For a sustainable society

Prof Faidz (front row, fifth from right) with the participants of the fourth R&D Colloquium

The Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) organised its fourth R&D Colloquium at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 21 November 2015, following the success of the third R&D Colloquium in June.

“The colloquium is a meeting of minds from multiple territories to enhance collective ideas and diverse understandings toward research topics. As a complementary thrust to the culture of research excellence at UTAR, I hope today’s colloquium would also help to pave the way for researchers from different backgrounds to partner up in finding common ground for potential research collaborations through the sharing of research ideas,” said the Organising Committee Chairman Prof Dr Faidz Bin Abd Rahman, who is also the Director of IPSR.

The colloquium is touted as the driving force continuously updating relevant parties to research outcomes from the 27 UTAR research centres, faculties, IPSR, and the Vice President’s Office (R&D and Commercialisation). It is held twice annually to foster regular networking and to establish prospective cross-disciplinary research collaborations among researchers.

The fourth R&D Colloquium themed ‘Sustainable Society’ held three parallel sessions with a total of 39 presentations by researchers from both Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses. Each session was given one sub-theme: ‘Liveable Cities’ chaired by Centre for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility in Business Chairperson Dr Falahat Nejadmahant Mohammad; ‘Heritage and Culture’ chaired by Centre for Immersive Technology & Creativity Chairperson Aloysius Yapp; and ‘Intelligence Systems’ jointly chaired by Centre for Vehicular Technology Chairperson Dr Chew Kuew Wai and Centre for Communication Systems & Networks Chairperson Dr Lim Eng Hock.

Among the highlights were “Taking Steps towards a Green City” by Dr Lai Soon Onn, “Feminism in Fantasy Fiction: A Game of Thrones” by Dr Nadya Supian, “Waiting Times at the Sungai Long Campus Lifts” by Dr Gloria Teng, “Medical Tourists’ Perceived Risks and Their Intention to Revisit Malaysia” by Yeong Wai Mun, and “The Old Town Reactivation: A Case Study in Gopeng” by Dr Wong Wun Bin.

The colloquium was an invaluable platform for the researchers to interact, present, and share their research outcomes. It saw more than 120 participants comprising members of the research centres, local and international staff, and postgraduate students.

Some of the presenters at the colloquium

A lecturer from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science Joginder Kaur said, “It was an eye-opening experience as I had the chance to tap into others’ expertise. I have always had some research ideas which are beyond my expertise coming across my mind. Through this colloquium, I have gained much confidence with the ideas as I met some prospective partners from diverse disciplines to materialise them through cross-disciplinary collaboration.”

Master of Engineering Science (Chemical Engineering) student Masita Azliana enthused, “This is my first time joining a colloquium and it is a privilege for me as a postgraduate student to learn from experienced researchers. Despite the impressive research outcomes shared by the presenters, I have also learnt the skills to convey a brief and accurate message to the audience in a research-related presentation.”

In line with the Strengthening of Cross Disciplinary Research Centres under the UTAR 10-year Strategic Plan, IPSR organised UTAR's maiden R&D Colloquium 2014 on 31 May 2014 at its Kampar Campus.

For more details of the colloquium, browse http://www.utar.edu.my/colloquium2015/