Faculty of Computing Research and Innovation Week 2023: Unveiling Innovation and Forging Collaborative Bonds

jamilah.mahmood@utm.my

Skudai, August 24, 2023 – The Faculty of Computing at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recently organized the Faculty of Computing Research and Innovation Week 2023. This highly anticipated event took place from August 19 to August 22, 2023. It brought together an impressive array of researchers, industry experts, and students to explore the latest advancements in computing.

The event started with the International Conference on Applied Computing (ICAC 2023) on August 19th and 20th. The conference was held at the Sunway Hotel Big Box in Iskandar Puteri and was chaired by Dr. Yusliza Yusoff. The conference saw the convergence of brilliant minds from around the world, fostering insightful discussions and collaborations on computing applications in various domains.

Committee Members Engage with Conference Participants at the ICAC 2023 Closing Ceremony

A notable highlight of the week was the FC Research and Innovation Day, held at the Faculty of Computing, UTM Skudai campus. This day was dedicated to showcasing the groundbreaking research conducted by the faculty members and students, igniting a spirit of curiosity and innovation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Murtadha bin Mohamad, the Program Director of FCRI, expressed that the event aimed to “reveal the brilliance of our research and hint at future achievements, fostering a passion for computing exploration and contributing to the ongoing digital revolution.”

The activities on FC Research and Innovation Day were diverse and engaging, catering to a wide range of interests within the computing field:

Industry Showcase: The event featured an Industry Showcase, where prominent companies such as MZR Global Sdn. Bhd., Scientific & Technical Product Sdn. Bhd., MRANTI Park, Etiqa, Matmetro Thinkers Lab, and CelcomDigi participated. This platform allowed these industry leaders to demonstrate their innovative contributions to the computing landscape.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Rosli Md. Illias, accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Mohd Nasir bin Wan Kadir, visited booths at the Industry Showcase.

ICAC Virtual Presentation: The ICAC Virtual Presentation enabled participants to attend and present their research findings virtually, transcending geographical barriers and enriching the discourse on applied computing.

Web Design Training with WordPress: Dr. Mohd Zamri Osman and Dr. Nurfazrina Mohd Zamry led an enlightening training session on web design using WordPress. Attendees gained insights into creating user-friendly and visually appealing websites, a crucial skill in today’s digital age.

Participants and instructors team up in the web design workshop, working together to uncover the art of crafting captivating online experiences.

Scratch Apps Workshop: Dr. Farkhana Binti Muchtar and Dr. Pang Yee Yong and seven lecturers from FC conducted a dynamic Scratch Apps Workshop. In collaboration with PPD Johor Bahru, this workshop reached 32 primary schools across Johor, engaging 236 students. The workshop aimed to develop young minds and expose them to the world of programming and computational thinking.

Participants of the Scratch Apps Workshop gather with their instructors and facilitators. With completed apps in hand, their smiles reflect the sense of accomplishment and newfound skills gained during the workshop.

Chat GPT Copywriting Workshop: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Murtadha bin Mohamad and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shahizan bin Othman led an intriguing workshop focused on Chat GPT Copywriting. Attendees explored the capabilities of AI-powered language models and how they can revolutionize the field of content creation.

Food Truck Delights: Amidst the enriching activities, participants also enjoyed a delightful variety of food truck offerings, adding a touch of culinary enjoyment to the event.

Guests gather around food trucks, enjoying delicious bits and having friendly conversations.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, graced the opening ceremony, accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Mohd Nasir bin Wan Kadir, who presented awards to various Research Group Showcase participants. The honors included awards for the Best Poster (IIRG), Best Booth (SERG), Best Showcase (IASRG), Best Innovation (ViCubelab), Best Presentation (PCRG), and Highest Participation (ALIAS).

The event concluded on the 22nd of August with the Postgraduate Annual Research Seminar (PARS), led by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Rohayanti Binti Hassan. The seminar revolved around the theme “Advancements in Computer Science: Bridging Theory and Practice,” provided a platform for postgraduate students to present their ongoing research, fostering discussions and feedback to elevate the quality of their work.

Dean of School of Graduate Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Hazarina Bt Hashim accompanied the Keynote Speaker Datuk Ir. Khalilur Rahman Ebrahim, Executive Chairman, System Consultancy Group of Companies at the PARS Opening Ceremony.

Behind the scenes, the event’s success was made possible by the dedicated committee members, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Zaiton bt Mohd Hashim as Program Advisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murtadha bin Mohamad as the Program Director, Dr. Pang Yee Yong as the Assistant Director, Ts. Mohd Hazri bin Ishak and his Technical Unit, Dr. Muhammad Aliif Bin Ahmad and the Protocol Unit, Dr. Jamilah Mahmood and the Promotion Unit, Suhana Binti Md Khalil @ Kadim and the Registration Unit, and finally, Dr. Tarmizi bin Adam and the Logistic Unit.

The Faculty of Computing Research and Innovation Week 2023 proved to be a resounding success, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, exploration, and innovation within the computing domain. As the world continues to evolve in the digital age, events like these play a pivotal role in shaping the future of computing and its applications in various sectors.

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