Latest news with #UniversitiMalaya
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Join TV3's talent search at Taylor's University tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: TV3 is once again offering a platform for new talent to shine in the world of acting and scriptwriting through the Drama Sangat & Pitch Story audition programme. Following a successful reception at Universiti Malaya, Taylor's University is the next — and final — location for this talent search. This is the ultimate opportunity for aspiring young people, especially university students, to showcase their acting prowess or present fresh and captivating story ideas directly to a panel of industry professional judges. This talent assessment session will be held at Taylor's University, Lakeside Campus (Block D & E), tomorrow (June 21), from 11 am to 6 pm. The audition is open for two main categories. The Actor Audition category welcomes individuals aged between 18 and 25. Participants simply need to attend with one 4R-size photo and one passport-size photo. The second category, Pitch Story ke TV3, provides writers or creative idea generators with the chance to present a 10-minute story proposal in Malay. Participants are encouraged to prepare presentation slides, focusing on one of the designated themes: Romance, Romantic Comedy, or Current Issues. This audition session will be judged by a panel of highly influential professionals from the country's creative industry. The panel includes Nik Amir, director and producer from Lumatic Films; Ariff Zulkarnain from Indigo Films; Raziman Saribini, programme director from Taylor's University; Janna Nick, renowned actress and director, and Azrain Arifin, lecturer at Taylor's University. More than just a standard audition, this is your prime opportunity to step into the world of mainstream entertainment with TV3.
The Star
15 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Youth want answers on matriculation entry change
PETALING JAYA: The government's silence on the new matriculation entry requirement for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers has put the life of students on hold besides causing them a lot of frustration. Hafsah Yaseer, 17, from Petaling Jaya said any changes in grading should be announced long before the exams to prepare students on what they can achieve and target. She said even though matriculation is a fast-track programme costing less, the issue should not have been brought up at this time. 'I have appealed but I don't have high hopes. I'm currently applying to Universiti Malaya through Saluran Satu,' said Hafsah, who obtained 8As in total, including A+ and A- for SPM. 'I'm not sure if they truly understand our feelings or what we went through while studying for our SPM and looking for placements,' she added. As for a Johor Baru top scorer who only wants to be known as Foo, failing to get into matriculation has left her feeling regretful. 'I scored 9A+ and a merit point of 98, yet I still did not get accepted despite putting in all that hard work. Many of my classmates who got all As except for one A- also did not get in. 'I have submitted an appeal but I have not heard back from the Education Ministry. 'From what my seniors told me, it is tough for those who get in after their appeals are accepted because by then, about five weeks would have passed and the students will have to catch up on the lessons,' the 18-year-old said. Foo considered herself lucky because shortly after getting rejected, she received a full scholarship at a private university to study pharmaceuticals, which is her choice course. 'My classmates however are willing to put their life and future on hold, in hopes of getting in because of their family's financial situation. Not everybody can afford private universities as an alternative,' she said, adding that they also have to worry about living expenses besides tuition fees. Another SPM leaver Teng Chin Hoon, 18, from Johor Baru also voiced her frustration 'After receiving my SPM results of 3A+, 5A and 2A-, I felt that the possibility of entering matriculation was slim, especially after the Education Ministry suddenly changed the requirement of not recognising A-. 'They should have told us earlier,' she said, adding that she decided to enrol in Form Six after weighing her chances. The Education Ministry stated that matriculation applicants who were not offered a place may submit an online appeal until tomorrow. The results of the appeal will be announced on June 30. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had criticised the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A. Under the new policy, only students with 10 straight A+ and A grades will be automatically offered matriculation places for the 2025/2026 session. Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister. The Ayer Hitam MP said students had prepared based on last year's criteria, only to find the goalposts had shifted, a move he described as unfair. He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who are confused and disheartened by the change.
Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Science
- Focus Malaysia
Smarter ponds, greener future: The robot changing Malaysian fish farming
IN the quiet townships of Pahang, something remarkable is happening beneath the still surface of fish ponds. Where once farmers relied entirely on manual labour to clean water and monitor quality, a new innovation is gliding across the pond—powered not by fuel but by the sun. This is AquaRover, a solar-powered robotic water cleaner developed by a research team at Universiti Malaya (UM), led by Dr Archina Buthiyappan, a senior lecturer and researcher with a passion for merging technology with sustainability. Designed to help fish farmers manage water quality more efficiently, the robot is not only making waves in aquaculture but also contributing to Malaysia's broader food security and green technology agenda. 'Our aim was to solve multiple pain points at once—water quality, labour shortages, operational costs — all while keeping sustainability at the core,' said Dr Archina. 'AquaRover was born from that ambition.' The floating innovation Aquaculture plays a vital role in Malaysia's food supply chain. But fish farmers have long struggled with recurring challenges: polluted water, algae blooms, disease outbreaks, and the rising cost of manpower. After engaging directly with fish farmers on the ground, Dr Archina and her team began designing a solution tailored to their daily realities. The result was a floating robot capable of autonomously cleaning pond surfaces by removing organic waste, algae, and leftover feed. Unlike traditional fuel-powered machines, AquaRover runs on solar energy, offering a greener, cost-saving alternative. But it doesn't just clean. Equipped with high-precision sensors, AquaRover also monitors critical water parameters such as pH, temperature, and ammonia levels. This real-time data allows farmers to take early action to prevent disease, reduce fish stress, and optimise feeding schedules, all of which translate into healthier fish and higher yields. Backed by RM222,000 in funding from the Komuniti@UniMADANI grant under the Finance Ministry, the AquaRover prototype was put to the test at several hatcheries in Pahang. The results were immediate and striking. Farmers reported clearer pond water, improved fish growth, and fewer disease incidents. Feed conversion rates improved, allowing farmers to use less feed for better output. The reduction in manual cleaning not only saved time and cost, but also lessened the physical burden on workers. 'When the farmers saw how much clearer the water became and how consistent the sensor readings were, the trust grew quickly,' explained Dr Archina. 'We also made design adjustments based on their feedback. This wasn't built in a lab bubble—it was shaped by the community.' From hatcheries to classrooms and beyond Beyond commercial application, the project has also found a place in education. As part of a wider outreach initiative, the team brought AquaRover to secondary schools in Selangor, using it as a real-world teaching tool to spark interest in science, robotics, and environmental stewardship. Students from SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long and SMK Methodist ACS in Klang were introduced to the technology through hands-on demonstrations. They learned how robotics, sustainability, and agriculture can come together to solve real-world challenges, planting seeds of curiosity that may one day grow into careers in STEM and innovation. The success of AquaRover has caught the attention of government agencies and industry players alike. With growing concern over climate change, food security, and rural livelihoods, this solar-powered robot offers a rare combination of high-tech precision and practical value. Dr Archina believes that the true impact of AquaRover extends beyond the ponds of Pahang. 'What we're building is not just a robot but a new mindset for how we approach agriculture in a warming world. Clean energy, smart systems, and local input must go hand in hand,' she added. As Malaysia looks to future-proof its agricultural sector, innovations like AquaRover offer a compelling glimpse of what's possible when research is grounded in community needs and driven by sustainable thinking. ‒ June 19, 2025 The author is a postgraduate researcher at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Science
- Malay Mail
Smarter ponds, greener future: The UM robot changing Malaysian fish farming — Nuradila Zahirah Mohd Azmi
JUNE 19 — In the quiet townships of Pahang, something remarkable is happening beneath the still surface of fish ponds. Where once farmers relied entirely on manual labour to clean water and monitor quality, a new innovation is gliding across the pond — powered not by fuel, but by the sun. This is AquaRover — a solar-powered robotic water cleaner developed by a research team at Universiti Malaya (UM), led by Dr Archina Buthiyappan, a senior lecturer and researcher with a passion for merging technology with sustainability. Designed to help fish farmers manage water quality more efficiently, the robot is not only making waves in aquaculture but also contributing to Malaysia's broader food security and green technology agenda. 'Our aim was to solve multiple pain points at once — water quality, labour shortages, operational costs — all while keeping sustainability at the core,' says Dr Archina. 'AquaRover was born from that ambition.' Dr Archina with students of SMK Methodist ACS Klang. The floating innovation Aquaculture plays a vital role in Malaysia's food supply chain. But fish farmers have long struggled with recurring challenges: polluted water, algae blooms, disease outbreaks, and the rising cost of manpower. After engaging directly with fish farmers on the ground, Dr Archina and her team began designing a solution tailored to their daily realities. The result was a floating robot capable of autonomously cleaning pond surfaces by removing organic waste, algae, and leftover feed. Unlike traditional fuel-powered machines, AquaRover runs on solar energy — offering a greener, cost-saving alternative. But it doesn't just clean. Equipped with high-precision sensors, AquaRover also monitors critical water parameters such as pH, temperature, and ammonia levels. This real-time data allows farmers to take early action to prevent disease, reduce fish stress, and optimise feeding schedules — all of which translate into healthier fish and higher yields. Backed by RM222,000 in funding from the Komuniti@UniMADANI grant under the Ministry of Finance, the AquaRover prototype was put to the test at several hatcheries in Pahang. The results were immediate and striking. Farmers reported clearer pond water, improved fish growth, and fewer disease incidents. Feed conversion rates improved, allowing farmers to use less feed for better output. The reduction in manual cleaning not only saved time and cost, but also lessened the physical burden on workers. 'When the farmers saw how much clearer the water became — and how consistent the sensor readings were — the trust grew quickly,' explains Dr Archina. 'We also made design adjustments based on their feedback. This wasn't built in a lab bubble — it was shaped by the community.' The AquaRover prototype was put to the test at several hatcheries in Pahang. From hatcheries to classrooms and beyond Beyond commercial application, the project has also found a place in education. As part of a wider outreach initiative, the team brought AquaRover to secondary schools in Selangor, using it as a real-world teaching tool to spark interest in science, robotics, and environmental stewardship. Students from SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long and SMK Methodist ACS in Klang were introduced to the technology through hands-on demonstrations. They learned how robotics, sustainability, and agriculture can come together to solve real-world challenges — planting seeds of curiosity that may one day grow into careers in STEM and innovation. The success of AquaRover has caught the attention of government agencies and industry players alike. With growing concern over climate change, food security, and rural livelihoods, this solar-powered robot offers a rare combination of high-tech precision and practical value. Dr Archina believes that the true impact of AquaRover extends beyond the ponds of Pahang. 'What we're building is not just a robot — but a new mindset for how we approach agriculture in a warming world. Clean energy, smart systems, and local input must go hand in hand.' As Malaysia looks to future-proof its agricultural sector, innovations like AquaRover offer a compelling glimpse of what's possible when research is grounded in community needs and driven by sustainable thinking. * Nuradila Zahirah Mohd Azmi is a postgraduate researcher at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. Further details about the innovation may be acquired from Dr Archina Buthiyappan via email at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
UM reaches record high in global university rankings
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya secured 58th place in the QS World University Rankings 2026, its highest-ever position. This surpasses last year's 60th spot and marks an improvement in UM's pursuit of academic excellence. With an overall score of 80.1, UM ranks among the world's leading institutions, reflecting its growing international stature and strong performance in key indicators. UM scored highest in employer reputation (96.7), followed by international research network (92.9), academic reputation (92.3), student diversity (87.3), international students (86.8) and sustainability (84.7). These results highlight UM's strengths in reputation among employers and academics, as well as its success in attracting international students and fostering global research partnerships. UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the university's improved standing reflects its commitment to delivering meaningful impact locally and globally. "This achievement is not just about academia, research and intellectual growth. It also shows our dedication to driving change for the nation, the world, and humanity." He said the 2026 edition of the QS Rankings assessed more than 8,400 institutions worldwide, with only 1,501 being officially ranked. "UM has shown consistent improvement in key areas, including academic and employer reputation, international research collaborations, graduate employability, and sustainability." Noor Azuan added that UM leads Malaysia in five of the nine QS indicators. "This success is a source of national pride and would not have been possible without the dedication, sacrifice, and support of our university community, from academics and researchers to administrative and support staff, our students." He said strategic initiatives implemented over the past year — driven by forward-looking reforms — were beginning to bear fruit and would continue to shape the university's future. UM, he said, remains committed to this transformation journey and to raising the institution to greater heights. He also attributed the success to UM's restructured governance framework, which has been refined to support growth and excellence. "This achievement aligns with the prime minister's vision for a governance structure rooted in competitiveness, integrity, effectiveness, and justice. "A university's progress begins with strong, effective governance. The path to excellence lies in strategic synergy — empowering human capital, nurturing talent, and leveraging technological advancement." He said UM is also expanding its international reach while intensifying efforts to identify and attract global talent. "Our aim is to bring in the best minds and harness the world's top expertise to help us drive global change. "From offering postdoctoral programmes and research grants to strengthening strategic collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, we continue to move forward confidently among the world's best." At the same time, UM remains steadfast in its role as a leading national institution, ready to tackle challenges through world-class research and the development of holistic, future-ready graduates. Noor Azuan expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to this milestone, particularly Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir for his support, as well as the ministry and the government. "UM extends its deepest appreciation to our chancellor, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, for his wisdom, guidance, and support over the years," he said. Meanwhile, in the report released yesterday, QS senior vice-president Ben Sowter said Malaysia is emerging as a leading regional hub for higher education, offering internationally recognised qualifications, strong transnational partnerships, and a vibrant, international academic environment. "As the country advances towards a high-income economy, the role of its universities becomes increasingly critical. "To meet the demands of an AI-driven, rapidly evolving global ecosystem, Malaysia's higher education institutions must equip graduates with technical skills and human competencies required to excel in the workforce and drive innovation." He said that while Malaysia has made significant strides, there remains untapped potential in areas such as employability, sustainability strategy, and research, which are central pillars in the QS' rankings and sustained higher education excellence. Malaysia has seen one of the world's most remarkable performances in this year's edition, with 70 per cent of its universities climbing the table. This represents the highest proportion among countries with 10 or more ranked universities. UM places 16th in Asia. It is the national leader in five of QS' indicators, most prominently in academic reputation (58th) and employer reputation (40th).
