Empowering Girls in STEM 2023

STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is an educational programme that combines these four subject areas to provide students with hands-on experience and real-world knowledge. The “Girls in STEM” programme, organised by the Penang Science Cluster (PSC) in partnership with the Computing Science Studies Department, College of Computing, Informatics, and Media Studies (KPPIM) at UiTM Pahang Branch Raub Campus, and the Center of Innovation Tengku Ampuan Afzan (CINTAA), seeks to inspire and equip female students with essential skills for the modern technology landscape.

The programme aimed to spark interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields among young female students. It emphasised hands-on learning and real-world applications to enhance their competitiveness in technology and innovation. The initiative included a Training of Trainers (ToT) session on June 12, where facilitators—including Computer Science lecturers from KPPIM UiTM Pahang, Computer Science Diploma students (CS110), and staff from PSC and CINTAA—were trained to lead the program.

The programme was structured into three categories: Girls in STEM (Junior), Girls in STEM, and Girls in STEM (Senior). A total of 303 female students from seven schools participated. They engaged in a variety of STEM modules, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Career Preparation. These modules combined theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on activities and group work, aimed at deepening their understanding of STEM fields and preparing them for future careers.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/girls-in-stem-2023/

Raising Awareness: Dahlia College UiTM SelangorJoins Global Gender-Based Violence Campaign

Dahlia College UiTM Selangor, in collaboration with Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) and the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) Malaysia, successfully launched the Dahlia Women Empowerment Program (DWEP) 4.0. Themed “Rise! Fighting Violence Against Women and Children,” this initiative was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign and aligned with the global “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign by the United Nations Women.

Throughout the 16-day campaign, DWEP 4.0 featured a range of activities designed to raise awareness about women’s and girls’ health and safety, educate participants on violence against women, and teach martial arts techniques for self-defense against sexual harassment and violence. The programme also included volunteer-oriented activities such as a Blood Donation Campaign and a visit to Asrama Bahagia in Kuala Lumpur, which aimed to foster a spirit of volunteering among students. Nearly 5,000 participants engaged in the various events organised during the programme.

The event concluded with a special forum titled “Young Generation Catalysts for a Prosperous Family,” featuring panelists including Professor Datuk Ts Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor, Former Vice Chancellor of MARA University of Technology; Puan Rozeeta@Hidayah Binti Ramli, Chief Executive Officer of Women Empowered Selangor; Associate Professor Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Health Specialist at International Islamic University; and Associate Professor Dr Bahiyah Abdullah.

DWEP 4.0 exemplifies UiTM’s commitment to developing well-rounded students by addressing critical social issues and promoting active participation in community service.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/kolej-dahlia-uitm-selangor-cakna-dan-menyokong-16-hari-aktivisme-melawan-keganasan-berasaskan-gender/

Partnership for Innovation in Employability (PIE) Programme for Women in STEM

The Partnership for Innovation in Employability (PIE) Programme II is a collaborative initiative designed to advance women’s involvement in STEAM-H fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Aquaculture, Mathematics, and Healthcare. This programme, involving eight partners from three countries, seeks to achieve several key objectives.

Firstly, the programme aims to engage underrepresented groups, particularly women and girls, in STEAM-H through the creation and delivery of micro-credential courses and hybrid seminars with certification. These efforts are intended to raise public awareness about the technical benefits and risks associated with using artificial intelligence (AI) to address real world problems.

Additionally, the PIE Programme II is focused on promoting interdisciplinary research and international education in robotics as applied to healthcare and aquaculture. This involves facilitating global mobility for staff and students and supports the establishment of the first international dual- PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. This programme will cover multidisciplinary sectors such as healthcare (including nursing and cardiology) and aquaculture, with significant contributions from partners like Cardiff Metropolitan University, UiTM, and UM.

The programme will also directly support students from B40 communities in Malaysia and WIMD regions in Wales, as well as underrepresented female healthcare professionals. By offering STEAM-H courses that include online assessments and certifications from institutions like the EUREKA Robotics Centre and UiTM MTD/2.3, the PIE Programme II aims to build capacity and enhance existing collaborations. This is achieved by sharing transdisciplinary knowledge and exchanging best practices among the global partners. Overall, the PIE Programme II is dedicated to strengthening partnerships, improving employability, and driving innovation in STEAM-H fields, ultimately benefiting underrepresented groups and advancing global research and education.

Constructing a Neo-Single Motherpreneurs Financial Management and Resources Resilience Index (Neo Smefri) for Business Sustainability in the Face of Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated financial difficulties for Single Motherpreneurs (SMPs), a growing demographic in Malaysia. Despite the increasing need for emergency support for SMPs, there is currently no resilience index tailored specifically for women in this situation. To address this gap, a new initiative aims to develop the “Neo-Single Motherpreneurs Financial Management and Resources Resilience Index (Neo-SMEFRI)”. The Neo-SMEFRI will integrate three key concepts: Entrepreneurial Financial Literacy (EFL), Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE), and Entrepreneurial Resilience Response (ERR), all within the framework of Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. This index is designed to enhance financial literacy, resource management skills, self-efficacy, and overall resilience among SMPs. The research will employ a mixed-method approach, conducted in three phases. Initially, focus group discussions will gather insights from SMPs. This will be followed by pattern matching with existing theories, concepts, and opinions, and validation with strategic experts. Surveys will be distributed to further refine and validate the index. Data analysis will utilise Atlas Ti for descriptive analysis, index validation, and SmartPLS SEM software for quantitative calculations. The Neo-SMEFRI aims to identify strategic resources that SMPs can leverage to achieve long term competitive advantage and improve their socio-economic well being. This research aligns with Malaysia’s economic goals, including the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030), National Entrepreneurship Policy (NEP2030), Sustainable Development Goal 10 (which focuses on reducing inequality), and Key Economic Growth Activities (KEGA) 10, which emphasises advanced and modern services. The Neo-SMEFRI is expected to inform better policymaking, decision-making, and training, contributing to sustainable economic growth and equitable wealth distribution.

Developing Work-Life Management Model of B40 Self Employed Single Mother for Business Survival

Self-employed single moms in the B40 income group face significant challenges due to poverty and increased living costs. These challenges align with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030), which aims to empower homemakers, particularly single mothers, as integral contributors to family and societal well-being. Despite this, single mothers often struggle to achieve economic independence due to market failures and unequal opportunities. Government and non-governmental organisations provide financial support and resources, yet single mothers remain disproportionately affected by poverty. This study seeks to address the obstacles faced by self-employed single mothers in sustaining their businesses. Building on Boundary Theory, this research will explore the factors influencing the business survival of self-employed single mothers. The study will focus on three key locations: Selangor, Johor, and Perak. A mixed-method approach will be used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Data will be gathered through focus groups and analysed using N-Vivo and Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. The aim is to develop a new work-life management model specifically for B40 self-employed single mothers. The findings will provide insights to inform government policies and initiatives, helping to empower women and integrate their needs into national growth strategies. This project supports the goals of the National Women Policy by enhancing the economic opportunities and well-being of single mothers.

Pleasure vs. Pain vs. Child’s Play: Fundamental Understanding and Assessing the Impact of Sibling Incest on Individual, Family and Malaysian Society

Sibling incest, a severe and often taboo form of child sexual abuse (CSA), profoundly affects victims, their families, and society at large. This type of abuseisparticularlydevastatingbecausetheoffendersaretypicallyknown and trusted by the victims, often living under the same roof or interacting closely with them. The covert and illegal nature of sibling incest can lead to serious sexual health issues and have lasting negative effects on both the physical and emotional well-being of victims. The repercussions of sibling incest extend beyond the immediate family, impacting the wider community and highlighting a need for comprehensive research. This study aims to investigate various aspects of sibling incest, including its forms, consequences, risk factors, and the gaps in current policies and educational guidelines aimed at preventing such abuse. Using a multi method approach, the study will gather insights from diverse perspectives to address the complex issue of sibling incest. It will involve fundamental research to explore this sensitive topic, often shrouded in stigma and secrecy. The goal is to provide valuable fndings that can assist the government and relevant stakeholders in developing effective strategies to combat and prevent sibling incest, thereby supporting the nation’s mission to protect children’s rights and enhance their well-being

Heart 2 Heart: Preserving Dignity and Values in Modern Times

The “Student Talk: Heart 2 Heart” programme, organised by Al-Falah club, emphasises the role of students as future leaders and nation builders. This programme highlights the significance of relationships, moral values, and the concept of aurat (modesty) in shaping attitudes and behavior. It specifically addresses the dignity of Muslim women, focusing on the principles of ikhtilat (interaction between genders) and appropriate conduct in relationships. The programme aims to educate students about maintaining dignity and following Islamic guidance in social interactions and dating. Motivational speaker Mrs Rohana Binti Hj Sahak was invited to share insights and provide guidance on these topics. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), the programme focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. It addresses issues related to dignity, behavior, and social boundaries, particularly concerning interactions with the opposite sex. By educating female students on these aspects and promoting discussions on dignity and moral values, the programme contributes to fostering a respectful and ethically aware community. Through its emphasis on appropriate social behavior and the preservation of Islamic values, the program empowers students with knowledge and principles that protect their rights and enhance their well-being.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/maruah-diri-mahkota-wanita/

Women Builders: Inspiring Excellence in Construction

The “Celebrating Women in Construction” forum organised by the Construction Studies and Materials Measurement department, is the first of its kind to spotlight women’s contributions to the global construction industry. Over 50 participants, including attendees from ASEAN countries, joined the forum online. Led by Ts Norishahaini Mohamad Ishak, the forum aimed to enhance the marketability of women in construction. The agenda featured presentations and panel discussions led by female professionals, offering valuable insights into their experiences and achievements. Spanning nearly five hours, the forum provided a platform for engaging discussions and knowledge sharing. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, focusing on promoting gender equality and empowering women in the construction sector. By connecting industry professionals and students, the event inspires and supports women in their pursuit of excellence within the industry.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/forum-meraikan-dan-berkongsi-kejayaan-wanita-dalam-industri-pembinaan/

Women Inclusivity among UiTM Members

Women represent a significant portion of Malaysia’s population, making up approximately 47.7%. This demographic is strongly represented at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), where women comprise 5,962 academic staff, 4,218 administrative staff, and 122,227 students. The university proudly highlights its leadership achievements, including its first female Vice-Chancellor, as well as a roster of women in key leadership roles such as Deputy and Assistant Vice-Chancellors, deans, directors, lead researchers, and innovators. UiTM actively supports and empowers women through various initiatives. The university established PEWANI, a Women’s Association dedicated to enhancing welfare, community engagement, and healthcare for women. In 2021, UiTM launched its first female students’ football team to promote gender equality in sports, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on empowering women. UiTM is also home to notable female students who have achieved remarkable academic success. For example, Anis Syafika Zumi Azlan won the Top Prize in the ACCA FIA December 2021 Exams, and Fatin Najwa Azman scored the highest in Malaysia and ranked #9 globally in the ACCA Audit & Assurance Exams. The university celebrates International Women’s Day by encouraging its members to challenge biases and foster a world that values and celebrates diversity.

Another Woman Leadership in UiTM

Professor Dr Azizah Abdullah was appointed as the new Assistant Vice-Chancellor of UiTM Institute of Quality and Knowledge Advancement (InQKA) on 1st May 2022, after serving as an academic administrator since 2017. Her background in accounting and extensive research experience in areas like Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, and Accountability have brought vast knowledge and expertise to her new role. Professor Dr Azizah’s dedication to quality assurance and academic excellence makes her exceptionally qualified for this leadership position.

Advancing Gender Equality: UiTM’s Commitment to Balanced Representation in Science, Technology, and Engineering

At UiTM, the gender distribution among Executive-level Support Staff in Science, Technology, and Engineering—classified under Malaysia’s Public Service Scheme as C, Q, and J—is currently 56% men and 44% women. Scheme C (Science) encompasses fields such as environmental science, surveying, minerals, nutrition, and pure sciences. Scheme J (Engineering) focuses on infrastructure development and operations, requiring specific technical qualifications. Scheme Q (Research and Development) deals with both fundamental and applied research to drive technological advancement and innovation. These schemes are essential for the university’s operations, administration, and strategic decision-making. UiTM is committed to enhancing gender balance within these critical areas, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By increasing the percentage of women and implementing supportive measures, UiTM aims to strengthen its leadership role in promoting gender equality within these disciplines.