31/03/2026

TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026

12

EDUCATION NEWS

UM dentistry faculty gets prestigious accreditation

International Excellence

Awards launched by UK-based UTAC KUALA LUMPUR: The University and Training Accreditation Council recently launched the UTAC International Excellence Awards 2026 to honour individuals and organisations with outstanding contributions in education, industry innovation and social impact across the globe. The awards programme is aimed at building a world-class recognition platform for exceptional leaders and institutions in various professional fields. The launch was held at the Dewan Azman Hashim, UTM Kuala Lumpur, on March 14. UTAC is a UK-registered international organisation dedicated to promoting global education cooperation, professional development and industry collaboration. The organiser stated that the UTAC Awards represent more than just recognition; they serve as an important global network connecting academia, industry and professional communities, while actively promoting lifelong learning and cross-sector collaboration. The awards cover eight major categories. They are the International Education Excellence Award, Industry Innovation and Leadership Award, Global Entrepreneurship Award, Technology and Innovation Development Award, TVET and Skills Education Excellence Award, Lifelong Learning Leadership Award, Social Impact Leadership Award, and Global Education Partnership Award. In a statement UTAC stressed that collaboration between education and industry has become increasingly essential against the backdrop of the knowledge economy and artificial intelligence. “UTAC intends to strengthen international cooperation among universities, training institutions, enterprises and professionals worldwide through this award platform,” it said. “UTAC will continue to expand its international initiatives, including global education partnerships, professional certification and training programmes, international academic and industrial exchange platforms, and comprehensive lifelong learning and talent development schemes. “To ensure fairness and authority, all nominations will be reviewed by an international judging panel based on industry influence, innovative contributions and social value, guaranteeing the awards maintain high professionalism, credibility and international standards.” The council added that it strives to establish a globally influential ecosystem for education and professional development through this initiative. The grand gala and awards ceremony will be held at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel on Sept 5.

o First award of its kind in world by RCS England’s dental surgery faculty for meeting its rigorous standards

LONDON: The Royal College of Surgeons of England’s (RCS England) Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) has accorded Universiti Malaya with the distinguished accreditation as a “Dental Education Centre”. The move marks the first accreditation of its kind to be awarded by FDS in the world. The accreditation was formally conferred at a prestigious diplomate ceremony held in London and attended by senior leaders from both institutions. FDS dean Dr Charlotte Eckhardt presented the award to UM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Prof. Dr Zamri Radzi, representing the UM vice-chancellor, and to UM Dentistry Faculty dean Prof Dr Firdaus Hariri. According to a joint release from UM and the FDS, the achievement reflects the deepening educational ties between the UK and Malaysia, and reinforces UM’s position as a leading institution in dental education in the region. “We are pleased to recognise Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Dentistry for meeting the rigorous

standards this accreditation,” Dr Eckhardt said at the event. “This achievement reflects the strength of its programmes and its commitment to excellence in dental education and training.” RCS England’s postgraduate programme accreditation is awarded to higher education institutions that demonstrate outstanding surgery-related educational provision. Through this recognition, RCS England works in partnership with institutions to ensure the highest standards of surgical and dental education and training are consistently achieved. Dr Firdaus expressed UM’s pride in receiving the accreditation, saying it affirms the university’s commitment to high-quality dental education through rigorous academic standards, research excellence and patient-centred clinical training aligned with international benchmarks. “We look forward to continuing a strong partnership with RCS England to strengthen academic collaboration, enhance clinical required for

Dr Eckhardt (right) presents the accreditation certificate to Dr Zamri at the diplomate ceremony. With them are (from left) Dr Siti Adibah, Dr Wan Nurazreena and Dr Firdaus.

her contributions to UM’s Dentistry Faculty and academic development. The accreditation encompasses eight doctoral programmes: Doctor in Orthodontics, in Paediatric Dentistry, in Special Care Dentistry, in Prosthodontics, in Periodontology, in Restorative Dentistry, in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Medicine, and in Dental Public Health. The first seven programmes are preceded by the Master of Oral Science programme, while the last is preceded by the Master of Community Oral Health programme.

training, research innovation, and develop globally competent, ethically grounded dental specialists who will contribute to better oral healthcare regionally and internationally.” At the diplomate ceremony, Dr Eckhardt also conferred the Fellowship in Dental Surgery on Prof Dr Wan Nurazreena Wan Hassan, UM’s deputy dean (postgraduate), recognising her key role in initiating the accreditation and her leadership in postgraduate dental education. Dr Eckhardt also conferred the same fellowship on Prof Dr Siti Adibah Othman in recognition of advance

UTAR engineers inspire young minds with STEM activities KAMPAR: The Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) recently organised a series of engaging science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities for students of SJK(C) Chung Huah here as part of its commitment to community engagement and education. new shapes by following specific rules, promoting critical thinking and systematic problem-solving. Through the interactive activities, participants developed a stronger curiosity about technological

developments and gained a deeper appreciation of the role that science and technology play in everyday life. “Early exposure to STEM is crucial in nurturing students’ curiosity and interest in science and engineering,” said FEGT associate professor Dr Toh Pey Yi. “Through these hands-on activities, we hope to inspire young students to explore the possibilities of STEM and develop problem solving skills that are essential for the future.” Besides Dr Toh, the FEGT academic staff who facilitated included Assoc Prof Dr Kwan Wai Hoe, Tey Kim Hai, Dr Leong Sim Siong, Dr Teoh Yi Peng, Assoc Prof Dr Toh Pey Yi, Dr Lim Hooi Ren, Dr Gobi Kanadasan and Dr Cheah Chew Keat. CFS academics Lee Mee Yung, Chuah Puoi Choo and Suraiza Samsudin were also involved. Through initiatives such as this, UTAR continues to strengthen its role as a community-engaged university while fostering interest in STEM fields among young learners.

The programme was conducted through its Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) and Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS), Kampar Campus, It was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) under the STI100³ initiative, aimed at providing primary school students with early exposure to science and engineering concepts through interactive and hands-on learning experiences. Conducted over three sessions between January and February this year, the STEM Activity Series involved over 70 Standard Six students from the school and was facilitated by a team of 11 UTAR academics from FEGT and CFS Kampar. The activities were designed to introduce students to real-world engineering applications while nurturing their curiosity, creativity

Some of the pupils exploring basic electronic circuits during the Electronic Blocks Workshop. and problem-solving skills.

allowing them to observe the formation of nylon in a safe and simplified setting. This was followed by a Magnet Building Workshop, where students designed and constructed their own magnets, encouraging creativity and practical thinking while learning fundamental scientific principles. In the final session, students participated in a Stick Puzzle Workshop, which focused on developing logical reasoning and mathematical thinking. The activity required students to rearrange patterned sticks to form

Banking & Finance The second session introduced students to elements of chemical and materials engineering through the Nylon-Making Experiment, The first session featured an Electronic Blocks Workshop, where students explored basic electrical systems by connecting electronic blocks to form simple circuits. Through direct experimentation, the students gained a better understanding of how electrical connections work and how electronic components function in everyday devices.

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