Johor Bahru, 10th January: Change in mindset is a critical factor in promoting an organisation andthe nation at large. It is also the primary element for beginners to move forward.
“Among the achievements conferred to UTM in 2010 is the status of Research University in June. The University also continues to strengthen its reputation of the National Innovation Award2010,” said Vice-Chancellor of UTM, Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang in his New Year’s mandate withthe university staff.
Zaini was delivering his New Year’s mandate for 2011 at the Sultan Iskandar Hall, UTMcampus in Johor Bahru on January 10th 2011.
“The 5 new Core Strategy will be introduced, developed and integrated into various aspects of the development, organisation, programs and activities in UTM,” said Zaini describes his New Year plan for his university.
The Five Strategic Boost to be implemented are the Concept of Entrepreneurship Research University, The Empowerment of Organizational Transparent Development, Providing a simulative Entrepreneurial Quality Learning, Integrated and Dynamic Intellectual Ecosystems and Creating A Healthy and Sustainable Vibrant Campus Atmosphere.
“For the implementation of the fourth Strategic Boost, the initiative was taken by theuniversity management to apply for permission to establish the Medical Faculty at UTM,” he said.
Unlike other universities that offer medical courses, the UTM has plans to offer theMBBS-PhD program.
“It is an integrated program intended to produce medical expertise that have stability in terms of research and innovation. This is similar to the courses offered by the Imperial Collage in London,” said Zaini.
In addition, the management of UTM is also planning to collaborate with KPJ HealthcareBerhad to build a hospital for clinical training.
Speaking on the fifth strategic boost, Zaini said UTM supports the efforts of the Ministry of Health in campaigning for reduced sugar intake.
“The excessive intake of sugar in the diet is the cause of many chronic diseases. The official statistics released showed that the frightening increase in cases of chronic diseases such asheart attacks, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and other diseases,” he said.
Therefore, UTM will encourage healthy lifestyle among its citizens in order to contribute to the productivity of the university more effectively, said Zaini.
The New Year’s Mandate ceremony was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Assoc. Ir. Dr. Azraai Kassim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Marzuki Khaled and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Tajuddin Ninggal. Also attending the ceremony was the Registrar of UTM, Tn. Hj. Wan Zawawi Wan Abdul Rahman.
This program was also broadcasted at the International Campus in Kuala Lumpur via teleconferencing technology.