Campus & Beyond is a fortnightly column in The Borneo Post newspaper, the largest circulating English daily in Sarawak. The articles are contributed by academics and postgraduate students from the University.
Campus & Beyond is a fortnightly column in The Borneo Post newspaper, the largest circulating English daily in Sarawak. The articles are contributed by academics and postgraduate students from the University.
18 December 2024
By Ir. Dr Hudyjaya Siswoyo Jo From the moment we wake up each day, we rely on various products, appliances, and services. Have you ever wondered about the processes behind creating everyday items like cereal, biscuits, soap, or shampoo? Since …5 December 2024
By Nur Hidayah Binti Safarudin, Gloria Law Enn Li, and Marione Anne Foo The program has conducted eight intakes, with nearly 700 students progressing to a degree program. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak’s English Enhancement Program (EEP), launched in August …20 November 2024
by Dr Komathi Wasudawan, Kevin Tan Tee Liang and and Dr Agnes Lim Siang Siew The use of hemp is one way of tackling issues of plastic use and for the promotion of sustainable consumption and production as outline by …6 November 2024
By Dr Heng Kiat Sing and Ms Eunice Law Mei YuanDigital media is revolutionizing project management by enhancing efficiency and innovation, enabling businesses to build stronger teams, deliver successful projects, and create greater value for stakeholders.The Association for Project Management …23 October 2024
By Ts. Dr. Irine Runnie Henry GinjomRice holds deep cultural significance in Malaysia, but there is a need to recognise its potential risks, especially concerning diabetes, and where balancing tradition with health can lead to a more mindful approach to …9 October 2024
By Ir. Dr. Chew Jiuan JingWith global resource consumption at unsustainable levels, chemical engineers are leading the charge toward a balanced planet through innovative, sustainable solutions and responsible practices.Responsible ConsumptionAs a chemical engineer, I perceive our planet as a closed …12 September 2024
By Heng Kiat Sing and Dr Maggie Tang May JeanThe global attention towards the surge in food waste stems from its far-reaching implications across society, the economy, and the environment.According to the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and …28 August 2024
by Donna Barclay, Dr Komathi Wasudawan and Dr Christina YinIn the 2024 Malaysian budget, RM17 billion was allocated for education, with RM587 billion for the Ministry of Education (MoE) and RM16.3 billion for the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE).Of the …14 August 2024
By Dr Christina YinIn an age where AI can instantly generate flawless content and correct grammatical errors, human creativity remains unparalleled.In this age of AI writing, I remain entralled with the art of writing. And all this despite we now …17 July 2024
By Guo Bao, Liu Zhen, Crystal Ling Eng Chi and Tan Lee TungIn Malaysia, diabetes is a silent epidemic but beyond its alarming statistics lies a fascinating journey of bridging ancient wisdom with modern science in its treatment. Oftentimes we …3 July 2024
By Dr Gabriel Wee Wei En and Irving Ting Shou HuiArtificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various industries, significantly affecting marketing and finance. As AI technologies advance, they offer unprecedented opportunities for businesses to optimize their …19 June 2024
By Eunice Law Mei YuanThe design landscape is undergoing a revolution, and at the heart of it lies Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, these AI tools is not here to replace you, it is here to supercharge your creativity. AI as …10 June 2024
by Ting Mee LingIn the pursuit of a sustainable future, we must nurture the well-being and authenticity of our youth amidst the tumult of modernity and social media pressures. There have been many instances where my young student teachers in early …8 May 2024
By Cassandra Eva Lau Lin YinWith internet search engines, learners now find that looking up for information a breeze.Whether it is using the ubiquitous Google search engine or the newest artificial intelligence search tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, …24 April 2024
By Associate Professor Hugh LeongBeing a parent holding a full-time job can be a tough and demanding task in this day and age.Like many enthusiastic young parents, I had grand ideas about how I would raise my son as he …28 March 2024
By Nivakan Sritharan and Lisa Ngui Lee HuaSugar is a common ingredient in our drinks and food, and is an additive that many cannot live without. However, excessive intake of sugar can cause many health issues such as obesity and non-communicable …13 March 2024
By Ir. Dr Chong Kok HingThis article aims to raise awareness and practical pointers in the area of ESG, especially in the Sarawak context.ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It is a term that we frequently hear in this …28 February 2024
By Shella Georgina BeatriceThe term ‘rural’ is often linked to those who are staying outside the city, participate in farming and agriculture, and often lag in terms of development. These communities are often identified as requiring substantial support from various agencies, …14 February 2024
By Dr Jibril Adewale BamgbadeIn the heart of our bustling cities, where concrete jungles reign, and the hum of urban living is unending, we might be standing on the brink of a precipice.This symbolic interpretation explains the precarious state of …9 February 2024
By Dr Jee Teck WengThe concept of the metaverse is rooted in the development of shared digital realms within immersive virtual worlds.Before its emergence, concepts like virtual reality (VR), social networking, and augmented reality (AR) laid the groundwork for envisioning …
20 December 2023
By Dr Jason YongPrompt engineering is the process of refining prompts that a person can input into a generative artificial intelligence service to generate text, solutions, or even images.Photos by Melih Can / pexels.comChatGPT is one such AI model developed …6 December 2023
By Evelyn Gan and Irene ChangThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly embedded deep in the minds of all Malaysians, especially the community within higher education institutions.Looking back on the past three years of the pandemic, so many things …22 November 2023
By Shella Georgina BeatriceMicro-tourism is an innovative approach to travel. It is believed to contribute to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Micro-tourism refers to travel to nearby places and requires only short-distance trips. It also reduces the chances of infection …8 November 2023
By Bertha Chin and Hettiarachige Maiki Leo Tisser Often when, as experts in the field, you’re asked to reflect on the merits of said field, it may sound boring to the outsider because you can’t help but regurgitate facts or …26 October 2023
By Roswita Rawi and Dollyrissia Lainers DebraIn today’s rapidly evolving world driven by technology, the significance of library literacy cannot be overstated.This is particularly true for university students. As we navigate the complexities of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, the …11 October 2023
By Jeremy LuTerms like “green building,” “sustainability,” “Industry 4.0,” and “smart construction” are familiar concepts within the field of quantity surveying. Furthermore, many countries have embarked on ambitious initiatives to curb carbon emissions. For instance, as of September 2020, China’s President …29 September 2023
By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elammaran JayamaniThe term ‘sustainability’ has become common in today’s world. image: sdgactioncampaign.orgIt is heard in kindergarten classrooms to university campuses, from school children to university researchers. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively pursue sustainability while businesses engage in these …13 September 2023
By Dr Agnes Lim, Kevin Tan and Su Sueh IngThe workplace is an ever-evolving idea that continues to be redefined. Its traditional perception as a place where employees commit long hours and of immense stress continues to dwindle.With technology, society …30 August 2023
By Dr Xavier CheeThe World Health Organization has designated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) commonly known as antibiotic resistance, as one of the most urgent public health threats in modern times.In 2016, a team led by Lord Jim O’Neill published a scathing …16 August 2023
By Dr Sabeeha. N.B.A. KhadarooThe consequence of climate change is far-reaching, and its impact is felt within society and in the environment. To tackle climate change, one action is to contribute towards climate jobs.Climate change refers to the long-term alterations …2 August 2023
By Marione Anne FooThe English Enhancement Program at Swinburne Sarawak offers valuable study experience that keeps you a step ahead not just academically but also in adaptability.The transition from school to university is a significant leap for many students. It …20 July 2023
By Dr Yii Kwang Jing, Dr Maggie Tang and Ms Lisa NguiThe need to address environmental challenges pushed the emergence of ‘green finance’, a powerful tool for driving positive change. As the need to address environmental challenge grows, the emergence of …5 July 2023
By Michael LeeIn the past, graffiti and wall paintings, or street murals, were once viewed as acts of vandalism. But attitudes have changed. What started as spontaneous, sometimes illegal activities, these street murals have gained popularity.These street murals are now part …21 June 2023
By Daniel TanBack before Sarawak’s independence, the affairs of agriculture were administered by the Natural Resource Board. Many may remember that agriculture in Sarawak was once administered by the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development (MANRED). Before …7 June 2023
In today’s globalises world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services are growing rapidly. These services offer convenient and fast access to personal data, which is increasingly valuable because it provides a competitive advantage in commercial activities. As a result, important topics related to personal data include data privacy and security.18 May 2023
By Dollyrissia Lainers and Khursiah Binti OmarFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries underwent a rebirth and reinvention according to the changing needs of users.Libraries used to be a hive of activity, especially during the academic year prior to the pandemic.Every aspect …10 May 2023
By Dr Miko ChangThe Harvard Business Review was the first to use the phrase “data science is the sexiest job of the 21st century.” Since then, the demand for skilled data professionals has grown.HBR’s article popularized the term ‘data science’ …26 April 2023
By Dr Komathi Wasudawan, Dr Ee Yaw Seng and Irving SH Ting In 2015, the United Nations (UN) established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Among the 17 goals were responsible production and consumption.Sustainable Development and Responsible ProductionResponsible production means producing goods and …12 April 2023
By Ting Mee LingEarly childhood is a critical time of development for a child’s well-being and learning throughout life. If education is the building block of a country’s development, then early childhood education (ECE) is the cornerstone. For a nation …29 March 2023
By Eunice Law The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in popularity.According to the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), it will bring in RM1.5 billion (about $ 370 million) by 2024. It is also providing employment to many and financial gains …15 March 2023
By Cassandra Eva LauEvery one of us experienced being read-aloud during our childhood. It is only now that we have a name for these reading sessions.My earliest memories of oral storytelling were sitting beside my grandma and being charmed by …3 March 2023
By Dr Colin TanWhen you sign in to online services today, you may be prompted for a one-time password (OTP) as part of the verification steps. This process is known as two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA prevents hackers from accessing your …15 February 2023
By Dr Chong Kok Hing What is building services? Building services are the systems installed in buildings to make them comfortable, functional, efficient and safe. Buildings go beyond providing shelter from the heat and cold, wind and rain; the building …
21 December 2022
By Evelyn Gan, Irene Chang Hui Chung and Jefferson Sim Poh ThongIn Malaysia, self-accreditation is the highest form of institutional autonomy that can be awarded by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), entitling a higher education provider (HEP) to accredit its …23 November 2022
By Jenny HuIn the past semesters, I’ve been using electronic mail or e-mails as a feedback tool where students would attach their completed work and send the email to me for feedback on their work. While this is a great …9 November 2022
Ir. Dr Chong Kok HingThe adverse impacts of climate changeClimate change was first discussed by Arrhenius (1896), who predicted that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could impact the global surface temperature via the greenhouse effect. There are …7 November 2022
Assoc. Prof. Ida Fatimawati bt. Adi Badiozaman It is that time of the year when academic researchers around the world eagerly anticipate the results of the 2022 grants and research proposals. While this time can be anxiety-inducing, competition has always been …26 October 2022
Dr Almon Wei Yen ChaiDigital devices have been around for many decades. With the emergence of the covid19 coronavirus in the beginning of 2020, and followed by the movement controls in numerous countries, we have been embracing digital devices in …12 October 2022
By Irene Chang Hui Chung and Jefferson Sim Poh ThongIt seems like it was just yesterday that we were adjusting and coping with our environment as the paradigm shifted due to the pandemic. Some of us adapted well, while some …3 August 2022
By Dr Komathi Wasudawan and Dr Agnes Lim Siang SiewThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced many front-line workers, especially those in the tourism industry, to turn to other forms of employment.As one of the most impacted industries during the COVID-19 crisis …22 July 2022
Many people aspire to be their own boss, to call the shots, and enjoy the freedom of work and a lavish life, all of which point to the lucrative promises and rewards of entrepreneurship. Owning a business is exciting, but ask anyone who runs a business and you will quickly realise that entrepreneurship is full of challenges.20 July 2022
By Dr Christina Yin“The Green Club has a gift for you!” Lancelan Pegan tells a group of 14 students and four lecturers on a study tour from Japan’s Kanda University of International Studies. Armed with chopsticks and napkins, Aaron Mok, …22 June 2022
Do you know your rights as a data subject? Or do you know the responsibilities of a data user?22 May 2022
Blockchain is synonymous with the underlying technology that drives cryptocurrency with the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum being promoted as a means for decentralizing both financial and monetary systems. However, the application of blockchain technology goes beyond just that of a mechanism for decentralized digital finance.4 May 2022
Almost every working adult is trying to ‘fit-in’ into what I refer as the ‘post-pandemic life balance’. To what extent does COVID-19 impact our accounting now?22 April 2022
What can you infer if I tell you that the mean monthly income of 10 people in a room is RM10,000? You might conclude that these 10 people could be top level managers who fall under the T20 category in Malaysia. Fair enough, but what if I tell you that 1 out of the 10 people is earning RM90,000 per month since he is running several businesses? Well, if you do the mathematics quickly, you might arrive at a completely different conclusion with this additional clue since the mean monthly income of the remaining 9 people in the room is now RM1,111 instead of RM10,000. This is one of the common pitfalls in using summary statistics such as an arithmetic mean when you have outlier bias in a small dataset.6 April 2022
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about changes in all aspects of our work, life, and play, including the university’s research scholarship.23 March 2022
Sarawak is rich in natural resources and arable land. As such, we need a realistic strategy to become a successful exporter of high-value products and resources.9 March 2022
Internet users of today ate estimated to own at least a dozen online accounts, all of which requires the user to keep track and remember a large number of login credentials. An almost impossible task indeed. Fortunately, we now have web browsers which automatically save login credentials to websites visited. This may seem helpful but it gave rise to another problem – forgetting the password to a particular website.23 February 2022
Learning has changed from f2f to online learning. students are expected to be independent and responsible, with devices used for teaching and learning. All learners are connected regardless of localities, yet poor connection remains the major set back to many, especially for those resident in rural areas and whose internet connectivity is unstable.9 February 2022
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic being a colossal tragedy to humankind, there were also momentous scientific breakthroughs peppered throughout that period, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in biomedical science.26 January 2022
The digitalisation of the built environment fuels the application of sophisticated digital adoption in Malaysia. Digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms, laser scanning, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Drones, and Augmented/Virtual Reality change the traditional way of construction practices.10 January 2022
“Shush…!” that was what we often heard in libraries of the past. I could still remember libraries of my childhood where it was a place where patrons read books and do their research quietly; so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. But this is not the case of the current educational demand especially in the era of digital dominance.
1 December 2021
Gastronomy (also known as culinary) is an art form related to the experience of preparing and consuming food and beverages. From a tourism perspective, gastronomy experiences provide tourists and visitors alike different forms of attractions that are often associated with (or sometimes multiple) cultures and destinations.17 November 2021
Cloud computing. You may have heard of it, but what is it? Get ready for a surprise because you’re already enjoying the benefit of this technology.27 October 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to community activities, especially for older adults. With the imposition of various restrictions to stop the spread of the pandemic, seniors who are less competent in digital-related activities are disconnected from the outside world.15 September 2021
Last weekend, this writer stumbled upon a handbook by Knut H. Sørensen titled The role of Social Science in Engineering. In it, the author quoted the dictionary definition of engineering as “the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and sources of energy in nature are made useful to people’’, a definition that clearly accentuates that the end product is ‘made useful to people’.1 September 2021
Teachers play a significant role in supporting the recovery process post-pandemic. Teachers should embrace digital education, be adaptable, resilient and open to growth opportunities.18 August 2021
Concrete has been relied on for decades as the most widely used building material due to its durability, flexibility, and strength.4 August 2021
What are your day-to-day activities like? For some, it can be a usual day in the office where they start typing away after a quick coffee chat with their colleagues. Others can be watching Netflix, playing online games, learning new skills or even trying to stay connected with their family or friends online. In a lot of our day-to-day activities, especially the ones involving technology, do you know that many cybersecurity solutions are being put in place to ensure that you can do what you do safely and with no interruption?21 July 2021
It has been approximately one and a half years since COVID-19 hit globally. The pandemic has greatly affected and revolutionised the way lives and businesses are managed. Many sectors have tried to survive by engaging the use of third-party software, apps, and social media to reach out to their customers to ensure sustainability and survival of businesses.7 July 2021
Twenty years ago, many would not even imagine that obtaining an overseas quality education locally is possible. With globalisation, the world has become borderless and knowledge sharing has become seamless.23 June 2021
Stock market speculators may be worried about a crash in the stock market during the COVID-19 pandemic where share values may fall. As a result, they may consider selling their shares to avoid any greater losses from their investments. However, there are risks involved in any stock investment as no one can foresee what lies ahead in the stock market, particularly during the current pandemic with potential ongoing lockdowns. Due to the continuously changing outlook, investors should expect a rough ride while waiting for the anticipated V-shaped recovery. The stock market offers the best possibility to grow wealth, as the interest rates for savings are substandard.9 June 2021
Biotechnology has become a household name. We come across the word and its technological products wherever we are. Biotechnology simply refers to the use of biological systems or living organisms (at microscale or macroscale) to develop various products such as the recently developed Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines being administered to people around the world.26 May 2021
Ever seen this old saying on healthy eating posters, ‘Eat to live, not live to eat’? What exactly does this phrase mean?12 May 2021
Technology has become omnipresent and an integral part of our lives. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, this has accelerated and intensified our dependency on technology. The inevitable surge in utilising digital technologies is evident from the incessant surveillance of contact tracing to how educational institutions rapidly transitioned to online teaching. The continuing crisis has changed our lives considerably, imposing the need for various modifications for organisations and individuals to cope in this trying time.28 April 2021
Our natural environment offers enough opportunities for the sustainability of humanity and our planet, especially in providing safe and clean air. Forest and water are the most valuable form of nature commodities available to humans, which exist well before the evolution of life.14 April 2021
A popular toy line by Takara and Hasbro hit television sets across the world in the 1980s. Titled Transformers: More than meets the eye, the beloved series featured warring factions of sentient mechanoid aliens adept at disguising themselves as everyday vehicles. Their stories inspired our childhoods alongside G.I. Joe, MacGyver, The X-Files, Beyond 2000 and other timeless classics.31 March 2021
It is January 2020, and five university students are sitting on a panel being moderated by a sixth student before an audience comprising representatives from a range of organisations including corporations, nongovernmental organisations and the United Nations Development Programme.17 March 2021
We cannot deny the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. To date, infection and fatality rates are still on the rise. We are still unable to travel freely, meet up with others or hold big gatherings as often as we used to.24 February 2021
Career, a term that many people would relate to their specialisation area, or only, their job. However, a career is more than that. It encapsulates one’s source of income and the future work direction and where they will invest their time and resources.23 February 2021
Phew! Reflecting back, what a year it has been. It was definitely not the year we visualised back in school years or when we were younger.20 January 2021
Plastic fantastic is all around us. We use it to keep our food warm and of course also in the form of facemasks and shields to help protect us from Covid. Global plastic production is expected to increase 40 percent by 2030, with hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in new plastic production plants worldwide.
23 December 2020
A consumer’s actions may not always match their intentions. As the world struggles against the crisis of plastic pollution, bio-based plastics, also known as bioplastics, have emerged as one of the most favoured solutions.9 December 2020
Have you ever shared a photo with a group of friends through a messaging app? How about watching a movie on your computer and then continuing it on your mobile device, right where you left off?25 November 2020
It’s past midnight and the steady tapping of my keyboard is interrupted only by the sound of a glass tinkling – a WhatsApp notification.11 November 2020
While the ongoing pandemic justifiably dominates our current life and plans, there are other areas that also require our attention. Several studies suggest a close link between occurrences of pandemics and the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity. While it cannot be made ‘responsible’ for the latest pandemic, our ongoing destruction of planet Earth is certainly not helping in fighting its impacts.28 October 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our lives in every single way. Our daily routines have changed and everyone is trying to adapt to the new normal of maintaining physical distancing, putting extra precaution on personal hygiene, as well as minimising our activities that involve close contact with other individuals.14 October 2020
Taska, Tabika and Tadika are acronyms that are associated with Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Malaysia. Although their focus group slightly differs from each other, they all function under the overarching umbrella of childcare provider for early learners. Swinburne Sarawak is planning to offer a suite of new diploma and Bachelor’s degree courses, and Early Childhood Education is in the planning.30 September 2020
We are often concerned about criminals or thieves invading our private spaces such as our home, neighbourhood or office. As a preventive measure, we install physical defences such as grills, walls, fences, and locks, or hire security guards to protect our surroundings. On top of that, we reinforce our defences with the use of technologies such as alarms, CCTVs, proximity card reader, biometric reader, and other similar technologies.9 September 2020
The educational disruption brought by the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed learning experiences, routines and perspectives for teachers in the higher education sector.19 August 2020
The Malaysian government implemented Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18 March 2020 as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘lockdown’ also induced the closure of all industries, except for infrastructure services, supermarkets, wet markets, and multi-functional stores selling daily necessities.5 August 2020
Against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the race for COVID-19 vaccine is showing positive signs.22 July 2020
Does business education nurture good business practitioners? Although this is a simple question, it is pivotal to the relevance and legitimacy of business education. The prolific and phenomenal growth of business education on a global scale currently lies on the premise that business education is indeed essential and necessary for producing business practitioners par excellence.8 July 2020
It would be unfair to say that Covid-19 took us by surprise. There had been signs and warnings since the end of 2019. Yet many of us, myself included, were totally unprepared when the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia or lockdown in other countries was announced.24 June 2020
Engaging students in the technical aspects of engineering and science is a challenging task. One of the ways to better involve students in this aspect of study is to encourage them to enter engineering competitions that challenge them to solve real-world problems with practical solutions.10 June 2020
Countries across the globe have embraced entrepreneurship as an important factor in their economic growth and sustainability. Programmes to foster entrepreneurship are actively initiated by governments through workshops, seminars, capital funding and so on. Malaysian government in particular sees how entrepreneurship would help elevate the country’s economy and reduce unemployment rates.20 May 2020
The advent of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on our way of life and affected everyone and every market sector worldwide. The education sector is no exception to this disruption.7 May 2020
We all know that ‘Everything is made of something’. We use various types of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, liquid crystals, and composites for a wide range of applications. It is always a new material that open the door to new technologies, whether they are in construction, chemical, civil, agricultural, nuclear, aeronautical, mechanical, biomedical or electrical engineering.15 April 2020
Working from home gives me the perfect opportunity for a little self-reflection on the transition from face-to-face to online teaching and delivery.1 April 2020
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a growing area of research and study in the world. From predicting stock markets and weather storms to broad medical applications such as breast cancer and lung disease detection, AI has shown it has a place in the world today.11 March 2020
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” “If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is Nature’s way.” Aristotle5 February 2020
For most ‘Generation Xers’ like myself, growing up in the suburbs in the early 80s was fun. You are assured of greeneries and cell-improving phytochemicals that are devoid of pollution. Crime is reduced to minimal levels; you get better psychological health plus a relatively cheaper cost of living. City centres were not as tremendously attractive then as they are today.22 January 2020
The field of graphic design was established centuries ago. The field continues to grow during the industrial revolution when the birth of new businesses required ‘promotional’ collateral items coupled with the existence of print press machine that made the mass production of materials possible.
18 December 2019
We’re walking up the forest pathway, making our way through the Semenggoh Nature Reserve to the feeding platform about five minutes from the visitor’s centre. A teacher behind me says, “It’s as if the trees have grown their roots to create steps for us to climb up.”4 December 2019
Today’s generation of graduates will enter into the workforce knowing their first official employment has a diminished stranglehold over their future. Undoubtedly, a well-designed business degree should prepare students for its intended profession.20 November 2019
It was 26 December 2004, a day after Christmas. I was an undergraduate student at University of Malaya, staying in an apartment on the 17th floor. That morning, I felt dizzy. I observed slow sloshing movement of water in my glass which I put on the table.6 November 2019
Malaysians love sales. This is evidenced by the large number of people who throng the shopping malls or departmental stores whenever there is a sale going on.16 October 2019
Many people perceive that the pursuit of knowledge is the ultimate aim in life. This is because with knowledge, we can improve our quality of life, have better job prospects and able to present a competitive edge to our contenders. Consequently, time, money and effort are devoted to acquiring knowledge.2 October 2019
The Oxford Dictionary defines quality assurance as ‘the maintenance of a desired level of quality in a service or product, especially by means of attention to every stage of the process of delivery or production’.18 September 2019
Business graduates entering the workforce need to be hyper-competitive.4 September 2019
Borneo is the largest island in Asia and it is also the third largest island in the world. Covered by some of the oldest rainforests and located right on the equator, renewable energy solutions to generate electricity is highly possible in this great island.14 August 2019
Since the era of mass production and commercialisation of products, packaging has played a vital role in contributing towards the public’s recognition, trust and connection towards a product.31 July 2019
For developing nations, education is deemed to be the driving force in improving its economic competitive advantage, and has boosted the mounting efforts of its government to regulate education institutions through educational policy formulation and implementation.10 July 2019
Nothing is 100% efficient in this world. In fact, it is thermodynamically impossible to even come close to that figure.26 June 2019
When people talk about investment, it will always be about how to make thousands in future from their initial capital of fund.13 June 2019
Picture this. It was the night you have been waiting for. You were going to propose. You had it all planned, a romantic candlelight dinner at an expensive restaurant, and a diamond ring in your pocket.22 May 2019
Together with 193 other countries, Malaysia has expressed commitment towards the 17 ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).8 May 2019
The ability to create and manage high performing teams has become necessary for modern organisations. As work tasks and work expectations increase in complexity, many firms respond by employing teams as a managerial strategy.10 April 2019
At the age of seventeen, the idea of deciding what to do with the rest of my life was quite daunting. I accidentally stumbled into chemical engineering by my sense of wonder and curiosity.27 March 2019
Authentic is the word I would use to describe my first trip to Myanmar. When I exited the arrival hall at Yangon International Airport, I was immersed in a language I could not understand.13 March 2019
“Up! Up! SK. Ng. Delok Up!” The Nanga Delok primary school motto is etched on a plaque and posted up on the wall of the school’s office along with the school’s mission and vision.27 February 2019
When people consider enrolling in a PhD, many are unsure about what a doctoral degree really involves. In this week’s column, we take a look inside the PhD, to answer some common questions about doctoral degrees.13 February 2019
Energy is one of the core components in economic development. Like in many developing countries in the world, socio-economic development in rural communities has been one of the major focus areas in ensuring sustainable growth in Malaysia.
23 August 2017
For many small business owners, branding is often associated with naming your company for registration purposes or stamping a logo on marketing material.2 August 2017
There’s a new game launched and it’s been called “the most improbable video game” by the Smithsonian Magazine.20 July 2017
The issue of medical negligence has been a widely debated area in Malaysia especially in the recent years as the number of these cases has been rising uncontrollably.5 July 2017
Oceans are a significant source of oxygen for our planet and are instrumental in regulating Earth’s climate.21 June 2017
According to the Forbes magazine, by year 2025 most of the world’s major companies will collectively generate approximately 180 zettabytes of data.17 May 2017
Design has largely been misunderstood as the superficial, aesthetic elements attached to a product at the end of the process to make it look good and appealing – in short, design is an after-thought.26 April 2017
In today’s interconnected world, social media has become an important part of our daily lives.12 April 2017
One of the biggest mistakes that brand owners—individuals, organizations, and governments—make when it comes to branding is to take a superficial approach to develop their brands.
23 November 2016
The role of universities has changed over the last decade; students no longer go to universities for only information or knowledge; they have the internet and online courses for that.9 November 2016
In my previous article “The dark side of education” published in this column last year, I discussed that the tutoring in academic subjects provided by tutors for financial gains in addition to mainstream schooling, more commonly referred to locally as “tuition”, is a far bigger industry than meets the eye.26 October 2016
In his book Cognitive Surplus, Clay Shirky argues that following the Second World War, dramatic economic development had created an excess of free time.12 October 2016
In educating non-native English-speaking adult learners, it is necessary to accept students as they are and not make false assumptions about their interests, knowledge and aptitudes. In the case of an inaugural cohort of the Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, the students were state government sponsored adult learners who are non-native English speakers.28 September 2016
The frequent publicity on the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in the local newspapers recently was somehow negatively portrayed for the organisation’s four-month suspension of a Malaysian oil palm conglomerate’s RSPO certification.14 September 2016
The term “investment” can not only be used in the financial world but is also applicable in language learning and an individual’s identity (a person’s views of him/herself based upon how s/he relates to society).1 September 2016
Mainstream economics encompasses the fields of philosophy, psychology, and mathematics that attempt to quantify evidence for scientific tests and analysis.17 August 2016
During the 2008 global financial crisis the collapse of an unprecedented number of corporations, including multinational financial institutions, was attributed to weak corporate governance.10 August 2016
In this globalised age, there is a growing recognition of different varieties of English.20 July 2016
Managers of a modern-day workforce have a tough but strategically important job.18 July 2016
With the increasing number of fatalities in industrial accidents, workplace safety has become a primary concern in the country.8 June 2016
Concrete is one of the most widely used synthetic materials in the world.25 May 2016
An eight-hour drive, pit stops in Kuching, Lachau and Engkilili, and a constant flow of Apai Saloi stories from my dad, pretty much sums up the journey I experienced as a kid when my family travelled from our hometown of Lundu to my dad’s village in Merindun in Lubok Antu for the Gawai (harvest) festival each year.11 May 2016
In April 2011, a strange thing happened on Amazon. A book titled “The Making of a Fly” sold at US$23,698,655.93.13 April 2016
My three-year-old son surprises me with questions every day. It amazes me how much he learns each day.24 March 2016
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2013, a global study of national entrepreneurship performance, found that Malaysia was one of the few economies in the Asia Pacific where the government offers generous funding and physical infrastructure to support entrepreneurship.16 March 2016
As countries compete for skilled human power in today’s migratory world, most countries have identified competence in English as a skill that opens the doors of education, training and employment for their youth, and an important tool for the country’s global trade, commerce and industry.
11 November 2015
To overcome the shortage of academics, business schools turn to industry to recruit professional executives and managers as academics to teach business subjects.4 November 2015
By Dr Md Bazlul Mobin Siddique Water is undoubtedly a necessary and important resource. However, not many of us are bothered about the source of our water as most of us may have filters installed. Our concern for clean and …15 October 2015
By Angelica Tan You might have noticed that a thin slimy layer forms on the inside of your water bottle if you’ve not cleaned it for some time. Contrary to popular belief, this is not algae but it is in …30 September 2015
By James ChunHan Loi After four years of studies, in 1991 a group of Malaysian academicians from University of Malaya’s Faculty of Education published a report titled Extra-school instruction, social equity and educational quality. In that report, the academicians examined …16 September 2015
Some of us might not realise it, but we are so used to acronyms that we do not pay attention to them anymore.2 September 2015
Cancer is a threat that most of us hope we will never experience19 August 2015
The pendulum is a deceptively simple piece of scientific wonder.5 August 2015
According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, there were 14.1 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2012.23 July 2015
By Jacob Ting King SoonYou walk into a shop selling CDs and DVDs on any given day and you are greeted with rows and rows of neatly displayed and packaged discs, ranging from Fast & Furious 7 to Taylor Swift’s …24 June 2015
Malaysia’s Talent Roadmap published in 2012 indicates that the Government of Malaysia recognises the need to improve the country’s attractiveness to foreign talent.27 May 2015
Plastics bags may seem rather handy for carrying our groceries or when used as a bag for throwing away garbage.13 May 2015
Arbitration was first introduced formally under the Arbitration Act 1952 as a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method in Malaysia.29 April 2015
These excerpts are some of the most common exchanges within the academic reading and writing classes that I have taught.22 April 2015
Most of us will have spent a weekend at a beautiful beach admiring the ocean view.
10 December 2014
In April last year I wrote about rising foreign direct investment in biotechnology in this very column.26 November 2014
Design is often misconstrued as ornamental decoration that does not have a function.20 November 2014
The global financial crisis of 2008 is considered to be one of the most devastating financial crises since the great depression of the 1930s.15 October 2014
The context of teaching and learning is complicated and messy as each setting varies significantly with different learners and teachers.1 October 2014
Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of mortality globally.27 August 2014
In today’s market, where Android and Windows systems get people’s utmost attention, communication applications like Skype, Viber, WhatsApp and others have become popular and practical for end users.6 August 2014
The institutionalisation and teaching of business knowledge first started in France, Belgium, and Italy in the 18th century.23 July 2014
When microwave ovens first came into the market in 1947 they were very expensive.9 July 2014
Imagine this scenario: you’re in Kuching for the first time and the urge to explore a new city makes you bouncy with energy.25 June 2014
At the tertiary level, reports have consistently revealed that despite having formal English instruction for eleven years30 April 2014
It is now pretty obvious that information technology is the “hot stuff” of the interconnected world.16 April 2014
The study of student engagement has been intensely examined since the 1990s and research on engagement has grown exponentially within three decades.
25 December 2013
Ancient Indians were afraid of many things but never afraid of large numbers.13 December 2013
Financial inclusion refers to making the financial system available to the economically under-privileged sections of the society.13 November 2013
By Professor D. P. DashThe need to educate people as researchers is being felt widely both in industry and government. Bill Scales AO, President of the Business/Higher Education Round Table, Australia, who is also the Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology, …30 October 2013
A picture contains a fixed number of rows and columns of pixels.16 October 2013
It is increasingly common these days in schools as well as institutions of higher learning to get students to work in teams on a project or assignment.9 October 2013
Whether we realise it or not we are surrounded by carbon-based materials.18 September 2013
The Malaysian Education Blueprint was launched this month, and with it, a three-wave initiative to revamp the education system over the next 12 years.4 September 2013
With its network of sleepy, meandering rivers and heavy rainfall, Sarawak has all the right characteristics for hydropower generation.21 August 2013
Dr Adam NewcombeAlthough design courses have proliferated around the world over the last 20 years or so, the actual understanding of what design is and its importance to an emerging economy is often overlooked.The perception of many parents, when advising …7 August 2013
These days, most university students put too much weight on academic results and tend to neglect the importance of extra-curricular activities.24 July 2013
When I was a student of graphic design at a prominent Malaysian art and design institution, my lecturers often stress upon work ethics and discipline.10 July 2013
Since the beginning of the postmodern era, the education sector has been one of the last to experience the intrusion of technology.24 June 2013
Social media like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and others have increased interaction in leaps and bounds.12 June 2013
“Impurities?” one might turn up one’s nose, “who wants them?”29 May 2013
In 2006, Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad released the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)15 May 2013
In 1637, French philosopher and mathematician, Rene Descartes in his book Discourse on Method wrote “I think, therefore I am”.1 May 2013
Owing to the advances in information technology, the world has witnessed some of the most amazing inventions ever seen.17 April 2013
Malaysia’s total private investments surged to a record RM139.5 billion last year.
12 December 2012
If you are wondering why I am writing an article about going back to school, I happen to be one of the privileged few who did it.5 December 2012
Samuel Langley was a renowned scientist and inventor in the US during the 1880s.14 November 2012
Worldwide, organisations continue to be confronted with challenges that demand they change and adapt in order to survive.31 October 2012
Concrete, a construction material made from a mixture of cement, aggregate (sand or stone) and water, had been and still is the most widely used building material worldwide.17 October 2012
We had just graduated – me with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and my friend with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.3 October 2012
The readers of this article who are not physicists might find the title bizarre.19 September 2012
Many institutions of higher learning have departed from the old practice of accepting only the smartest and most capable students.5 September 2012
We often comfort and support friends or family members in times of need, but do you ever think of asking for help when you are faced with a dilemma or indecision?8 August 2012
Imagine this: you’re at the doctor’s office after coming down with a fever.25 July 2012
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” – Confucius10 July 2012
Rote-learning plays a vital role in acquiring skills and knowledge, especially for students reading mathematics and science, history and geography, and subjects where rules, facts and figures have to be memorised.11 June 2012
There was once Hermione Granger’s doppelganger in my class.30 May 2012
Government ministries, research councils, universities and other agencies connected with research assess research proposals frequently.30 May 2012
The role of lecturers is continuing to grow in importance as higher education issues and challenges become increasingly complex and multifaceted.9 May 2012
Since ancient times, man has been known to use art as a form of expression, communication and association.4 April 2012
While scientific discoveries may bring to mind images of scientists busily working in their labs, this is not always the case.21 March 2012
Many of us will have by now heard about or even been affected by the current oil spill in Miri.7 March 2012
“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people” – Leo Burnett.
7 December 2011
Information technology has often been utilized to solve numerous problems.16 November 2011
Every year millions of individuals and firms pay tax to the government.14 September 2011
Most of us will have difficulty going through the day without our mobile phones.31 August 2011
The development of SCORE and Sarawak’s drive for expansion of industry is bringing with it growing numbers of an increasingly mobile international workforce of expatriate staff.17 August 2011
Two weeks ago, more than 30 students and lecturers from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus took part in a 30-hour long famine event in of support the less fortunate who have to face hunger every day.6 July 2011
The Malaysian government has made innovation and creativity important to the nation’s economic growth and prosperity22 June 2011
English for academic purposes (EAP) is taught at universities in what I refer to as a support model.8 June 2011
It is an exciting time for technology lovers.27 April 2011
In 1976, a Bangladesh university professor started a small experiment in a village near the campus.30 March 2011
Water has been in the news a lot recently, and for various reasons.3 March 2011
The future of the Malaysian aluminium industry is tied to the need to develop a sustainable means of producing this valuable and versatile metal.
8 December 2010
Malaysian and Australian universities are in an ideal position to help rebuild Iraq’s education system, which has suffered substantially following three decades of wars and sanctions.24 November 2010
People’s understanding of computers and computing has changed markedly over the past 60 years since the first electronic computer was built.27 October 2010
The language of advertised employment positions is a window into organisations and our world.13 October 2010
Dumpy, our know-all senior in school, was holding his court.15 September 2010
In mathematics, we prove or falsify ideas and that is the end of it.1 September 2010
Social gaming is big business.23 June 2010
Technologies are invented, developed and retired.9 June 2010
Human resource management (HRM) has gained importance in today’s competitive and often unpredictable business environment.26 May 2010
Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent genetically inherited diseases today.12 May 2010
Modern wireless communications system, such as the mobile phone network, has grown to become an integral part of our everyday lives, enabling us to stay connected 24/7 anytime, anywhere.28 April 2010
The most severe natural disasters in Malaysia are monsoonal floods and flash floods.
23 November 2009
In October this year, 22 students fell into Kampar River when the Kuala Dipang suspension bridge collapsed.21 October 2009
In June this year, a professor shared with us his seminal article on science and pseudo-science.14 October 2009
A recent topic in the news was the rumour that there were people with false PhDs in Malaysian universities.16 September 2009
They stake out from rented booths in our malls and shopping spaces.2 September 2009
Studying abroad can be an amazing experience enabling students to meet new people, make new friends and learn a different culture.5 August 2009
The Malaysian vision is that by 2020 the country will have reached developed nation status.22 July 2009
When students graduate from university, they are expected to be job-ready, possessing the relevant generic attributes and professional skills required by industry.8 July 2009
This is the week that pop icon Michael Jackson died.24 June 2009
Introductory accounting textbooks often assert, “Accounting is the language of business”.3 June 2009
Digital creative content, or sometimes referred to as creative multimedia content, has been the driving force behind the success of the internet, entertainment and mobile telecommunications industry.20 May 2009
The health of the environment has today become a major concern around the globe.13 May 2009
To speed up the economic development of Malaysia, the government has opened its domestic market and invited multinational companies (MNCs) to come to Malaysia to do business.22 April 2009
In the iconic Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams from 1989, a voice compels an Iowa farmer to turn his corn field into a baseball diamond.18 March 2009
Civil engineering may seem a staid, tough and unglamorous profession to some, but it is a profession that deals with some of the world’s most pressing issues today.11 March 2009
Internet businesses are everywhere: banks provide us the convenience of e-banking, Air Asia is giving us e-travel and of course we all know e-Bay.
17 December 2008
Large group instruction is one of the commonest methods used at college or university, as it lowers lecturer costs, capitalizes lecturer time and talent, and optimizes the use of professional quality resources.19 November 2008
Students’ language learning may be influenced by multiple reasons that are interwoven and which may involve their identity.3 September 2008
To achieve all their academic endeavors, tertiary students need to be treated as unique individuals who are an integral part of their society.28 August 2008
Since many professionals spend a significant amount of their working hours writing, the ability to write well is crucial to their job performance.17 July 2008
The Internet has always been touted as a life-saver for small businesses.3 July 2008
Note taking, study methods, test taking, and organizational skills for foundation students were previously discussed in this column.8 May 2008
Although the Internet has been around for so many years now, it still has its critics and detractors in this country.30 April 2008
During the past decade, there has been an increasing momentum in the world towards the use of ICT in schools.10 April 2008
The way that the term “biotechnology” has been used by both the scientific and lay community has led to confusion and imprecision in what actually constitutes this technology.26 March 2008
To succeed at college or university, foundation students need appropriate study and information literacy skills prior to taking major courses.20 February 2008
Effective learning approaches play a significant role in a student’s academic performance.30 January 2008
A powerful network marketing technique known as viral marketing has gained a lot of attention in recent years.
