Latest news with #UPNM
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
UPNM and NSC partner to boost sports and academic growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) and the National Sports Council (NSC) have formalised a strategic partnership to strengthen sports and academic development, particularly for national athletes and coaches. The collaboration was marked by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI), witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh during the 'Rakan Muda Turun Kampus' 2025 programme at UPNM, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi. The partnership aims to develop work-based learning (WBL) academic programmes, improving competitiveness and employability for athletes and coaches by recognising their skills and experience. Additionally, the initiative will map career pathways aligned with existing academic curricula. The LoI also provides opportunities for NSC staff, athletes, and experienced coaches without formal qualifications to pursue higher education through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A) pathway. Special admission into UPNM programmes will also be offered to athletes and coaches, with further fields of collaboration to be mutually agreed upon. Hannah Yeoh highlighted that the partnership aligns with the Youth and Sports Ministry's (KBS) efforts to holistically empower the national sports ecosystem, including education. 'We want to empower students pursuing sports while helping athletes continue their studies and build careers post-retirement,' she said. The event was attended by UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad and NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin. The 'Rakan Muda Turun Kampus' programme serves as a platform for students to share their aspirations and ideas on youth and sports development directly with KBS. This year, 10 editions of the programme will engage around 5,000 students, featuring interactive activities supported by Rakita radio station. This initiative reflects the Malaysia MADANI concept, emphasising trust, compassion, and youth involvement in nation-building. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
UPNM, NSC Partner To Strengthen Sports And Academic Development
KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) and the National Sports Council (NSC) today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a strategic partnership to strengthen sports and academic development, especially among national athletes and coaches. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, in conjunction with the sixth edition of the 'Rakan Muda Turun Kampus' 2025 programme at UPNM, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, here. The collaboration focuses on developing work-based learning (WBL) academic programmes to enhance competitiveness and improve the employability of athletes and coaches through the recognition of their skills, experience, and expertise. bootstrap slideshow This initiative also includes mapping career pathways with existing academic curricula. In addition, the LoI opens the door for NSC staff, athletes, and experienced coaches without formal academic qualifications to pursue higher education through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A) pathway Also offered are special admission opportunities into UPNM academic programmes for athletes and coaches, in addition to other fields that will be mutually agreed upon by both parties from time to time. According to Hannah, the collaboration is in line with the Youth and Sports Ministry's (KBS) efforts to empower the national sports development ecosystem holistically, including the education aspect. 'We want to empower students who want to pursue sports, while also helping athletes continue their studies and build a career after retiring from sports,' she told reporters after the event. Also present were UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad and NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Forensic pathologist reveals the reality behind high-profile autopsies
KUALA LUMPUR: From decomposed bodies to recent tragedies such as the death of a family in Sungai Korok, one profession quietly unravels the cause of death in Malaysia's most disturbing cases. Forensic pathologists are key to unlocking the truth behind mysterious deaths, yet their work often goes unnoticed. Contrary to public belief, their role extends far beyond performing autopsies. Dr Nadiawati Abdul Razak, senior lecturer and head of the Forensic Medicine Unit at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), described her journey and the pressure that comes with revealing the final answers in death. "My Interest in the field of forensic pathology began to blossom during my clinical attachment training as a house officer in the hospital's forensic department. "I had the opportunity to observe how post-mortems were conducted in complex death cases and how forensic pathologists pieced together scientific facts to uncover the truth behind deaths involving criminal elements," she said. She said that each case comes with its own challenges, but the ones that left an impact were those involving children who died as a result of abuse. "These cases are not only technically and legally challenging, but also deeply emotional, as I, too, feel the sorrow as a human being and a parent,. "Seeing the suffering that no child should ever endure gives me the strength to do my best to ensure that justice is served," she said. Dr Nadiawati has handled national and international disaster victim identification (DVI) operations, including the Maahad Tahfiz fire in 2017, COVID-19 fatalities, and landslide tragedies. In high-profile cases, she said pathologists must remain objective despite immense pressure from the media, police, lawyers, and public. "In the fast-paced era of social media, information spreads easily before the forensic process is fully completed," she said. In such cases, she said integrity and scientific accuracy are vital. "We follow strict protocols based on WHO and Royal College of Pathologists standards. Every external and internal finding, radiological scan, and lab result is documented ." She added that she is also working with UPNM's computer science department on AI research for use in the field. "I am currently collaborating with the Computer Science Department at UPNM on a study related to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in analysing types of injuries based on images or photographs obtained from the authorities. She said the aim is to improve the accuracy of identifying injury patterns in an objective and scientific manner, which can also serve as strong evidence in court. This technology also has the potential to speed up the analysis process in high-profile cases or those involving multiple victims. "In addition, I am also conducting research in the field of forensic anthropology under a grant from UPNM's Research and Innovation Division, focusing on estimating the age at death based on morphological examination of the spine using CT scan images," she said. This study aims to develop a more accurate age estimation method suitable for use within the local population, with particular focus on changes that occur in the vertebrae as a person ages. The study has the potential to be used in cases involving the identification of human remains, especially when only partial skeletal remains are recovered from a scene."It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to improving the accuracy of skeletal biological profiling and further strengthen forensic anthropology practices in Malaysia," she said.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Aerial tourism in Melaka to launch in September with joy rides
MELAKA: The state is set to launch aerial tourism services in September, offering visitors a unique way to experience Melaka's beauty from the skies. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced the initiative, proposed by the International Aero Training Academy (IATAC) Sdn Bhd, as part of efforts to diversify tourism offerings. The new attraction will feature 40-minute joy ride flights, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of Melaka. IATAC has suggested operating eight flights daily, with ticket prices to be confirmed pending regulatory approvals. Ab Rauf shared the details during the Open Day ceremony for the 2u1i Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Programme at IATAC Batu Berendam. The event was also attended by National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi and IATAC CEO Captain Kenneth Yap. The degree programme marks a milestone as Malaysia's first aviation degree under a public-private partnership between UPNM and IATAC. The accelerated model combines two years of academic study with one year of industrial training, significantly shortening the usual six-year path to earning a Bachelor's Degree and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). 'This initiative not only boosts tourism but also elevates Melaka's role in aviation education,' said Ab Rauf. The state government supports the programme as a step toward advancing the local aviation and education sectors. - Bernama
The Star
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
M'sia to prioritise neutrality, strategic hedging at Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting
KUALA LUMPUR: The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings are set to convene here next week, with maritime disputes, economic headwinds including impending US tariffs, and shifting global dynamics expected to dominate the agenda. Against this complex global geopolitical backdrop and intensifying US-China rivalry in the South China Sea, Malaysia, as chair, is expected to adopt a neutral yet proactive stance in leading the regional bloc to foster constructive engagement with its external partners for peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. ALSO READ: Road closures in stages for 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting, says Bukit Aman International relations and defence expert Dr Nor Aishah Hanifa said Malaysia's leadership in Asean would prioritise peace, stability, and the rule of law in navigating major power competition in the Indo-Pacific. "The 46th Asean Summit reaffirmed the region's commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. "All leaders emphasised maximum restraint and the importance of upholding the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC)," the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) senior lecturer told Bernama. ALSO READ: Over 5,000 police personnel on duty for Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting from July 8 to 11 Nor Aishah said Malaysia, as Asean Chair, would maintain good relations with both the United States and China, its key trading partners, while pursuing a hedging strategy to safeguard sovereignty and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical uncertainty. She said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's active foreign engagements reflect Malaysia's broader strategy to diversify economic ties and reduce reliance on any single major power. "Malaysia is a middle power. Hedging allows us to balance both sides and pursue our national interests without aligning too closely with either major power," she said, adding that such a strategy remains vital in today's volatile international system. She said that amid ongoing maritime tensions, Malaysia would continue diplomatic engagement with China and advocate for the speedy implementation of a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. ALSO READ: How Asean can thrive through innovation and collaboration "Malaysia's tone will remain diplomatic, aiming to avoid escalation," she said. On the potential outcome of the 58th AMM, she said Malaysia and fellow Asean members were in a unique position to persuade China towards a more concrete COC, especially as economic headwinds prompt Beijing to deepen trade ties with the region. "China's economic situation, coupled with the need for stable trade channels, presents an opportunity for Asean to gain traction on the COC. The regional structure right now offers a window for diplomacy," she said. In terms of broader engagements with Dialogue Partners, including the US, China, the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Union (EU), Nor Aishah noted that economic cooperation remains the cornerstone of Asean's external relations, though the focus may vary by partner. "The UK, for instance, is seeking to expand its free trade footprint in the region and has programmes like the Asean-UK Economic Integration Programme and STEM scholarships. With the EU, there's potential to advance a region-to-region FTA (free trade agreement)," she said. ALSO READ: Indonesian FM to attend Asean meetings in Kuala Lumpur Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Human Ecology Faculty senior lecturer Dr Fairuzzaman Shaharuddin also highlighted that security and economic issues are expected to dominate discussions at the 58th AMM, with Malaysia likely to emphasise strategic autonomy while strengthening cooperation in areas such as supply chains, sustainability, and regional security frameworks. Fairuzzaman said Asean's engagement with countries such as the US, China, UK, and EU will be "multi-dimensional" that reflect the shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and global economy. He said the US and China are expected to compete for influence, particularly in the South China Sea, while the UK and EU will likely promote trade, a rules-based international order, and sustainable development goals. "With growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, for instance, the Iran-Israel conflict and Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs', Asean is likely to discuss supply chain resilience, the green transition, the digital economy and regional security frameworks. "Despite many interests, I believe maintaining strategic autonomy while deepening functional cooperation will be key for Asean to achieve centrality, (in line with) Malaysia's vision in Asean Vision 2045," he told Bernama. Addressing broader regional tensions, Fairuzzaman said Malaysia's longstanding military cooperation with the US and deep economic ties with China have drawn increasing interest from scholars and analysts, who view this approach as a form of 'strategic hedging', aimed at managing risks between the competing superpowers. This strategy, he said, aligns with Malaysia's non-aligned foreign policy, which prioritises economic cooperation, regional stability, and defence diplomacy to navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Malaysia will host the 58th AMM and related meetings from July 8 to 11, with a total of 24 meetings at the Asean Foreign Ministers' level to be convened, including a series of meetings with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. More than 35 foreign ministers and representatives from various international bodies are expected to attend the meetings. - Bernama
