“Unity In Bytes” Celebrates ASEAN Cultural Diversity on a Digital Platform

On June 18, 2022, the ASEAN Cultural Digital Ambassador Transformation programme 2022: Unity in Bytes was launched by YB Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in Selangor, Malaysia. The event hosted 20 Cultural Digital Ambassadors (CDA) from various ASEAN countries. These ambassadors spent six days engaging in edu-cultural activities with local communities. The programme aims to make ASEAN youth and cultural practitioners more adaptable and technologically savvy, fostering creativity, diversity, and cultural appreciation. It also emphasises the importance of integrating technologies such as Big Data analytics, machine learning, and blockchain to improve employability. Additionally, the initiative promotes the sustainability agenda of the United Nations, focusing on several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in sustainable cities and communities. The CDA delegations participated in a seminar and masterclass on regional cultural economies, exploring digital content development and its role in promoting socio-economic development in the region. The goal is to strengthen friendships through a digital approach while celebrating the cultural diversity of the ASEAN family.

UiTM’s FSPU Students Excelled in the 6th International Built Environment Undergraduate Research Competition

The UiTM undergraduate’s active participation at the 6th International Built Environment Undergraduate Research Competition (BEURC) in November 2021, themed around SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, resulted in exceptional achievements for the Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Surveying (FSPU). FSPU’s resounding success encompassed securing several prestigious awards, notably the BEURC Research Excellence Award,alongside three Outstanding Undergraduate Research awards, underscoring their dedication to advancing research and innovation in the Built Environment sector. These accomplishments signify FSPU’s pivotal role in promoting the principles of SDG 11 by consistently striving for excellence and making significant contributions to the field.

https://qs-gen.com/outstanding-achievement-of-uitms-fspu-students-in-6th-international-built-environment-undergraduate-research-competition/

A Study on Fall Risk Awareness among Physiotherapy Students Helped Develop Sustainable Urban Communities

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is committed to advocating for and advancing the principles of urban sustainability. As part of this commitment, a study was conducted to assess the awareness and knowledge of risk factors associated with falls among physiotherapy students in Malaysia. The study involved 239 physiotherapy students from various institutions and revealed essential insights. While factors like balance and gait disorders were well-recognised by the majority of students, areas such as postural hypotension and the effects of multiple medications exhibited lower awareness levels. These findings underline the need for comprehensive education and training in the field of physiotherapy, ensuring that future professionals are well-equipped to address and mitigate the risk factors associated with falls among older adults. By enhancing students’ understanding of these factors, UiTM is actively contributing to SDG 11 by promoting safety, health, and inclusivity in urban environments. It is crucial for healthcare providers to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to create and maintain safer living spaces, ultimately fostering sustainable and resilient communities that prioritise the well-being of their ageing populations.

https://content.iospress.com/articles/physiotherapy-practice-and-research/ppr220624

“Muzikas 2022”: A Creative Music Circus Performance by UiTM Music Business Students

As Malaysia approached the endemic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Faculty of Music UiTM took up the challenge of creating something extraordinary despite pandemic restrictions over the past two years. In collaboration with Viva Vertical Circus Academy and with sponsorship from Respack Sdn. Bhd, an innovative concept emerged – a fusion of independent music and circus arts. This remarkable showcase, named Muzikas 2022, unfolded at Publika on July 8, 2022. In just 72 hours, 500 tickets, each featuring a limited edition Respack Mask with the UiTM logo, were snapped up on the Excitix ticketing platform. Dr Soo Wincci, Associate Professor of Music, opened the show with a breathtaking live performance combining her singing talents with a circus hoop act. Her act mesmerised the audience and set the stage for CK Wan, CEO of Respack Sdn. Bhd, to express his support for the arts and the younger generation’s future. The event showcased UiTM bands, alumni performers, and captivating aerial performances by Viva Vertical, creating a unique synergy of music and circus arts. The high point of the evening featured the renowned independent band Budak Nakal performing alongside Viva Vertical aerialists. This innovative event in Publika not only delighted the audience but also highlighted the resilience and creativity of UiTM’s Music Business students in organising a grand showcase during challenging times. By combining music and the arts, this initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) in promoting sustainable and inclusive cities and communities. It demonstrates how art and music can enhance urban life and contribute to the vibrancy and sustainability of cities and societies.

https://qs-gen.com/muzikas-2022-an-innovative-music-circus-showcase-by-uitm-music-business-students/

UiTM Champions Sustainable Cities and Communities

On July 14, 2022, UiTM hosted a live discussion on “Global Goals: UiTM in Championing Sustainable Cities and Communities” via its YouTube channel. The panel featured Professor Ts. Dr Norazah Abd Rahman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), and Prof. TPr Dr Jamalunlaili Abdullah, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Surveying. The event underscored UiTM’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), with a focus on the integral role of the TNCPI office in advancing sustainability through research and innovation, emphasising four key components: People, Operation, Ecosystem, and Output. UiTM’s global influence and research initiatives targeting improved living standards, the establishment of the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD) and active participation in SDG 11 projects, further position UiTM as a significant player in the field. The Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Surveying’s dedication to incorporating urban sustainability into academic programmes, along with professional accreditation, enhances UiTM’s role. These achievements and collaborations demonstrate UiTM’s commitment and its efforts to foster sustainable and harmonious communities.

Designing a New Business Model for Urban Poor Families using a Cognitive Approach

As part of UiTM’s commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities, this study delved into the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted multiple movement control orders (MCOs) in Malaysia and inflicted a severe toll on the nation’s economy across various sectors. Research was undertaken to address disparities within the urban poor segment, employing a cognitive approach known as the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to conceptualise a novel business model tailored to the unique circumstances of urban poor families in Malaysia. The BMC framework encompassed nine essential elements that structure the business process, fostering a clear visualisation of the business’s dynamics and its efficient management. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 respondents representing four different industries across Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang. These cities were chosen due to their significant urban poverty rates compared to other areas in Malaysia. The research findings revealed that while the B40 entrepreneurs comprehended eight out of the nine BMC elements, they underestimated the significance of key partners within their business model. Subsequently, the study underscored the need for these entrepreneurs to reconsider the key partners element, emphasising that partnerships served multifaceted purposes, extending beyond resource acquisition. Further research, employing larger-scale questionnaires among the B40 groups in various cities, is recommended to validate these findings and promote inclusive business models among urban poor families.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355146787_Developing_A_New_ Urban_Poor_Family_Business_Model_Using_Cognitive_Approach?enrichId= rgreq-cdeadcf665da25b68a34a3a454804cc2-XXX&enrichSource= Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM1NTE0Njc4NztBUzoxMTUyNzA3OTkzODQ1NzcxQDE2 NTE4Mzg0MTA3MTg%3D&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

Resilience and Adaptation: Consumer Cooperatives’ Response to COVID-19 Challenges In Malaysia

UiTM Kelantan, as part of its commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities, conducted a research project aimed at understanding the challenges faced by consumer cooperatives during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Malaysian context. The study sought to shed light on the difficulties encountered by these cooperatives and their strategies for overcoming them, given the economic uncertainties, political instability, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Nineteen consumer cooperative managers were interviewed, and their responses were analysed using a phenomenographic approach and NVivo 12 software. The findings unveiled a range of challenges, including reduced revenues, cash flow issues, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, supply shortages, and dwindling business contracts. To navigate these challenges and ensure survival and sustainability, the cooperatives adopted innovative business practices, leveraged government assistance, embraced technology, and secured credit from financial institutions. These discoveries hold valuable insights for policymakers, consumer cooperatives and their members, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by consumer cooperatives and effective mitigation strategies. This research not only contributes to the local context but also suggests avenues for future research in different regions and settings, enabling tailored assistance to address specific challenges in each unique context, region, location, and country.

https://knowledgewords.com/images/challenges-faced-by-malaysian-consumer-cooperatives-in-pursuit-of-survival-and-sustainability-during-covid-19-pandemic.pdf

Sustainability of Community Development through Inclusivity

On March 17, 2022, Professor Dr Mohamad Hariri Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry, Community, and Alumni of UiTM, and Associate Professor Dr Siti Aekbal Salleh, Head of Sustainable Technology from the Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), discussed UiTM’s role in community development and its alignment with SDG 11. They highlighted UiTM’s collaboration with industry, the community, and various sectors to empower community development while leveraging the strengths of UiTM’s staff, students, and alumni to promote expertise and innovative products. The conversation also emphasised UiTM’s contributions to sustainability projects, such as Prihatin UiTM-Perhilitan and SEA Rainforest Research Partnership, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Dr Siti Aekbal stressed the importance of community development and discussed UiTM’s collaborations with the public and private sectors in various community service projects at national and international levels. The discussion concluded with the formula for ensuring the sustainability of community development through inclusivity, effective partnership, communication, and policy-making.

UiTM Volunteers in Aid of Flood Victims

On July 4, 2022 flash floods occurred in Lembangan Sungai Kupang and Sungai Tiak in Baling, Kedah. Three lives were lost, and a total of 1,490 people, including 112 heads of households, were affected. Three temporary evacuation centres were set up to aid the affected individuals. In response to the disaster, UiTM Kedah Branch mobilised volunteers on July 5 and dispatched additional teams from four campuses on July 7 as part of the KPT Prihatin - UiTM Post-Flood Relief Mission. Their aim was to assist in cleanup efforts alongside UiTM staff and volunteers. The occurrence highlighted the resilience of flood victims in Baling and underscored the significance of academic institutions such as UiTM being ready to provide assistance beyond their academic and research functions. On July 11, university officials, along with the Minister of Higher Education, YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, visited students and residents affected by the floods, providing cash and daily necessities. UiTM also distributed rice and food baskets during this mission.

Survey on Behaviour of Educated Young Adults in Malaysia in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

As higher education institutions anticipate a return to full operation post COVID-19, fostering positive healthseeking behaviour is imperative to curtail the spread of the virus. This study, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities, endeavours to explore the health-related responses of educated young adults during this unprecedented period of time. Furthermore, the research seeked to establish a connection between health-seeking behaviour and the perceived risk of future COVID-19 infections, while also investigating the influence of educational background on these practices. A cross-sectional study involved 369 participants who completed an online survey questionnaire adapted from a 2012 study by Masuri et al., which assessed behaviour responses during the H1N1 pandemic. Notably, the majority of educated young adults (90.8%) exhibited positive health-seeking behaviour. The study indicated no significant differences (p > 0.05) in health-seeking behaviours and perceived risk concerning future COVID-19 infections. However, an association was observed between educational background, including educational level (p= 0.015) and courses of study (p= 0.002), and healthseeking behaviour. This research emphasises the need for effective health promotion programmes tailored to the specific needs of educated young adults, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient communities, a key aspect of SDG 11.

https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/ 2022110620354612_MJMHS_0177.pdf

Dockless e-Scooters Introduced by UiTM Perak and Urbanice Malaysia as Part of a Low Carbon Initiative

The Green Campus Committee of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch, in collaboration with strategic partner Urbanice Malaysia, recently launched the dockless e-scooter Micro@Mobility programme in support of low carbon campus initiatives. UiTM Perak Branch is the first UiTM campus to initiate and launch the use of e-scooters, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UiTM Perak and Urbanice Malaysia. Perak Tengah District Council, Malaysian Green Technology Society, Beam Scooter Malaysia, Green Safe Cities (Gresafe), Sustainable Campus Club, HEP UiTM Perak Branch, and UiTM Green Centre (UGC) are also strategic partners in the programme. By reducing the number of vehicles used, the initiative helps to accelerate the concept of “Green Lifestyles,” “Green Transportation,” and “Low Carbon Initiatives” by lowering carbon emissions and environmental pollution. This project also contributes to the achievement of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The programme was launched by Associate Professor Dr Nur Hisham Ibrahim, Rector of UiTM Perak Branch, along with the head of the Green Campus Committee, Associate Professor Sr Dr Nur Azfahani Ahmad, the project director, Gs. Norhazlan Haron, and representatives from all strategic partners. Associate Professor Sr Dr Nur Azfahani stated that 100 e-scooters are provided to 13 stations on the UiTM Perak campus, with plans to increase the number of e-scooters in the future. Users can use it by scanning a QR code with the BEAM app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. UiTM Perak hopes that this project will spur the development of low carbon neighbourhoods and encourage campus users to live green, healthy, and quality lifestyles.

https://qs-gen.com/uitm-perak-partners-with-urbanice-malaysia-to-launch-dockless-e-scooters-for-a-low-carbon-campus-initiative/

Using Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) to Evaluate Energy Performance of Public Universities in Malaysia: A Case Study of UiTM Tapah, Malaysia

Under the guidance of a UiTM lecturer, this research addresses the pressing issue of escalating energy consumption in Malaysian universities, a matter of national concern due to its impact on annual government expenditures and the country’s overall energy performance. To effectively manage the energyperformance of universities and align with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities, it is imperative to closely monitor energy usage. This approach allows for the identification of areas and facilities with untapped energy-saving potential, facilitating energy-efficient practices. The research’s core objective revolves around the evaluation and identification of various Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) that can significantly contribute to enhancing energy efficiency within public universities. Notably, this study reveals that substantial improvements in energy consumption are achievable through the effective utilisation of ECMs, especially within the electrical and mechanical systems and building activities that influence energy usage. As a case study, UiTM in Tapah Campus, Malaysia, is examined, selected due to its status as a prominent energy consumer among new public universities in the country. The research puts forth eight key ECM strategies, categorised into four No-Cost Measures, two Medium-Cost Measures, and two High-Cost Measures, all of which significantly contribute to enhancing energy performance efficiency and aligning with the principles of SDG 11.

https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/IJSCET/article/view/15035

An Analysis of Smart City Components and Outcomes

Citizen participation plays a pivotal role in the realisation of Smart Cities, where various essential metrics related to smart city components and performance must be carefully considered. Regrettably, existing research often lacks an in-depth exploration of the specific components and performance levels crucial for the success of Smart City initiatives. In line with UiTM’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities, this research seeks to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of recent literature reviews. The primary objective of this research, supported by a special grant from UiTM, is to identify and select the critical aspects and performances essential for shaping a robust conceptual framework for Smart City development. By doing so, this project aims to provide valuable guidance to administrators and policymakers in the selection of the most pertinent criteria for both the elements and performances constituting their Smart City programmes. This endeavour actively promotes SDG 11’s principles of fostering sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1067/1/012027