Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a strong proponent of lifelong learning, offering unique graduate programs that add value to students’ future prospects. Over the years, our learning methods have evolved to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and the demands of the market.

With this in mind, UTM Newshub spoke with the Chair of School of Graduate Studies (Sekolah Pengajian Siswazah) at UTM, Associate. Professor. Dr. Noor Hazarina Hashim, to gain insights into what makes our programs unique, initiatives aimed at enhancing their quality, and the achievements of graduate students.

1. What makes UTM unique in terms of its graduate program offerings?

The uniqueness of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) graduate program offerings lies in its pioneering approach to academic programs. UTM takes pride in being at the forefront of innovation within Malaysian academia.

Notably, UTM has led the way by introducing groundbreaking initiatives such as the industrial Ph.D. program, which was a pioneering venture in Malaysia. Additionally, UTM holds the distinction of being the first institution to offer a fully online Open and Distance Learning program, setting a precedent for accessible and flexible education in the country. Soon, we will be offering a new professional doctorate program, Doctor of Professional Practice, the first of its kind in Malaysia.

UTM’s graduate programs are widely recognized for their emphasis on innovation and their direct relevance to industry needs. This focus ensures that students have ample opportunities to engage in hands-on research, where they can integrate cutting-edge academic knowledge with practical applications in the fields of technology and engineering. Collaborative projects with industry partners further enrich the learning experience, allowing students to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world challenges.

This unique approach to graduate education, which emphasizes the seamless integration of research and industry application, has produced graduates who are exceptionally adept at navigating their fields. By being actively involved in the application of research to industry settings, UTM’s graduates emerge with a practical understanding of how to develop innovative solutions and address the challenges faced by various industries.

In essence, UTM’s graduate programs not only equip students with theoretical knowledge but also empower them to become hands-on contributors in their respective fields. Through a combination of pioneering academic initiatives and industry-focused learning experiences, UTM cultivates a new generation of professionals who are well-prepared to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to industry and society.

2. What initiatives has UTMs School of Graduate Studies undertaken to enhance the quality and relevance of graduate education and research within the university?

For taught courses and mixed-mode programs, we prioritize compliance with the curriculum review process to ensure the highest quality of education. During this meticulous procedure, the School of Graduate Studies collaborates closely with departments such as CAQ, CDex, ACE, and faculty members to review and update program curricula. This entails integrating new courses, syllabus, and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance the overall learning experience.

In research programs, we introduced new approaches to program delivery. Over the years, we have championed interdisciplinary research by fostering collaborative projects and facilitating joint supervision arrangements either with academic institution or industry. These initiatives empower students to explore diverse perspectives and methodologies, enriching their academic pursuits. To support this, we’ve undertaken a comprehensive revision of our supervision policy and allocated funding to facilitate such activities.

Recognizing the importance of ongoing professional development, UTM’s School of Graduate Studies offers tailored programs to meet the specific needs of graduate students. These programs cover essential skills in areas such as communication, leadership, and project management, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of their academic and professional endeavors. Moreover, each faculty and school, through their respective postgraduate student societies, receives funding to organize courses, training sessions, and activities customized to the research needs of students within the faculty.

In addition to student-focused training, we also prioritize the development of our lecturers. Through targeted programs aimed at enhancing supervision styles, publication strategies, and the management of long-distance students, we empower our faculty members to excel in their roles.

As a testament to the success of these initiatives, we are proud to share that three of our lecturers were honored with the UK Council for Graduate Education Research Supervision Recognition last year, acknowledging their exemplary practices in supervision.

3. How does UTMs School of Graduate Studies support the professional and academic development of its graduate students, particularly in terms of interdisciplinary collaboration and career readiness?

The current system and practices at our institution strongly support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research activities by facilitating the collaboration between students and supervisors across different faculties. For instance, we have Engineering students currently working on legal building issues under the co-supervision of Law lecturers from faculties such as the Faculty of Management, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying and Azman Hashim International Business School. Additionally, our Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Education program exemplifies our commitment to interdisciplinary education, as it combines supervision expertise from both engineering and engineering education disciplines.

In terms of professional development, we prioritize the involvement of industrial supervisors in students’ research. We believe that industry supervisors can offer invaluable practical insights into research projects. In line with this, we are initiating the promotion and organization of industry immersion programs and internships this year. These programs are designed to provide graduate students with hands-on experience in their respective fields of study, offering them valuable insights into industry practices and helping them develop practical skills relevant to their future careers.

To further prepare our graduates for the workforce, the School of Graduate Studies consistently provides exposure through various training sessions and discussions with experts. Communication skills are deemed crucial, and thus, we have organized workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing written and oral communication skills. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including academic writing, presentation skills, and effective communication in professional settings. Additionally, we offer training programs focused on developing leadership skills, which include workshops on team management, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

Moreover, through our Industrial Professional Colloquium, the School of Graduate Studies organizes networking events where graduate students can interact with alumni, industry professionals, and potential employers. These events serve as invaluable platforms for students to expand their professional networks and gain insights from experienced professionals in their fields. Additionally, we collaborate closely with the UTM Career Centre to promote job opportunities and facilitate skills development, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped for success in the workforce.

4.How does UTMs School of Graduate Studies engage with industry partners, governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to promote research collaboration, technology transfer, and innovation?

UTM’s School of Graduate Studies plays an active role in fostering partnerships and collaborations with industry partners, governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to promote research collaboration, technology transfer, and innovation. These efforts are facilitated through various channels, including direct communication initiated by the School of Graduate Studies (SPS) office and coordination with the Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research and Innovations (DVCRI) office.

Bilateral visits and discussions serve as important mechanisms for building and strengthening relationships with external partners. These visits are organized to facilitate dialogue and exchange between UTM and external stakeholders, during which the School of Graduate Studies showcases its programs and opportunities for collaboration. Through these interactions, UTM aims to identify common areas of interest, explore potential research collaborations, and discuss opportunities for technology transfer and innovation.

Additionally, the School of Graduate Studies actively participates in industry forums, conferences, and exhibitions to showcase its research capabilities and expertise. These events provide valuable platforms for networking and knowledge exchange, enabling UTM to establish connections with key stakeholders and stay abreast of industry trends and developments. One successful example was through the NEXPO program under the DVCRI  last year.

5.Could you highlight some recent research or academic achievements of graduate students and faculty members affiliated with UTMs School of Graduate Studies that have made significant contributions to their respective fields or to society?

Our graduates and staff have demonstrated remarkable achievements and have made significant contributions to society through their research endeavors.

Last year, our research students garnered numerous accolades on both international and national platforms. Notably, Syaza Soraya Bt Sauli from the School of Education, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, emerged as the recipient of the prestigious Merdeka Award Grant and the Australia Virtual PhD Internship Program. Additionally, Kugambika Vangetaraman from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering clinched first place in the National Materials Lecture Competition.

Beyond their academic pursuits, our alumni continue to make meaningful contributions to society following their graduation. The list of their achievements is extensive, and attempting to enumerate each name would be an impossible task. However, it is undeniable that our alumni consistently showcase their expertise and dedication in various agencies, departments, and organizations. Whether it be in the realms of education, research, industry, or public service, our alumni stand as shining examples of the impact of our institution’s education and training.