MSN Set to Become UiTM’s Strategic Partner and Sponsor for Sports Social Enterprise Certification

A meeting took place on 14 July 2022 between the UiTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor, and the Director General of the National Sports Council (MSN), Dato’ Ahmad Shapawi Ismail in which an agreement was reached for MSN to become a strategic partner for UiTM and Oxentia Oxford University to implement a professional certification programme in sports social enterprise. MSN has agreed to sponsor 20 UiTM students for the programme in the UK, covering the attendance fee of £2400 per person. A Memorandum of understanding will be signed to define the collaboration in the aspects of branding, programme management, facilitator appointments, education opportunities for young athletes, access to sports facilities, and research in sports social enterprise. Managed and coordinated by the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, this strategic partnership aims to enhance the sports industry through higher education and foster a new generation of competitive sports managers, representing a step towards achieving the common GRU2025 goals through sports.

Support for UiTM Sea Games Athletes

17 UiTM athletes were selected to represent the country at the SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam to compete in various sports including Pétanque, Kayak, Chess, Sepak Takraw, Ten-pin Bowling, Archery, Football, and Shooting. The university showed its support by offering pocket money and additional incentives to the athletes if medals are won. This initiative is part of UiTM’s commitment to empowering Bumiputeras in the global sports arena.

Hybrid Clinical Pathological Conference Tackles Diabetes-Periodontal Disease Connection

On 21 September 2022, the Faculty of Dentistry represented by the Centre of Periodontology Studies, organised the Clinical Pathological Conference (CPC). The conference, held at the Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah in Puncak Alam, Selangor, was conducted via hybrid mode and attended by nearly 120 participants made up of medical and dental professionals including medical and dental students, healthcare specialists, and other professionals. The discussion focused on “Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its Relationship to Periodontal Disease” and aimed to raise awareness of their intertwined impact on global healthcare. Experts from the Centre for Periodontology Studies, among them Dr Mohd Faizal Hafez Hidayat, Dr Farha Ariffin, and Dr Muhammad Hilmi Zainal Ariffin explained the nuances of periodontology, stages of periodontal disease, and shared insights from clinical cases involving diabetes and periodontal disease.

The experts highlighted the significance of Malaysia’s Clinical Practice Guideline 2020 for diabetes management and emphasised the bidirectional relationship between oral health and diabetes. The session further stressed on the importance of medical referrals for diabetic patients and regular dental check-ups as a proactive approach to healthcare.

https://qs-gen.com/uitms-cpc-holds-talk-on-diabetes-and-periodontal-diseases/

UiTM’s Collaborative Initiatives In Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Faculty of Pharmacy organised the 8th International Postgraduate Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences (IPoPS) 2021 and the Virtual Joint Symposium of the International Research Network Initiative (IRNI). The event is a collaboration with the International Medical University (IMU) Malaysia, Tokyo University of Science (TUS) Japan, and several other partner universities worldwide including Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Indonesia, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) UK, Mahidol University (MU) Thailand, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) India, and University of Santo Tomas (UST) Philippines. The conference aimed to foster future collaborations in various areas, with plenary discussions and presentations from experts across different universities. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange among academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students in fields such as life sciences, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, chemistry, and pharmacy practice. IRNI-IPoPS 2021 featured over 110 impactful oral and poster presentations, with accepted abstracts set to be published in the Scopus-indexed Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TJPS). The symposium paved the way for potential collaborations in community pharmacy, health technology, medication safety, pharmacotherapy, pharmacogenomics, and the study of natural products and alternative therapies, particularly in areas of cancer treatment, neurological conditions, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease.

https://qs-gen.com/irni-ipops-2021-connects-uitm-to-pharmacy-related-research/

FSG’s Holistic Approach to Student Development and Support

The Faculty of Applied Sciences (Fakulti Sains Gunaan- FSG) called for student development and support to align with the UiTM 2025 Strategic Plan. FSG organised 108 virtual activities in collaboration with various student associations, promoting leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and community engagement. The faculty also facilitated international exposure, internships, and entrepreneurship programmes for students. FSG adapted to online learning challenges, offering support and feedback channels for students. In addition, the faculty prioritised student well-being through counseling, information sharing, and financial aid programmes. Apart from providing tablets to aid students’ learning, financial assistance was offered during the pandemic and support was also given to flood-affected students. Overall, these efforts have enhanced students’ trust, sense of belonging, and positive experiences.

https://qs-gen.com/student-well-being-drives-globally-renowned-university/

Malaysia-Indonesia Dialogue on Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic

It has been over two years since the deadly COVID-19 virus wreaked havoc on people’s lives worldwide, resulting in a staggering number of deaths. Educational activities were also severely impacted, leading to the rise of online and distance learning as a solution. In response, the Student Association of Southeast Asian Affairs (SASEA) initiated a dialogue programme between Malaysia and Indonesia, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of good health and well-being (SDG3). Titled “COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges: From the Perspective of Malaysia and Indonesia,” the programme was successfully conducted via YouTube Live. It featured academics from both nations who discussed the impact of the pandemic on various aspects of life and how each country responded and coped with COVID-19. The programme aimed to share experiences and knowledge related to SDG3, specifically in addressing the challenges of online and distance learning during the pandemic.

https://qs-gen.com/uitm-and-universitas-subangs-international-asean-talk-2-0/

UiTM Deploys its Assets and Provides Free Health Screening to the Community of Benut, Pontian

The UiTM Teaching Hospital (HUiTM) team recently conducted a community outreach initiative in Benut, Pontian, Johor, providing free health and dental check-ups via a mobile clinic. This effort was part of the KPT Prihatin Keluarga Malaysia @ Johor - Zone 4 programme and coincided with the opening of the Satellite Community College @ Pontian by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakub. The Satellite Community College aims to offer TVET-based courses to various groups, including the B40 demographic, disabled individuals, senior citizens, indigenous communities, youths, and single mothers, with the goal of producing highly skilled entrepreneurs. UiTM mobilised 29 volunteers including lecturers, doctors, dentists, paramedics, nurses, and auxiliary police officers to support this community health initiative. The programme exemplifies UiTM’s commitment to serving local communities and making use of its resources and expertise for the betterment of society. Acknowledgments were extended to government officials and the local community for their participation, as well as the dedicated volunteers involved in the initiative led by Prof. Dr Sazzli Shahlan Kasim, the Director of HUiTM.

UiTM Senior Lecturer Won Bronze Medal for Malaysia at the Hanoi Sea Games

UiTM senior lecturer, Dr Malvern Abdullah, won a bronze medal for Malaysia in the men’s 65kg bodybuilding competition at the Hanoi SEA Games. Dr Malvern, who specialises in marketing at the Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Sarawak Branch, combined his academic career with intensive training to excel in the competition, demonstrating the spirit of ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban,’ signifying his determination to fight on as long as he lives. His success in bringing home a medal for Malaysia is a source of encouragement and pride for the UiTM community as bodybuilding returns to the SEA Games after nearly a decade.

TCM Use and Patient Experiences in Metabolic Syndrome Care

A cross-sectional study at the university primary care clinic was conducted by a team of dedicated researchers from UiTM to investigate the prevalence and patterns of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) use among individuals with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). The study was also aimed to compare the experiences of chronic disease care using the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care - Malay version (PACIC-M) questionnaire between TCM users and non-users and identify the factors associated with TCM use among MetS patients. 381 out of 394 participants (96.7%) were included in the final analysis with 66.9% being TCM users. Notably, only 36.9% of users disclosed their TCM use to healthcare providers. It was found that TCM users had significantly higher PACIC-M scores compared to nonusers. The independent factors associated with TCM use included being female and having a higher education level. In conclusion, TCM usage was prevalent in this primary care clinic, although disclosure to healthcare providers was limited.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35027058/

Empowering Lecturers to Support Student Mental Health

In collaboration with the UiTM Health Centre and the UiTM Career and Counselling Centre, the UiTM Faculty of Law organised a webinar on 20 May 2022 with the goal of raising awareness among lecturers about their role in addressing students’ mental health issues. The keynote speaker discussed common student mental health concerns and UiTM’s integrated approach to tackling these issues in which a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was established to protect privacy and confidentiality. The webinar panelists provided guidance for educators on building trusting relationships, improving communication, and ensuring awareness of available mental health resources. Besides the critical role of lecturers in identifying and supporting students with mental health challenges, they also emphasised the importance of lecturers caring for their own mental health.

https://qs-gen.com/uitmlaw-organises-webinar-on-lecturers-role-in-helping-students-with-mental-health-issues/

Addressing Student Stress and Anxiety: Online Learning Challenges in Rural Malaysia

On 17 June 2022, the Centre for Applied Management (PPPG) at UiTM Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus, hosted an online knowledge transfer webinar on “Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Students: Issues and Challenges.” The programme was tailored for primary school students in Malaysian rural areas, specifically the Felda community in the Jengka region. The community, once economically disadvantaged, was empowered by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) through initiatives like rubber and oil palm farming. The programme was initiated due to the challenges posed by online and distance learning during the pandemic including stress, anxiety, and depression among primary school children. The webinar featured two expert panelists: Hazlin Hasan, the Head Researcher and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Management; and Anita Kassim, a senior psychology officer from UiTM Pahang Branch. The event attracted 132 participants from two primary schools, SK Felda Jengka 11 and SK Felda Jengka 15, including teachers, parents, and students in Primary 5 and 6 (aged 11 to 12). The programme aimed to promote information sharing within the community and NGOs by utilising university resources, expertise, and knowledge. It also aimed to disseminate the findings of a grant-funded study conducted by Hazlin Hasan on the challenges of stress, anxiety, and depression among students. Psychological insights were provided on proactive measures that stakeholders can take to address these issues.

https://qs-gen.com/webinar-on-stress-anxiety-depression-for-malaysian-primary-school-students/

Affordable Services for the Nation by the UiTM Specialist Centre

The UiTM Private Specialist Centre (UPSC) is a multidisciplinary private medical centre located at the UiTM Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor. Combined with the UiTM Medical Specialist Centre, the UiTM Campus Sungai Buloh building is equipped for medical services, with 88 bedded wards, 3 clinic complexes, 4 Operating theaters, an imaging unit (with 128 slice dual source CTscan 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 activity is focused on one of the main research institutes- the IMMB Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB). It also houses the Laboratory Animal Care Unit (LACU) which is the main animal husbandry venue for all the animal research. Additionally, research activities are held in the academic building (CenTre). Three residential colleges are available for medical students and equipped with facilities for student activities.

International Pharmacy Webinar Fosters Knowledge Sharing

The UiTM Faculty of Pharmacy hosted its second Hospital and Community Pharmacy Practices Webinar. Attended by 270 participants from ASEAN countries such as Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, the online event served as a platform for interactive learning. The participation of Estevez Memorial Hospital Philippines, University of Santo Tomas Philippines, Bandung Institute of Technology, and Universitas Gadjah Mada Indonesia facilitated knowledge exchange with local practitioners and UiTM and MSU academicians. The webinar covered various topics, including cardiology rehabilitation programmes, nephrology clinics, infectious disease care, warfarin clinics, anticoagulation protocols, renal care services, pharmacist roles in infectious disease clinics, and more. Participants also shared experiences related to pain management, telehealth MTAC for diabetes care, and managing respiratory MTAC during the COVID-19 pandemic. All in all, the event fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among faculty members and partnering universities in both the public and private healthcare sectors.

UiTM Health Centre: Providing Comprehensive Healthcare for Employees and Students

The UiTM Health Centre was established to provide primary medical and healthcare to all UiTM employees and students. The facility is run by Medical and Dental Officers who are assisted by a large number of support staff. UiTM in Section 1, Shah Alam is home to the UiTM Health Centre. There are Minor Health Centres at all UiTM State Campuses, the most recent being in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. The Health Centre services 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. These services are provided primarily for UiTM employees and students.

Mobile Dental Care for All

The UiTM Faculty of Dentistry exemplifies a commitment to good governance and the pursuit of SDG 3 by launching a mobile dental clinic in early 2011. 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 multi-fold, 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 alignment with SDG 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, underscores UiTM’s role as an academic institution, contributing to the greater good and reinforcing the strength of its commitment to national welfare and community health.