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The role of university in promoting and developing technology: a case study of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Pergamon PII: SO952-8733(97)00004-4
Higher Education Policy, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 121-126, 1997 c 1997 International Association of Universities Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved Printed in Great Britain 0952-8733/97 $17.00+0.00
The role of university in promoting and developing technology: a case study of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Sallehuddin Ibrahim Faculty of Electrical
Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 80990 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Locked Bag 791,
Malaysia is experiencing changes in its economic structure, forging ahead into the era of an industrialized nation. This process of change will be continuous and will make additional new demands on higher-levelled technological skills and technological developments as well as on high-quality manpower that is capable and alert in adjusting to the changing industrial environment. Such developments require Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, as an institution with technological capability and expertise, to play a major role in promoting and developing technology in order to achieve the national objective of becoming a developed country in the year 2020. 0 1997 International Association of Universities. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
INTRODUCTION Malaysia is experiencing a rapid economic growth and is aiming to be a major industrialized nation in East Asia by the year 2020. To achieve this goal, local universities such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) play a major role in disseminating and developing technology. UTM is a leading technological university in Malaysia. Its involvement in technical education began in 1904. In 1946 it became the sole technical college in Malaysia and was upgraded to university status in 1972. in order to assist the country to move towards the 21 st century, UTM’s administrators are striving hard to make remarkable progress both in physical and academic development to ensure high productivity and excellence (UTM, 1994). A university exists in a changing environment in which it interacts with other organizations, and changes its priorities and development, i.e. it is a dynamic institution. The vision and mission of UTM is to uphold a technological program which is to produce technologists with excellent moral values, to be responsive to the changes in external environment, to encourage and maintain excellence and attain maximum productivity in the performance of the academic staff and students, whilst strengthening integrated learning and research activities (Choi, 1986). The major challenge facing UTM is to assist the nation in creating an advanced and scientific society that is innovative, progress-orientated and far-sighted, a society that functions not only as a consumer of technology but also an active contributor to future civilization of scientific and technology. UTM can fulfil its role in the promotion and development of science and technology through the following: 121
Sallehuddin
122
Ibrahim
(i) technology curriculum, (ii) research and development, (iii) establishing strong relationship and cooperation with public and private institutions, (iv) collaborating with regional and international universities in conjunction with local industries, (v) providing postgraduate and continuing technology education, and (vi) dynamic and well-organized supporting departments. TECHNOLOGY
CURRICULUM
The aim of the various courses offered by UTM is to provide a continuing supply of trained manpower at professional and semi professional levels to meet the needs of the local industry, government and research bodies. Up to now, UTM has produced more than 25,000 graduates who are now serving in the public, private and industrial sectors. The main strategy and challenge is that UTM should act as a consumer authority (students, industries and others) as well as a supplier authority (knowledge, technology and academic strength). UTM keeps abreast with the latest developments in technology and is capable of providing alternatives by establishing courses that suit industrial needs, i.e. by technological changes. The number of courses and students has been increased and the courses are always upgraded to meet the nation’s requirements. Both breadth and depth of coverage are catered for, so that the student upon graduation can confidently embark upon his career in whichever specialized discipline he may choose. The technology curriculum in UTM is normally reviewed once every five years to ensure that graduates are fully qualified and capable of fulfilling national needs. The development process of the engineering curriculum in UTM consists of six steps. The feasibility studies of course subjects are identified by the Faculty Committee of Curriculum and Syllabus. This committee studies the existing curriculum as well as preparing the proposal for new curriculum. Then, the proposal is submitted to the Faculty Academic Committee. Later, it will be examined by the Faculty Advisory Panel of Curriculum and Syllabus, and the Faculty Academic Board. When the new curriculum is approved at faculty level, it will be discussed among the members of the Permanent Senate Committee of Course Planning and the university’s Senate. The new curriculum will be implemented after getting the Senate’s approval. The long process of curriculum development is to ensure that the engineering curriculum and graduates are of high quality. Several other factors are also taken into account in improving the curriculum such as: feedback from the Advisory Committee of Academic Industry at faculty level, student practical training and academic staff visits on industrial program, interaction with professional bodies, resolutions from workshops reviewing curriculum, information from conferences, seminars, workshops and short courses as well as reports from visiting professors, external examiners and experts invited by the faculties. RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT
Various expertise and facilities that can be utilized for national development are available in UTM. The expertise can be obtained
technological through the
Promoting
and developing
technology
in Universities
123
academic staff who possess the prerequisite academic and professional qualifications in the various technological discipline. Similarly, study facilities are available in the laboratories such as computers, equipment etc. Research started in 1972 and was carried out based on the requirements and capabilities of the various facilities. At present, most of the research activities centre on the improvement of existing technologies and diversification of manufacturing techniques as a tool in attaining the level of competitive bidding. In long-term planning, UTM will participate in “mega” projects such as the north-south highway project and the Malaysian industrial technology park project (UTM Innovation Centre, 1994). A Research and Development (R&D) Unit w,as set up to coordinate research activities and to fulfil the university’s mission and vision. Its task is to assist academic and research staff in carrying out basic as well as advanced research with emphasis on such key areas as: (i) advanced manufacturing and processing (e g. electronic, telecommunication, robotic and CAD/CAM/CAE); (ii) advanced materials and structure (e.g. composite, concrete and polymer); and (iii) analytical and graphical computerization (e.g. computer hardware, information technology and software development). Through such efforts success has been achieved in several research projects which can now be commercialized for industrial applications. So far under the management of the unit, 80 projects were completed whereas 344 projects are still being carried out. One of the university’s achievement is the introduction of various fields of specialization via the setting up of institutes. These institutes will play the role of consolidating and enhancing further the acquisition of knowledge because as a university, UTM has to learn continuously while intensifying its development in research programs and consultancy. Among the institutes and lcentres that have been established are (Salleh, 1994): (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii)
Sultan Iskandar Institute; Coastal and Off-Shore Engineering Institute Institute of Noise and Vibration; Institute of Remote Sensing; Institute of High Voltage and Current; Institute for Environmental Studies; and Technology Design Centre.
(COEI);
As an example, the Institute for Environmental Studies was promised as a centre of excellence for research, consultancy, training, information and postgraduate studies in various environmental disciplines in Malaysia and South East Asian region. It is a unique organization since expertise in various aspects of environmental studies are centralized here and simultaneously involved in the institute’s activities. For example, a study has been made to draft and set up a master plan plane for the new township of Tampoi and the Johor industrial park project. The park is an industrial project involving the Johor State Government and UTM as a centre for research and development to assist in the development of advanced technology industry. ESTABLISHING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP AND COOPERATING WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS In order to effectively fulfil its role in promoting and developing technology for the nation’s benefit, UTM will exploit the university--industry connections. By having
124
Sallehuddin
Ibrahim
such cooperation, expertise and facilities in UTM will be strengthened together with experience from industry to produce the latest technological inventions and skilled manpower to attain the requirements of advanced developments in industry. Amongst the programs being carried out is the Warwick programme. This programme exposes and retrains professional managers and executives in industry by exposing them to the latest knowledge in management and commerce based on engineering. Cooperation will be further enhanced with the setting up of the Innovation Centre and the Johor Technological Park, currently in the planning stage. The centre provides support facilities for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in terms of shared administrative and secretarial assistance, meeting rooms, promotion/display spaces, and advisory services. In 1988, the Radio Research Laboratory (RRL) was established to investigate the reliability of mobile and satellite communication. Since 1992, the Radio Research group began to collaborate with CELCOM (Cellular Communication) to research on mobile communication and in the same year, a study on problems facing T. V. reception was completed. In 1992, the Speech Recognition and Smart Card Applications (SRSCA) began carrying out research with Bank Islam to develop time management security access utilizing smart cards. The establishment of the Membrane Research and Consultancy (MRC) has the aim of developing applications of membrane for gas separation, liquid separation and soliliquis separation. Collaborative research has been performed with PETRONAS Research Institute to investigate the optimization of membrane to remove carbon dioxide from Malaysian natural gas. Joint research has also been carried out with A/G Technology Corporation (U.S.A.), to investigate hexane extraction from crude palm kernel oil utilizing membrane system. The Coastal and Off-Shore Engineering Institute (COEI), established in 1990 as an independent non-profit organization, was nominated as a technical adviser to the National Petroleum Company of Malaysia (PETRONAS) in 1989. It has been given the responsibility of providing technical input on matters related to coastal erosion problems at the PETRONAS complex in Terengganu. According to the R&D Unit, more than 20 major organizations have joint ventures with UTM. The companies include TNB, PROTON, Malaysia Airport Berhad, Sime Sembawang (Singapore), STM, SAPURA, CELCOM, MOTOROLA, FELDA, MIMOS and PORIM. In the near future, UTM will be playing an important role in “industrial liaison” with major national industries as well as becoming “industrial advisory” for the benefit of the university’s engineering curriculum. Besides, UTM will introduce “teaching company” scheme and special workshops/seminars to solve the industrial problems.
ESTABLISHING INTERVARSITY REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY Several research groups in UTM collaborate actively and mutually with their foreign counterparts in developing new or emergent technological expertise at both regional and international levels. This collaboration takes into consideration of local industrial needs and applications. The key areas in research also have the objective of enhancing local technology “state-of-the art”.
Promoting
and developing
technology
125
in Universities
One example was the programme between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at UTM and Loughborough University of Technology (LUT), U.K., under the auspices of the CICHE programme of the British Council. The collaboration centres on Advanced Manufacturing Technology (Rajesham, 1989). The striking feature of this programme has been the success in drawing private and semi-government bodies, e.g. Air Ordinance (AIROD), SIRIM (Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) and COAST into collaborating with UTM and LUT for developing a postgraduate programme as well as joint research programs. Interchange visits between LUT and UTM staff are taking place with the emphasis on Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Seminars on CAD/CAM application in Manufacturing Technology has been held with LUT staff as resource speakers. Several staff from SIRIM and UTM also undertake further studies in M.Sc. and Ph.D. under joint LUT-UTM supervision. Candidates are allowed to spend up to six months at LUT to do initial literature survey and research training. UTM is also conducting a Diploma Course in Manufacturing Technology with LUT assistance. Practical training of undergraduates have been improved by implementing a LUT model of modular training. Technician training including operation of CNC machines have been conducted via special programme arranged at CIAST. All these accomplishments were achieved in the span of only three years since 1986 and the programme is, by British Council’s own admission, one of the most successful programme on their list. The second programme involved setting up of an advanced Metal Forming Research Laboratory at UTM that involved a German university. The collaboration was laid down in 1987 and involved funding for equipment purchase and supply for the laboratory to be made via the German agency of GTZ with UTM providing the infrastructure required for the project. German experts were sent initially to get the laboratory operational and leave after the required duration and hand over the laboratory to their UTM counterparts. Two UTM staff have also completed their M.Sc. and Ph.D. in preparation of their roles. Links with Heavy Industries Commission (HICOM) and the national car company, PROTON, have been established since metal forming technology is vital to their operations.
EXTENDING
POSTGRADUATE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION TO INDUSTRY
TECHNOLOGY
Most scientists and technologists working in Malaysian industries possess only basic degrees. For most purposes, the first degree is all the qualification that they need. Few incentives exist for them to improve their theoretical background. Even if they aspire to improve their academic qualifications, their companies cannot afford to release them for the time to attend as full-time students at universities. However, the introduction and development of new or emergent technologies cannot be done successfully without highly-trained professionals. Postgraduate qualification is considered a must in order for creative and innovative capabilities to be enhanced. Thus in consonance with the development of new technologies in Malaysian industries, universities should conduct an intensified programme involving the upliftment of professional standard and qualification currently prevailing amongst industry.
126
Sallehuddin Ibrahim
To achieve this, UTM provides Postgraduate and Continuing Technology Education in which some of the courses are specifically tailored to suit industrial needs. UTM collaborates with several organizations and industries to conduct programs such as the M.Sc. by course or research, doctorate programs, refresher courses, seminars etc in order to train the latter’s staff in the implementation of new technologies. Postgraduate research is either conducted on a full-time or part-time basis. Such programs have been successfully carried out. Up till May 1994, UTM has 448 postgraduate students at various levels: Postgraduate Diplomas (7) Masters (374) and Doctor of Philosophy (67). UTM’s reputation as a centre of postgraduate education has attained international recognition as can be seen from the number of foreign students. By May 1994, about 60 foreign students have completed their postgraduate education. They came from countries such as Brunei, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan, Singapore and Sweden. The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) acts as a reference centre and regulative body and supervises all postgraduate programs. It also develops and improves the quality of graduate studies, collects and organizes information associated with graduate studies, coordinates the running of programs and disseminates information for public consumption (UTM School of Graduate Studies, 1994).
CONCLUSIONS As a rapidly developing nation moving towards the status of a fully industrialized nation Malaysia is striving hard to produce skilled workforce. Scientists and technologists, properly and adequately trained, can provide direct contribution to the country’s need of skilled manpower. UTM plays a vital role in the promotion and development of technology through education, research, consultancy, cooperation, publication and providing services. Such effort are in accordance with the government’s policy and the university’s mission, objective and mission.
REFERENCES Choi, H. S. (1986) Technology Development in Developing Countries. Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo. Rajesham, S. (1989) The Formulation of a Comprehensive Pian qf Action,jbr Industrial Technology DeLlelopment: Emergent or New Technologies Affecting the Manufacturing Sector, pp. 216218. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Kuala Lumpur. Salleh, R. (1994) CJTM’s Achievement 1990-1994. UTM Chancellery, Johor. UTM Innovation Centre (1994) Bureau ofInnovation and Consulfancy, p. 1. UTM, Johor. UTM School of Graduate Studies (1994) General Information on Graduate Studies, pp. 3-4. Johor. UTM (1994) UTM 94/95 Prospectus, p. 1. Johor.
Higher Education Policy, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 121-126, 1997 c 1997 International Association of Universities Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved Printed in Great Britain 0952-8733/97 $17.00+0.00
The role of university in promoting and developing technology: a case study of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Sallehuddin Ibrahim Faculty of Electrical
Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 80990 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Locked Bag 791,
Malaysia is experiencing changes in its economic structure, forging ahead into the era of an industrialized nation. This process of change will be continuous and will make additional new demands on higher-levelled technological skills and technological developments as well as on high-quality manpower that is capable and alert in adjusting to the changing industrial environment. Such developments require Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, as an institution with technological capability and expertise, to play a major role in promoting and developing technology in order to achieve the national objective of becoming a developed country in the year 2020. 0 1997 International Association of Universities. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
INTRODUCTION Malaysia is experiencing a rapid economic growth and is aiming to be a major industrialized nation in East Asia by the year 2020. To achieve this goal, local universities such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) play a major role in disseminating and developing technology. UTM is a leading technological university in Malaysia. Its involvement in technical education began in 1904. In 1946 it became the sole technical college in Malaysia and was upgraded to university status in 1972. in order to assist the country to move towards the 21 st century, UTM’s administrators are striving hard to make remarkable progress both in physical and academic development to ensure high productivity and excellence (UTM, 1994). A university exists in a changing environment in which it interacts with other organizations, and changes its priorities and development, i.e. it is a dynamic institution. The vision and mission of UTM is to uphold a technological program which is to produce technologists with excellent moral values, to be responsive to the changes in external environment, to encourage and maintain excellence and attain maximum productivity in the performance of the academic staff and students, whilst strengthening integrated learning and research activities (Choi, 1986). The major challenge facing UTM is to assist the nation in creating an advanced and scientific society that is innovative, progress-orientated and far-sighted, a society that functions not only as a consumer of technology but also an active contributor to future civilization of scientific and technology. UTM can fulfil its role in the promotion and development of science and technology through the following: 121
Sallehuddin
122
Ibrahim
(i) technology curriculum, (ii) research and development, (iii) establishing strong relationship and cooperation with public and private institutions, (iv) collaborating with regional and international universities in conjunction with local industries, (v) providing postgraduate and continuing technology education, and (vi) dynamic and well-organized supporting departments. TECHNOLOGY
CURRICULUM
The aim of the various courses offered by UTM is to provide a continuing supply of trained manpower at professional and semi professional levels to meet the needs of the local industry, government and research bodies. Up to now, UTM has produced more than 25,000 graduates who are now serving in the public, private and industrial sectors. The main strategy and challenge is that UTM should act as a consumer authority (students, industries and others) as well as a supplier authority (knowledge, technology and academic strength). UTM keeps abreast with the latest developments in technology and is capable of providing alternatives by establishing courses that suit industrial needs, i.e. by technological changes. The number of courses and students has been increased and the courses are always upgraded to meet the nation’s requirements. Both breadth and depth of coverage are catered for, so that the student upon graduation can confidently embark upon his career in whichever specialized discipline he may choose. The technology curriculum in UTM is normally reviewed once every five years to ensure that graduates are fully qualified and capable of fulfilling national needs. The development process of the engineering curriculum in UTM consists of six steps. The feasibility studies of course subjects are identified by the Faculty Committee of Curriculum and Syllabus. This committee studies the existing curriculum as well as preparing the proposal for new curriculum. Then, the proposal is submitted to the Faculty Academic Committee. Later, it will be examined by the Faculty Advisory Panel of Curriculum and Syllabus, and the Faculty Academic Board. When the new curriculum is approved at faculty level, it will be discussed among the members of the Permanent Senate Committee of Course Planning and the university’s Senate. The new curriculum will be implemented after getting the Senate’s approval. The long process of curriculum development is to ensure that the engineering curriculum and graduates are of high quality. Several other factors are also taken into account in improving the curriculum such as: feedback from the Advisory Committee of Academic Industry at faculty level, student practical training and academic staff visits on industrial program, interaction with professional bodies, resolutions from workshops reviewing curriculum, information from conferences, seminars, workshops and short courses as well as reports from visiting professors, external examiners and experts invited by the faculties. RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT
Various expertise and facilities that can be utilized for national development are available in UTM. The expertise can be obtained
technological through the
Promoting
and developing
technology
in Universities
123
academic staff who possess the prerequisite academic and professional qualifications in the various technological discipline. Similarly, study facilities are available in the laboratories such as computers, equipment etc. Research started in 1972 and was carried out based on the requirements and capabilities of the various facilities. At present, most of the research activities centre on the improvement of existing technologies and diversification of manufacturing techniques as a tool in attaining the level of competitive bidding. In long-term planning, UTM will participate in “mega” projects such as the north-south highway project and the Malaysian industrial technology park project (UTM Innovation Centre, 1994). A Research and Development (R&D) Unit w,as set up to coordinate research activities and to fulfil the university’s mission and vision. Its task is to assist academic and research staff in carrying out basic as well as advanced research with emphasis on such key areas as: (i) advanced manufacturing and processing (e g. electronic, telecommunication, robotic and CAD/CAM/CAE); (ii) advanced materials and structure (e.g. composite, concrete and polymer); and (iii) analytical and graphical computerization (e.g. computer hardware, information technology and software development). Through such efforts success has been achieved in several research projects which can now be commercialized for industrial applications. So far under the management of the unit, 80 projects were completed whereas 344 projects are still being carried out. One of the university’s achievement is the introduction of various fields of specialization via the setting up of institutes. These institutes will play the role of consolidating and enhancing further the acquisition of knowledge because as a university, UTM has to learn continuously while intensifying its development in research programs and consultancy. Among the institutes and lcentres that have been established are (Salleh, 1994): (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii)
Sultan Iskandar Institute; Coastal and Off-Shore Engineering Institute Institute of Noise and Vibration; Institute of Remote Sensing; Institute of High Voltage and Current; Institute for Environmental Studies; and Technology Design Centre.
(COEI);
As an example, the Institute for Environmental Studies was promised as a centre of excellence for research, consultancy, training, information and postgraduate studies in various environmental disciplines in Malaysia and South East Asian region. It is a unique organization since expertise in various aspects of environmental studies are centralized here and simultaneously involved in the institute’s activities. For example, a study has been made to draft and set up a master plan plane for the new township of Tampoi and the Johor industrial park project. The park is an industrial project involving the Johor State Government and UTM as a centre for research and development to assist in the development of advanced technology industry. ESTABLISHING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP AND COOPERATING WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS In order to effectively fulfil its role in promoting and developing technology for the nation’s benefit, UTM will exploit the university--industry connections. By having
124
Sallehuddin
Ibrahim
such cooperation, expertise and facilities in UTM will be strengthened together with experience from industry to produce the latest technological inventions and skilled manpower to attain the requirements of advanced developments in industry. Amongst the programs being carried out is the Warwick programme. This programme exposes and retrains professional managers and executives in industry by exposing them to the latest knowledge in management and commerce based on engineering. Cooperation will be further enhanced with the setting up of the Innovation Centre and the Johor Technological Park, currently in the planning stage. The centre provides support facilities for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in terms of shared administrative and secretarial assistance, meeting rooms, promotion/display spaces, and advisory services. In 1988, the Radio Research Laboratory (RRL) was established to investigate the reliability of mobile and satellite communication. Since 1992, the Radio Research group began to collaborate with CELCOM (Cellular Communication) to research on mobile communication and in the same year, a study on problems facing T. V. reception was completed. In 1992, the Speech Recognition and Smart Card Applications (SRSCA) began carrying out research with Bank Islam to develop time management security access utilizing smart cards. The establishment of the Membrane Research and Consultancy (MRC) has the aim of developing applications of membrane for gas separation, liquid separation and soliliquis separation. Collaborative research has been performed with PETRONAS Research Institute to investigate the optimization of membrane to remove carbon dioxide from Malaysian natural gas. Joint research has also been carried out with A/G Technology Corporation (U.S.A.), to investigate hexane extraction from crude palm kernel oil utilizing membrane system. The Coastal and Off-Shore Engineering Institute (COEI), established in 1990 as an independent non-profit organization, was nominated as a technical adviser to the National Petroleum Company of Malaysia (PETRONAS) in 1989. It has been given the responsibility of providing technical input on matters related to coastal erosion problems at the PETRONAS complex in Terengganu. According to the R&D Unit, more than 20 major organizations have joint ventures with UTM. The companies include TNB, PROTON, Malaysia Airport Berhad, Sime Sembawang (Singapore), STM, SAPURA, CELCOM, MOTOROLA, FELDA, MIMOS and PORIM. In the near future, UTM will be playing an important role in “industrial liaison” with major national industries as well as becoming “industrial advisory” for the benefit of the university’s engineering curriculum. Besides, UTM will introduce “teaching company” scheme and special workshops/seminars to solve the industrial problems.
ESTABLISHING INTERVARSITY REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY Several research groups in UTM collaborate actively and mutually with their foreign counterparts in developing new or emergent technological expertise at both regional and international levels. This collaboration takes into consideration of local industrial needs and applications. The key areas in research also have the objective of enhancing local technology “state-of-the art”.
Promoting
and developing
technology
125
in Universities
One example was the programme between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at UTM and Loughborough University of Technology (LUT), U.K., under the auspices of the CICHE programme of the British Council. The collaboration centres on Advanced Manufacturing Technology (Rajesham, 1989). The striking feature of this programme has been the success in drawing private and semi-government bodies, e.g. Air Ordinance (AIROD), SIRIM (Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) and COAST into collaborating with UTM and LUT for developing a postgraduate programme as well as joint research programs. Interchange visits between LUT and UTM staff are taking place with the emphasis on Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Seminars on CAD/CAM application in Manufacturing Technology has been held with LUT staff as resource speakers. Several staff from SIRIM and UTM also undertake further studies in M.Sc. and Ph.D. under joint LUT-UTM supervision. Candidates are allowed to spend up to six months at LUT to do initial literature survey and research training. UTM is also conducting a Diploma Course in Manufacturing Technology with LUT assistance. Practical training of undergraduates have been improved by implementing a LUT model of modular training. Technician training including operation of CNC machines have been conducted via special programme arranged at CIAST. All these accomplishments were achieved in the span of only three years since 1986 and the programme is, by British Council’s own admission, one of the most successful programme on their list. The second programme involved setting up of an advanced Metal Forming Research Laboratory at UTM that involved a German university. The collaboration was laid down in 1987 and involved funding for equipment purchase and supply for the laboratory to be made via the German agency of GTZ with UTM providing the infrastructure required for the project. German experts were sent initially to get the laboratory operational and leave after the required duration and hand over the laboratory to their UTM counterparts. Two UTM staff have also completed their M.Sc. and Ph.D. in preparation of their roles. Links with Heavy Industries Commission (HICOM) and the national car company, PROTON, have been established since metal forming technology is vital to their operations.
EXTENDING
POSTGRADUATE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION TO INDUSTRY
TECHNOLOGY
Most scientists and technologists working in Malaysian industries possess only basic degrees. For most purposes, the first degree is all the qualification that they need. Few incentives exist for them to improve their theoretical background. Even if they aspire to improve their academic qualifications, their companies cannot afford to release them for the time to attend as full-time students at universities. However, the introduction and development of new or emergent technologies cannot be done successfully without highly-trained professionals. Postgraduate qualification is considered a must in order for creative and innovative capabilities to be enhanced. Thus in consonance with the development of new technologies in Malaysian industries, universities should conduct an intensified programme involving the upliftment of professional standard and qualification currently prevailing amongst industry.
126
Sallehuddin Ibrahim
To achieve this, UTM provides Postgraduate and Continuing Technology Education in which some of the courses are specifically tailored to suit industrial needs. UTM collaborates with several organizations and industries to conduct programs such as the M.Sc. by course or research, doctorate programs, refresher courses, seminars etc in order to train the latter’s staff in the implementation of new technologies. Postgraduate research is either conducted on a full-time or part-time basis. Such programs have been successfully carried out. Up till May 1994, UTM has 448 postgraduate students at various levels: Postgraduate Diplomas (7) Masters (374) and Doctor of Philosophy (67). UTM’s reputation as a centre of postgraduate education has attained international recognition as can be seen from the number of foreign students. By May 1994, about 60 foreign students have completed their postgraduate education. They came from countries such as Brunei, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan, Singapore and Sweden. The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) acts as a reference centre and regulative body and supervises all postgraduate programs. It also develops and improves the quality of graduate studies, collects and organizes information associated with graduate studies, coordinates the running of programs and disseminates information for public consumption (UTM School of Graduate Studies, 1994).
CONCLUSIONS As a rapidly developing nation moving towards the status of a fully industrialized nation Malaysia is striving hard to produce skilled workforce. Scientists and technologists, properly and adequately trained, can provide direct contribution to the country’s need of skilled manpower. UTM plays a vital role in the promotion and development of technology through education, research, consultancy, cooperation, publication and providing services. Such effort are in accordance with the government’s policy and the university’s mission, objective and mission.
REFERENCES Choi, H. S. (1986) Technology Development in Developing Countries. Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo. Rajesham, S. (1989) The Formulation of a Comprehensive Pian qf Action,jbr Industrial Technology DeLlelopment: Emergent or New Technologies Affecting the Manufacturing Sector, pp. 216218. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Kuala Lumpur. Salleh, R. (1994) CJTM’s Achievement 1990-1994. UTM Chancellery, Johor. UTM Innovation Centre (1994) Bureau ofInnovation and Consulfancy, p. 1. UTM, Johor. UTM School of Graduate Studies (1994) General Information on Graduate Studies, pp. 3-4. Johor. UTM (1994) UTM 94/95 Prospectus, p. 1. Johor.