Road Safety Awareness: CeLEAP with PERKESO

On 16th June 2023, the School of Civil Engineering students at UiTM Shah Alam organised a program called Program Civil Engineering – Learn and Apply (CeLEAP) to raise awareness about road safety among students. The event, organised in collaboration with PERKESO (Social Security Organization), featured informative sessions and interactive demonstrations. The program educated 23 Form 5 students on motorcycle components, proper inspection methods, and safety tips. It also covered factors contributing to road accidents, such as traffic signals, speed limits, tyre markings, and local and global accidents. The session also covered road furniture and safety measures, including steering wheel handling techniques, proper hand placement, and choosing the right helmet for personal safety. A quiz was conducted to assess participants’ understanding and knowledge. The program aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, promoting road safety to reduce injuries and fatalities on the road. The program falls under Academic and Student Development, aiming to educate students about road safety and responsible behaviour, which is crucial for their overall development and well-being.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/stop-check-go-with-perkeso-promoting-road-safety-and-awareness/

UiTM Connects Students with Industry Experts for Real World Insights

Recognising the importance of early industrial exposure, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has taken proactive steps to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. To enhance student learning and career planning, UiTM has encouraged lecturers to collaborate with industry experts, offering students early insights into how theoretical knowledge is applied in the field.

In line with this initiative, lecturers of the General Virology course at UiTM Kuala Pilah organised virtual sessions with industry specialists to deepen students’ understanding of viral diseases. Dr. Rahimah Iberahim from Hospital Rembau discussed current viral diseases, sparking student interest with discussions on HIV treatment prospects. Dr. Haniif Ahmad Mazian from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin explored cancer-causing pathogens, leading to engaging Q&A sessions on early detection and prevention.

These sessions allowed students to see beyond textbooks, understanding how their classroom knowledge can be applied in real-world scenarios. The initiative not only enhanced their learning experience but also helped them envision future career paths, demonstrating the value of their education in addressing real-life challenges.

https://qs-gen.com/uitm-collaborates-with-experts-for-students-early-industrial-exposure/

Strengthening Minds: UiTM’s Mental Health Initiative for Teens and Students

On 7th October 2023, UiTM Shah Alam, in collaboration with Pertubuhan Minda Progresif, held a mental health awareness program to address the growing concerns among teenagers and university students of post COVID-19. With nearly 170 participants, the event featured three insightful lectures covering various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, chronic depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Experts emphasised resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the role of Islamic principles in overcoming life’s challenges. The program concluded with a group counselling session, offering participants practical guidance on managing their mental health.This initiative aligns with SDG 3 of the United Nations - promoting good health and well being — by actively addressing mental health challenges and fostering a supportive environment for young people. Encouraged by the program’s success, UiTM plans to partner-up with health institutions to develop future initiatives aimed at improving adolescent mental well-being.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/program-keprihatinan-terhadap-isu-kesihatan-mental-di-kalangan-remaja-dan-mahasiswa/

UiTM Conducts Study to Demonstrate the Efficacy and Safety of an Oral Factor XIa Inhibitor after a Recent Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

The clinical trials research examined the safety and effectiveness of a new drug called milvexian in patients who have recently experienced a serious heart problem or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This Phase 3 multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involves patients registered at Hospital AL-Sultan Abdullah UiTM. Some patients will receive milvexian, while others will receive a placebo along with their standard heart medication. The objective of the research was to determine if milvexian could prevent subsequent major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, or death from cardiovascular disease. This research is crucial since these patients are at high risk of developing more heart problems, making the need for better and safer drugs a priority. This research is a collaboration between UiTM and the international company, funded by the industry with a total of RM 230,035.00.

Through its involvement in this and many other similar clinical trials, UiTM has demonstrated its active contribution to research and innovation activities under SDG 3 by advancing medical knowledge and potentially introducing new treatments that can save lives. UiTM’s participation in such cutting-edge research underscores the institution’s commitment to improving global health through collaborative research and industrial linkages, making a significant impact on the scientific community and patient care.

A UiTM Innovation for Improved Elderly Care and Health Outcomes

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) Falls are a major global health issue, with around 684,000 fatalities each year, predominantly affecting older adults due to age-related factors. These incidents often occur in isolated settings, making timely intervention challenging and increasing the risk of severe injuries and diminished quality of life. Existing fall detection technologies, including wearable sensors and camera based systems, face issues like intrusiveness, high costs, and privacy concerns.

To address these challenges, the MRI team at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has developed an advanced fall detection and classification system utilising AI-powered WiFi radar technology. This non-invasive system offers accurate fall detection while respecting patient privacy and minimising discomfort. It can detect and differentiate between multiple targets and fall scenarios by analysing radar signals, ensuring precise classification of events.

This innovative solution significantly enhances fall detection capabilities, facilitating prompt medical responses and improving safety for elderly and at-risk individuals. By advancing fall detection technology, UiTM’s research contributes to better health outcomes and aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), promoting health and safety through technological innovation.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3949207328518976&set=a.291704007602678

Transforming Cognitive Frailty to Later Life Self Sufficiency - AGELESS

Researchers at UiTM are leading an important study to understand better and address cognitive frailty (CF), a growing public health concern among the elderly. Cognitive frailty may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with emerging evidence pointing to the significant role of gut health in brain function. As people age, changes in the gut— such as chronic low-level inflammation, weakened immune response, and reduced bacterial diversity—may negatively impact brain health, increasing the risk of CF. This research aims to uncover the connections between these gut-related factors and cognitive frailty.

The UiTM team will analyse blood and stool samples from older adults with CF and healthy individuals, focusing on gut health markers, inflammation, and brain function. They will also conduct interventional studies in humans and mice to assess the effects of potential treatments. By exploring these gut-brain interactions, this study, aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, aims to discover new ways to prevent or treat cognitive frailty, ultimately helping older adults maintain independence and improve their quality of life.

Enhancing Financial Transparency and Data Management for the MyCP Association: Innovations in Myngo.fsg and MyCP Apps

As part of the Festival Kelestarian Kampus Hijau UiTM 2023 Sustainability Warrior/Green Marvel initiative, the “Innovation Project Myngo.fsg (IP/ CR/01311) and MyCP Apps (IP/CR/05711)” enhances the financial and data administration of the MyCP Association. This activity at UiTM Puncak Alam is aligned with SDG 3 and is conducted in collaboration with school instructors and lecturers from UiTM, UKM, and UPM. Financial transparency, data efficacy, and paper reduction comprise the program’s primary objectives. The initiative has assisted 682 Malaysian financial aid applicants, with RM181,341.37 collected and RM111,901.00 contributed. It will be in effect from 2019 to 2025, commencing on 24th March 2020, as the treasurer and chairman of the MyCP Association.

Key innovations include Myngo.fsg for systematic financial management and MyCP Apps for administering membership data, collecting fees, and providing assistance. The modernisation of financial and membership record-keeping has resulted in a reduction in manual processes and an increase in transparency. The program also provides assistance to families with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism. Program effects are multifaceted; It enhanced data administration by transitioning from paper to online records, updated the financial statements of MyCP Association, and provided assistance to families during natural disasters and COVID-19. The MyCP Association has been able to achieve confidence and trust from government agencies, corporations, and individual donours as a result of its effective aid distribution and transparent financial management.

There are notable enhancements in stakeholder confidence, financial management, and awareness initiatives. Our endeavours have been instrumental in the financial and emotional support of families, as well as in the facilitation of policy discussions and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The program’s achievement is demonstrated by its capacity to enhance the MyCP Association’s system and assist disabled families.

UiTM Future Public Health Physicians Learn About Refugee Health Crisis at UNHCR

On April 4, 2023, 21 Master of Public Health (MPH) students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) visited the UNHCR Malaysia office in Kuala Lumpur. The visit offered future public health physicians insight into the health challenges faced by refugees, who often remain invisible in society.

Mr. Jason Yeo, Assistant Public Health Officer at UNHCR, highlighted the stark realities that the refugees face. He shared that Malaysia hosts 184,699 refugees, mainly from Myanmar, with many living in slums or low-cost flats. Despite healthcare availability, affordability is a significant barrier for these displaced individuals, many of whom suffer from malnutrition, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases due to urban poverty.

Mr. Yeo emphasised the vulnerability of refugees, who cannot work or attend school legally, limiting their ability to access healthcare. He stressed the need to address these root causes to improve refugee health and well being. The visit left students contemplating how best to support refugees by enhancing healthcare access and addressing the social determinants of health that affect their lives. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, including the most vulnerable populations.

https://qs-gen.com/future-public-health-physicians-learn-about-the-health-crisis-of-refugees-in-malaysia/

MyHOeME: Pioneering Elderly Care in Malaysia

As Malaysia’s elderly population grows, the country faces significant challenges in ensuring the well-being of its seniors. Ageing often brings physical, cognitive, and social declines, leading to isolation, loneliness, and depression. The ‘empty nest syndrome’ further complicates the situation, as many elderly individuals are left without family support due to migration. In response, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the World Health Organization (WHO), launched MyHOeME—a groundbreaking program designed by Associate Professor Dr. Akehsan Dahan and Dr. Syamsul Anwar Sultan Ibrahim from the Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM, and Dr. Hanisha Haidhir, Pn Nora Hamid, and YM Tengku Asri Tengku Makhtar from Ministry of Health Malaysia. Developed through extensive research, MyHOeME provides a comprehensive approach to elderly care, focusing on enhancing physical health, fostering social connections, and improving overall well-being. Occupational therapists across Malaysia have embraced the program, using it to combat isolation and promote active ageing. MyHOeME’s success is backed by WHO support, aligning with both national and global policies on elderly care. This innovative initiative is set to transform elderly care in Malaysia, offering a brighter future for the nation’s senior citizens.

Domestic Activities with Children with Special Need

The second weekly activity organised by the Occupational Therapy Service, Faculty of Health Sciences, took place on 24th August 2023 at the Daily Life Activities Laboratory, FSK 2,3,4, UiTM Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus. This time’s organisation has received a lively response and was attended by 13 children with special needs who were managed by Occupational Therapists at the Puncak Alam Campus. This group activity is joined by children with special needs consisting of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, speech and hearing problems.

The weekly activities organised this time highlight domestic activities with the theme of ‘Chocolate Cookies’. This group activity requires children to dip cookies in chocolate and decorate with a sprinkle of food beads.

The main purpose of this activity is to encourage basic food preparation skills. In additional to stimulating communication, social cognitive skills and fine motor skills; exploration of the texture of the food ingredient is used. This activity received overwhelming response and support from parents where the Occupational Therapy Service received positive feedback and has attracted their interest in involving children to participate in group activities.

The Occupational Therapy Service has been operating since 2021 until now and has received approximately 100 patients from around the Klang Valley. Among the services offered are paediatric occupational therapy, medical and neurological, orthopaedic and psychiatric. This service operates from Monday - Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm with a very minimal payment. To any customer who wants to get treatment at the Occupational Therapy Service, please contact +603-32584320.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/aktiviti-domestik-bersama-kanak-kanak-berkeperluan-khas/

UiTM Oral Health Carnival Superheroes

The fourth-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students at UiTM Sungai Buloh organised the third ‘Oral Health Carnival’ with a superhero theme. Held at the Faculty of Dentistry, this year’s event was open to the public and targeted 320 preschool and primary school students from the Klang Valley. A total of 81 students managed the event under the guidance of lecturers from the Center for Population Oral Health and Clinical Prevention.

The carnival aimed to provide practical experience in community outreach, foster teamwork, and encourage innovation among students while promoting sustainable dental health practices among children. Activities included interactive sessions, such as a ‘Puzzle Pool’ to learn about cavities, a ‘Dental Puppet Show,’ and brushing technique training. Children also enjoyed games like ‘Red Light Green Light’ and a ‘Treasure Hunt,’ all focused on dental health education. Dental check-ups and quizzes were also part of the event.

The program concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, with participants, parents, and teachers expressing their satisfaction and eagerness to join future events.

Red Blood Cell Related Disease Awareness Exhibition at Al Sultan Abdullah Hospital UiTM Puncak Alam

In collaboration with the Medical Laboratory Technology Student Association (MELTECH), The Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK) UiTM Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus had successfully organised an awareness exhibition related to red blood cell diseases on 6th June 2023. The exhibition was located along the main road of Al Sultan Abdullah Hospital (HASA), UiTM Puncak Alam Campus. The exhibition was led by Ts Dr Mohd Fadly Md Ahid and Dr Emida Mohamed from the Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies. A total of 39 second year students of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (Hons) were involved in making the exhibition a success. The aim of the exhibition was to provide exposure and awareness to the public regarding diseases related to red blood cells, especially thalassemia and anaemia which receive less attention by the community. Among the information conveyed during the exhibition were how to recognise the signs and symptoms of thalassemia and anaemia, the effects on health, as well as the treatment to affected individuals. The exhibition also served as a platform for UiTM students to increase their confidence in conveying information and sharing the knowledge learned from the lecture hall to the community in real life. There were 8 exhibition booths with various interesting activities including health poster exhibitions, interactive activities and quizzes on health that offered prizes and souvenirs to visitors. The exhibition had received positive feedback from visitors as it had successfully raised awareness and knowledge about diseases related to red blood cells; especially thalassemia and anaemia. The Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies will continue to organise similar programmes in the future in different localities to provide health awareness among the public.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/pameran-kesedaran-penyakit-berkaitan-sel-darah-merah-di-hospital-al-sultan-abdullah-uitm-puncak-alam/

Affordable Services for the Nation by UiTM Private Specialist Centre (UPSC)

The UiTM Private Specialist Centre (UPSC) is a multidisciplinary private medical centre located at UiTM Selangor, Sungai Buloh Campus. UPSC is currently sharing the medical facilities available at the Faculty of Medicine, UiTM Sungai Buloh Campus, which include medical services, 88 bedded wards, 3 clinic complexes, 4 operating theatres, an imaging unit (with 128 slice dual source CT-scan and 1.5 tesla MRI), a clinical diagnostic lab as well as complete clinical support services such as nursing, dietetic, physiotherapy and billing. The faculty research activities are centred at the Institute of Medicine Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), while it also houses the Laboratory of Animal Care Unit (LACU) which is the main animal husbandry venue for all animal research. All research activities at the faculty are held in the academic building (CenTre). Sungai Buloh Campus also has 3 residential colleges equipped with facilities for its medical students’ activities.

UiTM Health Centre: Providing Comprehensive Healthcare for Employees and Students

The UiTM Healthcare was established to provide primary medical and healthcare to all UiTM employees and students. The facility is run by UiTM medical and dental officers as well as administrative support staff. UiTM Health Centre is in Shah Alam Campus while all UiTM State Campuses have their own Health Units to provide basic medical, healthcare and pharmacy services to students and staff at the respective campuses. Services provided by the Health Centre in Shah Alam campus are wider and are divided into six units with its distinct function: Medical Unit, Public Health Unit, Diagnostic and Quality Management Unit, Oral Health Unit, Pharmacy Unit, and Administration Unit.

Mobile Dental Care for All

UiTM Faculty of Dentistry demonstrates a commitment to good governance and the pursuit of good health and well-being by launching a mobile dental clinic in early 2011 and has been contributing to the community ever since. This ambitious initiative is a testament to the institution’s dedication to providing oral health care to communities across Malaysia. The objectives of this endeavour are multifold, including creating an innovative practice environment for students, exposing them to diverse community needs, and delivering oral health care services to all UiTM campuses and surrounding communities. What sets UiTM apart is its openness to requests from both the public and organisations for these services, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility to the nation’s well-being. Their stringent consideration process ensures the availability and suitability of proposed areas. This effort seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, which underscores UiTM’s role as an academic institution, contributing to greater good and reinforcing the strength of its commitment to national welfare and community health.

Mobile Dental Clinic

The Mobile Dental Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, UiTM Selangor has recently launched a series of community service initiatives in various locations in the states of Johor and Selangor. The primary locations included were at Dewan Terbuka Padang Kawad, PGA Simpang Renggam, Balairaya Kg Melayu Bukit Nyamuk in Layang-Layang, and Air Hitam, all within Johor, as well as at the Centre for the Foundation Studies (Pusat ASASI), UiTM Selangor, Dengkil Campus. In Johor, the team comprised four UiTM lecturers/dental officers, four clinical staff, a technician, and three drivers, providing dental care to 101 patients. Meanwhile, at Dengkil Campus, nine lecturers/dental officers, eight clinical staff, a technician, and three drivers attended to the needs of 112 students and staff. Additional community service initiatives were also conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, and other parts of Johor and Selangor. These broader efforts collectively screened and provided dental care to approximately 1208 patients, showcasing the extensive reach and impact of these initiatives. These community service activities significantly contribute to good dental health, overall health and well-being, prevent severe health issues through early detection and treatment, provide quality education on oral hygiene and reduce inequalities by ensuring access to dental care for remote and underserved areas. In addition, the collaboration between universities, local authorities, and healthcare professionals also demonstrates strong partnerships among them.

Good Health and Wellbeing at UiTM Al-Sultan Abdullah Hospital

UiTM’s Al-Sultan Abdullah Hospital has been operating within a governance framework prioritising equitable healthcare access. From 2021 to 2023, UiTM Hospital had showcased a robust operational model and commitment to societal well being by waiving substantial healthcare costs. In 2021, the hospital waived RM19,081,031 in healthcare costs, covering 21,626 patients through 75,382 encounters. In 2022, the waiver increased to RM32,812,585 for 34,747 patients and 123,984 encounters and continued to increase to RM45,306,851, benefiting 44,177 patients in 181,411 encounters in 2023. Hospital policies and practices in waiving healthcare costs are in line with government regulations and initiatives, which has contributed significantly to the achievement of the SDG goal. By removing financial barriers to healthcare, UiTM Hospital ensures that the community comprising the most vulnerable groups and demographics, including students, the disabled, children, and zakat recipients, can access the necessary medical services without financial stress. These efforts not only improve the health and productivity of the community but also contribute to the long-term goal of a healthier and more resilient population.