also expect the facility to strengthen the country s national bio-security defences and help in our measures against biological weapons threats."
It is learnt that Tidrec is collaborating with researchers from the Defence Ministry.
The centre will also develop vaccines and diagnostics to minimise the impact of biological warfare.
The cost of setting up the facility was borne entirely by the ministry.
Also present at the event was the French Ambassador to Malaysia, Marc Barety.
Under biocontainment classification BSL1 labs focus on well characterised agents not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adult humans while BSL2 facilities cater to pathogens that pose moderate potential hazard to personnel and the environment like hepatitis dengue fever and Influenza A.
BSL3 labs are applicable for indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease after inhalation like yellow fever and the SARS coronavirus. Meanwhile BSL4 facilities are required for work with agents which cause severe to fatal disease in humans for which vaccines or other treatments are unavailable such as Lassa fever and the Ebola virus.
Mohamed Khaled added that the university s search for the right person to head its Indian Studies Department was ongoing and a suitable candidate should be identified by June or July.
*Source: The Star, April 13, 2010
| | | ASIA-EUROPE HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO BE PART OF MYEULINK | | Asia-Europe Institute has been appointed to be a part of a consortium consisting of the University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, Masstricht University, The Netherlands, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sabah to conduct the Services Sector Dialogue & Business Cooperation and EU Outreach & Visibility, Malaysia (MYEULINK) project.
The consortium which is headed by the University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, is awarded a full grant of 575,000 Euro by the European Commission, Malaysia to develop this project within 3 years starting from 2010.
Through this project, AEI is elected as Partner 1 and the institution is given greater mandate and responsibilities compared to other consortium members from local universities;
- Coordinating the EU-related Teaching and Learning in Politics and Law.
- Contributing expertise as a coordinator in administering High Level Seminars and organizing a Europe / Malaysia Higher Education Fair (EMHEF).
- Delivering expertise as a coordinator in administering High Level Seminars and organizing a Europe / Malaysia Higher Education Fair (EMHEF).
The official launch of the project took place at the Prince Hotel & Residence, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur on March 30th, 2010, with H.E. Vincent Piket, Ambassador & Head of Delegation of the EU in Malaysia and YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education, in attendance as guests of honour.
| | | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA VICE-CHANCELLOR RECEIVES THE AWARD OF HIGHEST HONOR BY SOKA UNIVERSITY, JAPAN | | Kuala Lumpur, February 25th, 2010 - University of Malaya (UM) Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Dr. Ghauth Jasmon was conferred the Award of Highest Honor by the Soka University, Japan. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding achievements in promoting international culture and education and developing mutual understanding on a global scale. President of Soka University, Professor Hideomi Yamamoto presented the award to the Vice-Chancellor.
| | | MOU SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA AND THE INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS | | KUALA LUMPUR, 10th February 2010 –University of Malaya (UM) is in line with the Prime Ministers vision of establishing bilateral ties not only in the area of trade and investments but also in education by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The MoU with ICCR is to establish a Chair in the area of Social Sciences and this is the first time ICCR is establishing this Chair in Malaysia.
Apart from teaching two courses in his/her specialty, the Chair will also take part in weekly departmental colloquium. In addition, he/she will give public lectures, to be called the ICCR Lecture in Social Sciences, at least twice during the semester and be actively involved in research and publication at UM.
UM Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ghauth Jasmon current interest is to establish strong relationships and collaborations with top universities in India. The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in the internationalization programme of University of Malaya, especially in the exchange of expertise and research collaboration between UM and institutions in India.
Currently UM has an MoU with Tamil University and has established academic collaborations at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
| | | BREAST CANCER: CONCERT TO HELP FUND TREATMENT | | UNIVERSITY Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) with the support and recommendation of UM pro-chancellor Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong, will hold a breast cancer fundraising concert to refill the coffers of the UMMC Breast Cancer Fund.
Themed "Give Life A Chance", the fund is appealing to the corporate sector, philanthropists and the public for donations.
Founded in 2000, the fund has been receiving funding from the government. In 2007, it received RM100,000 from a private organisation, which was disbursed to 20 patients within 10 months.
In 2008, it received RM250,000, which was only sufficient to support 60 patients that year.
It received RM356,759 last year, benefiting 69 patients.
UMMC wants to boost these figures.
"We are hopeful that people will care because breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women," said UM vice-chancellor Professor Dr Ghauth Jasmon.
"We want to give life a chance. At the current rate, the fund is only enough to subsidise second line chemotherapy drugs like Taxanes and Capecitabine.
"The duration of treatment can be anything between six and 18 months and the cost could be between RM15,000 and RM150,000 per patient."
Based on UMMCs patient log, the number of breast cancer cases is increasing at a rate of five per cent every year.
Performing at the concert on March 6 at Dewan Tunku Chancellor will be singers Roy and Jaclyn Victor and the UM Orchestra.
"Breast cancer survivors will be putting up a show to prove that cancer can be overcome with proper treatment."
*Source from New Straits Times (6/02/2010) | | | POLLING DAY FOR THE SELECTION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA 2009/2010 SESSI | | In conjunction with the Selection of Student Representative Council,
Polling Day will be held on 28th January 2010 (Thursday) from 10.00 am until 6.00 pm
- 18 polling centers as below:
- Dewan Tunku Canselor
- All Residential Colleges
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Economy and Administration
Percentage of voters can be seen via LCD projector screen at Level 1, Examination Hall.
The polling results will be announced at 8.00 pm. | | | UM GRADUATES WON 7 AWARDS AT THE 14TH BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES GRADUATE CONGRESS (BSGC) | | Dear Colleagues,
Once again, our graduate students did UM proud by winning 7 awards (out of 24) at the 14th Biological Sciences Graduate Congress (BSGC) held in Chulalongkorn University (CU), Bangkok, 10-12 December 2009. The BSGC is an annual event jointly organized by UM, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and CU with participants coming from other universities and Asia Pacific countries besides UM, NUS and CU. There were 4 themes in the 14th BSGC and within each theme there were oral and poster presentations. 6 awards were given for each theme: 3 for oral (1 best and 2 honorable mention) and 3 for poster (1 best and 2 honorable mention).
UM won 1 best oral presentation, 2 best poster presentations, 2 honorable mention oral presentations and 2 honorable mention poster presentations. Details are as follows (presenters’ names underlined):
BEST ORAL (Theme 2: Biotechnology)
Yeong YS, Nazni WA, Lee HL, Santhana-Raj AS, Sofian-Azirun M
Successful sterilization utilized of Lucilia cuprina maggots used for wound debridement therapy in patients
BEST POSTER (Theme 2: Biotechnology)
Genasan K, Kamarul T, Ng CLL, Sophia
In vitro study of amniotic membrane as a natural autologous chondrocyte carrier
BEST POSTER (Theme 3: Cell Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)
Quan MT, Rohaida CH, Azhar MM, Kamarul T
In vitro cultivation of osteogenic mesenchymal stem cells derived from rabbit bone marrow on different environments
HONORABLE MENTION ORAL (Theme 1: Biodiversity, Ecology And Systematics)
Lim CL, Haron NW, Kiew R
Evolution of flower morphology in Henckelia (Gesneriaceae)
HONORABLE MENTION ORAL (Theme 3: Cell Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)
Mariappan V, Vellasamy KM, Hashim O, Vadivelu J
Immunoproteomic analysis of Burkholderia cepacia secretory proteins at different growth phase
HONORABLE MENTION POSTER (Theme 1: Biodiversity, Ecology And Systematics)
Tan SH, Edah MA, Kurahashi H, Zulqarnain M
Genetic relationships between fifteen blow fly species (Calliphoridae) of forensic importance in Malaysia
HONORABLE MENTION POSTER (Theme 2: Biotechnology)
Abdeyazdan F, Philip K, Ajam N, Ghezelbash GR
Isolation and identification of Streptomyces geriseoruber (cellulolytic bacteria) using 16S rDNA method from termite gut
Congratulations to all the research groups.
The Best Poster Presenter: Genasan K |
The Best Oral Presenter: Yeong YS |
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| | | MAAL HIJRAH 1431 AWARD | | KUCHING, SARAWAK – Professor Dr. Zubaidah Haji Abdul Rahim from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya (UM) has been selected by the Majlis Islam Sarawak (MAIS) to receive the Maal Hijrah 1431 Award for the Excellence Achievement in Research & Development (R&D) category. She received the award from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin at the State-level Maal Hijrah 1431 celebration held at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre on December 18, 2009. The Chief Minister, YAB Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, several State Cabinet ministers and other local dignitaries were also present at the function.
| | | AWARD RECIPIENTS | | On 12th December 2009, in conjunction with 64th birthday of Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Ybhg. Tan Sri Datuk Haji Arshad Ayub, Chairman, Board of Director, University of Malaya and YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Khoo Kay Kim, Emeritus Professor, University of Malaya were conferred the Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (SPMS) which carry the title “Datuk Seri” and Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Selangor (DPMS) award which carry “Datuk”.
Source: Bernama Picture, New Straits Times | | | NEW PROJECT IN FORMULATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WHICH BRINGS WORLD'S TOP SCIENTISTS TOGETHER | | University of Malaya is now a member of a new €1.7 million EU funded project involving 17 world-leading research institutions. This project is led by The University of Manchester and will encourage the transfer of ideas and knowledge between top scientists around the world. The InForm project will provide a boost to an exciting area of research known as formulation science.
Formulation science is of vital importance to the development of many products that make our lives more comfortable, safer and enjoyable – such as household and personal care products, foods, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and coatings. These products contain the appropriate quantity of several compounds, mixed, arranged, and structured to perform a specific application. But the development of new formulated products using novel materials – including nanomaterials – requires a careful evaluation of the environmental impact and toxicological effects. Nanoformulation is already helping with the development of more effective methods of drug delivery with in the body. In industry there is a huge demand for high performing, cheap and environmentally sustainable products – and formulation design has been identified as being key in their development.
Now researchers working on the three-year InForm project are aiming to bring together top scientific knowledge in this area to enhance understanding of the subject. At present, the design of formulated products is based on repeated cycles of measurements and testing, and the optimisation strategy depends to a large extent on the ‘experience’ of the formulator.
InForm will create appropriate platforms for dissemination between researchers from Europe, USA and Asia-Pacific working in academia, public research laboratories and industry in order to identify and enhance complementary interests. InForm will distribute its activities between six thematic lines that are of fundamental importance in formulations, using activities such as scientific and technical forums, networking events, fact finding missions and technical workshops to achieve its goals. A researcher exchange program will also enable seeding of new collaborations between partners in different world regions.
The project has been funded by the European Commission through the European Union Framework 7 programme.
The thematic lines are as follows:
- Formulation of nano-bio materials
- Handling and processing of nanopowders
- Process intensification and soft nanomaterials formulations
- Physical chemistry at the nanoscale
- The nanoscale and the formulation of smart and functional coatings, films and tapes
- Toxicology and health effects of nanomaterials
Activities planned including :
- Inform Connect, 13-15 January 2010, UM, Malaysia
- NanoFormulation2010, 9-11 June 2010, YKI, Sweden
- NanoFormulation2011, TBA, ICES, Singapore
- NanoFormulation 2012, TBA. CSIC, Spain
- Researcher exchange program
For more information please contact Rauzah Hashim (UM coordinator), Tel 03 7967 4009, rauzah@um.edu.my
http://www.nanoformulation.eu/index.php/home.html
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| | | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA ACADEMICS AWARDED THE PINGAT BAKTI SETIA FROM THE PRISON DEPARTMENT OF MALAYSIA | | On 2 November 2009, in conjunction with Hari Penjara Malaysia 2009, Associate Professor Dr. Norbani Mohamed Nazeri from Faculty of Law and Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman from Faculty of Medicine were awarded the Pingat Bakti Setia Penjara Malaysia for their contributions to the Prison Department of Malaysia.
Professor Adeeba and colleagues from the Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA) in collaboration with the Prison Department of Malaysia, work in a project on the prevention and treatment of HIV among prisoners. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Norbani and her students from the Faculty of Law had contributed in terms of providing courses on law to teenagers at the Kajang Prison through the “Community Outreach Program”.
| | | UM IS BACK TO AMONG WORLD'S TOP 200 UNIVERSITIES | | Universiti Malaya rejoined the tight circle of top universities in the world today after four years in the wilderness.
The countrys oldest institute of higher learning is the 180th best university in the world, according to the 2009 Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings list published by the UKs Times Higher Education magazine and released today.
Harvard University in the US still holds the top spot for the sixth year running.
But the United Statess grip on the 2009 World University Rankings has loosened greatly with five dropping out of the top 200 altogether as Asian institutions steadily climb up the academic ladder.
Last year, UM came in at 230th best in the world.
It was the only Malaysian university to make the top 200 table this year. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which was given apex university status by the federal government, failed to make the cut.
Phil Baty, deputy editor of Times Higher Education and editor of the annual best universities index, credited UMs return to “a solid performance in our international academic peer review exercise, and to a relatively high level of international faculty.”
“The UK has been watching closely as Malaysia sets itself up as an international hub for higher education — and increasing international collaborations, with the associated student and staff mobility, are likely to see Malaysia further improve its international profile,” he added in a press statement.
UM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon was overjoyed over its new ranking when The Malaysian Insider broke the news to him. He had been working on reaching the top 200 list in two years.
In an immediate response, Ghauth said: “This will be a major boost to bring up the morale and motivation of staff and students.”
Ghauth, who was appointed vice-chancellor last Nov 10, said UM had taken big steps to define the “proper targets” for all academics after its dismal performance last year.
“People now know what they have to do every year in order to meet their KPI and they know what they need to have before they could apply for promotion,” he said.
He pointed out that UM went on a “massive recruitment drive” and hired 300 international educators.
UM also increased its foreign student intake which now numbers over 1,000 with 99 per cent in post-graduate studies.
“In order to do that we actually set up offshore offices. Now we have two offshore offices in China, one in Tehran, two more coming up in Jakarta and Sudan,” Ghauth said, ticking off on his fingers.
“If things go well, well set up one in Yemen because our idea is really to bring up the number of international students for research and post-graduate research,” he added.
UM has also been aggressively pushing for more inter-university student exchange programmes.
The figures of Malaysian students involved in the exchange has more than doubled, from 600 to just over 1,300.
The number of foreign students in UM has also gone up.
“We have a total of 1,297 students from universities in Korea, UK, and some universities in the US,” Ghauth said.
The university also revamped its hiring formula to improve the quality of their research, he said.
“We only accept staff who publish in the ISI index journal,” he said, referring to the Institute for Scientific Information founded by Eugene Garfield in 1960 which maintains an extensive database covering thousands of academic journals to help researchers identify the most popular articles cited by other researchers.
“And you know that only 10 per cent of submissions are accepted by the ISI index journal so each time you publish there, you are very sure of the quality.
“This is how we make sure that the research that our staff is doing has met international standards,” Ghauth explained.
And Ghauth is now even more gung-ho in pushing UM into the top 100 table within the next five years.
He is convinced UM can do it.
“For the future, I am doubling up research,” he said.
“I want more publications of international textbooks and ISI index journal publication, especially those faculties that before this were not really doing it,” he added, noting that the social sciences were lagging behind the other faculties.
But not everyone is satisfied with UMs new ranking.
DAP leader Lim Kit Siang told The Malaysian Insider that UMs position “while commendable, is nothing really to shout about.”
The veteran politician, who has been keeping a close eye on the annual university ranking index, said it must take into context UMs previous performance in 2004, when it scored the 89th position among the worlds 100 best universities.
It tumbled a long way down and limped in at 169th position the following year, despite then Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razaks challenge for it to race into the top 50 list.
“We have a long way to go,” he stressed, pointing out that Singapore was still ahead of Malaysia.
The universities in both countries actually share common roots as the University of Malaya which goes all the way back to 1949. A Bill was passed in 1961 which saw the two campuses in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore become fully-fledged national universities in their own right.
Malaysias UM, as it is known today, was founded on Jan 1, 1962.
*Source: The Malaysian Insider Online | | | UM TEAM ROBOGAMEZ 2009 CHAMPION | | A team from Universiti Malaya (UM) emerged champion in the Robogamez 2009 final, after sweeping aside stiff competition provided by three other teams in the open category on 4th October 2009.
UM, which was represented by 14 undergraduates from Centre of Research in Applied Electronics (CRAE UM) and students of CAD/CAM and Manufacturing Engineering, beat Inology Squad from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (international campus), JMTI B from the Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute and UPM A from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in the final matches.
The champion won cash of USD 2,000, trophies and participation certificates, besides being able to represent Malaysia at the Featherweight Championship in the United Kingdom next year.
Robogamez is a robotic competition aimed at creating awareness in robotics technology as well as creating a platform for various people especially the students to be involved in a more hands-on and practical aspect in engineering and technology through robotics. The competition was officiated by Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung. Under the theme, "Rising of the Silent Tower: Resist or Surrender", the competition participants
were required to build a robot that could fight in a war. The team who successfully conquered and defended the Tower will be the ULTIMATE winner. Robogamez 2009 was participated by 48 teams from universities and institutions around the country. UM team managed to conquer the tower in all final matches and emerged as the champion in Robogamez 2009.
The winning team in this competition, UM team consists of members from UM Robotics Team formed by CRAE UM and students of CAD/CAM and Manufacturing Engineering. The UM Robotics Team comprised second-year and third-year undergraduate students from the Engineering Faculty. Over the year, their R&D and tremendous effort have proven its success in the arena of robotics in Malaysia. UM Robotics Team successfully grabbed the Best Idea Award in Robocon Malaysia 2009, and Champion in Robogamez Malaysia 2009.
UM Robotics Team has created a great opportunity for undergraduate engineering students to brush up their technical skills and create the awareness of the importance of Research and Developments during their undergraduate study.
 | | | PROF. DR NORMA MANSOR APPOINTED AS NEAC'S SECRETARY-GENERAL | | Professor Dr Norma Mansor (Faculty of Economics & Administrations) has been appointed by Prime Minister as the councils secretary-general in the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC).
There are 9 other experts appointed to the NEAC. Among them are Dr Yukon Huang, senior adviser to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Prof Dr Danny Quah, the London School of Economics (LSE) department head.
The others are University Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, former Bank Negara chief economist Datuk Andrew Sheng, former World Bank consultant Datuk Dr Zainal Aznam Mohd Yusof, National Implementation Task Force adviser Datuk Dr Hamzah Kassim, corporate advisor Datuk Nicholas S. Zefferys, Institute of Strategic and International Studies director-general Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin and World Bank east asian regional chief economist Dr Homi J.Kharas.
 | | | UM SURGEON WINS INTERNATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARD | | Professor Dr Cheng Har Yip, a surgeon with University Malaya Medical Centre, has received an international award for her outstanding work in breast cancer treatment. She was awarded the UICC (International Union Against Cancer) 2009 Reach to Recovery International Health Professional Award at a conference held in Brisbane, Australia, last week. She was the only recipient outside Australia to receive the award from the United States based body.
* Source: NST Online
 | | | UM STUDENT WINS UNIVERSITIES' ESSAY CHALLENGE | | Tan Hon Jian, from the Faculty of Law did University of Malaya (UM) proud by winning the Standard Chartered Bank-MoU Universities’ Essay Challenge 2008/2009. His essay entitled “Islamic Banking and its relevance to my personal finances” won as the Best Overall Essay out of 500 entries from University of Malaya (UM), University of Mara Technology (UiTM) and University of Science Malaysia (USM).
He received his prize from Y.B Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister of Defence in a ceremony on 13 April 2009. The winning prize is in the form of RM 3500 in Standard Chartered Saadiq savings account.
Tan has distinguished himself from the other two finalists from USM and UiTM by being the only first year student who managed to enter the final stage. This shows the quality of student that UM has. The essay produced by Tan has proven the originality of idea and the level of understanding that he has on Islamic Banking system that had appealed the independent committees who assessed all the essays.
The UM campus community is proud of this achievement and hopefully this successful story will encourage more UM students to prove their ability in their respective academic fields in various competitions.
 | | | UM WINS THE 2009 PHILIP C. JESSUP INTERNATIONAL LAW MOOT COURT COMPETITION | | On the 20th - 22nd of February 2009, the Malaysia National Round of the Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2009 was held at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya.
Eight teams from both public and private law schools participated in three grueling days of oratory competition. The eight Malaysian teams which took part this year were Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Darul Iman Malaysia (UDIM), Multimedia University (MMU), Advanced Tertiary College (ATC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and University of Malaya (UM).
After a long and intense competition, the team from University of Malaya was announced as the National Champions and will represent Malaysia at the International Rounds of the competition in Washington D.C.
The team from University of Malaya comprised of the following students from the Faculty of Law, namely,
* Samuel Leong Chan Yan
* Tharishni V. Arumugam
* Karthini Mahendranathan
* Affendy Ali Dally
At the end of the competition, UM also bagged the Best Oralist award as Samuel Leong from the University of Malaya team was named the best oralist of the competition. Congratulations to the UM team!
 | | | UM CHAMPIONS THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN INTERVARSITY DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 | | University of Malaya reached unprecedented heights in the Royal Malaysian Intervarsity Debating Championship 2008 held at the International Islamic University Malaysia from the 29th November to the 3rd December. For the first time in history, after 13 years of participating in the competition, the UM team (Senior) beat 44 teams from 16 institutions and emerged as Champions. The team represented by Catharine Kho Tjing Yiing (3rd year Math), Hugh John Leong (3rd year TESL) and Tee Ann Jie (3rd year Economics) fought their way through 6 prelims, a quarter finals, a semi finals and ultimately became the deserving winner of the Champion Trophy.
 | | | UM SCIENTISTS HONOURED AT THE MALAYSIA TORAY SCIENCE FOUNDATION 2007 (MTSF 2007) AWARDS PRESENTATION | | University of Malaya (UM) recorded yet another outstanding achievement when its scientists were recognized by the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation at its awards ceremony held at the Nikko Hotel on December 13, 2007.
Prof. Dr. Harith Ahmad (Department of Physics, Faculty of Science) and Prof. Dr. Thong Kwai Lin (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science) each received the Science & Technology Award, which comprises of a Certificate and a cash prize of RM 30,000. Prof. Dr. Harith received the award for his contributions to laser and photonics research and development in Malaysia, which includes the setting up of the only planar lightwave fabrication facility in this region. Prof. Dr. Thong Kwai Lin was recognized for her development of techniques which enabled her to make landmark contributions to the study of Salmonella typhi and Salmonella enterica.
In addition, seven (7) scientists from University of Malaya were also awarded the MTSF 2007 Science & Technology Research Grant. The scientists are:
- Dr. Chan Kok Gan (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science)
Research Project: "Molecular Studies on Quorum Quenching System in Soil Bacteria"
- Mr. Daicus Anak Belabut (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science)
Research Project: "The Ecology and Biology of Genus Microphyla Tshcudi,1838, in Peninsular Malaysia"
- Mr. Lee Lin Kiat (Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine)
Research Project: "Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Proteins in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Immunology and Survival"
- Ms. Lim King Ting (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science)
Research Project: "Determination of the Beta-Lactam Resistance Mechanisms in E.coli and Klebsiella sp"
- Dr. Tai Cheh Chin (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine)
Research Project: "Detecting and Monitoring Haematogenous Pathogens in Peri-Prosthetic Infection of Hip and Knee Joints"
- Mr. Tay Kheng Soo (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science)
Research Project: "Degradation of Biorecalcitrant Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) by Ozone Oxidation"
- Ms. Teh Ser Huy (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science)
Research Project: "The Production of Recombinant Erythropoietin in Pichia Pastoris by Fermentation"
Since the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation initiated its awards in 1994, eleven (11) University of Malaya scientists have received the Science and Technology Award, and many more have been awarded the Science and Technology Research Grant.
 | | | UM WINS INTERNATIONAL PHYSIOLOGY QUIZ COMPETITION | | The team from the University of Malaya emerged winners of the 6th Intermedical School Physiology Quiz overcoming a strong challenge from the University of New South Wales, Australia, on Saturday 23rd of August, on the University of Malaya campus.
The 6th edition of the competition which was organized by the Department of Physiology and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, drew a total of 37 teams from 14 countries including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Russia, the Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia. This is a far cry from the inaugural contest in 2003 initiated by the Department in memory of Professor A. Raman, the first Malaysian Professor of Physiology in the UM Faculty of Medicine, where 7 teams, all from Malaysia, took part.
The contest was keen, from the initial written qualifying quiz to the head to head elimination rounds, with the UM team nudging out the team from UNSW in a hard-fought final. The University of Philippines Medical College came in third with Penang Medical College in 4th place. The other teams that made it to the quarter finals were Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, National University of Singapore and Melaka-Manipal Medical College.
The UM team comprised of Phase 2 (2nd year) students Avni Patel, Kalavaani a/p Vijan, Boon Kah Yoong, Lor Tong Liang and Chia Keng Hean.
 | | | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA RESEARCHERS WIN BIG AT PMI-2 | | Researchers from the University of Malaya (UM) scored big with the highest number of successful applications in the "Research Cooperation” category of the Prime Minister’s Initiative for International Education (PMI-2) Connect Scheme. UM’s seven (7) successful grants totalled GBP 230,385. The awards were announced on 8th September 2008 at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur hosted by the British Council. The Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khalid bin Nordin, and the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, HE Mr. Boyd McCleary, were in attendance.
The successful UM researchers include Professor Dr. Harith Ahmad (photonics - 2 successful applications in photonic devices and high-power fibre lasers), Professor Dr. Kwek Kuan Hiang (plasma laser physics), Professor Dr. Mhd. Radzi Abas (halocarbons and climate change), Professor Dr. Wong Peng Choon (group theory and mathematical cryptography), Associate Professor Dr. Yau Yat Huang (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration engineering), and Dr. Chan Kok Gan (molecular microbiology and biotechnology). Through their research activities UM will collaborate closely with City University London, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Southampton, University of Glasgow and the University of Nottingham.
 | | | SULTAN AZLAN SHAH FUND FOR STUDENT MOBILITY LAUNCHED | | The University of Malaya (UM) has launched the Sultan Azlan Shah Fund for Student Mobility on 28th August, 2008. The Fund is named in honour of His Royal Highness DYMM PADUKA SERI SULTAN PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN SULTAN AZLAN SHAH, Tuanku Chancellor, University of Malaya. The University has invested an initial amount of RM 30 million which will give 1,250 undergraduates from each intake the opportunity to expand their knowledge as well as get a hands-on experience and exposure in an international environment. This enriching experience will expand their horizons and have them better equipped to contribute positively in their respective fields and to be leaders in the future.
“At UM, we view education as being more than just producing academically outstanding graduates; we also want to provide an avenue for our students to gain the utmost exposure by working together with students from other countries and other ethnic communities for the betterment of the individual. We are now building on our legacy by internationalizing our offerings and enriching the experiences of our students.” explained Datuk Rafiah Salim, Vice-Chancellor, University of Malaya.
The first batch of recipients from the Sultan Azlan Shah Fund will soon be on their way to universities in the United States of America, Mexico, Korea, Japan and Thailand.
 | | | EPF ESTABLISHES SENIOR CITIZEN FINANCIAL PROTECTION CHAIR AT UM | | The University of Malaya (UM) has been entrusted with the formulation of policies meant to secure the retirement of more than eleven million members of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) through the establishment of the Senior Citizen Financial Protection Chair. A memorandum of agreement to set up this Chair was signed on 25th August, 2008, at the EPF headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
The Senior Citizen Financial Protection Chair, to be located in UM’s Faculty of Business and Accountancy, is the nation’s first to address important issues such as inflation, escalating costs and longer life expectancy on the financial well-being of the elderly, who are expected to comprise 10% of the population by the year 2020. The holder of the Senior Citizen Financial Protection Chair will conduct policy research, publish, supervise postgraduates as well as advise the EPF in its efforts to address the changing demands of its members.
“The number of senior citizens is expected to increase from 1.4 million in the year 2000 to 3.4 million in the year 2020. A Malaysian woman enjoys an average lifespan of 76 years while for a Malaysian man it is 70 years. However, it is imperative to have a good quality of life at such an age and this is directly linked to financial protection,” added Datuk Rafiah Salim, Vice-Chancellor, University of Malaya.
 | | | PROFESSOR WAN AZMAN WAN AHMAD HAS BEEN AWARDED EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF CARDIOLOGY (ESC) FELLOWSHIP | | Professor Wan Azman Wan Ahmad from Faculty of Medicine has been awarded European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Fellowship by European College of Cardiology. Congratulations on this achievement.
 | | | ANZCA ACCREDITATION FOR TRAINING IN ANAESTHESIA | | The Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), has been accredited by the Hospital Accreditation Committee, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) for Basic and Advanced Training in Anaesthesia as well as for Provisional Fellowship Program.
Heartiest congratulations to the Department of Anaesthesiology, UMMC, from the Management and staff of the University of Malaya. | | | HER MAJESTY QUEEN RANIA AL-ABDULLAH FROM JORDAN RECEIVED HONORARY DOCTORATE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | | Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah from Jordan received her Honorary Doctorate in International Relations from University of Malaya on 16th of May 2008.
To learn more about Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, please visit her official website at http://www.queenrania.jo/ | | | MICPA EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR BEST ACCOUNTING GRADUATES 2007 | | Cheah Kam Fei from Faculty of Business & Accounting has been chosen as the winner of "MICPA Excellence Awards for Best Accounting Graduates 2007" by the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants. | | | UM OBTAINS IPEM ACCREDITATION | | University of Malaya has been successful in obtaining the IPEM (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine) accreditation of the Master of Medical Physics Program. The accreditation is for 3 years. UM program still is the ONLY such accredited program outside UK and Ireland. | | | ENDEAVOUR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP | | | Miss Wong Pooi Fong from Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine has been awarded the 2008 Endeavour Research Fellowship which will enable her to conduct research at the Meter Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, Australia. | | | UM EXPERT HONOURED | | Professor Dr. Michael Ong Ah Hup, Department of Oral dan Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, has been awarded the title "Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)" USA, for his contribution to the advancement of Implant Dentistry. Professor Dr. Michael Ong will be honoured with a certificate and a medallion. The University of Malaya heartily congratulates Prof. Dr. Michael Ong Ah Up for the honour that has been bestowed upon him and for the recognition that his work has brought to UM. | | | UM'S MBA PROGRAMME RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FROM ASSOCIATION OF MBAs | | The University of Malaya has received accreditation of its MBA programme from the Association of MBAs. Accreditation has been awarded for a period of two years, with a review to be undertaken in November 2009. | |
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